Miniature Railway Revival at Severn Beach

After nearly half a century, the miniature railway is set to return to Severn Beach, reviving a cherished part of its rich history. Spearheaded by local resident and railwayana dealer Joe Nemeth, of Joe Nemeth Engineering Ltd, this ambitious project aims to bring the railway back to life by next summer. Joe’s company has over 20 years of experience in designing, building, and operating miniature railways, ensuring the revival is in expert hands.

The Historic Charm of Severn Beach

Before the arrival of the Great Western Railway in 1900, Severn Beach was little more than farmland and marshes along the Severn Estuary. By 1922, visionary entrepreneur Robert Stride transformed it into a bustling seaside resort featuring:

  • The Blue Lagoon swimming pool
  • A boating lake
  • Funfair stalls
  • Donkey rides

Stride’s contributions didn’t stop there. Following the opening of the rail link from Avonmouth in 1924, he developed a restaurant, shops, houses, and even installed a miniature railway. This railway, which opened in 1936, was an instant success but ceased operations at the start of World War II.

Entrepreneurial Spirit and Innovation

The miniature railway returned in 1955, spearheaded by Les Anderson, a schoolteacher with a passion for railways. Anderson built a 15-inch gauge line to test a light rail transit system, operating:

  • The Cub – a Bo-Bo diesel-electric locomotive
  • Amber Arrow – an all-electric locomotive powered by overhead catenary

Though his project ended in 1964, the line found a new home at Longleat Safari Park, where it operates to this day.

Joe Nemeth’s Family Connection

Joe Nemeth’s roots in miniature railways trace back to 1969, when his father built a petrol-electric locomotive and track as part of Severn Beach’s fairground attractions. Joe himself built a 7½-inch gauge line in 2001, which later relocated to Oldown Country Park.

Severn Beach’s Decline

The decline of Severn Beach as a holiday resort began in the mid-1970s, marked by the closure of shops, the demolition of the Severn Salmon Hotel, and the disappearance of iconic attractions like the Blue Lagoon and the boating lake. Today, remnants of its vibrant past live on through local cafés and community efforts.

A New Era for Severn Beach

Joe Nemeth’s vision for the new miniature railway aims to revive the spirit of Severn Beach’s golden years. Key highlights include:

  • A phased development, starting with a 560ft track and expanding to a third of a mile
  • Restoration of a vintage 10¼-inch gauge locomotive from the 1940s
  • Involvement from local volunteers and enthusiasts

“This is a very exciting project for me,” Joe shared. “The new line is about 330 feet from our home and will be a commercial venture open to the public.”

Looking Ahead & Stay Connected

Construction is set to begin following planning approval, with hopes to open by Easter. Future phases depend on funding, but Joe remains optimistic about expanding the project.

Stay up to date with the latest developments by following us here and on Facebook.

Also, learn more about Joe’s railway endeavours on the Junction Railwayana Facebook page and his YouTube Channel