Kirkby Stephen Easter Rally & The Stainmore Railway 2023 (1)

The weather at Kirkby Stephen was the best ever since the start of the event many years ago. Two warm sunny days brought in the crowds, who enjoyed the free bus service that ran between Kirkby Stephen and Brough and also the opportunity to ride on a steam train at the Stainmore Railway, Kirkby Stephen East station

The buses dropped passengers at the Stainmore Railway, where a steam train
service was in operation. 

The railway was the highest main line railway in England, reaching 1370 ft above sea level. Kirkby Stephen East station was where a line to Tebay branched off west and a line to Appleby and Penrith headed north. The station had an overall roof which enclosed the two platforms, giving shelter from the severe winter conditions experienced in this area of Cumbria.

On the Easter opening days the two coach train was pulled out of the station by Peckett 0-4-0 saddle tank 'Lytham St Anne's' and pulled back by 0-4-0 diesel shunter Elizabeth which was built in 1962 for use in Hartley Quarry, local to Kirkby Stephen. During its life the engine was used in various locations, including Channel Tunnel construction work.

Stainmore Railway website here

2023 Railway Events here

More photos of the Kirkby Stephen event will follow in part 2