This is the Gunpowder Railway – 170 years of narrow-gauge history

Roof installation begins, Wickham training plus Tinkabell’s repaint continues

31 October 2026

Good conditions on site for late autumn, with mild temperatures, some afternoon sunshine, no rain and, most importantly, no wind...

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Bonus passenger trains, Wickham’s first track inspection and roof finished

28 October 2026

Overcast and damp on site today, although it did not actually rain, and it warmed up a little after lunch...

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Hunslet 9080’s first train in 22 years plus other excitement

24 October 2026

A larger team was on site today and, had the weather been better, a start would have been made on...

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The Gunpowder Railway is a beautifully restored former military narrow‑gauge line running for 1 km through the historic Royal Gunpowder Mills site at Waltham Abbey. Once part of an extensive industrial railway network that carried explosive ingredients between 19th and 20th century processing buildings, the railway has been carefully rebuilt by volunteers to bring this remarkable heritage back to life. Visitors ride in converted RNAD wagons, passing atmospheric woodland, waterways, and original mill structures that tell the story of centuries of explosive innovation, described as “the most important site for the history of explosives in Europe”.

No visit is complete without a tour of the Railway Works, and going into the Ordnance Railway Museum visitors can view demonstration trains showcasing the specialist trucks once used to move gunpowder, cordite, TNT, and other materials around the site.

Since reopening for passenger service in 2022, the railway has become a standout attraction, carrying thousands of delighted visitors each year. Two stations, passing loops, and a growing collection of historic locomotives make the journey both scenic and immersive. With planned extensions and ongoing restoration, the Gunpowder Railway offers a unique blend of history, engineering, and adventure and is a perfect highlight for families, railway enthusiasts, and anyone curious about Britain’s industrial past.

A great day out to an ex-military industrial railway – preserved for all to now enjoy.

Buy the book - Railways of the Royal Gunpowder Mills by John Jenkins

Republished in 2026 read the full history of the original railways on site since 1856 and how the railways were essential to the safe movement of materials around the site and beyond via the exchange sidings with the LNER at the Small Arms Factory in Enfield.

This book was written by Dr John M Jenkins, who worked at the Explosives Research and Development Establishment at Waltham Abbey.

Buy Now from Amazon UK