
A pleasure to the host the Branch Line Society’s “Apedale Explorer IV” charter trains today. The morning run was enlived by a downpour, but the afternoon was better. As is the case with BLS charters, the trains explored parts of the railway at Apedale which have rarely, if ever, seen a passenger train before. In one case, the railway was still being assembled less than 24 hours earlier. Two trains were used – the Hayfield coach with loco no.13, and the Whittlesea manriders were then used to explore the places where taking the coach seemed rather unwise. The manriders were hauled by SMH 60SD754, making its passenger traffic debut. Our thanks to the BLS for their support, and we hope all the participants enjoyed the day.

