Did the Barking Park Light Railway always run on miniature tracks? It might surprise you to learn that it hasn’t! The Barking Park Light Railway, nestled within the lovely Barking Park, has a history as charming as its setting. Opened in the early 1950s, the railway initially boasted a broader gauge, 9 1/2 inches, compared to its current 7 1/4 inches. Imagine the original scene: a steam locomotive named “The Empress” chugged along, pulling three carriages from the park entrance on Longbridge Road to a picturesque turntable at the boating lake. The star, “The Empress,” was later replaced by a diesel engine, “Little Nan.” But don’t think “The Empress” disappeared! It was carefully restored, re-gauged, and now delights visitors at the Eastleigh Lakeside Steam Railway. In 2005, the Barking Park Light Railway faced a temporary closure. The owner, burdened by maintenance costs, decided to part ways with it. But thankfully, a father-son duo saw its potential! They purchased the railway, replacing the tracks and introducing new trains, even ensuring wheelchair accessibility. The Barking Park Light Railway reopened in 2009, its charm enhanced by a rich history and modern touches.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to