No.6 climbing a 1:100 incline towards the loop in 9/2006. © G.Ballard
No. 6 on the turntable on 12th May 2007. © G.Ballard
Jungle Express 15 inch
First opened in 1965, this line is likely to be the highest passenger investive miniature railway in the UK. Operating in the grounds of Longleat Estate, it was originally the brainchild of Les Anderson who approached Lord Bath when the estate was developing into a tourist attraction. The original line ran for 600 yards from a terminus near the stables to the edge of the lake, to a station named Lakeside. Trains were operated by three Minirail diesels, with Severn Lamb steam locomotive Dougal joining the fleet in 1970. In 1975, the estate took charge of operations, with Ceawlin a Severn Lamb Rio Grande and a railcar being built for use. The line was at the same time extended round the lake, with trains departing from a new terminus Longleat Central, which was closer to the house. Here there is a three road engine shed, three platforms, shop and signal box, and enroute the line is a tunnel and second halt, before passing by Longleat Lake. Trains are now mainly operated by an Exmoor tank locomotive and diesel locomotive Flynn, loosely based on a Fowler locomotive, with rebuilt Ceawlin and a newer railcar in reserve. The line has recently undergone transformation with a new railway name, jungle themed station area and carriages.
Address: Longleat House, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 7NW
Telephone: 01985 845408
Operator: Longleat Enterprises Ltd
Line Length: 1 mile, Balloon
First opened: 1965
Website: Jungle Express Website
Site Entry Fee
Locomotives
No
|
Name
|
Type
|
Builder
|
Built
|
6 |
0-6-2T |
Exmoor Steam Railway |
2004 |
|
5 |
Ceawlin |
S/O 0-8-2DH |
Severn Lamb/J.Hayton |
1975 |
4 |
Lenka |
4+4wDHR |
Longleat |
1984 |
7 |
Flynn |
0-6-0DH |
A.Keef |
2007 |
Opening Times: Please see website for details
JE Page was last updated on the 20th July 2011 with history added.
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