Rudyard lake railway.

[steam for ever]

Possibly one of the greatest small lines.
Like the Wells to Walsingham it is 10.25 inch gauge but is shorter in length at 1.5 miles. Still quite long but now the line is planning on extending towards Leek to link up with the New Churnet Valley terminus.
This will add considerable line length.
At the moment there has been considerable work to imporve facilities including a nice station at Rudyard with a canopy.
There will be to my understanding a shelter at the other end of the line.
Currently there are three stations. The first is Rudyard where the engine shed is. Second is the halt for leisure on the reservoir and finally the current terminus three quarters of the way up the lake.
The line is straight more or less and because of the scale of the old double track standard gauge line it runs on things are not as striking. There are no major structures to report either apart for the bridge just outside Rudyard station.
There is now also a foot bridge at Rudyard.
The coaches are of good quality and there is some completely covered ones with glass windows which enable the railway to run in winter.
Here is the website.
http://web.ukonline.co.uk/hanson.mike/rudlake.htm

There is also a good selection of freight stock which is a fine sight when in use.
The steam locos were built by Exmoor steam railway.
The loco I was one was King Arthur just before major work at Rudyard had begun.

[steam for ever]

I have found a shed load of pics:
http://www.narrow-gauge.co.uk/gallery/226

[John H-T]

A great little railway in a beautiful location. We have been over several times. I think there are one or two photos of the line in my gallery.

Best wishes,

John H-T.

[Excalibur]

Thanks for the kind comments as this is my railway.
Just a couple of corrections.
First we are not really planning to extend South towards Leek. We may extend the 7.25 inch line that way a few hundred yards for Gala days etc. I would like to go a mile the other way to the North end of the lake. However more facilities (new shed) etc are planned first.
Second our website is now www.rlsr.org

Thanks
Mike

[John H-T]

Welcome to the Forum Excalibur. I always enjoy visits to your Railway. You are so friendly. We usually combine a visit with a walk round the Lake so an extension to the North end of the Lake would be most welcome!

Best wishes,

John H-T.

[steam for ever]

Hello Excalibur!
Sorry i havn't got back to you and thankyou.
Your railway remains one of my favourites.
You know it was your railway that got me into the railway business and I will never forget it for that. I havn't visited for a bit now but I am certainly going to try to take the trip.

[DSY011]

Hello Excalibur and welcome to the Railway Forum. I enjoyed the videos on your new web site. The crews seem a bit noisy at the start of your gala but they look as though they are enjoying themselves.

[Excalibur]

We are holding a charity day on Saturday 27th March for Macmillan cancer charities where all the proceeds will go to the charity. Most people are touched by this at some time so we thought it a good way to give something and have some fun at the same time.
There should be lots of steam trains running and other events so if you are passing do call in. More details at www.rlsr.org/Events.htm

Thanks
Mike

[merryhampton]

What a great little railway. I had a footplate experience day there around 3 years ago. I got to drive all day, and couldn't have enjoyed myself more even on standard gauge. If you've never been I would recommend a day there. The scenery is wonderful too.

[Excalibur]

Gald you had a good time on your engine driver experience day. Are you sure you don't want to come back and have another go? some of those who have done the day come back again and help us. The volunteers who do the driver training days are very keen to ensure the days go well and like to keep in touch. www.rlsr.org/Driver.htm explains the driver experience days

Mike