'Important moment for collection': Historic World War One locomotive arrives at Lincolnshire Coast Light Railway
A historic World War One locomotive which once formed part of a major Imperial War Museum display has found a new home on the Lincolnshire coast.
The rare narrow-gauge engine has been relocated from the Imperial War Museum at Duxford to the Lincolnshire Coast Light Railway at Skegness Water Leisure Park.
This locomotive has been acquired by the railway’s Historic Vehicles Trust and will join the extensive collection of World War One railway equipment already based at the attraction.
Previously displayed as part of the museum’s Land Warfare exhibition, the locomotive helped demonstrate the important role narrow-gauge railways played during the First World War, transporting troops, ammunition and supplies to the trenches.
The railway display at Duxford has since closed, leading to the locomotive’s move to Skegness.
Built in 1918 by Motor Rail Ltd of Bedford, the petrol-powered “Simplex” locomotive is believed to carry works number 3849 and is described by the Imperial War Museum as a British WW1 narrow-gauge locomotive powered by a 20hp Dorman petrol engine.
It is the first petrol-powered locomotive to join the railway’s collection.
The engine also has links to the former Museum of Army Transport in Beverley, where it was once displayed alongside other exhibits now housed at the Lincolnshire Coast Light Railway following its relocation from Humberston near Cleethorpes to Skegness.
Richard Shepherd, chairman of the railway’s Historic Vehicles Trust, described the arrival as an important moment for the collection.
He said: “This is a most significant addition to our collection which helps us show how narrow gauge railways made possible the Allied victory in World War One.
“Later, some were sold to the Nocton Estates Railway moving potatoes, sugar beet and fertiliser across the Fens at a time when roads and lorries were too primitive to do so.”
He added that volunteers will now assess the locomotive’s condition and replace missing parts before any attempts are made to return it to operation.
The railway reopens for the 2026 season on Saturday, May 23, with fares remaining unchanged at £2 return for adults and £5 for families of two adults and up to three children. Under-fours and dogs travel free.
Mr Shepherd said: “Most of our passengers are families on holiday and we all know how much financial pressure there is on people at the moment.
“By not increasing fares we can make the railway accessible to as many people as possible.”
The railway is also preparing for a busy programme of special events throughout the season.
The “Narrow Gauge at Work” weekend takes place on June 19 and 20, featuring demonstration goods trains and railway displays showing how narrow-gauge lines once transported agricultural produce and timber.
Visitors can also enjoy a Wild West-themed day on July 25 when The Turkey Creek Renegades bring cowboy action and train hold-ups to the railway.
Meanwhile, the popular World War One Weekend returns on September 12 and 13, featuring original wartime railway equipment alongside displays from the Hull Rifles WW1 Re-enactment Group.