The Dragon Miniature Railway is a 7/14 inch gauged railway located at Dobbies Garden Center where we've been running trains for the past 24 years, continuing to bring a smile to the many passengers that come back to the railway again and again.       

The First Few Years

In 1999, Brian, along with several other former Brookside volunteers, started construction of the Dragon Miniature Railway at the Dobbies Garden Center during winter 1998. The line was officially opened by the mayor of Marple in May 1999, initially as 1/4 mile balloon loop running south from Otterspool Junction where the locomotive would be uncoupled from the train be turned on the turntable and would then run round the train and then go off again. Motive power at this time was Flying Dragon, Western Champion, and the two ex-Brookside steam locos Princess and Lady Pauline. During 2001 a further 1/4 mile balloon loop extension at the top end of the site was opened, allowing trains to travel in a dumb-bell circuit for 1/2 a mile, across a bridge, through a tunnel and wooded area and past the workshops and running sheds. Further additions have been made to the locomotive and rolling stock fleet over the years. Developments were also made to the station area, which now includes a waiting room/shop and canopy. Landscaping was carried out along the embankment, and around the station to make it more pleasing to look at.

​

​

​

​

​

​

Present Day & Future Of The Railway

We continue with our volunteers to not only maintain the railway, locomotives and coaches, but also to improve the surrounding location of our little railway. Erecting new storage facilities, adding to the play area and improving the scenery around the track circuit.

It is with grateful thanks to all of our volunteers, old and new who work so hard; but also to our passengers who provide the funds through train ride tickets and shop sales allowing us to purchase the required materials and equipment.

Thank you to all who come to ride the little trains.

​

​