The event had originally been set to take place in September, but was delayed after dry weather led to drought and an increased risk of fire – with Network Rail introducing a nationwide ban on steam trains.
And the organisers then faced the threat of not one but two storms.
But despite a wet and windy photoshoot on Friday, the event went ahead as planned.
A spokesperson said: “All four resident steam locomotives were in steam running an intensive timetable service assisted by French built Decauville 0-4-2T ‘Victory’ works No. 246 of 1897 visiting from the Bredgar and Wormshill Railway in Kent to help celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Leighton Buzzard Railway’s twinning with the Froissy, Cappy and Dompierre Railway in France.
“Unfortunately, Andrew Barclay No. 1919 of 1931 “Cegin” had a last-minute failure and was unable to attend. The much-anticipated three Barclay engine line-up will have to be postponed to another occasion.”
Visiting the railway was the ‘WDLR303’ Hunslet 1215 of 1916, on loan from The War Office Locomotive Trust and Apedale Valley Light Railway.
And the Moseley Railway Trust and Apedale Valley arranged for the Bagnall 2133 of 1924, “WOTO” to replace the Cegin.
The spokesperson added: “With the storms working around us, and the loco difficulty solved, the event went ahead as planned. Three passenger sets and a freight train kept all sections on the main line to Stonehenge Works and the extension to Munday’s Hill busy all day, with very few seats empty on any train on both days. It was also good to see the highest number of ‘Rover’ tickets sold for a long time.”
The railway is now looking ahead to Christmas – with the Santa Special trains set to start on Saturday, November 28.
Spaces are already filling up fast, so book online at www.buzzrail.uk
You can see more photos and video of the Autumn Steam Gala online here.
