The last remaining 18" gauge public leisure railway in Britain, the Woodland Railway runs through Bicton's famous botanical gardens. The unusual gauge was chosen following the purchase of two locomotives, rolling stock and track from the internal railway that of the Woolwich Royal Armaments factory. This extensive industrial complex once boast more that 50 miles of 18" gauge track and 16 steam locomotives. These were acquired for Bicton in 1962 following the closure of the armaments line.
The locomotives "Woolwich" and "Carnegie" were sold in the late 1990's and are now to be found at the Waltham Abbey Royal Gunpowder Mills. The Bicton Woodlands Railway now uses steam-outline diesel locomotives supplied by Alan Keef, but still retains the 18" gauge track.
