Ian Samson – Strathaven Model Society
Thu, Feb 29th 2024 at 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Ian, Director and Secretary of Strathaven Model Society Ltd., will talk on the history of Strathaven’s Miniature Railway.
Host: Bill McCallum
VoT: Bill McCallum
Our guest at tonight’s meeting of the Rotary Club of Motherwell and Wishaw was Ian Samson, the secretary of the Strathaven Model Society, which operates the miniature railway in Strathaven Park in South Lanarkshire.
Ian advised members that this is now the oldest continuously running miniature railway in Scotland with their, passenger hauling, trains running from 14th May 1949 with this year marking their 75th anniversary.
The trains run from late March/early April till the last weekend of September at weekends and public holidays, weather permitting.
The original steam locomotive, Margaret, which was running on the first operating day all those years ago, is still running well and can be seen in steam on special occasions throughout the year. Ian told us that she has been lovingly rebuilt and maintained over the years by their dedicated team at SMS Ltd.
From the start, the miniature railway has used different modes of locomotive power, steam, petrol and electric, with steam still being the most popular with young and old alike.
“The Wee Train”, as it is fondly referred to by locals, is celebrating its 75 years of steam in the park during 2024 with great enthusiasm and participation from visitors and enthusiasts from all round Britain and further afield, joining the special events that will be held during this exciting year.
Ian said that from ticket sale information available 765,785 passengers had ridden on the miniature railway but, on special occasions such as Guy Fawkes night, only donations are given and number not recorded, so Ian estimates that in excess of a million passengers have been carried.
Ian then responded to a number of questions put to him before Bill McCallum proposed the vote of thanks.
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