Strathspey Railway locomotive news - Highland Locomotive Co

The Highland Locomotive Company Limited owns three steam locomotives based on the Strathspey Railway. The Strathspey Railway Company owns approximatley 90% of the Highland Locomotive Company though the HLC operates as an independent company and board in the best interests of its assets and the Strathspey Railway.

The Company (HLC) own three steam locomotives namely:

1. Ivatt 2-6-0 No.46512 built at Swindon in 1952.

2. Andrew Barclay 0-6-0T No.2017 of 1935 which worked at the Weymss Private Railway for all of its working life.

3. A former National Coal Board locomotive from Niddrie Colliery. This is a (relatively) modern Andrew Barclay 0-6-0T.

Of the three 2017 (No.17) is currently in operational condition. She is due for re-tyring before the start of the running season. She is a powerful, reliable and competent performer on the railway though she is not the most user friendly locomotive. No.17 will be part of the main fleet during the 2008 season but probably during the off season.

46512's overhaul will start once 828 has been finished. The boiler is ready for de-tubing and lifting and a Heritage Lottery Fund application is currently being worked on. The HLF application has been submitted to the HLF and a period of consultation and refinement is ongoing at the moment. The overhaul is estimated to cost in the region of 150,000 to 200,000 GDP pounds. There is major work to be done on the boiler and the mechanical side of the locomotive. A re-entry into traffic for the 2010 or 2011 season is anticipated.

There are no plans to overhaul Niddrie No.6 at present due to its unsuitability to our line.

Neil Scott
Company Secretary
Highland Locomotive Company Limited