Easter at the WHR(P)

The sight of a man in a bowler hat chasing a six foot rabbit along a railway station platform might sound like the stuff of drug induced fantasies. But it's just one of the lengths that staff at the Welsh Highland Railway (Porthmadog) have been known to go to in amusing children during the annual "Easter Bunnies" event (23rd March 2008).

As part of the entertainment, Rufus the Mischievous Rabbit is often known to steal the guard's green flag so the train can't go...... only to run off when the Controller discovers who the culprit is! Staff at the Welsh Highland Railway (Porthmadog) also get into the spirit of the day by running an Easter Egg Hunt around the engine sheds, and even by getting the train to blow bubbles as it steams along the line.

Rufus the rabbit may be mischievous from time to time, but he does have his uses. He will be handing out free mini eggs to children during the day.

The Welsh Highland Railway (Porthmadog) also has a number of other special events for children during the year, including the Teddy Bears Picnic (May 31st & June 1st), Welsh Dragons Weekend (July 5th & 6th) and a book signing session with children's author Alan Cliff (Bank Holiday Weekend, 24th & 25th August).

Throughout the year, the Welsh Highland Railway (Porthmadog) makes special effort to accommodate families. The train also stops for a tour of the engine sheds, where there's chance to climb on the steam and diesel engines and see how things work. Climb into the cab of steam locomotive "Karen" and find out what makes her a tank engine. Meet "Beano" the horse and see how narrow gauge railways worked before steam locomotives came along...... You can also sit at the controls of a small blue shunting locomotive and discover why you drive it sideways. Or you can sit in the driver's seat of one of the largest narrow gauge engines in the UK.