History
In 1884, a new curve was constructed on the Glossop line, allowing a direct service from Glossop to Manchester for the first time. Because the original alignment of the line from Glossop to Hadfield was too tight to include a curve before Dinting viaduct, a new alignment was created to the north to facilitate the new curve. Diting Station was also rebuilt at this time.
The track on the original alignment was mostly retained as sidings. A single-track engine shed was constructed on the site, with a water supply from a pond next to the nearby road (which had been moved north to accomodate the new alignment).
The engine shed and sidings were in operation until being closed in 1935, but then reopened in 1942. They were closed for good in 1954.
The site was eventually taken over in 1967 by The Bahamas Locomotive Society, which had been set up to purchase and restore the LMS 'Jubilee' Class locomotive number 45596 Bahamas.
The Society used the site to set up Dinting Railway Centre as a working steam engine museum, to house the 'Bahamas' locomotive and their growing collection of other engines and rolling stock.
The railway centre soon expanded from the original engine shed, building a larger, modern shed behind it. At its height, the centre was a popular tourist attraction, with visits from locomotives such as the Flying Scotsman, the A2 Class Blue Peter, and various LMS Jubilee Class locomotives.
There was even a special postbox, where items posted would receive a special handstamped postmark (right).
Due to arguments about the lease on the site, by the early 1990s the Society was forced to find a new home, relocating to Ingrow in Yorkshire. The railway centre closed in 1991, and the site has been unused ever since. Only the original engine shed now remains.
In the early 2010s, the former crossing keeper's cottage, located next to the old junction for the sidings, was demolished.
Directions to the cache
1. At the published co-ordinates, face up the hill towards the railway, then turn to your left and, using your GPS device, follow the dirt path for about 110m (360ft).
2. At this point, you'll see a stony path branch off to the right. Go down this path and use your GPS device to follow it for about 60m (200ft).
3. You should now see the remains of the old engine shed to your right. Walk into it and you will see a doorway. Go through the doorway and turn immediately left. Be careful, as the ground directly in front of the doorway is unusually boggy.
4. The cache is hidden under a sleeper in this area. Please re-hide it well, and do not remove the stamp from the container. You'll need to bring your own pen, as there isn't one in the cache, and you do need to sign the log to claim the find.
