Kinmel Camp Railway facts for kids

The Kinmel Camp Railway, also called the Kinmel Park Railway, was a special train track. It was about 3 miles (5 km) long. This railway was built to help Kinmel Camp, a large army training base, connect to the main train lines. Kinmel Camp was located near Rhyl in north Wales.

Why Was the Kinmel Camp Railway Built?

Kinmel Camp was a training base for soldiers. The British Army opened it in 1915. Its main purpose was to train soldiers during the First World War.

The Kinmel Camp Railway (KCR) was very important for the camp. It connected the camp to the main London and North Western Railway line. This connection was made at a place called Foryd station. The KCR was a short but steep branch line. It started operating in 1915.

How the Railway Grew

Between 1916 and 1917, more tracks were added. This new branch helped trains avoid the steepest parts of the railway near the camp. By 1918, the KCR had another connection. It linked to the Vale of Clwyd Railway's line. This line went from Rhyl to Denbigh.

What Happened After the War?

After the First World War ended, the railway was still used. It helped transport materials from a quarry. This quarry was located near the camp, at a place called St. George. The railway continued to operate for many years. It finally closed in 1964 or early 1965. The train tracks were then removed about two months later.