Steam Train at Thoresby Park.

 

Above: This steam train was called Sir Nigel Gresley, and took William Kirkland of Ollerton, twelve years to build. It was based on a real life locomotive. It became a popular attraction at Thoresby Hall, Thoresby Estate, in 1966 and continued to be so for several years before moving to Stapleford Park in Leicestershire. The steam train was situated on the lawns between the Hall and the river, no doubt avoiding the carefully attended cricket pitch. One can see Stone Bridge (a.k.a. Green Bridge) in the background.

Above: Still visible today are the sleepers from the train's rail track in the area where it ran parallel to the River Meden.

Below: The winter of 2020 saw the welcome return to Thoresby Park of a new steam railway ride for children, with Steve Purves at the wheel. Positioned opposite the entrance to the courtyard, it was able to operate over three weekends, proving a most welcome and popular attraction during an ongoing corona-virus pandemic, and the constant threat of lockdown.

 Operated by the 'There and Back Light Railway' company it is the largest portable steam railway in the Midlands, authentically powered by real steam, along a track over 450ft long, with rides costing just £2.