Miniature Railway's

[GNER 373]

Just wondering where everyone's favourite 'smaller' railway is/was. I have been to South Shields today and for the 498th time travelled on their Miniature Railway as I have since being young which gave me the idea to create this thread. I've also been to Ravensglass and Eskdale Railway which was probably my favourite.

So what's yours and do you have any pictures?

Look forward to your responses!

 

[matt]

Echills Wood at Kingsbury Water Park where I have spent the afternoon driving a 7 1/4 gauge quarry hunslet loco

 

[GNER 373]

Echills Wood at Kingsbury Water Park where I have spent the afternoon driving a 7 1/4 gauge quarry hunslet loco

Lucky Chap! Is that you in your Avatar driving?

 

[matt]

Lucky Chap! Is that you in your Avatar driving?

It is me driving an American battery F7 which is no longer at the railway.

 

[GNER 373]

It is me driving an American battery F7 which is no longer at the railway.

Just had a look at the website for Echills Wood....WOW! Love the EAR Garratt, quite a machine indeed!
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Heres a quick link to a pic of the loco I travelled with today, picks up a good speed too!

http://www.miniaturerailwayworld.co.uk/Lakeshore.html

(this website is nothing to do with me!) theres plenty more via google image search too!

 

[Vulcan]

I also reccomend the Echills Wood Railway. I used to volunteer there a few years ago. I also reccomend the Beer Heights Light Railway at Pecorama.

 

[Oracle]

Eastleigh Lakeside Railway is excellent, with 7 1/4 and 10 " gauges.

 

[142094]

Been on the one many a time in South Shields. Quite suprising to see it running sometimes in the winter (even when the real railway isn't running as well!).

 

[GNER 373]

Been on the one many a time in South Shields. Quite suprising to see it running sometimes in the winter (even when the real railway isn't running as well!).

Haha!
I was quite shocked it was on today (but very happy of course!!!)
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Eastleigh Lakeside Railway is excellent, with 7 1/4 and 10 " gauges.

Wish I'd checked this out when I was near here in December!

 

[matt]

The Moors Valley in Dorset is also worth a visit as is the Great Cockrow Railway at Chertsey with it impressive signalling

 

[Peter Mugridge]

There is one only a few miles from me near Thames Ditton, known as the Malden and District Society of Model Engineers which is a very well run example. It is open to the public usually on one Sunday each month between Easter and September / October.

Best to check their website for exact details before planning a trip.

They have two tracks - a ground level one and an elevated one and the ability to run several trains at once on each track. They even have a tunnel, which is quite an experience on open topped miniature stock.

At least during the winter when there are no leaves on the trees, the track can be glimpsed from the main line at Hampton Court Junction - they nestle on the northern side of the main line, in the shadow of the big bridge.

 

[sprinterguy]

I agree with GNER 373s’ opinions: The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway is my favourite narrow gauge line: I’ve visited the line sporadically since I was a small child, and it’s still as magical as it ever was almost two decades ago. The scenery is so beautiful as well.

And I love the circuit in Marine Park in South Shields as well: When I was little I used to race the train round the loop, with me running round the footpath by the lake; because of the slow speeds of the train and that I had the slightly shorter run, I often used to win! I’m gutted to hear that it was running on the 3rd: I was in South Shields twice over the Christmas period and was keeping an eye out for the little train running, but it never was: Then lo and behold, it’s in operation on the day I left to head back south! Darn it!

I’m also a big fan of the South Tynedale Railway and Welshpool and Llanfair: Both narrow gauge railways with “bigger” locos and carriages with a very similar feel to them I think. I’ll be pleased when the South Tynedale reaches Slaggyford.

Finally, I’m still waiting for the opportunity to visit the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway: I’m a huge fan of Gresley Pacifics, so I feel that I’d be quite enthralled by the whole experience.

 

[GNER 373]

I agree with GNER 373s’ opinions: The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway is my favourite narrow gauge line: I’ve visited the line sporadically since I was a small child, and it’s still as magical as it ever was almost two decades ago. The scenery is so beautiful as well.

And I love the circuit in Marine Park in South Shields as well: When I was little I used to race the train round the loop, with me running round the footpath by the lake; because of the slow speeds of the train and that I had the slightly shorter run, I often used to win! I’m gutted to hear that it was running on the 3rd: I was in South Shields twice over the Christmas period and was keeping an eye out for the little train running, but it never was: Then lo and behold, it’s in operation on the day I left to head back south! Darn it!

I’m also a big fan of the South Tynedale Railway and Welshpool and Llanfair: Both narrow gauge railways with “bigger” locos and carriages with a very similar feel to them I think. I’ll be pleased when the South Tynedale reaches Slaggyford.

Finally, I’m still waiting for the opportunity to visit the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway: I’m a huge fan of Gresley Pacifics, so I feel that I’d be quite enthralled by the whole experience.

I did exactly the same thing running around the lake before the train got back into the station! What a shame you didn't get to enjoy one more 'go'! It's as good as ever! Never been to South Tynedale but we normally travel over that way during the summer months so will have to pop in! I havent been to Eskdale for about 12 years but I hear it's still brilliant! Maybe do a round trip to here and to S.Tynedale on way back!!!

Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch looks almost the ultimate miniature railway to visit! I have an episode of Trainspotting (Discovery Channel) on Sky+ which features an episode on this railway, plus an episode of Pete Waterman's Trains series and it looks bloody great! This railway even helped the war effort and Hitler had plans to bomb it!!!!! Definitely gonna have to tick that one of the list some day soon!

 

[SteamontheMet]

Oh for Me the list will go on forever, I actually love miniature railways more than the real thing, run by proper railwaymen and not Businessmen.

I currently work on the Northolt Miniature Railway and regularly visit my local railways and occasionally get involved:

Ruislip Lido Light Railway
Ickenham and District Miniature Railway
Harrow And Wembley Miniature Railway
Harlington Locomotive Society (was under threat from Heathrow Third Runway expansion)

these are all West London Miniature Railways.

my favorites are the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway and the Great Cockcrow Railway.

Have also been wanting to visit a Miniature Railway in the Sheffield area, (I think Abbeydale) for a few years.



Oh and Not to Forget the Aylesbury Miniature Railway at the Bucks Railway Center, a brilliant layout.

 

[GNER 373]

Oh and Not to Forget the Aylesbury Miniature Railway at the Bucks Railway Center, a brilliant layout.

Oh wow! I'd forgot about this one! I visited here whilst visiting family in Waddesdon!! Also went to the 'Great Train Robbery' sight which isn't too far either!

 

[sprinterguy]

I did exactly the same thing running around the lake before the train got back into the station! What a shame you didn't get to enjoy one more 'go'! It's as good as ever! Never been to South Tynedale but we normally travel over that way during the summer months so will have to pop in! I havent been to Eskdale for about 12 years but I hear it's still brilliant! Maybe do a round trip to here and to S.Tynedale on way back!!!

Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch looks almost the ultimate miniature railway to visit! I have an episode of Trainspotting (Discovery Channel) on Sky+ which features an episode on this railway, plus an episode of Pete Waterman's Trains series and it looks bloody great! This railway even helped the war effort and Hitler had plans to bomb it!!!!! Definitely gonna have to tick that one of the list some day soon!

I first saw the Romney, Hythe and Dimchurch on the BBC "Classic Trains" TV series, must have been about 14 years ago now, and was absolutely gobsmacked that there was a place essentially operating a fleet of 15 inch gauge A1 Pacifics, as well as the bigger 2-8-2s. Awesome. And, of course, it had it's very own armoured train during WW2.

I was last at the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway in late 2009 (Can't believe it was that long ago already), having not been to the line in a few years: I was on the way back from a weeks' holiday in Scotland and couldn't resist the opportunity to drop in on the R&ER as I headed back south, fantastic little railway. You should definitely check out the South Tynedale sometime as well: Alston is such a pleasant part of the country, and they're currently extending the line about a mile or so from the current Kirkhaugh terminus towards their goal of Slaggyford.

I'll catch the train in South Shields park again some day!

 

[starrymarkb]

I remember Dobwells - now closed though

 

[Waddon]

Dobwalls was great, really interesting and well engineered. Shame it's gone