HS2 funds conversion of Ruislip Lido Railway’s locomotive away from diesel fuel

The Ruislip Lido Railway has secured a grant from HS2 to convert its diesel locomotive to battery power, removing its reliance on diesel.

Locomotive No.7 ‘Graham Alexander’- credit Ruislip Lido Railway Society

Forming part of a fleet of six locomotives that operate on the site, the locomotive, Graham Alexander – currently a 4.5 Litre Perkins Engine weighing three tonnes in total – will be converted as part of a wider drive from the Society to reduce local noise pollution and remove CO2 costs associated with running the 12-inch narrow gauge railway.

Ruislip Lido was originally built in 1811 as a reservoir to supply drinking water for London via the newly built Grand Junction Canal. After World War II, the Grand Union Canal Company developed the Lido as a tourist attraction for war-torn Londoners, including establishing a miniature railway running around the perimeter of the 60 acre lake.

Today the railway runs over 200 days a year and is entirely managed and operated by a team of over 130 active volunteers.

Matthew Thomas, a Member of Ruislip Lido Railway Society, said: “Graham Alexander is expected to re-enter operation later this year, hauling visitors around our unique Railway.

“A local organisation recommended we looked into a HS2 grant, we were pleasantly surprised with how simple and user friendly the application process was and would certainly encourage other organisations to take full advantage of this great scheme.”

“We believe this project is likely to be the first narrow gauge railway in the UK to convert an existing diesel powered locomotive to an entirely renewable energy source The project will be a important test bed for improving the long-term direction of narrow-gauge railways diesel fleet renewals across the UK.”

The railway will be holding a weekend of behind the scenes tours on Sat 16th and Sun 17th September.

The CEF & BLEF schemes will provide up to £45 million of funding throughout the construction timeline of HS2, supporting community-led projects that improve the environment, such as tree planting and energy efficiency measures.

The Funds also support initiatives that bring benefits to local communities, such as the provision of new community facilities or support for local heritage and culture.