Urgent £10K SOS fundraiser is launched to replace Yeo’s wheelsets after defect identified
THE Fairbourne Railway has launched an SOS appeal after a “serious engineering defect”was found to have developed on resident Lynton & Barnstaple Manning Wardle-style 2-6-2T Yeo. All the wheelsets will need to be replaced before Yeo can run safely again.
A mainstay in the locomotive roster, it is needed on a daily basis for the peak summer timetable. A commercial engineering company which can carry out the work quickly and to the required standard has been identified.
With the railway still suffering financially from the effects of Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, its management were left with little choice but to launch a public appeal for donations towards the estimated cost of the wheelsets.
Yeo was built by David Curwen in 1978 and formerly named Jubilee. Unlike the original full-size Yeo on the L&B, the 12¼in gauge version was fitted with Walschaerts rather than Joy valve gear.
Details of how to contribute to the appeal may be found at www. fairbournerailway.com/
Donations may also be made by bank transfer to The North Wales Coast Light Railway Limited, sort code 20-75-01, account number 83566161.
Cheques made payable to The North Wales Coast Light Railway Limited may be sent to: Fairbourne Railway, Beach Road, Fairbourne, Gwynedd, LL38 2EX.