WRSLS

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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.

11/10/2026

We are still open today and every Sunday until the end of October

04/10/2026

We are open today for train rides, food and refreshment from 1pm

Lots of wonderful vehicles for you to come and see today from the Leeds Branch of the Morris Minor Owners Club. We are o...
13/09/2026

Lots of wonderful vehicles for you to come and see today from the Leeds Branch of the Morris Minor Owners Club.

We are open now to view the cars, with the railway opening at 1pm

Day 2 of Rob and George’s Outing at the Great Cockcrow Railway in Surrey. A good mornings running for both until some is...
12/09/2026

Day 2 of Rob and George’s Outing at the Great Cockcrow Railway in Surrey. A good mornings running for both until some issues cropped up with the loco which cut their time out our on the track a bit short.

Don’t forget we are open tomorrow from 1pm for train rides, food and refreshment.

We also have some remaining ‘Halloween at Blackgates’ tickets for you to pick up during your visit.

We also have the Leeds Branch of the Morris Minors Owners Club with us tomorrow displaying their fantastic vehicles.

We can’t wait to welcome you 🚂

WRSLS on tour. Members Rob and George have completed Day 1 of 3 at the Great Cockcrow Railway in Surrey. Don’t forget we...
11/09/2026

WRSLS on tour. Members Rob and George have completed Day 1 of 3 at the Great Cockcrow Railway in Surrey.

Don’t forget we have our Morris Minor Classic Car Show this Sunday and also pick up your ‘Halloween at Blackgates’ tickets while you’re there. Limited places available

11/09/2026

- Live Music
- Stalls and Games
- Train Rides in the Dark
- Food and Refreshments
- A fun and Spooky Night for the Whole Family

ADVANCE BOOKING ONLY, buy your tickets in our clubhouse

06/09/2026

Open today from 1pm for train rides, food and refreshments.

Don’t forget to pick up your tickets for our upcoming ‘Halloween at Blackgates’ event, limited places available, tickets selling fast

30/08/2026

We are open today 1pm - 4pm for train rides and food and refreshments.

Don’t forget to pick up your tickets for our Halloween at Blackgates event. Tickets are selling fast with limited availability. Enquire during your visit to purchase tickets

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 🚂🍔☀️

Address

113A Bradford Road
Wakefield
WF31RP

Opening Hours

1pm - 4pm

Telephone

+441132380355

Website

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