Background

The Chasewater Railway Narrow Gauge (CRNG) was founded by Andy Clegg and Tony Wheeler in September 2001 when they visited Bolton Fell peat works. Tony had always wanted a narrow gauge locomotive and a Lister was up for disposal. A price was agreed and the locomotive arrived a few months later. A large quantity of 20lb rail was acquired together with some points. Track followed the fence line and was approximately 100 yards in length. Locomotive and stock sheds were erected and the waiting room from the old Brownhills West site was moved to form the mess room. Jonathan Clegg, Keith Poynter and Steve Hulse are regular volunteers on the CRNG. Over the next six months, further locomotives, coaches and wagons arrived, however most are in need of restoration.

Thanks to the efforts of Steve Organ, the General Manager of the Chasewater Railway, a ten foot corridor alongside the new fence has been prepared for the track in 2003.

Before the track was lifted we realised our current rail would not be suitable for even a lightweight steam engine so the decision to upgrade was made. The CRNG was lucky to be able to purchase some points from the Golden Valley Light Railway at the Midland Railway Centre.

It must be remembered that the CRNG is self funded and while it is part of the Chasewater Railway, all grants received for the standard gauge are not for their use. Therefore the CRNG fund their own development at present.

The Appeal

One of the original aims of the C.N.G.R was to raise money by running trains to support the extension of the railway to the main car park at the entrance to Chasewater Park and to help restore some of the vintage stock on the standard gauge. We need to purchase 35lb rail at £200 a ton which is enough for thirty yards of track. Sleepers, fishplates, and bolts bring the cost of a 30 yard run to about £500. Initially we need to upgrade 250 yards of track so we are hoping to raise £4000. John and Margaret Duffil are fund raising and we are grateful to Less Emery who started our appeal with a large donation.

Beckie the collecting dog will be helping the CNGR raise some much needed funds so if you see her why not help them and make a donation.

The Way Forward.

Once the realigned trackbed is prepared, 20lb rail will be re-laid which will be replaced as we obtain 35lb rail. The ultimate aim is to lay 35lb rail out of the Brownhills West compound and to the main car park in Chasewater. Preliminary discussions and a site visit with Her Majesty's Rail Inspectorate have taken place, and in due course it will be necessary for us to submit a formal application to HMRI. We are hoping to run trains in the near future. The delay is due to getting permission from the railway inspector and the procurement of suitable coaching stock, which must have wheelchair access. Discussions are taking place with two museums to see if we can loan some ex-Coal Board Manriders which will require restoration prior to operation.

Current Stock

The C.R.N.G currently has six diesel locomotives, several ex- MOD trucks and two coaches. Please click here for more information.