Another Fairbourne locomotive returns home
THE Fairbourne Railway’s fleet of heritage locomotives has increased by a further example. A supporter of the railway has purchased Lister RT auto truck Whippet Quick from Austin Moss, of the Windmill Farm Railway, and has loaned it as a museum exhibit that can be used on special occasions.
Named after a popular character on the wartime radio Charlie Chester Show, it was built new for the Fairbourne Railway by RA Lister & Co. of Dursley as an 0-4-0, No. 6502 of 1935, and was fitted with a V-twin JAP engine developing 9.8hp.
When the line was acquired in 1947 by Midlands industrialist John Wilkins, it was overhauled, together with sister auto truck Gwril – also acquired by the line earlier this year, with Whippit Quick forming the first motive power on the newly reopened railway.
In 1954 its frames were extended and a four-wheel bogie added to transform it into an 0-4-4, and then a year later, a body, which it still carries, was constructed. The locomotive remained in service until the line closed in its 15in gauge form.
Whippit Quick was sold in 1975 and passed through various owners until it was bought by Austin, who restored it to working order. It has visited Fairbourne in recent years to attend gala events on the dual-gauged section of the railway but is now set to become a permanent resident.