Leigh984, The creative portfolio of Leigh Spencer

  Based on a 1930.s great western railway the David Clarke railway recreates the golden age of steam in miniature with radio controlled engines and a accurate realistic signalling system . Located origionaly in a factory drawing office in Mountsorrel and created in the 1970`s by the late David Clarke the railway is now situated at the Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation at Ulverscroft Grange and is free to visit (ring ahead to check opening times). The railway is run by a dedicated group of volunteers and was recently (2025) saved from closure by the Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation and welcomes donations to maintain David Clarkes Legacy for future generations.  

The S tatfold Country Park  includes the Statfold Barn Railway which regularly holds events for both enthusiasts and the public alike,  Known as "spectacle of steam" these events see possibly the most engines from the statfold collection out on the rails at any one time creating the spectacle of steam in the events title. In this film I explore the event and try to show not just the engines but a few of the team of passionate drivers and operators etc who really make this event so special. We start the film and our day at the sheds where the engines are filled with coal and water ready for the days workings, then to the station where the engines are coupled to passenger carriages and freight trucks, some engines are turned on the turntable ready to pull or push their respective rolling stock. Heading out onto the railway itself we see the various engines travelling along the rails in various directions. Soon we see engines running in parallel and at pace steam billowing from...

As part of the winter warmer weekend at the Battlefield Line a display by model railway groups of layouts and stalls selling models etc is held in the engine sheds. My film features a look at the event and a layout based on a welsh mining village with a yellow diesel and early steam engine working the rails. The small engines speed around the oval layout as visitors watch on with the steam engine emitting actual steam !.

January brings the Winter Warmer Weekend to the Battlefield Line and a host of visiting engines including 6880 "Betton Grange", 1369, 71468 "Fred" and 2807. My film starts at Shenton Station where 2807 and 6880 "Betton Grange" arrive before recouping and heading back along the line to Market Bosworth where we meet 1369 and 71480 "Fred" in full steam.

A day out at the Statfold Barn Railway for the Spectacle of Steam event promises an unparalleled experience for locomotive enthusiasts. Here, visitors are treated to a spectacle unlike any other, with the opportunity to witness more working steam locomotives in one hour than anywhere else in the UK. The railway and museum boast one of the largest collections of rare, unique, and historic locomotives from around the world, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of railway history. From majestic steam engines to meticulously preserved artifacts, every corner of the Statfold Barn Railway invites exploration and discovery. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or a curious novice, this event promises an unforgettable journey through the golden age of steam.

Join me at the Battlefield Lines Winter Warmer Gala, my film traces the engines' journey from Shenton Station to Market Bosworth. We commence with a nostalgic scene, capturing the engines in reverse as they manoeuvre into position at Shenton Station, signalling the commencement of the return journey to Market Bosworth. Upon reaching Market Bosworth, the perspective shifts into the signal box, offering a commanding view as each engine takes it’s own train. The film showcases the grace and power of these historic locomotives against the backdrop of various station buildings etc completing the narrative with a nostalgic nod to the golden era of steam travel.

On the weekend of Saturday 12th/13th June 2021 the Statfold Barn Railway held an Enthusiast Weekend featuring a locomotive that was originally exported to Java to work at the Trangkil Sugar Mill. The engine features alongside locomotives from around the world brought together and run along the length of the Statfold Barn Railway. Look for engines racing each other along the track and pulling all types of rolling stock from passenger to freight. At these special events there's always something interesting steaming along sounding its whistle and creating an atmosphere in which something is always moving. My film aims to capture the busy nature of the event, you`ll see various engines passing each other, hear the many different sounds of operation, from train and guard whistles to the clanking of the wheels and hissing of pistons as the engines speed past.