Windmill Farm Railway
Friday 17th November 2017
Report by Chris Totty and Paul Stewart
Following the morning visit to the WLLR, 40 members arrived at the nearby Windmill Animal Farm in time to obtain an excellent lunch from their café which had been opened especially for us. Windmill Farm station has two through (to the sheds), platform lines, a bay and two sidings, one undercover, with an impressive overall roof.
Proceedings started at 14.35 with a steam hauled trip to Lakeview noting on the way the connection (removed in Jan 2009) which used to complete a reversing loop at that terminus. We were advised that the point was taken out due to the difficulties of maintenance, principally with the blades on the curve.

Our special, complete with special headboard, waits to set off from Windmill Farm station.
[© John Cameron 2017]
The loco, which was unnamed, was 'Siận', formerly of the Fairbourne Railway (until that line changed its gauge from 15" to 12¼" in 1986). On arrival at Lakeview one coach was uncoupled with the loco and all participants had the opportunity to ride the run-round loop. Due to the points being sprung absolute overlap could not be achieved (except by those who had a subsequent footplate ride!). For the haulage fraternity a further trip out Lakeview was arranged but this time with the steam outline diesel loco Safari Express leaving from P1 at Windmill Farm and returning to P2.

Not the Liverpool Garden Festival actually but returning to the end of Windmill Farm station that is used by the public runs; it can be seen ahead with an overall roof.
[© John Cameron 2017]
On our return to Windmill Farm time was spent with the railcar Whippit Quick, again in Fairbourne livery and an 8 seat open carriage traversing the line to the turntable, and the 3 sidings to the first shed. This was the extent of rare track available to us, all other track being occupied with other stock. The more intrepid members with a good sense of balance also managed a 'people-power' trip along the 16' 6" (approx.) gauge traverser outside of the workshop. The railway does have an interesting collection of 10 ancient locos from various miniature lines around the country. To conclude the visit a final return trip, again with ''Siận', was made out to Lakeview. Many thanks to Austin Moss, the owner, and his team for opening especially for us on a somewhat inclement Friday afternoon in November.

'Whippit Quick' (which was rather full) and a small open riding vehicle (for eight) with some happy members on rare track
at the other end of Windmill Farm station that is not used by public services. The eponymous Windmill is seen in the background.
[© John Cameron 2017]

Our members are 'going round the bend' into the shed (which is behind the photographer in the first picture). The name of the 'Autotruck' was quite appropriate as they certainly didn't hang about with this part of our tour and it was beginning to go dark.
[© John Cameron 2017]