Man builds train track in his own front garden

Martin Murdoch was at home with his friend Chris Hatt one night when Chris joked that Martin’s garden is so big he could fit a railway around it and the rest is history.

The 54-year-old found out he could get hold of pieces of track and engines quite easily and he built up a miniature railway with the help of his friends despite the fact he has been completely blind since he was 23.

Martin said: “We started with a very simple loop around the house but we needed 120 tonnes of top soil to build embankments and decrease the slope.”

Since building it Martin has added a viaduct and a tunnel, with different sections of track running around the front garden.

“I added the pond to make it more attractive,” Martin added.

“Everybody said a railway should have a tunnel so we put one in using plywood.”

Martin is helped by his partner Jan Daynes and friends Mark Tiltman and Eric Meeds as well as a band of friends who help on special weekends where people ride on the two engines on special charity fundraising events.

Last weekend Martin and the team raised more than £670 for the Embrace charity for special needs and disabled children, which is based in Eastbourne

Neighbours helped with a toy tombola and sold cakes from the cool shade of martin’s garage.

His friend John Simcock was among those driving the train, as well as Martin at times.

Martin alternates between his Class 58 and Class 47 engines on the Blatchington Branch Railway, with five carriages.

“There are an increasing number of people who have these in their gardens,” Martin added.

“Lots of people don’t know mine is here until we have the signs out.

“It’s great fun and it makes a good talking point, we’ve had people from 18 months to 80 riding on it. people do get nostalgic as they remember the miniature railways from when they were young.”

The next fundraising day is September 9 and 10 for the Seafgord Young Mayor’s Fund.

For full details visit martinmurdoch.me.uk