RENOWNED railway artist Eric Leslie died on August 30. His distinctively styled illustrations and paintings of charming narrow-gauge scenes helped provide publicity and funds for a number of lines, including the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway (where he volunteered until unable to undertake heavy work), Welsh Highland Heritage Railway, and Ashover Light Railway Society.
THE components of former Woolwich Arsenal Avonside 0-4-0T Woolwich (17 48/1916) were moved into Statfold Narrow Gauge Museum Trust's (SNGMT) Jack Lane Works on August 12 as the prelude to rebuilding the 1 Bin-gauge loco. Woolwich was transferred into SNGMT ownership earlier this year (RM Feb). It took the workshop place previously occupied by the tender of Hudswell, Clarke 0-6-0 Lautoka Mill No. 11 Fiji, which is currently being overhauled. The tender has been returned to the roundhouse.
WESTONZOYLAND Pumping Station Museum has reached its £20,000 appeal target for construction of a locomotive & rolling stock shed for its 2ft-gauge railway thanks to a £ 10,000 grant from the Garfield Weston Foundation. A kit building has been ordered from Steel Building Systems and a concrete slab floor, incorporating track, will be installed by volunteers.