Chairman David Wood was inspired by the rebuilding of the Ffestiniog Railway Number 6 Welsh Pony. Having seen an image of an original 1860 small George England, David hadn’t realised how its 3 classmates had been completely transformed out of all recognition from their earlier form. Additionally, the existence of a fourth engine, Mountaineer (Numbered 3), goes virtually unrecorded and had disappeared from history.
David made enquiries to see what it would cost to recreate it. Mark Ashton, a renowned small locomotive builder located in Darlington, was selected to provide a rough estimate of production costs. David then visited the Ffestiniog Railway to meet Paul Lewin (Director & General Manager) and Jon Whalley (Chief Mechanical Engineer/Driver) to see how they could help. They very generously gave access to original drawings and casting patterns.
After the meeting, Major Brian Smyth and David Wood formed 1863 Mountaineer Locomotive Ltd. Since then, David and Brian have worked hard to ensure the project components stay within the design parameters.
The mission to establish the Mountaineer locomotive’s rightful place in history, has attracted the attention of narrow guage and Ffestiniog Railway enthusiasts throughout Europe. These loyal supporters have financially contributed, enabling our journey to succeed. They are the heart and soul of this engine and so we name them the ‘Mountaineers’. We are eternally grateful for their continuing support.
Our motto is: ‘From the past, into the Future.’
Progress & Future Funding
Boiler
Completed
(Hydraulic Tested Only)
Cylinders
Completed
Mounted On Frames
Wheels
Completed
Mounted On Frames
Axles/Axle Boxes
Completed
Mounted On Frames
Frames & Stretchers
Completed
Hot Riveted
Springs
Completed
Mounted On Frames
Complete Eccentrics x4
Completed
Mounted On Axle
Expansion Links
Completed
Awaiting Fitting
Drop Links x2
Completed
Awaiting Fitting
Weigh Shaft
Completed
Mounted On Frames
Coupling Rods
Currently Under Construction
Fully Funded
Connecting Rods
Currently Under Construction
Fully Funded
Lifting Links
Currently Under Construction
Fully Funded
Smoke Box
Currently Under Construction
Not Fully Funded
Eccentric Rods x4
Awaiting Funding
Piston Rods
Awaiting Funding
Valve Buckles & Spindles
Awaiting Funding
Pistons
Awaiting Funding
Axle Box Casting Pattern (Tender)
Under Design
Not Costed
Axle Box x4 (Tender)
Under Design
Not Costed
Wheels x4 (Tender)
Under Design
Not Costed
Axles x2 (Tender)
Under Design
Not Costed
If you would like to sponsor or donate towards any of our outstanding components, you can either call Chairman David Wood on 07712584821 or go to our PayPal account.
Become a Mountaineer
If you want to join us in reviving locomotive history the join the project today!
1863 Mountaineer Locomotive Project 