LAPPA Valley Railway has commissioned Alan Keef Ltd to build a new train for the 15in gauge line at its site in St Newlyn East, Cornwall. Representing an investment of over £500,000, the train will comprise a bogie diesel locomotive, five passenger carriages and a buggy wagon. Delivery will be in stages with the first carriage already nearing completion and work on the loco frames, cab and body in progress.The complete set is expected to be at Lappa Valley in October this year, in time to enter service for the line’s 50th anniversary in 2024.
The loco will be the first new locomotive for LappaValley’s 15in gauge line since delivery of Severn Lamb-built 0-6-4T Zebedee in 1974.The carriages will provide 100 seats, raising the passenger capacity of the main train service by nearly 60%, and feature low floor access to significantly increase provision for wheelchair users.