While in the region of the Northampton and Lamport railway, just a stones throw away from it is the Northamptonshire Ironstone Railway Trust. This place it tiny, with a small museum, loco shed and small demonstration line. It does however have the odd few gems at the time of my visit. For example, this place was the custodian of 1 of only 2 double decker carriages in the UK….I never knew that the UK had double decker carriages! The volunteers very kindly allowed me to roam around the yard and get up close to these carriages. This is well worth a visit to learn more about the extraction of iron ore in the region and to have a wander around their yard. This place is very much about restoration which is really pleasing to see.
What I came across next I was not expecting. Unit 4002 on the right of the image below is 1 of only 2 SR Class 4DD units to remain in preservation the UK. What makes this even more unique is that these were experimental double decker units. Normally health and safety would prevent me from getting nearer but with the ‘blind eye’ of a volunteer, I was able to clamber ontop of the concrete sleeper stack to get a closer look.
What looks to be a very old mini steam crane in much need of some TLC