Major fire on the Scenic Railway 7th Apr. Suspected arson.

[Sarah]

I tell you what, if we'd gone round with a bucket and collected up all the crocodile tears that were being shed outside the main gate I reckon we wouldn't have needed to call in the engines from Herne Bay and Canters.

The air was thick with smoke and hypocrisy.

Sorry, just needed to get that off my chest.

Sarah

[EAS]

It's always the case Sarah.

Heritage? Not many give a damn. That includes many in government.

For everything you win, there are a hundred you lose.

[stuart]

Has there been any response from MTCRC, Waterbridge or Jimmy yet?

Were any representatives at the entrance?

I couldn't get down Eaton Rd so went to the NCP. Everyone here has at least had a fleeting thought this might happen sometime but that doesn't make it any less shocking.

[EAS]

I understand JG is in Marbella.

The other site woners have e-mailed Nick according to a post above.

[kevinashe]

nick how standard were the trains or were they unique to the scenic.just asking because bpb were getting rid of some old trains (dont know of they were the nash or big dipper) but i wondering if it would be possible to acquire them (i believe theyre getting dumped) and mock them up in the style of the original scenic ones

[EAS]

Unique - pics on the main part of the site.

[RJW]

Hi Kevin

Scenic trains are completely different to the BPB trains. There is, of course, the Scenic at Great Yarmouth which has trains with the same basic chassis...

[kevinashe]

would it be possible to modify bpb trains if they were going a begging or would it be possible to rebuild the original scenic trains from plans and salvaging the metal parts from the fire

[Nick]

nick how standard were the trains or were they unique to the scenic.just asking because bpb were getting rid of some old trains (dont know of they were the nash or big dipper) but i wondering if it would be possible to acquire them (i believe theyre getting dumped) and mock them up in the style of the original scenic ones

The BPB trains wouldn't work as they are a completely different type (underfriction wheels). The Dreamland trains were (to the best of my knowledge) the only surviving original Scenic trains in the country. The Great Yarmouth trains would work on the track, I believe, but they are relatively new (and in use!).

[EAS]

Those are undertrack... the Scenic ones lovely, and could be replicated by a skilled crafstperson. Many pics survive...

[EAS]

Sorry Nick - both posted at once!

http://www.joylandbooks.com/scenicrailw ... leries.htm

Pics.

[kevinashe]

hopefully the fire didnt didnt warp or damage any of the metal parts and they can be salvaged from the ashes,nick has there been any concern from english heritage on the fire

[tam]

It’s such a shame to see such a great piece of Margate’s history disappear this way, I went to see the damage for myself along with my children, who although far to young (only 5&6) to remember dreamlands "hey day" My daughter was crying at the sheer distruction of this grand ride which she had hoped to ride on one day.........

[EAS]

The fire only started around five this evening, no doubt EH staff will have been going home about then.

I will see what support I can muster first thing in the morning from conservation groups.

[kevinashe]

nick is possible to post bulletins and local news on the site for people who are further away and out of the local news range(or like me at the other side of the country