A NEW engine for the Poole Park Railway should be delivered in spring ahead of the attraction's scheduled return next summer.

BCP Council previously gave details on work to construct a new engine shed and track for the miniature railway.

The popular facility has been out of action since the service was suspended by the local authority in 2018.

The council had not provided any information on the procurement of an engine and passenger carriages when it announced contractors would be on site from the start of this month.

However, responding to questions from the Daily Echo, details have been provided about the separate procurement process.

Bournemouth Echo: Poole Park RailwayPoole Park Railway

A spokesperson said this exercise for the rolling stock will see one electric engine and two carriages procured, at present.

One of the carriages will be accessible to wheelchairs and also have a roof, the council said.

To cover any potential issues with the delivery of the electric engine, the local authority said an interim engine would be sourced as a contingency to meet the summer reopening deadline.

The contract for the rolling stock was given was awarded to Track Systems UK Ltd last month, with a value of £113,000.

The BCP Council spokesperson said:“Following a successful procurement process, a contract was awarded to secure an electric engine and carriages.

"The current lead in time to build an electric engine is six months, so we anticipate to receive the carriages this spring, with the electric engine following in the summer.

"We are also sourcing an interim engine to ensure we are ready to open the railway in time for summer.”

Getting back on track

As reported, Shropshire-firm Track Systems are beginning work in Poole Park, beginning with the demolition of the current engine shed of removal of the existing track before Christmas.

Planning permission was granted for the replacement engine shed in August 2019.

Once back up and running, the railway will be run by volunteers and BCP Council’s environment team.