Ffestiniog winter loco works

New-build Double-Fairlie James Spooner takes shape at Boston Lodge.

FFESTINIOG Railway’s (FR) Double-Fairlie David Lloyd

George has been stripped and the boiler lifted.

The boiler is in the ninth year of its ticket, but with various issues becoming apparent during the 2022 season it will be overhauled a year early, going to Israel Newton in December.

The aim is for the boiler to return to Boston Lodge this spring, enabling David Lloyd George to be reassembled and returned to service for the main 2023 season.

Having suffered repeated tube failures caused by pin hole corrosion during 2022, the boiler of Hunslet 2-4-0STT Blanche will be completely retubed with the boiler in situ this winter. Although Blanche will not be dismantled, the chassis will also receive overhaul work, the loco being lifted on jacks to enable access from underneath. Blanche

is not expected to see much use during 2023.

Also now in Boston Lodge is C H Funkey-built Bo-Bo diesel

Vale of Ffestiniog. The elderly Cummins diesel engine has been removed and will be rebuilt while the bodywork also needs attention. The latter may be undertaken in stages with the loco running between phases during 2023.

Having fielded three George England 0-4-0STTs during

2022, only Welsh Pony will be available in 2023. Prince

last ran in September and is now stored, but thanks to successful fundraising is likely to be stripped for overhaul at the end of 2023. The boiler may need extensive work plus the saddle tank is known to require significant renovation.

Palmerston last ran in November (picture, RM January) and is now withdrawn and stored with no date for commencement on an overhaul projected.

Garratt NG/G16 No. 143, now confirmed as having been the loco involved in the level crossing collision incident at Cwm Gloch Isaf, near Beddgelert on October 28 (RM, December 2022), is receiving corrective attention to its paintwork.

ANDREW JEFFERY Significant progress has been made building Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway’s new Double-Fairlie James Spooner, most notably on construction of the cab as can be seen in this November 4 picture. Numerous fittings are also being produced and added to the locomotive. The structure of the new James Spooner could be mounted on its power bogies around mid-2023.