The last run of the year was marked by the very popular ghost train event at the 7 1/4 inch Brockwell Park miniature railway. We arrived to volunteer for the day as they need all the help they can get on this busy event. The morning started with decorating the petrol driven HST with various ghoulish decorations ready for the first eager customers. The Brockwell Park HST was originally built by a company called Mardyke in 1980 for the Strand railway in Gillingham. It was named HMS Pembroke after a royal navy warship associated with the nearby Chatham dockyard. It was then loaned to Newhaven miniature railway until being sold to Brockwell Park railway in 2011. Below: Derek driving The Brockwell Park Railway HST 'HMS Pembrooke' (complete with rat mounted on the front).
A couple of broom handles fitted onto the train here an there provide an excellent mount for the Halloween decorations (below).
The railway is soon to under go some big changes with a spur of track leading up to the new storage area and gift shop and also a long teardrop extension to the other end of the line. These will be complemented by a new station with ticket office and new fencing which will help to manage the flow of visitors.
The scary decorations went limited to the loco and carriages.
As usual, the railway was very busy with a constant flow of visitors until the final train at 4pm
A severed hand is among various scary items that await those who dare to ride the train down to the Herne Hill gates and back. The main station is situated by the famous Brockwell Park Lido, an amazing example of 1930s architecture.
Below: The old lady offering treats was a real hit with the kids (and adults!)
The railway takes you on a journey from Herne Hill Gates to the world famous Brockwell Lido and return and Its well worth a visit.
Although the railway is now closed for this year, there is plenty of work to do preparing for the opening on 8th March 2020 (weather permitting). If you are interested in volunteering, please contact them. John leads a great team and they will be only too pleased for your help.
Please always check their Facebook page for running times and details.
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