Snowdon Mountain Railway, North Wales, UK

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Nigel joined the SMR in the 1970's. He is currently a locomotive driver on the line.

Locomotives

The first locomotive Nigel modified at the Llanberis based Snowdon Mountain Railway was No.7 Ralph. No.7 was of the second batch of locos delivered to the SMR by SLM 1923.

SMR No.7 Ralph out and about on the line before the exhaust system was modified. © Nigel A. H. Day

Another view of No.7 Ralph with a train typical of the type the SMR run to service the summit station here engaged on a permanent way train. Note the brass lamps on the loco and whistle, all constructed by Nigel. © Nigel A. H. Day

To improve steaming Nigel equipped No.7 with an exhaust system he describes as 'more like a Kylpor than a Lempor.' With this exhaust the loco would steam successfully on the poor coal the SMR was suffering with at the time.

In this view No.7 Ralph now sports several of Nigel's brass additions, one of Nigel's whistles and a revised draughting arrangement of the Kylpor type. © Nigel A. H. Day

Following the withdrawal of No.7 with a life expired boiler the Kylpor was transferred to No.6 Padarn with which it still runs today.

No.6 Padarn, built 1922, now carries the Kylpor. It is seen alongside the water column at Llanberis. July 11 2003

Nigel now gained a 'new' locomotive to look after; No.4 Snowdon, built by SLM in 1896. It is with this locomotive that Nigel showed just what was possible with a Lempor exhaust and oil firing.

SMR No.4 Snowdon, built by SLM in 1896, at Snowdon Summit station. The large whistle on the dome is one made by Nigel. © Nigel A. H. Day

As experience has been gained the Lempor exhaust has been tuned to improve performance and has gone through several incarnations. As installed the Lempor has 60% greater area than the exhaust arrangement it replaced. Ultimately the system contributed to a reduction in back pressure to the order of 50% ! The effect on steam consumption, power and overall efficiency can be imagined.

The Lempor arrangement as installed in SMR No.4. Note the fitting of the diaphragm plate. Also as can be seen No.4 is not superheated. © Nigel A. H. Day

Nigel Day (left) with No.4's more recent Lempor chimney and Les Oritt who constructed it. © Nigel A. H. Day

The base of No.4's later Lempor chimney showing the fixing to the smokebox and the strengthening pieces supporting the lower section. © Nigel A. H. Day

A full view of No.4's Lempor chimney. Note the chimney cap. This is swung across the chimney on the descent from Snowdon.© Nigel A. H. Day

Looking magnificent in 2000. No.4 Snowdon is seen at Llanberis with Nigel in the fireman's seat. Courtesy of Nigel A. H. Day

Occasionally the SMR plays host to wedding parties. This is one such occasion. No.4, which normally looks magnificent, was made to look even better for the event. There is some shine on the brass lamps ! © Nigel A. H. Day

SMR Locomotive Brasswork

In addition to the technical enhancements to SMR No.7 & No.4 Nigel has also enhanced their appearance. He is accomplished at producing first class brass work. Many of his creations have graced the engines over the years. He also took great care to get them painted to a high standard. The locos were made to stand out and have been very popular with visitors. People make a point of wanting to find and be photographed with No.4.

No.4 Snowdon at Snowdon Summit station with many of Nigel's brass additions to the loco. The presentation of the locomotive is first class and is a real credit to Nigel. © Nigel A. H. Day

These pieces of brass work surrounded the chimney.© Nigel A. H. Day

A Welsh tiger and an Indian elephant ride above the injector pipework along with several other brass items.© Nigel A. H. Day

A good view of No.4's front end at Llanberis station. Note the BR style 7H shed plate. 7H was not a real BR shed ! © Nigel A. H. Day

A close up of the front plate used on No.4. © Nigel A. H. Day

Just a few horse brasses on the very simple backhead then ! The firehole door is of the type designed by Nigel. © Nigel A. H. Day