War Department Light Railways No 778 is the latest of a long line of locomotive restorations carried out by the Leighton Buzzard Railway. One of 495 built in the USA for service on the supply lines to the First World War trenches, it is the only working survivor of its type in the UK.
The Leighton Buzzard Railway is believed to be the only substantial survivor of the hundreds of 2 foot (610mm) gauge light railways built in Britain for industrial use, and the only remaining line built from surplus materials and equipment from the First World War battlefield supply lines.
Opened by Leighton Buzzard Light Railway Ltd in 1919 to transport sand, the line has carried a steam-hauled passenger train service since 1968, and now houses one of the largest and most important collections of narrow-gauge stock in the country. Both the collection and the railway itself are covered by our Accredited Museum designation.
In typical light-railway fashion, the line features sharp curves, steep gradients--up to 1:25 (4%)--numerous level crossings of roads, and a long stretch of roadside running, as it follows the local geography, rather than imposing itself on it. There is always something new around the next corner.
Today’s Leighton Buzzard Railway offers a 70-minute round trip from Page’s Park to Stonehenge Works, which is in the Bedfordshire countryside to the north of the town. The current track is just under 3 miles (4.8km) long. The original line continued for another 0.75 mile (1 km) to Double Arches, and restoration of this section is a long-term objective.
All children receive a free Rail Trail activity and information pack, and more information about the route of the railway can be found in the Souvenir Guide, which is on sale in the shop.
The railway is managed and operated by the volunteer members of the Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway Society, which is a non-profit organisation with charitable status. You are very welcome to come and join us, and help preserve this unique piece of industrial history.
© 2009 Leighton Buzzard Railway
www.buzzrail.co.uk
Last updated 9th November 2009
