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The railway runs through the Kensey Valley on a track gauge of 1ft 11.5 in, following the trackbed of the old North Cornwall line. The station contains a museum of vintage cars, motorcycles and stationary steam engines which are demonstrated at work. The Launceston Steam Railway links the town of Launceston to the hamlet of New Mills by an attractive railway running through the picturesque Valley of the river Kensey. When you travel on this line your train will be hauled by an ex Welsh Slate Quarry saddle tank locomotive built by Hunslet, most narrow gauge lines seem to have one of these, the Launceston Steam Railway has four! Like almost all the surviving examples two of these fascinating locomotives have had cabs added, the other two are as built in this respect. The cabs are very practical but, in my view spoil the lines of these classic machines. Passenger stock on the Line has been specially built and includes open carriages which make the journey very pleasant on the hot summer Cornish days (Cornwall offers far fewer wet summer days than North Wales where most of our 2' gauge railways are!). If you have enjoyed your trip up the line another is included in the price of your ticket. At the New Mills terminus their is space for a picnic and several attractive walks so consider breaking your journey here. Alternatively there are intermediate stations at Hunts Crossing and Canna Park where the train will stop if you ask the guard. Many pleasant hours can be spent at the Railways headquarters at Launceston which offers a cafe, shop and a comprehensive transport museum featuring Vintage cars, motor cycles and a stationary steam engine as well as railway related exhibits. The town of Launceston (Cornwalls only walled town) is also well worth a visit with its extensive military history. |
