FFESTINIOG AND STATFOLD SET TO SIGN K1 RESTORATION DEAL
Pioneer Beyer-Garratt in line for restoration to working order for first time since 2014.
Prototype Beyer-Garratt K1 could return to steam at the Statfold Barn Railway.
Formerly based at the Welsh Highland Railway and last steamed in 2014, the 1909-built compound 0-4-0+0-4-0 arrived at the SBR in early December on a ten-year loan agreement with the Ffestiniog Railway Company, initially for cosmetic restoration and display (SR500). However, since its arrival, “the Statfold Narrow Gauge Museum Trust has taken a close look at the locomotive to assess the extent of work needed to return K1 to operational condition, and have also checked that the engine would fit the railway’s loading gauge,” said an SNGMT spokesman in late December.
He added: “The SNGMT and FR Co. are now working together toward a mutually beneficial deal whereby K1 will run at Statfold as well as be available for use on the Welsh Highland Railway.
To date, we have mapped out both organisations’ aspirations and in the new year will look to develop those into a formal agreement. Nothing is finalised yet, but both of our organisations have a will and passion to see K1 back in steam and at work on both of our railways.”
Steam Railway understands that such a deal has already been agreed and was close to being signed as this edition went to press. It is also understood that mechanical restoration work is already under way at Statfold.
●● Three ‘NG/G16’ 2-6-2+2-6-2 Beyer-Garratts will be available on the Welsh Highland Railway during the 2020 season, following the completion of the overhaul of No. 87. Repainted into South African Railways black and fitted with a new smokebox and welded firebox, it will join Nos. 138 and 143 as part of the WHR’s operational fleet this year.
The former will be fitted with the refurbished boiler from SAR classmate No. 129 – itself restored to steam at the Puffing Billy Railway in Australia late last year with an all-new boiler built to Australian standards – when its own boiler ticket expires. No. 129’s overhauled boiler steamed for the first time at Locomotive Maintenance Services in Loughborough on January 22.