To celebrate its Golden Anniversary next year, the Lappa Valley Railway at St Newlyn East, in Cornwall has announced a major investment of over £500,000 in its first new locomotive and carriages for 50 years.

The railway has commissioned leading train builders Alan Keef Limited of Lea near Ross-on-Wye in Herefordshire to design and build a new state-of-the-art bogie diesel locomotive, five passenger carriages, and a buggy wagon that will improve accessibility and efficiency. Delivery of the new train is scheduled for late October 2023.

This will be Lappa Valley’s first new locomotive for its main 15-inch gauge line since taking delivery of its first locomotive, Zebedee, in 1974. It will be fitted with a very-economical diesel engine that has far lower emissions compared with current diesel options.

The new carriages have 100 seats and feature low-floor access that will significantly increase the number of wheelchair users that can be accommodated on each trip. They also have enhanced safety features such as an emergency passenger communication system and permanent colour-changing lighting.

This new train is the latest investment for the attraction that over the last three years has opened a purpose-built cafe, soft play centre, and an accessible adventure golf course. Last year a gained a gold award in the Cornwall Tourism Awards and a silver in the South West Tourism Awards.

Lappa Valley owner Keith Southwell said: “I am delighted to be working with Alan Keef Limited on this exciting and auspicious project which represents another significant investment in Lappa Valley.”

“We are particularly passionate in ensuring Lappa Valley is as accessible as possible. We’re continually looking to make a day out at Lappa as enjoyable as possible for people of all abilities. Alongside our recent investment in a Changing Places toilet facility, this train will help us to welcome as many people as we can.”

Lappa Valley’s Operations Manager Ben Harding is excited about the opportunities the new train will present and said “The addition of the new locomotive and carriages really sets us up well for year-round operations.

“Most significantly, our main train service will be greatly improved with a passenger capacity increase of nearly 60%. This means that waiting times at either end of the line will be reduced allowing families to spend more time with us.

“We recently visited Alan Keef Limited to see the train being built. The first of the carriages is nearing completion, and we’re pleased to share that these will be delivered in stages over the coming months. Meanwhile, the locomotive frames are nearly complete, along with the cab and bodywork fabrication. The installation of the plant has also commenced.”

Patrick Keef from Alan Keef Limited said: “We were delighted to be asked to design and build this new locomotive and rolling stock and have worked closely with the team from Lappa Valley to ensure we have fully understood what they wanted to achieve.

“Having celebrated our own 50th anniversary just last year and with many of our original locomotives still in use, we are expecting this new train to be around for many more special anniversaries for Lappa Valley”