The Ruislip Lido Railway will be holding its second gala weekend of the year on Saturday and Sunday, 16 and 17 September when one of its star attractions will be the visit of Albert from the Littlehampton Miniature Railway.

This will be the second time that Albert has visited the Ruislip Lido Railway. Last winter it was overhauled at its home base at Littlehampton, which included some smart modifications to the bodywork and repainting into a livery inspired by the Ffestiniog Railway.

Throughout the weekend three trains will be in operation providing a 15-minute service. As well as Albert, each train will be hauled by Mad Bess and Lady of the Lake.

An added attraction will be the chance for anyone over the age of 14 to experience being a driver for a fiver. Under the supervision of an expert Instructor, visitors can take the controls of locomotives John Rennie and Bayhurst for a 750m run along the line to Wellington Junction. That will be a real gem of an opportunity and something that should not be missed.

During the weekend the workshop and yard area will be open to look round. All available locomotives will be on display, which visitors will be able to look at and sit, and staff will be on hand to explain what the railway does do and answer any questions.

Also on display will be the railway s track maintenance vehicles with descriptions of what they are and what we they are used for.

At Willow Lawn the Turntable Tea Room will be open for refreshment and there will also be a small display of pictures and other information, whilst at Woody Bay the shop will be open selling all those must-have railway items.

Entry to the railway is free and normal fares will apply for the train service. Tickets including rover tickets can be purchased on the day, or they can be bought in advance online at https://tickets.ruisliplidorailway.org for collection on the day.