Welsh Highland Garratts on the Ffestiniog Railway

K1 - The Pioneer Beyer Garratt K1

After being purchased from the ailing Beyer Peacock business in the 1960s K1 finally found a 'permanent' home at the National Railway Museum in York.  The project to rebuild the Welsh Highland Railway was the catalyst that led to K1 being returned to Wales after many years for eventual restoration (initially at the Birmingham Railway Museum at Tyseley) as a locomtive suitable for lighter trains.  These photographs show K1 at York and then on display in Minffordd Yard during the May 1995 gala.

2004 Postscript: 9 years later, restoration is almost complete with K1 in steam at Boston Lodge.  It had been hoped to have K1 at Dinas for the 2004 Super Power weekend, but a list of small problems delayed completion until later than expected.


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Awaiting Restoration

The Tasmanian Garratt occupies the turntable in the Great Hall at the National Railway Museum   (10/03/1979)
The Tasmanian Garratt occupies the turntable in the Great Hall at the National Railway Museum
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K1 in the yard at Minffordd after being liberated from York   (07/05/1995)
K1 in the yard at Minffordd after being liberated from York
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The pioneer Garratt stands in Minffordd Yard before departing to Tyseley for restoration   (07/05/1995)
The pioneer Garratt stands in Minffordd Yard before departing to Tyseley for restoration
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2004 - In Steam At Last

K1 is admired following restoration at Boston Lodge.   (12/09/2004)
K1 is admired following restoration at Boston Lodge.
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In steam for inspection by visitors to the 2004 Super Power weekend, K1 drew a continual stream of visitors to Boston Lodge.   (12/09/2004)
In steam for inspection by visitors to the 2004 Super Power weekend, K1 drew a continual stream of visitors to Boston Lodge.
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K1 waits in Boston Lodge between short trips up an down the yard.   (12/09/2004)
K1 waits in Boston Lodge between short trips up an down the yard.
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