Welcome to The Fancott Miniature Railway
The Oldest Miniature Railway located on the grounds of a Public House, The Fancott Miniature Railway (FMR) is a 7¼ inch miniature railway located in the gardens of The Fancott Public House near Toddington, Bedfordshire. There has been a railways on the grounds of The Fancott Pub for over half a century in one form or another.
It’s with heartbreak that we bring the news that our beloved railway President, Ron Stanbridge, passed away last night. 😞 Ron, along with his sons Matthew and Ashley, rebuilt the railway over 26 years ago and since then Ron has dedicated his time and efforts into keeping this little piece of railway paradise alive. He was so incredibly proud of the railway and the volunteers, and loved showing it off to anyone who wanted to take a closer look around. We know so many of our visitors came to know Ron as part of the Fancott and will be sad to read this news. Our thoughts are with Rose and their family. Rest assured, the railway will continue to grow from strength to strength keeping Ron’s dreams and plans going. Rest well Ron. ❤️🚂❤️🚂❤️🚂❤️
Thank you every one, he gave a good fight after this heart surgery, but wasn't to be. I didn't realise how much he was like and loved xx
We're really sorry to hear this, he will be missed, RIP.
I am so sad, sorry to read this news. Ron was so supportive whenever I visited the railway. He helped me massively with building my loco and allowing me to bring it to the fancott to run. Thank you for everything Ron.
Very honored to have worked alongside Ron for a large portion of my childhood volunteering at the railway. Only 3 weeks ago we were catching up at the great electric train show in MK. Rest In Peace Ron ❤️
Very aorry to hear this. I always enjoyed chatting to Ron and how he'd give us a tour of the railway. It won't be the same without him
I am totally shocked. Terrible news. What a lovely chap whose railway enthusiasm was legendary. Always pleased to see us all at Bedford and welcomed us to Fancott whenever we went. Sincere condolences to Rose and all his family and friends.
Sad news to hear, I visited Fancott with my Romulus 'Bertie' several times and was always made very welcome by Ron.
My deepest condolences. Ron hired me for one of my first jobs and it was such a joyful experience working in the miniature railway. He was a lovely man, very kind and so passionate about the railway.
Incredibly sad to hear of Ron's passing, he was always up for a chat when we visited, and even invited us on the line side to film the trains. He was a pleasure to chat to and work with regarding the railways news. Rest in peace, Ron. Thoughts with everyone at the railway during this sad time
Really sad news, Ron encouraged so many youngsters into railways mostly with his portable railway that he took around to fetes etc. Such a passion which we need to keep going.
Such sad news. He was a lovely man who always found time to chat with anyone who showed an interest in the railway.
That’s so very sad, he was my favourite back when I was a kid going to the Fancott regularly. He knew his stuff, he could see I loved the railway so he let me stay on while he turned the train round for the next go. He will be greatly missed.
Years ago I donated some railway flags. Chatted to a lovely man. This may well have been him. So sad.
Such sad news we visited last year and Ron was lovely and took my son and partner all around the railway letting him visit inside the buildings and explaining all about the trains, track and Fancott railway in great detail, it was so nice of him and my train mad son loved his tour as well as going on the trains, condolences to his family, friends and fellow Fancott family 🚂
I first met Ron running his portable railway in the late 90s and then later when he had just taken over at Fancott. He was always kind, friendly and supportive, and happy to chat trains! Rest in peace Ron, you will be missed.
Very sad to hear the passing of my lifelong friend of 60+ years great memories of the railtours in the 70s and visits to heritage railways and model shows.RIP Ron .condolences to the family. Charlie and Julie coleman
Very sad news. Was really nice to chat with when he bought Dark Star to our line
Very sad to read this. Ron helped us out a few years ago regarding my step father in law’s model railway. Always so friendly. Love to Rose X
I am so sorry to here this. Only saw Ron recently. My dad Alan Beard worked with Ron on the railway several years ago. Condolences to his family and to the Fancott Railway family. RIP Ron
Extremely sad news this morning. Ron was the backbone of you're railway and he will be missed very much. He was always very happy to see you and chat about fancott. We only saw him a few weeks ago at Milton Keynes show. I think I can speak for the whole of team Linda and we send our sincere condolences to you and Ron's Family. Rest in peace.
Condolences to the Family. A lovely man.
From Chalgrave Manor Farm I give my Condolences to Ron's family R.I.P. Ron. 😔
So very very sad to hear this. Loved our Ron we did. Many happy years spent at the railway together. 😪😪😪
Ron, I’ve known you in my whole life from childhood to now, thank you for being an important figure in my life growing up with visits to Fancott I will never forget you Ron Rest Peacefully 😓
We will miss him, a sad day for all of us
Spaces are filling up to visit Santa - book now to avoid disappointing your little ones! Just £10 per child, including a gift from Santa, and £5 per adult, and you even get a festive mince pie! This is prebooking ONLY - DM us now to make your booking. Alternatively message us on 07724119159 to secure your spot. 🎅 🎄 🎁 ☃️ ❄️ 🚂
Thank you to everyone who visited us for our Halloween trains this evening! And thank you for all your patience when we had a few issues with the locos. It was a great evening and a unique opportunity to run trains in the dark! Don’t forget our next event is our Santa trains! Happy Halloween everyone!
It’s finally here - our Halloween spooky trains! This is the only night of the year when you can ride our spooktacular trains in the dark! And this year we’re hoping to have our steamie, Davanna, out and about helping to haul our trains! Gates open at 6 with the last train at 7.50 - just £3 per person per ride with a treat for the little witches and warlocks. No need to book, just head to the ticket office when you’re ready to ride! 🎃 👻 🧙♀️ 🧟♀️ 🚂
Oh no I only just seen this was this just for yesterday xx
On your jolly again live the life. Xx