On the once-sprawling Royal Arsenal site in South East London, a narrow gauge railway system was the transport of choice.
The Woolwich is the only surviving locomotive from the Royal Arsenal.
Take yourself back to the very start of rail transport at the Arsenal; read about the company that built the locos, when and why they were commissioned, why they were decommissioned and what happened next.
Part I: Avonside Engine Co: The Beginning
Part II: Avonside Engine Co: The Second Chapter
Part III: Avonside Engines come to the Royal Arsenal
Part IV: The Royal Arsenal and Narrow Gauge
Part V: The End of Steam at the Royal Arsenal?
Part VI: The Fate of The Woolwich
This narrow gauge history of the Royal Arsenal was penned by Mark Smithers and Robin Parkinson. Sign up for further notifications on the right-hand column and never miss an installment.
View the maps and fact sheets on our regularly updated web album.