The Leighton Buzzard Railway enjoyed a visit from the PAW Patrol pair on Sunday the 17th of July in an event which kicked off their bumper summer of activities

Chase and Skye from PAW Patrol’s visit to the Leighton Buzzard Railway was a resounding success and a total sell-out seeing five non-stop trains operating, each with seven coaches which carried over 100 passengers to meet the well-loved pups at Stonehenge Works.

This year there was an increased fire risk due to the hot weather and so trains were operated using diesel locomotive ‘NG51’ and steam locomotive ‘Doll’ which is a resident at the railway. Robert Leah, owner of ‘NG51’ reported that it was probably ‘the hardest day of work the loco had ever done’.  ‘Doll’ operated in light steam only in order to reduce fire risk.

The event marked the start of Leighton Buzzard Railway’s summer activities which will see trains running every Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday throughout the school holidays from the 24th of July to the 1st of September.

The railway which reopened its doors to the public back in March will see the return of a popular event from last year which saw baby dinosaurs take over Stonehenge Works. The event will take place on Sunday the 4th of September and makes for a fantastic end-of-holiday treat for kids. Four departures will take place throughout the event at 10.00, 11.40, 13.20 and 15.00, with tickets now available to book online.

The return trip takes 80 minutes in total including a 40-minute visit to Stonehenge Works where children can meet the dinosaurs and visit Stonehenge Trail which provides the chance to enjoy static engines and wagons including a sand train which would have run from the 1920s to the 1970s. Steam locomotive ‘Penlee’ will also be available for children to have a look in the cab and pretend to be an engine driver. A bomb train from an RAF ammunition depot and a logging train are exhibited with further displays about sand quarrying and military railways.

The railway’s popular craft shop will also be open and sells many local items alongside hot and cold drinks and confectionery. A guided Engine Shed Show tour is also available at Page’s Park and will include most of the railway’s steam locomotives including a photographic display of the line and its construction. The Train Shed Cafe will also be open at Page’s Park offering a full menu from 10.00.

Leighton Buzzard Railway’s annual Steam Gala is also set to return over the weekend of the 17th and 18th of September with tickets available to buy now. Locomotives will be allotted near the date and it is hoped that some surprises including the use of the recently opened Mundy’s Hill extension.

Advance bookings are recommended to reserve a place for the special events as there will only be a very limited ticket availability on the day. To book fee-free online please visit http://www.buzzrail.co.uk.