Bredgar and Wormshill Light Railway facts for kids
Bronhilde pulling into Stony Shaw station
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| Technical | |
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| Track gauge | 2 ft (610 mm) |
| Other | |
| Website | http://www.bwlr.co.uk |
The Bredgar and Wormshill Light Railway (BWLR) is a special narrow-gauge railway in Kent, England. It's located near the villages of Wormshill and Bredgar, not far from Sittingbourne. This railway is about three-quarters of a mile long and uses a narrow track that's only 2 feet wide!
This railway is a private line, meaning it's not a big public company. It was started as a fun hobby by a group of friends back in the early 1970s. They've built it up over the years into a fully working railway. It has a main station called Warren Wood, which also has engine sheds and workshops. At the other end of the line, there's a smaller station called Stony Shaw.
The BWLR opens its doors to visitors on the first Sunday of each month and most Wednesdays during the summer. This helps them raise money to keep their amazing collection of trains and other old machines running. On special event days, you can see lots of other cool things! These include a model railway, a Dutch street organ, a traction engine (a big steam-powered road vehicle), a steam roller, and even an old American fire truck! You can also spot vintage tractors and cars.
If you get hungry, the Tearoom is open from Wednesday to Sunday (9:00 AM to 3:00 PM) all year round. They offer teas, coffees, cakes, sandwiches, and lunches. The railway even appeared on the BBC's Saturday Kitchen TV show in 2011!
Contents
Explore the Stations
The Bredgar and Wormshill Light Railway has two main stations:
- Warren Wood Station: This is the main hub where you'll find the engine sheds and workshops.
- Stony Shaw Station: This is the smaller station at the other end of the line.
Meet the Locomotives
The BWLR has a fantastic collection of old trains, both steam and diesel. Many of these trains have interesting stories and have traveled from far-off places before finding their home here!
Steam Locomotives
Steam locomotives are powered by steam, which is made by heating water with fire. They are often called "steam engines" and are famous for their classic look and the puffs of smoke they make!
| Name | Built | Fun Fact | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lady Joan | 1922 | This engine worked in slate quarries in Wales for many years. |  |
| Armistice | 1919 | It was one of two engines used on a special railway for a drainage board! |  |
| Eigiau | 1912 | This engine used to work at the famous Penrhyn Quarry Railway. |  |
| Victory | 1897 | Victory came all the way from a sugar mill in Australia! |  |
| Helga | 1936 | Helga worked at building sites in Germany before coming to the UK. |
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| Zambezi | 1912 | This engine used to haul sugar cane in Mozambique and had to be changed to fit the BWLR's tracks. |  |
| Limpopo | 1930 | Limpopo also worked at a sugar mill in Mozambique. |  |
| Katie | 1931 | Katie worked on sugarcane plantations in the Cameroons. |  |
Diesel Locomotives
Diesel locomotives use a diesel engine, similar to a truck engine, to power them. They are often used for shunting (moving wagons around) or for lighter duties.
| Name | Built | Fun Fact | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bredgar | 1983 | This engine worked for the MoD before being changed to fit the BWLR's tracks. |  |
| Milstead | 1988 | Milstead also worked for the MoD at RAF Chilmark. | |
| Jenny | 1991 | Jenny was used during the building of the famous Channel Tunnel! | |
| Bicknor | 1953 | This engine worked for a river authority before coming to the railway. | |
| Lyne | 1936 | Lyne was originally a petrol engine, then changed to a diesel engine. |
Other Cool Machines
The BWLR isn't just about trains! They also have a collection of other amazing old machines, including steam road vehicles and vintage cars.
Traction Engines
Traction engines are like the tractors of the past, using steam power to pull things or power machinery.
| Name (if any) | Built | Fun Fact | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|
| BL 9009 | 1919 | This agricultural engine worked on farms for many years. |  |
| XM 6373 | 1922 | This is a steam roller that used to help build and repair roads! |  |
Bean Cars
The BWLR is home to a special collection of old cars made by a company called Bean.
| Model | Built | Fun Fact | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model 6 Tourer | 1923 | This car was first sent to Australia and later brought back to the UK. |  |
| Model 2 | 1922 | This car is currently being carefully restored. | |
| Model 2 | 1923 | This was one of the most original Bean cars still around. |  |
| Model 3 | 1925 | This car was once a pick-up truck before being restored to its original style. | |
| Model 4 | 1925 | This car was used by a funeral director as a following car. |  |
| Model 4 | 1926 | This car has its original body with four identical doors. |  |
| Model 6 | 1927 | This car was also sent to Australia when it was new. |  |
| Omnibus | 1929 | This old bus was used as a caravan for many years! |  |
| Model 11 | 1930 | This vehicle spent its working life in Wooler, Northumberland. | |
| Pick-up Truck | 1926 | A classic pick-up truck from the past. |  |
| Van | A vintage van that was part of the collection. |  |
Other Cars
The railway also has other interesting vintage cars.
| Manufacturer | Model | Built | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rolls-Royce | Phantom I | 1928 |  |
More to See
Beyond the trains and cars, there are other fascinating exhibits at the BWLR:
Beam Engine
You can see an amazing 1870 beam engine. This huge machine was built by Thomas Horn, based on a design by the famous inventor James Watt. It was originally used at a waterworks in Ashford and has been restored to working order.
Friends Across the Sea
The Bredgar and Wormshill Light Railway has a special connection with another railway in France, called the Chemin de Fer de La Valée de l'Ouche (CFVO). They are "twinned," which means they share a friendly bond!
See also
- British narrow gauge railways
