Llangollen Railway locomotive fleet

Our engineering department has now completed overhaul work on Kitson 5459 'Austin 1' which will be going out on hire shortly. Hudswell Clark 0-6-0T ' Jennifer' is now available for hire, so hopefully it (she) will be off in its travels shortly.
Work on the boiler of our ex- NCB pannier 7754 is progressing well, with copper welding work to start shortly. This will be followed by re-tubing & new washout plugs.
There is still a shortfall of cash to fund completion of the boiler, but the rest of the loco is virtually complete & it is hoped that it will be running next year.
Now that our boilersmiths have successfully completed the boiler from 60007 they have turned their attention to the two small prairie boilers (5532 & 5539), both of which are major rebuilds.
The rest of 5532 is finished & I believe that 5539 is well advanced at Barry.
Our service fleet for the Winter period will be 7822, 5199 & 6430.

Bob.

 

What happening with 3802?

 

The owning group has decided to sell it. It is due to have some work done to its wheels & motion, but the new owner will probably base it at Llangollen after this is completed.

Bob.

 

What are the chances of Austin no1 having a run out at Llan? That and a suburban running to Pentrefelin are my earliest steam memories so it would be great to see it on the line again.

 

Great to hear the news about the progress being made with the two prairies, thanks!! I've also just discovered that 5532 has it's own facebook page...

 

It will be going out on long term hire very shortly as it is too small for our operations.

Bob.

 

Any update on some of the bottom end overhauls that are happening at Llan? Morayshire, 4160, 7754?

 

7754 is basically finished apart from the boiler. The other two are ongoing.

Bob.

 

Bottom end? Last time I looked the top bits were being done for all of the above as well.

 

Too small for every day, but would be a great attraction for a gala. It used to run trains to Glyn and Carrog in the mid 90s.

 

Would be great to see it double heading with 7822 on a Corwen Opening Special. But hire gets the money in.

 

Can anybody provide a comparison between Austin and 6435 in terms of power, steaming ability and water capacity? I know 6435 was designed for passenger work rather than shunting in a factory yard, but the pannier doesn't have an excessive water capacity or tractive effort and still seems to be used reasonably regularly on passenger trains at Llangollen and other railways across the country without much difficulty. Just how much more suitable is 6435 than Austin for what Llangollen requires of them?

 

Couldn’t tell you the difference in power, steaming ability or water capacity. But 6430 will haul a 5 car train to Carrog and back on half a tank of water, very little coal as it’s a very free steamer. It also rides well given the relatively large wheel size.

 

From what I understand, the boilers haven’t really been the bits causing problems (other than delays). It is the mechanical side where there have been concerns raised by some...

 

is there any news on 3802's proposed sale? I guessing not but...

 

Didn't think I would see this loco' running again after my visit to Longbridge in August 1971.Photo attached.

 

7754 Project Team are doing a final push to get the loco finished. With an estimate of £5000 still needed, they are asking people to make a single donation of £77.54 - for which you will get a 7754 Certificate and an invite to a 7754 Social Train once it has returned to service.

Details on www.facebook.com/groups/1383538558625307/


5532 is also looking for support with their boiler appeal.
https://www.llangollengwloco.co.uk/
Through Facebook they are running Football Raffle Cards to raise money, with winners gaining £50.
They are looking for sponsors for the 6x Large Superheater tubes (@£275 each) and 196x Small tubes (@£100 each, or 4x £25 installments).
Shares are available at £25 a share.
And finally there is the 5532 Club, asking for £10pm - with benefits of Periodic newsletter / invite to annual LRGWLG Social / 20% Discount in LRGWLG Shop at Carrog / Conversion to a Shareholder after three successful payments
Further details from <paulbaileywincham @ yahoo.co.uk>