Bekonscot Model Village
written by Frank Brown
Since opening to the public in 1929, Bekonscot has entertained over 13 million visitors and really is a national treasure on our doorstep. Located in Beaconsfield New Town [behind Waitrose], the village began as a hobby for London accountant Roland Callingham, who bought a field circa 1925, dug a pond in it, then added miniature houses. A friend, James Shilcock, helped design and build the model railway which today has a total track length of 438 yards complete with a working signal box to control train movements. The electric locomotives are mainly steam engine replicas, some dating back many years but fitted with new running gear. During the season [April - October] these little trains cover around 2000 miles apiece!
Every form of public transport crops up somewhere in the village - buses at the racecourse, trams, cable cars, and even an airport. Overall though its the genuine 'Britishness' of the exhibits on view that inspire, transporting one back to a more innocent age of England at work and play. Grown ups are reminded of working coalmines, windmills, visiting fairs with a helter skelter and swingboats, the end of pier bandstand, the list is endless. Children marvel at the railway, boats and [real] fish in the lake whilst trying to count [and touch] the animals in the zoo.
A fairly recent addition [1999] is a full size ex BR mkl coach which, after a considerable effort to get it onto the site and into position, doubles as the ticket office and gift shop. There's now also a big train offering children a little ride round, an all in all something for everyone at an entrance price of around £6 Adults/£3 Children. Don't put it off any longer — visit Bekonscot Model Village!
Fire at Bekonscot Model Village
