‘Dougal’ off on its travels
W&LLR and Sittingbourne & Kemsley Light Railway (SKLR) have reached an agreement for the loan of 1946-built locomotive ‘Dougal’, which will include overhauling the popular engine back to operational condition.
Dougal, which is currently on static display at Welshpool following the expiry of its boiler ticket in 2014, will be loaned from the W&LLR in Powys to the SKLR in Kent on an initial four-year agreement.
The first two years will involve the locomotive undergoing the required boiler work and other repairs at the SKLR workshop to allow it to return to steam, with the subsequent two years spent operating on the Sittingbourne line with occasional visits back to its Welsh home to take part in special events.
Dougal was built by Andrew Barclay & Sons of Kilmarnock in 1946 for the extensive narrow-gauge system of the Provan Gasworks in Glasgow. The low design enables the engine to work in the very restricted confines of the retort houses.
Dougal was rescued by the W&LLR in 1969 and following restoration, first steamed in 1975, being given the name of a character from the popular TV series ‘Magic Roundabout’.
It proved a popular attraction at special events for many years before significant boiler repairs became necessary in 2014.
Dougal made its furthest journey in late 2018 when it travelled to Taiwan to take part in the annual sugar festival to mark the signing of a co-operation agreement between the W&LLR and Taiwan Sugar Co.
As two of the only surviving 2ft 6in gauge lines in the UK, the W&LLR and SKLR have shared close co-operation for many years.
Most recently the Sittingbourne’s freshly restored to original condition locomotive ‘Premier’ was star turn at the W&LLR’s 2022 Steam Gala.
The SKLR is also now home to several of the ‘toastrack’ carriages which operated on the Welsh line in the early days of preservation, one of which made a brief return to the W&LLR in 2023 to take part in the line’s ‘60 Years of Preservation’ event.
W&LLR Chairman, Steve Clews, said: “This is a great opportunity for us to work more closely with our friends at Sittingbourne whilst returning to service a much-loved locomotive for both railways to make the most of. We thank the SKLR for the generous offer to our volunteers to take part in the restoration.”
Dougal is planned to make its move from the Welsh line to Kent in early 2024.
PICTURE (by Andrew Charman): ‘Dougal’ pictured at a Llanfair Line Gala event before the expiry of its boiler ticket in 2014.
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