72 members took part in the first ever charter operation at this extensive and constantly expanding private railway (which dates back to 2005) near Tamworth, enhanced by warm sunny weather. At the original now disused Statfold station, members boarded a three carriage train hauled by Peckett Wks No 2050 Harrogate and diesel Baguley Drewry Wks No.3782 RNAD Trecwn A 10 on the rear in top and tail formation. We traversed the entire normal passenger track on both the one mile dual (2’ & 2’-6”) gauge Field Railway and the parallel 2’ gauge Big Engine Railway. The tour also included the connection between the two systems at the balloon loop end, the new siding there and the lines into both the carriage shed and roundhouse at Oak Tree Halt. A stop was made here to view the extensive collection housed in the massive spotless 31 road multi-gauged roundhouse. On returning to Statfold, we detrained and split into 3 groups for the second part of the tour using 2’ gauge diesel Hunslet Wks No.6285 No. 5 and two carriages. This included all three lines of the loco shed, the line to the wagon turntable storage area, the rare connection to the Garden Railway and that itself in the unusual direction. While this was taking place, the other two groups could view the large collection of locomotives in the shed area, or to sit in the very pleasant surroundings socialising and taking a late lunch.

The modern BLS team approach to organising fixtures worked well here, and our thanks to Henry and Graham at Statfold along with all their volunteers for an excellent visit.

There are public open days with various rides available - see http://www.statfoldbarnrailway.co.uk/ Tel: 01827 830871