Hurworth: railway enthusiasts put miniature locomotives to the test

The 70th Stephenson’s Memorial Miniature Locomotive Efficiency Trials were held at Hurworth Grange Community Centre, home to the South Durham Society of Model Engineers (SDSME), whose track is known as Hurworth Halt.

Fully working miniature steam locomotives ran on 3.5-inch, 5-inch and 7.25-inch gauge tracks.

Thomas Jennings (13) a pupil at Bedale High School pictured competing at the Trials for the first time driving club loco Gert (Image: Supplied)

Dougal Crisp, chairman of the South Durham Society of Model Engineers, said: "It’s a very challenging competition, but it’s also lots of fun.

"Representatives from clubs across the north attend.

"It’s a chance to show off our locos as well as a social occasion.

"This kind of steam powered engineering works in the same way on full sized trains, but not many people can own their own full-size railway.

Overall winner Joe Gibbons from Tyneside Society of Model and Experimental Engineers (Image: Supplied)

"This is the next best thing, but you can fit one in the boot of your car and share it with friends.

"At Hurworth Grange, we run train rides every first and third Sunday of the month for the public to enjoy.

"We want to ensure people can still access such an important part of our nation’s industrial heritage – even if it’s on a smaller scale."

The competition judged efficiency, not speed, based on the load hauled, distance travelled and coal used.

Passenger rides take place at Hurworth Halt on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month (Image: Supplied)

Drivers choose the load their locomotive will pull, then adjust to the engine and track conditions throughout the trial.

Many SDSME members are current or retired engineers who pass their skills and knowledge on to others.

Newer members David and Thomas Jennings, a father and son, have spent two years learning about steam and electric engines with the club’s support.

Weights lined up on the platform at Hurworth Halt ahead of the competition (Image: Supplied)

Thomas, 13, a pupil at Bedale High School, competed for the first time, driving the club’s 5-inch gauge 0-6-0 tank locomotive, Gert.

He finished ninth among 13 competitors.

SDSME’s Michael Horner finished second overall and won the Rocket Trophy for the 5-inch class and the President Shield for best newcomer.

Michael Horner won the sought after Rocket Trophy at the milestone event (Image: Supplied)

Joe Gibbons of the Tyneside Society of Model and Experimental Engineers won the 3.5-inch class and the overall title.

The public can ride the miniature railway at Hurworth Halt on the first and third Sunday of each month, from 10am to 12.30pm.

Club members are on hand during the sessions to answer questions about joining the society and model engineering.

For more on the club and upcoming events, visit the SDSME Facebook or Instagram pages.

Passenger rides take place at Hurworth Halt on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month (Image: Supplied)