Power type Steam Serial number 3024 Total produced 1 | Builder W.G. Bagnall Build date 1953 | |
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Model W.G. Bagnall 'modified meyer' articulated locomotive | ||
Monarch is a narrow gauge steam locomotive, built by W.G. Bagnall Ltd., Stafford in 1953. It is currently on public display at the Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway. It is the last industrial narrow gauge locomotive to be built for commercial use in the UK and is constructed to a modified meyer locomotive articulated design. It is the last of seven locomotives built to a similar design, the other six being built to 2 ft (610 mm) gauge and delivered to sugar estates in South Africa.
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Sittingbourne Paper Mills
The engine was built to work on the Bowaters Paper Railway in Sittingbourne, now the Sittingbourne and Kemsley Light Railway in 1953 by W.G. Bagnall (works no.3024). Monarch was delivered on 31 July 1953 and worked for a mere 13 years until being purchased by the Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway in 1966.
Welshpool and Llanfair Railway (first time)
When Monarch arrived it required considerable overhaul. When the locomotive was finally overhauled it proved less useful than was hoped. It was found difficult to drive, in particular crews of the time found it difficult to adapt to its marine-style firebox, and proved challenging on the steep gradients of the line. By 1992 the Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway had acquired more locomotives and Monarch became surplus to requirements and was sold to the Ffestiniog Railway.
Ffestinog Railway
The Ffestinog Railway bought Monarch with the intention of overhauling and cutting down the size of the engine for use on the narrower (2 ft gauge) railway. The engine was dismantled for this purpose but then priorities changed and despite later thoughts of using it on the Welsh Highland Railway the loco was left in parts whilst it slowly rusted. The locomotive was then repurchased by the Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway.
Welshpool and Llanfair Railway (second time)
Monarch was bought with no intention of being used on the railway, since previously it had proved less useful than other engines, but was instead bought as a display piece and has been cosmetically restored for display at Welshpool.