Manky Monkey Motors

I was at the Popstalgia car show in Leicestershire a week or so ago & when I left, spotted signs for "The BattleField Line" -a local railway attraction.
I'm not really a big train buff, but I do love anything old & interesting, so I turned around & followed the signs. I ended up at Shackerstone station, not far from the site of the Battle of Bosworth, (a punch up between the Houses of York & Lancaster in 1485. Henry & the Lancastrians won -no, not Google, but one of the few facts I remember from school).
Shackerstone's a lovely little Victorian station, with a line running to Market Bosworth then on to Shenton, (where the battle actually took place). They run steam trains, but on the Sunday afternoon I was there, it was 1960s diesels, which were just as interesting cos I remember them from my youth.
A really nice, friendly little place, run by genuine enthusiasts who were more than happy to chat & show off their collection.
After a slice of Victoria sponge from the café in the converted waiting room, I hopped on the train for the 10 minute ride up the line to Shenton. Amazing how just the smell of an old carriage can bring back memories of trips as a kid, the daily commute to college during my apprenticeship etc. Clunky slam-lock doors, stripey seats, overhead luggage racks, little domed art deco roof lights, emergency cords -I'd forgotten all that stuff.  :)

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Great photos Andy, I like all that old train stuff takes you back in time.

you were about 20 mins from where I live :) we go there regular and take the train up to Bosworth battle field  :)

I have a friend, same age as myself, avid train spotter, been like it since childhood, no cure. Up and down the country to get a glimpse of some train or other. When asked why, the reply is " why do men knock little white balls around the countryside in all weathers, to get them down a hole?"  :D

Why do we sit in sheds cutting up bits of metal then stand back and admire it ? :'(

A very good question  :D
I love steam, but it was interesting to see 60s diesels for a change especially as I remember them.
Sorry Mr Mouse! Apparently I was only 5 minutes from another mate's place too. Ought to consult the MMMotors map before I go roadtripping.

I like the emblem on the train. Very pretty.

I really like the 'crest' on the wall. Looks like cast iron. Was it, or just plaster?

(http://www.mankymonkeymotors.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=15866.0;attach=51521)

I'm not sure Jay -any idea what it stands for? I'm guessing Midlands Railways?

bottom pic ,,==ex,ICI, mond devision

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ib9QwGLKEI0

MR..mister Monkey 8)

MR -My Railway.

There's a steam railway near Mankey Towers known as the Watercress Line or Mid Hants Railway.

http://www.watercressline.co.uk/

The line runs from Alresford to Alton, with a stop along the way. Had a grand day out there this year, and we were allowed on the footplate of the loco that we were about to ride on, and after a question to one of the friendly staff, we we granted a quick look inside the active signal box with a brief explanation by the gentleman in charge.


Here's a video of one of their Special Events, the Steam Gala.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWJY0XcbDAY


This years Steam Gala is from Friday 21st- Sunday 23rd October
http://www.watercressline.co.uk/product.php/33/autumn-steam-gala/5c9377c976590acdca5e5bcac260cf77


Photo is the steam loco we first rode on

View from the footplate

View of the boiler

Medsted and Four Marks station (famous for its topiary)

Another loco running on the same day

Alresford station including a nice little café  :)

I've been there for their Ivor the Engine day :)

...... and if you behave yourself, you might be able to go on the Santa Special as we all know how much you adore Christmas!  ;D

http://www.watercressline.co.uk/product.php/40/santa-special

 :P