Following many months of negotiation by the Directors and Volunteers of the Hayling Light Railway Trust, we are pleased to announce that there will be a new locomotive shortly joining our diesel locomotive fleet. Hopefully in time for the 20th anniversary of the opening of our mile long narrow gauge light railway, between Eastoke Corner and the funfair at Beachlands, along the coast of Hampshire’s Hayling Bay.
Our new acquisition, has been generously donated to the not for profit Trust, by Merlin Enterprises, the owners of the Thorpe Park Resort in Surrey. It was built in 1984, by Alan Keef Ltd as their Works Number 11, for the park’s erstwhile “Treasure Island Railway” which operated in the 1980 & 90s but remained at Thorpe Park as the works and rescue locomotive for their subsequent “Canada Creek Railway”, which finally closed in 2011.
We would like to give a big thank you to the staff and owners of Thorpe Park Resort, for their help to us in securing the locomotive, and in facilitating the recovery of track materials from their site by our volunteer gang . This will help us to keep the Hayling Light Railway running for many more decades to come, bringing enjoyment to future generations of Hayling Island residents and visitors.
The loco is currently away from the railway, being professionally rebuilt at the Ross on Wye workshops of its original builders, returning the much rebuilt loco to a specification that reflects our railway’s operational requirements. It is hoped that the rebuilt loco can be back on the island later this year in time to take part in our forthcoming anniversary events in September which are currently in the initial stages of preparation.
The initial illustration by Alan Keef Ltd - left, shows the engine in the same ‘East Hayling Light Railway’ maroon livery, that the company used for its half-brother ‘Jack’. As delivered in 1988 to our original railway at Hayling’s Mill Rythe Holiday Camp. The final livery and a new name will be announced in due course.
The HLR Trust welcomes donations towards what will be an extensive and thorough restoration, as evidenced by the photo of the engine as it is today. But every bit as importantly we need additional enthusiastic volunteers to join our friendly team. To carry out the multitude of tasks needed to operate a railway, from Loco Drivers and Train Guards, to Workshop and Track Engineers, Souvenir Shop Staff and on-train ‘Clippies’ to sell tickets.
You can also support the Trust and the work of its volunteers, by paying a visit to us at our Eastoke Corner terminus to buy a ticket to travel on one of our frequent trains. Or maybe make a purchase at ‘Derek’s Souvenir Shop’. Which is located on the station platform and is open for business on every weekend, Bank Holidays and Market Day Wednesday’s throughout the year, and weekdays during Hampshire school holidays.
For more information on our services and projects of the Hayling Light Railway Trust, please visit and contact us via our Railway Website, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram pages. If you would like to join ‘The Railway Family’ and become a member of the Trust. Please phone ahead on the day to our Duty Officer on 07902 446340, to make sure the staff kettle is on and boiled ready for your arrival!