One project completed, another about to start!
WDLR Baldwin No 778 makes a storming departure from Page’s Park station, Leighton Buzzard Railway.
The number of men who fought in the First World War, and survived, is now down to just a handful. As the last living links with that momentous era finally vanish, the restoration to working order of some of the equipment they used becomes even more important, to allow future generations to understand what went on.
Central to the war in the trenches was the massive network of narrow-gauge railways, which was built to supply the front lines on both sides. Among the companies providing equipment to the War Department Light Railways were the Baldwin Locomotive Works, of Philadelphia, USA, and the Motor Rail & Tramcar Company of Bedford, England.
A working First World War Baldwin steam engine was last seen in Britain in the 1940s. Now War Department Light Railways No 778 is back in working order, and was launched into public service on 19th August 2007--almost 60 years to the day since the last time an engine of this type hauled passengers in Britain.
Now attention switches to WDLR No 2182, the only known survivor of the small number of Motor Rail 40hp “Simplex” petrol locomotives built with full armour plating, and in original mechanical condition. It has so far received cosmetic restoration, and an appeal to return it to full working order will be launched shortly.
The Greensand Railway Museum Trust
Page’s Park Station
Billington Road
Leighton Buzzard
Bedfordshire LU7 4TN
England
PHONE: 01525 373888 (UK)
+44 1525 373 888 (International)
EMAIL: station@lbngrs.org.uk
UK Registered Charity No 1088460
© 2009 The Greensand Railway Museum Trust
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Last updated 9th November 2009
