The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway will host its own rail-themed Oktoberfest event, comprising food, music and a focus on German locomotives.
The Lake District-based railway has secured the visit of two German Krauss-built steam engines: Tazzelwurm from the Killesberg Railway in Stuttgart, and Steam Engine No 1 from The Prater Liliputbahn in Vienna.
Trains on display
Tazzelwurm takes its name from a serpentine creature in Alpine folklore and arrived on the scene in 1950, to help replace two locomotives sent to Leipzig during World War Two.
Steam Engine No 1, meanwhile, was built in the late 1920s, as a park ‘garden train’, which were popular in amusement parks at the time.
Joining the two German trains from 21st to 29th October, will be another narrow gauge locomotive of Germanic origin: the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch engine called The Bug.
Plus, the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway will be displaying some of its own narrow gauge museum engines, including those named Synolda, Count Louis and Katie. These will be available for groups to view in the Railway Museum.
On selected dates throughout the event, the railway will offer mini train rides on The Bug and Count Louis, taking passengers to Muncaster Mill.
“The Oktoberfest event is sure to be a huge draw not only for narrow gauge enthusiasts, but for others who want to enjoy a packed day out at the railway,” commented marketing manager, Lisa Braithwaite.
“We shall be announcing other parts of the programme over the coming months, but already have some amazing German locos visiting us for our German extravaganza. This gives group tour operators and coach companies something exciting and new to include within an itinerary, or run as a day trip.”
Group travel organisers can book their party into the railway for the Oktoberfest event, either for travel only, or for travel plus morning coffee, snacks, hot food or afternoon tea.
Groups of up to 60 can be seated at either station (Ravenglass or Dalegarth) and guides and drivers are entitled to free travel or food. Group discounts apply, and bookings can be made by e-mailing steam@ravenglass-railway.co.uk.
More about the railway
The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway is a heritage railway in Cumbria. The seven miles line runs from Ravenglass to Dalegarth Station near Boot in the valley of Eskdale, in the Lake District. Visitors year round can enjoy exploring the Eskdale Valley on foot or two wheels and take a step back in time in the Railway Museum.
For further information visit www.ravenglass-railway.co.uk.
