THE Launceston Steam Railway has had a very unusual locomotive visiting it during this half-term week.

The locomotive is an 0-4-0 vertical boilered type, and was built by Roanoke Engineering of North Devon in 2005.

It has two cylinders with Hackworth valve gear, driving through a chain to one pair of wheels, with traditional coupling rods linking these to the other pair.

A Launceston Steam Railway spokesperson said:?"The locomotive operates on the private Trevaylor Farm Tramway in Cornwall, where it is used to transport heavy or bulky loads around the farm — fuel is often wood picked up from the field hedgerows as it makes its way around!

"The locomotive has only ever run on this private tramway, and is making its first public appearance at Launceston, where it is being demonstrated in steam, hauling a short goods train. It has already undergone trials on the line, where it has proved to be economical and powerful."

Another locomotive in the 'weird and wonderful' category is Chris Parmenter's vertical boilered 0-4-0 'Perseverance'. Although this is based at Launceston — and indeed was built in the town — it is rarely seen in steam by the public. 'Perseverance' has also been on display, making for a unique opportunity to see these two locomotives in public, and to contrast the differences in the designs.

Passenger trains have run as usual over the week, and will continue to do so today and tomorrow (Friday) from 11am through to 4pm.

For any further details on the locomotives, visit http://www.launcestonsr.co.uk">www.launcestonsr.co.uk or contact Launceston Steam Railway on 01566 775665.