The style of our locomotives can best be described as "miniature narrow gauge", and came about through the influence of the 71/4" Gauge Society, plus a few personal ideas and amendments brought about by a liking for the narrow gauge style. The 71/4" gauge is one that can offer a reasonably sized engine plus the possibility of easy transport. However when a narrow gauge prototype is followed, a much larger outline emerges. If in addition, a narrow gauge engine is based on a freelance design as they are at Moors Valley Railway, an even larger proportion is possible. Our locomotives have a height of 46 inches, width of 26 inches, length of up to 17 feet and a weight approaching one ton which means that transportation in vehicles smaller than medium sized vans or trailers would generally be out of the question. At Moors Valley Railway you will note that the drivers of the engines sit within their cabs, a feat not achieved with smaller gauges. Until Tinkerbell (the first Tuctonia locomotive) was built in 1968 by Roger Marsh at Coventry it was not thought possible to construct an engine to these proportions for the 71/4" sgauge. However since then much larger locomotives have been built both here and elsewhere. All the locomotives that were in use at Tuctonia were brought here and since then a number of new powerful engines more suitable for the steep gradients on this railway have been built.
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Every effort is made to make sure that all the information is correct but we strongly recommend that you call Moors Valley Railway before you set off on your day out to confirm opening times and admission prices.
Please also note that the position on Google maps for Moors Valley Railway is a rough estimate using their postcode in the database and might be slightly out.
It may also be worth clicking the web link for Moors Valley Railway to see if there are any special events coming up or currently on.
Avon Heath Country Park