RAILWAY enthusiasts are appealing to people in Blaenau Ffestiniog and Trawsfynydd to help them buy a locomotive to run between the two communities.

A fund-raising campaign is underway to bring a new locomotive to the new ‘Trawsfynydd and Blaenau Railway’.

Currently, work is underway to clear the line, last used 20 years ago, to bring a new heritage train line linking the two communities and the spectacular scenery between them.

An opportunity to buy a suitable train has come to the attention of the community railway company’s attention, however there is a catch.

A spokesperson for the railway said: “In order to facilitate the engineering work that will be required as well as future passenger traffic, we want to purchase a suitable locomotive that can handle the differing requirements the line will place on it.

“Ex British Railways Class 08, number 08757 is available, highly suitable and in operational condition.

“With this in mind, we would like to raise £19,600 to complete the purchase and pay for the movement to a secure base that the locomotive will operate from.

“The locomotive is currently based in serviceable condition at Crewe electric locomotive depot, pending sale.”

The railway has already raised well over £3,000 towards the new engine with backers asked to donate anything from £10 to £1,500 with various ‘prizes’ for each tier of donation, ranging from one hour of riding in the cab to a full day driving course and their name on the locomotive for two years once the railway is operational.

For more information, or to donate, please visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/trawsfynydd-and-blaenau-ffestiniog-railway