Bure Valley Railway is located at Aylsham in Norfolk and has become the very first heritage railway in the UK to invest in a Clayton Equipment CB12 zero-emission locomotive for passenger services.
The eco-friendly CB12 Co-Co locomotive is currently in the final stages of detailed design with Clayton Equipment in order for its manufacture to get underway later this year.
The new locomotive will fit well into the railway's current fleet and will go some way to address the difficulties presented by its diesel locomotives whilst reducing operating and maintenance costs.
The CB12 brings also brings an array of improvements, including haulage capacity and will deal with the railway's longest trains over steep gradients with ease.
The delightful heritage railway is very popular, with tourists attracting over 120,000 visitors each year.
The delightful line also marks the longest narrow-gauge steam and diesel railway in Norfolk.
Clive Hannaford, Clayton Equipment Managing Director said:“We are delighted to provide the CB12 locomotive, which will offer long-term cost-effective benefits and meet Bure Valley Railway operational requirements. In line with their sustainability programme and commitment to cleaner, greener railway transport for all, this will improve air quality with sustainable, zero-emission, environmentally compliant equipment.”
This is a great operation that I always feel deserves better support than it sometimes gets. I’m always pleased to hear that Andrew and the team are looking to the future with their operating plans, and this loco should be a welcome addition to the fleet.