Preparing for the Welsh Pony express!
LAST year was one of great progress for the Ffestiniog Railway’s 1867-built ‘Large England’ 0-4-0STT Welsh Pony.
This locomotive had a working life of around 75 years – and has been awaiting its turn for restoration to service for a further 75 years. When it was withdrawn in 1939, with a defective firebox, the boiler was condemned. At the same time it was known that the chassis was very worn, and that the platework of the cab and tanks was in need of significant repairs.
When dismantling commenced, just over three years ago, there were high hopes that at least one of
