Model Railway Club

The miniature railway was built in 1932 to the unusual gauge of 21 inches as an added attraction to transport visitors around the zoo. The railway proved popular and was extended and developed throughout its history. Mounting costs forced the closure of the zoo at the end of the 1973 season. The area was eventually sold to and was developed as a housing estate. Attempts were made to move the railway to another site, however these failed and stock was either sold to be re-gauged by other concerns or mostly scrapped.

Now for the facts:

The railway was built as a diversion and also to fit a 'complete' railway in a relatively small space. The idea came from a visit to Chester Zoo followed by a couple of months later by a visit to the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway. Locomotives are 'N' gauge with stock mainly scratch built on old 'N' gauge chassis. The majority of buildings are also scratch built. The station (Zoo Central) featured serves the cafe area, the elephant house, penguin pool and the children’s zoo. The layout has working features including signals, colour lights, running water and level crossing gates.