Statfold Barn Railway - Sweet Indian Steam

[Skymonster]

Just a quick shoutout for the Statfold Barn Railway near Tamworth, which held its “Sweet Indian Steam” enthusiasts event this past weekend. The line (approx 1.5 miles of 2’ gauge, plus a garden railway, a tram line and some 18” track including four stations and an extensive museum in a purpose-built roundhouse) had 11 locomotives in steam, plus a railcar and a double-deck tram. The event marked Sharp Stuart 0-4-0ST No.'19B', built in 1889, visiting from Beeches Light Railway and which previously worked on the Darjeeling Mountain Railway (the only working loco to escape the country from that railway). However, with so many locos running - from a collection that numbers almost 100 - the action was non-stop with departure frequencies usually less than 10 minutes. I recommend the railway and encourage anyone with even a slight interest to give it a go - I know I’ll go back.

 

[shap summit]

Great photos, thanks for posting.

 

[DarloRich]

interesting - how do you get "invited" to these events?

 

[theblackwatch]

interesting - how do you get "invited" to these events?

Very easily - click https://www.statfold.com/ and book yourself a ticket.

I've been once before and had also planned on attending this event but unfortunately was unable to make it - my friend who I was supposed to be going with said it was a very good day out so I would echo the OP's comments.

 

[DarloRich]

Very easily - click https://www.statfold.com/ and book yourself a ticket.

OH! HAHAHAHAHA! I was told it was invite only!

 

[Skymonster]

OH! HAHAHAHAHA! I was told it was invite only!

@DarloRich - if you’re tempted to visit Statfold Barn, my recommendation would be the event on 10th/11th September (Road, Rail and Ale) as this is most likely to be more train-oriented than the other planned events - it is also likely to be only other large-scale running day this Sumer. For the bigger events, a free heritage bus service is usually provided from Tamworth station.

 

[birchesgreen]

Just keep an eye on their website and look out for enthusiast days, they will be announced months in advance so you can plan.

I went on the Saturday, the Statfold Barn Railway is a wonderful treasure trove of narrow gauge treasures.