The world’s oldest operational electric railway marks its 140th anniversary today.
The Volk’s Electric Railway along Brighton seafront opened on August 4, 1883, taking passengers from opposite the aquarium to the Chain Pier, which was destroyed in a storm in 1896.
The initial 402-metre railway was later extended to Paston Place in 1884 and to Black Rock in 1901.
Although it was not the first electric railway to be built, being preceded by a passenger railway line in Russia in 1875, it is the oldest that remains in operation.
To mark the anniversary, a weekend of events has been planned next week, with a procession of trains and a “twilight special” service between the aquarium and Black Rock.
Mayor of Brighton and Hove Jackie O’Quinn are among those expected to attend the festivities.
Tim Steven, secretary for the Volk’s Electric Railway Association (Vera), said: “After 140 years, the Volk’s Electric Railway still provides useful transport along Brighton’s eastern seafront.
“The experience of riding in vehicles dating back to 1892, education of young and old alike, and opportunities to learn engineering skills are all part of its unique attraction.
“As a supporting charity, Vera works to secure the railway’s future.”
The railway was designed by Magnus Volk, Brighton inventor and electrical engineer, who had brought the first telephone system to Brighton four years earlier, installing it in his house and that of his friend.
His other projects included providing the Clock Tower in North Street with a hydraulically operated “time ball” - a copper sphere that moved up and down a metal mast every hour. However, the feature was disabled a few years later due to noise complaints.
Volk also designed a seashore electric railway between Brighton and Rottingdean, that ran through coastal waters between 1896 and 1901.
Dubbed the “Daddy Long Legs”, the single car used on the track was a pier-like building that stood on four 23ft long legs.
Although the railway was popular, it was slow-moving at high tide and was forced to close five years after it first opened.
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