The Gwili Railway thread

Demand doesn't come into it, it's a desire to strengthen links between north and south Wales. Scotland has already done similar and maybe Wales will follow.

 

Yes but one rail link in itself will not noticeably improve matters. It may act as a catalyst for improved links over time but historically Wales has always been divided into distinct economic areas. A rambling 56 mile line isn't going to magically change years and years of working in silos.

The argument that "we should follow Scotland" is a poor oneIMO. Aberystwyth isn't Edinburgh!

Regards

Matt

 

The argument falls down in my mind as both Carmarthen and Aber are still connected to the rail network. This in my mind should tell you which way the flow of people is in their respective parts of Wales. The buses in this part of the world run empty out side of the peak hours. So I fail to see how spending that level of money would generate and tangible benefit that could not be delivered by an improved bus service and road network for a fraction of the 500-750 million that we are talking about.


We digress!

 

I agree, it's entirely political. I saw an interesting piece recently on a journey from Camarthen to Aberystwyth. If it attracted double that usage, I would be pleasantly surprised if such a line covered it's operating costs, let alone the costs of reinstatement.

 

It isn't necessary to improve anything....the point is the Welsh powers that be want to do it because they can. "We did this for Wales...don't forget to vote for us next time around"

 

Back on topic, the ballast regulator has arrived. First day in action tomorrow.

Regards

Matt

 

Any photos / video of it working?

Just to compare with ours.

 

There is a photograph on FB of the ballast regulator.

 

Well that is one impressive machine! Didn't get a picture of it sorry but the pics below are after two passes. Looking good!

Also today some more mile posts were planted and there are only 2 left to do before we can fix the heads.

Tomorrow the regulator moves to the last quarter of a mile of track towards Abergwili, and work restarts on the shed. An exciting week, well in Gwili terms at least!

Regards

Matt

 

definitely on 2017s list of visits.

 

Update

1. Ballast regulator - job done on the extension, running line tomorrow.

2 and 3 After 39 years of operating - A Loco Shed arises.....!

4. Abergwili Jtn after the regulator has finished.


Regards

Matt

 

Probably stealing someone's thunder


https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/gwili-railway


Have donated as much as I can afford today!

N

 

Is there likely to be an event to celebrate the lines 40th anniversary which is next month i believe. Could we see the opening of the extension to tie into this ?

 

Hi Gareth

This year is the 40th year of operations, although next year is the actual 40th anniversary since opening (1978). We haven't got anything specific planned but as you say it may well fall into place that we do have something to celebrate...

Regards

Matt

 

So, if this line was reinstated, how would you travel from Swansea to Llandudno by train?

 

As I said, demand doesn't come into it.


(btw I wouldn't...)

 

Via Central Wales line to Shrewsbury (change),Wrexham, Chester (change), Llandudno Jct (change if unlucky and not a through train on the NW Coast....

 

i think you missed his point. If this line is intended to link north and South Wales would you use it to travel from South to North? I think his point is that this particular link already exists as you demonstrated.

 

My point was that even if the line to Aberystwyth is reinstated passengers could not get to North Wales because the line from Afon Wen to Bangor is no longer there.