Hello All!

Thats right, today the 21st of April 2026 marks 11 years since the Zany Zen Railway was completed, all those years ago in 2015, honestly never imagined the railway becoming this visited, and going for this long, i am so very very grateful for all those who have visited these last 11 years. If it wasn't for the Zany Zen Railway i wouldn't of met some of my closest friends, or even my partner Firefly, this railway very much changed my life for the better, and i hope it continues on for many more years!

Of course we never forget, those who helped the ZZR over the years, some of the biggest helpers being:

- The late Amalia Illios.

- Dizzi Sternberg.

- Janet Rossini.

- NightShade Fugu.

- Libby Static.

- Eesoov Elan.

And many many more, with out these people, the Zany Zen Railway really wouldn't be what it is today, and 100% know a few of them would say they don't deserve to be mentioned! Not to forget the many land owners of Seogyeoshire who give the ZZR some of the best views for passengers.

Once again, i will always say this every visitor milestone and think very much perfect for railway birthdays, a railway is nothing without its passengers, without you all coming by and riding this railway, this would just be a empty passion project by a crazy railway loving rabbit.

The steam gala will continue to run till the 27th of April, so don't fret if you haven't made it or got your ticket yet.

Bus Service - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Somdari/238/211/46

Keep on chuffin.

Zen & Eesoov.

Its that time again! The Zany Zen Railway will be turning 11, and to celebrate this amazing occasion, we are running as always a steam gala, where both services are steam hauled, and like last year as a nod to our heritage back in 2016 when Sandy used to haul sand wagons, The Pink Lady is hauling four sand wagons.

Bus Service - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Somdari/235/216/32

Also don't forget to check out the ZZR Of Old Display hosted by Eesoov Elan in Ahndang (Here - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Ahndang/215/219/32), and our visiting locomotive from Valkyrie Transport and the Sombre Light Railway in Seogyeo Town Square (Here - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Seogyeo/197/199/46).

Not to forget for all you ticket collectors out there, a ticket design to celebrate the anniversary!

Free Tier - 0 (Platform Ticket Machine + Donation Terminal)
Bronze Tier - 1 > 499 (Donation Terminal)
Silver Tier - 500 > 999 (Donation Terminal)
Gold Tier - 1000+ (Donation Terminal)

Not sure how to use our brand new ticketing system? Here is a blog post talking about it: https://zanyzenrailway.com/news/post/tickets-are-changing

All this going on till the 27th of April! 

Hope to see you there.

Keep on chuffin!

Zen and Eesoov.

Hello all!

Its been a hot minute since out last post, so first! the 11th Anniversary Steam Gala is starting on the 13th of April! and going on till the 27th of April!

Still hard to believe we have been going for 11 years! We will as always have visiting locomotives from Valkyrie Transport and the Sombre Light Railway in Seogyeo Square (located - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Seogyeo/204/198/39), PLUS this year taking the torch from Gwlith, our newest locomotive Illios, running along side The Pink Lady hauling sand trucks.

Your bus service awaits here - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Somdari/238/211/46

ALSO i feel like i am safe to say this now, WE ARE BACK! if you tried to visit the ZZR website between December to February, you would of seen our security certificate had expired, sadly as you all know we lost the incredible Amalia Illios last year, she handled all things website, even paying for it, we got a big scare at how much she was actually paying, as it wasn't just the ZZR but her own things, it was very much a shock to the system, but we are here now, and thanks to your donations over the years, this made it possible to keep Lia's server going till we could safely switch it off. So who is running things now? Well we now have the incredible, kind, and awesome Libby Static handling all things website, without her, this websites recovery would of not been possible! 

Speaking of donations, if you like to support the Zany Zen Railway, as always we have donation kiosks up and down the line, every Linden helps keep things running, and allows us to be prepared for surprises, PLUS you can a ticket that is unique to you, no one will ever have that serial number or date again! and with that segue to tickets, below is this years Steam Gala's ticket designs! This years colour scheme is based on the 11th Anniversary colours, turquoise and yellow, and now featuring The Pink Lady and Illios!

Free Tier - 0 (Platform Ticket Machine + Donation Terminal)
Bronze Tier - 1 > 499 (Donation Terminal)
Silver Tier - 500 > 999 (Donation Terminal)
Gold Tier - 1000+ (Donation Terminal)

Not sure how to use our brand new ticketing system? Here is a blog post talking about it: https://zanyzenrailway.com/news/post/tickets-are-changing

I hope to see you all there, and happy anniversary The Zany Zen Railway!

Keep on chuffin.

Zen & Eesoov.

Hello again!

Long time no post! after months of silence, we are back (hopefully!) there will be a dedicated blog post once things are more complete and stable.

But now, 32000 visitors... another incredible milestone, always very much thankful for everyone who continues to visit, and ride the railway, really does make me happy that people enjoy it and the area, i will say this everytime, a railway is nothing without its passengers, without passengers, it would just be a empty train rattling up and down these 4 sims.

Thank you all again for visiting and continued support over these 11 years.

Keep on chuffin.

Zen & Eesoov.

Hello everyone.

So first, the very important thing that we need to talk about, the future of the Zany Zen Railway, i am not sure if you know, but on the 10th of November we lost someone truly important to me, and the railway, Amalia Illios, she sadly passed away from mounting real life health problems after fighting for the last 11 months, Amalia was my closest friend here and basically RL, talking to me daily, and never running out of anything to ever chat about, she was very in tune with me, to the point when I was having a bad day she would always know what to say, her loss has impacted me more then i ever expected, she was also our Head of Engineering, spearheading the Ferry and so many other projects, having the amazing ability to know what I needed without me saying a lot of the time, even as far to go in-depth on exhaust cover bobbing and researching retro reflective coatings on road signs. 

I am not sure if i am able to say if the railway will ever be the same without her, but i want to say, i know she would of wanted it to continue, i will continue to run events best i can, mega projects maybe few and far between, as you can see by the picture above, the locomotive Illios is now running in honour of Amalia, Illios is the last locomotive i will ever make, overhauls may happen to the others, but Illios will remain my last labour of love for Lia. Illios will be running for the foreseeable future till i am ready to take her off the passenger train, and she will be hauling the Santa Specials. A memorial will also be erected behind Seogyeo station to her in the coming months.

From the future we talk about the present, as you can see our annual snow has hit the ZZR, as always being incredibly localised to Ahndang and Seogyeo, as Santa once a year brings snow to allow him a soft landing at Seogyeo station. Snow will be around till the 1st of February! 

So come on by, get some hot chocolate, and ride in the warmth and comfort behind Illios.

Bus Service - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Somdari/238/211/46

Keep on chuffin.

Zen & Eesoov.

This was a hard picture to take, i really wasn't feeling like doing it with the loss of Amalia, but as The Beatles said "with a little help from my friends", but i will always celebrate this milestone, thank you to everyone who has and continues to supported me all these years.

Zen, Eesoov, and Lexi.

Tracks to Trenches is NOW running! And running till the 14th of November.

The ZZR will once again step back in time, honouring all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

The railway will step back in time to tell the often overlooked story of the railways serving during the First World War both at home and abroad. Remembering how that vital service continued through later conflicts. We acknowledge the dedication and bravery of every railway worker who kept the lines running under the most challenging of conditions. Their sacrifice must never be forgotten.

During this special commemoration, the ZZR will becomes a front line railway once more. join up and step aboard the troop transport and face your destiny or work on the home front and help load the munitions trains as they are transported to the front lines.

Please join us as we remember the railways’ wartime legacy and discover what life was like — at home and abroad along the lines.

Bus Service - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Somdari/238/211/46

Ticket Designs

This year, we bring you tickets inspired by the Royal Engineers, Railway Operating Division. For the first time, this years tickets are designed by Eesoov Elan.

Free Tier - 0 (Platform Ticket Machine + Donation Terminal)
Bronze Tier - 1 > 499 (Donation Terminal)
Silver Tier - 500 > 999 (Donation Terminal)
Gold Tier - 1000+ (Donation Terminal)

Not sure how to use our brand new ticketing system? Here is a blog post talking about it: https://zanyzenrailway.com/news/post/tickets-are-changing

Keep ya Heads Down!

AND Keep on Chuffin!

Zen and Eesoov.

This November between the 7th and 14th of November, the ZZR will once again step back in time, honouring all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. The railway will step back in time to tell the often overlooked story of the railways serving during the First World War both at home and abroad. Remembering how that vital service continued through later conflicts. We acknowledge the dedication and bravery of every railway worker who kept the lines running under the most challenging of conditions. Their sacrifice must never be forgotten.

During this special commemoration, the ZZR will becomes a front line railway once more. join up and step aboard the troop transport and face your destiny or work on the home front and help load the munitions trains as they are transported to the front lines.

Please join us as we remember the railways’ wartime legacy and discover what life was like — at home and abroad along the lines.

Troop Transport - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Somdari/238/211/46

Keep on Chuffin.

Zen and Eesoov.

Flavour Text written by Eesoov.

Happy Halloween! From me and everyone at the Zany Zen Railway! 

Hopefully you have a spooktastic night, and remember you have Less then 24 hours till the ZZR Spook Services finish! 

Bus Service - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Somdari/238/211/46

Keep on Chuffin!

Zen and Eesoov.

What was that out of the corner of your eye? its getting closer?! Its... ITS... The Spook Service arriving at platform 1! 

Hello All! Its that time of year again where the ZZR hosts the Spook Service across all its stations, each station spookily decorated along with the trains! The Spook Service will be running till the 1st of November!

PLUS of course not to forget this year ticket designs!

Free Tier - 0 (Platform Ticket Machine + Donation Terminal)
Bronze Tier - 1 > 499 (Donation Terminal)
Silver Tier - 500 > 999 (Donation Terminal)
Gold Tier - 1000+ (Donation Terminal)

Not sure how to use our brand new ticketing system? Here is a blog post talking about it: https://zanyzenrailway.com/news/post/tickets-are-changing

Can't wait to see you there, hopefully you have a spooktacular ride.

Bus Service - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Somdari/238/211/46

ALSO! Stay tuned to for more info about the ZZR Tracks to Trenches event that will be going between the 7th of November to 14th of November!

Keep on Chuffin.

Zen, and Eesoov.

Hello there!

You feel that chill in the air? the voice you quite can't hear? you know what that means? you're going ma.. i mean, The Spook Service Approaches! Between the 20th of October to the 1st of November come on over and ride our spook service trains!

And now for everyones favourite bit, the flavour text provided by the amazing Eesoov Elan:

"There’s that moment fleeting and familiar, when the tracks curve the train slows and the mist thickens. You turn your head, unsure why. Perhaps it’s the works, half swallowed by the passage of time. Perhaps it’s her, the still figure by the fence, always watching.

The carriages feel colder now. Not cold that bites, but the kind that remembers. Something in the air shifts just slightly. Autumn, they say. But seasons aren’t the only things that turn.

Spooktacular Season rears it head once again

The railway hums with quiet questions and half-heard stories. Shapes flickering in the reflection of the carriage window. Footsteps echo where no one walks, does everything wait for a ticket?

Will you step off at Cyfnos, where silence lingers thick as coal dust? Or follow the light into the Ahndang shed, where things lurk in the shadows?

Not all journeys circle back, what waits at the end of the line"

Hopefully that got you in the mood! Of course moreinfo to come later, including this years ticket design. I will see you there.

Bus Service - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Somdari/211/238/46

Keep On Chuffin!

Zen and Eesoov.

Autumn finally has hit the Zany Zen Railway! and as always, leaves on the line never has effected our trains! So come on by and soak in the autumn colours as you chuff through the beautiful county of Seogyeoshire. ALSO! Gwlith is now hauling the passenger train till the Spook Service, Starting the 20th of October! More info coming soon.

Bus Service: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Somdari/238/211/46

Keep on chuffin!

Zen.

Hello there! Wow it has been a few months since i posted a Inside The Works, if you arn't familiar with what this is, well its a blog post talking about behind the scenes of the railway.

The Nitty Gritty!

SO! This time we need to talk about delays in event date announcements and the new locomotive Illios. Around this month we always publish a list of ZZR events and season changes, the events ARE still happening, we are just delaying their announcement to focus on finishing Illios.

On the subject of Illios, i feel like this is about time to make it public, once Illios is complete, she will be the final steam locomotive i make for the ZZR, i don't wanna rule out diesels, or possibly making a standard gauge loco for chuffing around the mainland in, but honestly, steam locomotives take it out of me, they are incredibly complex beasts, and take months to finish, and of course, we have run out of shed space almost to house all these locos! 

(To clarify, i am not going to stop working on the ZZR, i am just gonna slow down after working on it continuously for a decade!)

But for all those here about Illios Progress, here is some images! she really is coming along, hopefully will be running this year with thanks to Dizzi Sternberg working hard on a new system for tenders. Oh yes, that does mean, Illios's tender is linked to her model, so no need to worry about it running away on sim crossings!

Illios Progress Images

ALSO! we are being organised this time!

This list is helping me organise what is left and what is currently being made, while it looks daunting, i can say a lot of it will be done quickly!

Final thoughts

As you can see we have been very busy behind the scenes, and if you want to see even more progress pictures, please follow my PrimFeed account, or join the Seogyeoshire Discord where i post regular updates and pictures of Illios and the ZZR! I can't wait to see you all at the big 3 ZZR events, Spook Service, Tracks to Trenches and Santa Specials.

Keep on chuffin.

Zen, Amalia and Eesoov.

With summer coming to the end, we are giving our steam engines a well deserved break after a busy season, Galway our trusty diesel will be running till the 7th of October! 

Bus Service - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Somdari/238/211/46

Keep on Chuffin!

Zen.

Hello all! 

The Pink Lady has taken over from Uccie, and now will be running till the 7th of September! 

Bus Service - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Somdari/238/211/46

Keep on Chuffin!

Zen.

30,000 visitors, once again i am blown away, these milestones every time catch me by surprise, and every time i am incredibly humbled, A railway is nothing without its passengers, very much would just be empty trains rattling up and down these sims!

This time i asked Eesoov Elan to join me, because if it wasn't for her and Amalia Illios the ZZR would not be as awesome as it is now!

(Amalia would be here, but the counter ticked over at 2am her time!)

Bus Service - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Somdari/238/211/46

Thank you as always.

Keep on Chuffin!

Zen Rabbit, Amalia Illios, Eesoov Elan.

From now till the 7th of August, Uccie will now be hauling the passenger train up and down the ZZR. Hopefully everyone had a wonderful Pride Month, I can't wait to see everyone, and Gwlith hauling the pride train again next year!

Keep on Chuffin!

Zen

Happy Pride Month Everyone! 

Last year we ran our first ever Pride Train, and very much going to now on continue from now on every Pride Month. Love is Love!

Gwlith will be running the entire month of June with her Pride Flags and Headboard.

Bus Service - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Somdari/238/211/46

Hope to see you there.

Keep on Chuffin!

Zen.

After an amazing 10th Anniversary month, Gwlith and The Pink Lady have both taken a well deserved break and now are resting in the engine sheds, allowing Montgomery to take over the passenger service till the 1st of June, when Gwlith will be returning for our Pride Train!

Bus Service - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Somdari/238/211/46

Keep on Chuffin!

Zen.

Hello everyone! The birthday bash on the 19th was utterly incredible, it was lovely seeing you all while we all partied with the wonderful DJ Mishy's tunes, one great song after another (with plenty of train themed ones thrown in!). 

For all those who did not manage to make it, this blog is for you, with piccys from the event, so hopefully you enjoy and thank you again for your support over these 10 years.

(Above: Molly, Magic and Ana Lacroix dancing.)

(Above: Mishy spinning the decks.)

(Above: Zen & Firefly dancing together with Mishy in the background.)

(Above: Amalia and Donna dancing.)

(Above: Zen and Firefly dancing, with Eesoov and Amalia in the background, along with Venus, the first ever loco made by Zen Sword-Galway out on display.)

(Above: Eesoov and Amalia dancing at the side lines.)

(Above: Shay dancing away to all the tunes.)

(Above: Gwlith Idling outside the marquee after ending the party with a whistle send off.)

At the end of the party, of course a ZZR locomotive needed to get involved! With Gwlith giving a lovely send off, tooting away as people left.

{% https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yw6IdrJhT58 %}

And that be the party! It really was lovely meeting so many people and getting to chat away giving random ZZR facts as the evening went on. thank you once again for your support over these 10 years, heres to the next 10!

Keep on chuffin.

Zen, Amalia, Eesoov and Lexi.