The Downs Light Railway is maintained and operated principally by the school children, aged between 7 and 13 years.
After reappraising the Downs Light Railway Trust's public benefit requirements, activities extended to young people from the community at large.
After Hoyland fell ill and retired from the school, the railway deteriorated until it became unsafe to use by the late 1960s.
James Boyd's legacy was taken on by another former pupil in the late 2000s, Timothy Pennock, who begun a series of restoration projects involving young people.
Orion paid a visit on 24 April 2005 for its first public steaming in many years, following its disappearance, rediscovery and restoration.