Replica Welsh Pony worksplate which could be yours!
Following on from the cosmetic restoration of Welsh Pony for the May 150 event, the FR Heritage Group have sponsored the manufacture of replica brass cabside plates for Welsh Pony which will be fitted before the “1863 and all that” Vintage Weekend in October and eventually used on the overhauled locomotive.
The artwork for the patterns has been created faithfully from details of other contemporary plates of England Engines. This was done by a volunteer (Ralph Bilsborrow).
Welsh Pony is currently on view at Harbour Station, so in between trains you can see the loco before it is rebuilt.
The foundry made an extra plate – Boston Lodge Rebuilt 1916. To help pay for the cost of the getting the plates made, this is being auctioned on eBay (see link). All proceeds will go towards Welsh Pony, initially to fund the plates themselves. Any extra funds raised through generous bidding will go towards the main Welsh Pony appeal target.
It is hoped Welsh Pony could steam for its 150th birthday in 2017. With very generous donations, it is not out of the question that it could be running for the centenary of its Boston Lodge overhaul the year before.
Good luck bidding on this special plate!
