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6.4.08 We are back on Track. Workshop Refurbished.
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Introduction
 | Chance and good fortune played a large part in the TSGR’s link with past. In 1993 shortly after the break-up of the Cleveland Council, the newly independent Stockton Borough Council appointed a Preston Park Working Party, with a mandate to produce recommendations for the development of the Museum and Park. By a happy coincidence a small group of hobbyists, who owned a few locomotives and a portable 7 1/4 inch gauge track, were looking for a site on which to build a permanent layout. A meeting was held in the Museum, when the councillors - especially the ladies-enjoyed a ride on a short track laid for the occasion; and then and there a deal was struck. Model Engineering may be a man’s world, but if you can get the women on your side you’ve got it made.
A patch of unused land, consisting of about three acres of rough grass, was available for the project, and by a stroke of luck there was also an old building, shabby and a bit leaky-roofed but still fairly sound, which would serve as a workshop/engine shed.(The leaky-roof has now been fixed due to help from Stockton Council)
From the start, relations between the park authorities and the TSGR have been so cordial that the project could be described as like running on rails. It was agreed that the TSGR would be allowed three years to raise funds and construct a working railway, without interference or pressure from the management, but as things turned out, within 18 months we had laid a quarter - mile circuit of track and were providing rides to hordes of children, and of course their parents.
Such rapid progress was considerably aided by the generous help received from many local businesses, who provided materials at or below cost, and even in some instances free of charge. The work, though, was done almost entirely by the TSGR members themselves.
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Track
The track currently in use is a 1500 feet ground - level circuit of dual gauge (7 1/4 inch and 5 inch) with a passing loop at the station. Minimum radius is 50 feet and the gradients are negligible. A spur leads to a turntable and steaming bays, thence to the workshop/engine shed, loading bay with a gantry for hoisting heavy locomotives.
Points are operated electrically from the signal box/ticket office and are automatically interlocked with colour - light signals. A water tower exists at the station and a stand - pipe at the steaming bays. Electrical power at 12v and 24v dc, and 240v ac (isolated from earth for safety) is provided at the steaming bays.
Within and roughly parallel with the ground level track an elevated 5 inch and 3 1/2 inch gauge track has been constructed, it is 1200 feet in length (perhaps the longest of its kind in the country?) It is planned that the two tracks will be operated in the opposite directions, partly to add interest but also to remove the temptation from would - be speed merchants to indulge in a little racing - safety being paramount. Provided that the 6 mph speed limit is observed it takes 2 1/2 minutes to complete a circuit of the main track.
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Operating
The TSGR finances the construction and maintenance of its track and facilities by providing rides for the public (twice around the track for 50p, which our passengers tell us they consider very good value). By agreement with the park managment we operate (weather permitting) during Special Events, Bank Holidays, and Sundays 1-4pm. Easter to end of October. This amounts to over 30 scheduled running days per year.
For motive power, the TSGR owns two battery electric locomotives one in the shape of a “American diesel” outline loco. For steam we rely on members and visitors bringing their own. Three brand new passenger cars have now been built and are being put to good use in the new season, in the past it has been difficult to cope with passenger demands when a popular event is taking place in the park.
Working parties carry out construction and maintenance work on Wednesday evenings, Fridays and Sundays throughout the year. Membership is currently around 45+. The junior membership is also growing, of whom about half are regularly active, but more members would be very welcome, if only to take some of the load from the shoulders of those of more mature years. For the protection of its members the TSGR carries public liability insurance and is also registered as a imited Company.
New members are most welcome, so if anyone is interested and would like some more information about the TSGR then please contact the PR Officer Mike Aslin 01642-724255.
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