An appeal was launched three years ago, in December 2020, to raise funds for Linda’s ten year overhaul. Work identifed at the time included the mandatory retubing of the boiler, work on the chassis, cylinders and motion and tender repairs.
The appeal aimed to raise £60,000 to recognise Linda’s 60 years on the Ffestiniog Railway, having arrived in 1962 and been a stalwart of the services ever since. The appeal was extremely successful and has ultimately seen over £100,000 raised, including specific donations to cover the cost of making patterns for new cylinders, which will be required during this next period of service.
Linda has successfully steamed and been seen around the railway on some light duties as part of the running in programme. Included in this, Linda has spent a couple of weekends on footplate ride duties at Porthmadog in conjunction with Santa’s Grotto on the platform.
Whilst Linda was providing footplate rides, large quarry Hunslet Lilla has reprised its role as the decorated loco in the platform, standing at the head of the train which includes Santa’s Grotto and a wintry scene at the North Pole in the curly roof van:
Linda has now disappeared into the paint shop for a fresh coat of paint on the loco to match the recently repainted tender.
