What do we find at this Abandoned Railway in Scotland?

[@TheHatMusic]

EDIT: This was posted to highlight that LMM did have permission to access the site. It is not a statement about the legality of trespass, simply to ensure that this information is visible to anybody who cannot easily see the extended video description. Just to stress the point in the video description, LMM was given access to the site by the custodians of the Alford Valley Railway. There was no trespass carried out, the site is overgrown, but it is in the charge of the Alford Valley Community Railway and is not an abandoned site. If anybody does wish to see the site, the best way is to get in touch with the Alford Valley Community Railway via their website (link in the video description), and become a member. Every contribution of time or funds will help them reach their goal of reopening the railway once more, so anybody who does want to see it, we would urge you to get involved and help make something epic happen!

[@bentullett6068]

Have they tried to apply for a lottery grant as that could help massively. It would be a shame to see this railway disappear completely.

[@LewiBuchProductions]

I used to be the vice chairman of this group, unfortunately I had to step down. Loads of potential but so far this year very little has been done.

[@TheHatMusic]

@@bentullett6068 There is a link to the Heritage Lottery fund on the website, however I don't know what the funding status is. To clarify, I'm not in any way connected with the railway (sadly, I'm way too far away to be able to become directly involved), but I do have connections with LMM. I mainly posted my message as if people haven't expanded the video description, they'll still be able to see that LMM isn't condoning trespass, but does very strongly promote people getting involved with heritage projects.

[@TheHatMusic]

@@LewiBuchProductions That's a shame, but hopefully it will all come good. It looks like a great little railway!

[@trainswithmark]

@@bentullett6068 I think they are trying to get a few loads of money in. They are trying to tidy up the line in stages and hopefully make it operational once again in a few years time. That's 🤞 that is

[@thehistoricscot1492]

The Alford Valley Railway is now open to the public and fully working again, thanks to the long hard work of the Alford Valley Community Railway members.

[@Food24112]

I hope we can get an update video on it

[@sarugurung4262]

Honeo

[@stephencameron4032]

Hi Laurie, many years ago, the Alford Valley Railway had a real steam locomotive in the shape of a Bagnall 0.4.2 by the name of "Saccharin", after it left, the next I'd heard, it was on a heritage site in England somewhere, where it is now, I don't know , anyway, stay safe, all the best from Scotland, Stephen.

[@lmm]

It's now running at the Statfold Barn Railway!

[@richardstuart325]

I visited that shed around 1990 and had a long chat with a group of elderly guys who were restoring the steam locomotive. It may be that the elderly guys passed on and there was nobody to continue their work there.

[@TheAverageDutchman]

@@lmm somehow I'm not surprised. What isn't running at Statfold Barn nowadays ;P

[@abrahambreban2793]

Loved the video I am living in the USA in the state of Indiana whiting Indiana that was a great video !-! Ooh Rah !!!

[@888johnmac]

most impresive thing about the opening 2 mins ?? the camera-person walking backwards , keeping Lawrie in shot & not falling over .. nice work Matt

[@888johnmac]

and if you were in Alford .. surely you went to the Grampian Transport Museum

[@trainswithmark]

@@888johnmac and the local model railway shop, KMS Railtech!

[@MrJoeyWheeler]

Cameraman. The word you're looking for is cameraman.

[@lmm]

He did a great job!

[@IliaChakarovGaming]

Should make a new series " exploring with Lawrie"

[@RHTeebs]

More like "Explawrie with Lawrie"

[@sarahmartiniom]

YES MAKE IT PLEEEEAAAAASSSSSEEEEEE

[@lmm]

That's a good idea!

[@emilypowell1405]

Just don't overdramatise it like other exploring channels do, it isn't realistic that every time they explore somewhere they just happen to find dead body or some other ongoing crime.

[@roshasensi2220]

@@RHTeebs lmao das is gut

[@stephenwilliams8306]

I love that shed,its absolutely amazing. Hopefully they can make a go of it.I'm jealous of all the little railways you guys have,here in Canada most of the abandoned lines got turned into bike paths.My grandmother and grandfather had a cottage in Quebec, north of Montreal and I remember as a kid hearing the trains running,now its gone and replaced by bikes.I was however fortunate enough my dad worked for VIA rail and the department he headed was responsible for the restoration of all the silver stainless steel Budd cars that run.

[@lmm]

It's an amazing building! We've got so much heritage over here. We're very lucky.

[@jimwilliams7136]

Same thing here in the States. We've lost so much railroad history. Young people walking those trails don't even know that it used to be a railroad. I'm always fascinated, and a bit saddened, by abandoned tracks. Great video.

[@andrewentwistle515]

Wow what a great find made by Lawrie. It is certainly every boyhood dream to find an abandoned railway line & engine shed. I would definitely love to see more videos like this one.

[@lmm]

It really was quite the thing to find!

[@murrayduncan7621]

I enjoyed your video, good to see the AVR highlighted and even better news that Aberdeenshire Council have finally signed the lease with the revival group. I enjoyed your reaction to the tasteless twee appearance of the locos, combined with the lurid emerald green paintwork & the embarrassing names, the AVR could be mistaken as the ‘Brigadoon Railway’. I have been visiting the line on & off since 1980 when the original line ran through the nearby Haughton Park, the platform there still exists minus track. The ‘new’ line from Alford Station to Haughton Park was opened in 1984. By this time the Fowler 0-4-2T ‘Saccarine’ was there, but I believe that it was to big to negotiate the dog leg curves on the line & would only run as far as the first bend at the end of the golf course. I spent a day on the footplate of this loco in August 1988, I’m not really too sure if it was then really safety compliant. To give you some idea of the state of operations back then, the loaded passenger train would depart with it’s very young looking crew, whilst the Fowler would then follow it up the line for a jolly ( yes, another train ‘in section’), returning in time for the service from Haughton Park to return. Both lines did operate together for one or two seasons I believe, there was a link line that ran on from the run round down an incline (with an oak tree as a buffer stop), with a set of points allowing access for locos & stock to the Haughton Park line. Around 1989/90, the old tramcar bodied coach ran away when the loco buffered up to it, being stopped by the oak tree. It should also be pointed out that trains originally ran west from Alford Station past the engine shed, however, a go-cart track was built next to the adjacent motor museum & the tracks cut through this, methinks the go-carts took priority over the railway. Therefore, a new deviation was required to take the railway east & then head past the motor museum to the section next to the golf course. My last trip on the line was at Christmas 2012 when we took our then 5 month old on his first ‘Santa Special’. It was good, I have always felt that this is an excellent little railway for young families & I am looking forward to seeing it return, but minus the kitsch aspects & road trailer couplings. And another thing…. I hope the revivalists realise that a Facebook only policy for publicity is not the best way forward! The end of this rant, I promise, it’s ‘A’ford’, no ‘L’ pronounced, but definitely a rolling ‘R’.

[@davidrubin8228]

Mr. Duncan, Thank you for your remembrances! Very informative. As a railway enthusiast here in America, it is to be hoped that the new stewards of the railway will attempt as they are able and over the years to return to a more original make up of their trains and carriages. Certainly there are many rail societies in this country that could lend verbal assistance.

[@lmm]

Thank you for the story of how it was!

[@maunsell24]

The Alford Valley Community Railway reopened this year having been closed since 2017. The standard gauge branch from Kintore closed to passengers on 31 December 1949. It remained open for freight until 31 December 1965.

[@MyMarlinman]

Hi, Really enjoyed your visit to Alford Valley Railway. I travelled on this Railway some years ago.I was told that the old carriage was originally a 19th century horse drawn tram. Very ornate. Such a shame to see it all shut down. I hope they manage to re open it in the near future.

[@lmm]

The group is making super progress to sorting out the site!

[@mitter81]

Brings back fond memories, holidayed there often as a tween, the nearby house and estate park at the other end of the railway had a caravan park, and I remember disco dancing, aged 10, so 1980 is correctñ the railway line was an attraction, and was back often with mum and dad, wasn´t so far, couple hours drive and we would just wander the estate and country side, as kids left to do our own thing. Haughton house as it was then known, rode on the line as minature railway in the park

[@radioman1170]

I rode of this railway in around 2010 after visiting the little museum just across the road. It was great and really enjoyed it. Sad to see it became abandoned/closed down and I hope it rekindles as it was amazing! Good luck to them!

[@lxdesign1]

Hey there, this is a great video, reminds me of my trip back in June, where I explored abandoned sections of the White Pass & Yukon Route between Carcross and Whitehorse here in Canada. Which is also a narrow gauge railway. I am involved in the YDHR in Ontario .... and I appreciate the lack of volunteers, especially those with mechanical capabilities - we are trying to keep things running, but its an uphill challenge between the maintenance on equipment and the massive amount of work that the track needs.

[@rodneyvail2908]

I feel like I was a kid again on a adventure .I always enjoyed exploring old abandoned buildings .I have mixed emotions nowadays driving by vacated farms .There is a sadness of the past simple life of freedom and independence .Thank-you for the journey .

[@lmm]

I'm really glad you enjoyed the adventure!

[@sawyerawr5783]

your comment about the eerieness of the workshop kind of reminds me of the East Broad Top here in the US: the narrow gauge line put its engines away one night, then the next day, a miner's strike shut the railroad down for good. it's effectively abandoned in place, with part of it running as a tourist line...until it was shuttered again in 2011(?). All isn't lost however: the railroad is back and slowly rebuilding...in fact, their first steam engine to be rebuilt, no. 17, hasn't run since 1956, and still had ash in the pan and flues. Perchance she is not dead, indeed.

[@lmm]

Oh really? That's interesting

[@thescotlandeffect3454]

The Alford valley railway was a great attraction back in the eighties, so sad to see it in such a poor state.

[@lmm]

The group are making super progress to sorting the line out!

[@davidcann4329]

It's so sad to see this railway not running, I have been a visitor with my family a number of times in the past, so many happy memories of trips on the line. I really hope that funds become available to get it working again, thanks for the video....

[@caramelldansen2204]

Profit motive: the biggest killer of railways.

[@infokms6910]

All is good major work carried in the last two weeks

[@lmm]

The group is making super progress to getting the railway sorted!

[@Billblom]

On the west side of the big puddle, there is a narrow gauge (3') steam line called the East Broad Top. It shut down in a956, when the last moves were made on the line to get the coal hoppers in the locations needed... should it start back up. The line was sold to a scrap dealer.. Kovolchik Salvage or something like that. The owner went thru the round house, and found 6 Mikado's, a Gas Electric Doodlebug, and assorted other goodies. There was a lean that was used to hold busses when they were doing that... And so on... a narrow gauge line that was in the business of hauling coal. Unfortunately, constant miner's strikes and the influx of oil for home heating basically removed their reason for being. shut down. There was an initial abandonment petition, which was withdrawn by Nick Kovalchik, who had found his real model railroad. When the cities of Rockhill Furnace and Orbisonia asked, they fired up steamers, and some of their passenger equipment to run trains for the 100 year anniversary celebration for the cities.. Then they brought back several folk to run the railroad on a 5 mile excursion up to the Colgate Grove... and while never making a profit, at least kept that chunk of the line in operation. Re3cently a non profit bought the line, and has in a couple of years, restored #116 to operation... That is one of the "Big Mikado" engines on the property. (12 being the smallest and most worn out, 14,15 the mid sized, and 16, 17, 19 being the bigger engines. They are now working on 14 to bring that back to life. Lynn over at the Strasburg Railroad said that 12 was so worn out that you needed a new set of wheels to drop a new boiler and other gear onto... The M-1 is the doodlebug that was built from Brill plans for a full sized car...but the EBT ccrew at the time did the math, and downsized it to run on 3' spacing... It is an AMAZING place to visit... the machine shops are complete. The foundary is complete, and so on. The Electrician's shop still has the calendar from the day that they shut down... ALL the toools were waiting, because no one in the valley expected them to close down permanently...

[@sodor_dan-da-man]

Potential new series and restoration project for you Lawrie. But far to travel to daily but still a potential.

[@lmm]

We'll be returning

[@Sudriantank743]

​@@lmm go around the uk and see how many abandoned trains you can find

[@eze8970]

Thanks Lawrie (& Matt), always interesting to explore, some good history there. Hope it can reopen! 🙏

[@lmm]

The group is making excellent inroads at the moment

[@SansXut]

Had a small look into the railway after watching this, really shows how much Vegetation can take over so easily

[@lmm]

It's amazing isn't it!

[@angrykidplays1587]

My local (cargo only) railway still has those points with a weight! They're still in use for the 1-3 daily cargo services, as well as when we get a heritage steam loco that comes and visits a couple times a year.

[@lmm]

Oh really?

[@angrykidplays1587]

​@@lmm We're a semi-rural town in Finland and it's a cargo terminus so I think they haven't bothered making the switches electronic. One could theoretically just walk up to them and throw them since they're unlocked. I once volunteered when the steam engine came to visit so got to throw the switches after doing a track walk for debris :) Keep up the interesting content!

[@westlondontransportwildlif5810]

I had a walk along the Penrith to Keswick Railway in the Lake District and I walked the part from Threlkeld to Keswick which has been turned into a trail. There are marker posts, bricks dotted around, some magnificant bridges and Keswick station is still intact and is now part of a hotel. Expoloring abandoned railway lines is always exciting because you never know what you might find. Great video!

[@lmm]

Thank you very much!

[@mySeaPrince_]

An amazing way of putting a video together... Exploring and discovering with you.. It was obvious you had permission but continuing the intrigue and discovery really worked... Nice one... More please...

[@lmm]

Thank you, really pleased you enjoyed it and the theatre of the whole thing

[@mySeaPrince_]

@@lmm ... 😻 ...

[@Menticknap]

Oh, I did enjoy this vid, especially your enthusiasm. Good luck to Alford Railway.

[@lmm]

Thank you very much! They're making great progress with the place

[@harrybond9282]

AWSOME VIDEO , LOVE TO KNOW ALL OF THAT . WONDER FULL LOCATION AND YOU EXPLAINED WELL , VERY INTRESTING AND EXCITING. ITS LOOKS LIKE PART OF SOME MOVIE. WE LOVED IT.

[@lmm]

Thank you very much

[@crazypickles8235]

Absolutely brilliant! I love abandoned railways that are left in tact

[@wintersbattleofbands1144]

Intact is one word.

[@sprinter1832]

@@wintersbattleofbands1144 So is tact! which you seem to lack!🤣 Lol!

[@lmm]

It's amazing isn't it, just left alone

[@BusBadger]

You'll be delighted to know, the Bure Valley Railway in Norfolk has been operating with trailer hitch couplings since it opened in the early 90's ;p

[@lmm]

So it has - bit different from 2 foot though!

[@BusBadger]

@@lmm aye, continuous air brakes are a godsend! Runs faster though ;p

[@trisrush9155]

By the look of it, the original standard gauge track was re used and repurposed to make the narrow gauge line, that track is super heavy! Nice find, and good luck to those re opening it!

[@fivelampsparanormalinvesti8042]

It wasn’t. Rail was from a heavily engineered peatland railway.

[@trisrush9155]

@@fivelampsparanormalinvesti8042 ah, ok, thanks for explaining 👍

[@lmm]

It is exceptionally heavy duty stuff

[@alanknoll5540]

That was. An awesome informative video. I hope someday they can get it back up and running

[@harrisongrant8558]

This was so cool, exploring a place it seems that time forgot, yet was active not that long ago. It's crazy to think that only 5 years ago, there would have been passengers, trains running, a typical heritage railway, and it was seemingly gone overnight. Those points with the weighted lever, we had something similar in the USA; We called them "flopover" switches, and the lever has a heavy ball or square end that goes all the way down to the ballast, but they were really only in yards and sidings. You had to be careful with them though, or that heavy iron lever would flop over right on your hand or your foot!

[@lmm]

I love the name flopover 😂

[@chaseman113]

Yeah what Harrison said, at Mt Hood Railroad one of our only flop over switches is one switch of 2 in a crossover between two of the 3 main lines of the yard. Big rule of that crossover is both switches must be aligned before using it. No catching a ride to save the wall. That flop switch is low as well and requires more attention. Mt Hood Railroad is 22 miles of hill & turns short line that uses a switchback almost daily for freight & passenger.

[@chaseman113]

*save the walk, I can’t edit the comment on a phone. I enjoy the content, thanks dude.

[@robertordewald8678]

Nice video thank you. I'm sure you knew all about this as you were walking but I can understand trying to build interest in this video. Thank you for sharing I love the rails and old locomotives myself don't have much of that where I am right now so I'm kind of stuck not having much to play with. Best regards Bob from Virginia USA

[@lmm]

I didn't know it existed until I found it, but from there, yes obviously staged 😂

[@tylervargas3073]

Dude that’s so awesome what you found, usually railroads are left abandon and decay over time but his is still in tactic which is awesome. For me I think they would bring it back to life since it had a good long run back in the days but who knows. Good job on your video.

[@lmm]

The group has started work sorting out the line!

[@PaulDorn-z8o]

I used to ride on this railway when I was 18. I am now 48. What a great little railway this was.used to go through the woods too. Such ashame.

[@NotMarkKnopfler]

The line was running about 6 years ago - took my kids on it. It's right next door the Grampian Transport Museum, which is well worth a visit in its own right.

[@lmm]

The Grampian is super

[@richardsweeney197]

Wonderful little Railway, would love to see it back. Thank You.

[@lmm]

They're making super progress with it!

[@iana6713]

You're right about Alford Station being formerly on the national network. It was on the old GNSR system before nationalisation, and closed by BR in the '50s I believe. Hope it reopens.

[@lmm]

The group is making excellent progress towards sorting the place out!

[@eliotreader8220]

that bit in the work shop reminds me of the stories I read about how everything looked when they started to save the FR in Wales

[@lmm]

Yes, it was quite the thing to experience!

[@ericlackford6718]

The little transport museum at Alford is quite nice. It was about 5 years ago I last saw the railway in steam. I remember not very friendly staff.

[@golden.lights.twinkle2329]

Unfriendly staff will kill any enterprise. I usually never return.

[@ericlackford6718]

I completely agree, I was wandering around, not trespassing, but this dragon of a woman saw me off with her disgraceful, rude attitude. I Never returned.

[@lmm]

Oh really? That's disappointing. The new group are a very nice bunch

[@ericlackford6718]

In that case, I shall revisit and support.

[@ericlackford6718]

Just today it was announced the the railway received a £15,000 grant. So best of luck to the new crew!

[@Legomastr365]

I love how you mocked the rebuilt steam diesels and then praised the little one at the back. Feels like a Cinderella story

[@lmm]

I like heritage. Not the pretend steam things

[@TheGramophoneGirl]

Love it. Plenty more updates on this if you can. Maybe give a hand volunteering or strimming grass or something? It needs a lot of work but I'm sure it can be done with the right support.

[@GenaF]

I'm loving Lawrie's excitement

[@MervynPartin]

What a charming line- definitely worth bringing back to life. Regarding those road caravan couplings, the Bure Valley Railway also uses them. They must be safe enough, but they are so ugly on the buffer beam of a loco

[@lmm]

I've not seen it ever used one the two foot!

[@alistairshaw3206]

The last abandoned railway I explored was the Tralee and Blennerville in the republic of Ireland. That was many years ago, hopefully it is running again now. Great video again Lawrie.

[@lloydpenfold486]

In 1993, the section between Tralee and Blennerville Windmill was restored and reopened as a heritage railway, to maximise panoramas of the attractive surrounding countryside. The railway runs occasional steam services, though many trains are hauled by heritage diesels.

[@alistairshaw3206]

@@lloydpenfold486 I explored the Tralee and Blennerville Railway in the mid 2000's when I was over at Tralee with a school rugby team. I'm a coach driver. The railway hadn't been used for a few years then, and was a bit overgrown and neglected. The boiler from a steam loco was lying next to the shed. I haven't been there since.

[@lmm]

I think they're still trying to bring it back

[@kyleknight9686]

16:00 The utter disdain for fake steamers is always hilarious. Fantastic video. Apologies that your barn find was a bit of a mess! Still fun to find locos nonetheless I imagine.

[@vic20adamant2]

Near me! We often rode the wee train back in the 80s

[@lmm]

Sad how it is now

[@dancedecker]

Excellent video and you looked like a kiddie in a sweet shop. Absolutely not a criticism as I would feel the same too. Merely observing how it looked. Lol. I was directed after watching this, to the FB page of the group that let you round and according to their latest update only a day or so ago, they have just obtained a lease agreement to restore the line, so definitely a revisit and update needed I'd suggest. Probably this time next year as a reasonable suggestion? Excellent and thank you for bringing this to us.

[@lmm]

You're most welcome - glad you enjoyed it. They're making some excellent progress with the place!

[@wingshad0w00982]

While not nearly as dramatic I did find an abandoned turntable once. 'abandoned' is a slight misnomer as while it had been 'abandoned' it was also left on site, next to an active railway yard, and was still in a shape good enough to be turned by hand (which I a young child did do). Currently its 1/2 the site of a modern railway museum in the town near where I live in Oyster Bay New york, they're restoring a few coaches, doing a cosmetic restoration on a steam engine, and have one small working diesel engine and one other *nearly* working diesel, and a working turntable (which is hard to find space for in down state new york, so big plus there)

[@lmm]

Oh that's exciting that there's progress being made!

[@Hadassah-KaquoliMReno]

I always enjoy watching you!

[@icascone]

I very much enjoyed this! Thanks for sharing!!

[@lmm]

Pleased to hear it!

[@johnpatterson4272]

Anything Scottish has my interest, and an abandoned narrow-gauge railway in Scotland is serious shiznitz. Your wanton attitude for the freedom to explore is a welcome distraction in the year 2022. Thank you for that, and God Bless.

[@lmm]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@daveattrill2712]

Great explore - also wasn't expecting it to be a narrow gauge one until I hit play. A pity it's at a time when that turntable pit is now practically lost to the wilderness.

[@michaelmiller641]

yes Lawrie,I did enjoy that exploration!

[@lmm]

Pleased to hear it

[@alancarpenter2070]

I travelled on the railway with my young family, back in the 80s, behind a steam, ex-sugarcane railway loco.

[@lmm]

It's now at the Statfold Barn Railway

[@JACOBMOVIETUBER]

Ah there's a station 😅😅 5:50

[@SnowdriftBoy]

13:46 “It’s a nicely done abomination!”😂 I enjoy your adventurous deployment of the English language!

[@christopherbrown3695]

Nicely done LMM, big respect!

[@lmm]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jwall6006]

The engines look like Percy from Thomas the train

[@lmm]

Maybe a little

[@dodgydruid]

I always suggest the Perth to Forfar line for a good honest walk and it is in remarkable condition, I remember the last years of its running too as we used to park our camper on the site of one of the stations, my BR signalman legend father soon made friends with the drivers and the roaming signalman who went to close off the level crossings in Couper Angus, hugely rich line with branches to Blairgowrie, Alyth, Newtyle to Dundee, Glamis for the royal trains and Forfar which connected to lines to Brechin, Dundee etc. There is a growing community demand to reinstate the line from the ECML down through Forfar connecting stations long languishing with no connection and towns suffering terrible decay because of that. My great aunts used to hire a train from Perth to Glamis for WI garden parties in the castle patronage by royal personages, one of the great aunts was a dowager and saw the hire of a special train as negligent.

[@lmm]

Oh what amazing adventures you just have had!

[@brianlesslie9647]

Love the story and I hope the railway will start again.

[@jimmyjam4371]

Wonderful stuff. Many thanks indeed.

[@lmm]

Glad uoi enjoyed it!

[@wintersbattleofbands1144]

Volunteers doing some track clearing every year or two would have avoided the mess it is now. I hope the new efforts are a smashing success.

[@lmm]

They're making super progress!

[@roberthughes513]

Absolutely fabulous….thanks for sharing.

[@lmm]

You're most welcome

[@mmeter3]

keep'em coming. like to see all the old stuff you find

[@lmm]

Pleased to hear it!

[@nickjanssens]

A great watch, know the area well, people will be queuing up to help.

[@lmm]

They're making great progress with it!

[@graham2631]

I really enjoyed this never expected the shed.

[@lmm]

Me neither!

[@TrainzFreak]

Was half expecting Lawrie to announce that he'd bought the place :P

[@andrewreynolds4949]

I clicked on the video thinking “he hasn’t bought another piece of junk, has he?” I can absolutely hear Matt saying “You bought a railway. WHY”

[@lmm]

I wish I could, but another group has set up to restore the place!

[@scottnelson5050]

Love the video! I would love to find an old abandoned railway like that.

[@lmm]

I've always dreamt of it too

[@johnnyhernandez7561]

Awesome replica of a vintage locomotive Thank you for sharing your video and God bless🙏🙏

[@lmm]

I wouldn't call it a replica - the Simplex's are vintage in their own right!

[@oregonrailfan7046]

This is the Alford valley railway it closed in 2017 there was a group formed with the intention of reopening the line

[@rusty383]

I would Love to see that. We have now learned how to rebuild and restore our Heritage Steam Locomotives . But GB has the most Beautiful. Our Norfolk Sothern is my favorite

[@oregonrailfan7046]

@@rusty383 what? The Norfolk southern doesn’t have a steam program anymore

[@rusty383]

Kool little Engine

[@LewiBuchProductions]

I used to be vice chairman of that group that was formed. There’s been next to no progress there this year.

[@infokms6910]

We have

[@Steam_Guy02]

On the subject of steam outline diesels, we've all heard horror stories of old simplexes with 100 tonne fiberglass bodies, and statfold barns Fiji being turned into one for a tourist railway. Is it possible to reverse the process🤔, or even make one of an original one?

[@316tomiller]

When I lived in Fiji , there were a bunch of derelict steam locos in the Fiji Sugar yard in Lautoka> I wonder what became of them.

[@Steam_Guy02]

@@316tomiller I know that at least two still exist. You have the engine I mentioned earlier which is Fiji (no.11), a really interesting and nicely restored locomotive, and a favourite of many at the statfold barn railway has another lautoka engine ( which is my personal favorite of the collection) based there. A shunting engine no.19. I'll have a search about any more engines from that sugar mill.

[@davidrubin8228]

Yes. It is possible and there are enough heritage railways in Britain whose people would probably be glad to lend some assistance. Here in America we have taken severely derelict engines and restored them. Yes, it costs money, time, effort and donations but it CAN be done! 🙂

[@lmm]

Certainly could reverse the process should you wish.

[@JackyBro1]

i found out that my house use to be a railway

[@duncan1945]

Wow Laurie , That was just amazing. i loved every minute of that. Very well presented i might even say. What a lovely place but what a great shame it's not being used anymore. I have an old station and engine in my field in Cornwall. Although not real i'm afraid but I just love it. Can be seen on my channel under Darley Halt. I would love to visit at sometime to see it for myself. I'm sure there is money still to be made there with a bit of work. Thanks for sharing, All the best Duncan.

[@lmm]

They've started to make good progress with it, and it's looking dramatically better now! I like what you've done in your field!

[@duncan1945]

@@lmm thanks, it’s all good fun . Are they going to reopen that line you walked down to the sheds ?

[@lmm]

@@duncan1945 that's the plan!

[@donotwantahandle1111]

I'm not a fan of 'fake' steam locos either but I like the Simplex and used to hear it's chug on the heritage railway I was involved with.

[@Captain_Char]

walking next to a cemetary here theres an old section of line here that goes throught the woods, and over a canel, the bridge and rails are still there, but im more curious to where it originally ran back in its day, might have to do a short walk vid of the section of line

[@lmm]

Oh really? Interesting

[@LennixAlexander]

I remember going up and down this miniature railway when I was little, sad to see it in a state like this.

[@andrewthorne6653]

Me too. the kids play loco outside looks like the carriages pulled by the loco up the back of the shed he got exited about.

[@Jazzinthedark84]

Same. My grandparents lived in the row of cottages behind the station in the 80s and 90s so my brothers and I played there a lot. We used to be scared of the creepy plastic "Station master" doll /mannequin thing 😂

[@lmm]

The group are making super progress to restoring the line!

[@bentullett6068]

Its sad seeing abandoned tourist railways like this as it makes you think of all of the joy it brought people visiting. I hope the Alford group can get some funding and bring the line back to working order. Well done for Lawrie for bringing this lost railway to our attention.

[@andrewreynolds4949]

It takes both funding and volunteer work, both of which can be in short supply. I know my local museum has issues with both.

[@bentullett6068]

@@andrewreynolds4949 even the bigger established preserved railways are struggling with getting hold of volunteers in today's world. I would love to volunteer at every museum and railway in the UK but that is impossible.

[@andrewreynolds4949]

@@bentullett6068 I'd love to help with some of the UK railways but I live 4500 miles too far away... Locally I only have one operating museum in the state, and it's fortunately relatively close by

[@infokms6910]

Everything has been in place for a year just been waiting on lease. All done and we are clearing site. Today we might find what’s left of the turntable.

[@lmm]

The group has made amazing progress clearing the site!

[@SDE1994]

just had a look on the maps, its a nice run around the golf course but more interesting is that the turntable pit is original

[@lmm]

Yes indeed!

[@countludwigvonnippeltassel]

I'll be at the Grampian Transport museum on Sunday for the Bus Museum open day so I'll have to have a scout around 😊

[@lmm]

It's quite impressive the work that's been done now

[@Antony_Jenner]

I saw pictures of this railway when it was running and the turntable was clear and being used. Awesome railway I hope they do something with it. Maybe Lawrie could donate some time and get the loco's going.

[@lmm]

They're making big strides to improve the site

[@nickthelick]

First thing that I'd personally do, is to go to the library and get the local area's maps from over the last hundred years or so... Going by appearances, I'm guessing that it (by 'it', I meant the rails that were in the undergrowth) was last used at least 40 to 50 years ago??🤔 If everything had been left to grow over in all that time, the place would actually already be totally unrecognisable! Going by how the fields outside my house last had animals grazing on them (🐏sheep🐑 & 🐄cows🐮) for the very last time since 1989/1990. The whole area of about 3² or 4² miles, over the last 34 years, has totally lost all the grass meadows it used to have. Well, it was one huge meadow really. Never thought I'd miss the cowpats that used to be everywhere! LoL!😁 Man, I remember steam coming off those things, and if we had matches, we could sometimes actually light them on fire! For real! Er, anyway, no grassland now, it's a huge scrub area of bushes, that are now becoming trees that's reaching all the way to the woods at the top of the hill in the fields. Still a beautiful green belt piece of land though. But they should have at least maintained the grasslands and meadows. Anyway, losing my thread now, going off on a tangent as usual! 🤔😁 Trees, long grass, and lots of bushes would totally smother the place! So, since then, where you're at, _somebody_ has at least been cutting the grass over most of the tracks it would appear. (Yeah, lost my thread whilst rambling back then! Can't remember what I was going to actually say! D'oh!) 🤷🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️

[@AllenLittle1947]

Very interesting. I hope the restoration is progressing.

[@infokms6910]

It is come along if your close

[@lmm]

They're making really good progress!

[@Sim0nTrains]

I rather walk a disused railway line than play golf. Really enjoy this wander of a video

[@lmm]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@railswithethan3715]

There’s an abandoned railway near me well it’s more a set of sidings with a run around but it’s really thorny so it’s hard to explore but there’s a ground frame at the far end as I have been down there

[@lmm]

Oh really? Sounds interesting!

[@jamesbraithwaite478]

Something just like that runs around the High Legh Garden Centre (Cheshire) grounds during the Summer months. Do you reckon you can get that one running?

[@lmm]

I am confident!

[@Cliffdog01]

If Lawrie ever gets to Tavarish level I hope he can get LMM It's own railway to bring back like this one.

[@lmm]

Oh I certainly would!

[@finlaylavery8408]

I feel so sorry for that wee engine in the shed, not because it has been forgotten about but because it's name is just too damn similar to James Cordon. For that alone I would leave it there to rust for eternity.

[@lmm]

No comment 😂

[@henktulp4400]

12:50 ....MY GOSH!!!!... a cameraman has been waiting for decades for me to enter!!!!.... (and his camera-battery was stil charged....)

[@lmm]

Amazing the work that goes into filming something. Some people have no idea that you've actually got to get the cameraman into position first!

[@henktulp4400]

@@lmm fixing up old trains is one thing.... composing a promotional clip quite another one.... good thing the ‘True Spirit’ of the ‘old train guys’ didn’t get lost in the process....

[@shayleebell9206]

Cleanup started on the 20th. Looks like restoration has started

[@lmm]

It has indeed! They're making good progress!

[@Ensign_Redshirt]

I could imagine a similar video from Alan Garraway back in the 1950's as they started exploring the Ffesty. I hope you can go back to see if you can get that simplex to start.

[@lmm]

I'm working on it!

[@railfreightdrivergallagherGBRf]

Fascinating. Superb video 📹 👌🏼

[@lmm]

Thank you very much

[@phillippatryndal4255]

I wonder where the other end of the line is? I've tried to follow it on Google maps, but lose it after it heads north west into the Haughton House caravan site - can just see a corner of it at 57.238319, -2.697233 but what happens next is obscured by trees.

[@infokms6910]

It runs to the haughton park station. Bit overgrown but not in bad condition.

[@infokms6910]

Come and help clear. You’ll be made welcome.

[@phillippatryndal4255]

@@infokms6910 I'm in London, (and busy) so not really possible.

[@lmm]

As above!

[@michaelclark2840]

Nice little railway. It is true about the shortage of volunteer manpower. We have a similar issuechere in Australia where we are in the process of opening a branch line. It is a shame. Getting volunteers for any organisation seems very hard in this day and age. As for this 2 foot railway, the vegetation doesn't look too bad. A few weed wackers would clear that up pretty quick. If I was in the area I would definitely chip in.I does need a steamer though.

[@lmm]

I think everywhere is struggling to get volunteers to help. They're working hard to clear the site at the moment!

[@Johnbro8]

Thanks for sharing

[@lmm]

You're welcome

[@morrisminor4252]

It feels like the episode of postman pat were they find the steam train in the shed😂

[@lmm]

I have not seen that

[@shaunsconfusingmachines8402]

I honestly believe that people who make fake steam engines just have pictures of Ivor the engine as reference

[@lmm]

That might well be it

[@XGreywolfGamingX]

Apparently there's plans underway to rebuild the railway starting with Alford station then the engine shed the other station haughton and finally the track itself

[@alasdairvincent6248]

What a lovely little narrow gauge locomotive.

[@lmm]

One of them is certainly, the other two not so much

[@ianmerrison7097]

Really enjoying this series 😀

[@lmm]

Thank you!

[@ChakatNightspark]

You Can Never assume that Railways/railroads are Abandoned. While they May be overgrown, people could have even covered up the tracks with Dirt and grass to gain more yardage. Could be 10, 20, 80 years can pass and suddenly Railway/Railroad Company could just come in, Do some work, clear the overgrown, Rip soil and grass that people put over the tracks and start using the Rails again. Until the Tracks are actually Removed from the area. Never Assume any Railway/railroad is ever Abandoned.

[@ryano.5149]

A conductor friend of mine once told me a story about doing some rare mileage with a steam locomotive. They were looking for a place to tie up for the night, but the only siding was practically in some guy's yard. The switch was still there and in working order, so they parked their locomotive. Well, the gentleman who's yard it was pitched a fit and called the cops. (Honestly, not the reaction I'd have if a steam locomotive suddenly appeared in my yard, but whatever. The dude I suppose is entitled to his wrong opinion.) Anyway, cops showed up and told him there wasn't a damn thing he could do about it because it was technically still the railroad's property! lol

[@lmm]

I didn't assume. This railway was closed. The new group is working to restore and reopen it. It's with their permission that I was on site, with a member.

[@waynerich4519]

I can't wait to see how this progresses!