WELSHPOOL & Llanfair Light Railway (WLLR) anticipates the arrival of a 25-ton 520hp diesel built by Mitsubishi in 1972 on a three-year loan from Alishan Forest Railway (AFR) later this year. The large bogie diesel, AFR fleet No. DL-34, is one of the most powerful locos built for the 2ft 6in gauge Taiwan line, being capable of hauling loaded trains up 1-in-16 gradients and negotiating tight curves.
The arrival of No. DL-34 will provide the WLLR with additional motive power capacity, enable withdrawal of both current diesel locos for long-overdue overhauls and provide a loco capable of rescuing a failed locomotive and passenger train from the steepest part of WLLR’s line if necessary.
WLLR is close to finalising details of the loan with AFR, but the primary hurdle to overcome is arranging shipping. High global shipping demand attributable to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic followed by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine means there is no available capacity to transport the loco in the summer months.
WLLR hopes No. DL-34 may arrive in Wales by the end of the autumn.