Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Mini railway back on track
It was full steam ahead for model engineering buffs at the weekend as they celebrated the relaunch of a miniature railway.
About 500 enthusiasts went to an open day, which followed the reinstatement of track by Canterbury and District Model Engineering Society after it was wrecked by metal thieves in February.
Members and supporters have worked tirelessly s at the site at Brett’s Quarry, Sturry, to renew the rails and wooden sleepers.
Speaking at the opening on Saturday, chairman Paul Kemp said: “It has been a massive task to reinstate the track.
“More than 2,000ft of new rail has been purchased along with thousands of wooden sleepers and rail fixings. Members gathered at our site almost every day over a two-week period and by the first week of April we were able to run trains again.
“When news of the theft spread we were quite overwhelmed with offers of help and donations. The damage to our track obviously touched many people and left us determined to re-lay the track as soon as possible.”
The ceremony was performed by Chris Holloway, who set up a Justgiving page to support the fundraising and was invited to screw home the ceremonial final rail fixing plate.
Cllr Alan Marsh, who made a donation from his KCC members’ fund, cut the ribbon and society president Tim Brett flagged away the first train.
Visitors enjoyed train rides on the miniature rail with the help of Ramsgate Model Engineering Club, which also brought along an extra locomotive. Although free, £200 was collected in donations which will go to the Pilgrims Hospice and Demelza House.
The Heron Model Boat Club from Herne Bay also provided an impressive display of their model ships. Mr Kemp said: “The day marked the end of a difficult and intense fourmonth period.”
The miniature railway operates for public rides on the second Sunday of the month until October between 2pm and 4pm.
On Saturday, August 13, the society is holding its annual trains and traction day. Visit www.cdmes.org.