Because of varying weather on different visits (and even changes during the day) the lighting conditions vary between blue skies + bright sun and cloudy bright.
To fully appreciate Pecorama and its manifold attractions requires a personal visit.
Welcome to Pecorama.
The same view 'looking the other way'.
One of the first things a visitor to PECO will see is a stylised railway station platform, which is named Beer Victoria.
Nearby is the main visitor entrance where there is the indoor exhibition area plus a well stocked retail shop.
The indoor exhibition area. This is the only photograph on this webpage of the exhibition area - to properly appreciate what is demonstrated here requires a personal visit.
The Indoor Exhibition Area.
The indoor exhibition area is themed along the lines of promoting railway modelling, which it does by showing how a model railway could be incorporated in to many different room settings - including bedroom,
converted loft, corridor / hallway, garden shed and more.
To increase attractiveness to the younger visitors many layouts have push-button controls. For people (of all ages) looking for more advanced inspiration and advice there are informative information displays on various
aspects of creating a model railway, such as how to build the baseboard and lay model railway trackage so that it will give many years of trouble - free operation. Sometimes there is even an expert on hand to demonstrate some
of the techniques involved in building model railway kits, especially of the locomotives / other items of rolling stock which are not available in 'ready to run' form.
Railway modelling is much more than simply 'playing trains'. The acts of building the baseboard, installing scenery, wiring everything so that it works and building / super-detailing the model trains and the model buildings
(which usually come in kit form that need building & sometimes painting too) makes railway modelling a creative activity through which young people can learn useful 'life skills', including working as a team, the basics of
woodworking, electrics, an appreciation of building design, a general understanding of the interconnectedness of life, how things work, and so much more!
Outside the exhibition area is a garden railway where visiting children can 'drive' the trains.
The Pullman Dining Car.
At the far end of the stylised platform is a real Pullman Dining Car. Although now just a static exhibit it is still possible to enjoy the luxurious interior furnishings whilst partaking of afternoon tea. This view dates from the 1990's, since when a platform style canopy has been erected over it.
A view of the Pullman Car as seen from the far end.
On its side can be seen logo for the fléche d'or which comes from when it was part of the 'Golden Arrow' railway service which linked London with Paris.
At the opposite end of the carriage there is an English language version of the 'Golden Arrow' train name.
The Pullman Coat of Arms.
It was usual for Pullman cars to be named - this vehicle is named Orion.
So now you know who built and (originally) owned Orion.
A perhaps rather sneaky peek around the back reveals that the 'other' side of Orion is painted plain cream.
Of course few people would even notice this - or be curious enough to even think of looking!
The stylised railway station platform leads on to one of Orion's corridor gangways, which is now used as the main entrance for passengers wishing to enjoy afternoon tea inside.
Once inside it is possible to appreciate the high quality varnished wood interior, although looking with modern eyes begs the question of how sustainably (or otherwise) was the sourcing of this wood?
This view is looking towards one of the doors such as would be used when calling at a station platform, Beer Victoria platform and the present-day entrance is to the right and behind the wall on the left are the kitchens.
Inside the main passenger saloon... note the name Orion on the antimacassars. Being a 1st class Kitchen Car Orion was originally built with mostly 1+1 seating, nowadays however practicality suggests that 2+1 is more appropriate.
Although it is possible to have the traditional Devonian / West Country scones with clotted cream and jam (fruit preserve) there are other choices too.
Some people prefer chocolate cake!
Note the copies of railway posters which can be seen through the window on Orion's blank wall side.
More views of the railway posters which can be seen through the window on Orion's blank wall side.
More views of the railway posters which can be seen through the window on Orion's blank wall side.
More views of the railway posters which can be seen through the window on Orion's blank wall side.
More views of the railway posters which can be seen through the window on Orion's blank wall side.
In addition to the main passenger lounge Orion also features a private compartment with 2+2 seating for four passengers. This was / is at one end of the carriage. The comparable location at the other end was / is the kitchen area; this is still used by Pecorama staff for this purpose and was not photographed.
A second view inside the private compartment. Originally there was a partition with an outward opening (ie: into the corridor) door between the compartment and the gangway but this has been removed. The door on the right marked 'private' leads to a toilet and the end vestibule which is where the doorways used at stations plus connection to the next carriage are located.
The Peco Celebration Gardens.
Pecorama also includes some highly acclaimed gardens which will be of interest to anyone who likes gardeners, even if they are not interested in railways.
These images only hint at the full extent of the gardens - a personal visit really is required fully appreciate everything there is to see here.
The Sun Garden.
The Roof Garden - inspiration for a patio too!
The Secret Garden with its pagoda walkway, many floral displays and seating is an oasis of calm.
Inside the Moon Garden is a delightful Grotto which has been predominantly decorated with sea shells depicting a Dolphin sculpture leaping out of the sea, trying to touch the moon.
The lush and exotic planting extends beyond the themed gardens to the walkways around the site.
The Peco Gardens Memorial.
Also at Pecorama.
The other 'large image' Pecorama page has many other photographs showing the Beer Heights Light Railway.
These can be reached by clicking here or on the image above.
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if you wish to send me an email.
This page is a branchline off the main website so after viewing it should be closed - navigation through the website is only possible via the main pages - however in case you arrived here courtesy of a search engine then clicking here will take to you the opening page of this website.