Worldwide audience sees Welsh Pony’s first run since 1940
HISTORYwasmadeon several fronts on Saturday, June 27, when Ffestiniog Railway ( FR) England 0- 4- 0STT
No. 5Welsh Pony ranfor the first time in 80 years.
It not only marked the heritage era debut of one of the world’s great classic narrowgauge locomotives, and a type not previously seen by a modern audience, but because of the Covid- 19 lockdown, an eager public were restricted to seeing the launch at Boston Lodge via Facebook.
The culmination of a restoration project that has cost in excess of £ 250,000 was broadcast online in three instalments – the 10am lighting up by Millie Lewin, daughter of Ffestiniog& Welsh Highland Railways general manager Paul Lewin; the first whistle being sounded at 1pm; and the sight of the locomotivemoving under its own steam for the first time at 4pm.
Used to light the firewas old timber that had once formed part of Welsh Pony’s boiler cladding.
During the broadcast, Paul thanked everyone who had donated to the project.
Around 27,000 people viewed the event, either live or watched the videos afterwards– making it perhaps one of the biggest audiences for a locomotive launch ever.
Finishing details
Technically, thereremainssomework to bedoneonthe injectorsandthe hydrostatic lubricator, andalsothe topslide bar oil pots tobemade. However, WelshPonynowjoins Prince andPalmerston asoperational England locomotivesonthe line, with the other survivor, Princess, likely to remainastatic exhibit in perpetuity.
Should FR operation resume this summer, Welsh Pony is likely to feature in those services andwill carry the current running- in livery. If the FR’s October 9- 11Victorian Vintage Weekend goes ahead, the locomotive will be officially named then.
There are also plans for it to feature in a private photographic charter in November, and it is scheduled to be repaintedgreen ready for service in spring 2021.
By 1867, traffic on the FR had outgrown the capabilities of the four original‘ Small Englands’that had been supplied by George England & Co in 1863- 64 for the introduction of steamof the line.
By 1867, Charles Spooner, the line’s secretary and engineer from 1856- 86, had drawn up a revised specification for a new engine, which he took to George England.
The larger and improved design with a longer wheelbase and larger drivingwheels became known as the‘ Large England’class. Just two examples were built – Welsh Pony and Little Giant were delivered in 1867.
Overhauls
Welsh Ponyworked, with minor overhauls, until 1891whenmostof its componentswere replaced and an overall cab fitted. In1915, anewboiler was fitted and duringmuchof 1929 it underwentasubstantial overhaul.
Little Giant waswithdrawn in 1932 and cannibalised for spares, but Welsh Pony ran until February 1940, despite it being officiallywithdrawn the year before.
Early in the heritage era, it had been intended to restore it, but