Mechanical Memories Magazine

Dreamland
MARGAT E
Save Dreamland Update October 2014
SCENIC RAILWAY RESTORATION WORKS
On Monday 15 th September 2014, work began to reinstate Britain' s oldest surviving
roller coaster to its former glory. Dreamland's iconic Grade II *- listed Scenic Railway
is now being lovingly restored by Kent based contractors, Topbond Pie. Group to be
ready for Dreamland's grand opening in 2015.
This historic ride first thrilled visitors to Margate when it opened to the public in
1920. With a track of just under one mile, speeds of up to 40 miles per hour and
operated manually by a brakeman, the Scenic Railway was an instant hit carrying half
a million passengers in just thirteen weeks.
The ride continued to be a massive tourism draw and enjoyed a long run until an
arson attack in 2008, which destroyed approximately 25 % of the ride, the railway
station, work sheds and trains. The Dreamland Trust and Thanet District council have
secured Heritage Lottery Funding to restore and preserve this important part of British
amusement park heritage.
After an initial recording of the building and structure for historic purposes, the
dismantling of the buildings and structures, commencing with the motor house, will
follow a phased programme. Restoration will include the replacement of the
foundations on which the newly fabricated timber trusses will be erected. Secondary
timber structures will then be fixed to the main structure. All the works will
systematically follow the scenic in a clockwise direction.
GAMING@THEARCADE
& THE EXHIBITION OF LOST CABINETS
Coin-operated videogame arcade machines were the domination of many a youth's
pastime in the 1970s, 80s and 90s. Who would have thought back then that these
games would now be considered an integral part of our cultural heritage! As gaming
and home entertainment evolved, videogame arcades became less popular with many
of their machines being lost from the historic record.
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