6430

6430 is a push-pull fitted 0-6-0 pannier tank of GWR origin, built at Swindon in 1937 as part of lot no. 305. The class spent their lives working many of the minor branch lines on the former GWR system, particularly the South Wales valleys, and were fitted for auto train working.

Above: 6430 on Yeovil MPD on 16th May 1964. (Mark Hoofe)

Withdrawal in 1964 was followed by sale to John Cashmore Ltd as scrap, but immediately 6430 was re-sold to the Dart Valley Railway as a source of spares. It was towed to there by 6412 in 1966.

When the remains of the engine were purchased by its current owner in 1990, it represented an incomplete kit of parts. It spent some time undergoing restoration at Long Marston MOD depot, along with 5199, before moving on to Llangollen in 1996.

Above: 6430 undergoing restoration in the Foxcote Manor shed at Llangollen. Brand new pannier tanks have been made and fitted. (George Jones)

Having lost many parts to other engines, restoration work was slow. Repairs to its cracked cylinder block were tackled by the Severn Valley Railway during 1996, and new pannier tanks were fabricated and fitted at Llangollen. After manufacture of new axleboxes, re-wheeling took place on 24th April 1998, and work progressed slowly towards its return to steam. New motion parts, coupling and connecting rods were cast and machined to size, whilst other parts were found elsewhere and purchased. A major problem was the badly corroded state of the boiler. This necessitated a completely new boiler barrel being made and fitted to the existing smokebox and firebox.

The work undertaken over eight years represents a major rebuild of an engine which once had no hope of being returned to steam, and has presented the owner and the loco department with many challenges. However, thanks to the skills of the workforce and the engineering facilities available, the project has been successfully completed.

Above: The big moment! (George Jones)

Its first move under its own steam came on 20th December 2003. Work to finish off the locomotive continued, and it undertook a successful trial run along the full length of the Railway on 23rd February 2004. It will enter service during March.

An ex GWR auto-trailer coach has also been purchased, and when its restoration is complete it will be paired with 6430 to represent a branch line train of the 1940s.

Above: At work on a service train in March 2004. (Martin Perry)

Above: On test to Llangollen Goods Junction and back, 20th December 2003. (George Jones)

6430 approaches the Dee Bridge

12th Feb 2006

6430 by Pentrefelyn Yard

12th Feb 2006

6430 with Autocoach No 167

At Glyndyfrdwy

9th September 2006

6430 in Llangollen Shed Yard on 9th March 2008.

Left to Right: Reassembled again with new tyres fitted to the wheels. Outside the shed with Austin 1; new tyres and adjusted brake gear; With a warming fire ready to be steamed for testing. Photos George Jones and John Rutter

6430 as “Duck” in 2005

6430 with Autocoach No 167 At Glyndyfrdwy

Above: 6430 on trial with auto-trailer W228W on 24th February 2004. (George Jones)

Left to Right: 6430 being fired up in Llangollen Shed Yard on 21st April 2010; firing up in Llangollen Yard; 6430 with Poppy; 6430 in Llangollen Station.

All Pictures - Gareth Owen

Principal Dimensions

Wheel arrangement

0-6-0PT

Power classification

A / 2P

Nominal tractive effort

16,510 lbs

Weight

47 tons

Wheel diameters

4'7½"