From 1989 until 1996, when the railway was purchased by John Bull, the motive power was a 4-wheeled petrol-hydraulic locomotive named "Invicta".

The locomotive now operates at Evesham Vale Light Railway, where it carries the name "Monty".

In 2002, the line purchased with a replica British Rail Baby Deltic diesel locomotive from the 15 in (381 mm) gauge Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway.

An industrial style diesel locomotive originally built by Ruston and Hornsby and rebuilt by Alan Keef which had run at Markeaton before, named "Cromwell", was anticipated to join the railway again in 2010, but this did not take place.

Major maintenance work was required to repair the engine shed and depot, which had been the responsibility of Derby City Council.