‘Dukedog’ goes on loan in Aberystwyth
AGWR ‘DUKEDOG’ will return to Aberystwyth for the first time since 1960, when unique surviving No. 9017 ‘Earl of Berkeley’ moves to the Vale of Rheidol Railway on loan.
Based at the Bluebell Railway since February 1962, the 1938-built Collett 4-4-0 was a regular sight at Aberystwyth during steam days, having been allocated to Aberystwyth (89C) shed throughout the BR era, and working almost exclusively over the former Cambrian Line between Shrewsbury, Pwllheli and Aberystwyth prior to withdrawal in October 1960. No. 9017 has been a frequent performer at the Bluebell in preservation, but last steamed in June 2011, and has been awaiting overhaul ever since.
The ‘Dukedog’ – a hybrid of the bottom end of Churchward ‘Bulldog’ No. 3425 and the boiler and cab from ‘Duke’ No. 3282 – was expected to arrive at the VoR as this issue goes on sale, and will take up residence inside its former GWR engine shed, which has recently been transformed into the VoR’s new museum and display space. Appearing on public display from March, No. 9017 will share a roof with the newly arrived Fire Queen from Penrhyn Castle and Palmerston from the Ffestiniog Railway (see Narrow Gauge News).
VoR managing director Llŷr ap Iolo said: “We are very excited to announce the loan of this locomotive to go on public display here in Aberystwyth. As part of the project to construct our new museum, standard gauge track was laid to facilitate this kind of visit; the ‘Dukedog’ seemed the perfect choice to be the first standard gauge locomotive to be put on display. I am very grateful to the board of the Bluebell Railway for making this loan possible”.
Bluebell operations and commercial director Neil Glaskin added: “We are really pleased to be able to work with the Vale of Rheidol Railway to bring the ‘Dukedog’ back to Aberystwyth. Since 2011, the locomotive has been stored undercover but this has meant limited chances for the public to see it. By displaying the locomotive in the new museum, everyone will have the chance to admire this fascinating machine.”
● Another Bluebell locomotive on the move is South Eastern & Chatham Railway ‘P’ 0-6-0T No. 178, which is going on loan to the One:One Museum in Margate. Last steamed in October 2020, the Wainwright tank has recently exchanged its boiler and driving wheels with Bluebell-based classmate No. 323 ‘Bluebell’, after cracks were discovered in the latter locomotive’s own wheels. No. 323’s blue wheels are being repainted green to match No. 178’s SECR livery, in readiness for its display in Margate.