Miniature railway still on track after 30 years at Vogrie

Work to construct the miniature railway in Vogrie Park, which opened in 1986.

As well as the railway, the Society will also hold an exhibition of engineering models and practical basic science at the station for ‘Science on the Wild Side’, as part of the Midlothian Science Festival.

Eskvalley Model Engineering Society secretary Geoff Thrower said: “The park considers it to be one of its main attractions now. It’s busy.

“We can get 200-300 people riding on a Sunday afternoon, 2-5pm, weather and staff permitting, from Easter to September.

“It’s now reached a stable level which has certainly built up over the years.

“For the last 10 years we have had fairly stable customer numbers.

“I made the drawings for the original layout which was going to be just a short ride down the side of the park.

“But the council encouraged us to extend the layout to cross the driveway and make a circular track.

“We sometimes have groups in like schools and charity groups.

“That’s how we as a charity help other charities.”

‘Science on the Wild Side’, at Vogrie Country Park, is this Saturday, 11am-3.30pm.