Delivered on time for their hugely popular bonfire spectacular weekend that fell over half term in 2023, the new locomotive and set of 5 carriages plus buggy wagon, were immediately pressed into service carrying thousands of passengers from the carpark to the 'secret centre of fun and adventure' that the park is renowned for.

The train joins a fleet of locomotives and trainsets that run at Lappa Valley on various gauges. The new train is 15" gauge with a low emission diesel bogie locomotive and a JCB transmission delivering drive to all wheels to offer reliable traction in all weathers whilst easily coping with the 1:100 gradients over the one-mile route of the train.

The locomotive cab is designed for maximum operator comfort with ergonomic seating, full cab heating, sun visor and even a built-in cup holder! Led headlights and taillights allow for night-time operation and the LED illuminated carriages add a further dramatic night-time display. Each of the five carriages seats 24 passengers and run on the well-proven and unique Alan Keef Ltd bogies that are renowned for offering the ultimate ride comfort. Passengers can leave pushchairs in the dedicated buggy wagon that makes up the transet.

The project was delivered in just under a year and included full design specification by our team of design engineers working closely with the team from Lappa Valley. Whilst the carriages are finished in a traditional chocolate and cream livery, the loco's 1950s styling is reflected in its distinctive green and orange colour scheme.

The Corris Railway sumarised this project by saying: "Keef's have been very supportive throughout and their work exemplary." And we're so pleased that this project fulfilled all their expectations!

From concept and detailed design to final build, this long-term project saw close collaboration between the railway and Alan Keef Ltd, resulting in a fine replica of an original Corris Railway locomotive, but updated to meet the operating standards of a modern railway.

Initially debuted at our 50th Anniversary Open Day in 2022, the locomotive was then carefully dismantled before being painted and reassembled. Commissioning in September 2023 saw the locomotive enter service almost immediately to the delight of the railway's dedicated followers and fundraisers.

With many thanks to Luke Ryan for his images shown here.

Otis was one of our first -'steam outline' locomotives and had completed almost 40 years' service at Cotswold Wildlife Park before being returned to us for a major overhaul.

Its full repower and mechanical overhaul included a new Perkins engine and hydraulic pump and a full repaint before it was returned to service in mid 2023. It was immediately put back into service for the busy school summer holidays.

The new wagon will help the railway's staff to maintain the permanent way as well as undertake other servicing work. With its low floor height, it has been designed to carry plant equipment with ease. Developed and built by Alan Keef Ltd, the wagon has a fully galvanised chassis and treated softwood deck and side boards to cope with the demands of its exposed seaside location and entered service in mid 2023.

With thanks to P. Stevens for the images of the new well-wagon in use at the railway.

Having worked with Peter Best when he acted as Project Lead for the 762 Club's build of Lyn for the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway, we were asked to undertake the partial dismantling and component restoration of 'Harry'.

Delivered to his home, the locomotive has proved to be of great interest in the village where Peter lives and whilst the future for the locomotive is yet to be finalised, work has been completed on several main components and the locomotive painted ready for whatever the next stage of its life might be.

Alongside the two carriages, we were asked to overhaul this Darjeeling and Himalayan Railway B Class replica locomotive for this 10¼" gauge railway set in the grounds of the owner's home. Each carriage was designed to comfortably seat 12 passengers as they enjoy the railway that was carefully designed and built by the owner over the last few years.

A brand new locomotive for Longleat

This latest locomotive was delivered along with a new style carriage ready for trials through the summer. Sporting Longleat's traditional deep red livery, the new locomotive has a highly efficient, low-emission, diesel powered engine. The carriage is a prototype featuring improved passenger space and comfort, wheelchair access and colour changing LED lighting.

The 15" gauge track navigates the park, running alongside the Capability Brown designed lake and adjacent woodland, and we continue to work through a scheduled, comprehensive track relaying programme.

‍

Driven by the latest battery technology

The new Lithium-ion battery-electric locomotive is shown here operating at the 15" gauge Sonoma Traintown Railroad in California following commissioning in August 2021. The locomotive is highly efficient and capable of carrying around 1400 passengers a day with no need to recharge the battery in-between trips.

The sliding, roll-back cab feature allows the driver to access the driving position with ease. Charging the locomotive is as simple as plugging it into the wall - for this railway this is done just once, at the end of the day and left charging overnight, which ensures a complete charge ready for another day. Careful surveying of the site and the resulting calculations, ensure the battery is calibrated to be as efficient as it can be, saving both time and money.

‍

Performance & Comfort

The railway runs for approximately 1km through the park, departing and arriving back at a platform with its popular ‘station’ cafe. The design of the original open carriages meant that the railway had appealed mostly to families with young children. Alan Keef Ltd specified, designed and built a new battery powered ‘steam outline’ locomotive and four carriages including an easily accessed disabled carriage. The new train will now allow elderly and less mobile park visitors to travel in comfort and ease whilst the covered carriages mean the railway can be enjoyed whatever the weather!

Battery performance

Our battery locomotives are programmed during commissioning to optimise battery performance and minimise charging intervals. The Delamont Country Park locomotive took 65 trips (around 60km) over its first weekend of operation with no requirement to charge the battery.

Passenger comfort

‍Our carriages offer deep seats and double-slat open backs which offer passengers a more comfortable ride than solid seats and backs. This is of particular importance for elderly and less mobile passengers. All of our timber seats are made from sustainable hardwood too! The disabled carriage (shown on the left) offers a wide and easy-to-use drop-down ramp for wheelchair access. 

It’s what’s under our carriages that really sets them apart though. 50 years’ experience of our tried, tested and trusted design ensures each carriage offers the smoothest possible ride for all passengers, young and old alike.

‍Ease of operation

‍We keep the controls simple and intuitive to ensure operators can be trained easily, even with no prior railway experience. Once the railway closes, the battery locomotive is simply plugged in to start overnight charging - just as you would an electric car. Owner of the Delamont Miniature Railway, James Barclay, commented on how easy and efficient the locomotive was to operate and also how much cleaner it was compared to his steam and diesel powered locomotives.

‍

Designed for its setting

Against the classic Scottish backdrop of Ayton Castle, an 0-6-0 diesel hydraulic locomotive, ‘Lloyd’ (AK109/20), and two bogie carriages will carry guests through the grounds of the estate to the Castle. Supplied as a turn-key project, this new 800m, 10¼” gauge railway was installed in a particularly sensitive landscape.

The railway’s track was thoroughly planned with extensive liaison with the project’s landscape architects and arboriculturalists. The track was carefully and painstakingly laid through the woodland area to minimise impact on the trees’ root systems. By slighly elevating the track bed and carefully packing the sleepers, the finished result is a railway that treads only lightly in its environment.

A livery to suit the Castle’s style

Ayton Castle has been newly renovated throughout with careful reference to its listed status. A classic deep blue and red livery was chosen by the client to suit the rest of the Castle’s stunning styling. 

Comfort & ease of operation day in, day out

Easy-ride bogies ensure the locomotive and carriages offer a smooth and very comfortable ride for operators and passengers. The locomotive itself is fitted with a reliable, low emission, compact Perkins EU Stage V, US Tier 4 diesel engine, coupled to a hydrastatic drive. Together delivering single-lever, highly responsive dynamic control. Overall, the locomotive’s controls have been kept simple and intuitive to use. The engine is designed to require only minimal day-to-day maintenance and checks with just an annual service required to keep it running reliably year after year.

The locomotive and carriages with passengers illustrates the relatively spacious nature of the carriages for children and adults alike. Set low over the easy-ride bogies that are a hallmark of our design, the carriages are highly stable in use, and offer a smooth and very comfortable ride

‍

Carrying works number AK98R/17, the Tramcar incorporates components from the original vehicle (Bg/DC1647 of 1927), but is largely an all-new, traditionally constructed vehicle, faithfully replicating its 1927 condition and having been technically adapted for operation on a conventional railway. (First image courtesy of J.C.H. Faulkner.)

Award nomination

This vehicle has now formally entered service and has also been nominated for an award by the Heritage Railway Association.

Our images show the proud team that worked on the project just before the Tramcar left our Mitcheldean workshop.

‍

The Covid pandemic caused a delay of almost a year in the delivery and commissioning of two new K40, 3½ tonne locomotives (AK107/20 and AK108/20) supplied to an industrial site near Rawalpindi in Pakistan. The locomotives are identical and incorporate the well-proven Perkins engine and JCB transmission driveline.

Robust testing

The pictures here show the locomotives on site in Pakistan but also during their rigorous testing procedure prior to despatch, which was overseen by a technical liaison officer from the Pakistan High Commission in London.

‍

Originally manufactured in Chelmsford for use on Southend Pier, this Tramcar had been in storage for many years before we were commissioned to undertake a full cosmetic restoration and then oversee its installation as the focal point outside the City's museum.

Our images show the finishing touches being put to the tramcar before being transported from our Mitcheldean workshop to Chelmsford.

Two sets of seven carriages were supplied to carry their rapidly increasing passenger numbers. The bogie design of our carriages, together with relaying the track to smooth curves and gradients, has resulted in a far more comfortable ride for passengers travelling around this unique park set in the Audley End Estate where the young visitors are encouraged to seek out their teddy bear friends.

The carriages feature LED strip lighting to ensure the carriages can be used safely during the winter season - essential for their popular Halloween and Christmas events which have attracted over 50,000 visitors. When needed, less able passengers in wheelchairs can be comfortably and easily accommodated too.

Everything at Audley End is done with a great eye to detail and so when even our track team were immortalised as teddy bears, we were delighted! Work on the track continues with the latest phase completed in early 2022.

A new locomotive & carriages in the sunshine

Sugar cane has long been harvested across the Caribbean and the plantation at Beauport on the island of Guadeloupe is one of a handful that have turned to offering tourists a chance to explore these old plantations. 

Alan Keef Ltd was awarded a tender in 2019 to design and build a completely new diesel locomotive together with three carriages ready for the 2020 tourist season. Delivery and commissioning of this project during a global pandemic proved a unique challenge that no-one could have predicted!

Traditional styling

The project to bring a new train set to the Beauport site was a major investment for the Caribbean island as the plantation is a major tourist attraction to the mainly French visitors. The locomotive and carriages are very much at home in the Caribbean with traditional colours that look stunning in the bright clear sunshine. 

Robust design

Although Guadeloupe is a French territory with a very familiar European feel, its location means that it has to be almost entirely self-sufficient when it comes to maintenance of its infrastructure. The locomotive is built to be robust to ensure maintenance is manageable given the limited engineering resources on the island. The commissioning trip in 2020 by a small team of our engineers, included training the railway’s staff in the routine maintenance regime of the locomotive.

Fit for any weather

The carriage roofs were designed with a considerable overhang to provide shade and keep passengers cool, however when it rains in Guadeloupe... it pours. Each carriage is fitted with transparent weather blinds that can be quickly and easily released to keep passengers dry before being stowed away again.

‍

‍

‍

Originally built by the Avonside Engine Company in Bristol, Nancy arrived with us in need of a complete 'ground-up' restoration and was returned to Ireland in 2019. As well as full mechanical overhaul, along with the fitting of a new boiler, side-tanks, cab and bunker.

The world's first public electric railway was built in Brighton in 1883 offering a service along the seafront. Now council owned, the railway needed significant investment to secure its future. With Heritage Lottery Funding, three of the original Tramcars were completely rebuilt, retaining as many original components as possible. This highly successful project was completed in 2017 when the Tramcars were returned and entered service on this iconic railway.

Built for the North Wales Narrow Gauge Railways, but most famously associated with the original Welsh Highland Railway, Russell is now based at the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway in Porthmadog.

‍

HRA award-winning

Working closely with Lyn's specialist designers and the 762 Club Ltd, this Heritage Railway Association award-winning locomotive entered service at Woody Bay in 2017.

‍

Maintained by the National Trust as part of the iconic St Michael's Mount, there is little detailed historic information about this unusual tramway that climbs out of sight from the bottom of the Mount to the main house.

Designed to haul loads of upto 1-ton up the steep sides of the mount, the tramway's gentle initial gradient quickly changes to a far more challenging 1:1.5. We were called in to undertake a detailed inspection of the condition of the track and 'Dreckly Express' wagon, prior to essential maintenance work required to ensure its continued safe operation.

Providing a reliable and low environmental impact mode of transport for the Mount, loads are sent up and down several times every day. Work on the tramway is carefully planned to ensure that this service has minimal impact on these day-to-day operations. Following the survey, a general track overhaul has been planned along with maintenance work to the 'Dreckly Express'.

It is thought that this was the first survey of the tramway and, for Patrick personally, was a fascinating insight into the original construction and the old redundant machinery that is still in situ, as well as a chance to collate much unknown technical data on the tramway overall. And whilst we didn't see much of it whilst underground - the sun shone all day!

Rescued from two separate locations around the world, these two small, metre gauge steam locomotives have now been restored back to full working order. The restoration was undertaken with a very specific eye to conservation of original material wherever practical. Now housed in a private museum, the engines form part of a much larger collection of Continental metre gauge equipment. The OEG wagons form part of the same collection.

The Leighton Buzzard Light Railway spans two worlds - it is both a popular tourist attraction and, at the same time, is a railway steeped in the history of its quarrying past. The rapid growth of the town though has meant that the course of the railway needed to be changed and the project to lay a substantial section of new track, including taking it through a new main road tunnel, as well as connecting up both ends of the railway once the new section was laid, fell to Alan Keef Ltd.

A long history with the railway

We have a long personal and professional relationship with this railway as Patrick is a regular volunteer driver of the steam trains, as well as the business having been involved with the restoration and/or repair of several of the railway's locomotives over the last 30 years. This relationship meant we had a unique insight into the practical considerations of the project, such as the impact on the railway of a prolonged closure, as well as an understanding of how best to bridge the divide between the sometimes conflicting needs of the railway and the main contractors for the adjacent housing development. We started work on the project initially as consultants and liaison between the contractors and railway to ensure the correct specification for the works and subsequently were awarded the contract to supply the required materials an undertake their installation. That this project continued throughout the Covid pandemic, with all the challenges that brought, is testament to the commitment and total 'can do' attitude of everyone involved.

Our pictures here show how the work progressed in late 2021 and into January 2022.

The extreme conditions at the cliff side railway of the New Jersey Waterworks called for galvanised track to be specified, manufactured and installed by our experienced track installation team.

The complete track system was laid out, curved and final adjustments made, and then taken apart and galvanised, before being shipped and re-assembled on site in Jersey.

The railway is used to move essential equipment up and down the cliff and provides a safe and easily operated system for the maintenance teams working on the desalination plant pumps at the foot of the incline.

A huge amount of building materials was transported into the church throughout this project, much of the heavier materials lifted onto the railway wagons first before being manually pushed into position.

This project was part of the relocation of Aylesbury Canal Basin and incorporated supply and installation of galvanised track and the provision of a bespoke trolley.

We worked closely with our winch contractors to be able to offer our customer a complete solution for their requirements.

Upwards of 18 ex-OEG Tramway wagons have now been fully restored, many from derelict condition, to the highest possible conservation standard whilst still meeting current German operational standards.

Exacting standards

Work on these four-wheel and bogie wagons is on-going and is undertaken by a dedicated team of craftsmen at our second manufacturing site, which allows the team to concentrate on the attention to detail required by this exacting collector.

Our brief when we were called into investigate and work on the MailRail track, was to make the interface between the wheels and the track work correctly, and so reduce wear and tear on the rails, as well as reduce 'wheel squeal'.

It was determined that all of the work required could be carried out in-situ very effectively and, with the railway the key element of the Postal Museum, an overnight working schedule was put in place which meant that the railway could continue to operate without interruption.

Annual inspections and a schedule of the minor track maintenance work continues, again all carried out after the railway has closed for the day, so there is never a need for our work to close the railway to the thousands of visitors it attracts each year.

The quay grew to support the local mines and was at its peak in the Victorian era. Now run as a tourist attraction and museum it is the terminus of the Tavistock Canal, and has its own copper mine.

Push/pull locomotive operation

Visitors are invited to board the train and travel into the old mine workings to experience what working inside might once have been like. In 2022 the mine reopens to visitors with a new locomotive supplied by Alan Keef Ltd. The new loco will work in tandem with an older locomotive that we have totally refurbished, to offer a push/pull operation. Both locomotives are battery-electric and feature current AC drive technology for the most efficient operation.

Over a long working relationship with the family that run Morwellham Quay (and also the Bicton Woodland Railway), we help with ongoing advice and support for the rest of their railway infrastructure too.

The images here show the two locomotives operating on our test track during their final programming and testing in late 2021 and after final commissioning at Morwellhamam Quay in 2022.

This project began with the removal of their existing 7¼" gauge railway, whch was worn out and no longer capable of carrying their increasing passenger numbers. We replaced it with a new 12¼" gauge railway, initially with a steam outline diesel locomotive and three 12-seat carriages, before a further disabled access carriage was added to the train in 2020.

The ultimate family-friendly railway

Wellington Park is classic railway of its kind, ideal as a stand-alone attraction aimed at families with younger children.

We were called in to review the operations of this railway and to work with the team of volunteers to ensure it continued to offer a safe visitor attraction. As well as undertaking essential track repair and maintenance, we took their locomotive 'Alister' to be overhauled before returning the loco and giving their team training in its operation.

Our pictures also show the steam locomotive that resides at this museum - well worth a visit for those interested in industrial archaeology!

The hotel was being created in the footprint of an original Burma Railways head office building in Yangon and the hotel owners wanted to remain faithful to the building's heritage by displaying a locomotive outside, along with a traditional carriage. Further railwayana was identified to help create an exhibition of the hotel's heritage.

Extensive travel throughout the railway network took place before the right engine was located. Once the locomotive had been secured by the hotel, a detailed restoration project started and, as the engine was not allowed to leave the country, a workshop was set up in Yangon and a team recruited to undertake the restoration work.

Sadly the project came to a premature end, not only with the start of the Covid pandemic but also due to the escalating political situation in Myanmar. The hotel project has been completely mothballed and everyone concerned watched the unfolding situation with great sadness and concern for the many friends made during the course of the project.

We worked with Seaton Tramway to design and install new tracks into the newly built Town Terminus. This major project involved extensive liaison with the project's architects and main contractors.

The new track was re-aligned to enter the building, transitioning from a ballast base through complex, sprung turnouts into a flush concrete surface. The building was designed to not only house the trams as passengers alighted, but also to act as a function room when required.

A later project involved a new level crossing over a major road. Our track team worked to a tightly controlled timescale as the necessary road closure meant a significant diversion for local traffic.

Sporting a bright livery, the carriages for Ree Park Safari railway were completely enclosed due to the route taken through the park that takes passengers right up to the wild animals including bears and wolves.

Ree Park Safari also asked Alan Keef Ltd to resolve track issues which subsequently resulted in an extensive track relaying programme to smooth gradients that had proved highly problematic in operation.

Our friends at the Exmoor Steam Railway supplied a steam locomotive to work with our carriages at the railway with all on-site commissioning undertaken by Alan Keef Ltd.

As well as designing and building two sets of carriages, Alan Keef Ltd was also closely involved in the extensive consultation over the fundamentals for the railway design including alignment of the railway through the park as well as wheel, rail and brake system standards.

Bespoke design

The two sets of carriages were designed to be visually distinctively different to each other. The 'blue' set is based on a traditional French Decauville design whilst the 'brown' set is a more traditional continental light railway style with wooden panelling and clerestory roof. Each finished to a very high standard incorporating bespoke door slam locks and catches, internal lighting and PA equipment.

Each set of carriages can carry up to 200 passengers and this railway achieves passenger numbers of some 300,000 every year.

‍

In recent years we have undertaken extensive track relay and upgrade work and supplied a new 0-6-0 steam outline locomotive 'Winston' together with a matching set of four carriages.

An essential transport system

The railway provides a vital transport link for the many thousands of visitors that arrive at this UNESCO World Heritage site each year. It connects the Palace and the Pleasure Gardens, a distance of just under 1km.

‍

Alan Keef Ltd was approached to design and build (including all on site construction) a turn-key project to provide a visitor transport system from the main lime kiln building into the underground caverns.

Specialist knowledge

This 600mm gauge railway is notable for the steep gradient down into the mine - between 1:25 and 1:18 - and the sharp curves once inside the mine. These parameters necessitated a specialist trainset comprising two locomotives and four bespoke carriages operating as a single push/pull unit.

Battery-electric was chosen as the motive power to eliminate emissions underground, however they are styled with the appearance of the original petrol locomotives historically used at this site.

Despite the huge popularity of the railway, it was decided in 2022 to cease the operation. We continue to be delighted to have been associated with such an amazing project that helped make the mine accessible for so many thousands of visitors.

‍

This 18" gauge railway has been looked after by Alan Keef Ltd for over 20 years. Two new locomotive and carriages have been supplied in this time and the track comprehensively relaid and upgraded.

We continue to work closely with Bicton Park with regular track inspections and maintenance support.

Proving the breadth of our expertise, both the battery powered locomotive and carriages combined rugged practicality with ease of operation and passenger security and comfort.

The extensive trackwork element of this project required our specialist skills to ensure correct alignment within the tight confines of the Victorian mine workings.

A new life for the trainset

Following redevelopment of the slate mines, this railway is now closed, however the trainset is now located at Morwhellam Quay in Devon and we have recently built a brand new, matching locomotive to work in conjunction with the original Welsh locomotive.

‍

Alan Keef Ltd were called in to create this complete, turn-key railway attraction. The project comprised a 2ft gauge battery-electric push/pull trainset and associated trackwork that takes passengers into a replica fire clay mine.

‍

After emerging from its engine shed and station area in the lower garden into a wooded area, the railway traverses through the beautiful landscape before entering a paddock set with sculptures that can then be viewed from all angles as the train continues its journey. A further holt is set alongside the estate's helipad and driveway which allows passengers to alight before continuing their onward journey!

Locomotive & wagons

The engine and rolling stock were acquired from an earlier private garden railway and were extensively overhauled before being put into service.

Further work to the estate and garden here necessitated part of the railway being taken up to protect it, before being carefully relaid.

As well as helping to maintain the locomotives and carriages, our work with this railway has, in recent years, included a complete track relay to replace all the sleepers and ease curves and turnouts that were causing issues.

Originally conceived as a private estate railway, the park is now open for the public to visit and enjoy all year round.

We acted as consultants for the original design and installation of this 15" gauge railway and supplied the locomotives and rolling stock which were styled with a nod to the original County Donegal Railways.

We continue to work with the estate to maintain and inspect the railway as part of its ongoing development as a public attraction.

Alan Keef Ltd installed the track and supplied suitable wagons, making further adjustments and additions once the original concept had been proven.

Alan Keef Ltd built two diesel locomotives and a selection of passenger and goods rolling stock for this 1.5 mile railway.

The Groudle Glen Railway was restored at this time and we worked with the them to provide track materials, wheel sets and the creation of a replica of the original 'Polar Bear' battery-electric locomotive that had operated on the railway in the early 1930s.

Steamplex story

The vertical boiler shown with 'Polar Bear' is our own house locomotive 'Taffy' when it took its holiday on the Isle of Man. The other vertical boiler locomotive is the unique 'Steamplex'. Conceived in a pub, we were approached to bring the design to life and, working from a Simplex chassis and a collection of appropriate components, we created something never seen before! The locomotive ran successfully at Groudle Glen for several years. A fun project all round!

Sporting a bright blue and red livery, this 10¼" gauge railway operates with five larger capacity, sixteen-seat carriages including one with additional wheelchair access, which means around 70 passengers can be carried at a time.  

One of the carriages was specially designed to carry a large motorised wheelchair with ease.

Built as a turnkey project in 2000, this 12¼" gauge railway incorporates a combined 'tunnel' and stock storage shed and was designed to run for two circuits of the park on each trip.

‍

This railway clearly displays the skill of our track laying team, demonstrated by the careful flowing alignment and transition curves that can only be achieved through highly skilled and experienced on-site rail bending.

Both of the railway's locomotives and the four carriages, as well as the track, have all been designed and installed by us. The first locomotive was supplied to the railway in 1985 and is still doing service. It has only recently come back to us to be upgraded and modernised with a new engine and transmission.

In late 2021, 'Eric' was joined by a further two of our locomotives and a set of four carriages from the recently closed Well Harbour Railway.

We worked with Neath Port Talbot Borough Council to provide a complete 2ft gauge railway running from the Orangery to the Castle. The project included the provision of a steam outline locomotive and three carriages and all of the track system infrastructure.

Located close to our own workshops, Perrygrove has often acted as a host to new equipment on trial prior to despatch to our customers. The Perrygrove Railway winds its way from the station uphill, through the woods to Oak Iron Terminus where passengers can alight and enjoy a picnic and the children's play area.

Most recently in early 2022, we have worked with the team at Perrygrove to realign and relay two significant complex curved sections of track. Each rail section was individually curved on site to ensure the most accurate and smooth alignment possible.

Over this time, Alan Keef Ltd provided three new locomotives and a complete set of four new carriages. We enjoyed a working relationship with them right up until the owners' retirement.

This 10¼" gauge railway provided a true transport service between the town and the beach and was enjoyed by thousands of holiday makers each year.

We have enjoyed a long working relationship with this iconic park railway which has a long history of operating steam outline locomotives. Their latest locomotive 'Merlin', built by Alan Keef Ltd, follows in this tradition.

In recent years we have also supplied four new bogie carriages and undertaken significant realignment and upgrading of the track.

The steam outline diesel locomotive, 'Lady Alexandra', operates with four bogie carriages offering passengers the option to travel in a fully open, partly closed or full enclosed carriage.

Inspection & Maintenance

The track, configured with two balloon loops, is approximately 1km long and runs through the animal enclosures. We undertake regular annual inspection and maintenance of this railway to ensure it continues to operate safely throughout the year. The images here show some of the latest work on the track at the Woburn Railway.

This locomotive remained operational on the West Clare railway right up to its closure in 1961. It was subsequently placed on a plinth in Ennis where it inevitably deteriorated.

From its plinth back to the rails

As part of the plan to restore the original railway, the locomotive was sent to us for full restoration which included the fitting of a new boiler and major mechanical repairs.

Originally built for Trentham Gardens and subsequently used at Alton Towers, this locomotive now operates in Scotland and has been subject to a complete mechanical and cosmetic restoration.

These locomotives are possibly the most recognisable that were used by the Allies on the Western Front during WW1. Subsequently exported to an Indian sugar mill, this Baldwin was returned to the UK in a totally worn out condition. A full 'ground-up' restoration was undertaken for the Greensand Railway Museum Trust to return the locomotive to steam for operation on the LBLR.

The earliest railways in the UK are faithfully reproduced at the Pockerley Wagonway at the museum. Alan Keef Ltd are immensely proud to have played a substantial part in the manufacure of the two replica locomotives that date from the dawn of railways.

Creating the impossible

No drawings existed of their deign, in fact, the only reference point for the Steam Elephant was a contemporary painting. Extensive research, working from primary sources, and with specialist designers, both engines faithfully reproduce the appearance of the originals whilst being fully operationally compliant in the 21st century. That this project was conceived, let alone brought to life, is a testament to the dedication and skill of everyone involved and to this day stands out as a particular high point of railway restoration work and in our own company's history.

Originally brought to us for restoration, we subsequently bought the locomotive and its been working hard for us on site, especially at the major track laying project for Leighton Buzzard Light Railway, where there was a need to move materials along the completed track. Sue is a 40SD Simplex locomotive.

Alan Keef Ltd completely rebuilt a Simplex T-Series locomotive to make it more appropriate for operation at Fintown. A new bogie carriage was also supplied as part of the completed train.

Taking over an existing project, Alan Keef Ltd created this practical, hard working locomotive which now undertakes the lion's share of the day-to-day operation on this attractive railway.

An Irish Government, millennium project, we undertook all of the historic research required to produce both a practically operational, as well as visually faithful replica of this unique railway system.

The scope of our work included the locomotives, two carriages and the highly complicated track infrastructure! 

Styled as a Leak and Manifold railway locomotive, the overhaul included fitting of new, high performance piston valve cylinders and a redesigned front-end draughting with LemPor blast nozzles.

Working well

This locomotive now handles ten-carriage trains on the Bure Valley Railway in Norfolk.

Originally built by others, both locomotives had proved problematic in service and a solution was sought from Alan Keef Ltd to undertake the work necessary to ensure they were operationally compatible with the railway. The work involved reconfiguring the locomotives with a new transmission and driveline, as well as an upgrade of the suspension and other more minor modifications.

Battery-electric and fully flame-proofed, two powered railcars, an unpowered manrider and a wagon, are used on this 5ft gauge railway. The combination of the heat, high humidity, significant length (5km) and the coastal location all contribute to making this a most challenging environment.

We've worked in many underground projects but the damp conditions experienced at this location created a particularly challenging environment for our track installation team, but they smiled throughout and the railway was soon operational and carrying the huge slabs of stone out of the quarry.

Hereford based Painter Bros Ltd, specialist steel fabricators and erectors, have long used a 2ft gauge railway within their works to move steel sections. We have fully reconditioned two Clayton battery-electric locomotives to match their specific operating requirements.

A railway all at sea!

One of our most unique railway installations has been for Global Marine Ltd. A locomotive, specialist wagons and track were provided on board one of their vessels to handle the movement of materials as part of a specialist salvage operation in the Atlantic.

A long working relationship

We have worked with the railway at Peatlands Park since its original installation in 1986 when we supplied new carriages and later a new K40 locomotive in 1993. Most recently we have undertaken extensive track maintenance to ensure the continued safe operation of the railway on the inherently unstable ground conditions found at a peat bog location such as this.

Ensuring the safe operation of funicular railways is of course crucial. We have considerable expertise on working on the requirements of the track and wheels for these unique operations, undertaking inspections and providing condition reports for a number of these railways around the country.

Conceived as an attraction within a park owned and provided for the use and enjoyment of Lithuania State Railway's employees. Alan Keef Ltd were approached to supply a locomotive and two highly decorated carriages for the railway.

A bicycle fit for rails - this was the concept of Puff for our customer's private garden railway. A means of keeping fit and having great fun all from one railway!

We have enjoyed a long working relationship with the railway and have been involved with many aspects of its operation including rebuilding locomotives 'John Rennie' and 'Bayhurst'.

Undertaken in two stages, the carriages incorporate the railways unique centre less bogie design and special couplers.

Most recently, a pair of high-capacity bogies wagons have been designed and built. Capable of carrying four-tonnes of bagged ballast, or equivalent loading, seen here in the form of mini excavator - an impressive achievement for a 12" gauge railway!

With this historic pier structure subject to the strong tidal currents of the Thames estuary, our routine inspection and an on-going maintenance schedule ensured that the Pier Railway track and signalling is safe to operate.

As part of the extensive refurbishment of the Pier Head, a new terminus platform was built with the track being relaid to suit the new layout. Alan Keef Ltd undertook all of these complex works.

The real reason we love Southend Pier

Of course the only reason we really visit is to check in on the cat... a carbon copy of one of our own back in Herefordshire.

‍

Available to suit a variety of gauges and with petrol as well as Diesel engines, our Ballast Tamping Machines have been supplied to a variety of customers including Seaton Tramway, the Leadhills Railway, Leighton Buzzard Light Railway and Great Whipsnade Railway.

To find out how these labour-saving machines could work on your railway, please get in touch.

Whilst not involved in the original build of the railway, we undertook a significant extension including connecting the railway to new stock sheds including the design, supply and installation of complex pointwork.

We repaired the existing petrol locomotive and designed and built a new Heywood style wagon.

We have our own collection of steam, petrol and battery-electric locomotives as well as a range of carriages and wagons. All lovingly restored or built from scratch, some are very much a work in progress and usually only seen at our Open Days.

Woto is clearly the pride and joy - painstakingly restored from a near derelict state and brought back to life by Patrick, Woto has operated extensively on UK and near-continental heritage railways, bringing pleasure to all that have come into contact with her. Taffy is a replica De Winton vertical boiler locomotive built by Alan and, whilst she hasn't been in steam for over ten years, she is now being prepared ready for steaming at the 2022 Open Day. Our 'Woto Weekends' have turned into 'Taffy Weekends' - thank you to everyone that comes along!

Scottish & Welsh rescues

The Dalmunzie collection was acquired by Patrick in 2017 (shown here being removed from the Dalmunzie estate) and the two unique, Motor-Rail carriages became a lockdown restoration project for Alan, with the expectation that they will be used for passengers at the 2022 Open Day. The Dalmunzie Motor Rail petrol locomotive is an altogether bigger project and will be tackled as and when time allows.

In our own garden, a range of vintage wagons and skips do service for gardening duties and wood hauling, with the railway extended into the woodstores, whilst a venerable battery locomotive from the slate mines in Wales stands ready for restoration too.

These bogies feature a traditionally riveted frame construction, as per the originals, but incorporate modern, roller-bearing axle boxes to offer low maintenance.

Suitable for carrying both passengers and materials, we undertake the design and construction of funicular railways, working hand-in-hand with other specialists in the equipment required, particularly for the winch gear, to ensure they operate safely. Whilst overcoming problems for many sites, funicular railways require considerable investment, particularly when carrying passengers, both at the design stage in establishing underlying ground conditions, and during the construction phase for both the track and rolling stock.

Inspection as well as build

Over the years we've been involved in the building of these type of railways and our specialist knowledge has been called on for inspections too.

Shown here a just a few of those we've either designed and built or have recently inspected.