Dolgoch (locomotive)

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Dolgoch is a narrow‑gauge steam locomotive on the Talyllyn Railway in Wales. Built in 1866 by Fletcher, Jennings & Co., it is one of the oldest engines still in service.

Quick facts
- Type: 0-4-0WT steam locomotive
- Gauge: 2 ft 3 in (686 mm)
- Driver wheels: 2 ft 4 in (711 mm)
- Wheelbase: 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
- Length: 17 ft 5 in (5.31 m)
- Weight: 10 long tons 5 cwt
- Boiler pressure: 150 psi
- Cylinders: Two, outside; 7 5/8 in × 16 in
- Tractive effort: 4,236 lbf
- Builder: Fletcher, Jennings & Co. (serial 63), model Bb
- Built: 1866
- Operator: Talyllyn Railway
- Number: 2

Overview and history
- Dolgoch has a long wheelbase for its gauge and a driving axle behind the firebox. Its Allan valve gear is driven from the leading axle.
- It has two water tanks: a main tank between the frames and a smaller rear tank near the cab.
- The locomotive was renamed Pretoria around 1900–1914 to honor the Boer War, then renamed back to Dolgoch.
- In early 1945 it was overhauled at Atlas Foundry in Shrewsbury. When the railway had little working stock, Dolgoch returned to service in September 1945 with updates.
- In 1949, on 26 August, Dolgoch’s frame cracked in an accident, and the driver was dismissed.
- From 1945 to 1952, Dolgoch was the railway’s only working locomotive.
- A major overhaul occurred between 1954 and 1963.
- The fictional Rheneas in The Railway Series by Rev. W. Awdry is based on Dolgoch.

Today
- Dolgoch remains in service on the Talyllyn Railway and is celebrated as one of the oldest locomotives still operating.