Kirkstead and Little Steeping Railway

From the 1860s seaside holidays and excursions became increasingly popular, and a nominally independent branch line was opened from Firsby to Skegness in 1873.

The approach to Skegness and Mablethorpe from the Midlands was rather circuitous, involving a sweep through Boston, reversing there in the case of trains running via Lincoln.

[3] In April, the Board noted that a light railway from Kirkstead to Little Steeping would give a more direct route from the north, Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincoln, avoiding the Boston reversal.

The Light Railway Commissioners held an inquiry at Boston on 18 July, and granted the order, and this was confirmed on 27 December 1911.

In summer through carriages from Manchester and Sheffield, and the Leeds train, were diverted to the new route, besides services to Sutton-on-Sea and Mablethorpe.

[5] During World War I heavy holiday traffic continued to the Lincolnshire coastal resorts in the 1915 and 1916 summers.

The Kirkstead and Little Steeping line was less than two years old, and its passenger service was reduced to two each way by May 1915, but a daily Lincoln-Skegness through train continued throughout the war.

[8] There was pressure to release track materials considered to be able to be spared, for use in France as part of the war effort.

Anderson says "every station remained open" and Quick, usually meticulous in temporary closures, does not show any suspension.

[7][12] After World War II the popularity of the seaside resorts at Skegness, Mablethorpe and Sutton on Sea was restored, and through holiday trains resumed in summer.

As an economy measure, the stations on the New Line became unstaffed halts from 7 October 1968; tickets were issued on the train by conductor guards.