■ WEST Lancashire Light Railway is taking delivery of surplus BS 35M rails removed from Southport Pier. The pier was rebuilt in 2002 with a new 3ft 6in gauge railway and battery-powered tram, but services were suspended in 2013 following the discovery of issues with supporting pier columns, operations ceasing in 2015. New decking is now being installed on the pier, hence the availability of the rails.
■ THE major rebuilding of Leighton Buzzard Railwaybased (privately owned) De Winton 0-4-0VBT Chaloner, withdrawn in 2020, is rated as 80% complete but stalled following the discovery of flaws in the wheelsets. Several months have passed while the wheelsets await attention at a professional workshop. When Chaloner returns to service, it will carry a new green livery, replacing the previous black.