The Welsh Highland Heritage Railway is appealing for funds to repair a cracked rod on its flagship steam locomotive, Russell.
Russell is a narrow-gauge side-tank 2-6-2T Hunslet, and was built in 1906. Originally made for the Portmadoc, Beddgelert and South Snowdon Railway Company, Russell had an eventful career, including several years with North Wales Narrow Gauge Railways Company, which became part of the until that company, together with the Welsh Highland Railway in 1922.
After being requisitioned by the Ministry of Supply during the Second World War, Russell was demobbed and sent to work in Dorset, followed by spells working at Talyllyn railway, Kinnerley, Carnforth, Llanberis and Gelerts Farm Works.
A cracked rod has forced the locomotive out of action. A replacement rod will need to be forged, which will be expensive for the Railway.
The WHHR is a short, reconstructed heritage railway in Gwynedd, Wales, with its main station at Porthmadog. It is asking potential donors to email info@whr.co.uk or become a member.
Can itbe welded,possibly but surely better and safer to replace parts than do a rush job
I’ll bet it can be welded.
Welding is not an option as a weld could easily fail again. . Remember these parts are over a 100 years old.