Engines from our Collection

Compiled by Gareth Jones

Photo Copyright Barry Fitzpatrick

De Winton 0-4-0VBT

‘Kathleen’ 106/1877

It is not the first time that the two engines featured in this edition have appeared side by side, as they were alongside each other on the ‘scrap’ line at Penrhyn and now both engines form part of the VoR Collection. Kathleen was built by De Wintons of Caernarvon in 1877. When the engine was delivered new to Penrhyn Quarry it carried the name Katie, there doesn’t appear to be a record of when the engine’s name was changed to Kathleen however. Kathleen is remarkable in having remained in service at the quarry until withdrawal in 1939, when most of the other De Winton engines were retired around 1902.

The engine is listed as having been dismantled in 1939 with the above photograph having been taken by Barry Fitzpatrick during his visit in1962, and he has kindly allowed us to use his images of these two engines for this article.

Compiled by Gareth Jones

Photo Copyright Barry Fitzpatrick

Manning Wardle 0-4-0ST

‘Jubilee 1897’ 1382/1897 Jubilee 1897 was built in 1897 by Manning Wardle of Leeds and named in honour of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee celebrating her 60 year reign.

The engine was built for Cilgwyn Quarry at Nantlle, to work alongside their existing engine, Lilla (Now based at the Ffestiniog Railway). In 1928 both engines were sold to the Penrhyn Quarry, where Jubilee initially worked in the port until being stored in 1930. 15 years later the engine was returned to steam and set to work within the quarry on Red Lion Level. Finally withdrawn in 1955 the engine was lined up behind Kathleen on the Penrhyn ‘Scrap Line’.

In 1963 the engine moved to the Narrow Gauge Museum at Towyn, being cosmetically restored for display, but remaining in ownership of the Quarry. The engine remained on display there until it returned to Penrhyn Quarry with the intention of restoring the engine to working order keeping it as original as possible. Upon the collapse of the Penrhyn Quarry project the engine moved to the VoR for storage in 2018. When the opportunity arose the engine was purchased for the VoR Collection from its owner Welsh Slate.