WELSHPOOL & LLANFAIR
LIGHT RAILWAY
The following photographs record some of the work leading up to and during the second weekend of our Santa Special trains on 18th and 19th December 2010. The W&L is very grateful to everyone, both staff and passengers, that made this weekend so memorable and enjoyable.
For the second weekend in a row the track gang and workshop staff were diverted from the winter schedule to prepare the station for passenger use. By lunchtime the platform and all pathways had been cleared of snow and salted. 17 December 2010. Photo: Bruce Webber
With a job well done the gang decided to make up for lost time and went to finish dismantling the section of railway east of Cyfronydd in readiness for new rails and sleepers in the New Year. A satisfying conclusion to the day. 17 December 2010. Photo: Bruce Webber
Saturday morning.... here we go again. Every available person will be needed to clear the platform once again and uncover the turnouts before they are used. 18 December 2010. Photos: Bruce Webber
823 'Countess' is coaled and watered before moving on to the back of the train in good time to ensure the steam heating warms the carriages for the passengers. 18 December 2010. Photo: Andrew Charman
The weather was finally beginning to improve by the time the locomotive moved on to the front of the first train of the day. 18 December 2010 Photo: Andrew Charman
Before the first passenger train was dispatched from Llanfair Caereinion the Diema locomotive went to Cyfronydd and return to check there were no unforeseen obstacles, clear level crossings and ensure that everything worked at Cyfronydd, the terminus of the Santa specials. This photo shows the approach to the Banwy Bridge near Heniarth station. 18 December 2010 Photo: Bruce Webber.
Approaching Mill Curves on the way back. 18 December 2010. Photo: Bruce Webber
The line is open, and everyone is rewarded with a magical journey through the Banwy Valley. 18 December 2010. Photo Bruce Webber
And our special guest for the weekend ensured all of the children went away in high spirits. Mince Pies and Mulled Wine or soft drinks back at Llanfair completed the day. 18 December 2010. Photo: Andrew Charman.
End of the line. 18 December 2010. Photo: Andrew Charman
End of the day. All trains are home and the staff can congratulate themselves on a job well done. 18 December 2010. Photo: Bruce Webber
And 'Countess' has earned a rest. 18 December 2010. Photo: Andrew Charman
Very festive, but we can think of a warmer place to sit down for an evening meal. 18 December 2010 Photo: Bruce Webber
And this Robin can think of a warmer place to spend the night. The Driver for the Sunday morning test train?
Fortunately there was no further snow fall overnight in this part of the country and the railway returned to some sense of normality. 19 December 2010. Photo: Bruce Webber
Cyfronydd Station. 19 December 2010. Photo: Andrew Charman
The Banwy Bridge. 19 December 2010. Photo: Andrew Charman
Between Heniarth and Mill Curves. 19 December 2010. Photo: Mike Spencer
Another train back at Llanfair.... on time. 19 December 2010. Photo: Andrew Charman