For the second time in just over a week I went to Leicestershire in search of steam. This time though (along with W&W members Chris Roscoe, Paul & Charlie Woollard) I was going off the beaten track and visiting the Battlefield Line for the first time. Originally built as a joint venture between the Midland & LNWR the line had linked Nuneaton with Coalville and Asby. The rural nature of the route resulted in closure to passengers in 1931, although freight continued until 1971. The lines HQ at Shackerstone is close to the site of Bosworth Field which was the final battle of the War of the Roses, hence the line's name. The Gala was a high-profile event and had been intended to publicly launch the new build GW 4-6-0 Bretton Grange into service, with the other two visitors (large Prairies 4144 and 5199) reflecting a GWR theme. However sadly for the Battlefield Line the delays getting the Grange finished continued, so it was replaced by BR Standard 2-6-0 78018. This was appropriate in many ways as 78018 had been restored from Barry scrapyard condition on the line. Chris expertly navigated our way along a surprisingly rural network of lanes through affluent hamlets that looked untouched by the 21st Century, apart from expensive 4x4s and a Ukrainian flag flying in solidarity over the Village Hall. It was easy to see why the LMS couldn't attract enough custom in the 1930s. Journey time was under 2 hours. The car park was virtually full and we were greeted by a large collection of diesels including three class 33 Cromptons, a 58, 25 and hidden in the trees at the back 40 118. We started with a spin behind 4144 down the full five mile length of the line to Shenton, which utilises the former Leicester Humberstone Road station building relocated brick by brick. We aligned at Market Bosworth on the return where there was a Guage 1 live steam layout filling up the former Goods Shed, which drew a big crowd. The signalling on the line permits a shuttle between Shackerstone and Market Bosworth while the main service is in the section from there to Shenton. This presented a few photo opportunities although in truth it was such a gloomy day that I nearly put the camera away. Then we had a run with 78018 and got stuck into the choice of ten local real ales on offer, the nice lady in the Buffet only had half pint glasses left after the demand on previous day. This of course meant we could drink twice as much! After some extensive research on behalf of W&W members I heartily recommend the Ashbourne IPA. Having found space in the brake carriage we stayed put for a return trip behind the GW Prairies paired up, which seemed to bring out a number of line-siders despite the overcast weather. Also attracting some attention was the decaying moss covered hulk of Peak 45 015 which many visitors, us included, thought had already been scrapped. Then it was time to return. The large attendance hopefully means the event was profitable. My thanks to the Battlefield Line and the loco groups for great show, and Chris for driving.
Copyright of all pictures in this gallery belong to N Clarke.