WIAS - Warwickshire Industrial Archaeology Society

Evesham Vale Light Railway

Just a few yards over the Warwickshire border into Worcestershire you will find the Evesham Vale Light Railway and if you haven't paid a visit it is well worth it. Opened in 2002, a steam enthusiasts delight, the 15" gauge railway has a superb collection of steam locomotives, diesel locomotives and rolling stock. The route is 'out and back' and passengers are taken through delightful apple orchards, (with wonderful blossom in the Spring), and experience lovely views from one of the highest points in Evesham Vale. Passengers can alight at Evesham Vale Station and enjoy a stroll back on foot, if they prefer, or picnic in the surrounding area. The railway is open throughout the year at weekends and during Easter, School and Christmas and New Year Holidays. For full information and details of all the locomotives and stock be sure to visit the EVLR web site.

The EVLR has an interesting variety of stock including:

4-4-2 Albion Class Atlantic No 103 ‘John'

Built by Albert Barnes and Company for the Rhyl Miniature Railway in 1921

and recently fully restored by EVLR

4-6-2 No 3 ‘Dougal'

Built by Severn Lamb of Stratford-on-Avon

4wDM Diesel Locomotive ‘Bessie'

Built by Mike Eddy and Matty Nowell in 2002

4wDM Diesel Locomotive No JGF4 ‘Sludge'

Designed and built by R.L. Lister & Co. in 1955

The Evesham Vale Light Railway was first opened in August 2002. The railway was built by Jim & Helen Shackell, with help from their family and friends, and is run at weekends and school holidays throughout the year.

Trains are usually steam hauled and travel for over a mile through the old apple orchards and around the country park, stopping briefly at Evesham Vale Station. Here you can take a break from your journey to have a picnic, walk to the river Avon or just enjoy the views overlooking some of the most picturesque scenery the Vale of Evesham has to offer.