This 0-4-0WT was built in 1918 by Andrew Barclay & Co. Ltd. for the Airservice Construction Corps. From 1921 until 1945 it worked at the RAF railway at Calshot Spit, Southampton. After a period in store at Calshot it was bought in 1949 by Abelson & Co. (Engineers) Ltd. who presented it to the Talyllyn in 1953. After overhaul and alteration from 2ft to 2ft 3in gauge, it entered service in 1954 and was named ‘Douglas’ at the donor’s request. Although smaller than the other locos it has performed well and was only fitted with a new boiler in 1995 – it has run reliably ever since, and in a variety of colours!
On 21st February 2018, it was the 100th Birthday of ‘Douglas’. To commemorate the dual-centenary of the locomotive & the RAF a new livery was applied, reflecting its rich RAF heritage.
In late January 2024, Douglas bowed out of service with the expiry of its boiler ticket. The engine is now on loan to our friends at the Severn Valley Railway and is on display in The Engine House at Highley while awaiting it’s overhaul to begin.
CURRENT STATUS: Boiler Ticket Expired. Awaiting Overhaul.
| Maker | Andrew Barclay & Co. |
| Year | 1918 |
| Works number | 1431 |
| Type | 0-4-0WT |
| Driving wheel diameter | 2′ 0″ |
| Trailing wheel diameter | nil |
| Coupled wheelbase | 3′ 11 1/4″ |
| Total wheelbase | 3′ 11 1/4″ |
| Cylinder size (bore/stroke) | 6 7/8 x 10 3/4″ |
| Heating surface | 130 sq. ft. |
| Working pressure | 160 psi |
| Tractive effort @ 85% BP | 3290 lbs |
| Weight | 8 tons |
| Length over buffers | 15′ 6″ |
