Manchester Victoria Station, A Journey Through Time

Manchester Victoria Station, A Journey Through Time

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Oasis, a Britpop Legacy & Manchesters Most Iconic Band

Oasis, a Britpop Legacy & Manchesters Most Iconic Band

In the mid-'90s, Manchester was more than just a city; it was the beating heart of the British music scene, pulsing with the energy of a new generation of bands ready to take on the world. Among them, one band emerged like a lightning bolt, electrifying not just the...

The History of Wartime Rationing

The History of Wartime Rationing

The Second World War was a period of profound upheaval for the United Kingdom, not only on the battlefields but also on the home front. As bombs fell and men went off to fight, the people left behind faced a different kind of challenge: making do with less. Rationing,...

The Magic of Olympic Closing Ceremonies

The Magic of Olympic Closing Ceremonies

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Railway Reflection No.6 – Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway, Orion

by | Mar 13, 2024 | Clives Curiosities, Transport History

Tubize or not Tubize, that is the question.

It was certainly the question facing the narrow gauge Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway during 2006.

The Tubize in question was the 2-6-2T steam locomotive No.15 Orion. Built in 1948 by the Belgian firm S.A. Les Metallurgiques Nivelles Division de Tubize, for the Jokioninen Railway (JR) in Finland. The engine was a replacement for one handed over to the USSR as part of Finland’s war reparations and became No.5 in the JR fleet.

Orion in light steam
Orion in light steam. – Clive Hardy

No.5 remained operational until 1964 when cracks in the firebox resulted in its withdrawal from service. In 1972 it was purchased by Malcolm Knight and brought to the UK. During 1983 it was moved to the Welshpool & Llanfair, where it was put on display until 1990 when work started on returning it to traffic. 

No.5 was renumbered No.15 in the official Welshpool & Llanfair locomotive roster as well as carrying the name Orion.  

Apart from the steam dome, Orion is complete following modifications to reduce her weight.
Apart from the steam dome, Orion is complete following modifications to reduce her weight. – Clive Hardy

However, on return to traffic in the autumn of 2000, it was found that railway’s gradient profile and tight curves proved problematic for such a big engine.

The photographs were taken on Sunday 14 May 2006, following modifications to reduce her weight. Fortunately, the Jokinionen Museum Railway were keen to buy her back. After 34 years in the UK, Orion returned to Finland, operating her first service on 15 October.

Manchester Victoria Station, A Journey Through Time

Manchester Victoria Station, A Journey Through Time

A Royal Beginning (1844) Manchester Victoria Station opened its doors on January 1, 1844, marking the start of what would become a long and storied history. It holds the distinction of being the first station in the UK to be named “Victoria,” thanks to the special...

Oasis, a Britpop Legacy & Manchesters Most Iconic Band

Oasis, a Britpop Legacy & Manchesters Most Iconic Band

In the mid-'90s, Manchester was more than just a city; it was the beating heart of the British music scene, pulsing with the energy of a new generation of bands ready to take on the world. Among them, one band emerged like a lightning bolt, electrifying not just the...

The History of Wartime Rationing

The History of Wartime Rationing

The Second World War was a period of profound upheaval for the United Kingdom, not only on the battlefields but also on the home front. As bombs fell and men went off to fight, the people left behind faced a different kind of challenge: making do with less. Rationing,...

The Magic of Olympic Closing Ceremonies

The Magic of Olympic Closing Ceremonies

The Olympic Games are more than just a display of athletic prowess; they are a celebration of unity, culture, and the human spirit. While the Opening Ceremonies are often grand spectacles that set the tone for the Games, the Closing Ceremonies hold a special place in...