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Composite image of the different facets of For the Love of a Railway

An extraordinary old railway bringing generations together


Model of Lyme Regis Railway Station

What began as a model railway in an empty Axminster shop window has grown into a charity connecting people of all ages. Through creative activities, shared memories and unforgettable events, we bring the Axminster to Lyme Regis Railway’s story to life — building friendships, confidence and pride in our community.

What’s next?

Our hunt for a new home

What’s next?

Our hunt for a new home

Cannington Viaduct

Cannington Viaduct

Opened for a weekend

Cannington Viaduct

Opened for a weekend

Model railway layout

Model Railway Exhibition

Going two days for 2027

Model Railway Exhibition

Going two days for 2027

Collecting box

Please support us

Our initiative is one that is fuelled by volunteers and by kindness. Its survival is, however, by no means guaranteed and depends upon our being able to continue raising the funds that are essential to pay for our operating costs and materials.


We will be doing all we can to help ourselves by seeking grants and sponsorship, and running events. But we also need YOU to help us please. If you feel able to give to our cause please donate via our collecting boxes around Axminster. Alternatively, you can use this link to donate online.

Donate online
Screen with For the Love of a Railway film playing

Lyme Billy TV

Check out our channel

Lyme Billy TV

Check out our channel

Student at work with schools pack

Schools Pack

New education resource

Schools Pack

New education resource

Terry’s Railway Crew

Children’s sessions

Terry’s Railway Crew

Children’s sessions

Old Lyme Billy type loco

Making memories matter

The story of the famous old Axminster to Lyme Regis Railway Line is one of the most romantic of its era. It is built around three Victorian locos, known collectively as Lyme Billy, that were for many years the only ones that could cope with the steep gradients and sharp curves of a line that existed for just 62 years. Through events, talks, social media and special sessions for memory cafés, we bring people together to share memories of the Axminster to Lyme Regis railway. These precious stories could disappear with the passing of generations. We are determined to preserve them — keeping our railway’s human story alive.
Memories

Find us

Right now, we operate from a small workshop at Hunthay Business Park on the outskirts of Axminster. This is purely a workshop where our modellers can work and is not suitable for public sessions. Please bear with us while we search for new long term premises in the town centre.

Our address

Temporary home:

Unit 7, Hunthay Business Park

Hunthay Farm

Axminster

Devon

EX13 5RJ


Registered charity no: 1213097



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