This morning, the Talyllyn Railway, in North Wales, has revealed that steam locomotive No. 6 ‘Douglas/Duncan’ has received a brand new paint job.

The locomotive, which is famous for being in the Thomas the Tank Engine series, is a 0-4-0WT and was built in 1918 by Andrew Barclay & Co. Ltd for the Airservice Construction Corps. From 1921 until 1945, the locomotive worked at the RAF railway at Calshot Spit, in Southampton. After this period at Calshot, it was bought by Abelson & Co. in 1949 who presented it to the Talyllyn Railway in 1953.

After overhaul and alteration to the Talyllyn’s 2ft 3in gauge, it entered its preserved life in 1954. The locomotive was named ‘Douglas’ at the donor’s request. It has been a popular sight on the narrow gauge railway. It takes part in many ‘Duncan Days’, which is popular with children.

After running in red livery and under the guise of ‘Duncan’, for 2018, it has been repainted into RAF blue, with roundels and branded with ‘RAF 100′ to celebrate the RAF’s 100th birthday. This also coincides with Douglas’ 100th birthday – 2018 is a special year for Duncan!

When can I see Douglas?

The locomotive will now be in operation today on the 12:50 (private charter) and 2 pm (public) services, as well as the railways ‘Local Residents Days’ – more information on that, can be found here

It is really nice to see a locomotive in this unusual livery!

• Visit the Talyllyn Railway website
  For more information