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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.
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.
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.
Clive is our Transport and Railway writer, with years of experience he is a fount of knowledge on all things transport nostalgia.