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The formal opening took place on 14/4/2007 by Sir William McAlpine. Various people attended the event including Sir Jimmy Saville, the Deputy Lord Mayor of Leeds and various other dignitaries. Detail of the plaque as unveiled by Sir William McAlpine can be seen in the photo on the left. |
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The HMRI inspectorate visited the Middleton railway on 3 April 2006 to inspect the new track work at Moor Road. They were very thorough, and very impressed with what they saw.
Approval was given for passenger trains to start running at Easter, 2006. Trains are operating
each weekend as shown on the main website. Main Home Page
Back by popular demand - to hire a coach for your birthday party please call in and talk with a member of the shop staff (Saturday or Sunday) or leave a message on the answer machine.
Bookings for Santa can now be made see the main home page for details.
Welcome to the pages outlining the plans and a selection of views of the rebuilding of the Middleton Railway.
On behalf of all of the members that are helping in the works that are being carried out thank you for viewing the WIP (work in progress) pages. If you are fit and able you are welcome to join the band of merry men (and women) that are making this project a reality.
Financial assistance can be given by completing the Presidents Appeal form.
The re-modelling of the track plan is taking place because of various factors
- the segregation of movement of loco's and stock from passenger walkways
- improved storage and display of rolling stock
- covered passenger accommodation
- provide a meeting/class room
- existing shed and display area will enlarge the workshop/restoration area
Why are we doing it during our normal period of operation?
Leeds City Council are in the process of building a road bridge over the line near to the South Leeds sports complex. This has resulted in their occupation of the line (and closure of) for a few months during the construction of the bridge.
The Engine House
The façade is based upon the office complex of Hunslet Engine Co of nearby Jack Lane.
The entrance vestibule leads to the information/ticket point and then onwards through the display area. From the introduction gallery access to the trains is along the main hall. In the main hall will be a selection of large and small exhibits relating to the Leeds Collection.
In the upper level is a classroom for use by schools and other groups.
The new resource centre has replaced the previous shop. A substantial proportion of the funding for the building of this has been donated by The Heritage Lottery fund.
| Dimensions |
| The overall building length is 78.75m |
| The width varies; widest is 16.3m |
| Display hall 63m x 10.2m generally |
| Cafe area 70m2 approx (inc sales area) |
| Meeting room 81.5m2 |
| Facade 13.2m |
The Leeds Collection - we intend to represent the main engineering companies that were located mainly in the Leeds vicinity. Hunslet Engine Co., Manning Wardle, Kitson, John Fowler, J & H McLaren, Hudswell Clarke, Booths of Rodley and Greenwood & Batley.
Click onto the button below to view the track plan of the site. The original plan will initially open in a new window. The buttons will take you forwards to the next planned stage of the development.
Gallery
The buttons below will take you to the images taken on a selection of dates during the construction process. Each will open in a new window. Photo's taken by a selection of Middleton Railway working members - see captions for details.
Displays
A number of the items that have been distributed within the Moor Road site in inaccessible places are in the progress of being restored for display within the resource centre.
Items that are to be cosmetically restored include the following
Fowler 0-4-0 diesel loco (3900002 built in 1945)
"Henry de Lacy II" 0-4-0ST (Hudswell Clarke 1309 of 1917)
Leeds Forge wagon.
The Greenbat - this is an interesting electric locomotive built for use in the coke ovens.