FULL steam ahead – a quaint attraction which has been delighting Rugbeians for over 70 years is back on track.
The Rainsbrook Valley Railway is gearing up for the first of ten public running days this year.
A trial run earlier this month was the first time trains had taken to the tracks at the miniature railway since the last public running day in October.
And it’s all aboard when the Onley Lane attraction opens to the public on Sunday April 27.
Volunteer Phil Hart said: “A large section of the track at Onley Lane had to be taken up and re-laid where the weather has taken its toll on the old timber sleepers. Incidentally these are being renewed using ones made from recycled plastic.
“In addition to the trackwork, our team of volunteers have been busy carrying out work on the club’s steam locomotives and completing the new cafeteria building and picnic areas.
“All at the Rainsbrook Valley Railway are looking forward to meeting both those who haven’t been before and those who are returning for another exciting day out.”
Run by the not-for-profit Rugby Model Engineering Society, the Rainsbrook Valley Railway is one of the longest ground level and raised miniature railway tracks in the midlands.
The railway, in one form or another, has been attracting passengers around the town since around 1949, popping up in locations including Wood Street, Whitehall Recreation Ground, Abbey Street and Hillmorton Community Centre before moving to the current site in 1982.
The first public running day for 2025 is Sunday April 27. There will be two sessions – at 1pm and 2.30pm. Trains will be running on both the half mile raised track and the one mile larger ground level track.
Visit www.rugbymes.co.uk for more information and to book tickets.
