Terry’s Railway Crew
inspiring a new generation of model railway lovers
We have launched Terry’s Railway Crew in memory of our much loved volunteer and Trustee Terry Guppy, who was a fireman on the Axminster to Lyme Regis Line in the 1950s and 1960s. Nothing gave Terry more pleasure than sharing his passion for steam railways with children.
Model railways offer children a creative, hands-on alternative to screen time, encouraging both imagination and practical skills. By building, painting and problem-solving, they develop craft, design and teamwork skills, while also learning patience and confidence. It’s a hobby that can bring whole families together to share the fun and satisfaction of making something real.
Little Puffers
Ages 4 to 7 - Youngsters move between a series of fun activities including assembling wooden locos and running them on a new child-friendly wooden layout. We ran a very successful first workshop on 13 December 2025 and will be inviting others from our waiting list for another workshop in the New Year. Please register your child’s interest if you haven’t already done so.
Junior Firemen & Firewomen
Ages 8 to 12 - The focus is on developing crafting skills around model railways but there are also opportunities to drive a train on our inspiring Lyme Billy 2 layout and take on shunting challenges. Our first workshop in November went really well. We will be inviting other children from our waiting list to a further workshop in the New Year. Please register your child’s interest if you haven’t already done so.
Young Engineers
Ages 13 upwards – coming early in 2026. We haven’t worked up a detailed plan because we would like the participants to decide amongst themselves what aspects of model railways they want to pursue. Running trains on our main layout will certainly be part of it. Please register your interest now.
Sign up
Numbers are limited by space at the Depot, so please register your child's interest as soon as possible. Each child must be accompanied by one parent or other responsible adult.
Please sign up with an email to fortheloveofarailway@gmail.com quoting the Christian name and age of the child.