Re: Leek and Manifold Valley Light Railway

the engineer (ER Calthrop) was very influential in the development of narrow gauge railways in the Indian subcontinent. His theories about 2'6" gauge and 5 ton axle loads being standardised, with the idea that 2'6 gave the best construction cost/carrying capacity ratio, plus allowing transporter wagons (though the manifold was the only line in the UK to use them, they are common on german/austrian narrow gauge). He is best known for the Barsi Light Railway in India, and the Manifold locos were similar (though smaller) in design and style to their first 084T locos, both types being built by Kitson. The rolling stock is basically colonial Indian designs. Here are a couple of photos which show some comparisons:


Barsi Light Rly coach


Leek & Manifold Coach - little need for the double skinned roof in English conditions!

As for the Locos, as well as the Barsi 084T, there were also 484T built for India and Cyprus, plus some larger locos such as this much larger Bolivian 284T which still shows the family resemblance beneath all the extra additions:



The 2 Leek & Manifold locos were scrapped when the line closed in the 30s, which is a shame as they're a very attractive design