Yesterday we took our Planet battery loco up to Telford to visit the Phoenix MES 5" railway in the grounds of Telford Steam Railway.
The weather didn't look good in the days preceding our visit but in the end it wasn't too bad. The main steam railway was busy with its annual Scarecrow Hunt so there were plenty of visitors around to enjoy both railways, so much so that the cafe was reduced to chips and cake, having sold out of everything else. We had a very warm welcome from Cliff and the other members on our arrival and wasted no time getting our loco on the track and doing a few circuits after a safety briefing from Cliff.
The club very kindly lent us a passenger wagon that was much more comfortable than our drivers truck as we still haven't got round to fitting a soft seat.
The circuit is well built and has plenty of variation with 2 bridges, a tunnel and multiple route options. The newly created station bypass was excellent and a great benefit when the station was full. I loved the clear signalling with Led feathers which left a novice like myself in no doubt as to where I was going to end up! Theres also an excellent ramp for loading locos etc. onto the track combined with a large, raised 'steaming up' area and turntable.
We were please to see quite a range of locos running even though the weather was so unreliable. Our little engine had to take refuge in one of the engine sheds now and then due to a few downpours!
Above: Steve's 9F and Dicks Hymec
Above: Our little engine really had a chance to stretch its legs...
As new members we were very kindly given the chance to drive the club loco - a Class 20, it ran very smoothly, looked impressive and what a luxury to have a cable controller- really must get one of these!
The steam railway is also impressive with some rare items running including the old Telford steam tram.
Above: The Telford steam tram
The Class 20 Club Loco
In the end we had to reluctantly start our long drive back to London but this railway has a lot to offer and is well worth a visit. Many thanks to all at the Phoenix MES for a great day. Sadly it was the last open day of the season but we'll be back in the spring!
Were now really looking forward to our next outing to the ESMEE at Bath and West Showground in a few days...
Useful Links:
Soulton Hall Hotel where we stayed.
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