The Dinting Railway Centre by a few who made it happen

A further selection of home movie film and still photographs of the Dinting Railway Centre taken during the period 1969 to 1980, with later video footage taken after the site was closed.
The soundtrack incorporates excerpts from the audio CD 'Steam - in our soul' the audio documentary which tells the story of the early days of the Bahamas Locomotive Society.
Notable content includes the first steaming in preservation of 6115 Scots Guardsman in 1978, the McEwan Pratt petrol loco 'Jacob' working in 1969, and images and voices of some of the Society volunteers who helped to make it all possible, and who are no longer with us. It is for those people that this short presentation is dedicated.

[peterflitcroft]

I little tear in my eye watching this. It seems a lifetime ago. Used to cycle over the hill from Whaley Bridge to volunteer.. Helped clean 6115 the day before it’s last outing on the main line from Dinting. The love of steam engines never leaves you. I have my own steam traction engine now.

[johnwillock]

Great film, brings back so many memories of when I helped out there, and working on the very first steam weekend to be Do wish it could be resurrected.

[christaylor]

Really enjoyed this. I recall after the society had been booted off the site the land owner got egg on his face because his plans to build houses was refused due to access issues. My old mate Ian Jones was a keen member, can't spot him in the video but I suspect he'll be there somewhere. He ran the miniature steam railway at Belle Vue in Manchester.

[TrainGunz]

What a fantastic group of Steam Preservationists. Yes, Dinting men did go everywhere, even to Melbourne Australia to show us what to do.
A well polished production as all else that Dinting produced.

[grahamchadwick]

Had great days when my Mum and Dad took me there as a young kid,

[Reggyrail]

Happiest memories there as a young volunteer. Much missed.

[johnspencer]

Found this gem to watch Fond memories of visiting in 1983 Just found quite a few film slides from Dinting took a few in the shed as well

[jordomayor]

Me Dads from Hollingworth, Greater Manchester and back in the mid seventies we visited our Grandma and Grandpa and during this stay we went to visit Dinting Railway Centre. what a wonderful and magical place it was! I guess the strongest first impression on arrival and stepping out onto the car park, was the smell of oil, steam and coal mixed with the fresh air of the Yorkshire Dale's.
The massive dinosaurs of Steel were so overwhelming to see, so huge, that as a child standing so close up, one couldn't grasp the entirety of a beast like the 'Leander'.

[sarahandwills]

A brilliant look back at a great initiative. Used to love going there as a kid.

[johnlaw]

A great compilation of what looks like many hours of pleasure and team work.

[bruceknights]

I visted in 86 and was hugely impressed by the quality of the place and the buzz. The day was topped off by the sight of a Police Norton Wankel motorbike in the Glossop High Street.

[amullally-jx]

My uncle George Wilson was a fireman at Dinting Station, working all round Manchester, Moved eventually to Hollyhead Station, where he retired from. Currently in Anglesey, it would be great to get in touch with some old colleagues.

[freespiritgb]

Great film and great music. I remember meeting John Tait when we worked at GMT. He was at Chunderplan. Thought I saw Arnie Furness briefly. Later on in my railway career I worked with George Wilson who had started as a cleaner at Dinting in BR days. Finished his career at Holyhead. Happy days.

[yppahpeek]

What a fantastic video. Marvellous to hear the satisfaction and enthusiasm in the voices. I had no idea there used to be an engine shed in Dinting

[steadynumber]

I was still a teenager when I joined the Bahamas Locomotive Society. Because I was away serving with the Royal Navy it was unfortunately difficult to get more involved. I'm so glad the society has done such stirling work & provided such happy memories for so many volunteers, & that the fruits of their labour, the engines, continue to thrive.

[scopex]

I was a volunteer on many lines including SVR and S&C. It is heartbreaking to see the effort of so many gone to waste. My condoleces to you all brothers and sisters - I feel your pain.😔😪

[shard]

Fantastic video, also great to see my Dad on a couple of the stills, Dave Wardley. Thanks tp BLS for allowing me to put my Dads ashes in Bahamas Firebox Last year. A fitting end for my Dad who loved Steam.

[officialmcdeath]

Saw this place in passing on one of the last Saturdays of DC operation - my focus on that day being to sample the 506s before they were withdrawn - promissed myself I'd be back another time for a proper visit - never got around to it - thank you, at least, for documenting this \m/

[petedemaio]

This is a great film. And song.
Usually preservation efforts continue to grow and grow so this is quite sad to see after all of the work that went into this place.
This film is a wonderful record.

[Drivershell]

what a truly brilliant video. I have happy memories and some video of a gala weekend. It was a great place to visit. Your video shows the great volunteer spirit. Huge thanks for posting.