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…

Click here for Musical Bogies Part I article (1886 - 1997).

Click here for Musical Bogies Part II article (1997 - present).

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.

In fact, early FR Society support to the project means that the frame plates and other components already reside in Boston Lodge erecting shop ready for construction to start.

So we have started; can you help us finish the job?

The Ffestiniog Railway Society wishes to help maintain this essential part of the railway’s image by sponsoring the new bogies’ construction. But we need your help…

Could you help us to help the railway? Some of you may wish to give a single donation. Others, keeping an eye on the current financial situation, may think that a series of small donations would be easier on the pocket. If this is the case they could set up a standing order which can be stopped at the click of a mouse or a phone call.

Donations can be made by simply sending a cheque (made payable to 'Ffestiniog Railway Society') to the freepost address below along with a Gift Aid declaration if appropriate:
Ffestiniog Railway Society
Freepost NATE1232
HALTWHISTLE
NE49 9BR

Please state the donation should be used for the 'Fairlie Appeal' or download and use the FR Society Fairlie Appeal leaflet/form.
 
The FR Society has also teamed up with JustGiving, the UK’s leading online fundraising website, so you can donate and raise funds for us online.  Please use this method if you find it the most convenient. It’s easy to make a single or monthly donation with a credit or debit card online. All you need to do is go to:

www.justgiving.com/fairlieappeal

JustGiving reclaims Gift Aid automatically and pays donations to us directly at the end of every week. If you already have a valid Gift Aid declaration in place with the Society you will still be asked to 'Gift Aid' the donation – please say yes. The site is 100% secure, all data is treated as absolutely confidential and totally private donations can be made.

For further information, please contact FR Society Fundraising Director Dave Charlton: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Thank you very much! Diolch yn fawr!