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

[mrjimlowe]

Sad news indeed but at least English Heritage haven't written it off so all is not lost.

Were the cars in the station at the time?

[EAS]

The cars were destroyed in the blaze - they were in the workshop.

However, they were not covered by the listing as not 'fixtures'.

[eddiegi686]

It's interesting that people mention rebuilding exactly the same. I can see how that is a good idea and EH will likely want that. One possible thought though is that the ride could be extended in some way if that would make sense - then not only do you have a new attraction with heritage but maybe a more interesting foundation for a new park or leisure centre. Obviously making it massively different / bigger would probably not be sensible or worthwhile.

I'm a Rollercoaster Tycoon (PC game player) and i've got carried away there with designs that go all over the place though. Of course its a possible place of inspiration .

[EAS]

No, it really would be better to retain the historic plan layout, which is what is deemed important in the listing. I was joking.

It's basically up the local authority of course, and the c20th Soc will possibly have to be consulted too.

[thanet26294]

I think if you start dramatically changing the layout then theres not much point rebuilding it, the footprint needs to be retained

[Jim Douglas Jr.]

I can't freaking believe this. I'm sickened by it. SICKENED.
More than the track, I can't believe those beautiful dragons will never circle the course again.
What kind of stupid ****** does something like this?

I will now go back and try to read the 19 pages of replies.

[EAS]

It will rise again.

But I agree with your sentiments. Totally.

[Sarah]

Jim! Where have you been? You've missed all the, err, not fun.

Apologies for astericking your post....

Sarah

[porterm]

Jim - I guess you must have had quite a shock if you've been away from this website for a while. It does kind of seem that these perpetrators do seem to be intent on trying to recreate the Great Fire of London in Margate in recent times.

I expect your expletive used in your last posting was not intentional, just a "heat of the moment" reaction. (No pun intended there).

As someone else has commented before, this unfortunate incident has had the positive impact of bringing the plight of this historic listed building to the national media. Also attracting many new supporters towards this Campaign.

Martin

[Jim Douglas Jr.]

Sarah, Martin, everyone, I'm so sorry I missed it. I usually only check in every couple days. I was here I think 2 days ago (morning) and probably just missed it.

EAS keeps saying the trains aren't that important, but they were. Listed or not, how can they not be considered integral to the whole? No trains, no ride.
At least, they are of a simple design and can be recreated. it's those trains that carried so many for so long.

The ONE upshot of this is that it's in the public eye, and maybe, just maybe, will kickstart the hearts and minds of the locals.
This would be an excellent opportunity for Waterbridge to jump in and save face by not only repairing the Scenic, but jumping in 100% and doing the whole park. That's obviously wishful, pipe-dream, alternate reality thinking, but what a PR opportunity.

As ill as I feel right now, I'm sure it's a hundred times worse for you guys. PLEASE e-mail me directly if you need anything.

Since I was a little kid, I dreamed of riding a Scenic Railway, and I have the miles accumulated to make it to Margate. I eagerly await meeting you all and riding the Scenic Railway.

Love you guys.
Kyle~

[EAS]

I'm not saying they aren't important - they were wonderful and such a terrible loss - and they need to be replicated - I'm saying - carefully - that they could not be counted as being listed as not fixtures, and the station wasn't important as it was just a modernish thing, and the workshop - read the listing description.

EH must have taken the same view, and decided not as much 'significant' stuff has been destroyed ie the history which NO-ONE CAN REMOVE and the plan form remain - and so it can be rebuilt - not demolished, rebuilt. There isn't as much of 'significance' gone as was first reported.

I know it's angels dancing on the head of a pin! But on such philosophical arguments lie the Scenic's future!

(I sent you an e-mail days ago with the news - wonder where it went?)

[porterm]

Re: The Scenic Station.

Unless I am mistaken, according to Nick Evans' Dreamland Remembered book, the Scenic was originally built with an open station area with no roof or canopy in sight! So this is surely insignificant in regards to the attraction's listing status. (Bearing in mind I have no real knowledge of listing processes).

Just thought I'd mention the above for interest.

Martin

[EAS]

Yes - totally not significant. Technically listed as attached but totally unimportant.

I think original estimates of the percentage of fire damage included the station and the workshop and poss the rolling stock - but if you discount those, a huge amount of the all-important listed layout remains.

[Jim Douglas Jr.]

I didn't get it, as far as I know. I'll have to check my e-mail.
I don't even know which e-mail address I have linked here.

I'm only an hour into my grieving, so please be assured I didn't mean any disrespect, it's just that I read 19 pages of posts (quickly) and wanted to voice my concern.
I know you do TONS to keep us informed and am now gaining a larger picture of what's going on.

I'm seriously on the verge of getting on a plane and coming over just to offer moral support, but I think it's in capable hands and maybe I can be of more use in a future fundraiser or work party.

Sent it to Sarah to pass on, but all my heart and love is going out to you guys right now.
Know I'm with you.

[Hairy Vince]

Jim,

Your support from "across the pond" has been legendary, good to hear from you during this difficult time!