Present-Day Mid Suffolk Light Railway
The MSLR operates as a heritage railway with a short stretch of track, historic locomotives, and beautifully restored carriages. It hosts events such as steam galas, themed days, and Christmas specials, providing a glimpse into the life of a rural light railway in the early 20th century. The railway’s museum displays artefacts and information about its history, keeping the story of the “Middy” alive.
Preservation and Reopening
In 1990, a group of enthusiasts formed the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway Society to preserve the memory of the “Middy.” They acquired land at the site of the former Brockford Station and began restoring track, buildings, and rolling stock. The first public trains began running in the 2000s, recreating the charm of the original rural railway.
History of the Mid Suffolk Light Railway
The MSLR was conceived as part of a network of light railways under the Light Railways Act of 1896, designed to reduce construction costs in rural areas. The line officially opened in 1904, connecting Haughley Junction to Laxfield, with several small intermediate stations. Despite its ambitions to extend further, financial constraints limited its development, and it remained a modest single-track line. The railway primarily served local farmers, transporting agricultural goods, livestock, and passengers. The rise of road transport in the 20th century made the railway increasingly unprofitable. Passenger services were discontinued in 1952, and the line was completely closed by 1954.