The Ardnacraish Light Railway - a wee history

[beancounter]

THe ALR's Superintendent of Motive Power, Doogie Drummond, has responded to requests from the Operating Department for a new locomotive. Doogie commented:
"Yon buffer-bashers were bellyachin' aboot wantin' a new loco, so ah looked aroond and found yin fra' yon Sassenach ootfit Roundhouse, awa' doon south somewhere. She's a braw wee engine, but yon wagon-worriers are tellin' me they're havin' a few problems wi' ra steam trials. Ah'm tellin' 'em ye dinnae jest drive ra thing - ye have tae unnerstan' it - a bit like ra wimmin...."
He added " Ah'm hearin ra high heidyin o' ra ALR is wantin' tae name ra loco after his wifey - he's thinkin' it will get him in her guid books. Ah'm thinkin' ah've got more chance o' scorin' ra winnin' try a' Murrayfield than he has o' gettin' brownie points."

Doogie also pointed out improvements to the line's Caradoc-class locomotive: "Ah finally dragged ma fitters, Hughie an' Big Wullie, oot o' ra bar o' ra Station Hotel long enough fer them tae put linin' and nameplates on Princess Louise. It's nae St. Rollox standard, but it'll do fer noo."

 

[beancounter]

The latest item to be put into service is a repainted Bachmann tipper, to join the PW train. It's been at the back of a cupboard for years, and has finally made it up the "to-do" list. (The close up is a bit harsh on my slightly iffy painting).

I'd like to pick up some more of these - I know they're US outline, but (to my eyes anyway) the have a bit of a UK mineral railway (Snailbeach?) look about them,

 

[C&S]

Not necessarily an American prototype. Something similar was used on the (standard gauge) West Somerset Mineral Railway when the line was re-opened at the end of the 19th century. However the mines became uneconomic and the line soon closed again. Perhaps some wagons went north, and were re-gauged...............

 

[beancounter]

Not necessarily an American prototype. Something similar was used on the (standard gauge) West Somerset Mineral Railway when the line was re-opened at the end of the 19th century. However the mines became uneconomic and the line soon closed again. Perhaps some wagons went north, and were re-gauged...............

Thanks! - duly noted and filed under "claim slightly dubious prototype scenario for your model".

 

[Madman]

John, that's a very nice paint job on the tipper.