The Engine Shed is a special interest train group for autistic children, young people & adults. Reading, NE London & Bromley. Lady Judy McAlpine is our Patron!

South East England
Joined October 2013
Engine Shed retweeted
Children are naturally enamored by trains. It is an evil society which does not build trains
The baby girl’s reaction when she saw a train for the first time 🥹
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Fun fact: The new Elizabeth line in London moved more people in 2025 than Highway 401, the busiest freeway in North America.
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Engine Shed retweeted
My friends who run the pristine & extensive 2ft gauge Richmond Light Railway in Kent are having two public open days this year, as charity fundraisers. There are now fewer than 100 tickets left so do book this weekend for August or September. Link in comments below. Cheers!
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I need help. I'm disabled & can't sit upright right now. IBS flares have me bedridden, I have a colorectal appointment, ongoing neurosurgeon care, & I am $190 short of being able to eat & cover essentials including meds. Any amount or share matters. Donation links below. ⬇️
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Engine Shed retweeted
World first virtual reality train opens in Aussie aged care facility, where residents enjoy afternoon tea while touring 10 countries.
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Engine Shed retweeted
Trains
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Love the hat ❤️but not the races #youbettheydie
All aboard the style express! 🚂🏇 We’ve seen some bold looks at the @CheltenhamRaces over the years, but this one really takes "rail fashion" to a whole new level! Whether you’re heading to the track or heading home with a win, we’ll get you there in style (though maybe with a slightly smaller hat). 📍 Plan your journey and check the latest travel updates at gwr.com #CheltenhamFestival #CheltenhamRaces
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Engine Shed retweeted
Thomas & Friends is returning in 2026 in a brand new revival! Press release from Mattel below: corporate.mattel.com/news/th…
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First look at the new ‘THOMAS & FRIENDS’ reboot.
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Engine Shed retweeted
"McDonald's, Last night, I took my 16-year-old autistic brother, Alex, to your Mold restaurant chain in North Wales. We were greeted by a lovely young lad who's name was Aled, who said hello to my brother and explained he had met him the previous evening when one of Alex's carer's took him in for tea. The carer told us how Aled had encouraged Alex to order his own food and find the right money to hand over without rushing him. Aled remembered that my brother didn't drink out of the bottle for his fruit shoot and offered me an empty cup without me having to ask. He then came over to our table and offered to swap Alex's happy meal toy as he had given him the same one the previous evening - my brother loves collecting these toys so getting an extra, new one, was really exciting for him. Aled said goodbye to us as we left and left Alex feeling really happy and has asked if we can go back again to sit in and I believe that's because Aled was so friendly towards him! I know Alex, myself and all of his family and carer's really appreciate how he was treated and looked after - taking him anywhere can be quite a difficult task, and we usually opt for the drive through option, but Aled made it fun and easy for us both to go in and for Alex to enjoy his meal without any funny looks or comments. Aled is a credit to the Mold McDonald's team (and McDonald's as a whole) and I felt he deserved a mention and massive thank you ☺️ hope this gets back to him! Here is Alex being very excited about his happy meal toys!" Credit: Katie Deyes
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Well done to those who guessed what we were up to. A trip on a very special train. We're leaving Euston this evening on the Caledonian Sleeper and we're both very excited! There will be many updates as we board and begin our journey of a night time so stay tuned 😁 @CalSleeper
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The secret is out... the world-famous Flying Scotsman is coming to The Watercress Line in March 2026! This is a rare opportunity to experience this iconic locomotive on our line. Advanced booking is essential - don't miss it! buff.ly/858TF8R 📸 Philip Enticknap
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Engine Shed retweeted
A four-part TV series, ‘Britain’s Favourite Railway Stations’, kicks off tonight at 9pm on More4. Join presenter Si King as he explores the UK’s vast railway network and its 2,600+ stations, uncovering the beauty of these iconic travel hubs and meeting the people who keep them running. We’re proud that Railway 200 worked with the production team and suggested some of the stations featured. #Railway200
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Autistic people may find answering yes/no questions challenging at times because often we like to consider every possibility and thus come up with many contingencies and exceptions that can sometimes make settling on ‘yes’ or ‘no’ a challenge unless we receive additional context.
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Engine Shed retweeted
Today Nº229, this little Great Eastern Railway shunter, “came home” after decades and - incredibly - was in steam outside @NetworkRailLST. It’s there tmrw too, raising £ for children’s charities: @GreatOrmondSt @LifelitesOrg & @RailwayChildren. Do pop by if you can: lovely stuff!
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Have you ever wanted to meet the real Thomas the Tank Engine? 'Ffarquhar Branch' by the Rev. W. Awdry will be at the Manchester Christmas Model Railway Show on the 13th and 14th December 2025! See you there! More details about the show 👉 mmrs.co.uk/exhibition/
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Engine Shed retweeted
What Hornby model would you recommend for a beginner? 🚂 Perhaps it’s a model you have had for a while or something you have had your eye on... put your answers below 👇 #Hornby #Modelrailway #Scalemodelling #Modelmaking
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Second time in 48 hours the Duke has hurtled through Twyford with a returning @LocoServicesGrp special from Bath. Love that chime 😍
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Engine Shed retweeted
When the conductor announces the list of stations the train will be stopping at, everyone should cheer when their station is called out
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