Welsh Pony to steam again after 80 years - but only online
IT HAS taken 80 years since the Ffestiniog Railway's England 0- 4- 0STT No. 5 Welsh Pony r an - and following an extensive restoration at Boston Lodge Works, it was on track to undergo test steaming in June.
However, Boston Lodge closed due to the Covid- 19 lockdown with just four weeks' work left to complete the overhaul of the 1867- built locomotive, which from 1985- 2002 was plinthed as a static exhibit outside Porthmadog Harbour station, exposed to the elements.
Substantially rebuilt in the works in 1891 to its current form, Welsh Pony last officially ran in traffic in 1939, but running records show it was briefly pressed in to service in February 1940. However, eight years later and at the time of another national emergency, the locomotive is set to steam once more, and is likely to be one of the very few major restorations to be completed in 2020.
Head of the queue
Allan Garraway, the first manager of the restored FR, a lways had Welsh Pony as the next in line for restoration. However, twists of fate, including the arrival of Penrhyn Quarry Hunslet 2- 4- 0STTsL inda a nd Blanchek, ept it well away from the head of the queue.
In 2013, following consultation with members, who voted by a significant majority for the restoration of Welsh Pony, an appeal fund opened with the first donation of £ 100 made by Allan himself. Allan passed away the following year, but will be honoured with the restoration of the locomotive dedicated to him. It will carry the green livery that FR locomotives of the Garraway era carried.
The restoration, which began in 2013, has proven more challenging than anticipated. It was hoped that at least one major component in the form of boiler, cylinders or frames might be reused, but all were found to be corroded to such an extent that this was not possible. Combined with the need to provide a new tender to the original design, the overhaul has cost more than £ 250,000. Volunteers and staff alike have worked on the locomotive which retains many original features from 1891 and beyond, and it will reappear in the form in which it ran from 1915- 40.
Just before the start of lockdown in March, the boiler inspector was booked to give a final examination of the new boiler to start the 10- year certificate, and a steam test was expected just weeks later. As we closed for press, attempts were being made to rebook the appointments, with a small skilled team working on the locomotive once more.
Given the restrictions that continue in place, the locomotive is likely to be test steamed - but only on line for supporters and members this summer.
Ffestiniog & Welsh Highand Railway ( FF& WHR) general manager Paul Lewin said:" With priority always given to core fleet locos when at Boston Lodge, it was a delight to see sustained progress with the engine in late 2019 and early 2020.
First steaming
"We all need to feel the connection with our railway at this time and bringing Welsh Pony back to life is what we hope to do for our supporters. As a mark of respect for all of those who have supported the project, the locomotive will not carry its nameplates until an official naming ceremony which our members and friends can freely attend'.'
Details of the first steaming of Welsh Pony on line will be made available via the FF& WHR social media and web pages.
At that point, limited edition prints of a painting of the moment of first steaming will be made available to buy on line to raise funds for the FF& WHR as it fights through the pandemic. Railway artist Rebecca ' Bex' Whalley has been given access to Welsh Pony and the location of the planned first steaming ahead of the event.