I was lucky enough to be invited to run a loco on the recently extended Echills Wood Railway (Kingsbury Water Park) on the 30th December 2009. The new extension had only been useble for a few days so this was both an honour and a treat. As if it wasn't large already, the members of this club have now extended their track to well over a mile, maybe one and a half miles in total with a new loop going off into the park. A new station is placed roughly half way around the loop and another at the connection point with the existing circuit. when these stations are finished passengers will be able to travel to different areas of the park as they wish. I'm full of admiration for all the hard work that continues to be put in at the new EWR site, and the way the club is organised. The Railway sets new standards in Midland 7.25" Gauge lines whilst the members are helpful and friendly. It is certainly a good choice for a 7.25" Society AGM which is fortunate, as the 2010 event is to be held there! Although the weather was grim, grey, wet and cold on this December day (see pic.s!) I had a whale of a time, clocking up perhaps 12 miles or so before the cold and damp got the better of me at dusk. Here are some pictures, not especially colourful or senic but taken as I drove 'Cloister'. They do show some of the majesty of this huge but still growing railway and I'm sure it will look even better in Summer. The pictures are in no particular order so don't write and tell me that this one should go before that one etc. please.

Here's my friend Richard, about to embark on a driving lesson with his Grandson. Which one is the Teacher?! Behind Richard's Romulus, my Hunslet 'Cloister' simmers, keen to get away.
In the new extended configuration, the new loop comes first. A diesel outline loco is about to pass on its way back out of the loop.
The double track section is quite long, having 2 or 3 trestle bridges to cross, and a sizeable tunnel. I didn't manage to get any pictures of these this time round.
The track is very well laid with curves generous enough for the largest locos.
Back on to the original loop, large enough on its own.
It was one of those damp days where the steam hung for ages. In the distance you'll see the steam trail of Richards' loco running before me.
Throttling back for one of 3 crossings (at present). My thanks to Jeff Stevens and all at EWR for making our visit memorable and enjoyable. To visit the Echill's Wood railway website click HERE