Progress report
Waiting its turn for restoration is War Department Light Railways No 2182, with its distinctive armour-plated profile--some of which is actually wood!
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED...AND A NEW ONE BEGINS!
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 2007. 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.
As Sir William pointed out, it was 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 for the armoured Simplex!
STEAMING DATES
No more public steaming dates for 778 are currently planned for this year. Watch this space for details of the 2010 programme.
Last updated 1st October 2009
© 2009 The Greensand Railway Museum Trust
