Plan approved for ALCO Mountaineer to convert to coal for return

A PLAN to restore Ffestiniog Railway’s (FR) ALCO 2-6-2T Mountaineer – stored complete since withdrawal in 2006 – to service has been approved by the company board.

Initiated by a group of young FR volunteers, the intention is to convert Mountaineer to coal firing (it burned oil) but otherwise retain the form it had since rebuilding in 1983.

As soon as the roof at Glan y Pwll depot has been repaired, the loco will be moved inside for dismantling. Components will be examined to establish if they require repair or replacement. When funding is secured, parts needing attention will be sent to Boston Lodge. When returned to Glan y Pwll, reassembly will be undertaken by volunteers.