01 January 2014
What makes the Ffestiniog Railway different and unique?
Some will note the narrow gauge, the vintage stock, the scenery, the Cob, Boston Lodge Works, the staff and the volunteers but we doubt anyone would leave the Fairlie locomotives off their list.
To many the Ffestiniog is its Fairlies. Whilst their basic design does not necessarily lend itself to easy maintenance, the ‘double engines’ have consistently shown themselves to be the archetypal FR workhorse and has provided the basis for massive haulage up the Vale of Ffestiniog for more than a century. They are a locomotive that we need to find just a little more money for if we wish to keep them going.
At present David Lloyd George has two bogies made up from bits from the old nineteenth century units and they are now beyond economic repair. We can keep them going for now but, like an old car, repair costs keep escalating. We need a new pair of Bogies and Boston Lodge is keen to build them. Not only that but they would like to incorporate all the design improvements made to these iconic locomotives to make them more efficient, reliable and easy to maintain.
We recognise that it is always more satisfying to donate to causes where a clear rationale exists for the work being undertaken. For that reason we are delighted to be able to share with you several comprehensive background articles that give the reasoning on the engineering undertaken on the Fairlies since the 80s… that is the 1880s, thus taking the story right back to the beginning.
Please also check back to this site soon for a step by step guide to building a double engine bogie and regular updates on construction progress at Boston Lodge.
Click here for Musical Bogies Part I article (1886 – 1997).
The Ffestiniog Railway Society helps maintain this essential part of the railway’s image by sponsoring the new bogies’ construction. Over £150,000 was raised by the members to construct the bogies, along with a further £50,000 from general funds, which entered traffic in Spring 2014.
Thank you very much! Diolch yn fawr!