VoR Mystery Loco

Hello!

A friend of my Father's took a picture today of a locomotive frame outside Aberystwyth Station on the Vale of Rheidol. It is looking in a pretty sorry state but I don't recognise it at all. It has No. 7 on the lower front left. It has no wheels so I couldn't tell you much. Not sure if I can even post the picture as it's on Facebook. Its probably something from Collection X, just wondered what it might be...

 

More likely to be VoR 2-6-2T No7 Owain Glyndŵr

Keith

 

This is correct. Sad, isn't it.

 

What!? I didn't think for a second it would be a VoR loco...that is sad!

There is another locomotive in the Aberystwyth yard...any ideas? I will enquire as to whether I can reproduce the photographs

 

As I recall it is an 0-4-4T from Malaysia originally used on suburban services. It is in a hell of a state, grooved tyres (filled in with weld!), knackered boiler, rust aplenty, the works. Part of Collection X, there was talk of it being overhauled for use on the VoR as far as Capel Bangor, but I'll believe it when I see it.

The state of No.7 is absolutely shocking - most of it is outdoors (its boiler I believe is next to the aforementioned 0-4-4T, although it might be one of the original boilers off 8 or 9 as they have brand new Pridham's boilers now). However once their massive shed is completed apparently 7 is due straight in for overhaul/restoration.

 

Noted on my last visit to the VOR that #7 unmodified cab was next to the locoshed, it would be nice if one of the VOR locos manages to retain its original appearance.

 

I somehow doubt this. The VoR is an exceptionally commercial enterprise - more so I think than even the PDSR.

 

Good evening folks. The set of frames in the yard at Aberystwyth does indeed belong to locomotive No 7 Owain Glyndŵr. I can assure you these are in good condition. In an ideal world they would of course be stored inside but this is not possible at present.

Don't worry it hasn't been forgotten about. We too would like to see it back! A full return to steam is in the pipeline . . . watch this space

The boiler in the yard will go into No 7. It will almost certainly require a new inner firebox - as Nos 8 and 9 have received in recent years. These are the original 1920s boilers.

That is the first I've heard of the Bagnall running to Capel Bangor. It is in pretty poor condition and has had some botched repairs in it's lifetime so I imagine will be fairly low down the overhaul queue!

All the best,

Will Smith
Vale of Rheidol Railway