A successful restoration project

1917: Baldwin-built War Department Light Railways No 854 is seen
in active service on the Western Front during the First World War.

2007: WDLR No 778 prepares to depart from Page’s Park station with a test train, shortly after its arrival on the Leighton Buzzard Railway on completion of its major overhaul.

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 was the Baldwin Locomotive Works, of Philadelphia, USA.

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.

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)
FAX: 01525 377814 (UK)
+44 1525 377 814 (International)
EMAIL: info@baldwinproject.org.uk
WEBSITE: www.baldwinproject.org.uk

UK Registered Charity No 1088460

© 2008 The Greensand Railway Museum Trust

www.baldwinproject.org.uk

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Last updated 16th March 2008