Didcot Railway Centre
© English Electric Growl
- Overview
- How to get there?
- Route
- Visitors
- Photographs
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Four schoolboys train-spotting at Southall in 1961 decided that they would try to preserve a Great Western 'push and pull' (auto train) tank engine. Railway preservation was in its infancy, but a letter published some months later in the 'Railway Magazine' precipitated donations towards the project. It became necessary to put the scheme on a proper footing and thus was born the Great Western Society in 1964.
As pressure mounted for more steam locomotives to be purchased before they disappeared, the Society was offered the use of the engine shed at Didcot that had become redundant.
The Society moved in with three locomotives and a number of carriages in 1967. Since then its members have transformed the area into Didcot Railway Centre. The range of activities and facilities is substantial and you can find out more about the Centre from exploring the web pages at the link above or by visiting the Centre!
| Directions by Road | The Railway Centre is signposted from the M4 motorway (junction 13) and the A34, and is easily reached from the M40, or you can choose a scenic drive through the Thames Valley or across the Berkshire Downs. Parking is readily available near Didcot Parkway railway station Please note that the road signs direct you to the main station car park. The route from this car park to the station entrance is over a footbridge and involves two long flights of steps and a walk of around half a mile to reach the station entrance. |
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