Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway : News

The Joan restoration takes a momentous leap forward with the delivery of her new boiler on 14 May 2010.

Workshop staff are continuing work with 'Joan' as time permits between routine maintenance and locomotive roster duties. The following photographs show some of the recent progress.

Joan's new water tanks recently manufactured by Brunswick Ironworks, Caernarfon. 15 June 2010

FOR the first time in over a decade the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway (W&LLR) is to welcome a visiting steam locomotive to its annual September Steam Gala.

The locomotive, Manning Wardle 0-6-2T ‘Chevallier’, has several connections with the Mid-Wales line, and indeed has visited before, in 1991.

‘Chevallier’ was built in 1915 for the Chattenden & Upnor Railway, a line ran by the Admiralty in Kent. Years later in 1963 the fledgling preservationists of the W&LLR obtained their first passenger rolling stock from the Chattenden line, together with diesel locomotive ‘Chattenden’ which still runs at Llanfair today.

In 1950 ‘Chevallier’ was sold on from Chattenden to Bowaters Paper Mills in Sittingbourne, also in Kent. This system would later form the basis of the preserved Sittingbourne & Kemsley Light Railway, to which the W&LLR later sold on the ex-Chattenden rolling stock.

By this time however, ‘Chevallier’ had moved again, to the railway built to run through the wildlife enclosures at Whipsnade Zoo and Safari Park in Bedfordshire. Here the loco remained until 2006, when it was purchased from Sir William (Bill) McAlpine and moved to the Forest of Dean. In 2009 a heavy general overhaul began at the Flour Mill workshop, which is scheduled for completion in August 2010.

“We need to make sure it works once we’ve finished,” commented Bill Parker of the Flour Mill, “and what better place than the Welshpool & Llanfair? A little bit of everything, and a lot of beautiful countryside, steep gradients and passengers, not to mention enthusiastic volunteers”.

“We are delighted to play host to this historic and immaculately restored locomotive and thank Bill for making it available to us,” commented W&LLR General Manager, Terry Turner. “It will haul its share of Gala trains and is bound to be a star attraction in GWR green with lots of brass and copper on display,” he added.

The W&LLR Annual Steam Gala will run from 3^rdto 5^th September and feature a number of attractions in addition to ‘Chevallier’. The last locomotive to visit the W&LLR Gala was Henschel 0-6-0 ‘Siam’ from the Bredgar & Wormshill Railway in Kent, way back in 1995.

Release date 14^th May 2010

Joan's new boiler was lowered into the frames this morning after an early morning arrival from builders Israel Newton and Sons. Much work remains to be done but it is hoped that No.12 might be capable of being steamed at the Annual Steam Gala in September.

Release date 19^th April 2010

Whilst the W&L entertained NRM Director, Steve Davies and guests from Sierra Leone on the very last run of the "African Train", another not to be forgotten SLR carriage arrived at the South Tynedale Railway in Cumbria.

Ex SLR Carriage No.1048 left the W&L twelve months ago for Romania and refurbishment as a 2' (605mm) gauge buffet car. Now resplendent in South Tynedale Railway deep red livery, the carriage is immaculately restored with a buffet counter at one end and upholstered 2 + 1 seating with tables.

Terry Turner, W&L General Manager and STR Project Manager commented: "Whilst one of the four carriages imported from Sierra Leone in the 70s was beyond economic repair and recently scrapped, the remaining three survive as good examples of modern British built 'colonial' rolling stock. As well as the immaculately restored First and Third Class examples on the W&L, we are delighted to have found a new use for 1048 whilst helping our friends at the South Tynedale Railway".

NRM Director Steve Davies and guests from Sierra Leone. 17 April 2010. Photo Liz Turner

Photo: Liz Turner

Photo: Brian Craven

Former Sierra Leone Railway No.85 pauses at Heniarth during her last journey from Welshpool to Llanfair Caereinion, 17 April 2010

More photographs of the locomotive's last few days in traffic are shown below - see Farewell to 85

Release date 19th April 2010

Farewell to 85

W&L members gave a fond farewell to former Sierra Leone Railway No.85 on 17 April 2010, her last day in service before her boiler certificate expired.

To enable as many people as possible to have their last ride behind this much loved locomotive she was rostered throughout the Easter weekend; and then a series of special trains where she was paired with the restored SLR carriages.

The area was treated to some wonderful weather which enhanced the enjoyment for all who came to see her.

The following photographs have been selected as a sample of her final days as an operational locomotive.

85's final climb out of Welshpool passing Hanged Man's Tree, 17 April 2010

Photo Bruce Webber

85 passing Hanged Man's Tree. 17 April 2010 Photo: Bruce Webber

The first of the special trains took place on 9 April when the Steam Railway Magazine team made a special visit to ride on the 'African Train' and sample the delights of the W&L. We make no apologies for including a picture of 'The Earl' with the one guest that could not travel on the train - Ivo Peters' Mark VI Bentley. No.85 might have been the star of the show this Easter, but the rest of the railway did not want to take a back seat.

The general public were given the opportunity to ride the 'African Train' during the 10 and 11 April. One of the trains is seen heading towards Welshpool at Heniarth. 10 April 2010. Photo: Mike Heath

A surprise for the photographers - a heavily loaded 13.00 train from Llanfair required the use of an extra locomotive on this train and the returning 14.15 from Welshpool. 10 April 2010. Photo: Mike Heath

Photographic charter trains took place on Monday 12 April 2010. 85 is seen passing the old water tank alongside the River Banwy a short distance from Llanfair Caereinion. Photo: Richard Pelham

Tastefully decorated with flowers and flags, 85 operated two final trains on 17 April for working members, guests from the National Railway Museum and officials from Sierra Leone. 85 rests at Welshpool water tank. Photo: Tammy Stretton

Kate Billmore prepares to pipe off the last train from Welshpool. Photo: Tammy Stretton

And back to Llanfair. Mechanical Engineer, Colin Tickle, was given the honour of driving the last train from Welshpool. His fireman was Caroline Schubert and guard Elizabeth Hall was assisted by new trainee John Gearey. Photo: Tammy Stretton

Release date 25^th February 2010

Winter Progress

The track relaying gang are delighted with the progress made during the last fortnight which has seen the renewal of two heavily used occupation crossings near Sylfaen station, along with the associated drainage and trackwork.

Both crossings at Sylfaen looking towards Welshpool at the end of the 2009 season. 20 October 2009.

Rails and wooden shuttering are in place in readiness for the concrete. The upper crossing received similar treatment during the previous week. 23 February 2010.

The completed crossing includes steel fibers in the concrete for strength to enable it to withstand modern farm machinery and Powis Estate timber traffic vehicles. Evidence of the extensive new drainage to deal with water coming off the adjacent A458 road can be seen on the left hand side of the picture (black pipe below the left most traffic cone). 24 February 2010.

The final stretch. Only a short distance now remains before reconnection to the Llanfair end of the railway at Sylfaen station, although ballasting, tamping, fencing renewal and tidying will keep the track gang in the open air for weeks to come.

Meanwhile workshop staff were not to be outdone and by the end of the traditional February workshop week significant progress had been made on the reassembly of Joan in addition to the more routine maintenance tasks on locomotives 1, 2 and 19.

'Joan' is temporarily rolled out into the daylight to evaluate the week's assembly work. 21 February 2010.

Release date 15^th February 2010

Joan back on the rails

The rebuilding of Joan has made significant progress today when her frame was lowered on to her wheels to make a rolling chassis in readiness for the new boiler which is due around April. Reassembly work will continue over the coming weeks in addition to other winter maintenance tasks on 'The Earl', 'Countess' and No.19.

Release date 11^th February 2010

Member No.13 – John Hurdley

As his 70^th birthday approaches, long serving member John Hurdley announced his retirement from active work on the W&L. After attending the formulative meeting of preservationists in Birmingham, John became member No.13 (he believes 1-12 were reserved for the original Board members) and has remained a loyal supporter of the W&L since those early years.

Home at the W&L was his campervan that made regular trips from his home in Harborne, Birmingham. Known for his dry humour, quick wit and occasional acerbic comment, John announced his retirement in typical fashion:

“My campervan is clapped out and so am I – but I shall be back to check that you are doing it right!”

John worked as a Guard, Booking Clerk, Blockman and Controller during the running season and was part of the track gang involved with major renewals during the winter months. On Friday 5^th February, his final day, he worked on the half-mile track refurbishment on Sylfaen Bank. To mark the occasion, a cake was produced and John was put in charge so that the gang could benefit from his wisdom one last time!

Terry Turner, GM commented: “I understand an early assessment suggested he should not be let loose on the public! We wish him well and are most grateful for his loyalty, commitment and effort. We face the continual challenge of finding younger replacements if the W&L is to continue to improve and prosper.”

At the moment of John's retirement the relay was within site of Sylfaen station. Two occupation crossings block the straight forward entry into the station, along with a substantial amount of drainage work.

Mid-Wales might have been under several inches of snow in the past couple of weeks, but this hasn’t stopped Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway staff and volunteers from pushing on with a major track renewal programme.

The narrow gauge line is currently renewing half a mile of track on Sylfaen Bank, around two miles west of Welshpool. Before Christmas the old track, some of which dated from the 1960s, was dismantled and removed, and despite the arrival of seriously wintry conditions the gang returned to the work site in early January.

Despite further snowfalls, work continues on Sylfaen Bank, a notorious area that has seen three separate road vehicle incursions on to the track from the adjacent A458 road in the past year. Railway management are pressing for the erection of crash barriers along this stretch of the A458.

Welshpool & Llanfair General Manager, Terry Turner, said: “We are acutely aware of the tight deadline before we open to passengers at Easter, and have even resorted to the use of a flame-thrower to remove snow and heat rails so that they may be curved without risk of breakage in the sub-zero conditions.”

He added; “Considerable culvert and drainage work always precedes track laying and afterwards there is a small matter of spreading and consolidating over 1,000 tonnes of ballast before the Easter opening. Investments such as our Romanian ballast wagons, South African tamping machine and other forms of mechanisation allow projects like this to be completed by a small staff assisted by an equally small number of regular volunteers.”

Meanwhile in the workshop at Llanfair Caereinion, work continues on the annual maintenance of the W&LLR’s operational fleet of steam locomotives, as well as the restoration of 0-6-2 tank ‘Joan’, which formerly worked in the distinctly warmer climes of Antigua. Some volunteers are battling from as far a field as Bedfordshire and Surrey to spend weekends in the workshop.

The railway would of course welcome more volunteer help, which whatever the weather usually provides plenty of fun for all concerned, as well as the warm feeling of a job well done – anyone interested can contact the W&LLR on 01938 810441.

Steampipes - 10 December 2009

Steampipes is a unique show featuring railway films, cartoons and comedy with organ accompaniment. Now in its 32nd year, Steampipes is not only a fund-raiser for the Ffestiniog, Talyllyn and Welshpool and Llanfair Railways but also an important social milestone in the railway calendar as enthusiasts and supporters of all three railways gather for this popular annual show.

This year’s event is on Thursday 10 December at 7pm at Friends House, 173 Euston Road, London – opposite Euston Station. The programme will feature film of big steam American railroading, the Metropolitan Railway and Brill branch in 1928, London trams in the 1930’s, Talyllyn and Welsh Highland Railways in the pre-preservation era, Class A1 locomotive construction at Doncaster, LNWR locomotives at work in the 1950’s and careers in transport in 1953. There is a supporting programme that includes organ solos, a cartoon and silent comedy.

Rob Foxon will present the Show and Len Rawle will be at the organ to accompany the silent films. All seats cost £9 (£4.50 under 16) from R.Patenall, 10 Greta House, 60 Hardy Road, Blackheath, London, SE3 7PA. (Cheques to be made payable to the Talyllyn Railway Preservation Society; please enclose sae with your booking).

Kenneth Charles Fenton MBE – 1926-2009

ALL involved with the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway are mourning the loss of one of the line’s greatest servants. Ken Fenton, whose service to the W&LLR included over 35 years as Company Chairman through some of the most challenging times for the line, passed away peacefully on Friday 23^rd October after a brave battle with cancer.

Born in December 1926 in Filton, Gloucestershire, Ken’s education was interrupted in 1946 by military service. He spent three years in the Corps of Royal Engineers, achieving the rank of Commissioned 2^nd Lieutenant. Returning to University he went on to gain a first class honours degree in engineering before embarking on a very successful engineering career. Initially working on stresses in aircraft engines at the Bristol Aeroplane Co and then the Post Office Engineering Dept developing machinery for mechanised mail handling and sorting, Ken then joined the Midland Iron Co in 1961, serving as the company’s Managing Director between 1971 and 1992.

But it was Ken’s long involvement in the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway that brought him into contact with so many people, all of whom he impressed with his combination of enthusiasm and practical stewardship, particularly through many of the difficult times that the line faced following its preservation. Ken joined the preservation company in 1963, the same year that the first volunteer passenger train service began. Within five years he had been elected a Trustee, and in 1970 became Company Chairman, a post he held for a remarkable 35 years.

As well as his official role Ken was very much a hands-on volunteer, taking on any task from firing the locomotives to assisting with the accounts and running the railway booking offices – just a week before his death he was on duty as Station Master at Llanfair Caereinion. His work for and dedication to the railway was recognised in 2003 when he was awarded the MBE for services to tourism in Wales.

Describing Ken as “one of life’s real gentlemen,” W&LLR Chairman Alan Higgins led the many tributes, saying; “In a career spanning some 46 years with the W&LLR, Ken Fenton presided over the company from the difficult financial times of the early days of preservation, through the centenary of the line’s building in 2002, when he hosted a royal visit from the Prince of Wales.

“Ken could silence a board of trustees with a glance but always had time for a chat with volunteers, members and customers alike. His expertise, dedication and commitment were legendary and his MBE in 2004 was never more deserved.”

Alan added; “Not only does the railway mourn the passing of a former Chairman, who was so instrumental in firmly establishing the W&LLR on the long road to success with many innovative ideas and solutions, the membership are all mourning the loss of a unique person and a special friend.”

W&LLR General Manager Terry Turner said; “Ken was Chairman of the W&LLR for over 35 years and the results of his leadership and financial acumen are all around us. He was a gentleman and a great friend to all who had the privilege of knowing him.”

Chris Walker worked alongside Ken for more than 20 years as Company Secretary and then Vice-Chairman, during the challenging early years of the line. He said; “After the early inaugural work of Stanley Keyse and Sir Thomas Salt, Ken became the most significant influence by far on the course of this railway where his canny combination of financial prudence, careful pragmatism and subtle personal skills steered us from a very marginal and fragile organisation to one of the most substantial and cohesive narrow gauge lines over 40 years.”

Ken’s wife Mercia, to whom he was married for 47 years, died in 2007. He leaves daughter Caroline, son John and grandchildren Tobias, Robert and Rosemary, to whom all at the Welshpool & Llanfair offer heartfelt condolences.

Further co-operation between two of the ‘Great Little Trains of Wales’, has seen the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway award a contract for the building of a further replica ‘Pickering’ carriage to the Ffestiniog Railway.

W&L GM, Terry Turner: “Being aware of the superb standard of workmanship from Boston Lodge on previous W&L carriages, we are absolutely delighted to award this contract to the FR and look forward to further co-operation with them.”

Brake/Composite No. 6338 will be delivered next year and join identical Brake/Composite No.6466 and ‘All Third Saloon’ No.4154 to complete the replication of the three original carriages built by R.Y.Pickering in 1902 and scrapped by the GWR in 1936.

FR GM, Paul Lewin: “We are delighted with the opportunity to complete the Welshpool & Llanfair set of carriages. We had always hoped to be able to do this since agreeing the contract for the first replica carriage back in 2003. To see all three carriages hauled by an original W&L locomotive will be a dream come true for both W&L members and the carriage works team at Boston Lodge. The contract helps to secure jobs in North Wales during difficult economic times and retain traditional skills.”

THE Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway (W&LLR) staged a highly successful annual Steam Gala over the weekend, with thousands of railway enthusiasts descending on the mid-Wales narrow gauge line for three days of action and entertainment.

Young Train Crew at the 2009 Gala. Photo Andrew Charman

The crew of the youngest train before setting off from Llanfair - guard James Charman, firemen Harry Billmore and Dan Abbott (on the loco) and drivers John Travis and Richard Newby

Photo: Andrew Charman

All ages were very much in evidence at the event, which on Sunday climaxed with the running of a double-headed train entirely crewed by the youngest qualified volunteers in their respective departments. Drivers John Travis, 25, and 29-year-old Richard Newby (who flew back from New Zealand specially for the event), were joined by firemen Dan Abbott, 23, and Harry Billmore (20), while the guard was 18-year-old James Charman, who only qualified last month and was working on his first gala event.

This year’s Gala was extended to three days for the first time, and the experiment was justified by a very busy Friday with several trains running full. Enthusiasts came from far and wide to see the many attractions that included a complete African Train – both the locomotive and rolling stock having been repatriated from Sierra Leone and restored to original condition. Other highlights included mixed trains, goods trains, the chance to see inside the railway’s workshops and on Saturday a very popular night photography session.

Speaking after the event W&LLR General Manager Terry Turner said he was very pleased with the success of the Gala, and particularly the running of the ‘youngest train’. “Our ability to run a train such as this demonstrates how the railway is attracting young volunteers helping to ensure its future – more are always welcome,” he added.

While the Gala is over for another year the railway’s season continues, with trains running every day except Monday and Friday until 20 September and then weekends until the end of October. Full details, including the timetable, can be found on the railway’s website at www.wllr.org.uk

Young people make big difference at Mid-Wales steam line

AS the volunteer staff at the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway (W&LLR) prepare for their Annual Steam Gala this coming weekend (4-6 September) much useful help has come in recent weeks from young people.

During the summer months the W&LLR has hosted several parties of students taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme. Staying for a week at a time in the railway’s volunteer accommodation at Llanfair Caereinion, the youngsters have been involved in all aspects of the line’s operation.

Photo: Andrew Charman

Under the expert supervision of W&LLR operational staff, the students have carried out tasks ranging from parks and gardens work at the stations and duties in the shops to locomotive and carriage maintenance. Some even managed to get up at the crack of dawn to assist in lighting-up of the steam locomotives.

According to Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway Press Officer Andrew Charman the “Does”, as the youngsters are affectionately known by the line’s staff, have been a great help, especially in the weeks leading up to the gala event when everyone makes an extra effort to ensure that the railway looks at its best.

“The Does have proven enthusiastic and hard-working, and the complete opposite to the all-too familiar headlines you read about young people in newspapers these days,” Andrew said. “For them the steam locomotive is a mystery, something from long before they were born, yet some of our students have been really taken by the W&LLR and are keen to return and carry out further volunteer work on the line.”

Young people will again be making the headlines on Gala Sunday, when the railway runs a double-headed steam train entirely crewed by its youngest qualified volunteers, including a guard aged just 18 years.

This year’s Gala has been extended to three days, opening on Friday 4^thSeptember, and will feature the line’s most extensive timetable, with all available steam locomotives working trains. There will be double-headed, mixed and goods trains, and plenty of extra attractions at the stations including vintage vehicles, sales stands and a chance to see inside the railway’s workshops.

Saturday night will see the traditional night photography session at Llanfair, with a real ale bar operating throughout the weekend. Meanwhile on Saturday and Sunday a garden railway model show will be held at Llanfair Caereinion Leisure Centre, just up the hill from the W&LLR’s Llanfair station.

Former Sierra Leone Railway No.85 has received a surprise livery change to Matt Black (representing her appearance in Africa) in time for Gala operations in September. The remarkable transformation from its previous lined-out midnight blue scheme to plain black was effected in just three days – its previous appearance can be seen in the news item for 18^th July. Photographs by Bruce Webber below show her 'fresh' from the paint shop.

The two recently refurbished ex Sierra Leone Railway carriages Nos. 1066 and 1207 were re-united with locomotive No.85 for a test train to Welshpool and return on Friday 17th July. The train is scheduled to make a couple of journeys during the Steam Gala (4th to 6th September). Details of times and booking details for the First Class carriage are available on our gala page. The locomotive is nearing the end of her 10 year boiler certificate so the opportunity to see the re-united train should not be missed.

The test train assembled at Welshpool Raven Square station. Photo: Tony Beardsell

The locomotive and carriages originally arrived on the railway in 1975 and were gradually restored over the next few years. After many years of service the carriages were withdrawn a few years ago and the opportunity has been taken to recreate an example of a first class and a third class carriage in keeping with the original drawings.

Unloading SLR Carriage in 1975. Photo Bruce Webber

Unloading one of the carriages at Castle Caereinion station when the W&L first acquired them on 8th August 1975.

Photo: Bruce Webber

Unloading No.85 in 1975. Photo: Bruce Webber

Unloading No.85 at Llanfair Caereinion on 7th August 1975.

Photo: Bruce Webber

Train at Raven Square.

The locomotive and carriages in use at Raven Square station shortly after services had been restored to that station in 1981.

Photo: W&L Archive Collection

A visit by the Pre-War Austin Seven Club will give some visitors to the railway this weekend (27 & 28 June) an added treat. It is anticipated that over 30 cars, made up largely of Austin Sevens, will gather at Llanfair Caereinion during the early afternoon before their owners and guests depart on a special private train at 2.30pm for a trip to Welshpool and back. The cars will also assemble at Welshpool Raven Square station on Sunday morning for about an hour and a half from 10.00am before moving on to Powis Castle.

In addition to the ordinary steam trains operating this weekend there will also be an 11.30 departure from Llanfair Caereinion with the Replica Pickering carriages and one of the original locomotives. Further details are available on the timetable page of this site.

Comings…………

On Sunday 29^th March, ex-SLR ‘First Class’ carriage No.1207 returned to the W&L after refurbishment in Romania. The original insect-infested leather armchairs were removed by the W&L upon arrival from Sierra Leone in the 1970s and replaced with bus seats. In seeking to restore ‘as built’ condition as far as possible, SLR 1207 has been fitted with ‘ivory’ internal panelling and 16 new leather armchairs in the ‘Dawn Mist’ shade specified on the original Gloucester C&W drawings.

W&L GM, Terry Turner: “For the first time ever, we can offer the sight and ambience of an original Sierra Leone Railway train by pairing 1207 and previously restored ‘third class’ 1066 with motive power provided by ex-SLR Hunslet loco No.85”.

The final part of the SLR trilogy, No.1048 (third class) is surplus to requirements at the W&L and has been out of service for some time. The carriage has left the W&L for modification and refurbishment and will eventually reappear as a buffet car on the South Tynedale Railway in Cumbria!

W&L GM, Terry Turner: “We were delighted to assist our friends at South Tynedale Railway in their quest for a new carriage and we have the added bonus of finding a new use for a historic vehicle”.

STRPS Spokesman, Brian Craven: “The South Tynedale Railway has been working to improve passenger facilities for some time, especially as we work to extend our running line a further 2.5 miles to Lintley and Slaggyford, Northumberland. The Society is excited to be receiving SLR 1048 from the Welshpool & Llanfair Railway and to be involved in conserving such an important heritage vehicle for contemporary use. We cannot speak too highly of the support, guidance and encouragement we have received.”

A colourful scene. Taiwanese Sugar Corporation diesel No.175 hauls ‘Laurel Green’ SLR 1207 whilst 1048 prepares to leave Welshpool by road.

An international scene at Welshpool. SLR 1207 partially obscured by South African ‘Plasserail’ tamping machine (UGM No.9), ‘The Wasp’ ex MOD personnel carrier, Austrian (ex-Zillertalbahn No.W303) transporter wagon and two Romanian ballast hopper wagons! Photo. Bruce Webber

A one way journey. TSC 175 pushes 1048 up the loading ramp for its final journey from Welshpool. Photo Bruce Webber

Opportunities to see and work on the W&L in snowy conditions are quite rare, so the recent poor weather has not dampened the enthusiasm of the W&L track gang who are currently working at the 'Reverse Curves' on the Golfa Bank.

The following photographs provide a snapshot of the outdoor work on the railway during the 'closed' period of the season.

Drainage has been improved throughout the site, the wet January providing the perfect opportunity to find any potential problem areas. During the first week in February the final new pipes were laid, the remaining section of track bed was leveled, and the sleepers and rails were roughly laid in position with mechanical aid.

'The Wasp' has been providing transport to site much to the relief of the gang who otherwise would have to walk up to a kilometer at the start and end of the day carrying essential supplies. This is no laughing matter when you need enough water on site for hot drinks and soup for a dozen people.

Much of the lower half of this year's relay uses a check rail (used on tight curves). Setting up for drilling holes for bolts to secure the check rail to the running rail takes time and patience, not helped by the need to remove the snow first. The relay is using 50lb rail from two sources - new rail from China and second hand rail from Trecwn in South Wales. Most of the sleepers are being re-used on the site as they are made of concrete, although some new hardwood sleepers have also been obtained.

The snow masks the fact that although this section through Quarry cutting is now re-laid, it still requires extra stone ballast and tamping before the railway re-opens to passengers in April.

Release date 14th May 2010

Release date 19th April 2010

Release date 19th April 2010

Farewell to 85

Release date 25th February 2010

Winter Progress

Release date 15th February 2010

Joan back on the rails

Release date 11th February 2010

Member No.13 – John Hurdley

Steampipes - 10 December 2009

Kenneth Charles Fenton MBE – 1926-2009

Young people make big difference at Mid-Wales steam line

Comings…………

Release date 14^th May 2010

Release date 19^th April 2010

Release date 25^th February 2010

Release date 15^th February 2010

Release date 11^th February 2010