Leighton Buzzard Railway
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Description
The Leighton Buzzard Railway is believed to be the only substantial survivor of the hundreds of 2 foot (610mm) gauge light railways built in Britain for industrial use, and the only remaining line built from surplus materials and equipment from the First World War battlefield supply lines.
Opened by Leighton Buzzard Light Railway Ltd in 1919 to transport sand, the line has carried a steam-hauled passenger train service since 1968, and now houses one of the largest and most important collections of narrow-gauge stock in the country. Both the collection and the railway itself are covered by our Accredited Museum designation.
In typical light-railway fashion, the line features sharp curves, steep gradients -- up to 1:25 (4%) -- numerous level crossings of roads, and a long stretch of roadside running, as it follows the local geography, rather than imposing itself on it. There is always something new around the next corner.
Today's Leighton Buzzard Railway offers a 70-minute round trip from Page's Park to Stonehenge Works, which is in the Bedfordshire countryside to the north of the town. The current track in just under 3 miles (4.8km) long. The original line continued for another 0.75 mile (1 km) to Double Arches, and restoration of this section is a long-term objective.
All children receive a free Rail Trail activity and information pack, and while stocks last, a pack of wildflower seeds to take home and sow. This is part of our own Vandyke Curve restoration project, where the trackside has been transformed into a wildflower meadow. More information about the route of the railway can be found in the Souvenir Guide, which is on sale in the shop.
The railway is managed and operated by the volunteer members of the Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway Society, which is a non-profit organisation with charitable status. You are very welcome to come and join us, and help preserve this unique piece of industrial history.
Vintage bus departures from LB Library to
Page's Park station on Saturday and Sunday at:
10.20, 11.00, 11.40, 12.20, 1.20, 2.00, 2.40, 3.20 (3.10 on Sunday), 4.00.
Station car park will close no later than 4.30.
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Events
Fathers' Day special
Sunday, 17th June 2012
Teddy Bears' outing
Sunday, 15th July 2012
Jaguar Car Driver's Club
Sunday, 29th July 2012
Welsh-themed railway experience
Saturday, 15th September 2012
Historic Motorcycles event
Sunday, 30th September 2012
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Notices
LEIGHTON BUZZARD RAILWAY
Media Release
Issued 29th November 2011
GRIDLOCKED SANTA?
The volunteers who run Leighton Buzzard’s narrow-gauge railway are concerned at possible gridlock on the approach to their Page’s Park station, caused by roadworks over one of the busiest weekends in the run-up to Christmas.
Signs have gone up on the A505 Leighton Buzzard southern bypass, advising that the road will be closed on 10th and 11th December, between the Billington Road roundabout and the junction for Stanbridge village. The proposed diversion route will take traffic through the centre of Leighton Buzzard, on one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year.
Although the railway is well outside the town centre, it is feared that the resulting snarl-up will spread right along Billington Road, preventing families from catching their trains to see Santa.
Railway spokesman, Mervyn Leah, commented: “There was absolutely no consultation by Central Bedfordshire Council, before they agreed to the closure request, which appears to be for non-urgent repairs that could be put off for a few more weeks.
“Not only is the timing wrong, but the proposed diversion of the bypass traffic through the town centre suggests that not enough research was done on the likely effects, which could bring the entire area to a standstill. We hope that common sense will prevail.”
- The Leighton Buzzard Railway’s Christmas season gets under way this Saturday, 3rd December. Santa Special trains will run every Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday until 21st December, and also on the 22nd and 23rd. Mince Pie Specials will operate on 27th and 28th December.
- For photo requests and other media enquiries, please contact Mervyn Leah marketing@lbngrs.org.uk . Public enquiries are on 01525 373888, or station@lbngrs.org.uk. For the full story, visit our website at www.buzzrail.co.uk.
Media Release
Issued 2nd May 2011
BIG BANK HOLIDAY BOOST
The recent glut of Bank Holidays has been good news for the Leighton Buzzard Railway, which has recorded a 25% increase in passenger numbers over the two weekends, compared with 2010.
Railway spokesman, Mervyn Leah, commented: “The good weather and the feel good factor of the royal wedding undoubtedly helped get people out of their back gardens, and the Kids Go Free offer we put on our website also contributed.
“Another factor is almost certainly the price of fuel. Bedfordshire has not yet established itself as a ‘staycation’ destination, which people visit instead of going abroad. But there are millions living nearby, who are starting to discover attractions like ours, almost on their doorsteps.”
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An exempt charity. Registered as an Industrial Friendly Society No 20830R.
Accredited by the Museums, Libraries & Archives Council No 1631
