Called the most southerly heritage railway in the UK, it is also the most westerly in England too!
The Helston Railway is a potential sleeping giant.
Several shops at their Helston base in Cornwall.
Although at first I thought that Wales could hold the westerly title. However, drawing a line north all of their very famous railways appear further East.
Therefore, I feel pretty confident that little Helston can claim both English titles. But with some Scottish West coast or Northern Ireland ones getting in on the UK act titles.
Being awakened to run once more after closure in 1964 by a dedicated small group of around 20 volunteers.
The first meetings were held back in 2002.
Getting A Head Of Steam Up In Helston
Bringing steam to life on the line on a regular basis they are operating a charming steam shunting engine.
An 0-6-0 made in Bristol by Peckett and Sons in 1942.
Although they only have one and a quarter miles of standard gauge track. They have extra lengths being prepared and it will in a few years run to the outskirts of Helston.
Once nearer to Helston it will be much easier to attract yet larger number of visitors that will then be able to experience those even longer trips.
Helston Railway in Cornwall.
This proximity to this busy market town will aid the railway and improve its overall viability.
Its current base is slightly off the beaten track at Trevarno Farm, Prospidnick, Helston TR13 0RY.
This rural base where the enthusiastic volunteers bring the age of steam back. Plus the age of diesel too.
Looking for numerous ideas to generate funds the society. It has an extensive shop full of items that young and old can buy. All in order to rekindle or indeed to enthuse the next generation to engage with heritage railways.
Feeding Their Visitors
High days and holidays plus in the main tourist season the Helston Railway centre is open on Sundays & Thursdays (plus Wednesdays in August).
Thursdays and Sundays sees the engines firing up steam engine or diesel to run excursions from Prospidnick though Trevarno to Truthall Halt.
Sundays they offer some very tasty roast dinners too. Which are taken in a stationary buffet car, a former 103 DMU.
Roast beef on the railway in Cornwall.
They also offer a huge collection of railway literature and transport related books.
Certainly, the members enjoy engaging with all the visitors. But, its the work that goes on behind the scenes that matters too.
GWR or God’s Wonderful Railway returns to the Helston line!
When you pass by steep embankments along the line you can see that there has been much hard physical work going on to clear shrubs and trees from them.
Many plants whom have been growing since the railway closed back in 1965. Around the time when the track itself was torn up!
Much of the land was sold off to local land owners.
Helston Railway Aims To Return To Helston
However, this is where the persistence of the group to re-establish at least some sections of the line has paid off. In their desire to make it at least to the outskirts of Helston once again!
They have even built a new road into their site. Which allows them to bring in full length sections of track. Directly into their storage facility at the Prospidnick station complex.
Colin Savage guiding the Helston Railway in Cornwall.
Under the leadership of Colin Savage the group’s General Manager have big plans. Their 5 year plan is to make that connection to Helston complete once again. Or as near to Helston as is possible.
Heading south from the current operational section is the Cober Viaduct a 7 arch granite bridge.
This will certainly provide a great railway photo opportunity for visitors in the future.
Helston Railway heading back to Helston.
Heritage railways are an important part of any local tourism community.
Helston Railway Can Be A Real Boost To Tourism
According to the Heritage Railway Association they state:
Heritage rail is an important component of the tourism industry, generating local, national and international value to the UK visitor economy.
It is a key, bookable, element of holidays taken by many tourists.
The sector protects conserves and brings to life part of the nation’s cultural heritage, giving enjoyment and learning to many people.
It preserves and operates national heritage icons used to promote the UK around the world.
Heritage rail provides social, community and wellbeing benefits to employees, volunteers and visitors from the south coast of England to the far north of Scotland.
It creates jobs and greatly supports local and regional supply economies.
Helston Railway is probably one of the smallest and possibly remotest?
Yet they are certainly on the right track to bring the heritage rail experience to West Cornwall
All the best to the team of volunteers there!
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