Image Galleries
Various tunnel pictures
View of the tunnel as re-construction nears the end. Only some of the roof lintels have been laid, causing the strange lighting effect.
View of the tunnel as re-construction nears the end. Only some of the roof lintels have been laid, causing the strange lighting effect.
Nice view of the newly re-built "Box" end of the tunnel. This portal is based on the famous GWR tunnel at Box, near Bath. Only the centre section was dismantled during the re-construction works.
Nice view of the newly re-built "Box" end of the tunnel. This portal is based on the famous GWR tunnel at Box, near Bath. Only the centre section was dismantled during the re-construction works.
View of the Primrose hill end of the tunnel, based on the famous Midland railway tunnel in North London. All the miniature bricks are hand tiled, over 12,500!
The portal this end as well as about 6 feet of the original tunnel, were not demolished on the re-build. Picture taken in summer 95 after the re-build
View of the Primrose hill end of the tunnel, based on the famous Midland railway tunnel in North London. All the miniature bricks are hand tiled, over 12,500!
The portal this end as well as about 6 feet of the original tunnel, were not demolished on the re-build. Picture taken in summer 95 after the re-build
With a little help from the Jubilee, the Saint pulls her 9 coach train out of Box on the last leg of the "long drag" up from the lakeside. This part of the journey is a test for man and machine, and can go badly wrong if the coal is poor, or it rains!
With a little help from the Jubilee, the Saint pulls her 9 coach train out of Box on the last leg of the "long drag" up from the lakeside. This part of the journey is a test for man and machine, and can go badly wrong if the coal is poor, or it rains!
Station and lineside pictures
The Niagara sits at the end of platform 1 having run in with her train. Once loaded, the train will leave with new loco(s) and Niagara will follow the train to the top curve, before running into the headshunt. The engine can then reverse back onto the next train, ready for the next departure.
The Niagara sits at the end of platform 1 having run in with her train. Once loaded, the train will leave with new loco(s) and Niagara will follow the train to the top curve, before running into the headshunt. The engine can then reverse back onto the next train, ready for the next departure.
Where's my driver!!
Simmering away and ready to go, the Berkshire awaits a driver. The steam coming out of the side of the chimney is from one of the air compressors. The engine has two steam powered duplex units, one on each side, and these make the distinctive chuff chuff noise heard on most American locos, when standing.
Where's my driver!!
Simmering away and ready to go, the Berkshire awaits a driver. The steam coming out of the side of the chimney is from one of the air compressors. The engine has two steam powered duplex units, one on each side, and these make the distinctive chuff chuff noise heard on most American locos, when standing.
The Late Bill Kirklands superb model of the LNER A4 "Sir Nigel Gresley" During its brief visit to the railway in the 1998, it is seen double heading with the green backing onto the short train full of passengers in platform 2.
This loco was subsequently sold in 2001 at auction by Bonhams after Bills sad death and now resides at the Eastleigh Lakeside Railway on the south coast.
The Late Bill Kirklands superb model of the LNER A4 "Sir Nigel Gresley" During its brief visit to the railway in the 1998, it is seen double heading with the green backing onto the short train full of passengers in platform 2.
This loco was subsequently sold in 2001 at auction by Bonhams after Bills sad death and now resides at the Eastleigh Lakeside Railway on the south coast.
The Niagara prepares to take the diverging left hand route into the headshunt, having reversed out of the station, following its train out. It will then reverse back into the station from the triangle, to connect with the next train.
Apart from solving a logistical problem, this operation also adds interest to the railway for the public.
The token pole for the main line is to the right of the loco, empty of course!
The Niagara prepares to take the diverging left hand route into the headshunt, having reversed out of the station, following its train out. It will then reverse back into the station from the triangle, to connect with the next train.
Apart from solving a logistical problem, this operation also adds interest to the railway for the public.
The token pole for the main line is to the right of the loco, empty of course!
Various Archive Pictures
Bit of a dark shot, but somewhere there is the Berkshire as she takes a train through the wooded section of the line approaching "badgers bend", a favourite place for the occasional train robberies!
Bit of a dark shot, but somewhere there is the Berkshire as she takes a train through the wooded section of the line approaching "badgers bend", a favourite place for the occasional train robberies!
Unusual view taken of the Jubilee as she crosses the Haven lake overflow bridge
Unusual view taken of the Jubilee as she crosses the Haven lake overflow bridge
Drivers view taken of the Jubilee as he prepares to leave the station on number two platform. Notice the array of signals, all working and interlocked to the electro pneumatic points. Small 24 volt solenoids driving the lower quadrant arms
Drivers view taken of the Jubilee as he prepares to leave the station on number two platform. Notice the array of signals, all working and interlocked to the electro pneumatic points. Small 24 volt solenoids driving the lower quadrant arms
During September 2000, a private railway group visited the SMR and the Jubilee was rostered to operate the train. As a commemoration of an event in the mid 70's when she was called on to convey the visiting Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, she proudly wore her "Royal" head code as on that day.
During September 2000, a private railway group visited the SMR and the Jubilee was rostered to operate the train. As a commemoration of an event in the mid 70's when she was called on to convey the visiting Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, she proudly wore her "Royal" head code as on that day.
Cab view of the Jubilee, showing the controls layout. The reverser screw is on the left with the regulator in mid view (above fire hole). Above the regulator are the left and right hand steam injector supply valves and the blower valve is far top left. Water gauge glass is next to the boiler pressure gauge and whistle lever is above the gauge. Steam brake and drain cock valves are bottom right of cab
Cab view of the Jubilee, showing the controls layout. The reverser screw is on the left with the regulator in mid view (above fire hole). Above the regulator are the left and right hand steam injector supply valves and the blower valve is far top left. Water gauge glass is next to the boiler pressure gauge and whistle lever is above the gauge. Steam brake and drain cock valves are bottom right of cab
The Niagara always turns out well. Here she is with her prototype flags taken on number two road at the loco shed. The Jubilee is being prepared behind her.
The Niagara always turns out well. Here she is with her prototype flags taken on number two road at the loco shed. The Jubilee is being prepared behind her.
View of the Niagara taken on the curve at the end of the chestnuts straight as she starts the climb up to badgers bend. At this point, the railway joins the edge of the lakeside and runs along its eastern shore all the way to the Haven
View of the Niagara taken on the curve at the end of the chestnuts straight as she starts the climb up to badgers bend. At this point, the railway joins the edge of the lakeside and runs along its eastern shore all the way to the Haven
The Niagara rounds the curve from Chestnuts straight,. The site of the old picnic area station is behind the train. This point is the furthest out on the railway and is a long way from home if the train breaks down or you run out of fuel with the diesel!!! Especially on non-operational days when there is no other motive power
The Niagara rounds the curve from Chestnuts straight,. The site of the old picnic area station is behind the train. This point is the furthest out on the railway and is a long way from home if the train breaks down or you run out of fuel with the diesel!!! Especially on non-operational days when there is no other motive power
The Niagara crosses the Haven bridge, the first of 5 water crossings on the line. The river Eye flows 7 feet below the decking at this point but will flow over the track in times of heavy floods. The bridge is built of substantial steel girders with standard gauge railway sleepers on top for decking and gives a scenic view of the river to passengers. Once over the bridge, the line curves sharply following the river bank for 1/4 mile straight before diving over the river again and into the heavily wooded chestnuts and badgers bend section of the line.
The Niagara crosses the Haven bridge, the first of 5 water crossings on the line. The river Eye flows 7 feet below the decking at this point but will flow over the track in times of heavy floods. The bridge is built of substantial steel girders with standard gauge railway sleepers on top for decking and gives a scenic view of the river to passengers. Once over the bridge, the line curves sharply following the river bank for 1/4 mile straight before diving over the river again and into the heavily wooded chestnuts and badgers bend section of the line.
FSMR site work
The British weather takes its toll on the track, with some sections now over 25 years old, the re-sleepering of track is a constant task.
The new sleeper is being packed for height ready for spiking
The rotten old sleeper has been tapped out, and replaced with a new one which is being packed ready for spiking
October 2006 track work weekend
These photos were taken during the October track weekend in 2006 when 5 panels were lifted and replaced on badgers curve in one weekend.
After lifting cutting off the fishplate bolts and lifting the panels out onto the bank, the next step is to use the tractor loader and hand tools!! to remove about 4 inches of the old track ballast The end of this weekends working area can be seen where the track restarts.
Even my youngest gets in on the act with the shovel!!.
Next, after fitting new sleepers to the old panels, they are put back in place on a geo-tex membrane to prevent the fresh ballast getting contaminated from below. The fishplates are then fitted with new bolts and greased to ensure trouble free movement (critical to avoid thermal damage in the hot sun!!)
The scale of the weekends work can be seen here, the new panels starting at the bottom right of the picture through to the top left of the picture. The full size sleepers are ready for the new sleeper retaining wall to be installed at the same time
After being loaded with stone, the Berkshire heads off back to the work site with the works train. Apart from the two 4 axle ballast trucks, the works train usually consist of a flat truck for general conveying of sleepers etc ( also adapted to take the petrol driven 1000 l weed-killing tank sprayer). There is also a 3 axle short wheelbase truck carrying fishplates, spikes and bolts shown ns shot. Also out of shot is the twin cylinder diesel 3 phase generator / welding wagon. An essential piece of equipment on any track day.
If there is a large number of personnel, a passenger coach is also added to the consist
Two panels are already installed and ballasted. The tractor is completing compacting the loosened bed before the geo-tex is applied. The newly sleepered panel will then be connected onto the ballasted panel. The laser level ( setup at the beginning) is used to maintain the gradient profile throughout the new length
After setting the track height using the laser, the track is then ballasted. There are two 2 ton ballast trucks on the SMR works train. One has end discharge (as shown here) the other has side discharge doors. The two run in pairs so that the whole section of track can be ballasted effectively. Re-loading is carried out at the ballast tip by the station using the tractor loader
November 2006 Bonfire Night Running
FSMR member David Eatwell took the following pictures of the SMR during our members Nov 5th bonfire running
Prior to commencing passenger stock runs 752 Berkshire class loco was in use up to mid afternoon as motive power for the works train in the diesels absence (undergoing a major overhaul all winter). Shown here after work to complete the new sleeper walling
Prior to commencing passenger stock runs 752 Berkshire class loco was in use up to mid afternoon as motive power for the works train in the diesels absence (undergoing a major overhaul all winter). Shown here after carrying out final completion on the new sleeper retaining wall. This was carried out in conjunction with track panel renewal in October
752 Berkshire class loco shown on the second passenger train of the afternoon, as the sunlight fades and a clear frosty moonlit night takes over. This silhouette was taken looking from the lake shore towards the hotel.
Prior to commencing passenger stock runs 752 Berkshire class loco was in use up to mid afternoon as motive power for the works train in the diesels absence (undergoing a major overhaul all winter). Shown here after carrying out final completion on the new sleeper retaining wall. This was carried out in conjunction with track panel renewal in October
752 Berkshire class loco shown on evening passenger train on a clear frosty moonlit night.
This picture was taken looking from platform one towards the floodlit signal box.
752 Berkshire class loco shown on the first passenger train of the afternoon, awaiting departure on platform one.
August 2005 Open Weekend
FSMR member, David Eatwell sent the following pictures of the SMR during the August 2005 open weekend
The NKP Berkshire brings another full trainload home through the top curve points. Under normal public operation, trains run straight into the station terminus behind the camera, with the line to the right of the loco only used for light engine triangle loco turning movements after every departure.
752, the NKP Berkshire waits on platform 2 for the road.
752, the NKP Berkshire runs through the top curve point approaching the station.
6019 NYC Niagara is being steamed on number two ash-pit road at the engine shed apron . Two roads access the shed which has a traverser installed, thus either road can be used, both with ash-pits. A middle road (pictured) allows locos to be stabled outside when not required or at peak service times.
6019 NYC Niagara and 752 NKP Berkshire make an impressive sight on the terminus platforms
The Berkshire has just brought a trainload into platform two, while the Niagara’s train has now been reloaded and a new engine coupled to the rear (now the front!!) ready for immediate departure. The Niagara will then follow the train out and carry out a turn manoeuvre on the top curve triangle. Another loco will be already waiting to back onto the train when it returns to platform one. The Niagara will then couple onto the platform two train.
Lady Gretton in charge of Curwen Atlantic 751 “John H Gretton” awaits the road on platform two. The Atlantic is a very capable loco and will solo handle the 9 car sets as well as its bigger American cousins. Note the rather complex prototypical lower quadrant semaphore gantry, all power worked and locked into the points. The smaller lower signals are for shunt working such as loco turning etc and in the case of the straight ahead form each platform, only give authority up to the top curve signal allowing the light engine to then enter the triangle.
NKP Berks 762 sits on platform two and the NYC Niagara, loaded and ready on platform one awaiting the road.
Curwen Atlantic 751 “John H Gretton” runs along the lakeside approaching the end of the balloon loop point at the Haven signal box. Once given the road, it will then run up the bank towards the tunnel and ultimately the terminus station.
6019 NYC Niagara receives some attention as it sits on platform one.
The GWR Saint and LMS Jubilee double head on the start of the attack of the bank up to the tunnel.
The NYC Niagara coast down the bank towards the lake with a full train The Stately house behind is Stapleford Hall, now the Stapleford Park Country Hotel. Open to the public along with the railway and safari park until the early 80,s when the house was sold off to become an exclusive hotel. The railway and estate were retained by the family to this day.
Steam 2002
Taken by Mr Bernard Daniels of Rolleston Systems
Coasting down the bank from the tunnel, the Berkshire will now be braking in readiness for the signals and points controlling the diverging routes at the Haven. The line curves sharply to the right after the tunnel (behind the train) and then follows the tree line (top right of picture) up to the triangle and station on a rising grade all the way.
751 "John H Gretton" is about to lift its nine coach set up the bank from the lakeside.
Bursting out of the Primrose end of the SMR tunnel is 751 "John H Gretton" on its way down the bank to the Haven (note the scale telegraph poles, which are now becoming a thing of the past , even on the preserved lines).
The GWR Saint and LMS Jubilee double head a nine coach set up the bank and into Primrose tunnel. The tunnel has a sharp curve to the right through its length and the gradient continues all the way through and out the other side, making for some skillful driving to get the train through without slipping to a stand. Due to the steep and long grades on the SMR, these two engines are always double headed on public days either with themselves (or in event of a mechanical failure of one ) with the Warship Diesel or Green 751.
Pulling away from the station with another full nine coach train, the GWR Saint and LMS Jubilee make a good pairing, even though its unlikely to have ever occurred in the real world! Having two platforms allows the next train to be loaded up with passengers prior to the train returning.
Another shot of the Saint and Jubilee. Note the different driving positions on the two loco's dictated by the tender.
One of the two SMR Americans, 752 Berkshire class 2-8-4 heavy freight of the Nickel Plate Railroad coasts her train into platform one. Another loco, or locos will be waiting beyond the signalman in the triangle waiting to back onto the train once the train on platform two has departed.
Demonstrating the "shunt move". Saint and Jubilee run into the triangle head-shunt, having followed their train out on the main line in reverse as far as the junction signal, before being brought forward through the point onto the shunt. They then proceed forward to the next triangle point before being reversed onto the rear of the next arriving train on the remaining leg of the triangle. Thus locos can be turned without needing a turntable and it also adds interest to the operation.
752 NKP Berkshire runs through the last signal controlled point onto the main line. Just behind the cameraman is the staff post containing the mainline token and to the left of the train is the triangle head-shunt , which used to run right through to the Hall and Central station until closure in 1982.
Curwen Atlantic 751 "John H Gretton" re-named in 1995 after the late Lord John sits on platform two. Note the unusual enclosed valve gear arrangement, designed by John and his staff to give more reliable service and easy maintenance. This loco now also has electric headlamp and guage glass lamps to allow night running on members weekends such as bonfire night.
Newly arrived from the shed, the 752 Berkshire proceeds forward to the platform and triangle access points from the shed road. The platform selection point is in the for-ground, left road being platform two and right, platform one via the switched diamond crossing.
Waiting for the "Peg", the Saint and Jubilee sit on platform 2 under the impressive signal gantry. The Green "John H Gretton" sits by the water tower on the shed road line waiting clearance from control to enter the station complex. Also note the black boxes protecting the pneumatic point motors which are brought into play on public days when the system interlocks with the signals and all movements are under strict control of the signalman with no SPADs allowed!! At all other times, the railway runs on spring points and no signals to allow minimal manpower operation.
The Author steams on shed the Green Curwen Atlantic"John H Gretton". Note the airline still connected to the blower. This is used with about 28psi air to draw the fire until a head of about 60 psi steam is made, when the engine can be self sustaining. The Berkshire is also being steamed on the far road. The white can of diesel soaked wood is used to initially build up a fire base before adding coal.
The final check on steaming a loco after all the usual oiling around etc. is the all important accumulation test. With a full firebox and blower on hard, the safety valves are checked to ensure that they all work at the correct pressure, and that the steam pressure cannot exceed the "red line" After the test, they are also checked to ensure correct closure. Other checks before a loco is fit for service are: All brakes (steam air and mechanical where appropriate) functioning; Both injectors working correctly; Gauge glass(s) okay and reading correct; All controls working and no major or dangerous steam leaks. Once satisfied, the person appointed to steam the loco signs off a check list to confirm the above on the loco's unique record card (stored in the red folder held by the authors son above).
Demonstrating "the shunt move" The Saint and Jubilee are reversing their train into platform 2 from the triangle shunt. This is an unusual move on public days and is only run on the first train of the day until 2 sets of locos are available. The newly steamed green can be seen on the shed road awaiting clearance to enter the station complex once the train has departed. It will then back onto the train when it returns (this time running straight into the terminus). Note the complex point-work and switched diamond, all under power control and interlocked signal gantry.
Another view of the GWR and LMS pairing
Nice view of the GWR Saint "Hampton Court". This loco carries a name never worn by its full size sisters. Nearly always pared with the three cylinder LMS Jubilee "Victoria" due to the workload on the railway with a nine coach train (2 nine coach sets are in use on the SMR on public days).
Nice view of 5565 LMS Jubilee "Victoria". This loco unlike many scale versions does have the 3rd inside cylinder. Also note the newly liveried coaches, finished in SMR Corporate Crimson and white lining.
The railways two American locos sit together on shed. At the front is 2-8-4 NKP Berkshire heavy freight. And behind is 4-8-4 New York Central "Niagara" class. The Berkshire is steamed on compressed air (as per the other SMR locos) but the Niagara uses an electric fan in the chimney. There are two shed access roads each with ash-pit and also a central stabling road for holding locos in steam etc.
Another view , this time of the 4-8-4 NYC Niagara Express passenger loco. Sadly, all full size locos of this class from the ALCO works in America were scrapped by the 50's.
The railways owner and President of the FSMR, Lady Gretton looks on as the American contingent are prepared for service.
Admiring the gleaming locos is all part of the joy of owning your own railway. Lady Gretton shows a guest around the loco prep area.
As well as being an accomplished steam locomotive driver. Our President and owner of the SMR, Lady Gretton also owns this fine Stanley Steam car. On show at the June 2002 event, it always attracts lots of interest.
Archive Images
Various old images from the sixties and seventies
Taken in spring 1970 by Bernard Daniels - View of "Southern Cross" one of the two unique Curwen built scale liners that plied the lake during the heydays of the SMR. The sister ship was "Northern Star" and both were replicas of their full size cousins of the "Shaw Saville" line. In fact, they were the largest scale passenger carrying ships in the world. They were sold or scrapped after closure.
Taken in spring 1970 by Bernard Daniels - "John of Gaunt" (now re-named John H Gretton) leads "Blanch of Lancaster" on the attack of the bank, bringing up the train from lakeside. The berthing area for the liners is to the right of the train rear. The lead loco is also just passing the point where the famous 1965 "Avengers" plot of Emma Peel being tied to the track was filmed.
Taken in spring 1970 by Bernard Daniels - Lead engine, "John of Gaunt" (now re-named John H Gretton) with "Blanch of Lancaster" siting with the turntable and sheds behind at Central station. Also in shot is the Curwen Warship diesel.
Taken in spring 1970 by Bernard Daniels - View of "Blanche of Lancaster" setting off up the climb from Lakeside terminus. Blanche is now located at Trago Mills railway in Newton Abbot but did re-visit the SMR during the inaugural public re-opening in 1995.
Taken in spring 1970 by Bernard Daniels - The late Lord John is in charge of lead engine,"John of Gaunt" (now re-named John H Gretton) as he double heads with "Blanch of Lancaster" on the attack of the bank, bringing up the fully loaded train from lakeside. Taking a heavy train from a standing start up the bank calls for some nifty driving. Note all the "classic" cars of the era snaking around the lion reserve in the background (enclosed by the massive steel fence!!). Allegedly, on a clear night, the lions roars could be heard for miles!!
Taken in spring 1970 by Bernard Daniels - Lead engine, "John of Gaunt" (now re-named John H Gretton) with "Blanch of Lancaster" arriving at Central station , with the turntable and sheds behind. This area was cleared with the sale of the hall on closure however a new second station called appropriately car park had already been constructed in its current location in the 70's when the circuit extension was added at lakeside.
Taken in 1961 by Peter Morriss - View of the newly built lakeside terminus. The Haven Cafe (still at the SMR) is beyond the buffer stops. Later on in the 1970's, the station became a through line with the opening of the balloon extension over the river and then back along the lake wall. Everything about the picture says early 60's, note that the liners had not yet been added.
Taken in 1961 by Peter Morriss - View of the train, although not quite sure of the exact location but possibly around the top curve area. The stock in use is the wooden bodied Curwens, which are still used today. Proudly displaying the local cities of Leicester, Nottingham Birmingham and Burton on Trent.
Also note also the scale telegraph poles, a notable feature of the SMR right through to the present day.
Taken in spring 1970 by Bernard Daniels - View of "Southern Cross" one of the two unique Curwen built scale liners that plied the lake during the heydays of the SMR. The sister ship was "Northern Star" and both were replicas of their full size cousins of the "Shaw Saville" line. In fact, they were the largest scale passenger carrying ships in the world. They were sold or scrapped after closure. The ships berth is just to the right where visitors can then rejoin the train to take them back up the hill to the "Central Station" at the hall. Note all the day trippers cars parked in front of the house.
Taken in spring 1970 by Bernard Daniels - View of "Southern Cross" one of the two unique Curwen built scale liners that plied the lake during the heydays of the SMR. The sister ship was "Northern Star" and both were replicas of their full size cousins of the "Shaw Saville" line. In fact, they were the largest scale passenger carrying ships in the world. They were sold or scrapped after closure. The car in the background sits on what was to later become part of the new track-bed when the balloon extension around the lake was laid in the mid 70's. Also on the island in front of the ship is the lighthouse (working of course!!). A trip on the train and then a cruise followed by picnic in the park was one of the main East Midlands attractions in the 60's and 70's.
Taken in spring 1970 by Bernard Daniels. View of "Blanche of Lancaster" and "John of Gaunt". (now re-named John H Gretton) backing onto the turntable at Central Station. The loco sheds are situated beyond the turntable and the station would be behind the camera. After the closure of the SMR and sale of the house, the Central station and sheds were demolished and track lifted. The turntable is presently in store, being too small to accommodate the two American locos or the double Saint / Jubilee combination and in any case, not required now due to the triangle shunt move.
Taken by Geoff Catlin in the late 70's - Pictured is 3 cylinder LMS Jubilee, 5565 sitting with the turntable in front, and sheds behind at the old Central station. This loco is still on the SMR fleet and is paired with the GWR Saint on public running days. Note also the large signal gantry behind, which was relocated on restoration to the new station.
Taken by Geoff Catlin in the late 70's - Pictured is 751 Curwen Atlantic “John of Gaunt”,(now renamed “John H Gretton”). Driving is the late Lord John Gretton with a trainload of passengers from the Central station, situated by the house. This line was run as a shuttle between the new car -park station and the Central Station. A second train would run down the left hand line and out to the main line onwards to lakeside. This area of line has hardly altered, albeit the (working) signal gantry now occupies the camera location, and the dummy signals in shot have gone. The original signal box from the Central station was also relocated on restoration to occupy the location mid left behind the warning sign.
June 2016
Images from June 2016
August 2016
Images from August Bank Holiday 2016
June 2017
Images from June Weekend 2017
August 2017
Images from August Bank Holiday 2017
June 2018
Images from June 2018
August 2018
Images from August 2018
June 2019
Images from June 2019
August 2019
Images from August 2019
Models and Miniatures June 2022
Images supplied courtesy of Paul Rees FSMR Member
Stapleford Models and Miniatures 2023
Images supplied courtesy of Paul Rees FSMR Member
Stapleford Steam August 2023
Images supplied courtesy of Paul Rees FSMR Member
