CLOSE SHAVE! STAPLEFORD MINIATURE RAILWAY'S NEW BRIDGE WITH AZOBE RAILWAY SLEEPERS
The miniature railway was created in 1958 to carry visitors from the car park, to Lord Gretton's stately home. Due to its popularity, the railway was extended, running around the lake and a drive through lion reserve. The railway featured in a 1965 episode of the television show The Avengers called "The Gravediggers", where Emma Peel (played by Diana Rigg), was tied to the railway track, before Steed rescued her just in time.
The railway was closed in 1982 but then restored and opened to the public in the 1990's. The railway opens twice per year as part of steam rallies in mid June and August Bank Holiday weekends, in aid of LOROS, the local hospice. The route is nearly 2 miles long, heavily engineered and crosses the River Eye on bridges.
RailwaySleepers.com Says..
Our railway sleepers are frequently used to cross streams, but rarely to strap people to! It was a narrow escape in 'The Avengers', when secret agent Steed rescued Diana Rigg from being run over by a train load of villains planning to sabotage Britain's radar system. A positive note for the skilful volunteers of Stapleford Miniature Railway, who are refurbishing one of the original bridges.
