Taking advantage of the dark evenings, we will run a Winter Steam Photo Day on Saturday January 10th. The evet will feature the War Office Hunslet 1215 with War Department wagons and Hudswell Clarke 1238, fresh from overhaul, with a selection of skips. No passenger trains will be in operation, so we will have free-range on the railway to set-up photo shots.

The event will start at 1300, and run until around 2000 (at the latest) with lighting provided for night photos. The site gets very dark and very cold after sunset – and there are ample tripping hazards. So, you must have a torch and sensible footwear (if you’re cold, that’s your problem).

It will be operated on a “by donation” – card or cash – and it’s really simple – if we cover costs, then we’ll probably run the event again!

Update 1/1/26:- The plan for this day is as follows:

On arrival, please report to the Station Shop where, in exchange for a donation (card/cash, suggested minimum £5, you will get a lanyard (so we know who’s paid and a briefing sheet).  The plan is:

1300-1400 – HE to operate on mainline doing run-pasts north to south (smokebox leading). North of AN.

HC to be waiting in shed yard with wagons whilst this happens.

1400-1430 – HE and HC1238 to do parallel moves, AN yard to Field divergence.

1430 – 1530 – HC1238 to operate on field with Beswicks skips

(whilst this happens, HE to park wagons on mainline and return to shed yard).

1530 – HC1238 and train return to shed yard. HE shunt-releases skips from HC.

HC1238 proceeds to mainline and couples to WDLR wagons.

1530 – dusk – HC1238 does run-pasts on mainline to the north of AN.

After dusk, we will arrange a series of photo cameos:-

• Both locos with WDLR wagons at Apedale Road, using battery lights. Either double-head or use a runner to move tokens as needed.
• Then HC1238 to head to field via AN (to collect skips).
• Whilst this happens – shoot with HE1215 alongside approach road.
• HC1238 at Loos Loops with skips. Battery lights in use.
• HE1215 to be on mainline, HC1238 alongside red shed – both locos in parallel.
• Plus any other ideas as they occur!!

We are open to requests and suggestions for photo set-ups – but please be aware that go/no-go decision by the site Duty Controller is final!

Important:- The weather forecast for the period up to and including the 10th is poor. If the weather turns out such that safety of the public or our volunteers is at risk, we will have to cance. Any such decision will be updated here and on Facebook. Fingers crossed….