Rare double-heading on a GWSR service train: No. 7903 Foremarke Hall pilots No. 7820 Dinmore Manor at Winchcombe on March 12 – the first operating day of the 2022 season.
IAN CROWDER
THE availability and cost of suitable coal for steam locomotives is focusing the minds of Britain’s heritage railways. The last source of Welsh steam coal came from Ffos y Fran, an open cast mine at Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil. However, in mid-February it was announced that lump coal would no longer be provided to the heritage railway market as the washing plant has broken. With permission to extend the operation of the mine having been refused on environmental grounds, it was not deemed economical to repair the plant.
As a result, steam coal is having to be shipped from other corners of the world while work is ongoing between suppliers, heritage lines, and trade body the Heritage Railway Association to find a suitable so-called ‘eco coal’ mix.
Impact