History
In February 1999 Mike Bass and a team of volunteers moved onto the site at the Avon Valley Country Park. Their aim was to construct a "Double Track" main line 5" gauge ground level railway.
In May 1999 a five year plan was drawn up and this plan was completed by October 1999, with men working 12-14 hours a day. Most of the results of this plan can be seen within this web site. And I hope you enjoy navigating around the site.
Initially, Train rides were given on a short length of portable track (150ft/50mtrs) laid on the greenfield site, using a Warship Class (42) Locomotive "D824 Highflyer" and two aristocraft carriages.
By late June 1999 the new track bed had been excavated, and nearly 600 tons of limestone tipped and consolidated to form the base. Prefabricated track panels (normally 10ft lengths), which were made on site, were soon laid and by August 1999 the outer circuit, some 900 ft in length, was opened for public running.
A Portakabin, for railway historians the ex-Wage office at Old Oak Common, was brought onto site, and this formed the basis of the station building. A new tiled roof being built over the cabin and station area.
A derelict Turntable was purchased, restored and modified then installed with direct access via a ramp to the locomotive shed. This certainly made the job of stabling locomotives and rolling stock much easier than had previously been the case. The previous method to stable these items was to nearly dismantle them completely each night after the park had closed. Which took a considerable amount of time.
Track laying and fencing took the remainder of the year, until eventually the double track "inner circuit" was completed within a secure site.
A period of consolidation followed until in 2002 work commenced on building a 60 ft tunnel. This feature has certainly proved popular with our passengers of all ages and was finally completed in 2003. A commemorative Brick can be found mounted on the front portal.
Meanwhile, in the workshop the team had been busy producing freight rolling stock, until over 30 vehicles were available to run as a demonstration goods train. We also can make these wagons to order (Contact Mike Bass for further details). The goods train can run during the season when staff levels permit.
To house the above mentioned wagons a large shed was constructed, adjacent to the locomotive yard. A smaller shed is used for the storage of special vehicles and driving trucks.
Work is now nearing completion on our Signal Box. The signal box is largely based on that at Parsons Tunnel in Devon. It houses a 36 lever frame and will be responsible for controlling all movements in the station and locomotive yard area, when we are fully staffed. However the signalling system will be capable of being a fully automated operation.
A small picnic area is included, adjacent to the railway, complete with rustic tables, again this is very popular with families, especially those with smaller children.
To remember your visit to the railway a souvenir shop/ticket office is situated at the railway entrance.
The locomotive fleet continues to expand. At present there is one operational steam locomotive, with five more nearing completion. The Diesel fleet comprises of 10 operational locomotives, that are all battery operated. Three more are nearing completion and a further three are more long term projects.
All staff are volunteers and I thank them for their assistance. My team is always willing to help and they are available to answer any queries regarding the railway or its operation.
Mike Bass
Owner
Strawberry Line Miniature Railway