EARM Transport Extravaganza

 

We’ve had a very dry May in 2025, and so a heavy downpour was welcome news for our garden, less so for us as we had just arrived at the EARM Transport Extravaganza at Chappel Railway Station near Colchester. Fortunately there was a vintage train carriage to shelter in and wait for the shower to pass, and after that it brightened up considerably until the sun was beating down.

The event was child and dog friendly, and there was lots to see and do. There were lots of trains, obvs, and vintage buses, fire engines and cars to wander around and inspect up close.

 

There were lots of model railway layouts up and running. One that particularly took our fancy was a recreation of Halstead in bygone days.

 

There was a steam train running up and down the tracks, with free rides for anyone. As we arrived people were grinning happily in the open carriages despite being rained on! There’s a miniature steam train ride, and buses were taking people out on 30 minute rides through the local lanes.

A burger van and their regular carriage-based cafe were offering food, and their own mini pub was offering real ale.

Well done to the team of volunteers who work so hard at the EARM. Events like this fund the development of the museum, which is going from strength to strength.