2004 began with Joan in pieces at our Wrexham workshop. Her smokebox was life expired (left) and was replaced by our engineers Frank Humphreys and Arthur Jones. Whilst the boiler was off the opportunity was taken to do a hydraulic test, and to address a number of smaller jobs, including better lubrication to the main axleboxes. The locomotive was repainted in the style of its original 1920 livery.

The Cagney was left to operate trains at Easter, then being taken to Wrexham  on 13th April. Both locomotives passed their steam tests on the 21st. 

Joan returned to Rhyl in time to participate on 28th April in the launch of the Rhyl Athy Regeneration Project. Shown at right on this occasion are Councillor Glyn Williams, Mayor of Rhyl, with the Cathaoirleach of Athy, John Lawlor.

On the 20th our team collected this engine from David Black's base at Arthog and we delivered it on the 21st to Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway, where trains were operated with it and No 44 on the 22nd. This was the first time in the UK that two Cagney locos had run double headed since the 1900s.

The 15in gauge railway at Railfest operated successfully each day until 6th June. On the homewards end of our little train was 0-4-0ST Smokey Joe from the Sherwood Forest Railway. On the other track was Sutton Belle together with four newly restored Sutton Miniature Railway coaches, piloted by 2-6-4SO Battison, or sometimes railcar No 4. Also present was the original Little Giant of 1905. After the event closed we were able to pose most of the stock together, above right.

By now suffering from 'Gala Fatigue', the Cagney then attended Evesham Vale Light Railway for their event on 3rd/4th July. Here we double headed with Austin Moss's Red Dragon, the only 'Little Giant' class locomotive which is currently operational. Pic above: 'Sharpo's World'.

Many railway volunteers entered into the spirit of the occasion by dressing up in pirate outfits. We carried 1,400 passengers over the two days at 20p each, the fare being subsidised by a grant from the Communities First Trust Fund.

Pic above left: Ingrid Unsworth.

The season ended on 15th September with a visitation from the Grand Scales Quarterly Tour. The participants were from all over the United States, and many took a turn at running our locomotives.

In October 2004 our new coach/railcar arrived from the Windmill Farm Railway. Details are included on the locomotives page.

The RMR carried 5,584 passengers during 2004. 

During Winter 2004/2005:

The Cagney is being given attention at our Wrexham workshops. 

At Rhyl the sixth 'Milnes' coach is being finished off, and the Lister diesel is to have it new tram-type bodycompleted. Our air brake system is to be further improved.