Day Log/1863-07-18
On this date, over 6 weeks later than planned, the first two locomotives from George England were delivered. Transport of such heavy vehicles was difficult, and therefore they arrived (see Note) at Caernarfon and were then transported by road to Porthmadog. This transport was by means of a cart, drawn by four horses, specially constructed for the purpose by Henry and Job Williams, and the story of that remained in Minffordd village folklore for some time.
The first locomotive was Mountaineer, with The Princess said to be arriving on 22nd July by a local paper. The Princess became the first to be steamed, on the 4th August.[1]
Note[edit]
Whilst one source refers to delivery by sea to Caernarfon[2], another, older source, quotes "nearest railhead at Caernarfon" giving the impression, delivery to there, was by rail. There is also no record in Caernarvon Harbour Trustees' papers of these engines coming off a ship[3]
References[edit]
- ^ Johnson, Peter (2007). An Illustrated History of the Festiniog Railway. Hersham: Oxford Publishing Co. ISBN 0-860936-03-1. OCLC 180463433.
- ^ Johnson, Peter (2007). An Illustrated History of the Festiniog Railway. Hersham: Oxford Publishing Co. ISBN 0-860936-03-1. OCLC 180463433. p19
- ^ Boyd, James I.C. (1975) [1959]. The Festiniog Railway 1800 - 1974; Vol. 1 - History and Route. Blandford: The Oakwood Press. ISBN 0-8536-1167-X. OCLC 2074549. p65}}
See also[edit]
- Day Log/1863-06-01 Planned date for first Loco Delivery