Andy
Andy | |
---|---|
At Porthmadog, 2017 | |
Type | Motor Rail Simplex |
Home Railway | FR |
Status | In service |
History | |
Built by | FR Volunteers |
Technical | |
Wheel Arrangement | 4wDM |
Length | 8 ft 11 in |
Locomotives |
Andy is a volunteer-built Simplex locomotive, constructed at home and at Glan y Pwll depot. It is named in memory of former FR employee Andy Putnam, who played a key role in the Civil Engineering department and was responsible for many of the bridges and culverts between Moelwyn Tunnel and Blaenau Ffestiniog
The locomotive is constructed from parts from three Simplex locomotives, which is fitting as Andy Putnam regularly restored machinery and constructed unique machines for use on the railway. The engine came from The Colonel (and prior to that Sandra), the chassis from the scrapped The Lady Diana, and the gearbox from the scrapped Sandra. The Colonel is likely to be restored with a more suitable engine.
A common misconception was that this locomotive was going to be known as 'Putty', after Andy Putnam's nickname. This was based on a misunderstanding and the builders never intended it to carry this name.
As of 2012, Andy was nearly complete and likely to be unveiled in the near future.
In 2017 Andy made its first public appearance at the Quirks and Curiosities II gala.