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An unusual fixture (but still involving rare track!) was when the Society was asked to assist Chiltern Railways in an Emergency Train Evacuation exercise on 10th April 2016. [© Jim Sellens 2016] |
The Branch Line Society
Guest
Fixtures
The Society maintains an active programme of varied outdoor fixtures, and these are run primarily for members. In some cases, especially mainline charter trains, we are pleased to accommodate non-members.
Members receive 24 newsletters per year giving advance notification of events, and benefit from priority booking and discounted fares. You can normally re-coup your membership fee on just one fixture and some fixtures are for members only, so
join us today!
Click on a fixture name below for more details, and to book or notify interest.
Please note that although dates are given as far in advance as possible (in order to allow a measure of planning by intending participants to take place), they must be treated as only provisional until an event is actually open for bookings, as changes can and do occur.
| Saturday 20th April 2024 Full | Toton - Doors Re-openedWith huge thanks to our friends at DB Cargo, we are delighted to announce another very special opportunity to experience a guided tour of DB Cargo’s Toton Depot including a behind the scenes tour of this fascinating maintenance facility. This fixture is for members only. This fixture has now reached capacity and regrettably, no more bookings can be taken. |
| Friday 26th April 2024 Open for booking | Manchester Victoria Behind the Scenes Guided Walking TourWith enormous thanks to Network Rail, we are delighted to offer this unique opportunity to visit areas of Manchester Victoria station which are not normally publicly accessible. This fixture is for members only. |
| Saturday 27th April 2024 Waiting List | Glasgow Central guided tour & Kelvinbridge micro tourThis is a great chance to go on a ‘BLS version’ of the Glasgow Central station tour - it will visit everywhere on NR’s established Glasgow Central tour but with a few added extras, including the football tunnels! This fixture is for members only. This fixture is now full. If you wish to be added to the waiting list please click on the tour name and click on the "Join waiting list" button - there is no need to send an email. |
| Friday 3rd May 2024 Waiting List | Return of the Shedi71A Locomotive Group’s Class 33 33012 will commence a series of mainline charter trains on Friday 3rd May, working in conjunction with a mix of modern freight traction to create a ‘spin and win’ style event. This fixture is now full. If you wish to be added to the waiting list please click on the tour name and click on the "Join waiting list" button - there is no need to send an email. |
| Saturday 4th May 2024 Open for booking | May the Fourth be With YouWe are delighted to announce a real rarity for ‘Star Wars Day’ with huge thanks to Freightliner - a Class 59 hauling a passenger shuttle craft! |
| Thursday 9th May 2024 Open for booking | The Jurassic CromptonWe are delighted to announce a special railtour designed to deliver you in style to the Swanage Railway for their fantastic diesel gala. |
| Sunday 12th May 2024 Open for booking | The Return of the Jurassic CromptonWe are delighted to announce a special railtour designed to return you home in style from the Swanage Railway after their fantastic diesel gala. |
| Monday 13th May 2024 Save the date | Conducted signal box visitsNo further details are available at present. |
| Saturday 25th May 2024 Waiting List | The Hanson HanseScenic Kings Lynn is our destination, home of the annual Hanse Festival, for a classic locomotive hauled charter to West Norfolk. This fixture is now full. If you wish to be added to the waiting list please click on the tour name and click on the "Join waiting list" button - there is no need to send an email. |
| Sunday 26th May 2024 Open for booking | The Millbrook MeanderOur seaside destination for this charity charter is wonderful Weymouth, where a circa two-hour afternoon break will be provided to take in some sea air, and perhaps treat yourself to some fish and chips! |
| Monday 27th May 2024 Waiting List | Visit XI to Moreton Park RailwayA further visit has been arranged by the Branch Line Society and courtesy of the D2578 Locomotive Group, to the Moreton Park rail system at Moreton-on-Lugg, near Hereford. This fixture is for members only. This fixture is now full. If you wish to be added to the waiting list please click on the tour name and click on the "Join waiting list" button - there is no need to send an email. |
| Monday 3rd June 2024 Open for booking | Liverpool Street station and ex-Great Eastern Hotel guided tourThis is a chance to see a different side of Britain’s busiest station! This fixture is for members only. |
| Wednesday 5th June 2024 Open for booking | The Bucket & Spade CharterWe hope you will join RBF for a day at the seaside in Scarborough or the City of York if you don’t fancy the beach! |
| Thursday 6th June 2024 Open for booking | The Holt HooverJoin us and travel to the North Norfolk Railway Rails and Ales event in style, with a locomotive hauled charter from Eastleigh via the Chilterns. |
| Sunday 9th June 2024 Open for booking | The Cromer CromptonWith the North Norfolk Railway Rails and Ales event behind us, it's time to head home and finish the weekend in style with a locomotive hauled charter back to the West Midlands. |
| Thursday 4th July 2024 to Sunday 7th July 2024 Save the date | Four day BLS railtour in PolandNo further details are available at present. |
| Sunday 21st July 2024 Save the date | Mainline charterNo further details are available at present. |
| Monday 26th August 2024 Save the date | Scunthorpe Summer Steeler No. 28With over 100 miles of standard gauge track to choose from; a great way to see an operating integrated steel works and 24-hour industrial railway at close quarters set in 2,800 acres. This fixture is for members only. |