One of Arbroath’s best-loved attractions kicked off its 75th anniversary celebrations at the weekend.
Despite the unseasonal weather, much fun was still to be had for young and old at Kerr’s Miniature Railway on the town’s West Links.
The venue opened in Arbroath on June 22, 1935, which makes it the oldest small-gauge railway in Scotland today.
Planned and built by Matthew Kerr sen, the little railway was an instant hit with the public, carrying 11,350 passengers in the first season, for the princely sum of 3d for each adult and 2d for children.
The railway continued from strength to strength, reaching its popularity peak in the post-war boom years when an amazing 60,000 people were hauled up and down the line during the summer months of 1955.
After 1955 things began to change for the attraction.
More people could afford motor cars and holidays abroad, so inevitably the crowds began to dwindle.
Matthew sen was now almost 50 and finding the live-steam operation more of a chore than a pleasure.
So by 1960 the steam engines had been replaced by a refurbished ‘Auld Reekie’ and a massive battery-electric ‘diesel’ officially named Prince Andrew but always referred to as ‘the Deltic’.
Steam was now replaced at the railway by petrol engine and battery power.
Matthew’s health and enthusiasm continued to decline over the next few years and by 1970 he was so dispirited he advertised the railway for sale but, fortunately as it turned out, there were no takers.
Following his father’s retirement, Matthew jun decided that 40 years of history should not just disappear under the bulldozer and so began the rejuvenation of the railway.
Matt, who died in 2006, gradually transformed the layout into the set-up which exists today and which is now operated by his widow Jill and young son John.
The attraction boasts six miniature locomotives including two fully operational steamers miniature buses and a fire engine.
Jill said she had been heartened to see families turn up to help them celebrate KMR’s 75th birthday on Saturday despite the rain.
She said, “We are all still managing a smile.
“We’re a bit wet at the moment, but the forecast is for the weather to improve so we’re keeping our fingers crossed.
“We have a number of friends displaying model railways in marquees with a lot of different layouts on show.
“There are portable lines and traction engines large and small. We have kids’ merry-go-rounds and are running the railway half price all weekend.
“There are a number of families here enjoying the fun already and it’s great.”
Enthusiasts taking part included Dave Watt and Mick Walton, Ron Kennedy, the East of Scotland 16mm Society, Dundee Model Railway Club, Cupar and District Model Railway Club, Sandy Mair, the Scottish Traction Engine Society and the Scottish Model Engineering Trust.