Research and Articles - History of Fairs - Miscellaneous Articles - Scenic Swansong

You are here: Home / Research and Articles / History of Fairs / Miscellaneous Articles / Scenic Swansong

Scenic Swansong

November 2005 saw a major historical work published by New Era Publications. "The Electric Scenic Railway" by Kevin Scrivens and Stephen Smith documents one of the largest and finest travelling rides produced in the UK. The ride, by virtue of its sheer size and decor, was adored by enthusiasts from the early days of organised fairground groups such as the FCSF and BFS. Many of the key writers and researchers wrote long and detailed (and not always correct) histories of the Electric Scenic, and the authors have carried this enthusiasm into their own hearts to publish what is essentially the full and final word on this subject.

The book is a chronology and full history of all machines constructed and travelled, and also gives an overview into their sad but ultimately predictable demise. The rides persisted in lesser and lesser grandeur as the 30s drew to a close, with surviving machines being brutally utilised in the Butlins holiday camps. By the 1950s they had almost decomposed to free-standing cars used as seats and photo-opportunity novelties.

The selection of pictures below, taken from the Arthur Jones collection, show these rides at their demise. The Electric Scenic in its splendour is best appreciated by buying this important book. Details can be obtained from New Era Publications, PO Box 549, Tweedale, Telford, TF7 5WA, telephone 01952 586213.