138
South African Railways Class NGG16 2-6-2 + 2-6-2T Beyer Garratt locomotive built by Beyer Peacock (Builder's number 7863 of 1958). One of a batch of seven (no.s 137 - 143), the last steam locos built by Beyer Peacock, which were ordered by the Tsumeb Copper Corp of South West Africa in 1958 but when its line was altered to Cape Gauge, South African Railways took over the order.
138 was obtained from the Alfred County Railway and arrived in January 1997. It entered service on the WHR(C) in September 1997, having previously seen use on a FR Gala at Glan-y-Pwll in May. It was named Mileniwm / Millennium in May 2002.
The locomotive received a £50k power unit overhaul in the winter of 2003/4. It subsequently suffered superheater problems which were resolved in the summer of 2004 after which the locomotive was returned to traffic as a reliable unit. In the winter of 2004/5 the regulator handle was modified to suit the general manager of the railway who is known to favour this particular locomotive.
The boiler ticket on 138 ran out in the spring of 2008, leaving only one NGG 16 servicable ( No 143). When it had problems with fly cranks the rear bogie of 138 was sustituted.
During its overhaul the original boiler and oil firing were retained. It was repainted with in a red livery, parts returned to Dinas, where it was re-assembled in May 2010.
138 hauled the first 'Gold and Silver' sponsors train from Caernarfon to Porthmadog on October 30th 2010.
138 and 87 maintained the service in the first part of 2011 until 143 became available.
138 was converted to coal firing during 2012, steaming on coal for the first time during early October 2012.
The WHR(C) is home to 3 other members of this class, no's 87, 140 and 143.
- Loco 138
In original green livery running round a Santa train at Waunfawr, Dec 05
Inside the cab (driver's side), See 143 for fireman's side of NGG16 footplate, May 2005
Arriving at Rhyd Ddu, April 2006 BWH
In (then) new red livery in the Aberglaslyn Pass, June 2010
About to pass under OB20.29 on St Helens Road.
