Scarborough North Bay Railway

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Loco 1931 Neptune passes 1932 Triton at Beach Station, 3 August 2006.

Scarborough North Bay Railway is a miniature railway in Scarborough, North Yorkshire. It was built in 1931, to the gauge of 20" (508mm), and runs for approximately 2/3 mile (1km) between Peasholm Park and Scalby Mills in the North Bay area of the town.

1 The Grand Opening
2 Locomotives
3 Stations
4 Privatisation
5 External links
6 References

[edit] The Grand Opening

The opening ceremony took place at 2pm on Saturday 23rd May, 1931. The locomotive, Neptune, was officially handed over by the Chairman of the North Side Development Committee, Alderman Whitehead, to the Mayor of Scarborough, Alderman J.W. Butler, for the Entertainments Department. Alderman Whitehead made a short presentation speech:
"On behalf of the National Union of Drivers, Engineers and others, I have to present you, the first driver of the North Bay Railway Engine, with your insignia of office, your oil can and your 'sweat rag'."
The mayor was presented with a peaked cap, an oil can (adorned with a blue ribbon), and a rag, before driving the train from Peasholm Station non-stop to Scalby Mills, at which point the engine changed was transferred to the other end of the train for the return journey.

[edit] Locomotives

It has two locomotives, which appear as 4-6-2 "Pacific" steam locos in outline, though they are actually diesel powered. They were built by Hudswell Clarke and are named and numbered as follows:

1931 Neptune
1932 Triton

The numbers reflect the years they were built.

The locomotives have recently (December 2006) been supplemented by

1932 Robin Hood
1933 Poseidon

These two locomotives were also built by Hudswell Clarke of Leeds and this is the first time the four locomotives have been united together. Robin Hood is a 4-6-4T whilst Poseidon is a 4-6-2 Pacific like Neptune and Triton.

[edit] Stations

Peasholm - single platform terminus at the Burniston Road entrance to Northstead Manor Gardens.
Beach - two staggered platforms with passing loop. Currently disused, was a temporary terminus during the construction of Scarborough Sealife Centre.
Scalby Mills - island platform terminus serving Scarborough Sealife Centre. Engine release by turntable.

[edit] Privatisation

Issue 334 of "Steam Railway Magazine" (April 2007) contained the following article:
"Scarborough's railway privatised
The Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway's associate, the North Bay Railway Company, is set to take over Scarborough's North Bay Railway on March 30. After a successful trial period of operating during the winter, a 25-year lease has been obtained from Scarborough Council.
One of NBR's priorities will be to assess the options for extending the 1,300yd-long line. A handover will take place at a ceremony on March 30."

[edit] External links

[edit] References

Gorbert, Michael (1981). Scarborough's North Bay Miniature Railway Golden Jubilee, 50 Years on, 1931-1981. Department Of Tourism & Amenities, Scarborough Borough Council.