Steam Locomotives
Gwril
Built in 1994 by Hunslet in Leeds, to a Jenbach Type DH25 design, this locomotive was fitted with a Kubota diesel engine and weighs in at 2.7 tonnes. Exported to Singapore for a hire fleet ‘Number 9354’ returned to London (in unused condition) to work on the Jubilee Extension Line between 1996/7 before returning to the Jan Pan hire fleet in Singapore. From 1996 onwards a ‘HE 9332’ works plate had been mistakenly fixed to the locomotive, so there were two locomotives carrying the same number! In May 2006 Alan Keef Ltd purchased ‘Number HE 9354’ (still carrying the erroneous HE 9332 plate) and subsequently delivered the locomotive to Fairbourne on 14th November 2007 as a 2 foot gauge locomotive.
The locomotive was re-gauged to 12¼” on 20th September 2008. Following successful tests, an enclosed cab was added in February 2009 by volunteers. It is the third ‘Gwril’ to operate on the Fairbourne Railway.
(We are indebted for the detective work done by Bob Darvill, who researched the history of HE 9354).
Sherpa
0-4-0ST Half full size Darjeeling & Himalayan Class B locomotive. Designed by Neil Simkins, it was constructed by Milner Engineering (Chester) in 1978. Built for the Réseau Guerlédan, Brittany, Sherpa was originally named France.
In regular service following a major overhaul in 2007.
Yeo
2-6-2T Half full size Lynton & Barnstaple locomotive. Designed and built by David Curwen 1978. Built for the Réseau Guerlédan, Brittany, Yeo was originally named Jubilee. Due to be temporarily withdrawn from service for overhaul.
Beddgelert
0-6-4ST Half full size N.W.N.G.R. locomotive. Designed & built by David Curwen 1979/80. Originally Beddgelert was named David Curwen.
In service but used as the spare engine during the 2009 season.
Russell
2-6-4 T 'Russell' look-alike. Originally built in 1978 by Milner Engineering as Leek & Manifold Railway 'Kitson' Loco. Cut-up above chassis in 1985 and rebuilt to resemble the Welsh Highland Railway locomotive.
After a 4 year absence, and a complete overhaul, Russell is now back in regular service. Now painted in SC Crimson livery, the locomotives appearance has been altered with the removal of the old dummy brass dome and front mounted oil pots. The whistle from a Stanier 4F has been installed. It is planned to line the paintwork out during the closed season.
Lilian Walter
Originally built as 'Silvia' by Guest Engineering in 1961. Rebuilt, and re-named Lilian Walter, at Fairbourne in 1985 to an American outline; a Mercedes diesel engine was fitted. It was re-gauged to 12¼" in 1986. A new, larger, reconditioned 2.5 litre Mercedes engine was fitted in 2000 after the locomotive had been given a mid-green & black livery.
'Lilian Walter' was withdrawn from service in March 2009 and is undergoing a major overhaul. The American style bodywork, added in 1985, has been completely removed. A more practical body will be fabricated featuring a cab at both ends.
