Whilst bimbling around the internet today, I checked out the excellent South Staffordshire Railway site, curated by Dave Cresswell who’s been a regular reader and contributor here for some time. The lovingly crafted site is dedicated to the reopening of the line from Walsall to Lichfield – a noble aim, a subject upon which I support and have commented at length in the posts ‘Train in vain‘ and ‘On the right track?‘ previously.
The site often turns up some great historical ephemera, and contains a whole bunch of great pictures and comment, but my attention was particularly snagged today by the following two utterly remarkable films, apparently filmed in 1975. They are recordings of the view from the cab of a freight train, running the line from Ryecroft to Lichfield City on a dingy, wet day.
People familiar with the cycle track that the railway became between Goscote and Pelsall will spot familiar landmarks – and do look out for the old sidings at Highbridges (‘Norton Junction’ apparently) and the Anglesey Oil Terminal on the A5. Notable also are the former Council House and Brownhills Bridge, Fosseway Crossing and old Brewery at Lichfield.
I congratulate Dave and all those behind this excellent project on such a wonderful historical find, beautiful conversion and fascinating site. Please do pay it a visit.
