There are more than 400 miniature railways in Britain. Some are hidden and privately owned, others are attractions in parks, and some – like the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch – are large commercial enterprises. They come in a variety of gauges (from 5 inches to 15 inches and sometimes even larger), but their most distinguishing feature is that they can carry passengers, either sitting on the vehicles or inside enclosed carriages. In this illustrated guide, David Henshaw offers a concise history of miniature railways from the 19th century to the present day, including a quick tour of the most notable ones open to the public – including the Ravenglass & Eskdale and Eastleigh Lakeside railways – exploring layouts, engineering, and vehicles.