THE Ffestiniog Railway (FR) is celebrating the 125th birthdays of its Hunslet 2-4-0STTs Linda and Blanche with a June 22-24 Hunslet 125 event.
This Great Little Gathering aims to produce the biggest assembly of Hunslet locomotives since the manufacturer closed.
The centenary of the pair was marked in 1993 with a legendary FR Hunslet 100 event, which saw numerous visiting full-sized Hunslets supplemented by models joining the ‘FR Ladies’.
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Whether 125 Hunslets (including models) can be assembled in June remains to be seen, but nine resident FR Hunslets will be present featuring steam (Linda, Blanche, Lilla, Britomart and Hugh Napier) and internal combustion. Visiting locos will be announced shortly.
Hunslets will run on the Welsh Highland Railway as well as the Ffestiniog line, shunting in Minffordd Yard, offering driving opportunities and historic
re-enactments.
Over February 10-18, FR showcased two ‘Quarry Hunslet’ 0-4-0STs in the ticket hall at London’s King’s Cross station. National Trust-owned (FR-based) ex-Penrhyn Hunslet 0-4-0ST Hugh Napier and James Evans’ Launceston-based, out-of-ticket ex-Dinorwic Hunslet 0-4-0ST Velinheli represented the slate quarrying industry, which inspired construction of the FR.
Read more News and Features in the March issue of The RM – on sale now!
