Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[Ellis]

I thought you would all be interested in the following photo :

[img]

Once again, this photo was given to me by and elderly gentleman, a resident of my village who told me that the Fowler belonged to his uncle - I will return to his claim in a minute.

In fact the story behind this accident was researched and later told to me on another forum by Kev Mills now of Land Rover Monthly.

The machine is a Fowler Class 5b Compound road locomotive then belonging to the Cwm Machno Slate Quarries and this accident took place in 1906 when it's road wheels lost adhesion on a newly metalled road.
It crashed through the wall as you can see and would have tumbled down a 300 foot drop but for the fact that the collision with the wall prevented it from doing so.
Kev Mills drew my attention to the brake being screwed right down and the reverser is in the full reverse or set back position. There were no injuries but the crew no doubt were rather shaken.
The accident took place a few yards downhill from the Silver Star public house on the A5 above Betws y Coed. It is now called the Silver Fountain.

The photo was given to me by a Mr Robert Thomas who's uncle was the owner of the Penmachno Woollen Mill which buzy bee referred to in his post on the Mann steam lorry below..
Mr Thomas told me that the Fowler belonged to his uncle, a Thomas Jones,
and this now fits in with the story of the Mann locomotive above.
Although it needs confirmation, I will warrant that the Fowler had it's second owner and further service with him at the woollen mill.[/img]
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Starting Handle Expert

1964 Jaguar Mark 2 3.4 litre
1962 Land Rover Series 2a 88"
2002 BMW M3 E46 Cabriolet

[buzzy bee]

Hi

I have seen that picture recently too, wonder if someone has a copy somewhere.

I would be anchoring it to another engine or a tree or such like if it were my engine hanging over a 300 drop, then again, it has the reversing handle back and brake on, hehe

Great picture again,

Cheers

Dave

[Ellis]

[buzzy bee]

Hi

Thanks, will do.

Cheers, in a book, That might be it!

Cheers

Dave