Saltburn Miniature Railway

The railway opened in 1947^[1] as a tourist attraction. It was originally a simple out-and-back line with a station at each end. During 1953, the line was adapted to allow the simultaneous operation of two trains, though without the provision of a passing loop. Instead, a single siding was provided into which one train had to reverse to allow the other to pass by.

During the 1980s the operation of the railway was taken over by an Association of supporters, all of whom are volunteers. A decision was made to extend the railway, relocate one terminus from the west to the east side of the Skelton Beck valley, and provide new sidings and engine sheds. This major project, known on the railway as 'The Big Transformation' took place between September 2000 and April 2003.^[2]

The line runs south from Cat Nab Station (by the beach) for about 1⁄2 mile (0.8 km) inland to Forest Halt, where there is a woodland walk and gardens.^[3] There is a run around loop at each end of the line^[3][4] and an engine and rolling stock depot near the midpoint.^[5]

Prince Charles was the only serviceable mainline locomotive on the railway, and had been the principal engine continuously since 1953.^[6] However, the new operators have provided a lightweight engine for works trains, and have also obtained a new mainline engine, "Saltburn 150", bought from the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway as derelict has been rebuilt by SMRA and is now in service. A part-built steam engine, a 4-4-2 Atlantic type, has been purchased and rebuilt by SMRA and is now in service as "Blacklock R" .