Leiston Works Railway

Leiston Works Railway
Sirapite the Works Shunter.
Commercial operations
Built by Richard Garrett & Sons
Original gauge 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm)
Preserved operations
Preserved gauge 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm)
Commercial history
Closed 1968
Preservation history
Headquarters Long Shop Museum in Leiston

The Leiston Works Railway was a private railway that ran from Leiston railway station on the Aldeburgh Branch Line of the Great Eastern Railway to the engineering works of Richard Garrett & Sons. The railway was originally operated by Suffolk Punch horses hauling coal and iron from the main line to the Garrett Works. This was later taken over by steam shunting engine 'Sirapite' which was then replaced by a battery electric engine in 1962.[1]

The line closed in 1968, with the battery locomotive being scrapped.

Restoration

After closure of the works, part of the complex was preserved as the Long Shop Museum, while Sirapite survived, unrestored, in the private collection of Sir William McAlpine.[2] The locomotive has since been returned to Leiston and restored to operational condition.

A group has been formed with the intention of restoring the 250 yard stretch of track running behind the Engineers Arms public house to the entrance of the Master Lord Industrial Estate, close to the former junction with the main line. The group paid £17,000 for the trackbed[3] and hope that original locomotive 'Sirapite', which has recently been restored, will be operated on the restored route periodically.[4] In January 2013 the group took delivery of eighteen 60 foot track panels to use in relaying the route.[5]

References

  1. ↑ Robinson, Craig (5 September 2012). "Leiston: Group invite people to 'sponsor a sleeper' to help with restoration of Garret Works railway line". East Anglian Daily Times.
  2. ↑ "Sirapite Train". On Landguard Point. 23 September 2011.
  3. ↑ "Leiston railway fans out to restore old line". BBC News. 12 April 2012.
  4. ↑ "Rail enthusiasts hope to revive dismantled Leiston line". BBC News. 13 April 2012.
  5. ↑ Robinson, Craig (3 January 2013). "Leiston: Railway restoration project is well on track". East Anglian Daily Times.
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