The Amerton Railway, nestled in the Staffordshire countryside near Stowe-by-Chartley, is a 2 ft narrow gauge heritage railway operated by the Staffordshire Narrow Gauge Railway Limited. Its origins trace back to 1987, when the Staffordshire Narrow Gauge Railway Society was formed to restore the historic Bagnall locomotive “Isabel,” which had long stood on display in Stafford. After securing a site at Amerton Farm, construction began in 1990, and the first passenger train ran in July 1992. The railway officially opened in March 1993, marking the beginning of its journey as a volunteer-led heritage attraction.
The initial phase of development included a station, shed, and a quarter-mile of track. Volunteers sourced materials from closed collieries and farms, laying track and building infrastructure with limited resources. In 1994, work began on extending the line across Amerton Brook, and by 2000, the railway reached Chartley Road Loop, forming a nearly one-mile circuit. The line was designed to reflect traditional industrial narrow gauge railways, following natural contours with minimal earthworks. A second bridge and additional sidings were added, enhancing operational flexibility and visitor experience.
Amerton Railway’s collection focuses on locomotives built or operated in Staffordshire. Notable steam engines include “Isabel,” “Lorna Doone,” and “Diana,” alongside diesel and petrol locomotives like “Gordon” and “Dreadnought.” The railway also acquired historic structures, such as the platform shelter from Stowe-by-Chartley Station and the signal box from Waterhouses Station, both restored and integrated into the site. These additions enrich the railway’s historical narrative and provide authentic architectural context.
The railway’s facilities have grown to include a workshop, carriage shed, and museum space. It operates a token-based signaling system and hosts special events like steam galas and Santa Specials. Demonstration freight trains and educational exhibits offer visitors a deeper understanding of industrial railways. The railway’s layout allows for clockwise and counterclockwise operation, with gradients and curves that add character to the ride. Volunteers continue to maintain and expand the site, preserving its charm and functionality.
In 2012, the railway achieved a major milestone by purchasing the land it had leased for nearly two decades, securing its future. Today, Amerton Railway stands as a testament to community dedication and industrial heritage preservation. It offers scenic rides, hands-on experiences, and a glimpse into Staffordshire’s railway history, all powered by passionate volunteers and a love for steam and engineering.
This summary was generated using AI based on publicly available sources, including the Amerton Railway official site, Wikipedia, and The Railway Magazine.
