Stapleford Miniature Railway

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Stapleford Miniature Railway
Stapleford Miniature Railway

Stapleford Miniature Railway is a historic steam locomotive-hauled 10ΒΌ in (260 mm) gauge railway at Stapleford Park, near Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire, England.

It first began life in 1958 as a short line to carry visitors from the car park, to Lord Gretton's stately home. Due to its popularity, the railway was quickly expanded, running down to and then eventually around the lake in the landscaped parkland.

It featured in a 1960s episode of the television show The Avengers called "The Gravediggers", where Emma Peel was tied to the railway track, before Steed rescued her just in time.

After the estate closed its doors to the public in 1982, the railway was mothballed. It was restored under Lady Jennifer Gretton, Baroness Gretton's stewardship during the 1990s and opened its doors to the public again in 1995 and is now a regular feature on the steam scene calendar. The railway opens twice per year as part of steam rallies in mid June and August BH weekend, in aid of LOROS, the local hospice. Being nearly 2 miles in length over extensive scenic line, and with a fleet of 5 steam locomotives including two mighty North American examples, the railway attracts thousands of visitors from the UK and abroad.

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