WELSH PONY COULD STEAM AT DOUBLE FAIRLIE 150TH...

…but Livingston Thompson is “very unlikely” to attend, says Ffestiniog general manager.

The Ffestiniog Railway hopes that sole surviving ‘Large England’ Welsh Pony will debut at its ‘1870: Fairlie Eventful’ gala, to mark the 150th anniversary of the engine’s participation in the famed Little Wonder trials – but double Fairlie Livingston Thompson is unlikely to be there.

Restoration of the 1867-built 0-4-0STT, which has not steamed since withdrawal in 1938, is entering the final stages inside Boston Lodge works. Progress is set to increase to ensure the locomotive is complete and in steam for its planned debut at the June 19-21 event, with extra manpower being diverted to the engine.

With the boiler cladding now in place (SR500), the footplating is being bolted on, to be followed by the fitting of the cab and saddle tank once this is complete. After that, work will focus on the handbrake, vacuum brake and fitting of the tender drawbar. “There’s not a lot left to do, but it’s still a lot of work,” said Welsh Pony engineer Bob Yates.

Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways general manager Paul Lewin added: “It is our intention to launch it at the gala, but we cannot say for certain yet.”

Welsh Pony’s attendance at the event would be highly significant, as it was the engine against which the capabilities of the FR’s pioneer double Fairlie, Little Wonder, were compared at the influential trials of 1870, which attracted international attention.

It had been hoped to assemble all surviving double Fairlies for the event, including removing Livingston Thompson from its long-time home at the National Railway Museum in York – potentially its first return visit ‘home’ since 2006. However, owing to the cost of transport and the complexities in extricating the 0-4-4-0T from the museum, Livingston Thompson’s attendance at the event “has not been ruled out, but is very unlikely,” said Mr Lewin.

The line’s latest double Fairlie, the new-build replica of James Spooner, will be on display during the gala, albeit not complete. The foundation ring is currently being riveted and the boiler is expected to be placed on the boiler cradle during February. The cab and tanks will follow, so it is hoped that the locomotive will be largely visually complete for the event.

BOTH: THOMAS BRIGHT/SR Double Fairlie Livingston Thompson, on display in the National Railway Museum, is unlikely to attend the FR’s ‘1870: Fairlie Eventful’ gala.

‘Large England’ 0-4-0STT Welsh Pony takes shape inside Boston Lodge works on the Ffestiniog Railway on January 15. The locomotive’s distinctive chimney can be seen in the foreground.