A locomotive named after the Eisteddfod!
On 4 August 1987, British Railways class 37 locomotive no. 37429 was named Eisteddfod Genedlaethol at Porthmadog station. The station was a stone’s throw from the Maes of that year’s National Eisteddfod, and the naming ceremony was performed by the crowned bard, Gruffydd Jones. The locomotive was one of a number of the same class given Welsh-related names at that time.
The class 37 locomotives were introduced to British Railways between 1960 and 1965 as part of the Modernization Plan of 1955 to replace steam engines. Many members of the class came to work in south Wales, where steam engines were gone by 1965. The class 37 engines later worked over most railways in Wales at one time or other, and were regulars on passenger services in north Wales in the 1990s.
This collection was showcased at the 2016 National Eisteddfod as part of Amgueddfa Cymru's contribution to the Lle Hanes stand.
Photograph: ©Evie Lloyd collection
