Lady Augusta

This is “Lady Augusta” (configuration 0-4-2 Tender) as she pulls into Etal Castle Station with a full carriage set.  Lady Augusta was built under contract with the workshops at the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway and entered service in 1989. Although she is quite small she has successfully pulled up to 100 passengers a trip for 21 years.  She will continue to haul regular services but the introduction of our new locomotive ”Bunty” has given her the opportunity to take a well-earned rest! Lady Augusta is named after Lady Augusta Hay (1766-1822) of Etal Manor who philanthropically employed local people during hard times to construct a carriageway from Heatherslaw along the riverbank to Tillmouth, connecting the various water mills along the route.  This route can still be walked today; see the signs at the old ford at Etal village.

Ford and Etal Estates

Take the train and stay awhile in Etal Village with its 14th Century Castle and museum, thatched cottages and pub. Enjoy a warm welcome at the Lavender Tea Rooms. See flour produced by water power at the Heatherslaw Corn Mill.  Visit the model village of Ford nearby, with the famous “horseshoe” forge and the biblical paintings at Lady Waterford Hall.  More detail of the many things to see and do can be found at www.ford-and-etal.co.uk

The Route

Steaming gently along our riverside railway gives you wonderful views of the Northumbrian countryside, the river Till and its wildlife. Swans, moorhens, herons and kingfishers are just some of the residents you may spot along the way.  If you are really lucky you may see one of our otters. If the Engine Driver spots one he might well even stop for a moment…and hang the timetable!

Shop and Ticket Office

We have a small shop within our ticket office selling gifts and souvenirs. Other attractions near at hand include a working watermill and the Granary café, situated at Heatherslaw on the banks of the river by the Iron Bridge. On most days of the week you can also watch the Blacksmith and the Woodturner & Cabinet Maker at work at nearby Errol Hut Smithy.

Bunty

Bunty (configuration 2-6-0 Tender Tank) was introduced to service in 2010.  This locomotive was begun in 2005 by Neville Smith, HLR’s founder, and completed by Alan Keef Ltd following Neville’s untimely death in 2009 (see www.alankeef.co.uk). The name is actually Neville’s nickname for his wife, Bernice. According to a book on the origins of names this means “little rabbit”! Bunty is larger and more powerful than Lady Augusta (she weighs over 4.5 tonnes fully laden) and  incorporates a number of modern features designed by Neville, including disc brakes and roller bearings on axle boxes, coupling rods and valve gear.  Bunty is fitted with Hackworth valve gear and runs at a working pressure of 120-150 psi