History

The Beginnings

Pre 1931

It was the vision of Harry Smith, the local borough engineer, who dreamt up a scheme to reinvent the uncultivated land known as Hodgson's Slack in the north of Scarborough into the Northstead Estate, home to gardens, an Open Air Theatre and a miniature railway.

Originally envisaged as circular route passing under the theatre grandstand, plans changed whilst the site developed, and a line with two stations providing a transport function was eventually decided on. Proposals were drawn up for a 15 inch gauge steam railway.

1931

Work commenced in January 1931, the trackbed was dug, and firms quoted for rolling stock.

Hudswell Clarke of Leeds won the contract and began building a 20 inch gauge steam outline diesel locomotive - the modern traction unit signalled low operating costs and instant operation - but on the outside, designed as an A3 style, Flying Scotsman look alike, paying homage to its main line counterparts at the time. 5 coaches were ordered, each seating 20 passengers and all the track was laid in readiness for opening on the 23rd of May 1931.

The line opened by Mayor Butler only recieved its locomotive Neptune the night before, and despite teething issues, the railway was met with great excitement and interest from locals and afar.

Great Success

1931 - 2

The railways success, alongside the Water Chute and Boating Lake opening led to further developments. A locomotive shed was constructed and demand meant a second train was required.

Hudswell Clarke built a second locomotive named Triton in the Winter of 1931, and this was delivered alongside five more carriages on the 29th April 1932. The station track was remodelled to accomodate the new train and a new loop named 'Beach' was built enabling trains to pass. 

The railway soon established itself as one of Scarborough's favourite attractions. 

1940s

Expansion

1950

Expansion

1970-1980's

There were high hopes for the railway but a general decline in tourism over the late 1970s and 80s, and maintenance at a scarce level once again put the railway in financial difficultly and its future in doubt.

Privitisation

1991

Happily, the railways fortunes were about to change. Chris Shaw approached the council and an agreement was reached to purchase the railway in 1991. Forthcoming were rolling stock upgrades, buildings added and an eventual standardisation of the track to 15 inches in 1994.

The Future

After 20 years running the railway, Chris and his team were looking to pastures new, and with the current owners purchasing the attraction in May 2014. The new company have brought in a raft of refurbishments including a new cafe, the refurbishment of the stations and The Signal Box Inn. New carriages and locomotives have been introduced, and there is very much a plan for the future.