The Charity was extremely pleased to welcome a large and enthusiastic group from the Branch Line Society last Saturday 21st May to explore the Cottesmore Branch.
The last visit to the Cottesmore Branch by a rail tour took place in the mid-1960’s when the line was a busy place, serving Exton Park, Burley and Cottesmore Quarry systems. The passenger train was hauled in by an Ivatt 2-6-0 tender loco and the tourists alighted by ladder to inspect the ground frames leading into the United Steel Companies sidings, take photos and stretch their legs.
The visit from the Society had been arranged to allow members to see the rebuilt Museum track layout for the first time since the site was relaunched last year.
The members benefitted from steam and diesel haulage covering as much track mileage as is currently possible – but with a tempting glimpse of future potential visits as the northern end of the site, the yard and the quarry are completed.
Eagle eyed observers will notice SHAUN, the BLS mascot complete with his own Hi-Viz jacket, hiding on the sandbox of SIR THOMAS ROYDEN (AB2088) at the start of the visit. He later transferred to ‘cab’ our own diesel mascot, Sentinel JEAN (RR10204) which explored the yard area with the visitors.