This was a wonderful Conclusion to our AGM Weekend. That morning, some members had met at 'Hopetown' for a walk along part of the Stockton & Darlington trackbed with expert commentary from Friends of the Stockton & Darlington Railway guides. However, this finished earlier than expected. Most were on the afternoon visit to Teesside Small Gauge Railway (0.85 mile walk from Eaglescliffe station in Preston Park), so we decided to make our way there to see if our hosts were onsite.

After a quick refreshment stop at the Park Café, we made ourselves known to the Railway volunteers who were there. Some were preparing 'Linda', one of the steam locomotives for us - due to technical problems she would not run but it was possible to have steam rides at the end. Other volunteers were test riding the 400yd 7¼" track with the Class 67 petrol loco. They were happy for us to start early. All the volunteers were very knowledgeable, understanding of our (unusual) requests and most helpful.

As the miniature locos could only haul a few people at a time, our 20 members split into groups, so that everyone could cover all the available track. This worked well, including some who arrived at the advertised time (after having lunch); they could ride areas we'd already covered. In fact, we needed the earlier start as everyone only just managed to do it all before the late autumn evening drew in on us.

http://www.minorrailways.co.uk/trackplans/teessidesgr.pdf is the updated 23 Nov 2025 track plan.

We started our visit by completing the main 7¼" ground level circuit twice - normal track and the station avoiding loop with full overlap, using the Class 67 'Ian Hall'. Public passenger running involves alighting at arrivals P2 and departing from P1 ahead (the two are continuous), although with a polite request, those who wish can usually stay on. Next, we did the station loop headshunt to the buffers with Battery Locomotive 7364, their largest (physical size) loco currently which only just fits though the shed opening!


















Some did the main (public run) circuit again, with 7364. After discussion with the Railway, others formed a temporary 'Permanent Way Crew' to clear the disused far loop (nearer the turntable) of vegetation, mainly grass so hopefully we could traverse that line. We did all eventually do circuits covering that never used loop. On the first trip, grip was a slight issue but this improved with subsequent journeys.

Also, with permission, another sub-group requisitioned a carriage to gradually (bit by bit) cover the lengthy New Loading Line branch, with members pushing and pulling it. First was from the Carriage Shed to the far end of line, followed by from the shed to the level crossing date. The carriage was then repositioned to cover the section from the junction with the far loop up to the turntable. This only left the section over the turntable, up to and over level crossing remaining. Negotiations were made and safe conditions agreed too, including staffing the crossing, leading to everyone completing this branch.









Originally, it had been planned to complete the main circuit with the steam loco 'Linda' also but she didn't want to play. We didn't think that we'd have a third locomotive for haulage. However, while we were all having fun elsewhere, the volunteers had been busy preparing 'Preston' and the third type of motive power was achieved. That steam was very atmospheric as it began to go dark and cold.



Finally, we also managed to cover the extremely rare elevated (3½/5" gauge) circuit. There were no riding vehicles for this, which never has public running. A volunteer from TSGR had brought a steam loco to demonstrate the line, with a ride-on trolley (which he sat on to drive it). So, we asked if we could borrow the trolley and, in BLS tradition, one-by-one we completed the track with people power. It was a great end to a comprehensive and very friendly visit. Their volunteers enjoyed it as much as we did; thanks to John Cameron for organising this event and to everyone involved with our AGM weekend.