Ready For Easter – Milton Keynes Light Railway Opened by Deputy Mayor in Glorious Sunshine

Published 3rd April 2012

The 100% voluntary Milton Keynes Light Railway (MKLR) was officially opened

MILTON KEYNES - The MKLR was started four years ago and is a 100% voluntary organisation operating on a lakeside park off the A4146 by the A5 dual carriageway at Caldecotte (postcode MK7 8HP). They have laid a quarter mile of track at 7 ¼ and 5 inch gauge and the circular layout was officially opened on April 1st.

Unlike the initial opening in 2009 when nobody brought scissors, two pairs were on hand for Catriona Morris to cut the ribbon in glorious warm sunshine. Her next railway engagement will be as Mayor to open a new station in Wolverton!

Charity day preview

The official opening followed a charity day for disabled children the previous day, when the railway gave 400 rides in the cold grey winter-like day. Later this year if funding can be arranged, they hope to have a wheelchair carrying carriage available for seriously disabled passengers.

The MKLR is situated adjacent to the windmill on Caldecotte Lake and a Premier Inn just off the A5 and has a large free car park available. MKLR operate steam, diesel and electric trains every Sunday from 1pm to 5pm as well as all Bank Holidays.

Extension planned

The volunteers, who are all members of the 40 year old Milton Keynes Model Engineering Society, have started to build another line from the loop which when complete, will follow the lake shoreline along a peninsular extending into the lake and will rejoin the loop near the station.

The station is behind a set of level crossing gates keeping passengers and trains apart and the line offers a great location for a children’s birthday party.

Local support

The MKLR have been supported by the Milton Keynes Parks Trust who own the park and the Milton Keynes Community Foundation as well as the local council as Planning Consents have had to be obtained. Consent has been obtained for the next extension so then the railway will be able to operate five trains at a time!

External Links

• MK Light Railway