When the Bournemouth & District Society of Model Engineers designed and built the miniature railway in Kings Park over 35 years ago their aim was to construct the finest raised track in the country. The design incorporated several innovations to ensure the highest safety standards, a long life with minimum maintenance and a smooth, safe ride.

Their new miniature railway at the Littledown Park, builds on the experience gained over the intervening 35 years. At just over one third of a mile, the track will be approximately the same length as the old one in Kings Park that it replaces. The construction is of precast, reinforced concrete beams supported on substantial galvanised steel staunchions. The design incorporates the proven “anti-tipping” system, first introduced at Kings Park. This prevents the passenger cars from tipping over if a passenger stands on the footboards on just one side. The track will cater for locomotives built to the popular 3.5”, 5” and 7.25” gauges, as at Kings Park and uses flat-bottom steel rail carried on recycled plastic sleepers to reduce future maintenance to a minimum.

The layout of the track is a “dog bone” shape, giving the maximum length of track for the minimum enclosed area. A large part of the track is under the trees to add to the interest of a ride on the train.

The “services” needed to prepare the miniature steam locomotives ready for hauling trains on the railway is provided, together with an “engine shed” close to the track.

For more information visit their website: www.littledownrailway.co.uk