Railways at War

Expert modellers and engineers have combined their talents to assemble exciting dioramas, displays and superb models which fill four large areas. The diplays cover early toy trains such as Hornby and Trix, to those showing Eurostar and Intercity trains.

The work of the railways during wartime is explained, including how trains were laid on at short notice for the evacuation programme. Often your guide for this will be someone who was an actual evacuee. The vital work done by some of the military railways such as RAF Halton and Longmoor Military Railway will be described. Your guide will show how in wartime women undertook much of the work previously done by men. By the use of posters, photographs and stories, students will learn how fuel and bomb trains serviced the 1000 bomber raids, and how air-raid and blackout procedures affected the running of the trains. Another display shows how railway vehicles were adapted or specially built for wartime use, such as armoured trains.

There are several working model railways, complete with tunnels, miniature trees and junctions. Also on display is a ‘Toy Shop Window’ with 50 years of transport models.

Mathematics, English, History and Design & Technology are well supported by a visit, and of course there are great subjects for drawing. A visit may also stimulate an interest in model-making. Worksheets are available.