The Apedale Valley Light Railway, located in Staffordshire, England, is a 2 ft narrow gauge heritage railway operated by the Moseley Railway Trust (MRT). Its origins trace back to the Moseley Tramway, a school-based railway club founded in the late 1960s at Moseley Hall Grammar School in Manchester. Over the decades, the club evolved into a formal preservation group, collecting industrial narrow gauge locomotives and equipment from across the UK. After losing its site in Cheadle in the late 1990s, the Trust spent years searching for a permanent home, eventually partnering with the Apedale Heritage Centre in 2006 to establish a new base in Apedale Community Country Park.
Development of the railway began with the adaptation of former mining buildings and the construction of a locomotive storage shed. The first section of track was laid in 2007, and by July 2010, the main running line was completed. The railway officially opened to the public in August 2010, offering a short but scenic ride through the park. Silverdale Station, relocated from the North Staffordshire Railway, became the main boarding point, and a shop and ticket office were added to enhance the visitor experience.
The MRT’s collection includes over 60 locomotives, many of which served in industries such as mining, peat extraction, and brickmaking. Steam and diesel engines haul historically themed coaches, including replicas from Welsh slate quarries and former Ffestiniog Railway stock. The Trust also constructed a demonstration railway and a World War I trench system for its “Tracks to the Trenches” events, highlighting the role of light railways in wartime logistics.
In addition to regular weekend operations, the railway hosts themed events, educational programs, and charter services. Volunteers play a central role in maintaining the site and restoring locomotives. Plans for future expansion include extending the line across Apedale Road and deeper into the valley, although legal and logistical challenges have delayed progress. The Trust also aims to build a museum to showcase its extensive collection and interpret the history of industrial narrow gauge railways.
Today, the Apedale Valley Light Railway stands as a vibrant example of community-led heritage preservation. It offers visitors a hands-on experience of Britain’s industrial past, blending scenic rides with historical education. The MRT’s dedication to restoring and operating rare locomotives ensures that the legacy of narrow gauge railways continues to inspire future generations.
This summary was generated using AI based on publicly available sources, including the Moseley Railway Trust Wikipedia page, the Apedale Valley Light Railway official site, and Steam Heritage.
