Markeaton Park Light Railway facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Markeaton Park Light Railway
MPLR
The railway after closure
Locale	Markeaton Park, Derbyshire
Terminus	Markeaton Station
Coordinates	52°55′52″N 1°30′15″W / 52.931219°N 1.504263°W / 52.931219; -1.504263
Connections	None
Commercial operations
Name	Markeaton Park Light Railway
Built by	Mr and Mrs Louis Searle
Original gauge	15 in (381 mm)
Preserved operations
Operated by	John Bull and John Bull (father and son)
Stations	Two
Length	1.4 kilometres (0.87 mi)
Commercial history
Opened	1989
Closed	September 2016

The Markeaton Park Light Railway was a fun, small railway located inside Markeaton Park in Derby, England. It had a special track width of 15 inches. This railway first opened in 1989 and was made longer in 1996. Sadly, it closed down in September 2016.

About the Markeaton Park Light Railway

This railway line was about 1.4 kilometers (0.87 miles) long. It was owned by private individuals. Many dedicated volunteers helped to run and maintain the railway.

Markeaton Station and Mundy Halt

The main station was called Markeaton Station. It was located near the park's entrance at Ashbourne Road. This station was next to the car park. The buildings used to be part of the British Army.

On days when the railway was open, trains left every 25 minutes. They traveled to a stop called Mundy Halt. This halt was located at the Mundy Play Centre. The trains moved at a gentle speed of about 7 miles per hour.

A Look Back in Time: History of the Railway

The Markeaton Park Light Railway had an interesting history. It saw different locomotives and owners over the years.

Early Days and "Invicta" (1989-1996)

When the railway first opened in 1989, it used a locomotive named "Invicta". This was a 4-wheeled petrol-hydraulic engine. The railway also had two open "toastrack" carriages. These were mostly built by the railway's first owner, Mr. Louis Searle.

The Steam Era with "Markeaton Lady" (1996-2009)

In 1996, John Bull bought the railway. He brought in a beautiful steam locomotive called "Markeaton Lady". This engine was built in 1996 by the Exmoor Steam Railway. "Markeaton Lady" was a special type of steam engine, known as a 0-4-2T.

She was a popular train on the line. However, in 2009, "Markeaton Lady" was sold. Her boiler needed expensive repairs, and the owner could not afford them. Today, this locomotive runs at the Evesham Vale Light Railway. There, she is known by a new name: "Monty".

Diesel Locomotives and Coaches

In 2002, the railway added a replica British Rail "Baby Deltic" diesel locomotive. This engine came from the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway. After some repairs, it started running in 2003. This locomotive had previously worked at the Steamtown miniature railway.

The Markeaton Park Light Railway also used different coaches. Three of them were built by Exmoor. Three other coaches came from the Fairbourne railway. These Fairbourne coaches were changed to fit the 15-inch track.

The Railway's Closure (2016)

The Markeaton Park Light Railway ran for the very last time on Sunday, September 18, 2016. The railway needed major repairs to its engine shed and depot. These repairs were the responsibility of Derby City Council. Unfortunately, the council could not pay for the needed work.

After the closure, the railway tracks were removed. Only some concrete crossings were left behind. The locomotive and all the carriages were sold. They found a new home at the Lappa Valley Steam Railway.