Moel Hebog
A characterful, powerful, but rather slow diesel, which forms part of the Infrastructure Department locomotive fleet. Built by the Hunslet Engine Company of Leeds (Builder's number 4113 of 1955), it is a 0-4-0DM flameproof "Mines" type, with a 70hp Meadows engine and jackshaft drive to wheels coupled by connecting rods. It had worked underground at Shaw Cross Colliery near Dewsbury but came to the railway in 1969 and was stored in a dismantled condition at Minffordd Yard.
In 1974 it was rebuilt with a normal profile cab acquired by Boston Lodge Works Manager Paul Dukes from a scrap heap on the Talyllyn Railway, making the locomotive one of few to have its loading gauge increased on arrival at the railway. It was also fitted with control equipment for push-pull operation, being used from 1975 on the Dduallt to Gelliwiog shuttle with carriage 110. However its top speed of 14.7mph and removal of vacuum exhauster prevent it being used on today's passenger trains.
It retains an air operated 4-speed gearbox, but the flameproof equipment, air start and air clutch have been replaced.
It currently carries the appropriate BR Civil Engineers "Dutch" grey and yellow livery. It spent many years as the Glanypwll Depot shunter and is now based at Minffordd Yard. It is mainly used by the Line Side Management and S & T sections as well as deputising for Permanent Way section diesel Harlech Castle.
Its character stems from the regulation 6" flame out the stack when working hard, clanking connecting rods and smoke generation that would put a steam engine to shame.
In 2012 Hebog visited the Welsh Highland Railway and the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway, delivering telegraph poles from Minffordd Yard to Gelert's Farm Works.
- Moel Hebog
Moel Hebog gets a new coat of green paint, at Boston Lodge 1984
Moel Hebog stands with Harlech Castle at Boston Lodge Dec 2004
Moel Hebog deputising for Harlech Castle with the PW Works train at Harbour Station Sept 2006
Moel Hebog after its recent repaint at Glanypwll depot 2007
