Four stations representing different eras of historical railway operation
We can offer the following facilities in a variety of locations:
- Longest tunnel on a standard gauge preserved railway, at just under a half a mile in length.
- Longest viaduct in preservation, at 14 chains in length.
- Largest collection of steam locomotives in preservation outside the National Rail Museum and we have locomotives representing the same era as the carriages.
- Original authentic carriages available for filming which represent every railway era from 1890 to 1960, which have been beautifully restored and lovingly maintained by our award-winning Carriage and Wagon works.
- Goods wagons from every era, including cranes.
- With agreement we will allow minor cosmetic changes to locomotives, carriages, wagons and stations to suit the production’s needs.
- We have the ability to bring in more modern coaching stock and diesel locomotives, either by road or via Network Rail.
- A 1939 ex Southern Railway parcel van has been adapted to carry a generator for providing power on moving trains for filming and lighting.
- Our working volunteers can appear in authentic railway costume, as and when required, for scenes that represent a specific era.
- We also have areas adjacent to the railway which can be used for filming non-railway scenes. These include several railway yards, workshops, an industrial complex, plus industrial buildings, some of which are fairly new, whilst others are of original Victorian construction.
- Our carriage shed at Sheffield Park station was turned into a representation of King’s Cross for the recent filming of ‘Howards End’. This facility has also been used for static scenes in period carriages where green screens and video arrays provided the exterior views, and which was featured in scenes for the ‘Downton Abbey’ series.
- We have a second tunnel currently disused but offered as a film set and which was used recently when filming ‘Overlord’.
- Our proximity to attractive countryside offers possibilities for filming beside the railway and we have good relations with local landowners who are supportive of our activities.
- Road approaches to our stations match the relevant era with appropriate signage for the period, complementing the traditional architecture of the station buildings.
- Our close proximity to London with a direct rail connection at East Grinstead is convenient for easy access and we are within close reach of Gatwick Airport and several major film studios. We are only a short distance from the M23.
- We have a large field at Horsted Keynes and car parks at Sheffield Park stations which can be used as a location base and offer security from public access.
- Road railers and a rail mounted cherry picker are based at our yard in Horsted Keynes and are available with a fully certified operator for heavy lifting and rigging.
- Public Wifi is available at Sheffield Park Station.
- We can provide on-site catering, if required.
