An interesting steam loco entered service at the 7¼in- gauge Conwy Valley Railway (CVR), Betws-y-Coed, last summer.
This is Geirionydd, a 2-4-4T single Fairlie built by William Hughes in the railway’s workshops.
The requirement was for a powerful loco and, like the Bath & West’s Mendip, is based on modified ‘Thomas II’ running gear and motion.
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The locos are very different in appearance however, the new Welsh example having a power bogie with steam-brakes and a vacuum-braked trailing truck.
With Geirionydd completed, William Hughes is now building a sister loco for himself. Due for completion in the spring it will take its turn at the CVR and be available for visiting other railways.
It will be painted in deep bronze green, and like Geirionydd, will be named after a local lake, Elsi.
Read more News and Features in January’s issue of The RM – on sale now!
