The Lost Alton Towers Miniature Railway

[@AdventureMe]

Hope you enjoy the video. There is also another video made a while ago that's worth a watch too. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p17Cf6WfnKmgapY

[@AliGroves450]

If your wondering where the locomotive and some coaches have ended up. Its now on the Old Kiln Light Railway in Farnham Surrey. This is where it still runs to this day now preserved.

[@tommcewan7936]

You sure? There's a rusty old miniature locomotive boiler and firebox making up part of the decorations in the queue area for the Congo River Rapids that I always had a horrible feeling might be a sad leftover from the miniature railway. It looks about the right size, and it's definitely a real one, not a mock-up, though all the brass & fittings have been removed. Maybe that's the remains of the second engine from when they ran two tracks in parallel?

[@AliGroves450]

@@tommcewan7936 Look it up. Its there, working.

[@danim007]

The train still exists at east links family park in East Lothian

[@danim007]

After a bit of research Altonia built in 1937 arrived at the park in march 1953 then to the old kiln railway. Trentham Flyer was built 1938 and moved to Alton towers 1993. Afterwards moving to the east links family park

[@AliGroves450]

@@danim007 Okay.

[@DanDruff66]

I used to go to Alton Towers many times as a kid in the early mid sixties, There was no modern theme park at all, just beautiful gardens, The attractions included a huge model indoor railway (They turned the lights out and all the layout was lit up as if it was night time), The Camera obscura, Pottery studio, Rowing boats, (Come in no 7 your time's up), Cable cars, Outdoor miniature railway, a large traditional old fashioned funfair with galloping horses, chairoplanes and Helter Skelter. Far better then (Imo)

[@karlmaddox1209]

@@DanDruff66 my Grandad was the potter at Alton Towers from the 1950s until he retired in the early 90s

[@ruthbrierley1798]

First time I ever went to AltonTowers was at age 6 in 1983. My parents tried to convince me to go on the miniature railway by myself, not realising that it wasn't a loop but booted you off at a completely different location elsewhere. Luckily Dad went with me. Lol. And yes, I remember the Thunder Looper. It was ace!

[@DalekKaan101]

Hey, I remember the thunder looper as well! I recently found out they didn't destroy it. It's now located in a theme park in Brazil called Hopi Hari, although the ride is no longer named thunder looper, it's now called Katapul

[@bunkerboy02]

I remember the Thunder Looper. I was amazed it only had lap bars for a coaster that did a 360 degree loop!

[@ATStuff80]

Thank you for doing him justice

[@bunkerboy02]

Fab video. When I saw the title, I thought it was referring to the old Alton Towers model railway! Anyone remember it? It was based in the actual towers for a fair few years behind a glass screen and was always a highlight.

[@GlenFair]

Very interesting! First went to Alton Towers in 1983, was a regular visitor during the 80s and 90s. The train ride always finished at the Temple, right next to the old chairlift station, which is approx where the new one is. There was never a loop at the end, it just stopped and then you went backwards . The route of the train was an old driveway so all that brickwork was built long before the train ever arrived. I heard that if you parked in the village you could walk into AT along this driveway and get in for free! But I never tried it. There used to be a Mississippi showboat thing next to the boating lake and the railway station was behind this in the woods, yeah pretty easy to miss. The other end of the old chairlfit would have been next to the teacups on the north side. Now live in the USA so haven't been back to AT since 1998 - it sure looks different now! But not necessarily saying it looks better....AT back in the 80s had a very Disney feel, lots of bright colours, parades and more of a fun atmosphere. Nowadays they seem to have a weird obsession with things sinister and dark!

[@AltonTowersMemories]

You're correct. The old rocks and stuff used to line the old carriage drive into the estate and house from the 1800s. You used to also be able to follow the old train line in the village along so far and then up the park banks and then get onto the old carriage drive and indeed enter for free. This was a long time before the internet and this news being able to spread far and wide. It's all fenced up now though and security is much better in terms of people not being able to access for free.

[@janeyb007]

I remember going Alton Towers before all the big rides. People mainly went for the house and gardens and there was just a small funfair, a petting zoo and model railway. On later visits I remember an exhibition of ‘Space 1999’ props and costumes which was fab ..!

[@MartyJackson]

My brother passed in 2022 aged 29. I am 15 months younger than him and was his full time carer for about 8 months before he died. George Harrison’s wisdom gave me so much strength, comfort and guidance throughout that period and since. What a truly, truly beautiful man.

[@MartyJackson]

I think I must’ve commented this on the wrong video?! Was meant to be on a George Harrison video, not an Alton Towers one 🙃😂 but I appreciate the like!

[@davidnorman7761]

Darren whilst watching this a total of 47. started watching.do you realise what a superb service you are providing.history factual filming all superb.only a matter of time before you leave this behind and get recognition of the gift you have well done Darren.

[@shirleylynch7529]

Brilliant Darren. Great filming. Loved the fade in fade out photos. What a huge place. Beautifully kept. Thank you for taking me. I would never have seen it if not for you. 😊

[@AdventureMe]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@RALLYxREP]

This is absolutely ace, been going since childhood but like everything I can't even remember what I ate for dinner these days........please do some more like this???? Every single time I'm stood in th13teen queue I try and picture where corkscrew was. I also look out towards the trees to where I imagined 1001 nights ride would have been. I'd love to see a photo fade of thunder looper too

[@chrispybee]

I’m kicking myself that I never went on the railway, looked to be such a cool little ride and probably got to see some great scenery too. I was a teen when I first went to the towers in 1991 and as all teens, used to run around the park to get on as much rides as possible. I probably thought it was a baby ride and didn’t bother. Absolutely love those fade in/out shots. You nailed the angles completely!!

[@Rachael8989]

My first visit to the park was in 1994. I was only four years old but have a vivid memory of stepping off the miniature railway and walking up forbidden valley and seeing the mighty (newly opened) Nemesis! It was just so huge and like nothing I had ever seen before! Me and my brother got red and black worm toys and named them ‘Nemmy’ and ‘Sis’ and I remember playing with them on the train journey back the other way! ☺️ So glad I went on it in what was to be it’s last few years at the park.

[@Fordsonjames]

Altonia still exists and works on the Old Kiln Light Railway. two of the carriages are there too.

[@jetsons101]

Funny how when the image was taken at 8:43 somebody was looking right at the camera through the round window on the right side of the loco cab, great shot....... Thanks to Darren for keeping local and regional history alive --- even the history of amusement parks...

[@OurTrueRealm]

Once again Darren another enjoyable informative history of byegone days, always look forward to when i get notifications that you posted, Your fades are second to none keep it up Darren i always look forward to your next upload. Good job keep it up.

[@swb9144]

There is a video on KZbin Alton towers 1984 with some good footage of the miniature railway !

[@kaytronika]

I remember riding this in the early 90s at least once. I wasn't too big on rollercoasters (that would change) so we would seek out the train or the chair swings. We also enjoyed visiting the huge model railway in the Towers.

[@ChrisLawrence-re6hd]

Great video. I worked a few times on the miniature railway in the late 70's, although I was mainly based on the Towers Express. The original station for the miniature railway, also garaged the 2 x Towers Express trains which were land based trains.

[@lindseykaine-walley6339]

So sad its gone like many things now. I really like how you find these hidden past gems. You are brilliant at this.

[@LukeFerreira-nv8ef]

Seriously, this I look forward to more than anything on KZbin. 👍👍👍

[@CharlesDeVere-m7o]

Amazing, as always. I love tracing things back myself. I know how much work you have put into it too. Your films are precious and do hold water. Evidence wise. Thankyou. Charles D.

[@martinmarsola6477]

Thank you for the walking tour this day. Always a walk back in time. See you on the next, Darren. 🇬🇧🙂👍🇺🇸

[@FamilyViibes]

Love your photo fades!!! You can see where the old track was with how the water sits on your first photo!

[@tjweston1]

Love it Darren ❤

[@davidnm21]

Fascinating stuff Darren I do vaguely remember the shortened section of miniature railway when I first visited the park early 90s. Fascinating that the cuttings still exist today.

[@shirleysmith1713]

Shame the miniature railway has gone. Very interesting video, thanks for showing Darren. 👍🏻😀

[@adelestevens]

The locomotive "Altonia" and a couple of coaches ended up at The Old Kiln Railway Tiffird Surrey.

[@sarahkellett4926]

That was amazing to see. I think I was possibly taken on the miniature railway when I was very small, I vaguely remember there being railway buffers near the waterlog too. And yes I remember the Thunder Looper, it was my first ever fast ride.

[@roberttoole157]

Great stuff. Love your videos. More Alton stuff would be fantastic. Thanks for all the content.

[@AdventureMe]

Coming soon

[@johnphillips3475]

That was really interesting, thank you for making the video. I do remember the Miniature Railway from the 1980s onwards, so I knew it changed course a little, but I had no idea how much further it used to run at each end. Good work!

[@AdventureMe]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@timmclaughlin601]

Hi Darren, lovely video. I had been looking forward to this one since last weekend after talking about it. I only remember it from the 90's era and hadn't realised it had a previous longer existence.

[@okt1637]

Brilliant. Many memories from my old self n age 10 in ‘82! Such a change 👍🏻

[@tangerinedream7211]

Alton towers railway had a sister locomotive running at Trentham gardens. The Railway there ran from the start of the lake near the Italian gardens, it wound it's way mostly alongside the lake to the other end, with a stop at the art deco open air baths, a passing loop half way allowed two train operation. Trentham had 3 locos , the smallest 040 was petrol powered called Brora, the middle size 040 was called Golspie, the largest was an 060 called Dunrobin, all constructed 1934/8. Gospie was the sister engine to the one running at Alton. The names on the Trentham locos reflect the ownership at that time of the gardens by the Sutherland family in Scotland. Upon closure,around 1980, Brora went the the Sutherland estate, Dunrobin is still in use somewhere I'd seen, Gospie is awaiting a rebuild at Amerton farm railway near Stafford .

[@JagoHazzard]

I vaguely remember going on this, then the cable car. I must have been about three, which is probably why in my memory, it looks a lot bigger.

[@AdventureMe]

Yeah always looks bigger in your memories. Weirdly I have no recollection of it whatsoever, even though I was a frequent visitor when it operated.

[@vincentpilsworth3195]

Wow ..I remember that when I was a kid..thanks for the memories

[@jeffdayman8183]

Great video Darren! Liked the photofades as always. Nice miniature railway. Shame it's gone. Good to see lots of people still enjoying the park though. Cheers!

[@kirstie_alice]

The area where you were talking about the canopies - if you look on the wall on the left just as you approach the tomb area, you can see a date on the wall from the 1800s.

[@walkinginthesun]

Hi great video Darren as always keep up with the good work

[@christelbraune4530]

Das ist ja sehr schade um die Minibahn. Ja wenn es aber sein muss. Der Park ist wunderbar schön und toll gemacht. Für euch sind das goldige Erinnerungen!!! Top 👍🏻 Schön dass ich dich begleiten durfte. Hat Spaß gemacht 😄 Thank you ❣️❣️. Darren

[@RysAdventures]

OMG i got goosebumps watching this. Brilliant video❤

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks

[@Deepthought-42]

One of the few railways in the UK not closed by Beeching.

[@ianhudson2193]

Well.....apart from the Lynton & Barnstaple, Appledore & Westwood Ho, Leek & Manifold, Wantage Tramway, M&GN, GN GE Joint, Devils Dyke, Shropshire & Montgomerishire, Brill Tramway, Ditton Priors, Dungeness, etc, etc.....

[@UKThemeParks]

This is something I have no memory of at all, amazing there really is no traces left

[@AdventureMe]

Me neither. It was running when I would have been going. I don't have any recollection of it at all. Maybe that's why it closed, too hidden.

[@UKThemeParks]

@@AdventureMe Same only remember the odd picture!

[@SteveAndAlexBuild]

Really enjoyed this one being a massive Alton Towers fan .🤩. I first went in 1981 to ride the new corkscrew when I was 12 . As I was brave enough for Roller coasters I don’t think we gave the railway a second thought so remember only tiny parts if it and don’t think I ever rode it . As for the thunder looper that was my absolute favourite ride till it closed and I was absolutely gutted . A few months later Nemesis came along to ease the pain 😍. I did click originally thinking the video was about the model railway which used to be inside the towers . Not many folk remember it . Fond memories. We will be taking our grandchildren in the next few years so can’t wait to keep Alton towers in the family ❤️❤️🧱👍🏽

[@christopherthomas3403]

My first visit to AT was specifically for the Model Railway in the Towers building in the '70's. No rollercoasters in those days. 😄

[@jetsons101]

Just made a hot tea, turned on the computer on this rainy morning AND guess what was waiting just for me??? Why a new video from Darren "AdventureMe." It's going to be a great day.... mike

[@raymondlee4767]

Great video Darren enjoyed it nice one.

[@jamiebowes9888]

Great video, very interesting. Thank you

[@David-R-Hall]

Thanks Darren, really interesting. I remember the miniature railway being at Alton Towers, but I don’t recall ever going on it myself?

[@towerstycoon]

Fantastic video! I was born in 2006 so my first visit to towers was around 2012 but I love history especially with Alton towers and this was fascinating to watch, would you consider making a video on remnants of the flume? Or any other rides. Thank you! 😁

[@AdventureMe]

Always open for more rides to do

[@Coastsandcoasters]

True story - my uncle (by marriage, not blood) binned the engine once taking a part of the track too fast. Not sure if he was fired but it was the talk of the family for years! (Prob late 80’s early 90’s). A great revisit of an attraction I remember. I also remember the Mississippi Steamboat was located near the station you showed parts of. Now that WAS a death trap!

[@kirstie_alice]

When you're at Alton Towers again, check out the old Rock Walk and Cuckoo Arbour - I think you'll love them!!

[@AdventureMe]

I will yeah. Planned on it last time. Just ran out of time.

[@kirstie_alice]

@@AdventureMe Yeh, it does take a while to do both of them. Spring time is best when the ground isn't too wet, but there isn't as much greenery to fight through.

[@lynneleverton8825]

This was really interesting. I loved it! Been going to Alton Towers since 1987 and I can't recall ever seeing it! And oh my God, has the log flume ride gone?

[@AdventureMe]

Yeah quite a few years back. Wickerman replaced it.

[@nataliesmith303]

Such an amazing video. I love the photo fades. I think they should bring back a train even if it’s a land train 😊

[@mickmcdonagh1557]

Love your video's great job 👏

[@AdventureMe]

Glad you like them!

[@SteveNail]

Cant believe how much the place has altered since I worked there in 1987.

[@lynnballington8467]

Hello Darren how are you I remember going on the Alton towers minture railway train with the school when we went on one of the school trips very interested vidio best wishes take care stay safe xx ❤😅😅

[@a11csc]

nice one Darren

[@seany84uk]

I remember the railway as i visited a few times in 1994/1995 it should have been kept as it is much needed as another transport system.

[@oddsandwindsocks5905]

Nice job Darren.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks 👍

[@SimonHoward-fb6tr]

To relive the route when I used to ride it, I once walked the railtrack from Talbot Square to the temple, before they took the rails away. Then out of bounds I confess, but I didn't do any harm.

[@danielward4868]

Was there anything interesting out of bounds?

[@SimonHoward-fb6tr]

@@danielward4868 I suspect you're joking. But just in case you're not. This was before they developed the walk through, and it was off limits to park guests. Riding the log flume earlier, looking down I noticed the rails and thought it would be nice to follow the track, so waited til late and the park was emptying, and nipped past the old station that was still standing.

[@ste.h9825]

Cheers Darren.

[@leonhutchinson8264]

wow really enjoyed that video please do ore alton towers history videos with your epic photo fades. you will also notice how many views you get on any alton towers video will be significantly more than most places you would film usually because of the huge fan base and audience towers has so a win win for everyone 😀

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks. I will be doing.

[@jamiehasted1265]

Excellent vid, but first thing I spotted was your pixel fold lol

[@AdventureMe]

Yes. I love it too. Well spotted

[@JD-ii7ci]

Would love them to open a new train running from dark forest to forbidden valley, definitely need some new transport rides

[@jimmysnailshoes]

Really interesting, just hope Blackpool doesn't get rid of theres

[@sampoole9549]

Can’t believe I have no memory of this whatsoever! Been going since the early 80’s 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@AdventureMe]

Me neither. I don't recall it at all

[@sampoole9549]

@@AdventureMe we must have been too busy running straight to the proper rides 😂

[@nedbradley-n3z]

it would have been amazing if they kept the railway and refurbished it, especially with the lack of transportation around the park nowadays

[@michgeeson278]

funnily enough the locomotive "Altonia' survives at The Old Kiln Light Railway, as someone who suffers badly from travel sickness its a shame there isn't a high capacity low intensity wheelchair compatible ride like a modern narrow gauge railway could provide as i do enjoy alton towers but wish i could enjoy more of it.

[@dliles773]

Thank you for sharing this. What happened to the child in your last photo?

[@AdventureMe]

I have no idea lol

[@uhmeee649]

Nice info buddy ill subscribe 😊

[@AdventureMe]

Welcome aboard

[@Robert-vw3od]

I remember the bobsleigh being built. I went on the train . I would not recognise the place now.

[@AdventureMe]

Yeah the bobsleigh was notorious

[@Dan23_7]

Haha the thunder looper broke down whim my mum and brother was on it, it didn’t brake and started climbing up the loop again 😂😂 1993 I think

[@crankjazz]

I'm sure I rode that railway as a child.

[@stevenagegooner1971]

Great video ,loved the fade in too, was it me or the ladt picture of station the lady in red coat was a young girl ,just didnt seem right 😮, anyway ,love the vid mate ,keep up the good work ...

[@PHIL0098]

Could you do a video on the history of Alton towers ?

[@AdventureMe]

I plan to do yeah

[@user-eg8pv2om7j]

Time to buy , read :Creating My Own Nemesis: The Autobiography of the Man Who Designed Alton Towers Big Rides, and Brought the Theme Park to Britain Book by John Wardley

[@AdventureMe]

Already have lol

[@nathan83699]

There was an old buffer stop on site until that got demolished

[@PhilWaud]

How are you finding the DJI osmo 3? Did you use it for this video?

[@AdventureMe]

Yes I did. Use it all the time now. I love it so far.

[@PhilWaud]

@@AdventureMe I was looking for the video where you included a review, which one was it please?

[@AdventureMe]

@@PhilWaud kzbin.info/www/bejne/op7RdKCHobOisKM

[@PhilWaud]

@@AdventureMe thank you.

[@timothyturner1836]

Great piece to camera, but I think you have some of the route incorrect. Remember the railway would have run quite flat. Just think you could do with chatting with people that remember the railway and look at all the old maps, just remember that they are not to any scale as Featival park looks like it is 1cm away from thunder valley.

[@AdventureMe]

No, The route is defo accurate (give or take a few curves). I do the research, and not using park maps lol. I used OS maps. It's the landscape around it that has changed. This line wasn't level and regularly ran into the buffers on the slope. It's all heavily protected land, so they couldn't do loads of landscaping to level things off.

[@timothyturner1836]

Ok, I'm a little unsure about a couple of the things that you said. I worked in Thunder Valley 93 in Looper Hot which was a very small burger and fries unit. In 94 when Nemesis came I was in Beastie Bites under the Thunder Looper. I remember having to go to Merry England/Courtyard so many times for stock. I use to jump on the Train as it was a good route and drop offs. Not Sure about the bit under the Skyride, and the other end that was the Train Station but as for the line carrying on the Mississippi Boat attraction was there. It's amazing really just how many times things change at the Towers. I left in 2002 I started in the Valley Catering, Moved to Ugg Land Catering then back to Forbidden Valley then finished back in the Courtyard. And yes 100% I agree with lots, I think a train attraction for transportation is great, I visit Disney World and its great to go on the train to get to the other parts of the park. The issue with the Towers is the huge valley.

[@SqueakerChew]

I don't think I can look at gloomy wood again now haha - think I might call it ye old train route 😂 , is there any information what happened to the train or did it get scrapped ? If I had the room I think I would make a mini model set of the train

[@AdventureMe]

The Altonia and some of its carriages still runs to this day at the old kiln light railway.

[@jamespearson3345]

Beeching even reached Alton Towers!

[@AdventureMe]

Sure did haha

[@silverfox2358]

I think a small electric metro style tram would be better suited so they can put in branches loops, juctions and be able to expand the park. The monorail was a failure and a massive waste of money.

[@AdventureMe]

I don't know. It's lasted nearly 40 years and carried millions of people over the years.

[@gordonwebster3809]

always seems a lost opportunity when these lines close.

[@nathan83699]

The loco is with the Old Kilm Light Railway

[@jordanrichardson4448]

i believe i have seen the loco is still around on youtube

[@AdventureMe]

Yes it's on a volunteer railway

[@charlietaylor5742]

The locomotive still exist the KZbin channel LMM have a nice video on it

[@AdventureMe]

Yes, I'll be visiting soon.

[@Truerealism747]

​@@AdventureMewhere is the other green train

[@paulf2898]

Should be re instated