Desmond could bring steam back to Wales’ ‘first’ railway
A new preserved line in South wales with a unique claim to historical fame is looking for help to return its first steam locomotive to working order. Avonside 0‑4‑0ST Desmond is the first steam locomotive for the Llanelli & Mynydd Mawr Railway at Cynheidre, which is aiming for regular public opening from May 2017. The historic route can trace its origins back to 1802 and the Carmarthenshire Tramroad, which claims to be the first railway to operate under an Act of Parliament, beating the more famous Surrey Iron Tramway by a whisker… despite receiving its Act slightly later. Desmond was bought to serve the Lysaght’s Orb Steelworks in Newport in 1906. Founder of the works John Lysaght had strong links to Bristol, so it was hardly surprising that the firm turned to a Bristol builder for its locomotive needs. Named after a Lysaght family member, Desmond (W/No. 1498) was in use at the steelworks until 1973, when it was handed over to the National Museums and Galleries of Wales. After leaving Newport, the locomotive was sent to the 2ft gauge Teifi Valley Railway, where it was a static exhibit. While there, it caught the eye of L&MMR chairman Des Thomas, and a loan from the NMGW was arranged. It arrived at the Llangollen Railway in 2006, and has been overhauled with the help of a £50,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. To date, over £75,000 has been spent on it. Desmond has received boiler work, a new cab, tank and bunkers, and attention to bearings. Final tasks include the fitting of vacuum brake equipment to haul passenger trains, and is expected to cost another £18,000. Mr Thomas told Steam Railway that the group has already sold a DMU car and is carrying out other fundraising initiatives, but is now looking for donations to help get the overhaul over the finish line: “It’s typical of so many industrial locomotives that once worked in the area, and to see her back in steam at Cynheidre would be fantastic.” The last steam locomotive to be based in the Llanelli area was Hawksworth 0‑6‑0PT No. 1607, which was sold to the National Coal Board for use at Cynheidre colliery in September 1965. It had a short life there, suffering frame damage before being scrapped in September 1969. Its cabside numberplate is now in the L&MMR’s collection. Donations towards Desmond can be sent to: The Chairman, Llanelli and Mynydd Mawr Railway Co, c/o 6 Capel Isaf Road, Llanelli SA15 1QD.