News - last updated on 05th March 2008
Trackwork
A new set of points is being constructed at Fairbourne Station. The new points will be operated by weighted point levers instead of the compressed air system installed in the 1980's. The old pneumatic system is nearing the end of its useful life and this is the first stage in replacing the air operated points throughout the station.
Locomotives
Sherpa, Beddgelert and Yeo have all been passed by the Insurance Company's Boiler Inspector. They have received dry inspections and have also been tested in steam (to check that there are no leaks and that the safety valves operate correctly). Beddgelert is seen here being tested without its saddle tank.
The new two-foot gauge Hunslet diesel has had its wheelsets removed and the wheels have now been pressed off the axles by the Talyllyn Railway at their Pendre Workshops. This means that work can continue to re-gauging the locomotive to the Fairbourne's 12¼ inches (311mm). Pictured is diesel locomotive in Fairbourne's Workshop.
Shop/Booking Office
Work has started refurbishing the Gift Shop and Booking Office. The old store room wall at the back of the Shop has been removed in preparation for the the railway's office being relocated there. A redundant doorway has been blocked up and flowerbeds removed to stop damp entering the building. The rose bushes that were outside were relocated or put into planters.
New slatwall shelving and central gondolas have been aquired. The buidling has been completely rewired and new lighting and heating installed. The exterior door opening onto the platform will be replaced with an oak door. A new Shop counter (which complies with the Disability Discrimination Act) has been installed. Renovations to the Shop should be complete by Easter.
Carriages
Work to Guards Van/Observation carriage #112 is nearing the stage where it can be repainted. The timber frame has been repaired and some panels replaced.
Ferry
The Railway's own Ferry boat, Y Chuff, (used when the Independent Ferries are unable to operate) has had a new clutch fitted to the gear box, the hull and topside have been repainted this winter.
New Locomotive
On 13th November a new diesel locomotive arrived at the Fairbourne Railway. Supplied by Alan Keef Ltd, of Ross-on-Wye, this diesel-hydraulic locomotive was built by the Hunslet Engine Company in 1994 and had been used in Singapore.
Currently, the locomotive has a two-foot gauge and weighs about three tons. Before it can be used at Fairbourne it will need to be re-gauged to 12¼ inches. The motor is a 3 cylinder 25 horsepower Kubota which is sufficient to haul a Fairbourne train.
The locomotive still retains the rather gaudy orange and blue far-Eastern livery, which is likely to be toned down before it enters service. A name has yet to be decided but it is likely that the tradition of naming locomotives after old Fairbourne locomotives will continue.
The acquisition of this locomotive will allow the railway to restore its other diesel locomotive, Lilian Walter, which the railway relies upon to use as a stand-by should a steam engine fail in traffic.
Driver Experience Courses
In addition to the ever popular Two-Hour Evening Driver Experience Courses, a number of One Day courses will be made available for £175 (which includes a packed lunch). The number of places for the One-Day Courses are limited so to enquire please write to; Peter Moore 328 Aton Street, Crewe, Cheshire, CW2 7RY. For the Two-Hour Evening Driver Courses please contact the Railway at the usual address or telephone number.
DVD
New Fairbourne DVD
£12 + P&P
