'Mountaineer' was built by the American Locomotive Co (Alco) in 1917. She was originally numbered 1265. She was built for the War Department Light Railways use, helped the British Armys cause in France during World War One. After the war, 'Mountaineer' remainded in France, first in the north on reconstuction work and later (1935) in the south at the Tramway de Pithiviers à Toury.
When this roadside tramway closed in 1964 she was bought by a Ffestiniog director by the name of John Ransom and imported to the UK. Three years later 'Mountaineer' arrived at the Ffestiniog. The Ffestiniog railway gave her the name 'Mountaineer' which was inherited, along with the bell, from an original Ffestiniog loco that had been dismantled in 1879.
Extensive modifications have seen her regauged to FR loading gauge in 1967, converted from coal fired to oil burning in 1971 (when the chimney and smokebox were first painted aluminium), fitted with a new all-welded superheated boiler and piston valves in 1982 and new cab in the style of the double fairlies in 1983. The nameplates were cast from the surviving patterns made for the England built 'Mountaineer'.
The model has the pre 1983 slope sided cab which I have to say I prefer. The boiler is huge and fooled many of my local club members when I sat it next to a 7 1/4" 'Bridget' boiler. When asked which was the 7 1/4" boiler most got it wrong! 'Mountaineers' boiler is about twice the size of 'Bridgets'. When this model is returned to running order I am sure she will be an impressive locomotive.
The model has run previously and was taken apart some years ago when the boiler failed. A new boiler was made by a fellow club member of the owner. I was told the owner belonged to the Uckfield Club but the person I contacted through the website had never heard of him. If anyone recognises the loco and can offer any more history I would be glad to hear from them.
Most of the parts are here including a lot of the pipeing and fittings. The boiler originally had a leak but this has been repaired by Chris Lyall of Merlin Engineering. The boiler has been tested and has a hydraulic certificate. Chris considers the boiler to be professionally made and is happy to give a reference on the build and condition of the boiler. Chris can be contacted on 01354 658068. Many thanks to Chris for repairing the boiler. Please feel free to contact him if you have a boiler in need of repair or a requirement for a new one. His turnaround is very quick and his prices are very competitive. I am happy to offer a three month guarantee on this boiler. The workmanship on this model is average to good.
'Mountaineer' is one of my favourite locos. I bought her as I thought that owning a 5" version must be the next best thing to owning a 7 1/4" one! However the other half cant get used to such a large ornament in the sitting room and I dont have the time to rebuild her at present. So in order to keep the other half happy 'Mountaineer' now needs a new home.
UPDATE 30th AUGUST 2004 - The previous owner contacted me today to give me a bit more history on the locomotive. It came from the Leyland club and the boiler was indeed professionally made by Bruce Ellis Engineering in Chorley. The boiler was commissioned around 1994 and completed around 1997. The boiler was then tested and found to be sound with the hydraulic certificate expiring in 1999.
The previous owner realised he had a problem with the old boiler when he couldnt get the loco to hold more than 30 psi. Even at this pressure 'Mountaineer' was still pulling a load of 30 passengers! When the problem was investigated it was found that the superheater tubes had collapsed. The decision was taken to replace the complete boiler. I am keeping my fingers crossed that some photos of the loco in steam can be found and these will be put on the website upon their arrival. Many thanks to Mr.N for taking the time to pass on some of the history of 'Mountaineer'!
Width (of cab): 16"
Length (over buffer beams): 52"
Height (rail to cab roof): 21.5"
Height (rail to chimney): 22"
Weight (of boiler): Over 6 stone
