Below is the latest news for 2024. The most recent additions are shown in RED. Last amendment: 10 October 2024
Blackpool Zoo Miniature Railway
This 15" gauge railway ceased to run due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. The Zoo stated it was closed for about two years, but was definitely running again during the 2023 season. The original Severn Lamb 2-8-0 locomotive has been overhauled. The track layout remains unchanged.
10 October 2024. Source: Report Received
Middleton Common Farm Railway
This new 10¼" gauge railway is located at TQ344180 adjacent to the Sussex Butterfly Gardens at Middleton Common Farm, Ditchling Common, to the east of Burgess Hill. It opened on 27th July 2024 and is formed of a simple circuit of 140 yards, with one station, small wooden shed/tunnel and no points. Motive is 4wPH "The Butterfly Express" with a two coach artic set of sit-in open coaches. The fare for two circuits of the track is £2.50 for all. The track, locomotive and coaches were acquired from the Exmoor Miniature Railway, which latterly operated as portable line and spent a while at Powderham Castle in Devon - where the new owner saw it running. The locomotive has a 6hp Petter engine and carries a plate stating "Rebuild No.1 2019 Mock & Sons Ltd".
10 October 2024. Source: Site visit
Carnfunnock Family Fun Zone
This 7¼" gauge railway ran in Carnfunnock Country Park near Larne in Northern Ireland. Sadly, it ran for the last time on Sunday 29th September 2024. The site owners Mid & East Antrim Council terminated the lease for the railway and the other attractions (an 18 hole mini golf course, bungee trampolines and walk on water balls). The Council said major construction works to dramatically redevelop the Park are planned to commence in January 2025 and be completed by summer 2026.
10 October 2024. Source: Facebook & Local Newspaper
Queen's Pier Railway
After many years of disuse, this 3ft gauge railway part-reopened on Sunday 4th August 2024. Currently it is only 80 yards in length, but will be extended as more of the Pier is renovated. Motive power is the original "Planet" locomotive and trailer.
9 August 2024. Source: Report received
Scottish Deer Centre & Wildlife Park
A new 10¼" gauge railway opened at this attraction on Wednesday 7th August 2024. The line is a simple circuit of 270 yards. Motive power and coaches are on loan from the (now closed) Kerr's Miniature Railway ar Arbroath.
9 August 2024. Source: Park's Facebook pages
Croxteth Park Miniature Railway
This 7¼" gauge railway reopened on Sunday 9th June 2024. It is located in the grounds of Croxteth Hall & Country Park and is formed of a circuit of around 330 yards. It had previously closed at the end of the 2009 season. The stock was later sold, but the track remained in situ. Public running is at weekends from Easter to the end of October, 11.30 to 16.30.
13 June 2024. Source: Railway's Facebook page
Exeter Model Engineers
Called the Exeter Miniature Railway, the Society operates a ground level 5"/7¼" gauge railway in the grounds of St Katherines Priory near Polshoe Bridge in the east of Exeter. Public running takes place on the first Sunday of the month, all year, from 11.00 to 15.00. A visit on Sunday 5th May 2024 found that the "E" run is now 210 yards in length. A low bridge/viaduct remains to be installed to complete the circuit.
28 May 2024. Source: Site Visit
Northampton & Lamport Railway
On Saturday 30th March 2024 the railway opened its southern extension from Bridge 11 (4m 31ch) to Boughton (4m 05ch), where it has constructed a one-platform station with a run-round loop and signal box (4m 11ch). The first public train left Pitsford & Brampton at 12.22.
11 April 2024. Source: Site Visit
The Valley Railway Adventure
This is the new name for the 15" gauge Evesham Vale Light Railway, following its take over by new owners on 1st March 2024
11 April 2024. Source: Site Visit & Railway Web Site
Churwell Woodland Railway
Sadly, this short 7¼" gauge railway closed at the beginning of October 2023. It had been completely lifted by 4th December 2023 - the trackbed becoming woodland paths. The associated Community Interest Company was dissolved on 2nd January 2024. As the railway normally operated on the 2nd & 4th Saturdays of the month from April to October, the last public running day may well have been Saturday 23rd September 2023.
2 January 2024. Source: Facebook pages
Centre for Alternative Technology
Due to financial pressures the Centre closed to day visitors from 9th November 2023. However, the Centre is still open for students, educational group visits, events and courses. The 5ft 3in gauge water balanced funicular railway remains, but whether it is maintained and operable is unknown - but it is no longer available to ordinary day visitors (the general public).
2 January 2024. Source: Centre web site