Pimlico Light Railway

Tucked away in the garden of John and Jenni Roberts in Pimlico is the Pimlico Light Railway – a 5” gauge ground level ride on railway. Originally designed and built by John about 25 years ago PLR was established officially as a club in 2006 although we had been running for a few years before that.

Whilst PLR is located in their private garden they have encouraged villagers to “come and play trains” for many years since John became the local Benefice Rector.

When John retired he found he had more time on his hands and set up an Engineering Club at the Primary School in Syresham. Here the older children were taught engineering skills and this continued for 3 years. In the meantime John wanted to further encourage the knowledge of engineering and so PLR as a club was established with membership open to young and old although junior members – Primary School age – do have to join with a parent or guardian.

There is an adult membership of 20 and there are 12 juniors. In 2013 we gave over 900 train rides for children young and old and also had a delightful morning entertaining the children from Chernobyl. We also raised approaching £1000 (which includes the sale of refreshments) half of which we sent to our charity Send a Cow the total amount coming to £576.84.

In 2014 we are running on the 4th Sunday in the months of April to September inclusive from 3-5pm. We charge 50p for a ride, and refreshments are available.

The Light Railway is staffed entirely by the club members who are the drivers and man the station and track as well as set up and pack away before and after every event. Members’ wives and mothers provide the refreshments.

In the closed season there is the maintenance to attend to of both the track and equipment. John has also encouraged the members to become more involved and some of us meet on Wednesdays to restore or build engines and rolling stock with some of the Junior members also having extra engineering sessions with John in the evenings.

Martin Brown (Chairman – Pimlico Light Railway Ltd.)

Award For Welsh Lane Youngster – posted 24 October 2013

( second from the right) with his award

Adam Dunkley (Ashvale Farm, Welsh Lane) was awarded Young Engineer of the Year (under 18s) by the Northern Association of Model Engineers, receiving the award at the National Railway Museum in York earlier this month. The Model Engineering world is divided up into two areas and he also won the Southern Federation’s Young Engineer award as well. This followed the similar awards to Edward Hornby of Syresham in 2012.

Well done, Adam!