Welsh Pony steams after 80 years
1867-built locomotive moves under its own power for the first time in 80 years.
Approximately 27,000 people tuned in from across the world to watch unique Ffestiniog Railway ‘Large England’ Welsh Pony steam for the first time since 1940 on June 27.
The 1867-built 0-4-0STT’s first moves under its own power in eight decades were innovatively streamed online to a live audience, as ongoing travel restrictions and social distancing guidelines in Wales prevented enthusiasts attending the George England locomotive’s debut in person. The first steaming outside Boston Lodge and over the Cob also marked the end of an extensive six-year restoration, which involved the fitting of new frames, boiler, cylinders and tender, among other new components, although as much material from the ‘original’ Welsh Pony as possible has been incorporated into the rebuild.
Last steamed in February 1940, Welsh Pony was once considered for restoration during the early years of the FR’s revival but dropped down the overhaul list as other locomotives were acquired. After several years stored in Glan-y-Mor yard at Boston Lodge, it was given cosmetic attention and placed on a plinth outside Porthmadog Harbour station in 1985, where it remained until 2002.
The sole surviving ‘Large England’ was given a proper cosmetic restoration in 2013 for the line’s ‘Steam 150’ event, in which it lined up alongside the other surviving England engines, Prince, Princess and Palmerston, after which it was dismantled for full mechanical restoration.
As reported in SR507, the restoration was originally expected to cost in the region of £120,000 but is estimated to have cost “more than twice” that by the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways’ general manager, Paul Lewin.
Outshopped in the unlined deep plum livery worn by the FR’s vintage carriages and sporting a temporary, wooden
‘5’ nameplate, Welsh Pony will eventually be painted into 1960s-era lined green in honour of former FR general manager Allan Garraway, and will be formally named when circumstances allow FR supporters and members to attend a naming ceremony in person.