Mangapps Farm Railway

A Presentation by John Jolly.

A thoroughly engaging talk, given without slides (or notes), by the owner of the Museum & Railway at Mangapps Farm, Essex. John, a brilliant raconteur, gave a first-hand account of how, over the past 30 or so years, he has created and built up his vast collection. As a railway enthusiast who controls “all the levers” he recalled how he has been able to quickly amass a range of locomotives, rolling stock and general memorabilia not just from the UK but from around the world. We heard that having had the finances available from the sale of some of his farmland for housing development he has, over the last few years, been able to substantially extend the buildings at Mangapps and add considerably to his collection.

Every acquisition had its own story. Those present will remember for quite a time the tale of the caboose rescued and shipped back from Canada, complete with all of its contents; or the four brake-vans bought in the UK for the princely sum of £250 (for all four!) because the siding housing them had to be cleared in a couple of days.

A really good presentation, enjoyed by one of our largest audiences since the end of the pandemic.

John Dossett
Branch Newsletter Editor