Earl of Merioneth

Probably the last time I'll see her in steam. An iconic loco, ugly as sin when built but now with a charm of her own.

 

Yes, it's a strange one isn't it? You could argue EoM helped kick start narrow gauge new builds in many ways. Is it the case that she is to be replaced by a James Spooner locomotive, I believe? A shame if true as she is in herself a very important part of the narrow gauge scene.

Taliesin - the single Fairlie - was one I donated a little money to because she was a different proposition to the other engines on offer. To this day, I've never really felt an affinity for the double fairlies but this single fairlie has always warmed the heart when seen. However I agree, EoM is iconic. I don't know about ugly as sin - but agreeably she's more austere than the other double fairlies.

 

What is to be her fate? is she due to be preserved?

 

The current bogies and many fittings will go to the new Spoon. The rest will be stored, maybe even restored eventually if someone wants to pay.

 

how about someone giving a precise of the state of play of all her sisters?

 

There's a discussion going on in the Narrow Gauge Prototype section of RMWeb which contains some very detailed information.

 

Merddin Emrys is having its ten year boiler overhaul and is in the process of being reassembled. Its boiler should see out another 10 years before being replaced with the new tapered design.

Earl of Merioneth is in traffic and running well, however this will be its last full season in operation for the foreseeable future. Boiler, tanks and cradle are likely to be need total replacement. The top half will be put on its old bogies and the loco put into dry storage.

David Lloyd George is in service and running on new piston valve bogies.

Taliesin is in ticket but only available for light duties. It requires some work doing on the motion.

In non double engine news Blanche's boiler ticket expires soon so your last chance to see it running will be the 1st of May. It will be re-tubed by volunteers over next year or so.

Linda, Lyd, Prince, Palmerston, Britomart, Lilla, Hugh Napier all available for traffic.

Welsh Pony under overhaul with progress on many fronts.

Mountaineer is stored awaiting overhaul.

Tim

 

My understanding is that EoM's boiler is of similar design to ME, as ME's boiler is being repaired for a last 10 years - is the same repair not possible for EoM or is it in a much worse condition? I know the rest is knackered just curious if it's boiler has any more life in it.

 

For full details of The Square's various shortcomings I would draw your attention to post Number Six here: http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/109548-ffestiniog-to-build-new-fairlie/

 

Thanks - very interesting.