The current running line is approximately 1km long and features two stations. Passengers board and depart the train at Long Walk station for the journey to Powdermill Cut station where the line currently terminates. There are plans for an extension towards the Quinan Stoves.
Before the train reaches Powdermill Cut there is a junction where the tracks pass over a stream and into the Railway Works Yard.
On selected Running Days, Passengers can choose to walk down from Powdermill Cut station into the Railway Works.
The Stations
Long Walk
The departure station for your journey along the Gunpowder Railway, just south of the station is the runaround loop and the train departs in a northerly direction.
Powdermill Cut
The current terminus of the line and provides access to the Railway Works. The train stops here for the locomotive to run around the carriages for the return journey.
Within the Railway Works
The Ordnance Railway Museum
New for 2026! The Ordnance Railway Museum is open to the public whenever possible and is where you can see a wide selection of fully restored heritage RNAD / ROF railway vehicles all involved in the production and transportation of munitions and cordite.
Just outside there is a RGMF hand-propelled wagon and the sectioned steam boiler from Mars a locomotive dating back to 1886 originally at the Royal Arsenal in Woolwich. Note that steam locomotives were never used on this site – due the high risk of explosions!
Resting on the storage siding outside you’ll also see some of our newer rolling stock awaiting its turn for restoration into service.
Air Raid Shelter Number 2 (ARS 2)
New for 2026! This building was an air raid shelter build during World War Two – featuring original chemical toilets and staged as a time capsule. Its very dark inside but fascinating to see where the crew would have headed during one of the countless air raids that hit Waltham Abbey.
Locomotive Workshop
The building was originally the lead works for the site. Now our Locomotive Workshop and is where our locomotives are repaired, restored, refurbished and reconstructed.
The locomotive workshop is generally off limits to the public due to the dangerous machinery and trip hazards inside.
Wagon Works and Carriage Storage
This tent like building holds the main carriages and related vehicles used for running passenger trains on the railway. In here repairs are also undertaken as needed and currently the Dough wagon is being restored.
The facility is off limits to the public due to the dangerous machinery inside.
Crew Facilities
The other buildings within the railway works are used by the Railway Crew and include a mess hut (for tea breaks), wood-working facilities and health and safety equipment storage.
Please do not enter any of these buildings without permission.