Cadeby Light Railway Bagnall 0-4-0ST "Pixie"

Taken just one month before they closed in April 2005, we see the 2ft Gauge Cadeby Light Railway. The railway was built in the 1960s by the late Reverend Teddy Boston, who specifically built the 200 yard long railway (in the grounds of his Rectory House, right next door to his church) to run his Bagnall 0-4-0 Saddle Tank "Pixie" over.

The Reverend, who was a railway fanantic, also collected many other diesel & internal combustion engines, as well as a steam roller & traction engine. In the front garden, there was another hidden gem, a 5" gauge miniature railway which circled a small selection of trees.

Even after Teddy Boston's death, his widow Audrey Boston kept the line running once a month. During these open days, the traction engine and the Bagnall ("Pixie") were steamed. The public were invited to enjoy rides in open wagons behind "Pixie", free of charge. There was also a large covered 00 gauge model railway, operated with the same methods as a full size concern.

The traction engine would make trips up and down the driveway for the public onlookers whilst "Pixie" trundled backwards and forwards on her short length of line. Today, nothing remains, following the line's closure in May 2005 when Bagnall 0-4-0 "Isabel", from the Amerton Railway, was the guest locomotive.

Also on open days, the public could take a look around "The Boston Collection", a small museum devoted to the smaller items of memoribilia that Teddy owned. Tea/coffee and cakes were also on sale for a small charge in the museum.

Sadly, when Audrey Boston moved home, no buyer could be found who wished the railway to continue...therefore, it was dismantled and sold off. "Pixie" left what had been her home for the past 40 years or more and so did the Traction Engine and the other locomotives...

The track was then lifted with the final train being a single wagon, hauled by one of the diesels. It was a sad end because not many little gems like Cadeby survive these days. It was a testiment to both Teddy, and Audrey, that the Cadeby Light Railway survived for so long, for so many, to enjoy.

It will be sadly missed.

In this clip, "Pixie" leaves the yard, where the tiny station was located, for a run down the 200 yard long railway.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Cadeby
• Light
• Railway
• 2005
• April
• Wagons
• Open
• Closed
• Bagnall
• 0-4-0
• Pixie
• Saddle
• Tank
• Rectory