Billie the train

[Sarah]

I went to visit Billie last weekend, the little train that once trundled around the park. He is being very well looked after at Preston (the tiny place in Kent, rather than the big place in Lancs) and is part of a really amazing collection - amazing even if you're not an aficionado of steam, traction engines, etc etc.
I very solemnly bade him a fond hello from all at the campaign (and got a funny look for my trouble). To be fair, it was New Year's Day and it's entirely possible that I was still slightly inebriated.
The next Billie viewing opportunity will be at the Preston Rally on 25 and 26 June. A long way off, but worth sticking in your diaries. There'll be rides, old cars, lots of steam, some very loud organs and beer.
More info - ooh, and some exciting shopping possibilities - at www.prestonservices.co.uk

Sarah

[Vince, Charlie and Sam]

Here's a picture of Billie. I believe this station was situated near to the Eaton Road park entrance.

The loco is pictured on the "traverser". At the end of the line, the loco was manually pushed sideways, then ran forward on an adjacent, empty track, and was then reversed onto the other end of the train, ready for the return journey.

In the photo, you can see that Billie is sitting on bogies which are mounted at 90 degrees to the main running track.





Billie is up for sale at £40,000 but it needs a full rebuild. If only I could win that lottery..........


Vince

[antony]

How interesting to read this update on "the little engine". I remember with huge affection riding round the park in the early sixties, especially through the gardens past those wigwams with silhouettes of Red Indians circling inside. I also remember that a minature diesel engine joined Billie in the sixties (much to my father's disapproval!). Does anyone remember the name or indeed know what became of it?

[Nick Evans]

I too have seen the Billie the engine out at Preston nr Wingham. I'm sorry I didn't mention it before but was the steam event last summer.

Billie will need plenty of TLC from whoever might feel able to buy him (£40k has been mentioned before now!) but he didn't appear to be in too bad shape and still had his tender behind - sorry a tender, behind!

If Iget the chance I'll email on the photos Itook of him at the time. Rarely, for me, they were in prints not digi format and I haven't had much timeto scan them!

Do make a date for summer's do in June, it will be fun for many people.

Nick

[Illinformed]

I went on a miniature steam train probably about 1978/79ish that would have started near Eaton road. I can't remember it going round the park however I do rememver it going in a straight line and then disappearing into a dark tunnel which had Native Indian style cave paintings at the entrance. It stopped in tunnel then reversed out again - I can remember crying because it was pitch black when it stopped!!

Would this have been Billie ??