The tinder season was upon us - Spring 2016

As the winter draws to an end, the railways tinder loads increase as whilst the woodburners of Kent start to cool down for summer, the wood suppliers need to replenish their stocks - so the railway's staff and rolling stock kick into action to ensure deliveries are maintained.

Lola starts the day with a line clearing train to check clearances ahead of longer trains

Jessie joins in with a sizeable single truck load

High winds cause PW team extra work

This Friday the PW team were doing their early morning inspection run of the line and found the high winds had brought down a number of branches onto the line.

General Manager Bob has hitched a ride down with Driver Philpot and Pick Pete to inspect the damage - Pete enjoys a woodbine before starting work!

CHLR are pleased top announce that it didn't take the PW team long to deal with the blockage and by 0900 the line was clear and open for business.

Pick Pete checks the load is secure before giving Philpot the right away (and finish off his next Woodbine!)

October 2015 - CHLR in new ownership begins operations

Welcome to the CHLR

After the completion of phase 1 groundworks, track laying and a visit from the officials of the Railway Inspectorate (the father in law!) the Castle Hill Light Railway began revenue earning operation on a cold but clear day on the 17th October.

Here are a couple of pictures to whet your appetite of things to come. The first train was a scrap train from the recycling yard down the north end of the line to Junction station.

We will start to update you on happenings at the line which whilst has its roots firmly in an industrial past, will start to develop a complimentary passenger and freight operation in the comings months.

(Wee Yin (now loco No.1 Lola) heads a scrap train from the recycling yard northward pass Wood Yard halt. Jock the driver who came with the loco from a narrow gauge railway in Shetland, has settled in Kent as a member of the team on the CHLR)