The world-famous Bekonscot model village was built in the mid-1920s by Roland Cunningham (founder of the village), and James Shilcock (designer of the railway). The name derived from the towns they lived in - Beaconsfield and Ascot. On opening in 1929 there was no admission charge, instead visitors were encouraged to give a donation to charity. Fund raising for charity has been a major feature of Bekonscot ever since, and in 1978 a company was formed (founded by the Church Army) to administer and distribute funds raised. Since Bekonscot opened around 5.5 million pounds has been raised for charities.
The gauge 1 railway has grown over the years as the model village has expanded, and now encompasses the whole of the village area with a total track length 0f 438 yards. Trains have run a staggering total of around 16,000 miles with the main locomotives having run some 2,000 miles each. John Fuller, who looked after operations at the model village, showed (us) wheels taken from some of the stock that now had well worn grooves in the wheel treads ! The tracks are controlled froma replica GWR style signal box at the rebuilt Maryloo station, with a commanding view over the village. Signals are worked by a Westinghouse 'L'-style lever frame recovered from Purley on the Southern Region, some 30 years ago.
Once a year on a summer's evening, Gauge 1 Association members descend on the sleepy model village after it has closed to visitors, to run a variety of live steam and radio-controlled gauge 1 models.A pretty lively running session ensues with plenty of sprinting in pursuit of engines and stock that have been given free rein over the line. As darkness approaches, it's time for owners and stock to take their leave and once again Bekonscot returns to its normal sleepy self for another 364 days.
Thanks to John Fuller and his team for their hospitality - it was great fun.
Bekonscot model village is open from February to October each year. For further details, opening times and admission prices, call 01494 672919 or visit: www.bekonscot.com
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A general view of Bekonscot model village with the replica signal box in the background. Alexandra bridge on the line to the Evenlode coal mine is in the foreground.
A live steam Midland 'Spinner' at speed leaving Greenhailly station.
G1MRA Chairman Michael Wrottesley raises steam on his Southern Adams 4-4-0.
Where is it ? The errant locomotive was retrieved eventually.
Peter Berkely's radio-controlled Class 08 diesel shunter wa sbuilt from a Wagon & Carriage Works kit - allegedly we were told for his grandchildren. It is fitted with lights and sound. John Fuller (Left) tries to look unconcerned that Bekonscot's gauge 1 track is being trampled on !
Michael Wrottesley's Midland 'Spinner' is seen again after completing its run round the Bekonscot gauge 1 railway.
Peter Berkely's Class 08 diesel shunter is seen passing through the rural setting of Greenhailly station.
Peter Babcock's radio-controlled bachmann J94 crosses the Alexandra bridge on the line to the Evenlode coal mine. Power is provided by batteries hidden in the van.
A GWR 94xx 0-6-0PT heads its train of coaches through the model village.
Nobody enjoyed themselves more than the Assistant Editor . . .
Standfirst - Every summer GIMRA hold a running evening at the world famous Bekonscot.
The gauge 1 railway has grown over the years as the model village has expanded, and now encompasses the whole of the village area with a total track length 0f 438 yards. Trains have run a staggering total of around 16,000 miles with the main locomotives having run some 2,000 miles each. John Fuller, who looked after operations at the model village, showed (us) wheels taken from some of the stock that now had well worn grooves in the wheel treads ! The tracks are controlled froma replica GWR style signal box at the rebuilt Maryloo station, with a commanding view over the village. Signals are worked by a Westinghouse 'L'-style lever frame recovered from Purley on the Southern Region, some 30 years ago.
Once a year on a summer's evening, Gauge 1 Association members descend on the sleepy model village after it has closed to visitors, to run a variety of live steam and radio-controlled gauge 1 models.A pretty lively running session ensues with plenty of sprinting in pursuit of engines and stock that have been given free rein over the line. As darkness approaches, it's time for owners and stock to take their leave and once again Bekonscot returns to its normal sleepy self for another 364 days.
Thanks to John Fuller and his team for their hospitality - it was great fun.
Bekonscot model village is open from February to October each year. For further details, opening times and admission prices, call 01494 672919 or visit: www.bekonscot.com
<captions>
A general view of Bekonscot model village with the replica signal box in the background. Alexandra bridge on the line to the Evenlode coal mine is in the foreground.
A live steam Midland 'Spinner' at speed leaving Greenhailly station.
G1MRA Chairman Michael Wrottesley raises steam on his Southern Adams 4-4-0.
Where is it ? The errant locomotive was retrieved eventually.
Peter Berkely's radio-controlled Class 08 diesel shunter wa sbuilt from a Wagon & Carriage Works kit - allegedly we were told for his grandchildren. It is fitted with lights and sound. John Fuller (Left) tries to look unconcerned that Bekonscot's gauge 1 track is being trampled on !
Michael Wrottesley's Midland 'Spinner' is seen again after completing its run round the Bekonscot gauge 1 railway.
Peter Berkely's Class 08 diesel shunter is seen passing through the rural setting of Greenhailly station.
Peter Babcock's radio-controlled bachmann J94 crosses the Alexandra bridge on the line to the Evenlode coal mine. Power is provided by batteries hidden in the van.
A GWR 94xx 0-6-0PT heads its train of coaches through the model village.
Nobody enjoyed themselves more than the Assistant Editor . . .
Standfirst - Every summer GIMRA hold a running evening at the world famous Bekonscot.