The Sutton Miniature Railway (SMR) was a 15 inch gauge railway
which ran in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham. Over the years the
line had several different locomotives (More Information via links
on left).
Eventually the railway closed down and everything went into long
term storage, rather than being auctioned off. However in 2000/01,
the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway (CCLR) stepped in with the
aid of a Heritage Lottery Grant, to purchase and restore the majority
of the stock. The 'Sutton Collection', as it has become known,
moved straight to Cleethorpes where restoration began in earnest,
to ensure as many people as possible could enjoy and experience
the collection which had been stored away for 40 years!
As well as 'Sutton Belle', 'Sutton Flyer' and S.M.R. No.4, the
CCLR also secured the 6 enclosed coaches, 4 open coaches and a
small signal box, as well as steelwork from the S.M.R. sheds and
station, which has allowed the CCLR to create a large and impressive
'train-shed' canopy over their central station.
Unfortunately, S.M.R. No.3 'Mighty Atom' was not sold as part
of the collection, and still remained in the hands of a private
owner, in storage awaiting restoration.
With the proper No.3 stored, the opportunity was taken in 2007,
to repaint a fellow Bassett-Lowke Class 10 Atlantic, namely 'Red
Dragon' from the Windmill Farm Railway, into S.M.R. livery and
have it masquerade as No.3. for a special Sutton gala being held
at Cleethorpes. So, for the weekend, 'Red Dragon' became S.M.R.
No.3 in it's 'Prince of Wales' guise.
In 2008 SMR No.3 - 'Mighty Atom' was secured by the Cleethorpes
Coast Light Railway to complete the Sutton Collection, it is to
be restored and will be run on the line at Cleethorpes.
Locomotives and rolling stock from the 'Sutton Collection' run
regularly at the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway.
CCLR Runs daily throughout the season (Easter-November) and at
weekends out of season.
Site Designed and Maintained by
Ben Thornhill
email me at: ben@suttonminiaturerailway.co.uk
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