Search This Blog
Showing posts with label UK. Show all posts
Showing posts with label UK. Show all posts

Friday, 18 July 2025

NGRUK Home Page

Snap of Prince and Blanche at Tan-y-Bwlch in the mid 1960s
I have been fascinated by narrow gauge railways for at least the past 50 years - since a family holiday in North Wales when I was a youngster and quite by chance we camped beside the Festiniog Railway. Over the years I have visited several preserved narrow gauge railways and tramped the trackbeds of many abandoned lines. Having just retired from full time work I decided it was time I catalogued more fully my interests and my various wanderings. This blog aims to encapsulate an accumulation of information, images and video clips.

Over the coming years I intend to visit (and re-visit) the sites of narrow gauge railways in the UK accessible to the public and record the outcome of my visits and researches. The outcome will no doubt be idiosyncratic and completely partial - I am, after all, only human!

The accepted definition of 'narrow gauge' includes railways with a gauge of less than 4' 8½". This should therefore include miniature railways. However, as there are nearly 500 railways in the UK which fit this description I have decided initially to concentrate on passenger carrying and commercial railways with a gauge between 12" and 4' 8½".

Below you will find a list of the railways which fit my parameters outlined above. I think I have listed the passenger carrying and commercial lines which have existed or do exist in the UK (with a gauge greater than 12") - however, I have found it is quite difficult to find a definitive list - railways seem to come and go at will. In addition, I have plotted all the railways on a Google Map, to help me plan my visits.

View Narrow Gauge Railways in a larger map


You will notice that this list has around fifty 'live' entries so far out of just over 200 possible railways. I am intending to start from scratch - visiting and revisiting each railway but, this time, being more systematic in the information, images and videos I collect.

 Narrow Gauge Railways in England
Narrow Gauge Railways Railways in Wales

Narrow Gauge Railways in Scotland
  • Alford Valley Railway (2')
  • Almond Valley Heritage Centre (2' 6")
  • Campbeltown and Machrihanish (2’3”)
  • Clyde Valley Railway (2')
  • Craigtoun Park Railway (15")
  • East Links Railway (2')
  • Glasgow Underground Railway (4')
  • Leadhills & Wanlockhead Railway (2')
Narrow Gauge Railways in Ireland
  • Arigna Mines Experience (2')
  • Ballymena, Cushendall & Red Bay (3’)
  • Ballymena & Larne (3’)
  • Ballycastle  (3’)
  • Castlerigg & Victoria Bridge Tramway (3’)
  • Cavan & Leitrim Railway (3')
  • Clogher Valley tramway (3’)
  • Cork, Blackrock & Passage (3’ (originally 5’3”))
  • Cork & Muskerry Light Railway (3’)
  • County Donegal Railway (3’3”)
  • Difflin Lake Railway (15")
  • County Donegal  (3’) 
  • Fintown & Glenties Railway (3')
  • Giants Causeway & Bushmills Railway (3')
  • Irish Steam Preservation Society (3')
  • Lartigue Monorail and Museum (0')
  • Leisureland Funworld Express (2')
  • Londonderry & Lough Swilly (3’)
  • Peatlands Park (3')
  • Schull & Skibbereen (3’) 
  • Stradbally Railway  (Railway Preservation Society of Ireland) (3')
  • Sunshine Peat Co. (2' 6")
  • Tralee & Blennerville Railway (3')
  • Tralee & Dingle (3’)
  • Tramore Miniature Railway (15")
  • Waterford & Suir Valley Railway (3')
  • West Clare Railway (3')
  • West Clare  (3’)
  • Westport House (15")
Narrow Gauge Railways elsewhere
Isle of Man
Channel Islands
    • Jersey Railway (3’6”)
    • Pallot Steam Museum (2' ??)

      Background research
      To inform my visits I have been conducting more generalised background research on the history and development of narrow gauge railways in the UK and Ireland. From time to time I will share the outcome of my researches here:

      Progress Reports
      Over time I will keep posting general progress reports in addition to the postings on railways I have visited. These will be presented here in chronological order.

      You may also be interested in my other two blogs which are slightly interrelated:
      • Swiss Railway Tour - A ten day trip I organised in 2007 to travel on what I considered to be the most well known railways in Switzerland
      • Peckforton Garden Railway - My 15mm scale garden railway depicting a fictional three foot narrow gauge railway supposedly situated in the Cheshire countryside.

      Posted by at 3 comments:
      Labels: , , , , , , , , ,

      Wednesday, 18 December 2019

      Snowdon Mountain Railway

      In a nutshell

      Gauge:          2'  7½"(800cm)

      Length:        4 2/3 miles (7.5km)

      Opened:      1896

      Location:   

      Email:     info@snowdonrailway.co.uk 
      Tel.:         +44 (0) 1286 870 223

      Snowdon Mountain Railway
      Llanberis
      Gwynedd
      LL55 4TT 

       

      Date of visit:     20 September 2019

      Key Facts

      • The Snowdon Mountain Railway is the only rack assisted railway in the UK
      • There has only been one accident on the line, on the day it first opened when one passenger died after the first downward train became derailed probably because it was overloaded
      • The line was constructed between December 1894 and February 1896
      • The rack system used by the railway was devised by Roman Abt, a Swiss locomotive engineer. Two racks are positioned between the rails, staggered by half a tooth to ensure there is always a complete tooth on the pinions engaged with the rack
      • The locomotive is not coupled to the carriage, so that the carriage would not be dragged down the mountainside if the locomotive became derailed
      • Gripper rails are fitted to either side of the rack to prevent the pinion from disengaging with the rack
      • Each locomotive and carriage has a manual brake which operates on the pinion
      • The locomotives also have a compression brake which uses air in the cylinders to slow the descent
      • The locomotives and carriages also have automatic brakes which engage if they exceed a certain speed
      • The railway has eight steam locomotives, five of which were built for the line's opening.
      • There are also four diesel hydraulic locomotives, powered by Rolls Royce engines
      • The line has ordered a diesel/battery hybrid locomotive which is intended to enter service in 2020. The batteries will be recharged on the descent.
      • There is a cafe and visitor centre at the summit (3560ft (1085m) above sea level) which was opened in 2009
      • There is also a cafe and toilet facilities at Llanberis station
      • During the winter or bad weather, trains will only run to Halfway station
      • It is advisable to book in advance as the number of tickets are limited each day

      Route

      Source: By MickMacNee at en.wikipedia - I created this work entirely by myself., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=13430621

      My Impressions

      The last time I travelled on the Snowdon Mountain Railway was over fifty years ago, so I was anxious to see how things had changed.

      We arrived at Llanberis in good time to pick up our pre-booked tickets. While waiting we indulged in a cup of coffee and a snack, sitting outside in the early September sunshine.

      There was a good selection of food available at the cafe and so we were spoiled for choice.

      There was time to watch the departure of one of the diesel hauled trains ......


       ..... and our train being marshalled from the sheds. We were booked on one of the vintage steam services. We figured that as this was likely to be a one-off, we would travel in style.

      Before long, we boarded. Although not first in the queue, we were able to get a good seat at the rear of the carriage close to the loco.

      After crossing the Waterfall viaduct, we soon left the treeline......

      ......  and reached the first station / passing place at Hebron.

      After passing a downward diesel train, we progressed further, the mountain scenery becoming more rugged, until we reached Halfway Station, where we paused to wait for another downward train.

      Our guard/train manager took the opportunity to point out some of the scenic features observable from our vantage point ......

      ..... until the downward train passed us on the loop.

      We continued upwards, allowing a fine view of the downward train and the emerging landscape towards Anglesey.

      As we laboured further up the mountain, the views began to open out, here looking towards the Rivals on the Lleyn Peninsula.

      As we approached Clogwyn Station, the train traversed a stretch of line on a ridge, which permitted views down to the left of the Llanberis Pass in the valley below. Apart from the summit, this is probably the most spectacular view on the trip.

      We paused again at Clogwyn Station to await another downward train which we could see approaching from further up the line. There seemed to be a considerable number of people walking the path from Llanberis to the summit, hardly surprising as the weather was unseasonably warm and the sky very clear.

      Eventually, the train came nearer, passing over the curve on which the first passenger carrying train derailed on the line's opening day.

      Then it was our turn to tackle the last section of the railway to the summit. The views opened out even more, giving a fine view out of the whole island of Anglesey .......

      ..... and along the north coast of the Lleyn Peninsula ......

      ....... before our train gently eased itself into the station at the summit.........

      ............  where the loco was given a well deserved rest

       We were given 30 minutes at the summit which allowed plenty of time to browse through the souvenirs and walking equipment in the shop, ...

      .... grab a cuppa and a pie in the cafe .......

       ...... and join the crowd at the summit.

      The views from the summit were spectacular in all directions.

      Looking North West ........

      ...... looking East

      ...... South West .....

      ..... South East.

      .... and West.

      It was very blustery at the top and so it was somewhat of a relief to re-board our train and start the descent. With our destination visible in the distance .....

      ..... we passed many walkers toiling their way towards or away from the summit.

      At Hebron, we met another steam heritage train making its way up towards the summit.

      Eventually, we arrived at Llanberis ......

      ...... where our train was shunted back into its siding.......

      ..... and we could watch the departure of another train towards the summit.

      Passing through the railway's shop on the way towards the exit, I bought a handy little guide on the railway's history but avoided the temptation of buying a snow globe or fridge magnet.

      I was impressed by how efficiently the railway is operated and also by the enthusiasm and willingness of the staff to help and/or discuss the railway.

      The stock was scrupulously clean and well maintained, particularly considering the age of the steam locomotives and the heritage carriages. The fare is not cheap, but then it is a unique experience in the UK and presumably the cost of maintaining the track and railway infrastructure.

      It is possible to take a one way journey, but I would advise you to check the long term weather forecast. We were extremely fortunate in having booked the perfect day for viewing the landscape. This was partly luck and partly due to careful scrutiny of the weather forecasts by my partner - who, incidentally, funded the trip as part of an unexpected Christmas present two years ago. It took us that long to find the ideal conditions in relation to weather and our availability. A previous booking we had made a year earlier had to be cancelled because steam hauled trains had been withdrawn owing to fire risk during the drought at the start of the 2018 summer season.

      It pays to be patient!

      Video





      Posted by at No comments:
      Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

      Tuesday, 21 August 2018

      Sittingbourne and Kemsley Light Railway

      In a nutshell

      Gauge:         2 ' 6" (756cm)

      Length:        2 miles (3.2km)

      Opened:       Originally opened 1904

                        Closed 1969
                        Re-opened 1970
                        Closed 2008
                        Re-opened 2010

      Location:   

      Sittingbourne and Kemsley Light Railway Ltd.
      PO Box 300
      SITTINGBOURNE
      Kent ME10 2DZ


      Web:      http://www.sklr.net
      Email:    info@sklr.net
      Tel:         01795 424899

      Date of visit:     19 August 2018

       

      Key Facts

      • The railway was built originally to transport raw materials and paper to and from the paper mill in Sittingbourne and the wharves at Milton Creek
      • In 1913, the line was extended to the newly constructed Ridham Dock
      • In 1923 a new paper mill was constructed, about half way along the railway at Kemsley.  At the time, it was the largest paper mill in Europe
      • Passenger services were introduced at this time to transport workers to the mill from Sittingbourne
      • The line is unique in that for half a mile it is carried on a half mile long reinforced concrete viaduct
      • In 1965, it was decided that the railway was no longer commercially viable and so, in 1969, it was gifted to the Locomotive Club of Great Britain (LCGB)
      • In 2010, the paper mill in Sittingbourne closed and was demolished. The site is now occupied by a large supermarket. The present Sittingbourne Viaduct Station became the new terminus for the railway.
      • In its heyday, the railway boasted 14 steam locomotives (including two articulated locos), two fireless steam locos, a battery electric loco and a petrol loco
      • The railway now has seven operational steam locos, plus several narrow gauge and standard gauge display locos in various states of repair. It also has three diesel locos.
      • Seven of the railway's original passenger coaches (converted from freight wagons) are still in service, together with four coaches from the now closed Chattenden & Upnor munitions factory railway
      • The railway has 42 freight wagons, mostly preserved from the original railway but a few from other sources
      • The railway generally runs on Sundays and Wednesday afternoons during the school holidays 

      Route


       

      My Impressions

      According to the SKLR website, their station is opposite the main railway station. It was close, but not that obvious initially. The entrance to the SKLR's Sittingbourne Viaduct station turned out to be just behind a Pizza Hut restaurant, between a drive-thru KFC and drive-thru MacDonalds. Handy if we were feeling peckish, but less so if we were late for the 12.00 train - which we were.

      However, once we tracked down the station and bought our modestly priced tickets, we had time to look around the station and chat with the volunteer staff, who gave us some interesting background information about the railway and its history.

      It turned out that the viaduct on which the station is presently located used to extend further, over the road to the paper mill which used to be situated beside the town's main railway station where the Morrison's Superstore and car park are presently located. The facilities at the SKLR station are somewhat basic as they have experienced a number of thefts of equipment and repeated bouts of vandalism which make them reluctant to develop the site beyond the bare minimum.

      What a sad indictment of the reality of the world in which we now find ourselves. Full credit to the dedicated band of volunteers who give up their time and energy to manage such important historical sites despite such adversities.

      Before long, there was a short toot announcing the arrival of the train of five miscellaneous coaches hauled by the line's very smartly attired 0-4-2 Kerr Stuart Brazil Loco Leader.

      After running around its train, the loco awaited the all clear before setting off, with a slightly irregular engine beat. It transpired that this was caused through the fitment of a non standard replacement eccentric driving the valve gear when there was no appropriate spare available.

      We slowly ventured out over the tight reverse curves of the first part of the concrete viaduct on which this end of the railway was built,

      ...... before picking up speed when we encountered the straight.

      Alongside the railway are the enormous pipes which once carried steam from the paper mill at Kemsley to the mill in Sittingbourne. At level crossings, the pipes arched their way over the roads.

      After passing underneath the Swale Way, the line passed through the marshes as it headed towards the paper mill at Kemsley.

      The train then slowed as it approached and entered Kemsley Down station.

      There was a 20 minute stop at the station while the loco ran around its train.

      There was plenty for a railway enthusiast to see at Kemsley Down station. In addition to various items of rolling stock from the days the railway served the paper mills ....

      ...... quite a number of the line's locomotives are on show in various states of repair.

      These include both the narrow gauge and standard gauge fireless steam locomotives, which were topped up from the paper mill's high pressure boilers.

      There is also a small museum (the green shed in the above photo), which includes some interesting facts and photos showing the history of the railway.

      There is also a tea room .......

      ...... and a small shop, where booklets and souvenirs can be purchased.

      Twenty minutes is insufficient time to do all the exhibits justice and so I would suggest waiting an hour for the next train back to Sittingbourne. The staff and volunteers are more than willing to explain and demonstrate to curious fellow enthusiasts.

      There was an announcement warning us that the train was about to depart ......

      ....... and before long we embarked on our fifteen minute return journey.

      With squealing wheel flanges we re-negotiated the reverse curves at the end of the viaduct .....

      ..... and slowly entered the station.

      We really enjoyed our visit to this historic and slightly quirky railway which holds great significance for narrow gauge railway enthusiasts. The staff are among the friendliest and most helpful on any of the preserved narrow gauge and miniature railways I have visited - this is number 76 in my quest to visit them all!

      I can thoroughly recommend a visit to the Sittingbourne and Kemsley Light Railway. It is only an hour from London by rail and so well within reach should you be planning a visit to the capital for a long weekend (which is what we did).

      Video




      Posted by at No comments:
      Labels: , , , , , , , , , ,
      Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)