The Fife Heritage Railway has announced that they have begun a massive task of restoring Andrew Barclay 2292, also known as the Dubbie Pug.

The local name Dubbie Pug has been given due to the steam locomotive serving at the local colliery in Dysart (Dubbie).

The locomotive was built in 1951 for the National Coal Board, it had a working life at collieries all over Fife and Lothians. It was brought into preservation in Summer 1983 by the Lochty Private Railway.

Although the locomotive is similar to Barclay design, there are some minor differences to his model. The locomotive has 16″ cylinders and a longer wheelbase than the usual Barclay of its size. It also incorporates backhead combination injectors – which are unfortunately proving very difficult to locate.

Now with the Barclay ‘Forth’ complete, the Fife Heritage Railway is looking to take on a bigger challenge.

The current estimates based on quotes and projects see the project needing to acquire over £100,000, this is because the boiler requires an extensive overhaul or potential new build along with the fittings needing replacement as they were stolen in the early days.

The boiler has since been lifted from the frames with the tanks and cab also removed. The frames will soon be moved into the workshop to begin their long-term overhaul, all while funds are collected for the boiler overhaul.

How can I help?

If you would like to donate to this fund, please click here to visit the BT MyDonate page. Every little helps – however small.

• Visit the Fife Heritage Railway website
  For more information
• Visit the RailAdvent news homepage
  For the latest railway news
• Visit the RailAdvent Shop
  For railway related goodies!