Mini Railway Crew (John Wilson Railway)

The Royal Gunpowder Mills is a 170 acre site protected for its’ industrial heritage and natural history. Almost the whole site is classed as a Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM) and is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). We open to the public to share the exhibitions and offer tours and activities. We run a schools programme that fits with the history of the site and the National Curriculum. We offer hire space and interesting environments for filming. The charity’s aims are to protect, preserve and enhance the special aspects of the site and to share the story of the industrial and social history, the science and the nature.

The mini railway runs on public days. People of all ages visiting the site can have a ride on the carriages along the track, through the trees up the west side of the site and back. The Mini Railway is also a fun way for visitors to get to the station for our Narrow Gauge Railway. 

There are various tasks and responsibilities involved in running the mini trains for passengers. Volunteer Crew need to work together as a team to ensure the passengers enjoy their rides safely. We need volunteers to welcome and assist visitors as they approach the station, be the whistle blowing ‘Station Master’, assist passengers on and off the carriages, drive the trains and help with setting up and shutting down each day. There are also other tasks if you are keen to help with the ‘behind the scenes’ work of maintaining the rolling stock and track, but that is up to you.

As guided by the experienced volunteers and dependant on the time/tasks offered/accepted – 

• Station Master-Welcome visitors and assist them on and off the carriages. 
• Driver-Complete the training and pass an assessment to then drive the train, carrying passengers. 
• Guard-Ensure the safety and comfort of the passengers on the platform and carriages. 
• Maintenance-To take an active role in preparing/caring for rolling stock and line.