Introduction to the Bentley Miniature Railway

The Bentley Miniature Railway is located in the grounds of the Bentley Wildfowl and Motor Museum, a popular tourist attraction in the East Sussex countryside at Halland, just south of Uckfield.

Constructed and operated by the Uckfield Model Railway Club, the Railway offers visitors to Bentley the opportunity to ride behind steam and electric locomotives over a half mile circuit for a small additional fee, currently 80p for a return trip.

The original part of the Railway, officially opened in 1985, was constructed in all three engineering gauges, 7¼ inch, 5 inch and 3½ inch. However the smallest gauge was found to be impractical at ground level and so was subsequently lifted. Evidence of its existance may still be seen in the turntable and some of the original turnouts which were built to accomodate all three gauges. An extension to the Railway, opened in 1995, and thus built to only 7¼ inch and 5 inch gauges now gives the line an overall circuit travelled by trains of some 844 yards (772 metres).

The mainline is fully signalled with three and four aspect colour lights controlled by two signal boxes, one at each station. Shunting movements are correctly controlled by the provision of shunt and subsidery signals. The stations have single platforms with passing loops allowing through trains to run non stop from each station. Extensive stock sidings and sheds are located at Horsted Sidings and Ridgewood Junction using both layover and stub turnouts to faciltate access.

Passengers joining a train at Bentley Central Station (located near the childrens play area) are taken on a leisurely trip all the way to Glyndebourne Wood Station before returning, via a loop and tunnel, to Bentley Central. The ride takes approximately 6 minutes to travel the circuit. Passengers may break their journey at Glyndebourne Wood Station for a chance to explore the Wood, which in the spring has some beautiful bluebell walks and is a peaceful break from the hectic pace of modern life at any time of the year.

As well as the Railway, the Bentley Wildfowl and Motor Museum is home to a fine wildfowl reserve where the visitor can roam freely around enclosures containing many species from around the world. There is also the motor museum displaying many rare and in some cases unique motor vehicles. Finally no visit is complete without a trip around Raymond Erith's Palladian inspired Bentley House and the formal gardens by Jim Russell.

An exciting new track extension to the Railway is planned, linking the Wildfowl Reserve at Bentley with the existing line at Glyndebourne Wood Station. This will involve doubling the running length of the Railway and the creation of a new station.