110 years ago, in 1916, a Bedford engineering company created the first Motor Rail locomotive. Trading as “Simplex”, they went on to become one of the UK’s most prolific builders of narrow gauge internal-combustion locos. This will be a special weekend celebrating that heritage through the significant collection of such locos at Apedale. Frequent trains will operate using Motor Rail diesel and petrol locos. The event will run from 1130 until 4pm on both days. If you own a Motor Rail and fancy bringing it to join the fun, get in touch via the website “contact us” button.

110 years ago, in 1916, a Bedford engineering company created the first Motor Rail locomotive. Trading as “Simplex”, they went on to become one of the UK’s most prolific builders of narrow gauge internal-combustion locos. This will be a special weekend celebrating that heritage through the significant collection of such locos at Apedale. Frequent trains will operate using Motor Rail diesel and petrol locos. The event will run from 1130 until 4pm on both days. If you own a Motor Rail and fancy bringing it to join the fun, get in touch!

Update 28/1/26: Fares for this event will be – Admission and one ride – Adults £8, children £1. Day Rovers – Adults £25, children £12.
We are pleased to announce that, as part of this event, we are hosting our first diesel-centred photo charter event themed around the Leighton Buzzard sand railway, staring some of our home fleet, and potentially some visiting locos depending on availability.

An early start of 07.30 and running until 10.30, just in time for the gala to kick off in style at 11.00. Priced at £40 this includes access to the photo charter, a return train ride and site access during the Saturday of the event. Please use the website “contact us” button to book onto the charter event.

Update 25/2/26:- We are pleased to announce our first two visiting locomotives for the Motor Rail Mania gala, which will be on June 27 & 28 this year.

Update 8/4/26:- We are delighted to announce two more visiting locomotives for our Motor Rail Mania event on June 27 and June 28. Coming with thanks to our colleagues at the Golden Valley Light Railway (www.gvlr.org.uk) are Motor Rails 8739 of 1942 and 60S364 of 1968. 8739, known as “Pioneer” after the company it worked for, has an unusual outline, having been rebuilt with a Deutz air-cooled engine. It has operated very few passenger trains in its life, mainly during a spell at an extremely short-lived 2’0″ gauge railway at the Pingles leisure centre in Nuneaton – this closed in 1997. Known as “Campbells”, MR 60S364this loco worked at a brickworks which backed onto the Barrow Hill roundhouse (now a museum) before moving to the GVLR.
We are grateful to both the GVLR for allowing loan of two of their locos, and to a sponsor for supporting the movement costs.