No.4 ‘Edward Thomas’

This 0-4-2ST was built in 1921 by Kerr, Stuart & Co. Ltd. for use on the Corris Railway, and was purchased by the Talyllyn in 1951 and named after the TR’s former manager. After repairs carried out by the Hunslet Engine Co., the engine entered service on the Talyllyn in 1952 and has proved most successful. From 1958 until 1969 a Giesel ejector was fitted instead of a conventional chimney, the first such installation in the British Isles.

Until 2000 the loco was running in the guise of “Peter Sam”, in red livery. It was then repainted into British Railways black, the colour scheme it might have acquired had the Corris line survived a little longer. An extensive overhaul, which has included the fitting of a new boiler, was completed in late May 2004 and the loco returned to public service on Sunday 30th May as “Edward Thomas”, in unlined green livery. The loco is currently in standard TR livery of deep bronze green lined with black borders and yellow lining. “Edward Thomas” is currently undergoing its 10 year overhaul.

CURRENT STATUS: Undergoing overhaul

Technical Details

MakerKerr Stuart & Co. Ltd.
Year1921
Works number4047
Type0-4-2ST
Driving wheel diameter2′ 0″
Trailing wheel diameter1′ 4″
Coupled wheelbase3′ 0″
Total wheelbase7′ 6″
Cylinder size (bore/stroke)7 1/8 x 12″
Heating surface115 sq. ft.
Working pressure160 psi
Tractive effort @ 85% BP3450 lbs
Weight9 1/4 tons
Length over buffers16′ 8″