153 years ago, in a remote corner of North Wales, one of the world's earliest narrow gauge steam locomotives arrived at the Ffestiniog Railway in Porthmadog.
Now that locomotive, Palmerston, is returning to London for the first time since she was built there in 1864.
Palmerston will be rolled into King’s Cross Station at 0100 on Saturday February 18th, and will be on display in the ticket hall until Sunday February 26th.
The locomotive was named after Viscount Palmerston, Liberal Prime Minister and Chairman of the Welsh Slate, Copper & Lead Mining Company’s quarry at Blaenau Ffestiniog. The locomotive saw extensive use on both the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways until withdrawal from service in 1937.
For the duration of the visit, our staff and volunteers will be joined by colleagues from the other ‘Great Little Trains of Wales’ to promote ‘Big Train meets Little Train’ - The recently published free guide to Welsh narrow gauge railways and how to visit them by rail.
For further information contact Chris Parry - cparry@ffwhr.com - 07774 109788
