Fowler diesel shunter Patricia is Yorkshire Wolds Railway's second locomotive

THE Yorkshire Wolds Railway has taken delivery of its second locomotive.

Patricia, a Fowler 424 series 0-6-0 shunter powered by a Rolls-Royce six-cylinder 12-litre supercharged engine, arrived at Fimber Halt on June 24.

Member Graham Danby who spearheaded the operation said: “Working closely with the donors from Hull, we had to ensure that everything was right with the site and documentation well before a wheel on the locomotive could move. It has been in its existing home for a number of years and the tracks leading to it needed a lot of clearance work to allow it to escape.

"We were very fortunate and grateful that South Cave Tractors were on hand to give us assistance. They brought a brand new road-rail Unimog which proved invaluable in us getting the locomotive out.”

The Fowler needs extensive repairs to return it to service, with key components such as the air compressor and locating bracket needing to be replaced. The first priority is to ensure the cab is watertight once again by fitting new windows and seals all round.

To support the restoration, a new fundraising campaign for £6000 is being launched under the banner of Fund The Fowler.

Chairman Phil Robson said: “This is the largest locomotive the YWR has, and as such will have a large bill to bring it to life – but it will be totally worth it.

“We do hope that in the not too distant future, we will be able to move Patricia alongside our newly extended platform so visitors can see elements of the restoration up close.”

➜ Donations to Fund the Fowler may be made at www. yorkshirewoldsrailway.org.uk/ support