The original Helston Railway Preservation Society was formed at a meeting held in the Chy-an-Albany Hotel, St Ives, on the 18th May 2002. Its objective was to restore to running order and re-open as a heritage railway, as much of the old Helston Branch Line as possible. This objective is very much in the forefront of our minds, and continues to be our driving force. The initial aim was and remains to re-open a three mile section of the branch line between Nancegollan and Helston Water-ma-Trout.

With the kind permission of the landowner, a volunteer labour force started clearing the track bed at Trevarno Estate on Sunday 24th April 2005. Our volunteers have worked wonders since that work commenced. Starting with a totally overgrown, and in some places impenetrable track bed, the team has cleared about a mile and a half down to the formation. Track has been laid on the majority of this cleared trackbed, starting just north of Prospidnick Halt in the north and travelling south to Truthall Halt. We also still have our first station at Trevarno, which is currently not in use for passengers due to having no access. We also have a well stocked shop which is run wholly by volunteers in our converted GUV mail van. Our highly recommended buffet is housed in the Class 103 Park Royal DMU is run by Fred and his team on our running days.

Our locomotives

Belonging to our sister organisation, the Helston Railway Preservation Company, there are two Ruston & Hornsby shunters and a two car Park Royal Diesel Multiple Unit. We have a brake van – Daisy.

In 2016 we took delivery of a Peckett Steam locomotive which is currently having its 10 year boiler refurbishment – we hope to have her running in steam as soon as we get permission to carry on from the owner.

We are currently using our Andrew Barclay 0-4-0 ‘Kingswood’ diesel shunting locomotive to hauls trains consisting of our Mk1 Suburban and Class 127 DMU.

Read more about our rolling stock here.

Charity Status and Awards

We were extremely proud when all our hard work was recognised and Pete Waterman presented us with the Ian Allan Heritage Railway of the Year Award at a ceremony in London in 2011. When they visited us again the judges were especially impressed, after closer inspection and meeting the crew, with the tremendous progress that we had achieved to date and the obvious enthusiasm and commitment of our volunteers.

In 2012 the Helston Railway Preservation Society was granted Charity status so now all donations can be gift aided which helps us to make all contributions go that little further.

A further accolade was given in 2013 when we won the Heritage Railway Association’s Website Award for excellence in digital media.  The judges said ” The Helston Railway is the very worthy winner of the Website Award and is to be commended as they are very new members of the industry.”

The future…

For the future we have big plans – to extend the trackbed over the Lowertown Viaduct and further towards Helston, build a water tower, and grow our volunteer capability.  We have proved that over the past 20 years that all things are possible – and we have the enthusiasm and dedication to keep growing.

The hard work carried out by our regulars has been fantastic, but there is always room for more help. There is plenty of things to get involved with, whether it is helping run the railway, build new railway or help with the administration there is something for everyone.  More information is on our Get Involved page.

With your continued tremendous support, we are sure that the restoration of the railway will continue rapidly, and before long, we will all be able to enjoy travelling by steam train over a growing Helston Railway.