I had heard of the ‘CCLR’ but had never previously visited it so finding myself in Cleethorpes with an hour or two to spare I thought ‘why not’.
So I did and I was very pleasantly surprised.
The line built to a gauge of 15 inches has a history going back 70 years.
It starts just to the south of the Leisure Centre running from Kingsway station parallel to the sea via the main operating base at Lakeside Central to terminate at Humberston.
Lakeside has an engine shed, workshops an excellent cafe and what is claimed to be ‘The Smallest Pub on the Planet’.
With a half hourly service and two loco’s in steam plus a mixture of rolling stock. Whats not to like?
Because of some operating problems only the first section from Kingsway to Lakeside was running on the day that I visited.
However that gives a feel for the line and how it works.
If you are in the area, give it a go. You won’t be disappointed.
Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway’ station sign
on Dennis Basford’s railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk’
‘Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway’. Looking south from Kingsway station
on Dennis Basford’s railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk’
The view from behind the buffer stops at Kingsway station.
‘Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway’. Looking north at Kingsway station towards the buffer stops
on Dennis Basford’s railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk’
‘Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway’. LNER 2-8-0 loco No. 6284 /1
on Dennis Basford’s railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk’
A 15 inch gauge working model of a 'Great Central Railway’ freight loco that became the LNER’s O4 class.
Built in 2009 by ’Crome/Loxley’ and I might add, superbly done!
‘Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway’. LNER 2-8-0 loco No. 6284 /2
on Dennis Basford’s railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk’
‘Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway’. LNER 2-8-0 loco No. 6284 /3
on Dennis Basford’s railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk’
‘Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway’. 0-8-2 tank loco ‘Ceawlin’
on Dennis Basford’s railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk’
Normally resident on the ‘Longleat Railway’ but on loan for the summer at the CCLR.
Built in 1975 by ’Severn Lamb’ and despite its appearance is a diesel hydraulic.
Cealwin was a King of Mercia hundreds of years ago but this loco is named after Lord Bath’s (the owner of Longleat) son.
Coaching stock is a mixture of open and enclosed coaches all of which seem to have come from other railways.
‘Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway’. Closed Bogie Coach /1
on Dennis Basford’s railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk’
‘Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway’. Closed Bogie Coach /2
on Dennis Basford’s railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk’
Built for the ‘Sutton Miniature Railway’ and acquired from that company when it closed down in 2002.
‘Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway’. Open Bogie Coaches
on Dennis Basford’s railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk’
Built for the ‘Sutton Miniature Railway’ and acquired from that company when it closed down in 2002.
Pictured parked at Lakeside Central.
‘Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway’. View of Lakeside Central station
on Dennis Basford’s railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk’
The line running down the coast to Humberstone station is curving away to the left.
Unfortunately at the time of writing the Humberstone line is not operational.
Also seen is the ‘Signal Box Inn’ which claims to be ‘The Smallest Pub on the Planet’.
‘Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway’. The end (for the time being)
on Dennis Basford’s railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk’
