Douglas Ferreira
In 2004, the Preservation Society commissioned the new-build of a diesel locomotive, which is named after the first General Manager of the railway in the preservation days.
Douglas Ferreira, or 'Doug' as it's commonly known, was built in 2005 by TMA Engineering in Birmingham. The Diesel hydraulic locomotive has a Bo-Bo wheel arrangement and a turbocharged 4-cylinder Perkins engine which produces 125hp.
'Doug', like River Mite, is painted Furness Indian Red and has a twin cabbed body which gives good visibility in either direction making it ideal for hauling passenger trains.
The direction is selected electronically and throttle/transmission speed is controlled by a single lever. The braking system has a common loco/train brake with a separate air-off/spring-on parking brake.
Douglas Ferreira was commissioned and named on 24 July 2005 and, since then, has been the mainstay of the diesel fleet used for passenger traffic, commonly hauling three round-trips per day for much of the season.
Until 2008, driving the trains on La’al Ratty had largely been done by paid members of staff. As a result of the provision of Douglas Ferreira, the Company agreed to the introduction of a scheme whereby properly experienced and trained volunteers could become qualified to drive diesel locomotives. This was later extended to steam so now an aspiring volunteer, after appropriate training, can occupy ‘the best seat in the house’!
Planned maintenance on Douglas Ferreira includes a major overhaul about every seven years (depending on miles travelled) and the loan fee charged to the Company is expected to recoup these costs. The 2018 overhaul cost £60,000 and was undertaken by Forth Engineering at their Cleator Moor facilities. More...
Visiting Other Railways
Bure Valley Railway, Norfolk: 13-14 Sept 2008