Brecon Mountain Railway - extension?

They could do with an NG15 - shame they separated from Peter Rampton and Collection X

 

Very interesting info regarding further extensions. I'd always assumed they would continue through Beacons Tunnel and down to the Usk at Talybont, but if No. 2 is at its limit on 1 in 45, then the 7 miles of 1 in 37 down to Talybont might be too much for it.

For those interested, an extension along the contractor's line to Upper Neuadd Reservoir (for Pen-y-Fan) would add 2.25 miles and climb ~268ft.

Jon

 

The extension info was taken from a brief conversation with the driver so don't take it as official. He seemed to think that heading off towards Pen y Fan would be more popular than through the tunnel and onwards.

 

Hoping to be on first train on Wednesday. Having ridden on the line a few times before, I'm interested to see how much the Baldwin is tested. It's barely working on much of the rest of the line. They plan to run daily through much of the summer, so will the Jung have to work in the event of failures/ washouts etc? If so, perhaps a shortened train?

 

I think the plan in the event of a failure of the Pacific is for either the Russian diesel to substitute (when it's ready) or for the Jung to work just to Dolygaer.

 

Cheers, James! If they advertise the diseasel, I'll be straight up there!

 

Me too Tim! It's getting a new engine at the moment so no idea when it will actually be ready.

 

It has been worked on and is stored in the main shed at Exmoor cosmetically restored.

 

I think an extension to Upper Nuadd is more sensible than through the tunnel. Once through the tunnel you would need to get planning permission for a terminus and road access, much beyond the tunnel exit would be hard to achieve. Upper Nuadd is much more achievable and a nice open valley. It also does not impinge on the cycle path to Talybont. The reservoir railway itself though is a bridleway so constructing may not be straightforward.

That said, I would love to see the tunnel opened for bikes.

Good luck anyway. I will pencil in a trip.

 

the ng13 was going to be used but was not perused as it was during the days of oil firing a hungry locomotive and if it doesn't have a good train to pull its not worth it. It is cosmetically restored at exmoor in a nice dark blue as i have been shown a picture of it by Julie Stirland as it is effectively her family's engine.
One thing which i think need pointing out is that it take the team of 60 odd at the Ffestiniog railways works 6-12 months to do a full overhaul and longer for restorations and rebuilds with that team plus help from an army of volunteers, with Brecon nice as it is, is to my knowledge mostly run by paid staff and as they don't make or do contract work for others they only need staff for there own needs which for the actual workshop would only be at most 10 people and they will probably have to maintain the running stock as well so restorations make take a little longer.
many thanks
Patrick

 

A team of 60? You may be seeing double there, Patrick.

 

Accidental double post

 

Baldwin No2 has failed with a fallen brick arch. Services today and tomorrow (Thurs) are in the hands of their diesel, very similar to VOR No 10 (logically). Caboose left behind to reduce weight. No service Friday, Baldwin back on Saturday. Had a pleasant run on the 1030 today in lovely spring sunshine. The extension is well worth a visit and the staff were in fine form. There'll be a You Tube film in a day or two.

 

Surprised the older diesel was able to manage the climb with 4 carriages, hope that the failure isn't as a result of over-working.

 

Only took 3 coaches, reasonably well loaded. Driver reckoned it had power in reserve on that load.

 

it all goes at its own very slow pace up there, my kids love it as you can stand right behind the loco in the open all the up and down although you et a little sooty its worth it just for that

 

Just to further comment: I was on the same train yesterday as Tim, (10:30 ex Pant), came back on an later train from Torpantau. I have been on the railway for several years, although I have been on there quite a few times when it was just to Dolygaer. Slightly disappointed that the Baldwin No 2. was not running, even though it was a different experience having the diesel. Good progress has also been made on No. 1 Baldwin by the looks of it - as commented in other posts. The extension has made the railway much more complete, a trip to the top of the mountain, rather than just a loop in the forest. Unsure what they want to do with Torpantau though, no facilities are a shame - as they could pull more walkers if they had a toilet/café which is needed in the area. The original station also has been corned off - someone has now bought the land (is this the railway?).

The steam museum is also a really good addition! Overall, had a really good day there. Looking forward to seeing what they do in the future with the railway!

Alex

 

The remains of old Torpantau station have been fenced off for some time; there is usually some kind of farm animal to negotiate when visiting the tunnel!
The difference I could see is the new "Private" sign on the gate, of a similar (if not identical) style to that on the station gate opposite.
I expect I shall take the train next time I go to take a look.

 

Here's one I prepared earlier:

 

I noticed that sign, and thought myself how it looked incredibly similar in writing style to the station sign - I wonder ...