Foxfield Railway

The Foxfield Railway is a preserved standard gauge line located south east of Stoke-on-Trent. The line was built in 1893 to serve the colliery at Dilhorne on the Cheadle Coalfield. It joined the North Staffordshire Railway line near Blythe Bridge. It is open at weekends and operates trains on Sundays, Bank Holidays and some Saturdays from April to October and Santa Special trains in December.

For the railway station in Cumbria, see Foxfield railway station.

Foxfield Railway
Wimblebury seen working a train at Dilhorn Park
LocaleStaffordshire
TerminusCaverswall Road
Coordinates52.97570°N 2.06454°W / 52.97570; -2.06454
Commercial operations
Original gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) standard gauge
Preserved operations
Stations2
Length2 1⁄4 miles (3.6 km)
Preserved gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) standard gauge
1893Opened
1965Colliery closed
Preservation history
1965Railway preserved
Foxfield Railway
Banktop
Foxfield Colliery
 Dilhorne Park
 Caverswall Road
 Blythe Bridge
Crewe-Derby Line
to Stoke-on-Trent │ to Derby

History

The Foxfield Railway was built in 1892-1893 to provide a link to the North Staffordshire Railway for the Foxfield Colliery. The railway was built by local labour provided by North Staffordshire Railway employees at weekends and supervised by the North Staffordshire Railway foreman plate layer Noah Stanier, using second hand material, again obtained from the North Staffordshire Railway.[1]

Preservation

When the colliery closed in August 1965,[2] local volunteers formed the Foxfield Light Railway Society to preserve the line. At first, passengers were taken in converted trucks up the formidable 1:19 to 1:26 gradient out of the colliery site at Dilhorne, accompanied by a tank engine.

Eventually, new coaches were purchased and a station was built at Caverswall Road, Blythe Bridge, half a mile from Blythe Bridge station. The service runs for 2 1⁄4 miles (3.6 km) from there to the top of Foxfield Bank. The last half mile into the colliery is currently being relaid to suitable standards for passenger trains to be re-introduced.

Location

The original line left the Crewe to Derby Line a little west of the station. The link has been lifted, but several abandoned wagons can be seen in the old sidings from passing trains. A station and depot have been built at Caverswall Road, half a mile north of Blythe Bridge railway station along Blythe Bridge Road.

Although located in Staffordshire, the railway has been used for the filming of sequences for the BBC Television series Cranford, which is set in Cheshire. The railway featured in the two-part Christmas special that was first broadcast in December 2009. Judi Dench, who played the part of Matilda 'Matty' Jenkyns, invited several of the main characters to ride on the train in an attempt to alter their opinions about the benefits of the railway being extended into the town of Cranford.[3]

The station at Caverswall offers visitor facilities such as a Buffet serving hot and cold food and drinks and a Real Ale bar "The One Legged Shunter". Also a museum building displaying a variety of artifacts relating to local railways and locomotives currently out of service.

The railway operates Sundays and Bank Holidays from April to October and Santa Special trains during December.

Locomotive fleet

The Foxfield Railway has the largest collection of standard gauge steam locomotives in Staffordshire, most of which are of industrial origins.

Operational steam locomotives
Origin Number/Name Wheel
arrangement		 Class Notes Photograph
Hunslet Engine Company 3694 Whiston 0-6-0 ST Austerity 0-6-0ST Built in 1950 to the famous 'Austerity' design of which 485 examples constructed between 1943 and 1964. Worked all its commercial life in the Lancashire coalfield before coming to Foxfield in very poor condition on 26/03/83. Overhauled and entered service on 19/04/86 and still in traffic apart from two further overhauls from 1994-96 and 2006-2010. Most recently on loan at the Churnet Valley Railway at Cheddleton from 26 November 2018 to 11 July 2019. In working order as at 1 January 2020 with last day in service on 29 December 2019 on a photo charter along with kid sister Wimblebury. 10 year overhaul to commence in Summer 2020.
Robert Stephenson and Hawthorns 7063 Eustace Forth 0-4-0 ST Built in 1942. Entered service in July 2017 following extensive overhaul. On loan to the Northampton and Lamport Railway.
Dübs and Company No. 4101 'Dubs 0-4-0CT Dübs and Company crane tank Returned to steam in September 2010 after major restoration. 2010 winner of the Heritage Railway Association John Coiley award for Locomotive restoration.
Beyer, Peacock & Co. 1827 0-4-0 ST Built in 1879. Re-entered service during 2013.
Hunslet Engine Company 3839 Wimblebury 0-6-0 ST Austerity 0-6-0ST built in 1956. Returned to service in July 2017 after 10-yearly overhaul.
W.G. Bagnall 2842 Kent Electric Power Station No. 2 0-4-0 ST Restoration completed in 2010. On loan to the Chasewater Railway.

Steam locomotives undergoing overhaul or restoration
Origin Number/Name Wheel
arrangement		 Class Notes Photograph
Hawthorn Leslie and Company 3 Marston, Thompson & Evershed 0-4-0 ST Works number 3581 of 1924.[4] Undergoing long term overhaul.
W. G. Bagnall 2623 Hawarden 0-4-0 ST Built in 1940. Undergoing major overhaul. Boiler has been sent to HBSS in Huyton.
Kerr Stuart 4388 0-4-0 ST Undergoing overhaul following a change in ownership.
Avonside Engine Co. 1563 John Paton 0-4-0 ST Undergoing long term restoration.
Peckett and Sons 1567 Ackton Hall No 3 0-6-0 ST built in 1923. The only surviving example of an inside cylindered 0-6-0 Peckett. Acquired from the National Coal Mining Museum in July 2015. Dismantled for restoration.

Stored steam locomotives
Origin Number/Name Wheel
arrangement		 Class Notes Photograph
Haydock Foundry C Bellerophon 0-6-0 WT Built in 1874. The oldest locomotive in the collection. Boiler ticket expired in 2018. Owned by the Vintage Carriage Trust.
North Staffordshire Railway 2 0-6-2 T NSR New L Class Built at Stoke works in 1923. On static display in the museum building. Transferred from the National Railway Museum to Foxfield and arrived at the railway on 21 April 2016.
Robert Heath & Sons Ltd. 6 0-4-0 ST Built in 1885, rebuilt in 1934. Purchased by the Knotty Coach Trust in 2020 who are fundraising for the resumption of its overhaul.
W. G. Bagnall 2 Florence 0-6-0 ST Withdrawn at end of 2015 for overhaul.
Peckett and Sons 933 Henry Cort 0-4-0 ST Built in 1903. On static display in the Museum building awaiting overhaul.
Kerr Stuart 4127 Moss Bay 0-4-0 ST Built in 1920. On static display in the museum building.
W. G. Bagnall 2221 Lewisham 0-6-0 ST Built in 1927.[5] Stored awaiting overhaul after its boiler ticket expired in late 2007.
Andrew Barclay Sons & Co. Boots No. 1 0-4-0 F (works number 1984 of 1930).[4] Offsite on long term loan to West Somerset Railway
Peckett and Sons 1803 Ironbridge No. 1 0-4-0 ST Built in 1933. Awaiting overhaul, on display in the museum.
Peckett and Sons Works No. 2081 No. 11 0-4-0 ST OY Class Built in 1947. Awaiting overhaul, on display in the museum.
Sentinel Waggon Works 9535 0-4-0 Built in 1952. On static display in the yard. However, restoration is being considered.
Manning Wardle 2107 The Welshman 0-6-0 ST Built in 1890. Stored at Foxfield Colliery awaiting restoration. On Loan from the National Coal Mining Museum

Operational diesel locomotives

The Foxfield Railway also has an extensive accumulation of industrial diesel locomotives, of which three are operational.

  • W. G. Bagnall 3150 0-6-0 DM, Wolstanton No 3[4]
  • W. G. Bagnall 3207 0-4-0 DH, Named Bagnall[4]
  • Thomas Hill 111C 4w DH (Rebuilt from Sentinel 4wVBT)[4] The loco is now operational after an extensive restoration through 2013/2014.

Diesel locomotives undergoing overhaul or restoration
  • Andrew Barclay 486 0-6-0 DH Clive, ex Meaford Power Station Locomotive No 4 (In process of being returned to working order) Bodywork repaint in BR warning yellow as per Central Electricity Generating Board livery completed 5 November 2016. Lettering saying CEGB, Meaford Power Station and varnishing to take place and the frames will be blacked with red wheels. New engine mounts have recently been fitted and the engine run up a number of times (latest 13/10/19) and in order. Currently, quotes are being obtained for possible retyring.
  • Yorkshire Engine Company Janus class 2868 0-6-0 DE Ludstone. Restoration started in 2015, which mainly focused on cosmetics, and the prevention of further corrosion to the locomotive. Mechanical work is now underway.[4]
  • Ruston & Hornsby 408496 4w DM ('88DS') Shanks No 444 Undergoing long term restoration which began in February 2017. Engine lifted out in November 2017 along with most of the cab.
  • Ruston & Hornsby 424841 0-4-0 DE ('165DE') Roman. New generator bushes fitted along with new batteries. New starter motor sourced and waiting to be fitted.
  • Thomas Hill 103C 4wDH (Rebuilt from Sentinel 4wVBT) - currently off site being restored to working order. To return in the future as a working loco

Non-operational diesel locomotives

Non-operational electric locomotives

The Foxfield Railway also has one industrial battery electric locomotive. The locomotive is currently non-operational due to a lack of batteries or overhead lines on site.

  • English Electric 1130 4wBE/WE (built 1939)[4]

Passenger carriages

The railway has a collection of carriages from a wide range of years which are used to take passengers up and down the line.

  • Operational passenger carriages
    • Mk 1 Corridor Second (SK) No. M25607.
    • Mk 1 Brake Corridor Second (BSK) No. 34672.
    • Mk 1 Tourist Second Open (TSO) No. W4762.
  • Passenger Carriages undergoing overhaul, restoration or light work
  • Stored passenger carriages
    • Mk 1 Corridor Second (SK) gangwayed carriage No. M25225. Stored at Dilhorne Park awaiting major restoration. Unlikely to be restored.
    • LMS Theatrical Scenery Van No. 37519 (converted to the passenger carrying Bass Belle Observation Bar Car). On static display but eventually planned to be overhauled to working order.
    • LMS third class gangwayed vestibule coach No. 27249. awaiting overhaul
    • LTSR PMV No. 1 (rebuilt by MR in 1920 from Composite vehicle). Previously used as Kitchen vehicle.
  • The NSR Rolling Stock Restoration Trust

In 2008 a small group was formed with the aim of restoring the two surviving North Staffordshire Railway 4-wheeled coaches, with a long term aim of recreating a proto-typical Victorian train that would have once operated in the local area. The Knotty Trust, as it has become known as, was registered as a charity in 2009 and in 2012 received a £30,000 grant for the completion of the first vehicle (no. 127).[6] This was completed at Stanegate Restorations, who have become a major supporter in the recreation of a Knotty Train.[7] Since then the collection has grown to include other former 'Knotty Coaches' that have been discovered, as well as other historically important vehicles.

Number Type Status Notes
228 First (FY) Awaiting Restoration Owned by the NSRC, based at the Churnet Valley Railway. Given to the KCT on a 99-year loan in 2014, and so an appeal has now been launched for this vehicle's restoration.[8] This is the next vehicle which is to be restored by the trust and also the final one to be restored as part of the Knotty Heritage train.
61 Third (TY) Operational The second vehicle to have to have been restored by the KCT. Entered service in August 2014, after a visit to the CVR to launch the "Project 28 Appeal".
127 Third (TY) Operational The first vehicle to have to have been restored by the KCT. Entered service in August 2014, alongside 61.
23 Brake Third (TB) Operational One of three newly discovered vehicles found in woodland alongside Rudyard Lake, though no number has presently been identified. These vehicles were recovered in October 2014, with the Brake Third being sent away immediately for restoration to begin at Stanegate Restorations.[9]The coach was renovated as part of the "ABC" (Accessible Brake Coach) project[10] and was launched into traffic in May 2019.
First (FY) Stored One of three newly discovered vehicles found in woodland alongside Rudyard Lake, though no number has presently been identified. These vehicles were recovered in October 2014, and put into store whilst other projects take priority.[9]
First (FY) Stored One of three newly discovered vehicles found in woodland alongside Rudyard Lake, though no number has presently been identified and only half of this vehicle really exists following numerous years in the open. These vehicles were recovered in October 2014, and put into store whilst other projects take priority.[9]
MR Six-wheel Composite Luggage (CLZ) Stored One of two former Midland Railway vehicles donated to the KCT by Foxfield. One of only three survivors, the other two having been restored at the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway and National Railway Museum respectively. Luggage/First/Third class compartment carriage, no recognisable number has been found on the body to date. This vehicle is planned to be restored once a fully operation Knotty Train is operational.
1108 MR Bogie Third (T) Stored One of two former Midland Railway vehicles donated to the KCT. Whilst only the body survives, the vehicle is planned to be restored once a fully operation Knotty Train is operational.
NSR Brake Van Stored The sides from an original NSR Brake Van were found being used as a barn on Kingsley Moor, including the original painted Knotty emblem. These have been recovered and are now stored at Foxfield.
4384 LMS Covered Carriage Truck (CCT) Stored Donated to the trust to assist with the eventual restoration of the CLZ.
731945 LMS Goods Brake Van Stored Frame only. To be modified for use with the ABC.
DB 993867 Shark Brake Van Operational On loan to the KCT. Has been painted in fictitious Victorian Brown livery to operate with 61 + 127 until the ABC is complete.

As of December 2014, the Knotty Coach Trust had 3 main projects underway.

  • Project 228 - Restoration of First Class no 228
  • ABC Appeal - Restoration of former Brake Vehicle no 23, including provision for disabled passengers
  • Shed Project - The KCT has always wished to build accommodation for the restored train. Originally plans were proposed for a new shed at the former colliery, but in Autumn 2014 the Foxfield Railway agreed for the KCT to take charge of plans for a new two-road shed at Caverswall Road. This will see sufficient storage spaces created to keep the KNOTTY HERITAGE TRAIN permanently under cover & available for viewing access to the public when not in operation. The KCT have since been unsuccessful in this project and the Foxfield Railway are now leading the project for locomotive storage.

Freight wagons

The railway also has a selection of freight wagons, in order to preserve what remains of Britain's industrial history.

These include the ubiquitous '16 ton' mineral wagons which were associated with coal trains and the railway in the 1960s, and also examples of 21 ton hopper wagons also used for coal traffic.

References
  1. "Foxfield Railway - HISTORY OF THE FOXFIELD RAILWAY". Archived from the original on 25 May 2009. Retrieved 10 May 2009.
  2. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 28 March 2017. Retrieved 27 March 2017.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  3. "This is Staffordshire - 3 June 2009". thisisstaffordshire.co.uk. Archived from the original on 15 December 2009. Retrieved 24 April 2018.
  4. Industrial Locomotives: including preserved and minor railway locomotives. 15EL. Melton Mowbray: Industrial Railway Society. 2009. ISBN 978-1-901556-53-7.
  5. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 28 March 2017. Retrieved 27 March 2017.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  6. Knotty Trust Archived 25 December 2014 at the Wayback Machine
  7. "Stanegate Restorations and Replicas". www.stanegaterestorations.co.uk. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 24 April 2018.
  8. "Knotty Coach 228 Appeal". churnet-valley-railway.co.uk. Archived from the original on 16 October 2016. Retrieved 24 April 2018.
  9. Trust, The Knotty Coach. "News". www.knottycoachtrust.org.uk. Archived from the original on 22 July 2016. Retrieved 24 April 2018.
  10. Trust, The Knotty Coach. "Brake Coach". www.knottycoachtrust.org.uk. Archived from the original on 21 January 2018. Retrieved 24 April 2018.

Further reading
  • Mitchell, Vic; Smith, Keith (2016). Derby to Stoke-on-Trent. West Sussex: Middleton Press. figs. 111-120. ISBN 9781908174932. OCLC 954271104.
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