The double Fairlies are loved by and well suited to the Ffestinog Rly in Wales. One crew essentially runs two locomotives, their bogies swivel so they handle tight curves, and the line is short meaning the limited range/fuel supply isn’t an issue. A disadvantage is that if one of the locomotive halves goes down, then of course both are in the shop.
Having wood for fuel would have been far worse than coal, given the lower btu’s, meaning that greater volumes of fuel were needed. Here’s the link to the thread showing the Toronto Grey & Bruce’s double Fairlie. You’re right John, what a joy that would have been getting wood down from two bunkers, to feed two fireboxes, while rocking down the track at -20F in a Canadian snow storm. [
ngdiscussion.net]
The Ffestiniog’s double Fairlies are little jewels tho, and are wonderful machines to behold. It’s the cradle of narrow gauge, and a must see pilgrimage for any narrow minded fans who are able to do so.
Cheers,
Ralph
Edited 4 time(s). Last edit at 09/16/2020 07:45PM by tgbcvr.