Full steam ahead at Pecorama
IT’S full steam ahead at Beer tourist attraction Pecorama.
The model railway-themed site has several projects in the pipeline.
Work is underway to transform the old children’s maze in to a pirate ship play area ready for reopening in April 2011.
Father and son team Terry and Jason Flay have spent two weeks preparing the site for the ship’s installation.
And while the main site is closed for the winter, the dining car Orion will be open all the way through for the first time. Pecorama’s assistant catering supervisor Sue Stone will be at the helm.
People visiting the model railway exhibition and model shop out of season can get morning coffee, lunchtime snacks and afternoon tea.
The Pullman carriage used to be part of the London to Paris Golden Arrow Service, running between London Victoria and Folkstone. It was transported to Beer from Wolverhampton by road in 1978.
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“We always get a trickle of visitors during the winter, so to attract more and to keep the regulars coming, Orion is staying open,” said tourism manager Mark Ridgers. “We’re hoping it will boost trade for the shop and make a nice, different venue for a cup of tea over the winter months.”
Eddie the mini engine climbing frame and carriage slide are being added to the list of children’s activities for 2011.
And a new model railway layout is being built in the former sales kiosk on Beer Victoria Station, next to Orion. It will replicate parts of the Beer Heights Light Railway and Pecorama Gardens. Visitors will be able to drive the model trains using the control units for 20p a go.
“Every year we build a new layout for the exhibition, and this is this year’s project,” said Mark. “It will be a permanent advert for Peco and the exhibition.”
