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What to see and do |
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Work is well under way on the rebuilding and extension of Platform 1 at Page’s Park station, to bring it up to modern standards. In the background, “Doll” runs on to its next departure from Platform 2. |
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Page’s Park station is the operational heart of the Leighton Buzzard Railway. Here you will find ample free parking for cars and coaches, and the booking office for you to buy tickets for your journey. The railway shop offers souvenirs of all kinds, and is famous for its range of Thomas The Tank Engine merchandise. |
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At the far end of the two-platform terminus station is the shed, which is the operating base of the locomotives and coaches that run the passenger service. A footpath leads from Platform 2 to the front of the shed, to allow viewing from close quarters. |
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Busy trains hauled by “P C Allen” and “Doll” cross at Leedon Loop |
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Immediately beyond the loop is Hockliffe Road level crossing, which is again protected by flagmen. After Swing-Swang Bridge, which crosses Clipstone Brook, the line begins a long climb to Vandyke Road level crossing, and the scenery starts to open out to a more rural aspect. A sharp curve after the crossing takes you through a right angle, to run alongside the road. |
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There are good views across to the Chiltern Hills, and on clear days the Whipsnade Lion--carved into the chalk hills near the famous zoo--can be seen in the distance. But you are passing through one of the areas currently being considered as the site of thousands of new houses over the next few years--click here for the latest information. |
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Stonehenge Works station is named after the brickworks that used to stand alongside the railway, which supplied it with sand. The works was demolished in the 1980s, with TV celebrity steeplejack, the late Fred Dibnah, removing the big chimney. |
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A grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund has been used to prepare some studies on the future renovation of this distinctive building, and its possible conversion to a visitor and education centre. Progress now depends on the lifting of the planning blight which has affected this area for the past few years. |
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Stonehenge Works is also the base of the locomotives and rolling stock not involved in the passenger service, and some items are on public display in the works yard. A special viewing area lets you see the footplate crew topping up the passenger train locomotive with coal and water, before running round for the return journey. |
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www.buzzrail.co.uk |

