Introduction
The Branchline Society is one of the most fascinating organizations in the railway enthusiast world. Founded in 1955, it brings together people who love exploring the hidden corners of Britain’s railways. From rare sidings and freight-only lines to special tours across disused tracks, the society offers experiences you won’t find anywhere else. For railfans, the branchline society is more than just a club—it’s a gateway to unique adventures and a living archive of railway heritage.
What is the Branchline Society?
The Branchline Society is a voluntary association for railway enthusiasts in the UK. Its members share a passion for unusual and rarely used parts of the railway network. Unlike regular train trips, their focus is on areas often unseen by the public: freight loops, depots, crossovers, and branch lines that have been forgotten by time.
It’s a place where railfans, track collectors, and history lovers meet. The society provides access to detailed railway knowledge and opportunities to travel on routes that are not open to the public.
History and Origins of the Branchline Society
The Branchline Society was founded in 1955 during a time of major changes in British railways. Branch lines were closing, and enthusiasts wanted to preserve their memory. A group of rail fans came together to document these lines, and from there the society grew.
Over the decades, the society expanded from a small enthusiast circle into a nationally respected group. Today, it has a strong membership across the UK and abroad. Its history reflects a commitment to preserving not just tracks, but the culture of railway exploration itself.
Activities and Key Features
The Branchline Society is well known for its railtours and fixtures. These are special train trips organized on unusual or rarely used lines. But that’s just one part of what it offers:
- Railtours: Charters that go beyond standard passenger routes.
- Fixtures: Visits to depots, quarries, and private industrial lines.
- Publications: Regular newsletters packed with track information.
- Projects: Cataloguing obscure passenger lines through the PSUL project.
Each of these activities appeals to enthusiasts who want to experience “every inch of track.”
Railtours and Rare Experiences
One of the most exciting features of the Branchline Society is its specialist railtours. These charters are designed to cover routes that rarely see passenger trains.
Some recent examples include:
- A tour of Eastern Rail Services at Great Yarmouth, hauled by a classic shunter.
- A day trip to Tytherington Quarry with DCRail’s locomotives.
- The Salt and Pepper Shaker tour, using a Hastings Diesel Electric Multiple Unit.
- A three-day journey across the Scottish Highlands, reaching Wick and Thurso.
- Tribute tours for retiring trains, such as the Class 323 farewell run.
These tours aren’t just about travel. They create memories for enthusiasts and raise funds for good causes.
Publications and Resources
The society produces one of the most detailed newsletters in the railway world: Branch Line News (BLN). It covers track alterations, rare passenger services, new sidings, and heritage updates.
Members also gain access to maps, supplements, and special guides. These publications are highly valued because they provide information that is difficult to find anywhere else. For researchers and enthusiasts alike, BLN is a treasure chest of railway data.
The PSUL Project (Passenger Service Use Lines)
The PSUL project is one of the society’s most important contributions. It documents passenger services that use lines not normally open to the public.
For example, a train might run once a day or only on certain weekends along a freight curve. Without the PSUL, such information would be easily missed. This project keeps enthusiasts updated and ensures that rare passenger workings are recorded for history.
Charity and Community Impact
The Branchline Society is not only about enjoying railways—it’s also about giving back. Many of its railtours raise money for charities.
A good example is the special charter to Drax Power Station, which raised over £30,000 for a children’s hospice. These events show that the society combines enthusiasm with social responsibility.
The community spirit also shines through in its partnerships with heritage railways, freight operators, and local charities.
Membership and Benefits
Joining the Branchline Society opens up a world of opportunities:
- Access to rare and unusual railtours.
- Subscription to Branch Line News.
- Exclusive maps, guides, and data.
- Invitations to fixtures and depot visits.
Membership is open to anyone, from hardcore track collectors to casual rail fans who just want to explore something new.
Why the Branchline Society Matters
The Branchline Society plays a vital role in railway heritage and culture. It ensures that rare tracks and unusual journeys are not forgotten.
For enthusiasts, it offers the thrill of traveling where few others have been. For the railway community, it provides valuable documentation of routes, track changes, and heritage preservation.
By keeping alive the idea of “every inch of track,” the society helps preserve an important part of Britain’s railway identity.
How to Get Involved
Getting involved is easy:
- Visit the official Branchline Society website.
- Sign up for membership.
- Join one of the upcoming tours or fixtures.
- Follow updates on newsletters, RailAdvent, and YouTube videos.
Whether you’re a lifelong railfan or just curious about hidden railways, the society has something for you.
Conclusion
The Branchline Society is more than an enthusiast group—it’s a community, a record keeper, and a charity supporter. Since 1955, it has brought together people who share a love for unusual railways, historic lines, and hidden tracks.
Through its railtours, publications, and projects like PSUL, it continues to preserve railway heritage and create unforgettable experiences. If you’re passionate about exploring beyond the usual train routes, the Branchline Society is your ticket to adventure.
