On Saturday 1st February, NG15 No.134 ‘Kalahari’ successfully hauled its first train since restoration. The loco hauled a train of 8 WHR Super Saloons on two test runs between Caernarfon and Dinas, including a standing start from Bontnewydd.

The engine gave an impressive performance, effortlessly pulling away on the 1:40 gradient with the train. There were a few objectives behind the test run:
– Check recent work carried out on the loco.
– Test performance whilst under load.
– Check functionality of the recently-completed steam sanders.
– Measure performance of the spark arrestor.
‘Kalahari’ was particularly sure footed which gave little opportunity to test the effectiveness of the sanders, so the engine will be run under load again in more adverse weather conditions to give better chance to test them.
The spark arrestor performed well under the load with only a few smarks emitted under enduced wheelslip for the purposes of testing spark emission. Further combinations of coal and ovoids will be used in future trials to check performance with the fuel burned on the railway.
Testing will continue whilst the stock and line are available ahead of the start of season in March.

📸Ben Abbott