On 13th and 14th May, the Ruislip Lido Railway will be holding a Gala weekend, when visitors can find out what it takes to run the railway and how it maintains its locomotives.

The railway is Britain’s longest 12-inch gauge railway. In an exciting first for the railway, Christopher, from the Littlehampton Miniature Railway, will be operating during the weekend, which will be the first time the railway has hosted a visiting steam locomotive from another railway.

Trains will run every 15 minutes, from 11:00 to 1500 on Saturday, 13th May, and from 11:00 to 17:00 on Sunday, 14th May.

On both days, a three-train service will be in operation, with Christopher operating along with the railway’s own steam locomotive Mad Bess and one of its diesels.

In another first for the railway, visitors over 14 will have the chance under supervision to become a ‘Driver for a fiver’ and take control of diesel locomotives John Rennie or Bayhurst for a 750-metre run along the line to Wellington Junction and back.

The railway’s usual open-day attractions will be on display, as well as a chance to visit the workshops and yard area at Woody Bay, with staff on hand to explain what we do and answer any of your questions.

In the yard all available locomotives will be on display for children and adults to look at and sit in, as well as track maintenance vehicles with descriptions of what they are and what they are used for.

At Woody Bay the shop will be open selling must-have railway items.

The Turntable Tea Room at Willow Lawn will be open for refreshments, and there will also be a small display of pictures and other information.

Normal fares will apply, and rover tickets will be available which provide unlimited travel on each day.