RCD’s Overview

This heritage railway runs along attractive Leicestershire countryside. It operates former main-line diesel locomotives and heritage diesel multiple units, as well as visiting steam locomotives. The headquarters of the railway is at Shackerstone, the location of the railway’s museum, Victorian tea room souvenir shop, and locomotive shed which has a small viewing area. The railway, located half way between Leicester and Tamworth, it is readily accessible by car. 

The support group is the 'Shackerstone Railway Society' (see 'Information on the Suport Group' below).

INFORMATION FOR THE VISITOR

Happening This Month on the Railway

• Go to 'Homepage' and click into 'Railway Club Calendar'

Key Facts (where and when)

Extent of Railway (where to where):

Shackerstone to Shenton via Market Bosworth (Leicestershire)

Principal Visitor Centre:

Shackerstone Station

Period of Operation*

- Late March to June (Weekends and selected weekdays)

- July (Weekends and Wednesdays)

- August (Daily, except Mondays and Fridays)

- September and October (Weekends and selected weekdays)

- November and December (Special event trains)

 [* This is a summary. Please go to the railway’s website for definitive operating days] 

Key Facts (what you’ll see)

Services usually steam or diesel?

Diesel and occasional steam

Type of Steam / Diesel Locomotives Used:

Former main line diesel locomotives and DMU. Occasional steam locomotive visitor

Length of Line:

5 miles

Time taken for a round trip:

1 hour

Number of trains per day:

4 in each direction

Number of Stations:

3 stations

Prices:

Adult Rover: £14.50 Senior Rover: £11.50 Child Rover: £7.50 Family: £35

Time to allow for Visit:

2 hours

Museum:

Yes, Shackerstone Railwayana Museum at station

Shop/Cafe:

Yes/Yes

Picnic/Play areas:

Yes/No

Preservation Established:

1973

Car Park Facilities:

Available at Shackerstone (free) and Shenton (P&D) stations

Key Facts (Galas/Events/Dining)

Dining Trains:

- None currently advertised                                                                               

Event Trains:

- Santa Specials: Late November and December 

Principal Galas:

- End of Season Gala: November

Contacts

Email:                                                                  enquiries@battlefieldline.co.uk

Telephone:                                                           01827 880754

Website:                                                               www.battlefieldline.co.uk

Social Media:                             www.facebook.com/shackerstoneshentonmarketbosworth                                   

INFORMATION FOR THE ENTHUSIAST

Brief History of the Railway and its Preservation  

This line runs along a section of the former Ashby and Nuneaton Joint Railway, which linked Nuneaton with Burton, Coalville and Ashby-de-la-Zouch.  It was built to serve the Leicestershire coalfield. The railway was opened in 1873 and was an important freight route for through services until its closure in 1971.  A preservation society was set up in 1969 at Market Bosworth, which moved to Shackerstone in 1970. The line was partially reopened in 1973 when services were run from Shackerstone to Market Bosworth.

Steam Operational Locomotives:

78018 visiting February 2024

None permanently located, but occasional visitors.

Diesel Operational Locomotives/DMU:

(1) BR Class 02 shunter - D2867 ‘Diane’

(2) BR Class 04 shunter - 04 110 (D2310)

(3) BR Class 20 - D8110

(4) BR Class 33 - 33 201

(5) Ruston 0-4-0 shunter - ‘Mazda’

(6) Heritage DMU Class 116 (51131)

(7) Heritage DMU Class 122 (M55005)

Diesel Locomotives/DMU Under Overhaul:

(1) BR Class 20 - 20 087

(2) BR Class 33 - D6508

(3) BR Class 37 - 37906

(4) Ruston shunter - ‘Hercules’

(5) Heritage DMU Class 118 (51321)

Stored/ Under Restoration/ Out of Service:

- Peckett steam 0-6-0 - ‘Sir Gomer’

- BR Class 08 - ‘Davy’

- BR Class 08 - 12083

- BR Class 33 - 33019 ‘Griffon’

- Ruston Hornsby shunter - No. 2 ‘Nancy’

- Andrew Barclay shunter - ‘Big Momma’

- Andrew Barclay shunter - 422 ‘Hot Wheels’

INFORMATION ON THE SUPPORT GROUP

Name of Support Group:

Shackerstone Railway Society

Annual membership fee:

Adult: £18. Senior: £14 Junior £10. Family £50

Benefits of membership:                                  

-          Free access to Shackerstone Station and museum on all normal operating days

-          Discounted travel (50% Fare) on normal operating days

-          Discount (10%) in the Platform 2 shop at Shackerstone Station

-          Quarterly Magazine, ‘The Warrior’

How to Join:                                               Go to www.battlefieldline.co.uk/gifts-memberships

How to Donate:                                          Send email to enquire about donations

WHY JOIN: Help the railway financially and by volunteering         

INFORMATION ON OTHER SOCIETIES WITH RELATED INTEREST

Those interested in this railway may also be interested in the following railway societies also listed on this

website:

Traditional Railway Societies:

- Midland Railway Society

- London & North Western Railway Society

- Leicester Railway Society

- Nuneaton Railway Circle

Model Railway Clubs:

- Leicester Model Railway Group