WRSLS

WRSLS We are a miniature railway & model engineering club, open to the public every Sunday 13:00 - 16:00 from April to October.

Ride behind a variety of steam and diesel-outline locomotives, running on two circuits, and watch small trains on the Garden Rly. The WRSLS (West Riding Small Locomotive Society) was founded on 21st April 1945 with 27 members. By 22nd October 1949, all the raised track had been laid and the first tests carried out with new running cars. On 5th November 1949, the first members' running day began at

2:30pm, and went on until 8.00pm when it started to get dark! May 19th & 20th 1951, was the first public running weekend, rides were just 2p for two laps. After this start, public running days were held once a month for several years. Prior to that, between 1945 and 1949, demonstrations were held on site using a short portable track. In June 1952, there was 1000 rides sold in one day! In September 1954, a 100 mile non-stop, record-breaking run by Albert Balmforth’s 2-6-4 L1 tank locomotive was completed in 10hrs. The engine still survives in running condition at the private Stockholes Farm Railway. In July 1955, the First Rally was held. September 1973 saw a big Silver Jubilee event held at Blackgates. By July 1974, the original rails on the raised track were completely worn out and running was suspended. By 11th May 1975 however, the track had been completely relaid and running was able to restart. Fares raises to 5p for adults and 3p for children for 3 laps. In 1986, the ground level 7 ¼” track opened which allowed more trains and heavier locos to run. There has been some remarkable engines at WRSLS. The circuits are considered to be quite challenging for locos & their drivers and a testing ground for miniature engineering excellence.

We are open today from 1pmTrain RidesGreat FoodRefreshments FREE ENTRYWe hope to see you then 🚂
17/05/2026

We are open today from 1pm

Train Rides
Great Food
Refreshments

FREE ENTRY

We hope to see you then 🚂

10/05/2026

Trains running today from 1pm with great food and refreshments available

Trains running today from 1pm with great food and refreshments available. We have even brought out the sunny weatherWe h...
26/04/2026

Trains running today from 1pm with great food and refreshments available.

We have even brought out the sunny weather

We hope to see you soon 🚂🍔☀️

19/04/2026

Hold your Birthday or Special event with us.

Party bookings now available throughout the 2026 season.

We Provide:

- Gazebo
- 2 Tables
- Chairs
- Table Cloths
- Unlimited train rides for 25 guests

In the interests of safety, bouncy castles, BBQs and Ball games are not permitted.

Due to staffing and Driver Availability, we can only offer Sundays.

All this is available for just £100.

For any further information or to make a booking, please get in touch with us via our Messenger page or by email: [email protected], you can alternatively speak to us during your next visit.

19/04/2026

We are open today from 1pm. Hope you see you then 🚂

We are very pleased to announce the Leeds Branch of the Morris Minors Owners Club will be joining us to display their wo...
13/04/2026

We are very pleased to announce the Leeds Branch of the Morris Minors Owners Club will be joining us to display their wonderful vehicles again Sunday 13th September 2026.

We will be open from 1pm for normal operations of the railway and cafe.

We look forward to welcoming you!

11/04/2026

Trains running tomorrow from 1pm with great food and drink available in our cafe.

Hope to see you then 🚂

06/04/2026

Thank you to everyone who came along yesterday for our first running day of 2026.
We are now open every Sunday 1pm-4pm

05/04/2026

Trains running today and great food available in our cafe.

See you soon

21/12/2025

From all of us at WRSLS, we would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We can’t wait to welcome you all back on Sunday 5th April 2026 for the start of our season

Address

113a Bradford Road
Leeds
WF31RP

Opening Hours

1pm - 4pm

Telephone

+441132380355

Website

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