by Terry Bearpark
A Holmpton train enthusiast and his colleagues are getting ready to welcome visitors for the chance to have rides on their narrow-gauge railway.
Over the past three years James Ardin, who drives full-size trains for a living, has transformed his huge garden into a model railway fan’s dream, by laying hundreds of yards of 7 1⁄4 inch track for his own engines and rolling stock as well as for visiting trains, bringing back memories of the 1960s when Dr Beeching closed down the Hull to Withernsea line.
This Sunday, June 11, he is opening up his railway in aid of charity, giving youngsters (and big people) the opportunity to ride around this model system as well as having a close-up view of six locomotives including battery and steam-operated engines such as “Tigger” Maxitrak Pearl, “Ross” Thomas 2, The Shay, Florence, Captain Hook and Escafeld No 1, some of which will be giving rides to visitors.
Train rides, at just £2 a return ticket, will be available from 11am to 3pm at Comrie House on the right-hand side of the road from Withernsea to Holmpton, just past the Hollym turn-off.
The venue will be signposted and is next door to the Corrie fishing pond, whose owners have allowed free parking for visitors.
Refreshments will be available and there will be plenty of guides to keep visitors on track. Proceeds will be donated to the Coastguard Association.
