Taff Vale railway No 28

And money has begun to come in, but all donations gratefully received!

 

Yes, we have had further exposure in the Western Mail and South Wales Echo. Still waiting for our webmaster to update the GVCG website, though.

 

rather like the LNWR SUPER D, until pete waterman restored same, the Taff Vale No.28 is one of the forgotten locos of the preservation scene. it is incredibly significant historically. it ought to have a proper home where it is restored to a high standard.
those of us in south wales have deep affection for her. she is NOT forgotten!
she is a cardiff built loco and a welsh national treasure.
a very rare survivor of the very important Valleys Lines.
i would strongly support any efforts to restore her.
i remember examining her when in bits at the Dean Forest Railway a few years ago. i was tied up at the time, but
if she were still there now i would volunteer to spend most of my week working on her despite the mileage.
i am pleased that the NRM are showing an interest in this beautiful and important historic loco.
cheers,
julian

 

I think it is fair to say the interest has always been there from the NRM but not necessary been the case from us here in Wales. If you are interested in helping us with 28 once she is at the Gwili you are more than welcome. Whilst we are cosmetically restoring her there is plenty that will need doing to keep her in tip top condition whilst on display. Drop me a PM if your interest.We

 

Its definitely a case of "where there's a will, there's a way". We've already made a strong start to the appeal considering the short amount of time that has elapsed since the announcement, but much more is needed before our friends at Llangollen can start physical work on the cosmetic restoration. We realise that there is demand out there for the project to be taken further than cosmetic restoration at this stage, but it makes much more sense for us to take things one step at a time. At least once complete, we will have something tangible to assist with future planning, and it will be something that can market itself much more effectively. We therefore urge all of those who wish to see 28 returned to one piece once again and on public display to help the Project in any way they can, whether by financial means or by spreading the word.

 

Hi All,
We now have a Facebook page (No groaning at the back!! ) the aim of this is to help keep you all informed of progress as we make it. On another note we wish to hear from anyone who has a story or memory of TVR 28. We are also on the look out for pictures if anyone has any they would like to share with us.


Taff Vale Railway No.28 | Facebook

 

We have now updated the GVCG website with the TVR28 appeal: Gwili Vintage Carriage Group » Appeal

Please have a browse and by all means get in touch should any of you have questions about the Taff Vale Project or the work of the GVCG.

 

Half-page article in Steam Railway Magazine this month.

 

I wonder was the blue livery used on that line in the 20s and 30s? Although "Little" compared with Gordon the Blue Engine they were both the largest engine on the LMR in their day.

(Is Haulwen going to go Inseign?)

 

Yes 450 would definitely have been fully repainted as she was rebuilt with a new (standard TVR) boiler after the amalgamation. But it would of course have been the prosaic unlined green without even the Swindon safety valve casing polished.

 

You never know when Haulwen goes Insein! It would be nice to have two ex-LMR locomotives in LMR livery one day. That's an interesting point about the safety valve bonnet fitted during the GWR era... was it painted over or was it left bare brass prior to being sold off to the Woolmer Instructional Railway?

 

The most obvious thing lacking from 28 when it was running in the 80s was the TVR type safety valve with its twin funnel columns. In the 1942 photos of "Gordon" the GWR safety valve casing seems to be painted but in the twenties and thirties when she was apparently kept in immaculate condition it would seem possible that the paint may have been stripped from the GWR casing so it could be polished by the sappers.

 

i'm a little surprised the Gwilli are undertaking this project. a friend of mine was involved in her restoration at caerphilly back to steam. the DFR undertook quite a bit of work to restore this important loco to steam... a 'cosmetic restoration' is frankly a bit of a 'cop out' by the Gwilli. all that is required in those circumstances is re-assembly of the components and a re-paint?

cheers,
julian

 

Hello Julian, please be assured that this is not a "cop out". It is also a partnership between, Gwili, Llangollen and the NRM. A reassembly and restoration for static display in the short term gives us a shuntable loco in one piece that no longer attracts letters complaining to Heritage Railway and is also a much more saleable shop window to show potential funders when the time comes to finish the overhaul started back in the 90s.

We've been working on this for quite a while now, so please rest assured I and the others in the group only have the best interests of the loco at heart.

 

thank you Andrew for your reassuring comments which are much appreciated.

cheers,
julian

 

You're welcome Julian, I have a very soft spot for the loco and whilst she is in my care, I am determined that her future will be a positive one.

 

Worth pointing out that Caerphilly RS are now based on the Gwili so several of the people involvd with the loco back then will be able to assist in its care now.

Not sure what you mean by a "cop out", yes it would be nice to get it back in steam but considering it has been dismantled for the last 15 years getting it in one piece and presentable must be the first priority. Yes a cosmetic job is cheaper than a full blown restoration, but it still costs money to do.

regards

Matt

 

hopefully the Welsh Assembly will stump up some cash! there's a warehouse full of pre- grouping ex Valley Line coaches and loads of GWR nameplates at Nantgarw and all the steam related exhibits that used to be in the National Museum of Wales and the Welsh Industrial Museum that used to be in Cardiff Bay that no one has seen for donkeys years!
cheers,
julian

 

Thank you, somewhat reassuring

 

Yes, the stuff they have at Nantgarw hasn't escaped our attention, but as we've been at great pains to say, we need to take things at one step at a time! We haven't disguised the fact that the locomotive won't be steamed right away, and we have always stated that we need to have something tangible to work from when its turn finally does come. In any event, a static, but complete locomotive is infinitely better than a miscellaneous collection of parts, so that is our current aim. Fundraising has had a pretty strong start so far, but much more is needed to reach our £10,000 goal. If you are interested in supporting us in any way, I refer you to the GVCG website which gives you a bit more of the background to the project and contact details:

Gwili Vintage Carriage Group » Appeal

Thank you for your interest!