RHYL MINIATURE RAILWAY: A HISTORY IN PICTURES

The railway's history has been long and, at times, quite complex.  On this page, I've put some pictures to illustrate the story.  If you would like to read a full account, go now to a detailed history in words.

{Station in 1911} The railway was originally designed by Henry Greenly, a talented engineer.  He thought that the Marine Lake was an ideal place for a miniature line and history has proved his judgment correct.  This postcard is thought to date from 1911 and. the locomotive is Prince Edward of Wales, a Little Giant Class 10 4-4-2 built by Bassett-Lowke.

The railway's construction and first season was documented in 'Models, Railways and Locomotives', including an account of one day when they carried 5,000 passengers.
Click here to read about it.
{Marine Lake Fairground} When the railway was built, the only other attractions at the Marine Lake were boating rides and the water chute.  However, as the Lake became more popular, a thriving fairground was built up. The railway formed an integral part of this. As you entered the site, a simmering steam locomotive would be one of the first things you saw.

Who could resist a ride?
{Barnes Train} This postcard proclaims:

RHYL MINIATURE RAILWAY, BUILT By ALBERT BARNES & Co, RHYL. These minute engines are an exact replica of their larger sisters, fitted with superheaters and all the latest improvements. During the summer they run around the Beautiful shores of the MARINE LAKE at "SUNNY RHYL".

Packed trains like this one must every miniature railway operator's dream!
{Michael in 1978} This postcard was taken in 1978, when the track had just been re-laid. It still followed the old circular route around the lake, although there has been some realignment and trains now climb steeper gradients than they did in the old days. The locomotive here is No. 105, Michael, still carrying its livery from 1969.

Since 1978, the railway has had a more difficult time economically, with fewer visitors coming to Rhyl and a smaller proportion of them finding the Marine Lake, behind the west end of the sea front. Even so, we strive for future generations to be able to enjoy scenes like this one.
{Les Hughes} Since 1980, local businessman Les Hughes has enabled the RMR to stay in steam, being now the owner of the most of the railway's locomotives and carriages.  This photograph of him with Joan was taken in 1996.

Les is Chairman of Rhyl Steam Preservation Trust, which took over operation of the railway in 2001.

 
{Ken Dove} We also owe a lot to the driver here, Ken Dove. He became inseparable from the railway from 1982 until his death in 1994.

Against all manner of adverse circumstances, he always managed to keep the wheels turning.  This photograph, with Joan, was taken in May 1987 when he had just managed to secure the reopening of the railway following a previous dispute with the Council.

Ken favoured this unlined maroon livery.
{Lighting up Joan} Simon Townsend, caught by the local press photographer, lighting up Joan during August 1994.

{trip en route}

 Full steam ahead for another ninety years!

Since formation of Rhyl Steam Preservation Trust, additional stock has arrived, the volunteer team has grown and passenger numbers have doubled. Our exciting new Central Station and museum opened in May 2007, putting the railway onto firm foundations for the future.

We now have our own support organisation 'Friends of Rhyl Miniature Railway'.

Follow the links below to read about the latest developments!

 

This page last updated: 13/08/2008

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