Yeovil Railway Centre facts for kids
The turntable at Yeovil Junction station in June 2006
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| Established | 1993 |
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| Type | Railway museum |
The Yeovil Railway Centre is a cool small museum all about trains! It's located at Yeovil Junction in the U.K.. This spot is on the main railway line between Salisbury and Exeter.
The centre started in 1993. It was created to save a special spinning platform called a turntable from being removed. Today, you can even ride on a demonstration train for about 400 meters (a quarter of a mile) along a special track.
Contents
What You Can See at the Centre
The Yeovil Railway Centre has some really interesting old railway buildings and equipment.
Historic Buildings
One important building is a transfer shed built way back in the 1860s. This shed was used to move goods between different types of train wagons. Some wagons used a wide track (called broad gauge), and others used a standard-sized track. This shed is the very last one of its kind still standing where it was first built! It's now a visitor centre where you can learn more.
Restored Railway Equipment
The centre also has a working turntable. This is a large spinning platform that helps turn locomotives around. There's also a huge water tower that can hold 15,000 gallons (about 68,000 litres) of water. Both of these have been fixed up and work perfectly. They are used to get steam locomotives ready for their journeys. In 1999, a special building called an engine shed was built to keep the locomotives safe.
Fun Events and Activities
The Yeovil Railway Centre often holds exciting events for visitors.
Train Days
During "Train Days," you can take rides on real steam trains! You'll ride in a special brake van along the demonstration track. You can also watch how the turntable works as it spins locomotives around.
Other Attractions
Often, there are extra fun things to do, like riding a miniature railway. You might also get to take tours of the engine shed. There's usually a model railway display and sometimes an art gallery too. Other popular events include the "Train & Tractor Day" and special "Santa Specials" around Christmas.
Mainline Steam Visits
Sometimes, big steam trains traveling on the main railway lines to places like Exeter or Weymouth will stop at the centre. They use the turntable to turn their locomotives around and get them ready for the next part of their trip.
Locomotives You Might See
The centre has a collection of different types of locomotives.
Steam Locomotives
- Peckett 0-4-0ST Pectin: This steam engine was built in April 1921. It's currently working and returned to service in March 2022.
- Andrew Barclay 0-4-0ST Lord Fisher: This locomotive was built in 1915. Its boiler needs repairs, so it's not currently running.
Diesel Locomotives
- Ruston & Hornsby 0-4-0 Shunting engine
- Fowler 0-4-0DM "Cockney Rebel"
- Fowler 0-4-0DM "Sam"
