The railway has been busy through the half term break at the end of October adding to the other activities at Royal Victoria Country Park.
Green steam engine No. 4 Isambard Kingdom Brunel is now resplendent with its full lining and lettering carried out by hand to a very high standard by skilled volunteer Gerald. When the engine was positioned for photography on the turntable at Kirk Terminus during half term week it attracted quite a crowd of admirers. It is hoped that Isambard Kingdom Brunel or the red engine Peter the Private will haul some or all of the Santa Special trains in December.
Don’t forget Santa tickets are still available. If you haven’t booked, spaces are limited but still available for 9th 10th, 16th and 17th December at £12.50 per person. As well as our traditional seasonal cheer, prices include a ride on our steam train (subject to availability) to the North Pole where you alight for Santa’s heated grotto. A sherry or non alcoholic warm fruit punch and a hot mince pie are served to the adults and sweets and drinks for the children and of course the all important personalised present from Father Christmas. There will be plenty of photo opportunities both inside and out, so don’t forget your camera!
The railway has in its possession a number of replica engine nameplates and train headboards. These include ‘The Mid Day Scot’ from the famous train which ran from Euston to Glasgow and nameplates ‘Mere Hall’ and ‘King Edward 1’ both from Great Western Railway locomotives. These can be viewed on an accompanied tour of the shed/museum by prior appointment only. Remember these are replicas but they are of a very high standard and worth viewing. You might also see Peter’s patent rail mounted track cleaning machine, particularly useful at this time of year.
Visit the website www.royalvictoriarailway.co.uk to email or phone the railway on 023 8045 6246. The railway is looking for more reproduction headboards and nameplates at reasonable prices for its terminus.
After the Santa Special trains the railway is open on Boxing day 26th December then weekends and daily during the half term week 10th to 18th February 2018, normally from 11am until 4pm. Fares are £1.75 adult return and £1.25 child return. Check the website for the latest information.