Retired air traffic controller, Neil Hughes, embarked on a nearly 700-mile round trip from South-west Scotland to experience the Stourbridge Shuttle.

Our tiny train, operating between Stourbridge Junction and Stourbridge Town, might not turn every head, but for enthusiasts like Neil, it represents a bucket list adventure unlike any other.

Setting off at 5 am on Tuesday, February 27, Neil’s meticulously planned journey involved driving to Glasgow Airport, flying via Belfast to Birmingham, and then navigating multiple train services just to reach the starting point of Europe’s shortest branch line. Despite the intricate travel arrangements, including three flights and six train services, Neil’s dedication saw him return home 18 hours later, having accomplished his mission.

Neil’s fascination with the Stourbridge Shuttle was sparked by YouTubers Geoff Marshall and Vicki Pipe, who visited all 2,563 UK railway stations in 2017.

The Shuttle, operated by Pre Metro since 2009, stands out not just for its brevity but for its unique flywheel technology, enabling rapid acceleration and contributing to its charm among transportation aficionados.

Despite its unassuming appearance and the relatively uneventful scenery along its short route, the Shuttle’s uniqueness lies in its operation. It’s a glimpse into what might have been a broader adoption of the Parry People Mover technology, now a rare specimen of railway ingenuity.

Neil’s dedication didn’t go unnoticed. His detailed account on the Dull Men’s Club Facebook page quickly went viral, amassing thousands of reactions, comments, and shares. It wasn’t long before his story was picked up by local and national news outlets, including the Express & Star and the BBC, celebrating his journey as a showcase of the Shuttle’s uniqueness and the passionate community that surrounds it.

Speaking to the BBC, Neil said:

“I’d been wanting to do it for a number of years and I finally got my chance,” said Mr Hughes, a retired air traffic controller.

“I like oddities and strange things – I’ll travel places to go up funicular railways and things like that.”

He added that the shuttle was special not only because of the short journey but also because it was powered by flywheel technology.

Pre Metro reached out to Neil, expressing gratitude for shining a spotlight on our delightful local service. In recognition of his inspirational efforts, we will be sending Neil some gifts, cementing our bond between the railway’s dedicated followers and our staff who keep it running.

Neil’s adventure is a reminder of the joy that can be found in the quirkiest corners of our transportation network.