About Us
Our organisation, led by a diverse team of enthusiasts, is embarking on a mission to safeguard and celebrate the unique charm of 9.5-inch gauge railways. The Heritage Railways Trust for the 9.5 Inch Gauge is a dedicated initiative driven by a profound love for railway history and a commitment to its preservation.
For the Charity Incorporated Organisation information, please consult the Charity Commission Register.
Our Journey
Rooted in a shared passion for railways and cultivated during our formative years, we bring a profound wealth of experience and an intimate connection to the 9.5-inch gauge. This collective expertise extends beyond our own projects. In the last ten years we have developed an online community that unites owners and operators from across the UK and Europe, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing. This collaborative spirit underscores our steadfast dedication to preserving and promoting the 9.5-inch gauge, ensuring its enduring enchantment for generations to come.
Our Volunteers
Our volunteers are the heart and soul of our community. Comprising dedicated individuals who own or operate 9.5-inch gauge railways, they passionately share our mission and vision for preserving and promoting heritage railway assets. Their invaluable contributions, whether through hands-on restoration work, knowledge sharing, or advocacy efforts, play a pivotal role in advancing our cause and ensuring the enduring enchantment of these cherished historical treasures.
Our Mission: At the heart of our mission is the preservation of the rich history encapsulated within the 9.5 Inch Gauge, a miniature railway track that has charmed enthusiasts for over a century. In the 21st century, with only a few operational railways open to the public and numerous locomotives and rolling stock tucked away in private collections or storage, the need to safeguard and share this heritage has never been more critical.
What Drives Us: Our team is fueled by a shared love for miniature railways, a fascination with the craftsmanship of historic locomotives, and a commitment to ensuring that these remarkable pieces of history are not lost or forgotten. We believe in the power of heritage to inspire, educate, and unite communities, and it is this belief that propels our efforts.
Our Initiatives: The Heritage Railways Trust for the 9.5 Inch Gauge is actively involved in securing, repairing, and finding new uses for heritage locomotives, rolling stock, and equipment in the 9.5 Inch Gauge. Our commitment extends to researching, preserving, and promoting the history of these miniature railways. We strive to prevent conversion to other more popular gauges, halt deterioration, and bring these pieces of history out of the shadows and into the public eye.
Community and Collaboration: We recognise the importance of community in our mission. By fostering collaboration with existing owners of 9.5 Inch Gauge assets, whether private, public, or commercial, we aim to make this unique heritage more accessible to the general public. Through knowledge sharing, events, and outreach, we hope to build a vibrant community that appreciates and contributes to the legacy of 9.5 Inch Gauge railways.