Bodmin Railway Celebrates 40 Years Preserving Cornwall’s Steam Heritage
Four Decades of Steam and Community Spirit
Last Sunday, Bodmin Railway’s General Station hosted a jubilant celebration marking 40 years since steam trains first rolled back into operation in 1986. What began as a preservation dream has now become a cherished fixture in our community, operating across more than 6.5 miles of carefully maintained heritage track that winds through the Cornish countryside.
The anniversary weekend brought together everyone who makes this railway special—from seasoned enthusiasts to curious families discovering this piece of living history for the first time. The celebration captured the romance of rail travel with live music, vintage vehicles, and the unmistakable sight and sound of working steam locomotives. Between the festivities, visitors enjoyed traditional Cornish pasties and cream teas, adding authentic local flavour to the day.
For many locals, the railway isn’t just a tourist attraction—it’s a repository of our region’s industrial heritage. Once vital to Cornwall’s economy and connectivity, these tracks tell stories of how railways shaped our communities. Today, the Bodmin Railway ensures that younger generations can experience and understand this important chapter of our history firsthand, rather than simply reading about it in textbooks.
Why This Matters to Our Community
The Bodmin Railway’s success goes far beyond preserved engines and vintage carriages. For Cornish families planning a day out, this heritage site offers a unique alternative to typical tourist attractions you might find when you go to Newquay or visit Newquay’s beaches like Fistral Beach. Here, visitors experience authentic local heritage in a setting that welcomes dogs on the railway grounds, making it ideal for families with four-legged friends. Many visitors stay at dog friendly accommodation nearby, combining a railway adventure with a proper Cornish holiday.
Operations manager Chris Hatton emphasises the railway’s broader significance: “We’re incredibly proud preserving this legacy that played such an important role in Cornwall’s history.” For local businesses, the railway draws steady foot traffic that supports surrounding restaurants, gift shops, and nearby accommodations. For volunteers and staff, it represents meaningful work preserving tangible history.
Perhaps most importantly, this venue provides free or low-cost activities for school groups, keeping educational costs down for families in our community while giving young people hands-on learning opportunities. The railway’s existence means Cornish children grow up understanding their region’s industrial heritage, not as abstract history but as something they can touch, ride, and experience directly.
The Heart of the Operation: People and Young Talent
What makes Bodmin Railway truly remarkable is its people. Martyn and Jeremy Blackwell have volunteered here since opening day in 1986—four decades of dedication. Martyn reflects with wonder at how quickly the years have passed, while Jeremy speaks fondly of his journey from diesel driving to maintenance work. Their commitment creates continuity, but they’re also optimistic about succession.
“The younger guys taking it on from us—I think it’s in good hands,” Martyn observes. That faith is well-placed. Will Dingle, now 21, started volunteering at just 14 and is one of four fortunate enough to work in the workshop. “I’m certainly living the dream,” he says, highlighting the brilliant team spirit driving the railway forward.
Volunteer Nick Wood passionately advocates for the intergenerational impact: “There are quite a number of young people volunteering because they want to be part of it—whether in the workshop, driving engines, or working platforms.” This mentorship model keeps the railway thriving while offering young Cornish people meaningful, skilled work opportunities during formative years.
For our community, this means the Bodmin Railway isn’t just surviving another 40 years—it’s actively building its future. Young people aren’t viewing heritage work as quaint nostalgia; they’re embracing it as challenging, rewarding careers combining engineering, hospitality, and community service.
Source: Bodmin steam railway marks keeping history alive for 40 years
