Sybil joins Richmond LR collection
RICHMOND Light Railway unveiled Hunslet 0-4-0ST Sybil
(HE827/1903) as its latest loco acquisition at the line’s
August 14 charity open day. Built for Pen-yr-Orsedd Slate Quarry, Nantlle, North Wales,
Sybil was purchased by the late Tony Hills in September 1963 and after rebuilding steamed occasionally at Llanberis Lake Railway in the 1970s.
Sybil was relocated to South Wales during construction of the Brecon Mountain Railway and formed the initial motive power when the line opened in 1980 but fell out of use as loadings increased. Following a lengthy period in storage, a major overhaul was undertaken in 2011/2012 after which Sybil
was exhibited in the museum shed at Pontsticill with the intention of periodic steaming.
The boiler ticket now has only a short time before expiry, although the loco has seen little use since its overhaul.
The Kent line’s Open Day also featured Couillet 0-4-0T
Chuquitanta running for the first time with its newly constructed tender, which is loosely based on a Decauville design. Chuquitanta was not originally supplied with a tender, although it was an available option, but now provides increased water and coal capacity to enable the small loco to run for longer when visiting other lines.