Bredgar’s little gem

by

Gareth Evans visits the Bredgar & Wormshill Railway to discover the latest developments at the 2ft-gauge line in Kent, run by a group of friends, and open once a month to the public.

IT STARTED with a standard gauge engine that brothers Bill and David Best almost bought – yet it resulted in a charming narrow gauge line, which provides an absorbing day out for the enthusiast and family alike.

The Bredgar & Wormshill Light Railway (BWLR) is not a preserved line, nor is it a constituted society – it’s run by a group of friends. The ‘hidden gem’ can broadly be described as being located in the countryside between Maidstone and Sittingbourne.

Orenstein & Koppel 0-4-0WT Eigiau arrives at the pleasant woodland station of Stony Shaw as Orenstein & Koppel Helga awaits departure. Note the signalbox, goods shed and wagons. CHRIS MANN

“We get 6,000 visitors per annum,” enthused Bill Best, one of the line’s owners.

Article continues below…
Advert

Monthly Subscription: Enjoy more Railway Magazine reading each month with free delivery to you door, and access to over 100 years in the archive, all for just £5.35 per month.
Click here to subscribe & save

Open days are held on Easter Sunday and thereafter the first Sunday of the month from May to October, inclusive. The railway can be opened by arrangement at other times for driver experience courses, as well as for private hire.

Possessing a quaint charm of its own, it could be said the BWLR is a 12-inches to the foot version of a OO9 gauge model railway some of us have at home in that everything has its place, is immaculate, runs like clockwork – and provides immense enjoyment for all.

The friendly faces at the BWLR include Carl Peterson, Simon Hill and Rob Patient. GARETH EVANS

The high standard of its restorations is well known – stock has been bought and transformed, some of which has then been sold on. Its facilities, including loco sheds and workshops, are extensive and impressive.

Article continues below…
Advert

In words that will doubtless strike a chord with many readers, perhaps Bill’s views on maintaining an inviting environment sum up the BWLR approach: “Unrestored items are things of beauty to you and me, but they’re eyesores to the average member of the public. I live here – and I want to keep the place tidy.

“Railway people often seem to forget that if you use a coach daily, it will get wet and dry out while in service due to the wind and movement. However, if you keep it outside unused in all weathers, it will deteriorate – suffering from both the rain and sun.

Our locomotives Bronhilde and Armistice were painted 30 years ago. Even if I say so, they still look as though they were painted last week. Covered accommodation is a must.”

Article continues below…
Advert
Orenstein & Koppel 0-4-0WT Helga is seen arriving at the woodland station of Stony Shaw, passing the goods shed and restored wagons in the sidings. CHRIS MANN

Recalling the origins of the BWLR, Bill said: “There were two engines at the Slough Estates. My brother David and I tried to get one – we used to live near there. We were unsuccessful, which was a bit of luck really as we didn’t have any track and with hindsight, we may have been stuck with a standard gauge engine. The engines went elsewhere.”

Orenstein & Koppel 0-4-0WT Helga passes Hunslet 0-4-0ST Lady Joan, which is awaiting its next duty outside the engine shed at Warren Wood. CHRIS MANN

One of the locomotives concerned, Hudswell, Clarke 0-6-0ST Slough Estates No.5, is currently awaiting overhaul at the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway, while sister loco Slough Estates No. 3 is operational at the Middleton Railway.

Starting in 1975, the line was built from scratch on Bill’s property by a group of friends – yet it looks like it’s always been part of the landscape.

Article continues below…
Advert
Wood-burning Fowler 0-4-2T Zambezi (13573/1912) and 0-6-0T No. 9 Limpopo (18800/1930) bask in the sun awaiting their next train during the Bredgar & Wormshilll Railway’s end-of-season gala on October 29. LAWRIE ROSE

“We obtained a little Ruston 2ft-gauge diesel. Soon after that we had the opportunity to acquire our first steam engine, Bronhilde, from Bressingham Steam Museum. That was 1979, and that’s when our railway started really,” Bill recalled.

Making its way up the bank with a packed train during the Bredgar & Wormshill Railway’s end-of-season gala on October 29 is Fowler 0-4-2T Zambezi (13573/1912). LAWRIE ROSE

“It was a working engine. The late Alan Bloom sold it as it was too heavy for his light track. He bought it from Hamburg.

“Soon afterwards, a friend of ours bought Katie,” added Bill. “It’s always been my brother and I with a group of friends – we’re not a society.”

Read more in January’s issue of The RM – on sale now!


Advert
Subscribe to The Railway Magazine
Enjoy more of The Railway Magazine reading every month. Click here to subscribe.

Railway Reads

From the history of steam through to 21st century rail transport news, we have titles that cater for all rail enthusiasts. Covering diesels, modelling, steam and modern railways, check out our range of magazines and fantastic subscription offers.


Article Tags:

About the Author