To complement the Exbury Gardens fixture, on a fine and warm Saturday afternoon 16 members met at 'Kirk,' the new terminal station of the 12¼" gauge Royal Victoria Railway. The owner and operator of this 1,000yd (public run) line, Peter Bower, introduced himself and explained that he had been building the railway here for the last 25 years. He has a very interesting collection of engines from many sources; some of significant historical interest.
Our special train was already assembled and waiting in the station. This terminus was not yet in public use as the extension was incomplete, so it was rare track from the start. Our train of two closed and two open coaches was hauled by a Severn Lamb Western, D1002 'Western Explorer'. We started from the southernmost line in the Kirk Terminus taking the connecting line to join the current public run.

Following the service train, we paused at Chapel Road station to cover the loop line, which is not regularly used. Continuing around the circuit through Piccadilly station we completed the public section of the railway and reversed back into Kirk Terminus to continue with non-public track, of which there is a considerable amount. The bookstall and leaflet stand were then moved to allow us access to the tunnel/shed. After passing through this we proceeded down the line that will eventually be part of the extension as far as the points back onto the main circuit. However, we could not join the main circuit as the connecting points were welded up! Returning to the tunnel our tour reversed to traverse the other extension line. A reversal from this line took us back into the workshop where we definitely reached the end of the line as a gentle thud was heard. Finally, we completed the other two roads in the Kirk Terminus and some of the crossovers. A very thorough grice, the only bits missed were where the coaches could not physically go! Our thanks to Peter Bower for accommodating our visit and to our member Rod Bryant for organising both the day's fixtures.

The Royal Victoria Railway, our special at Kirk terminus.
[© Rod Bryant 2019]

The Royal Victoria Railway, a trip round the main circuit.
[© Rod Bryant 2019]

Kirk Terminus with a clear line through the shed.
[© John Scott 2019]