Lakeside is a station on the northern end of the Skarloey Railway, reached by a loop line.
History
The Railway Series
In 1963, the Skarloey Railway began preliminary work to construct a loop around Skarloey Lake. The loop line was completed in time for the railway's Centenary Celebrations in June 1965. It deviates from the main line at Lakeside Junction, and runs round and above the lake on a ledge cut in the hillside among the trees. Lakeside is the sole station on the line, and serves a picnic area. The loop was mostly financed by the sale of the old Ward Fell slate quarry to the Ministry of Defence.
The loop line has proved its worth as a tourist attraction. From Easter to Michaelmas all passenger trains between 10.30am and 4.00pm run round the lake through magnificient scenery; but for the rest of the year, when traffic is mainly local, the old main line direct to Skarloey station is used.
Thomas & Friends
Lakeside is a sizeable community situated around the mouth of the lake, and has a harbour which houses a variety of fishing boats, and the paddle tug Lakesider III. The railway runs through the town in a loop, and a bascule bridge carries it across the lake. The station consists of two platforms and a separate ticket office. A variety of businesses are located here, such as a Neptune Refreshments shop owned by the Refreshment Lady.
Appearances
Thomas & Friends
- Series 4 - A Bad Day for Sir Handel, Peter Sam and the Refreshment Lady, Rock 'n' Roll, Passengers and Polish (stock footage), Fish (stock footage) and Mind that Bike
- Series 7 - Bulgy Rides Again (stock footage)
Trivia
- Although Lakeside's Talyllyn Railway equivalent is Nant Gwernol, the two extensions are very different. The Lakeside extension actually pre-dates the TR's Nant Gwernol extension.
- Several buildings from Lakeside were reused in other places:
- Small town at the Standard Gauge and Narrow Gauge Viaduct
- Norramby Fishing Village
- Miner's Halt
Gallery
The Railway Series
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