Volk's Railway wins prestigious award

From right to left, Ian Gledhill; Bernard Volk, descendant of Magnus Volk; Stuart Strong; John Wood standing behind

World’s oldest operating electric railway

Brighton’s Volk’s Electric Railway, the world’s oldest operating electric railway, was presented this week with a prestigious Institution of Mechanical Engineers’ Engineering Heritage Award. The railway, which opened in 1883, will join a list of winners which include the Vulcan Bomber, the SS Great Britain and the WW2 code breaking machine at Bletchley Park. The award was presented by John Wood, Chairman of the Institution’s Engineering Heritage Committee, to Ian Gledhill, from the Volk’s Electric Railway Association Conservation and Support Group, and Stuart Strong from the Volk’s Scientific Technical & Educational Group, at a special ceremony at the Railway.

Engineering Heritage Award

Preserving the line for the future

John Wood, Chairman of the Institution’s Engineering Heritage Committee, said: “The fantastic condition of this narrow gauge railway is testament not just to engineering know-how of its inventor Magnus Volk, but to the dedicated work of volunteers who help maintain the railway today.” Ian Gledhill, from the Volk’s Electric Railway Association Conservation and Support Group, said: “We are delighted that the railway has won this award, and we are proud to work alongside the railway’s dedicated full-time staff to preserve the line for future generations.”

Can you help?

If you wish to find out more visit the Volk’s Electric Railway Association website. If you are interested in helping out as a volunteer please contact the Volk’s Office on 01273-292718 for more details