Stations 4 Length 3,219 m | Length 3,219 m Phone +44 1543 452623 | |
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Original gauge 4 ft 8 ⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge Preserved gauge 4 ft 8 ⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge Address Brownhills West Station, Chasewater Country Park, Pool Ln, A5, Burntwood, Burntwook WS8 7NL, UK Hours Closed now Friday10AM–4PMSaturday9:30AM–5PMSunday9:30AM–5PMMondayClosedTuesdayClosedWednesday10AM–4PMThursday10AM–4PM Similar Chasewater, Chasewater Country Park ‑ Sta, Amerton Railway, Telford Steam Railway, Churnet Valley Railway Profiles |
The Chasewater Railway is a former colliery railway running round the shores of Chasewater in Staffordshire, England. It is now operated as a heritage railway.
Contents
The line is approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) in length, contained entirely within Chasewater Country Park. The route, which forms a horse-shoe shape around the lake, passes through heathland, including a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and passes over a 1⁄4 mile (0.40 km) long causeway.
2016 may 28 chasewater railway
History
Prior to preservation, the line was part of the network operated by the NCB to serve the coalfields of the Cannock Chase area. The exchange sidings, where the colliery line connected with the Midland Railway, were situated about 1⁄4 mile (0.40 km) north of the current Brownhills West Station.
Significant changes happened in 2002/2003 caused by the closure of the old Brownhills station, due to the building of the M6 Toll motorway. This led to the rebuilding of Brownhills West with significantly improved facilities, including a new carriage shed and heritage centre, and completion of the Chasetown section of the line (the 'Chasetown Extension Railway' between Chasewater Heaths and Chasetown Church Street).
In 2016 the Railway was awarded The Queens Award for Voluntary Services.
Stations
Rolling stock
The railway is home to a collection of steam and diesel locomotives of mostly industrial origin, many with local industrial connections. Passengers are conveyed in ex-DMU cars and British Railways Mark 1 coaches, as well as brake vans on gala days. In recent years the railway has also played host to various guest steam locomotives from other lines.
The railway also owns various vintage carriages, some dating back over a century. These, as well as other rolling stock, are accommodated in the newly completed Heritage Centre.
Locomotives
Narrow gauge railway
Volunteers are currently working to establish a 2 ft (610 mm) gauge narrow gauge railway close to the heritage centre.