Visitors enjoy outings from historic trains as annual diesel gala comes to Leighton Buzzard Railway
Visitors were able to enjoy rare outings from some of the unusual members of Leighton Buzzard Railway’s collection, as the station hosted its annual diesel gala on Sunday June 7.
Alongside the regular main line locomotives, there were outings for trains including the 44HP Fire Engine Ruston.
It was built in 1939 as part of the Ministry of Defence fire train, and ran over the full length of the line, including with its bell ringing.
Other diesel trains in action from the railway collection included the Simplex locomotive, which is on loan from the National Railway Museum.
A re-enactment of a sand train, for which the line was constructed in 1919, also made several trips, while visitors were offered the chance to be a Driver for a Fiver on the Beaudesert diesel, to help raise funds towards the restoration of heritage steam locomotive PC Allen.
Other events at the railway later this month include Father’s Day on June 21, where dads get the chance to enjoy a free footplate ride on the railway’s oldest and most unique vertical boiler steam locomotive Chaloner.
Then on June 28 the railway at Pages Park will host its vintage vehicle rally, featuring a range of vintage cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles.
Located on Billington Road, Leighton Buzzard Railway is described as England’s Friendly Little Line and is one of the last surviving light railways built in Britain for industrial use.
For details of upcoming events and to book tickets visit the railway website.