TALYLLYN Railway’s (TR) Heritage Group has announced an effort to revive TR’s original locomotive No. 5.
On March 24, the surviving components, little more than the frames and wheels, were moved to a location away from the railway where a volunteer will assess whether restoration is feasible.
The locomotive, actually a lightweight ‘tractor’, powered by a Ford Model T engine (previously in the narrow boat Cressy owned by Tom Rolt) with a very basic bodywork was built by the late David Curwen. Delivered to the TR in October 1952, the idea was for it to work a limited winter service for local residents.
No. 5 (it was never named) largely succeeded in achieving what it was designed to undertake, but suffered damage while recovering Kerr, Stuart 0-4-2ST No. 4 Edward Thomas from Dolgoch. Although repaired, it did not last much longer and was withdrawn in spring 1953, ending up reduced to being a flat wagon. The TR subsequently acquired a Ruston & Hornsby 4wDM which became a new No. 5, named Midlander.