FR No. 5 and 6
| FR No. 5 and 6 | |
|---|---|
Welsh Pony in its original state (approx. 1870)
|
|
| Number: | 2 |
| Manufacturer: | George England |
| Year of construction (s): | 1867 |
| Type : | B n2t + T |
| Gauge : | 597 mm |
| Total wheelbase: | 1,524 mm |
| Service mass: | approx. 10 t |
| Friction mass: | approx. 10 t |
| Wheel set mass : | approx. 5 t |
| Driving wheel diameter: | 610 mm, later 660 mm |
| Cylinder diameter: | 206 mm |
| Piston stroke: | 305 mm |
| Boiler overpressure: | 103.4 N / cm² (when commissioned) |
| Water supply: | 1.9 m³ |
| Train brake: | Suction air brake |
The locomotives No. 5 and 6 of the Ffestiniog Railway (FR) were delivered in 1867 by the manufacturer George England . They were given the names Welsh Pony and Little Giant and were also referred to as "Large Englands", "Large England engines" or similar to distinguish them from the somewhat smaller locomotives No. 1 to 4 .
construction
The locomotives differ from the previous four locomotives with basically the same structure in that they have a larger boiler, a wheelbase that has been increased by half a foot (152 mm) and a slightly larger cylinder diameter. In addition, the water tank was designed as a saddle tank and was significantly larger (three of the small locomotives were later converted accordingly).
Both locomotives were completely overhauled between 1888 and 1891 and received, among other things, new boilers, new frames (due to cracking) and closed cabs. In 1893 they were equipped with suction air brakes. Around the turn of the century, the wheels of the locomotives were enlarged by 2 inches (50.8 mm) by fitting new wheel tires , which created another difference to the small class.
Whereabouts
Little Giant was retired and dismantled in the early 1930s; some parts and the tender were used as spare parts for the other locomotives.
Welsh Pony was often used on the Welsh Highland Railway and retired in 1938 because the boiler failed a pressure test. The locomotive stood in the FR Boston Lodge Works until the early 1980s , then was cosmetically restored and was on display on a pedestal in the parking lot of Porthmadog train station from 1985 to 2002. Since it stood in the way of the reconstruction of the Welsh Highland Railway, it was stored in the Glan-y-Pwll depot. The locomotive was then repainted and the tender was given a new wooden frame. A possible reactivation for the 150th anniversary of steam operation on the FR in 2013 was the subject of discussions; concerns were initially about the historical substance, as numerous components of the locomotive would have had to be replaced by new constructions. However, in 2013 the board of Ffestiniog Railway decided to refurbish the locomotive in an operational state; the project started in 2014. As in the 1890s, numerous large components had to be rebuilt, including the boiler, smoke chamber, frame and cylinder. The tender was also rebuilt. On June 27, 2020, the reconditioned locomotive was presented to the public in working order.
Individual evidence
- ↑ Barrie Hughes: Welsh Highland Railway News Archive Page 2010 - Welsh Pony question. Retrieved February 10, 2013 .
literature
- James IC Boyd, The Festiniog Railway, Volume Two, Locomotives and Rolling Stock, Oakwood Press, 1975, ISBN 0-85361-168-8
- Chris Jones, Peter Dennis: Little Giants - A history of the Ffestiniog Railway's pre-revival locomotives, their mentors, manufacture and maintenance . Lightmoor Press, Lydney, Gloucestershire 2018, ISBN 978-1-911038-43-6 (English).
- PJG Ransomware: Narrow Gauge Steam. Its origins and world-wide development . Yeovil, Oxford 1996, ISBN 0-86093-533-7 .