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Barton House Railway (BHR)

Miniature Railways and Electric Ferries

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The Barton House Railway (BHR) is a miniature railway system in a house garden located alongside the River Bure in Wroxham. It re-creates a traditional railway atmosphere where the whole family can enjoy the nostalgia of the golden age of steam with two ride-on railways, a fully working full size signalling system and authentic tickets.

There are two separate railways with different track gauges. The original raised track is now known as the 'Mid-Land Railway' and is 3.5 inch gauge. The larger ground track known as the 'Riverside Railway' is 7.25 inch gauge.

The railway is open from 2.30pm to 5.30pm on the third Sunday of the month, from April to October, as well as Easter Monday.


Website:-  www.bartonhouserailway.org.uk
Phone:-
 01603 782008

 

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   Website:-  www.bartonhouserailway.org.uk
   Phone:-  01603 782008

References



Barton House Railway (BHR)


All images link to larger copies which will open in a new window/tab



The Barton House Railway (BHR) is a miniature railway system in a rear garden located alongside the River Bure in Wroxham and it re-creates a traditional railway atmosphere where the whole family can enjoy the nostalgia of the golden age of steam with two ride-on railways, a fully working full size signalling system and authentic tickets. There are two separate railways with different gauges of track. The original raised track is now known as the 'Mid-Land Railway' and is 3.5 inch gauge. The larger ground track known as the 'Riverside Railway' is 7.25 inch gauge.

The railway is open from 2.30pm to 5.30pm on the third Sunday of the Month, from April to October, as well as Easter Monday.



Brief History
Work on the Barton House Railway began in 1960 when the 3.5 inch gauge track (now know as Mid-land Railway) was laid and the steam loco 251 ran after its rebuilding. The loco had been in the Bower family for generations. This was joined by a second steam loco 1442, and an electric loco. In 1963 the railway was opened to the public and, with the help of the volunteer staff, has since raised thousands of pounds for many local charities.

In 1967 the Midland & Great Northern Joint Railway Honing East Signalbox was rebuilt at Barton House Railway having been carefully dismantled from its original home at Honing Station where it had stood since 1901.

In 1979 work began on the 7.25 inch gauge Riverside Railway, with Sparky the electric loco initially working this line, followed, in 1998 by the steam loco Midge. The line is a 'U'-shape terminating at two adjacent stations Riverside East and Riverside West by the quay. There as a passing loop at intermediate station Wroxham. A lengthy branch (not generally used for passenger trains) runs along the property boundary to the loco/carriage sheds.

In 2003 the BHR Museum  opened, the friends of BHR was re-launched, and a second 7.25 inch gauge steam loco Edward Thomas arrived.

In 2005 the Friends of BHR helped us raise money towards a new Vulcan design electric loco for the Riverside Railway. It has been named Paul Bower in honour of the railway owner's father who gave generously his time and skill to create the railway back in 1960/3.

The railway celebrated 50 years of operations on 17th/18th August 2013. Further extensions to the 7.25 inch system are under construction.


Website:-  www.bartonhouserailway.org.uk
Phone:-
 01603 782008



3.5 inch Gauge Railway
'Mid-land Railway'


GNR Atlantic 241

Work on the Barton House Railway began in 1960 when the 3.5 inch gauge track (now know as Mid-land Railway) was laid and the steam loco 251 ran after its rebuilding. The loco had been in the Bower family for generations and is now displayed in the BHR museum. This was joined by a second steam loco 1442, which was not on display.

GNR Atlantic 241 in the BHR museum
Photo: © Ian Boyle 17th August 2013
BARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian Boyle






EM1 Electric Tommy

The Barton House Railway loco running at the 50th Anniversary was a battery powered bogie loco apparently modelled on the prototype LNER Sheffield Bo-Bo EM1 Tommy, from its square cab windows.

Battery-powered model of LNER-designed EM1 loco in BR colours
Photo: © Ian Boyle 17th August 2013
BARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian BoyleBARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian BoyleBARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian BoyleBARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian BoyleBARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian Boyle








7.25 inch Gauge Railway
'Riverside Railway'

Sparky - 4w Battery-Electric

In 1979 work began on the 7.25 inch gauge Riverside Railway, with Sparky the electric loco initially working the line.

4w battery-electric Sparky on a freight train
Photo: © Ian Boyle 17th August 2013
BARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian BoyleBARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian BoyleBARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian BoyleBARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian BoyleBARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian BoyleBARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian Boyle




4w battery-electric Sparky at Wroxham (BHR)
Photo: © Ian Boyle 17th August 2013
BARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian BoyleBARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian Boyle




Sparky and 0-4-0ST Midge at Riverside East
Photo: © Ian Boyle 17th August 2013
BARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian Boyle




Sparky and 0-4-2ST Edward Thomas at Riverside East
Photo: © Ian Boyle 17th August 2013
BARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian Boyle




Sparky and Midge at Wroxham
Photo: © Ian Boyle 17th August 2013
BARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian Boyle






Midge - 0-4-0ST

In 1998, the steam loco Midge joined Sparky on the railway.

Midge 0-4-0ST
Photo: © Ian Boyle 17th August 2013
BARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian BoyleBARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian BoyleBARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian Boyle




Midge 0-4-0ST
Photo: © Ian Boyle 17th August 2013
BARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian BoyleBARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian BoyleBARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian Boyle




Midge and Edward Thomas at Wroxham
Photo: © Ian Boyle 17th August 2013
BARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian BoyleBARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian BoyleBARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian Boyle




Midge and Sparky at Wroxham (BHR)
Photo: © Ian Boyle 17th August 2013
BARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian BoyleBARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian Boyle




Tiny and Midge at Riverside East
Photo: © Ian Boyle 17th August 2013
BARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian Boyle






Edward Thomas - 0-4-2ST

In 2003, a second 7.25 inch gauge steam loco Edward Thomas arrived, based on the Kerr Stuart Talyllyn loco.

Edward Thomas at Riverside East
Photo: © Ian Boyle 17th August 2013
BARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian Boyle BARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian Boyle




Edward Thomas at Wroxham
Photo: © Ian Boyle 17th August 2013
BARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian BoyleBARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian BoyleBARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian Boyle




Midge and Edward Thomas at Wroxham
Photo: © Ian Boyle 17th August 2013
BARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian BoyleBARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian BoyleBARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian Boyle




Sparky and 0-4-2ST Edward Thomas at Riverside East
Photo: © Ian Boyle 17th August 2013
BARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian Boyle




Sparky and 0-4-2ST Edward Thomas at Wroxham (BHR)
Photo: © Ian Boyle 17th August 2013
BARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian BoyleBARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian Boyle




Tiny and 0-4-2ST Edward Thomas at Riverside East
Photo: © Ian Boyle 17th August 2013
BARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian BoyleBARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian Boyle






Paul Bower - 4w Battery-Electric

In 2005 the Friends of BHR helped us raise money towards a new Vulcan design electric loco for the Riverside Railway. It has been named Paul Bower in honour of the railway owner's father who created the railway back in 1960/3.

4w battery-electric Paul Bower
Photo: © Ian Boyle 17th August 2013
BARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian BoyleBARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian Boyle






Tiny - 4w Battery-Electric

I have no details about the origin of the minimalist battery on wheels Tiny.

Minimalist 4w battery-electric loco Tiny
Photo: © Ian Boyle 17th August 2013
BARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian Boyle




Tiny and Edward Thomas at Wroxham
Photo: © Ian Boyle 17th August 2013
BARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian Boyle




Tiny and Midge at Riverside East
Photo: © Ian Boyle 17th August 2013
BARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian Boyle




Tiny and 0-4-2ST Edward Thomas at Riverside East
Photo: © Ian Boyle 17th August 2013
BARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian BoyleBARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian Boyle






Riverside West Station

Minimalist 4w battery-electric loco Tiny
Photo: © Ian Boyle 17th August 2013
BARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian BoyleBARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian BoyleBARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian BoyleBARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian Boyle






Wroxham BHR Station

Wroxham BHR station
Photo: © Ian Boyle 17th August 2013
BARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian BoyleBARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian BoyleBARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian Boyle






Riverside East Station

Riverside East station
Photo: © Ian Boyle 17th August 2013
BARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian BoyleBARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian BoyleBARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian BoyleBARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian BoyleBARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian BoyleBARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian Boyle






Barton House Publicity

2013 Brochures

2013 BHR brochure - Download 2013 Brochure
BARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk






Electric Ferry Boats

Three battery-powered ferry boats are available which run to the Bridge Pilot's wharf at Wroxham during running days. Only two were in service on 17th August.


Electric boat Britannia
Photo: © Ian Boyle 17th August 2013
BARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian BoyleBARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian Boyle



Electric boat D7
Photo: © Ian Boyle 17th August 2013
BARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian BoyleBARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk - Photo: ©2013 Ian Boyle






Other Barton House Images

Other BHR images
BARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.ukBARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.ukBARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.ukBARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.ukBARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.ukBARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.ukBARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.ukBARTON HOUSE RAILWAY - www.simplonpc.co.uk






















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