The Downs Light Railway
The Downs Light Railway is now over 80 years of age and the worlds oldest privately owned miniature railway. Its history is well documented in J I C Boyd’s Book “Don’t Stand up in the Tunnel” (2001)
The plans for what we hope to achieve in the next decade of the railway are huge and include the entire permanent way (Track work) . Work has already begun on the railway embankments around the edge of the playing fields which required elevating and upgrading incorporating weed preventative measures. For the future we have also decided that it would also be beneficial to create a continuous running loop around the playing field, complete with passing loop and station allowing for a larger number of visitors using the railway to be accommodated more safely and effectively when attending major school events. The existing old frail engine shed and turntable both need attention to create better servicing facilities.
The engines:
“Tim” (6 coupled petrol locomotive 1986)
This was the first locomotive to receive attention. Initial minor rectification work soon escalated into a major overhaul. Incorporating body and panel replacement and a complete re spray to a new red and yellow livery with larger “Tim” nameplates.
Tim is used extensively on the railway and because of its rather frail nature and the demands placed upon it, visits to the workshop tend to be rather frequent.
“Brock” (0-4-0 Tender Engine 1974)
In 2004 Brock’s boiler was in need of major attention. Therefore the opportunity was taken for a complete locomotive and tender overhaul. Brock returned to service early in 2006 in a striking new blue, red and black livery.
“George” (4-4-2 Tender Locomotive 1939)
George was perhaps most familiar to the children, staff and visitors as a static display in the school hall for a number of years. Not many would have realised just what a miniature masterpiece George actually was. Restoration was not originally part of our 10-year plan, but such a locomotive with its graceful elegance could not be ignored, it was a challenge too hard to resist and a plan to see George running once more on the railway was born.
George was the property of trustee Tim Cadbury, who hearing of our plan did not hesitate in transferring ownership to the Finkens. The comment “Well it doesn’t look too bad” still makes me smile. The boiler was ‘life expired’ and so was the entire tender not to mention numerous other mechanical defects.
The rebuild was to take much longer then anticipated. “When is George coming back?” Was a question frequently asked by some of the more concerned children. By the skin of our teeth George was ready for its re-patronisation ceremony on Saturday 16th. September 2006.
"James Boyd" (2-6-2 Tender Locomotive 1992)
This locomotive was built in 1992 using parts from one of the Downs Light Railway’s original engines, acquired in 1923 and known as “Tubby”.
JB was in regular use up to mid 2003, when with corroded tubes and regulator he failed his boiler test.
The locomotive was duly dispatched for a full appraisal. Not surprisingly, when it was dismantled, other problems became apparent. New copper tubes were fitted along with numerous other items requiring attention or modification.
When JB finally returned to the DLR in 2004 the improvement was significant. Only the fine-tuning of the spring settings remained; and once completed, JB was a revelation and could be operated with ease.
The future:
We acknowledge there is still a long way to go before the railway reaches our desired standard indeed it would seem that we have more than enough to keep us all fully occupied.
There is, however, an aspect of this railway that became “lost” many years ago, therefore the prospect in the near future of re-creating the line up to and through white house tunnel to a new central station site is extremely exciting. This branch would leave the existing track work alongside the hockey pitch gaining ground as it curves round to approach the tunnel mouth.
Recently the dream took a step nearer reality when it was realised that the builders were on site with diggers and earth movers constructing new classrooms in close proximity to our required embankments - enter our very helpful and persuasive headmaster Alastair, resulting in the basic railway alignment now being in place – now what’s that saying? “I’ve started so I’ll finish” – Who needs rose tinted glasses!!
Trevor S. Nall
Chairman of the Trustees
The Downs, Malvern College Prep, Brockhill Road, Colwall
MALVERN Worcestershire WR13 6EY
Tel: 01684 540277 Fax: 01684 540094
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