PICTORIAL 'TOUR' OF THE GROUND LEVEL TRACK
Take a pictorial 'run' around our Ground level track.
The pictures are shown as 'thumbnails' to speed up the page 'loading' time. To enlarge them, just 'click' on the pictures.
Numbers shown in RED on the R.S.M.E. site plan above, relate to the approximate positions of where the appropriate numbered photo's were taken.
Picture 1. Taken from the footbridge at the station - the platform line can be seen to join the 'mainline' just beyond the station area. After a short straight section, the track curves to the right.
Picture 2. Curving around to the right and heading for the steaming bays and carriage sidings. The 3½" and 5" gauge raised track on the right can be seen to be practically parallel to the ground level track at this point.
Picture 3. Approaching the steaming bays and carriage sidings. Just after the start of the right hand curve ahead, can be seen the point lever where trains 'turn left' to the carriage sidings, steaming bays and 'loop line'. The 'main line' curves further to the right towards the level crossing. The train on the raised track is about to curve away sharply to the right. At this point, the raised track stops being 'parallel' to the ground level line.
Picture 4. With the 'main line' on the right, the turntable can be seen on the left with lines off it leading to the steaming bays and carriage shed. The 'loop line' in the centre is where trains can take 'refuge' to allow another train to pass on the 'main line'.
Picture 5. Approaching the level crossing. The line from the steaming bays, carriage sidings and 'loop line' rejoins the 'main line' just before the level crossing. After passing over the level crossing the line again curves to the right.
Picture 6. Curving to the right after passing over the level crossing. From the station to this point the track is fairly level but after this curve, the line starts to fall as it again curves to the right! This location is a good place for drivers to 'coast' in order to save steam for the climb ahead!
Picture 7. Downhill! - to the curve at the top left of this picture. As the track curves to the right, steam can no longer be saved as it is needed to tackle the 'bank'. The track disappears behind the grass (even though it has recently been cut by park staff) and the uphill gradient commences, rising to the right of this picture to a point just below the white board that can seen in front of the large tree in the top right corner of this picture. It is at this point that the next picture (Picture 8) was taken.
Picture 8. The uphill gradient is now rising 1 in 90 into 'the woods'. At the top of the bank, the line curves to the right and then 'levels out' ready for arrival back in the station!
Picture 9. After the 1 in 90 climb, the track levels off after the final right hand curve and the station is in sight! The station platform line can be seen 'turning off' to the left and the raised track now again becomes parallel to the ground level track.