Vale of Rheidol Railway - Official News Thread

Keep an eye out on the Rheidols FB page as I hear it the first trains it will be pulling will be announced there.

Cheers

AT

 

The Vale of Rheidol Railway re-opens for the 2012 season next Tuesday.

We are laying on extra services running over the Easter period with both coal fired No 8 and oil fired No 9 in steam.

 

This Sunday, will be the first chance for passengers to take a ride behind a coal fired Rheidol tank as No 8 is launched into service.

Next week No 8 will be hauling the 1030 and 1400 departures from Aberystwyth with oil fired No 9 "Prince of Wales" hauling the 1215 and 1545 departures Monday - Thursday.

Vale of Rheidol Railway - Train Timetable

 

Well recently anyway.

 

Paid my first ever visit to this railway today and must say I was blown away by it. Spectacular scenery, immaculate loco / stock and a permanent way in fabulous condition too. It certainly won't won't be last visit here that's for sure, well done to all staff and volunteers.

 

Very True!

@Alan

Many thanks for your kind words. I was firing today. Glad you enjoyed yourself. I'll pass on your comments to the rest of the team.

Regards,

Will Smith
VoR

 

Action Stations!

Work is underway to construct new platforms at Capel Bangor as part of the Vale of Rheidol Railway's Rural Development Project to enhance the stations along the line. Here we see Prince of Wales passing through the station with a passenger train on 15th May 2012. (Photo: Simon Fozard) Once the first platform has been completed, work will commence on the second platform.

Volunteer groups have been hard at work preparing the site ready for the work to take place and will be assisting with the construction of a replica station building as well as producing a number of floral displays to add a splash of colour to the station.

Aberffrwd station is due to receive similar treatment later in the year and new platforms will also be built at Nantyronen, Rheidol Falls and Rhiwfron Halts. Anyone wanting to get involved should get in touch with Helen Duffee at the railway.

For more information keep an eye on the Vale of Rheidol facebook page https://www.facebook.com/rheidolrailway - this is updated every few days with news and views of the line.

Coal fired No 8 has proved very successful and is scheduled to haul the majority of trains this season as it is considerably more cost effective than operating an oil fired locomotive. It has been nice to meet a lot of forum members who have come to see us already this season! If you haven't been before or not been for a few years, come and pay us a visit!

I'll post some more pictures on the facebook page in due course . . .

Will
VoR

 

Saturday 9th June 2012

Heavy rain overnight has caused severe flooding in Mid Wales. The Vale of Rheidol Railway has been affected by fallen trees and flood waters at a number of locations along the 12 mile line. Our permanent way gang went out to check the line first thing this morning but were only able to reach Glanyrafon (two miles from Aberystwyth) before the line was impassable.

Once the waters recede it will allow us to carry out a full assessment as to the damage. Hopefully we'll be open as soon as possible!

Many of the surrounding villages have had their properties damaged. Our thoughts go out to all of our neighbours who are affected.

Pictures are available on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/rheidolrailway or Twitter: @rheidolrailway

Regards,

Will Smith
Vale of Rheidol Railway

 

Sorry to see the washout near Glanyrafon on your facebook page. Hopefully it won't be too long before the line's open again. At least there's no lasting damage, and it's only a railway. Considering the damage to homes nearby the railway has got off relatively lightly.

 

Michael Portillo visited the Vale of Rheidol yesterday filming an episode of Great British Railway Journeys for BBC television.

During the journey, Michael interviewed VoR Chairman Peter Rampton about the history of the railway and his involvement since the line was purchased from BR some 23 years ago.

The programme will be screened in early 2013 - we'll let you know when!

 

Is any progress being made with the new shed? After the intial excitement of the frame going up there's been little news.

Regards,
Chris

 

Yes indeed the new workshop / running shed is making progress. Sourcing the correct type of bricks has been a very long process which has delayed the build considerably.

At present the block work is going up rapidly. I will endeavor to take some photographs in the next few days and these will be posted on the railway facebook page. Vale of Rheidol Railway - Aberystwyth, United Kingdom - Railway, Tourist attraction | Facebook

All the best,

Will Smith
VoR

 

A date for your diaries . . .

BBC's "Great British Railway Journeys" returns to UK screens next week and the Vale of Rheidol will feature in the episode next Friday - 11th January - 1830 on BBC 2 / BBC HD. It will be available on BBC I player soon afterwards

The programme, filmed last September sees Michael Portillo (along with his trusty Bradshaw's guide) taking a journey from Aberystwyth to Devil's Bridge . . .

BBC Two - Great British Railway Journeys, Series 4, Welshpool to Aberystwyth

 

I see GM Neil Thompson left at the end of December. Any idea where he's gone now?

 

Shame about the diesel on the front

 

I was there last September for a trip on the line - specially chartered with the diesel. It was an interesting change from the usual, but few of us would want it to become the norm!

 

With a sudden unexpected demand and issues with train lengths for running round it's a bonus to have a loco available at short notice and not have to turn away the customers. I'm sure the guys at the VoR wouldn't want diesel haulage to become the norm, and great to see them keeping busy!

 

The limited length loop at Devil's Bridge required the diesel to assist with shunting. A necessary evil in this case. Needless to say No 9 did the work!

 

My first visit to the VoR last week. Very beautiful (even spectacular) scenery, interesting destination at both ends, lots to see on the journey, locos and stock original to railway and "authentic" (whatever that is). No 9 in red (I know, I know) very attractive and good contrast to No 8 in GWR green. Trains full and everyone seemed to be having a good trip.
Any chance of No 7 being restored in BR Blue (attractive lined version)? After all, it is a unique thing about the VoR, and for many of your visitors probably as "historic" (i.e. outside their memory) as anything else.