Didcot Railway Centre

Visited : About once a year - Last visit August 2004.

Their Website : Didcot Railway Centre

See the pictures of my visit in August 1999

Summary

Despite the lack of a good length of track, one of the best !

View of East end of the site from the coal loading ramp.

Site

Long and thin, with a lot more too it than you first think. Good use made of space, with good access to all areas via concrete paths.  If you visit on a day when trains are running, catch the train by the entrance to the station at the far end and walk back.  Don't forget the branch line and it's broad gauge transfer station though.

When I last went, the site was being extended with track going around the back of the cafe.

Ride

Two separate very short runs, each with a small station at each end.

Engines 

Large number of engines (too many to list). Some interesting items including a Steam Crane and a still being built (from scratch) broad gauge engine.

Rolling Stock

Excellent renovated historic carriages of different ages in their own shed.

Engine Shed

Two engine sheds with good access and ability to climb into some cabs.

One carriage shed with good access.

Train next to collection of signs

Museum

Medium sized : Nice display of assorted things including a Station Masters office.

Shop

Small. I would have expected a larger one for a major site like this.

Catering

Fair. Bit like a 1950's truck stop (so daddy says !)

Toilets

Functional !

Guide Book

Quite nice with plenty of colour.

Other Facilities

• Right next to Didcot main line railway station, so always lots of trains going past.
• Often allowed into the signal box.
• Underground air raid shelter !

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This page was last updated on September 14, 2004