History 2 - Ground Level Track

It had always been intended from the outset that a ground

level track would be constructed once sufficient funding

could be made available, both from outside sources and

from the Society funds. The idea behind the ground level

track is to give greater flexibility where it is possible for

trains to overtake, unlike running on a raised track. It is also

considered more suitable for public running and for

disabled passengers.

A grant was obtained from Voluntary Action Rotherham in

July 2004 to purchase materials for the construction of the

ground level track with work commencing on the track in

October 2004. Some preparatory work on the foundations

had been started in February 2004. Work continued, again

being carried out by members of the Society, over a number

of winters so as not to interfere with public running during

the running season of Easter to September. Construction

included five sets of points that were designed and made in

house. Work was completed in the summer of 2007 enabling

trials to proceed in order to establish the stability of the track

under running conditions. All necessary tamping and

packing of the track then continued ready for the start of the

2008 running season. The new track was formally opened in

2008 by the Mayor of Rotherham, Councillor Alan Jackson

accompanied by the Mayoress.

It was decided in 2009 to seek funding to extend the ground

level track to take it up to the upper level. We were

successful in obtaining a grant from the South Yorkshire

Community Foundation Grass Roots Fund for the purchase

of materials to enable this extension to be commenced in

May 2009. Completion of the extension was achieved in

2012. This has now given a more interesting ride with a

gradient of 1 in 22 to climb to the upper level. It also means

that we can give rides of just under 0.5 mile, by including

two circuits of each of the inner circuit, which passes

through the tunnel, and the outer circuit “up the hill”

Multi-gauge and ground level tracks

Mayor & Mayoress naming Green Dragon

Ground Level Track Point