Annesholt Light Railway

For those who have not been before the Annesholt Light Railway (ALR) is located in Leamington Spa and has its origins in the late-1980s. The current 32mm Railway was constructed in 2006 and comprises a large loop running from the top of the garden round the bottom and back. There are two viaducts and one large bridge over what was a pond until May 2017. There are 4 good length sidings (all good for steaming up) and a passing loop at Annesholt Station.

There are no significant gradients and all curves are generous so the ALR suits both manual and radio control running. All the turnouts are “sprung” which greatly assists operation. Some large Locos have run on the ALR including the Accucraft NG 16 as well as Roundhouse Garratts, Leek & Manifolds and Vale of Rheidols plus some large coaches.

There is a footbridge over the track at the top of the garden which is a permanent feature. The height from the top of the rails to the underneath of the structure is 180mm. (This might affect some 7/8th scale locos and rolling stock but there is the option of running round the larger loop up to the footbridge and then back around in the opposite direction). The footbridge is due to be replaced this summer by a taller structure.

The ALR has provided many years of happy steaming and is now well and truly "weathered" into its surroundings.

The ALR hosts monthly steam ups starting from 11am till late afternoon.

There is only one Rule at the ALR and that is that there are no Rules!!

Mike Stevens


Video below courtesy of Mike Darby - www.chuffed2bits.com/