Did you know that you can ride a mini-train here at the Ferrocarril de las Delicias? This railway operates every Saturday. It runs from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. around the CIMAF gardens. The Ferrocarril de las Delicias reproduces all the features of a real railway. It is built on a smaller scale.
The Ferrocarril de las Delicias is the main activity of the Círculo Madrileño Ferroviario. This cultural association was founded in 1996. Its goal is to build and manage railway parks. It also aims to spread railway culture in general. The railway first opened on October 24, 1998.
The circuit is a single-track loop. It has two main stations and two crossing stations. There is also a 90-meter double track section. It was built in 1998. It sits on a plot next to the old Madrid-Delicias station. The Madrid-Delicias station is now home to the Railway Museum of Madrid. The railway has seen many improvements since its opening.
The Ferrocarril de las Delicias features a main circuit. It measures 265 meters. Single-track sections make up 175 meters of that length. Double-track sections account for 90 meters. There are also 150 meters of sidings. Auxiliary tracks add another 70 meters.
The railway’s track gauge measures five inches. The minimum curve radius is six meters on the main track. It is 4.5 meters on turnouts. Auxiliary tracks have a four-meter radius.
The Ferrocarril de las Delicias boasts impressive equipment. It features a shed in the Torrelodones interlocking cabin. A metal viaduct adds to its charm. There is also a rotating plate. A factory tunnel and a plant tunnel provide unique elements. You will also find sidings. A water tower stands ready. Vertical signs guide the way.
The Madrid Railway Museum is located in the old Delicias train station. The station opened in 1880. Kings Alfonso XII and María Cristina attended the opening. It is a prime example of 19th-century cast-iron architecture. The museum opened in 1984. It houses a charming collection of old trains and carriages. Great model railway layouts are also on display. Photographs related to the history of the railway are showcased.
The Madrid-Delicias station was built to service the railway line to Ciudad Real. The line continued to the border with Portugal. It is Madrid’s oldest station. The station has become a monument. Émile Cachelièvre designed it. He followed the latest European developments. He innovated with iron and glass. The station became a leading example of modernity in Madrid. Its central nave is 170 meters long and 35 meters wide. It reaches a height of 22.5 meters. Seventeen iron porticos cast on pillars support it. This creates a large airy space without needing intermediate supports.
The Railway Museum houses the Railway Historical Archives. It also has the Railway Library and Newspaper Library. This is the only one of its kind in Spain. Its main purpose is to preserve railway heritage.
Since the Railway Museum opened, it has sought to expand its activities. These activities promote the railway to the public. The Educa-Train program is especially popular with school and family groups. The museum contributes to research through its Library and Historical Archive.
If you want to experience being a train driver, visit the Renfe Simulator Room. The Railway Museum opened this new room in summer 2024. Two simulators from the Renfe Training School have been installed. Upgraded software offers itineraries with special characteristics. Visitors can experience driving a train authentically.
You can also visit Railway Territory. This 300-square-meter model features 850 meters of tracks. Up to 66 different trains can run on it. The Centre for Public Works Studies and Experimentation made it. Urban zones, industrial areas, and a mountain village are portrayed. The model even includes a port area with docks and cranes.