Prince is the oldest working engine on the FR. In fact he is the oldest engine in regular service in the world! He is one of the first four locos built for the FR, in 1863. Originally he had side tanks but was rebuilt to his current shape in 1892, with a large saddle tank. These locos were designed to haul 50 tons of empty slate wagons uphill at 10 mph, he has now proved capable of much more than that.

When the railway closed in 1946 he was in the works being fitted with a brand new boiler. Therefore he was the first choice for the new owners when the railway re-opened in 1955. He has appeared in the ‘Thomas’ stories as ‘Duke’ and has proved to be a reliable performer. He was converted to oil firing in 1980, but now is (to be) converted back to coal.

He has travelled far, working a season on the Welsh Highland Railway and going to York for the Railfest in 2004. His proudest moment was being driven by HRH Prince Charles on the inaugural train of the Welsh Highland Railway to Rhyd Ddu.

Painted bright red in a historical livery you can’t miss him and the noise of his chime whistle is one of the sounds of the railway.

You can view some small video clips of Prince here.

Gallery:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Prince climbs Gwyndy Bank between Minffordd and Penrhyn.