Gwili Steam Railway receives donation of a diesel shunter locomotive from Ford | So Good News

The Gwili Railway at the Bronwydd Arms near Carmarthen in south west Wales has received a donation from the Ford Motor Company of a 0-6-0 diesel shunter from the Ford factory in Bridgend.

The locomotive was built in 1973 with builder number GECT 5391. In 2002 the chassis was rebuilt by the Yorkshire Engine Company and the rebuild completed by RMS Locotec and given a new works number LWO 2108.

The locomotive was due to be cut up on site at the Bridgend Ford plant last year by Euro Demolition who had taken over the site at the time.

After discussions with the site manager and Ford representative on site, it was suggested that it could be donated and restored for future generations.

This was agreed, with its original destination being the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway, but the donation was eventually made to the Gwili Steam Railway.

The locomotive is currently air-braked, while the rolling stock is vacuum-braked, but there are plans to equip it with vacuum brakes as well, although that doesn’t preclude its potential appearance on brake car tours at some point.

As far as is known, this locomotive has never operated a passenger train before, so when it does, it will be a significant event, which the railroad will advertise extensively in advance.

Before then, the railway is running Santa Specials throughout December, when adults will receive a free mincemeat and sherry with drinks and snacks for children, and all children aged 11 and under will receive a gift from Father Christmas. All day the Victorian tea rooms at Bronwydd Arms station will be open for delicious hot and cold snacks, tea, coffee and soft drinks.

On December 29 and 30, the railway is running its ‘New Year Lights of the Valley’ trains, with vintage steam trains decked out in glittering neon lights steaming through south-west Wales. Adult passengers will also be served a glass of sherry and a mincemeat on arrival before the trip.