Aberystwyth rebuild for Welsh Highland Baldwin 4-6-0PT
A narrow gauge First World War Baldwin will finally return to steam after 75 years, following the award of its restoration contract to the Vale of Rheidol Railway. The work is being carried out at the VoR’s workshops in Aberystwyth on behalf of the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway and the Imperial War Museum. When completed, ‘10‑12‑D’ 4‑6‑0PT No. 794 will run in the guise of classmate No. 590, which originally worked on the WHR between 1923 and 1942 when it was scrapped, following the line’s closure. Built by Baldwin in 1917 (Works No. 44699), the 2ft gauge engine was shipped to the Western Front for use by the War Department Light Railways which supplied the front line. After the conflict, No. 794 was sent to India, from where it was brought to the UK in 1985. Now owned by the IWM, the ‘10‑12‑D’ arrived at the WHHR in 2004 when its restoration began. When No. 794 returns to steam, it will be the second example of the class to run in Britain in preservation; the other, No. 778, is a resident at the Leighton Buzzard Railway. Two other examples await restoration at the Statfold Barn Railway. ❚❚If you wish to contribute towards No. 794’s restoration fund, contact the WHHR Baldwin Project Manager at info@whr.co.uk