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So what are we raising money for?
Well, to many the Ffestiniog is its Fairlies. Whilst their basic design does not necessarily lend itself to easy maintenance, the 'double engines' have consistently shown themselves to be the archetypal FR workhorse and has provided the basis for massive haulage up the Vale of Ffestiniog Railway for more than a century. However they are a locomotive that we need to find just a little more money for if we wish to keep them going.
At present David Lloyd George has two bogies made up from bits from the old nineteenth century units and they are now beyond economic repair. We can keep them going for now but, like an old car, repair costs keep escalating. We need a new pair of Bogies and Boston Lodge is keen to build them. Not only that but they would like to incorporate all the design improvements made to these iconic locomotives to make them more efficient, reliable and easy to maintain (see articles below).
We recognise that it is always more satisfying to donate to causes where a clear rationale exists for the work being undertaken. For that reason we are delighted to be able to share with you several comprehensive background articles that give the reasoning on the engineering undertaken on the Fairlies since the 80s… that is the 1880s, thus taking the story right back to the beginning…
Click here for Musical Bogies Part I article (1886 - 1997) on the FR Society website.
Click here for Musical Bogies Part II article (1997 - present) on the FR Society website.
Please also check back to the FR Society website (www.ffestiniograilway.org.uk) soon for a step by step guide to building a double engine bogie and regular updates on construction progress at Boston Lodge.
In fact, early FR Society support to the project means that the frame plates and other components already reside in Boston Lodge erecting shop ready for construction to start.
So we have started; can you help us finish the job?
