1863 Mountaineer Locomotive Ltd’s ‘Axlebox Challenge’ raised sufficient cash to enable machining of bronze blanks into four axleboxes for replica Ffestiniog Railway George England 0-4-0T+T Mountaineer to commence on November 29. The new-build loco is being constructed in stages by North Bay Railway Engineering Services.
The successful fundraising and a cancelled machining order enabled the commencement of work on the axleboxes some two months ahead of the projected schedule.
Production of the boiler, cylinders and wheels is already in hand with the next stage in the build being manufacture of the frames. Subject to funding, 1863 Mountaineer Locomotive Ltd believes it will have a recognisable locomotive chassis on rails by Easter 2022.