Haigh Hall Miniature Railway Explained

Haigh Hall Miniature Railway (HHMR) is a gauge miniature railway, situated in the grounds of Haigh Country Park in Haigh, Greater Manchester, England.[1]

The railway officially re-opened on 20 April 2014, but it had run trains under a new operator since late July 2013,[2] running shuttle services between two stations; Haigh Hall North and Haigh Hall South. The full 1mile circuit was re-opened in early 2014. The railway first opened in 1986 under different operators; it runs over the same general track layout, but some alterations have been made over time.

HHMR's two resident locomotives are Helen and Rachel, they have been a part of the railway for some time. The Railway recently took delivery of two new locomotives from the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway; The Cub (otherwise known as John) and KD-1. KD-1 is a long term restoration project, but The Cub is on loan to Haigh Hall for a general overhaul and running in.

KD-1 was previously known as the Rapido Railcar. It is under a fast-track overhaul to a fully operational locomotive. It was once part of a four-car unit, the three other carriages are beyond repair, so they are being stripped of parts in order to make KD-1 serviceable as a locomotive. What is left of the other vehicles will be used as flat wagons for the railway's permanent-way train.

The railway runs passenger services 11am - 4 pm Saturdays, Sundays, Bank Holidays and school holidays. Tickets cost £1 for all ages and free for under 2 year olds.

Locomotive Name Livery Wheel Arrangement Build Date Builder Status
Helen[3] Lined Green 1992 Operational Passenger Loco
The Cub Grey 4-0-4 1954 Minirail Under Overhaul
KD-1 N/A Bo' Bo' N/A Undergoing Restoration
Rachael Lined green2-8-0N/ASevern LambOperational Passenger Loco
6284lner black2-8-02009Messrs Crome & LoxleyOperational Passenger Loco

Sources

External links

53.568°N -2.603°W

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Haigh Hall train back in action. Wigan Today. 8 September 2014.
  2. Web site: Miniature railway brought back to life at Haigh Hall. Mamod. 8 September 2014.
  3. Web site: Loco Helen in 2014 . YouTube .