This once public line at a Pick Your Own fruit farm is now a private line without a strawberry in sight! The organiser admitted to making a fruit picking expedition years ago to pick off the track. It became private on cessation of fruit production with modification of the railway but has been largely retained. A cadre of just 5/6 members operate and maintain the complex network of over 800yd, including an automatic electro-pneumatic signalling system operating both GWR lower quadrant signals with splitting distants and calling on signals (all used appropriately) as well as MAS with multiple route feathers. The system worked in snow one winter when the West Midlands rail network signalling was paralysed!

Two steam hauled trains were used to carry members around the complex layout in detail, whilst latterly the venerable battery electric YUK offered DIY rides in the sidings and depot area, although its battery eventually surrendered and the final traversals were made with 'people power' (don't underestimate it). Our host Graham Gain's wife offered jacket potatoes to all the party cooked in a coal fired oven that positively shimmered with heat in the woods and a constant stream of teas kept the participants fuelled to the end. Some had to leave for trains to distant parts from Birmingham International, four miles away but many remained to enjoy the rest of the sunny day, partake of another jacket potato and surf a siding or two!

Waiting for the road (with three route feather options available).
[© Simon Mortimer 2015]

We are indebted to all the hosts for making this a most varied and interesting day and to our very local member Simon Mortimer for all the excellent arrangements. We hope you were 'Inspired' to arrange another day out, Simon!