The origins of the Great Cockcrow Railway can be traced back to a private address in Walton-on-Thames in 1946. However, in 1968 a move was made to the small village of Lyne near Chertsey. The layout has continued to develop since moving to its present site.

The miniature railway is one of the most extensive of its kind in the country  and authentic operation is evident.The GCR is 7 ¼ inch gauge , and offers a choice of two regular routes,  served every few minutes. There is a special train, ‘The Gladesman’, which covers both routes on its journey, and normally consists of a longer length train and is double-headed with two engines.

A scene at Hardwick Central captured on a Wednesday in August. A train can be seen about to leave. Photo: S A Trower