The Llechwedd slate quarry in North West Wales was an early adopter of hydro-electric power with the first generator at the quarry in 1891. In the late 1920s the quarry decided to convert two WG Bagnall built narrow gauge steam locomotives (1890/1278 and 1895/1445) to overhead electric to join a number of battery electric locomotives already in service. A third steam locomotive was also dismantled ready for conversion but this does not seem to have been carried out.
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| 1278 at the Statfold Barn Railway |
| Information |
| Number built: |
2 |
| Built: |
1927, 1930 |
| Builder: |
Llechwedd quarry (conversion to electric locomotive)
W.G. Bagnall (original steam locomotive) |
| Motor: |
Electric motor (DC OHLE) |
| Formation: |
0-4-0WE |
The locomotives were supplied from an overhead wire collected via twin trolley poles on the cab roof. They worked at the quarry until the 1960s and survived into preservation though are in need of a lot of restoration after being outdoors. They have recently transferred to the Statfold Barn Railway.
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| Side view of 1278 |
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| Another view showing the buffer, and a spare! |
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| Side view |
