Thousands visit Chasewater Railway for brewery locomotive day

Railways fans and families came along to the attraction for its Burton Brewery Locomotive Day that featured trains from the Staffordshire town's three famous beer makers.

Almost 2,000 people piled through the gates on Sunday to have a look at four diesel locomotives that once shunted beer around the Bass, Worthington and Marstons sites in Burton-Upon-Trent.

Visitors could also sample beers from Burton Bridge Brewery aboard a steam locomotive that ran trips along the line in Burntwood.

Bryan Marks, a volunteer at the railway, said: "It's been a fantastic event and very well attended.

"People have been able to enjoy seeing the engines doing what they do best while enjoying a pint of lovely beer."

Three of the engines, constructed by Burton-upon-Trent firm Baguley Ltd, were once a major part of operation at the breweries, moving barrels, malt and hops around their sites.

They include Bass No. 5 the first diesel engine built for the company in 1939 that carried out work in the company's grain department, hauling pumping machinery.

It was sold by 1967 when Bass closed its internal railway system and went over to road haulage instead.

The collection also includes Bass No. 21 built by F.C.Hibberd & Co in 1929, originally for the Worthington's brewery.

All four engines are permanently based at the trust in Pool Lane after being rescued, purchased from other rail enthusiasts or left in the care of the attraction.

During the day three of the engines gave shunting demonstrations, showing what they once did on a daily basis.

"These locomotives were once at the heart of the breweries." added the 45-year-old train enthusiast from Pelsall "Everybody loved seeing them out and we even had people whose family worked on them during their working lives.

"We are already looking forward to next year's event."

Visitors could also see trucks dating back to the 1920's that were used alongside the trains to transport beer and brewing materials.