Steam Locos
Diesel Locos
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| Merionnydd S-L 22 current B.L.Rly fleet |
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| Written by Bill Hyde |
| Wednesday, 10 September 2008 12:25 |
Western ClassMerionnydd, works number 22 is a Bo-Bo class diesel-hydrostatic locomotive specifically built for the railway by Severn Lamb Ltd. Stratford-upon-Avon in 1973.
Merionnydd in as delivered spec circa 1973 - authors collection
When built, the loco featured a Leyland six-cylinder ex-bus engine, fluid flyweel, powered bogies, marine control levers connected by Bowden cable to the engine (for forward/reverse and speed control), air brakes, air horn, tilting seats and chromed wing mirros from an Austin Mini car.
Merionnydd parked in Llanuwchllyn carriage shed - copyright Philip Trotter
Merionnydd, named after the historical name for the county the railway is located within, is based on a 'Western-Class' standard gauge locomotive outline design.
The original theme of the Bala Lake Railway was to create a "miniture" version of the standard-gauge stations and track it was located at and accordingly George Barnes. the lines original engineer. ordered Severn-Lamb to build the lines first major locomotive in the style shown. The then current Britsh Rail "Inter-City" colour-scheme completed the illusion.
Merionnydd leaving Llangower for Llanuwchllyn - authors collection BR MaroonDuring October 1987, two volunteers (one a BLRS member) who were regulars on the Servern Valley Railway offered to repaint Merionnydd. They had just done the same with the SVR's standard-gauge Western-class diesels and so it was that Merionnydd got out-shipped in early 1960's BR Maroon, with small yellow warning panels each end plus black and red trimmed buffer beams finished to an exceptionally high standard.
Merionnydd in 1960 BR maroon - copyright John Law In 1988, the same two gents managed to get hold of an expired Reliant Robin engine (aluminium) which was melted down and part used to cast new name and number plates for Merionnydd. The plates followed the style of the Western-class plates to match the locos livery. The number carried was D1087, which wass in the same series as the Westerns but actually reflected the painting date!!.
New Corporate ColoursWinter 2007/8 saw Merionnydd's latest overhaul completed and to celebrate the loco has been completely repainted in the new BLR diesel fleet corporate colours of blue bodywork with red buffer beams and black detailing. And very smart she looks, a testament to the skills of Engineer (and Manager, Director, Driver etc.) Roger Hine.
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| Last Updated on Saturday, 16 January 2010 14:36 |
