Fairlies & the WHR

Looking at some pics of the WHR charter with Taliesin & Merddin Emrys, i know there's a predecent for Single Fairlies on the WHR, but can't remember seeing or reading about the double variety, is Merddins visit a first or is there a precedent for Double Fairlies on the WHR ?.

 

This was the first post-restoration visit by a Double-Fairlie...

However, back in the 1920s... a pair of Double Fairlies were used to head an inspection train undertaking bridge deflection tests on the newly constructed WHR.

Also, off the top of my head, there is photographic evidence of Double Fairlies on passenger trains at Portmadoc New, Beddgelert, South Snowdon and Dinas in the 1920s... However, this was not a regular feature of operations on the WHR, as the Double Fairlies were required for the heavier traffic operated by the FR. The lighter loadings of the WHR being more suited to the smaller locos...

 

I remember reading that the double fairlies regiularly worked over the WHR for one season, either 1924 or 1925. It was mentioned in one of Peter Johnson's books.

James

 

My mother used the WHR often to go to Bangor university. This was in the mid thirties. She very clearly stated that the only occasion that the train arrived on time at Dinas was behind a double engine. She well knew the engines as she also travelled often from Minfordd to Festiniog. I realise that this is against current information but I have no reason to disbelieve her report. All her other memories of riding the WHR are spot on.

 

I remember a discussion somewhere else suggesting that there isn't any photographic evidence of a double engine at Dinas...... until 2009 of course.

CHRIS

 

I picked up a book recently call "Ffestiniog Railway Paintings of Edward Paget-Tomlinson, The", isbn 9781843063346. I think there is at least one painting of a double Fairley on WHR steals , ok its painting, but in those days painting was as good as it got, photos, what there was were not up to much.

It in the Back of the car, I usual read a page over dinner, but I will check it and post again probably tomorrow (friday 27) night.

 

Those paintings just depict possible events, they weren't painted at the time.