Protection

At the Heritage Railways Trust for the 9.5 Inch Gauge, protection lies at the heart of our mission. Our commitment to safeguarding heritage railway assets in the 9.5-inch gauge is driven by a deep reverence for these historical treasures and a desire to ensure their preservation for future generations.

Encouraging Public Support

We recognise that protecting heritage railway assets requires collective effort and support from the community. As such, we welcome donations and bequests from individuals who share our passion for preserving railway history. By contributing to our cause, members of the public can play a vital role in preventing these assets from falling into neglect or being regauged, ensuring that they continue to serve as living testaments to our railway heritage.

Our Projects

Discover our ongoing projects dedicated to preserving 9.5-inch gauge heritage railway assets. Through meticulous restoration and conservation endeavors, we are ensuring these invaluable pieces of history are not only protected but also restored to operational condition on our private railways. Our ultimate aim is to showcase them on commercial / public railways and at exhibitions, allowing the public to admire and appreciate their historical significance.

Stay updated on the progress of our projects through their dedicated social media channels, where owners share periodic updates and insights.

Y4 Class Dock Tank 0-4-0

Embarking on a journey through time, our inaugural project, the Y4 Class Dock Tank, carries a legacy steeped in the intricate tapestry of miniature railway history. Crafted by the skilled hands of Ron Hammett during the 1940s and 1950s, this locomotive represents a bygone era of craftsmanship and dedication. Transported across continents to Ron’s home in Bermuda, it later found its way back to the UK under the vigilant care of the late John Hall-Craggs, a revered figure in the miniature railway community. Now, after languishing in stillness for many decades, this remarkable locomotive is undergoing a meticulous restoration, breathing new life into its timeless allure.

Midland Railway style 2-4-0

Stepping into the spotlight of our next venture, Atlas emerges as a captivating enigma shrouded in the mists of time. While its origins remain veiled in mystery, its journey through the hands of esteemed custodians paints a vivid portrait of its illustrious past. From Tom Hunt of Hunt Bros (Oldbury) Limited, to the venerable Sir Bill McAlpine and the esteemed John Hall-Craggs, Atlas traversed continents and cultures, even finding solace in the sun-drenched landscapes of California, USA. Now, amidst the hum of restoration, this cherished locomotive awaits a glorious resurrection, poised to reclaim its rightful place in the annals of railway history

H T Brown LB&SCR A1X Class No. 55 0-6-0

Enter the enchanting realm of our next endeavour, where the venerable Stepney takes centre stage. Crafted by the skilled hands of Father H T Brown in the verdant landscapes of Northern Ireland in 1954, this majestic locomotive commanded admiration at the prestigious London Model Engineering Exhibition in 1955. Through the passage of time, it exchanged hands like a cherished heirloom, finding itself under the care of the esteemed Ron Hammett and journeying alongside him to the sun-kissed shores of Bermuda. Amidst its storied past, Stepney briefly graced the tracks under the watchful eye of John Hall-Craggs before retiring to the quiet solitude of a shelf for the last two decades. Now, as the gentle whispers of restoration echo through the air, this beloved locomotive embarks on a journey of renewal, poised to reclaim its former glory and captivate hearts once more.

R H Morse Brake Van DLR

Step into the annals of history with our next project, a vintage model brake van steeped in the rich heritage of the 9.5 inch gauge railway. Crafted in the 1930s by the esteemed R H Morse, this iconic piece was commissioned by Geoffrey Hoyland at The Downs School, proudly bearing the emblem ‘DLR’ for the Downs Light Railway. As a poignant relic of the early era, it weathered the passage of time, succumbing to neglect in the mid-20th century on the Downs Light Railway. However, thanks to the diligent stewardship of James I C Boyd, entrusted with the railway’s care, the brake van found new life under the watchful eye of John Hall-Craggs. Restored and preserved with tender care, this historic brake van now awaits a fresh overhaul, poised to reclaim its rightful place in the annals of railway history.

A E Salt LB&SCR H1 Class No. 37 4-4-2

Embark on a journey through time with our next acquisition, a meticulously crafted model of the LB&SCR H1 class Atlantic, resplendent in Southern Railways livery. Forged by the skilled hands of A E Salt, this locomotive has traversed the annals of history under the guardianship of John Hall-Craggs. Prior to joining our ranks, it received essential attention from our esteemed allies at the Lakeshore Railroad in South Shields. Now, as it awaits a comprehensive overhaul and a new boiler, this venerable locomotive stands ready to once again grace the rails with its timeless charm.

R H Baxter No.1 “Noddy” 4-6-2

Our largest locomotive to date, “Noddy,” is a freelance Pacific locomotive built in 1952 by R.H. Baxter of Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. This impressive machine is the first of three renowned locomotives constructed by Baxter during the 1950s, bearing a design reminiscent of the H.C.S. Bullock locomotives of the 1930s.

“Noddy” initially operated at Alexandra Park and had a brief period of service in Scottburgh before finding a long-term home on a distinguished private railway in Kloof during the 1970s. In 2023, we acquired “Noddy” and transported it to the United Kingdom via sea freight. It is currently undergoing restoration, with plans to give it a new lease on life as a cherished part of our heritage railway collection.