EIGHT ‘QUARRY HUNSLETS’ FOR FFESTINIOG ‘HUNSLET 125’ EVENT

At least eight ‘Quarry Hunslet’ 0-4-0STs will be in action at the Ffestiniog Railway’s ‘Hunslet 125’ event on June 22-24. The railway has so far confirmed 11 visiting locomotives for its three-day event, which celebrates the 125th anniversary of its resident 2-4-0STTs Linda and Blanche. The Bala Lake Railway will be sending five of the ‘Quarry Hunslets’ – Alice, George B, Holy War, Maid Marian and Winifred – with Cloister, Gwynedd and Irish Mail coming from Amerton (see above), Bressingham Steam Museum and the West Lancs Light Railway respectively. In addition to the eight ‘Quarry Hunslets’ so far confirmed, the FR will also host 1971-built 0-4-2ST Trangkil No. 4 – the last steam locomotive built in Britain for commercial use – and the War Office Locomotive Trust’s 4-6-0T No. 1215, which will be making its first public outing at the event. The 1916-built locomotive, which served on the Western Front during the First World War, is now in the final stages of its restoration. After its appearance at the event, No. 1215 will also haul longer, solo trips over the Porthmadog-Blaenau Ffestiniog line on June 25. The eleventh confirmed visitor, 0-4-2T Chakas Kraal No. 6 (Works No. 2075), is attending courtesy of the North Gloucestershire Railway. For more information, visit: goo.gl/g9yc7v