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From 1988 to the present day

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The Basildon Miniature Railway has been part of the Wat Tyler Country Park experience for more than three decades. Operating on a 10¼-inch gauge line through the park, the railway has provided generations of visitors with the chance to experience the sights and sounds of a working railway on a smaller scale.

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The beginning — 1988

The railway first opened at Wat Tyler Country Park in 1988. The original railway was approximately 1,200 yards long and was operated using a locomotive and coaches that had previously been associated with the Basildon Zoo Railway.

At the heart of the new railway was a locomotive built by Severn Lamb in 1969. Originally known as St Albans Comet, the locomotive had previously operated at Verulamium Park in St Albans before being acquired for use at Basildon Zoo.

Following the closure of the Basildon Zoo Railway, the locomotive became part of the new railway at Wat Tyler Country Park and was renamed Western Courier.

The new miniature railway quickly became a popular attraction, carrying visitors through the country park towards the marina.

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Developing the railway

Over the years the railway continued to evolve. The line originally ran from the area near what was then the Motor Boat Museum towards the marina, where a run-round loop and turntable allowed the locomotive to be prepared for its return journey.

The railway became an established part of Wat Tyler Country Park and attracted both families enjoying a day out and railway enthusiasts interested in miniature railways and their locomotives.

The original locomotive eventually reverted to its earlier name, St Albans Comet.

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The 2012 extension

An important development came in 2012, when the railway was extended towards the main entrance of the country park.

The extension changed the character of the railway and brought the service closer to visitors arriving at the park. The completed railway formed a longer journey through the park and gave passengers a different experience from the original route.

The railway has since become associated with the distinctive 10¼-inch gauge trains operating through the grounds of Wat Tyler Country Park.

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A period of closure

The railway has experienced several difficult periods during its history.

After years of operation, the railway eventually ceased running and remained out of service for several years. During this period, the track and surrounding infrastructure deteriorated, with vegetation encroaching on the railway and sleepers requiring replacement.

What had once been a busy miniature railway needed significant work before it could safely carry passengers again.

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A new chapter

The railway's revival began with a renewed effort to restore the line and return it to operation. Volunteers began working on the railway during 2024, tackling the considerable task of clearing vegetation, restoring the track and replacing deteriorated sleepers. The project involved extensive work along the route and required the railway to be brought back up to modern safety standards.

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The restoration was supported by people from the miniature railway community, including assistance from other miniature railways.

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After approximately six years without passenger services, Basildon Miniature Railway reopened in July 2025.

The reopening marked an important new chapter in the railway's story. What had once been an overgrown and disused railway was once again carrying passengers through Wat Tyler Country Park.

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The railway today

Today, Basildon Miniature Railway continues to operate on its original 10¼-inch gauge railway at Wat Tyler Country Park.

The railway is run by a dedicated team of volunteers who maintain the locomotives, track and railway infrastructure and provide visitors with an enjoyable and authentic miniature railway experience.  The railway's history is therefore still being written.

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Preserving the future

From its opening in 1988, through its extension, periods of closure and its extensive restoration, Basildon Miniature Railway has had a varied history. Its continued existence is a result of the people who have given their time, knowledge and enthusiasm to the railway over the years.

The aim today is not simply to remember the railway's past, but to preserve it for future generations — ensuring that visitors can continue to enjoy a miniature railway at Wat Tyler Country Park for many years to come.

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The story of Basildon Miniature Railway continues...