This Day in History: 1988-09-15

15 September 1988

Fern, a 4-4-0 oil burner locomotive built by Erich Thomsen for use on his Redwood Valley Railway in Berkeley California, arrived at Ravenglass for a visit. Fern ran like the proverbial sewing machine and, despite his size, performed well on the railway grades. With its wooden cowcatcher and cab, ornate lamps and black and gold livery, it attracted a great deal of attention. It carried flags in the American manner which were varied day to day. The locomotive stayed until 23rd September and was present for the Narrow Gauge Railway Society visit on the 18th September double-heading with both Little Giant and Synolda.