In the Top Left Hand Corner of Wales, history has been made today. George England ‘Welsh Pony' has had a fire lit for the first time in 80 years.
During a live broadcast on Facebook, Paul Lewin, GM of the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways, thanked everyone who made this momentous occasion happen through the various donations.
Paul's daughter, Millie Lewin, did the honour of lighting the first fire in Welsh Pony's firebox after telling a story about how she found the locomotive in Boston Lodge all alone.
The sea breeze didn't help matters as old timber was used as a fire starter, this timber was once the boiler cladding of the loco, with England's Original matches being used.
Welsh Pony now joins Prince and Palmerston as complete ‘George England' steam locomotives on the Ffestiniog Railway, with Princess still out of action.
The George England is known for being parked on a plinth at Porthmadog for people to climb on!
You can watch live below:
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An incredible story of achievement and no mean task. Having visited last year and enjoyed a train ride through beautiful countryside it is wonderful to hear that Welsh Pony is finally set to steam again. The 5 inch gauge steam loco I am building has been inspired by these small but powerful steam locomotives. My loco is also ready to run on a track. I look forward to experiencing both.
Amazing story after 80 years being dormant she will be back in service again..I’ve travelled on the Ffestiniog before and it was definitely a very enjoyable experience.
Furthermore, It’s Also one of the latest Preservation Highlights, When it comes to Seeing/Checking Out this Narrow Gauge Steam Engine return to Steam after so many years.
Well Done (& Good Working Skills) to the Fascinatingly Well-Preserved Ffestiniog Railway, whom of Which I also previously visited and rode aboard one of it’s trains along the line ‘in-person’ whilst on Holiday back in September 2011 aged 20.
I’d look forward to hopefully return to/yet revisit this Fascinating Welsh Narrow-Gauge Transportation Attraction ‘in-person’ someday.
Maybe to even see and check out that ”Welsh Pony” Steam Engine too.
It’s So Amazing to Learn & Discover that this Intriguing Welsh Narrow-Gauge Loco last Steamed Under it’s Own Steaming Powers in 1939-40… Exactly A Whopping 80 Years/8 Decades… Such A Surprisingly long, long time.
Welsh Pony is also A Wonderfully Marvellous name for A Well Painstakingly Restored & Historic Narrow-Gauge steam engine…
As with Palmerston, Prince and Princess Too, Welsh Pony & Co are also
The Exact Basis for ”Railway Series”/”Thomas & Friends” Narrow-Gauge
Engine Character ”Duke”.