Baldwin Locomotive Returns To Welsh Highland for May Gala

A Baldwin locomotive of the type synonymous with the Welsh Highland Railway is to return to the line in 2009.

Baldwin 4-6-0PT No.778, which is based at the Leighton Buzzard Railway, will visit the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway in Porthmadog for a gala event during the bank holiday weekend at the start of May (2nd – 4th May 2009)

It will be the first time a Baldwin has operated in this part of Wales since 1936, when sister engine No.590 last hauled trains on the original Welsh Highland.

The Baldwin 4-6-0PT locomotives were originally built in Philadelphia for service in the trenches of the First World War. After the war, many were purchased for use on narrow gauge lines around the UK and further afield, including No.590 which worked on the Welsh Highland Railway.

No.778 worked in India after the war ended, and was one of a pair brought to the UK in the 1980s. It has been restored by the Greensand Railway Museum Trust to its original 1917 condition and will be making its first trip away from its home base to operate at the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway gala weekend.

James Hewett, Chairman of the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway, said: "we’re delighted to host this historic visit. The original WHR Baldwin locomotive featured in so many pictures of the old Welsh Highland that the type has become closely associated with the line.

"This type of locomotive which has a special place in the hearts of many narrow gauge fans, and the high quality restoration of No.778 has enabled us to see an example of the type in service once again."

The gala event – called "Spirit of the Welsh Highland" – also sees the launch of the WHR Heritage Train. The newly restored Welsh Highland Buffet Car and a replica of the long vanished Ashbury corridor coach No.25 will take their place alongside two other original WHR carriages for the first time.

James Hewett added: "the combination of a Baldwin locomotive and a rake of original Welsh Highland stock means it promises to be an exciting weekend. For the first time since 1936, it will be possible to recreate some of the classic Welsh narrow gauge scenes of the 1920s and 1930s.

"We’re hoping that it will be possible to serve tea in the original WHR Buffet Car over the weekend to complete the picture!"

A further Baldwin 4-6-0PT, No.794, was brought to the UK at the same time as No.778. Owned by the Imperial War Museum, it is on loan to the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway for restoration. It’s hoped that the gala weekend can be used to start new fundraising drive to get it into service.

The "Spirit of the Welsh Highland" gala weekend will also include chance to visit the newly opened Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland museum which is currently being developed at the WHHR Gelerts Farm Works.

Children’s author Christopher Vine, who specialises in informative but entertaining books for younger enthusiasts, will be launching his new book at the WHHR gala event. Porthmadog Narrow Gauge, the town’s annual model railway exhibition also takes place on Saturday and Sunday of the same weekend, immediately opposite the WHHR terminus.

Top image: The historic Baldwin locomotive which will be visiting Porthmadog next May.  This steam engine has had a chequered history, being built in Philadelphia for the First World War, then travelling to India before being brought to the UK for restoration.

Bottom image left:  A Baldwin locomotive on the original Welsh Highland Railway in 1923.  This locomotive was scrapped when the railway closed, but a very similar engine is about to return to Wales for the first time since 1936.

 Bottom image right: A Baldwin locomotive prepares to leave Porthmadog in 1936.  This engine was scrapped not long after this pictures was taken, but a very similar locomotive is about to return to almost the same spot.

Welsh Highland Heritage Railway Ltd
The Station
Tremadog Road
Porthmadog
Gwynedd
LL49 9DY