Summerfields Miniature Railways

The railways at Summerfields may at first appear to be all one but in effect they may be classed as three railways and as such rides can be taken on all three tracks.

  Summerfields Railway

  The principal railway is Summerfields and this is the first one seen as you enter the grounds; it starts at the station Haynes End near the car park and buffet.  This station has the turntable and steaming bays located at one end. You purchase your ticket for this railway at the ticket office and the trains leave the station on single gauge 7 1/4" track from one of three platforms.  The train then takes you up the hill past Badgers Holt and over one of the bridges to then complete a lap of the top field before you leave the train at Hammer Hill station.  Here you will get the opportunity to ride Winterfield railway and also the Springfield railway.

  After you have taken the opportunity to ride the other lines you can join another train for the return journey to Haynes End usually including another lap of the top circuit before returning down the hill on the second track and passing over the second bridge finishing your journey back at the station.

  Winterfield Railway

  This is a raised track in the centre of the other railway tracks, tickets to ride can be obtained from the ticket office at Hammer Hill station before crossing over the tracks at the level crossing.  Care should be taken here to not step in front of the trains.  Walk over the bridge to the picnic area and Winterfield station. The raised track allows trains of 2 1/4" gauge, 3 1/2" gauge and 5"to run, the track is a continuous loop of approximately 670' long with two unusual flexible points installed to allow the locos access to the steaming bays.  There is also a lifting bridge to allow vehicles access to the centre of the field and unload at the steaming bays.  A further lifting bridge allows locos from the steaming bays access to the ground level track of Springfield.

  Springfield Railway

  The Springfield railway is the latest line to be built and is still under construction. It is being lengthened all the time as funds and time allow.  It is a dual gauge track of 5" and 7 1/4" and was created to allow the 5" locos to also run on the ground and at the same time give the smaller 7 1/4" engines, who may find it difficult to haul passengers up the hill on the Summerfield line, a nearly level track where they can haul passengers.

  Tickets may be purchased at the Hammer Hill ticket office and you catch the trains from the other side of the platform from where you arrived at Hammer Hill station.  Part of the route incorporates the outside loop of Summerfield line which is dual gauged in this area, but it also runs between this loop and the outside of the Winterfield raised track.  You will see track bed already dug to extend the Springfield line at some point in the future.