Progress report

War Department Light Railways No 778 is now back in its original wartime condition of 90 years ago. The long journey, from a crazy idea to a unique working locomotive, is over!

No 778 hauled a special train for around 50 donors and sponsors on 14th July 2007, following speeches from Sir William McAlpine and Cliff Thomas--respectively President and Chairman of the Greensand Railway Museum Trust. A champagne toast was proposed later by Mervyn Leah, Chairman of the Leighton Buzzard Railway.

After an unadvertised three days of working the midweek passenger trains in early August, to complete its running-in schedule, it was launched officially into public service on Sunday 19th August. This was almost 60 years to the day since the final railtour over the Ashover Light Railway, which was the last time a Baldwin 4-6-0T hauled fare-paying passengers in Britain. It steamed for the last time in 2007 at the Armistice Day commemoration on Sunday 11th November.

As Sir William pointed out, it has been a fantastic achievement to keep the enthusiasm and momentum going over such a long period, on a project which some considered to be mission impossible.

But we have done it, and the phenomenal interest shown on the days No 778 has been in service demonstrates what an iconic machine this is. Come and ride behind it, if you haven’t already done so, and see what all the fuss is about!

Now what next for the Trust?

DATES FOR 2008

Subject to availability, No 778 will work public passenger trains on the Leighton Buzzard Railway on the following dates in 2008:

·	August 24th & 25th

·	September 6th. 7th & 13th

It may also operate on other dates at short notice, and on private charters. There are currently no plans to use it on any other railway this year, so you will have to come to Leighton Buzzard, if you want to see it!

Watch this space for updates, as the season progresses.

Last updated 17th August 2008