More about steam

Thursday, 03 September 2009 08:58

Whilst moored at East Riddlesden on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal we took another trip on a steam railway

The Keighley and Worth Steam Railway runs from Keighley Station (this is the main rail station too) to Oxenhope.

Keighley and Worth Valley railway platform

It was built in 1867 by local mill owners. The Midland railway bought it out and then in 1924 the line became part of the London, Midland and Scottish Railway, followed by British Railways in 1948.

In 1961 the line was closed, to much local opposition. A railway preservation society was formed in 1962. They created a company that bought the line and leased access to Keighley station. Thus began the regular public service that exists to this day.

The trip gave us enormous pleasure and a feeling of nostalgia of course! There is so much to say about this trip, I am afraid I shall have to spread it over a couple of blogs!

We travelled from Keighley to Ingrow West, the first station on the run. We alighted here as there are a couple of things to see and do.

Ingrow station plaque

First it was a visit to the Ingrow Loco Museum with its Loco 2258 Tiny

There is a comprehensive exhibition about the steam locomotive and the men who built, maintained and drove them.

A little further down the yard is the award winning Museum of Rail Travel. It houses some very fine Victorian carriages and other artefacts from the age of steam and the golden years of rail travel.

Some highlights in photographs -

The amazing collection of railway magazines, it must be the worlds largest

First class GCR (Grand Central Railway) rail carriage

A comprehensive collection of railway signs

There is a wide range of carriage styles, both exterior and interior and the difference between third, standard and first class seats is quite remarkable. I had to try some of them!

Third class

Standard class

First classSmoking was allowed

All the needs of passengers were catered for

ToiletWash basin

Food trolley last used on Scarborough station

John just had to have a go as we left!

We caught the next train towards Oakworth station - this has a claim to fame but you will have to wait as I shall leave you guessing!