Let's Ride ... The Ruislip Lido Railway

Let's go ride the Rusilip Lido Railway! I was invited down by Matt Streeton - Vice Chairman at the Ruislip Lido railway - where he showed me around, with behind the scenes access in the workshops and we talked all things trains, and then of course took out a loco to go for a ride, where I got to get behind the throttle and drive one myself ...
If you'd like to visit of help out by volunteering, their website is: www.ruisliplidorailway.org/
Also, here's an old video from 2016 that I made for Londonist, with Tim Dunn! If you want another Ruislip Lido video! - • Riding The Ruislip Lid...

[@JagoHazzard]

"Let's just play trains" - words to live by.

[@RandomTFLupdates-PEPS_FOR_LIFE]

To true

[@GeorgeSimms-ud8vc]

Yes definitely stoke park in Guildford has great trains

[@DownieLive]

Looks like the perfect day! Thanks for bringing us along, Geoff!

[@nuneatontim]

Bit smaller than the trains you go on Downie.

[@jools1978]

You should do the Stanley Park train when it gets back up and running!

[@mickrollin]

Next we need Secrets of the RLR including the disused section, the secret turntable, and the original turnstile by Woody Bay.

[@AbelPedrosa1]

We need also "Race the Tube" with this route. Can you walk faster than the Ruislip Line?

[@sirBrouwer]

Also we need to cover the stations them selves. Do they have a binbag waiving in the air

[@billy-johnyoung821]

I know most history of RLR its a brilliant little railway love having it as my local

[@arthurballs9632]

The name of the train Mad Bess comes from the woodland called Mad Bess Woods situated between Duckshill Road and Breakspear Road. The origin of this name is lost to history according to local historian Elien Bowlt but the currently earliest known use of the name appears in a review of a fox hunt that was published in the Sporting Life in 1812 iirc.

[@dshack4689]

Also, how many steps up/down to each station =)

[@railwaystuff]

That least used station parody was awesome

[@sarahlizzieful]

The complete glee that grown adults get when honking a train horn or blowing a train whistle will never stop being lovely to me!

[@javeediqbal3971]

When our son was in the first year primary school, we held his birthday party at Ruislip Lido. We bought tickets so that all the children and their parents could catch the Lido train to the woods for his birthday party. Everyone loved it and this brings back great memories.

[@theophilus749]

I do so love all Geoff Marshall videos. He approaches matters with such lightness of touch and bright, almost innocent, enthusiasm. Yet they show seriousness of interest and invoke such interest the viewer. Keep it up.

[@NathansTransportCommuntiy]

Fun fact: I live very near the ruislip railway and It has been around for decades when my mum was a child. It was only half the size until it got expanded a few years later.

[@BuzzinsPetRock78]

Ahhh...that explains the turn table half way.....I was wondering about that :)

[@RAYY0925]

I live in hillingdon 💀

[@zig131]

I remember the expansion seemed to coincide with the construction of the Water's Edge restaurant. It was originally a Brewer's Fayre with a heavy emphasis on the cartoon clown Charley Chalk as it's mascot.

[@emjackson2289]

It was 4 times the size until we all grew tall

[@emjackson2289]

@@zig131 got a funny way of walkin' and a funny way of talkin'

[@CliveScoggins]

Ah, memories! I used to love riding on the railway during visits to the Lido when I grew up in Ruislip Manor and then Ruislip in the 70s, up until the railway was closed for a few years following an unfortunate accident in 1978, involving a derailment due to excessive speed. The Mad Bess loco would be named after Mad Bess Woods just outside Ruislip, allegedly themselves named after the wife of a resident gamekeeper in the 18th century, who prowled the woods at night looking for poachers. At least that's what we were told around the camp fire as Cub Scouts when camping in those woods.

[@eurethnic]

So grateful for Ruislip Lido. Like many, I thought it was the seaside as a kid. The railway is magical. Can't wait to take the grandkids.

[@scottc1589]

Thank you, Matt! Why waste one's time with sci-fi movies when one has a narrow-gauge railway to look after!

[@annamae859]

That's my childhood right there. Going to the Lido during the summer holidays, back when it was actually a functioning lido, remember riding the train was pulled by mad bess. By the time I was in my teens I would go to the lido most weekends walking through park wood. Those of us of a certain age remember Murphy the Donkey.

[@stamrly418]

Its not the distance between the rails that gives the fun and smiles its that there is a distance 2 parallel steel rails no matter the distance apart always makes me smile.

[@Paul_Lucas]

This is so cool - I rode on this as a 2-3 year old when I lived in Wealdstone. Next up, you have to do the Cassiobury Park Railway in Watford - another of my haunts as a toddler!

[@MultiMrPhill]

I‘ve just bumped into Geoff at Baker Street Station, he’s a Really Nice Bloke. Dear Mr Marshall thanks for being nice & friendly and that. Forgot to say you have an Excellent balance of Information and Entertainment in your work. I imagine you’d at least enjoy a Pint with John Rogers even if you both don’t work together. All the best!

[@gregmichael8473]

Continuing the "I can't believe" theme, Geoff, I can't believe that you didn't know that the gauge of a railway is measured between the insides of the rail head!

[@markpearce5793]

That was fun! Matt makes a brilliant co-presenter; so relaxed in front of the camera. Maybe get him on again in future 😁👍

[@nedlongdon8607]

Agreed. I hope we get to see more of him!

[@mikeportjogger1]

In the early fifties my family lived in Hammersmith and we used to meet up at the Lido on sunny days with various cousins families who also lived around London. I remember the railway then being a loop within the woodland on the South side and a steam engine to pull the trains. Happy days.

[@kevinr.8169]

I never thought watching two grown man ridding miniature trains all day could be so much fun! Now I want to drive it as well or at least get out at Haste Hill and get that passengersnumber up ;)

[@ianmaddams9577]

I spent many days there as a teenager an out 20 yrs ago. Great times . Thanks for the memories 👍🏻

[@andyboy189]

I was on the Ruislip Lido train when it derailed and overturned in 1978....It was pretty scary at the time.

[@bobsrailrelics]

Haven't been there since I was a child. Good to see it still running

[@martinbridgwater8702]

This brought back memories of going to the Lido in the 70's as a child - time on the beach and riding the train

[@georgiehogman2001]

My parents used to take me my sister and brother here, we used to spend the day swimming, watching the waterskiing, and then end the day with a ride on the railway. This was back in the 1970s., my dad had a K reg 1750 hillman Hunter. I remember a floating pontoon that I used to swim out to and then dive off.. nostalgia.

[@beds139]

Being Ruislip born and bred I spent many happy summer days at the Lido and loved riding that train. Nerdy info.. I watched Cliff Ricard film parts of The Young Ones at the Lido in summer 1961.I actually got quite bored as they seemed to spend ages setting up a scene and then it was all over in 2 minutes.

[@poggs]

Those are two really awesome humans living their best lives!

[@andrewdolinskiatcarpathian]

The Ruislip Lido Railway is far more extensive than the railway I rode as a child in 1960’s and 70’s. I hope I’m not mistaken that a stream loco was operating in the 60’s. Fond memories of happy days at our local beach. 👏👏👍😎

[@trueriver1950]

I travelled on it at age 6 in 1961 and it was certainly a steam train then :)

[@philosophical6393]

I cant believe you made a video on this! The lido was a big part of my childhood as it was near my grandmas but I haven't been in a few years, glad that it still looks the same. Thanks Geoff!

[@domramsey]

Sitting in my bed with Covid, feeling a little sorry for myself. This little video made me feel a whole lot better! Also, you should do more stuff with Matt, he's great.

[@Vile_old_Bastard_3545]

You have a cold or the flu. Stop calling it what it isn’t. You are buying into it and are showing your low intelligence quotient.

[@JP_TaVeryMuch]

@@Vile_old_Bastard_3545 Kick a man when he's down, why don't you?

[@dshack4689]

Same here! Just starting to improve from Covid and feeling up to watching a little screen time and this was perfect. Thanks Geoff and Matt!

[@uzaiyaro]

Hope you’re doing better now.

[@gaylemcclelland7002]

Damn it I was in Ruislip last week. I would love to say thanks to Geoff and his videos for helping me navigate the tube as an Autistic solo traveller to London last year. I'm from Northern Ireland by the way from Derry/Londonderry and I now love anything transportish lol. Planning my next London trip already

[@andychilton6462]

Hi Geoff. Believe it or not, when I was about 7, I was allowed to drive a steam engine into the shed, at the end of the day at Ruislip Lido. My first hands on experience . I am now 76 and, living on the Isle of Wight, have had a footplate experience on our full size Steam Railway at Havenstreet.😉

[@MichaelDembinski]

I have strong memories of the Ruislip Lido Railway from the early 1960s, when it featured a scale replica of an American Electro-Motive diesel loco.

[@slumpsg1901]

Wow this brings back memories.Last time i was there was with my parents and Donald Campbell turned up and demoed Bluebird up and down the lake a few times wont forget the noise of that jet engine. Great that the railway is still running.😃

[@rickyzuc]

Love this Lido. I’m lucky enough to live only 15 mins away from it. It’s a great day out.

[@pstonard]

Greetings from Silicon Valley (California)! I was born in Kingsbury NW9, grew up around there, and well remember our summer outings to Ruislip Lido. Great fun on the railway! I was about as tall as the locomotive. Mid 1960s. Thanks Geoff and Matt for the sixty-ish year old flash back!

[@Britoverseas]

Love it, spent the 1960's and 70's riding the train, then with my kids in the 90's before moving to the west coast of Canada. Thanks so much for the memories.

[@PetertheRock.]

This was tremendous fun. I've been to Ruislip Lido many times. Whenever I go with friends, I always ask if they want a ride on the train, but they are all too self conscious to go, and I couldn't do it alone! How sad! But this video was great fun, and long may the rlrs thrive!

[@FannyLerouxTime]

I got to drive a Pacer train earlier this year, it was amazing! I always wanted to be a train driver and drive a Pacer, so I got to be one for the day!

[@NeildeCarteret]

We need more Matt! He's great. He's like if Richard O'Brien was less theatre and more train.

[@Cheekylittlemonkey81]

If you are ever in the Lake District you can come and do a similar experience with us at Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, I believe we helped build the maroon diesel way back when.

[@Cheekylittlemonkey81]

PS We aren't on the tube and we don't have a bus service but there is a stop at Ravenglass on the Cumbrian Coast Line as I am sure you are aware.

[@quintuscrinis8032]

Lady of the Lakes actually has a plaque saying that she was originally a R&E loco. Both lovely journeys.

[@RogersRamblings]

I was a founder member of the RLRS when it was just a loop with the one station at Woody Bay. The loco shed was a brick building over a pit. We then built a new shed of corrugated iron. While the shed was under construction Robert failed. In those days the power plant was a Ford 1600cc crossflow petrol engine with a dynamo and control box. Another member and I volunteered to fix the loco when we both had a day off work. Naturally the weather was less than clement and the rain was pouring through the still slack bolt holes. We managed to position the loco so that we avoided the water coming through and removed the control box which was located under the hydraulic oil tank against the cab bulkhead. We then went to a Ford main dealer, plunked the box on the counter and asked the partsman for a new one. He asked what vehicle it was off. The other chap and I looked at each other and said, in unison, a miniature railway loco. The partsman immediately had that "Oh really?" expression checked the details on the box and found us a replacement. Returning we fitted the new box and, with fingers crossed, started the engine. Everything worked OK so Robert was returned to the shed and we went home for a well earned hot shower and a brew. It's good to see that the railway is flourishing since those early days.

[@highpath4776]

unusual for control boxes to fail if set up from factory on the bobbin settings.

[@RogersRamblings]

@@highpath4776 Unusual perhaps but I had failures on cars.

[@andrewwilson6240]

That was so much fun! I giggled my way through it, and then the Least used Station on Ruislip light railway. I fell about laughing.

[@rogergregory7190]

I remember riding the RLR in about 1947. It was just a long figure 8 on the one side of the Lido. The rest of the recreation area was closed after the War.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

It’s nice to meet Matt and a hello from me! Ngl with that bunch of keys, it’s giving caretaker of a haunted mansion in a Gothic Tale. Edit: I was kidding about the second sentence. He seems like one of the coolest people featured on the channel.

[@oliviabolger2690]

I used to love going to Ruislip Lido with my family growing up! It was nice for walking and riding our bikes around before playing in the park. It’s great seeing my local area being promoted.

[@capturedlondon]

Great to see Geoff smiling again !! 😊

[@komnsenz]

Born and raised in Ruislip (a long time ago) - brings back many happy memories. Thanks for the video, Geoff.

[@beds139]

Me too. Used to catch the 114 bus direct to the Lido....a very long time ago!

[@komnsenz]

@@beds139 Used to be the 158 bus way back. But I lived in Park Avenue and simply walked through the woods to the Lido.

[@horsenuts1831]

I never realised that Ruislip had a miniature railway. I also have never heard of Ruislip Lido.

[@OuijTube]

Twelve-inch gauge, but mainline standards: permanent way maintenance, train control, signaling, operating rules, maintenance shops...all at adorable scale. It's no surprise to me that some volunteers go on to work on the mainline, and some mainline folks volunteer. Seeing the amount of work (and love) that people put into the miniature railway made my day.

[@AlvaroLR]

These types of railways end up being like a second family once you get to know the people. Not only you learn a ton of practical and historical stuff through it's members, while having a lovely time being train geeks 😄. Greetings from Tren de Palau

[@richardmiller6930]

Brings back childhood memories, It used to run a Rio Grand Seven Lamb train I think, which prompted me to buy the Lodmoor country park railway, great fun to drive the train. I used to ride the RLR whenever I could save my pocket money. 60 years ago!!! Maybe return one day.

[@hymek7017]

Thanks for this, really enjoyed it. The blue loco livery looks very much like the blue Portuguese CP livery prior to the current orange livery.

[@ThatRomyKate]

I was expecting you to tell us if the station has a dot matrix indicator, waiting shelter and bin bag blowing in the wind! 😮

[@Mvlonewolf144]

Such a nice video to watch on Thanksgiving morning. Thanks Geoff and Matt!

[@yosolo5797]

Absolutely love everything about Ruislip Lido!

[@paulharvey9149]

"THIS IS A SAFETY ANNOUNCEMENT! DO NOT SIT ON THE EDGE OF THE PLATFORM: FAST TRAINS MAY BE APPROACHING!" Now that looks like lots of fun - and what a beautiful woodland that is, in daylight. I was taken there in the dark, many years ago, and would have had no idea where it was at all, had it not been for my memory, which seems to film every event of my life, for future recall... But it's not as good as you might think, as some things are best left unremembered.... You have done me a great service in sharing this video though - and having avoided it for decades, I must just have to pay a visit, next time I'm in London; now that I'm suitably assured it is a pleasant place to be. The person who took me there also has no chance of appearing - having served several years in one of Her Majesty's residences, I believe he's now in one of His Majesty's!

[@smarthome3824]

Great times spent there when the kids were young 25 years ago. Sunbathing while the kids played on the beach. Travelling on the great railway, well run by warm friendly enthusiasts. What a lovely day out for all.

[@xiajason3558]

We have been here many times, very lovely little trains, run by enthusiastic volunteers, they even have an open day to their garages!

[@hublanderuk]

Glad this video was made when I attend the Geocaching Event at Ruslip Lido on the 10th December I know what to do if I am bored. Go for a ride on the railway.

[@Robslondon]

Gosh, this brought back some childhood memories. Thanks so much Geoff.

[@JRattheranch]

I well remember a day out on this railway 65 years ago! Of course it was a steam engine back then but it made a lasting impression upon me! 👌🙂

[@johnstephens649]

Lucky man! Lived in the Pinner area and been riding the RLR for years as a boy and then parent but never got to drive! Also didn’t realise the amount of kit and facilities they have there behind the scenes. Now a grandfather and will inevitably be taking the little lad for rides on the RLR. Third generation, precious continuity…

[@Sim0nTrains]

Graham Alexander really does sound a lovely beastly locomotive and love the parody of the Least Used Stations as well, Thanks for the ride and the visit Geoff

[@sirBrouwer]

I do now want a follow up on the amenities the station has. Does it have a ring bin. Does it have a shelter. Is there a car park

[@fookdatchit]

My mum used to take my brother and I to the lido. Sometimes we would go '' mobbed up'' with a few other kids from our street, and their mums. Egg and cress sandwiches, crisps and r whites lemonade. Great memories. What a jolly video. Thanks Geoff.

[@sqrt9]

Amazing episode! Very nice railway! Greetings from Poland!

[@trueriver1950]

I travelled on this railway at age 6 in 1961. Every train still steam hauled at that time. We had a bus that ran to Ruislip in the week but extended to the Lido on Sundays. Route 97 back in the day, that route number has long since moved elsewhere

[@rwm2986]

Thanks Geoff - looks like good fun. I'm with you Matt - never seen a Star Wars film!

[@Jimyjames73]

Looks like a whole lot of fun!!! 🙂🚂🚂🚂

[@LondonEmergency999]

Brings back great childhood memories with my Nan and late Grandfather 😊

[@PokhrajRoy.]

I love It when we come across a new series. I admire the creativity on the channel, teaching us something new along the way.

[@chrislowes1335]

Thanks Geoff for bringing back childhood memories of riding on the train with my brother and grandma in the summer holidays.

[@tomh753]

I went to Ruislip Lido lots as a kid in the late 90s early 00s. I’ve got many fond memories of the railway, especially around Christmas time. Glad to see it’s in good health and the trains I remember are still going. I’ll come back soon!

[@lydan5808]

I have mates that have taken me to swanky restaurants, nice hotels and holidays abroad, but I would swap them all for a day on the train there

[@johnbruce2868]

Very reminiscent of Kerr's miniature railway in Arbroath, Angus, Scotland. This railway had a smaller gauge of 10.5 inches and, until it closed down in 2020, used to run along the West Links to Elliot and back. I recall my childhood in the 1950's / 60's when it used to run steam locomotives. The railway was always busy and very popular in the days when Arbroath welcomed 600,000 visitors annually during the summer holidays. Sadly, such simple pleasures are no longer in vogue with sophisticated modern children. The railway has gone, along with the once famous saltwater open lido at which the actor Johnny Weissmuller (of Tarzan fame) once gave a diving exhibition. The nearby the Seaforth Hotel, once remembered gloriously by the second world war-time generation and HMS Condor RNFAR for its weekly dances, was burnt own by a developer furious at the council's refusal to have it converted to flats. Alas, tempus fugit. "There is no remembrance of former things, nor will there be any remembrance of later things yet to happen..." (Ecclesiastes 1:11).

[@maidbloke]

Ah! Round the corner from my childhood home. Spent many a day at Ruislip Lido. And yes, it really is as awesome as it looks. 🤓 Another great video.

[@robertlalor8090]

Kids from 1 to 92 smiling from ear to ear. Thanks for sharing Geoff

[@mrcogginsgarage7062]

You know what was really nice about this,it's grand to to see you enjoying yourself Geoff.

[@westcoast_trains_]

Great video. Ridden the Ruislip Lido Railway many a time. Great fun. Lovely to see behind the scenes.

[@barlypop]

Fabulous ! The joy that these kind of railways bring to everyone is priceless. Another great film Geoff 🎥 🚂 👍

[@1chish]

OK so who would NOT want to go and 'play with trains'? You can grow the 30 year old man out of a 14 year old lad but you can never take the 14 year old lad from within the 30 year old man. And what a brilliant lad Matt was. Great time had by all.

[@richard999]

Lovely video - thanks Geoff and Matt - I am in my late 70’s and lived in South Harrow - Ruislip Lido very much part of my childhood and of course I was a trainspotter. I am trying to remember the bus that got us to the Lido - I think it was the 140 at the time but not sure. So pleased to see all this - lovely, lovely memories - so grateful. Thanks some much both.

[@trevorhoughton5182]

Great different video Geoff - 👍 Brilliant as always

[@zenzombie72]

70's Lido, with its roasting hot art-deco cafe, with all the wasps in the windows, a raggedy beach, pedalos, a ski-jump ramp that I never saw used, and a primitive railway that wasn't exactly well-fenced-off. The 114 bus used to go there, and the narrow end of the lake was sometimes impossible to walk around.

[@simonf8370]

What a fantastic day out. Thanks to Matt for letting Geoff play with the trains 😊😍

[@nilo70]

Love the trains ! Thank you for showing me this !

[@pacificostudios]

3:55 - People that aren't familiar with British radio don't realize that "I've Never Seen Star Wars" is the name of a BBC Radio and TV series; basically, celebs are introduced to something they haven't experienced. I'm familiar with the radio episodes hosted by Marcus Brigstocke. These are usually mundane things that most people have done, like driven a go-kart, tried out pottery, or watched the performance of a Shakespeare play. A fascinating show, really.

[@kevinbargery2261]

I have seen Star Wars! I have also just seen a cracking film about an old childhood favourite took me right back. Forty odd years ago a schoolmate (who I'm still very much in touch with) and myself went with his uncle (who was a volunteer) to see the sheds. We didn't have film and it was a bit smaller then but us two 7/8 year olds thought it was great! I've moved away from the area now but do pop back from time to time and always visit here although I haven't been on the railway in years instead eating at the carvery followed by a walk around the lake to feel less stuffed! Must take a ride next time once again great film👍

[@robswan4170]

I'm always very impressed with the miniature railroads in the UK you guys do a bang-up job

[@simonyoung509]

Great fun to watch and brought back so many lovely childhood memories. It’s been 50 odd years since I last went to the Lido.

[@moleyfish54]

Thanks for this video Geoff. As someone who spent most of my childhood and adult years living in the London Borough of Hillingdon, Ruislip Lido was a regular go to place, often in lieu of a visit to the seaside. So pleased to see the railway is still operating and looking in really good condition.

[@johnhood3172]

Great video, I have not been to the lido or the railway for over 50 years, thanks for the reminder. Regards. JH

[@peterdnreynolds777]

Would love to see more of the miniature railways around this country

[@DarthCoco]

OMG So cool to see you go on this Geoff! I have lived just outside Hillingdon for a long while and have been on the Ruislip Lido Railway many times dating back to over a decade ago. I hope it stays for good, and we get to see more of the various locomotives on the network.

[@mooch5monkey]

forgotten memory comes back! went on the RLR several times in late 50s, early 60s

[@groovydonkey]

I live in Uxbridge, which is not far from Ruislip Lido and never knew this existed. Great video

[@kingdescu1985]

Love your content Geoff, keep up the good work 🚂

[@neilbain8736]

Wow. He got to drive an actual train. No wonder he was enthusiastic. What an amazing railway.

[@thecommuterzombie]

Everyone at the RLR is always so friendly and we've taken the kids for rides there on good days out. Nice to see a peak behind the scenes! You should drop in on the Ickenham Miniature Railway next time you're up this end of the line.

[@scullytawoody4852]

That looks like lots of fun. I love those small gadge railways.

[@julianrossi8460]

I cant explain it but i have been infatuated with these mini ride on trains ever since i was a kid. I remember riding these at such a young age and it was just magical. (I sound so childish right now haha). Great to see Geoff is still making videos anyway, keep it up mate. Many thanks from AUS