Narrow Gauge
EX-PROVAN GASWORKS Andrew Barclay 0 ‐ 4‐0T ‘Dougal’ is set to return to steam at the Sittingbourne & Kemsley Light Railway, on an initial four ‐year loan.
The 1946-built locomotive (Works No. 2207) has been based at the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway since 1969, and last steamed in 2014 when it was withdrawn needing significant boiler repairs. As the locomotive is too small for the W&LLR’s regular services, and because the SKLR shares the Welshpool line’s rare 2ft 6in track gauge, the railway has agreed to loan it to the SKLR on an initial four ‐year agreement. During the first two years ‘Dougal’ will undergo the necessary boiler repairs and other work in the SKLR’s workshops, with the subsequent two years to be spent running on the SKLR, albeit with occasional visits to its W&LLR home for special events. ‘Dougal’ is expected to move to the SKLR early this year.
W&LLR Chairman Steve Clews said: “This is a great opportunity for us to work more closely with our friends at Sittingbourne while returning to service a much-loved locomotive for both railways to make the most of. We thank the SKLR for the generous offer to our volunteers to take part in the restoration.”
SKLR Chairman Liz Fuller said: “This is a great opportunity for the W&LLR’s south-east-based volunteers to come and work on one of their locomotives without having the long journey to Wales. Sharing the engine shed and facilities with our volunteers can only strengthen the relationship between the two railways as well as sharing specialist skills.”
‘Dougal’ will be a welcome addition to the SKLR’s steam fleet, as Kerr, Stuart ‘Brazil’ 0 ‐ 4‐2ST Works No. 4219 Melior is due to be withdrawn this spring, leaving classmate Works No. 886 Premier as the Kent line’s sole operating steam locomotive. Before it bow
