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15th August 2001 |
Class 4 Standard
tank, number 80136 brewing up while waiting to leave Cheddleton
with the 11.00 train for Consall and Froghall. The former Elton
Crossing (Sandbach) signal cabin can be seen on the right. 
..moving off
Drain cocks open
and away to Froghall - sounds marvellous.
Steaming down the valley!
Arrival at Consall
and first sight of the recently constructed station building,
a replica of the original and urgently in need of funds to complete
the roof....any offers to Cheddleton Station please.
Onward South and the chimney
of Thomas Bolton's Copper Works comes in to view. The line actually
passes through the centre of the works with operations occurring
on both sides.
Froghall station
can be seen just the other side of the road overbridge although
the up platform is currently not in use.
Into the new platform and signs
of the celebrations to commemorate the reopening of the extension
held just a few days before. Excellent refreshments are available
at Froghall as well as on the train. To the left of the tent is
the new water tower which feds a working water crane on the up
platform.
80136 recreates
the peaceful rural scene in the Churnet Valley, so reminiscent
of the line up until closure in the 1960's. All it needs now is
a horse and cart with sleeping dog!
The return train does not stop
at Cheddleton but continues through to Leekbrook for reversal.
Over the road crossing
and away for Leekbrook.
Arrival from Leekbrook and
the magnificent sandstone building at Cheddleton. 80136 is now
facing South after return from its West Country wanderings earlier
in the year.
Down at the depot
the diesels line up waiting for business, what a pity more use
is not made of these machines.
Now out of ticket, 4F number
44422 has been partially stripped in preparation for removal of
its boiler to Crewe for overhaul. Other works will be carried
out at Cheddleton when funds permit.
Lima S160 number
5197 was dead but serviceable in the shed yard.
On display in the reception
yard were the two North Staffordshire Railway relics, the battery
locomotive and 0-6-2T No.2
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