Lasting Fame...

Hey Mum, look at us on the Hi-de-Hi train!

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Hey Mum, look at us on the Hi-de-Hi train!


The layout of the miniature railway was changed several times during the 1960s as the camp grew, and more land was needed for car parking, water tanks, staff accommodation and alternative visitor attractions.

In the photo above, my Dad and I are looking towards the camera, while everyone else's heads are turned to the left. In this shot the train is passing by the turrets, but in later photos the train goes through the centre of the turrets.

The TV Series

The BBC television series 'Hi-de-Hi'  (1980-1988) is thought to have used footage from 'The Butlin Movie News' in its end title sequences, so it's fun to think that it might _just_ be us on the screen! *The Butlin Movie News was "Film taken of you the Campers, during the week". Other sources suggest it was especially filmed by a German TV crew in 1963.

'Hi-de-Hi' (1980-1988) by Jimmy Perry and David Croft made famous the Clacton miniature railway as it was featured in the closing titles of the programme. In the screen shots below (left) the Baguely engine and carriages can be seen at various positions on the football field. On the right are comparison photographs from a similar time.
Baguely engine and track in the 1960s

1964 - No trains this week. John and Dad sitting on the derailed carriage.

The Dining Halls building can be seen clearly in both shots.
Charlie Cheeld at the controls

1969: Charlie Cheeld at the controls

A closer view of the driver sitting on his chair.
1960s: The return loop. 1965: John and Dad riding the train.

In both photos, the train is close to the car park, but is travelling in different directions.

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