The Gwili Railway thread

Yes but the issue is probably one of Return on Capital Employed- spend 2 -3 million on a one mile railway and will it bring you that return within 5 years? The Welsh Highland is reckoned to bring in 10 million (per annum i think?) into the local economy, Bridging the Gap would undoubtedly generate more significant business for the GCR but linking the Gwili with the national network might bring in more rail tours and passengers but not likely to see the same level of return. Going somewhere in the northern direction would help, hence my statement about reaching Llanpumsaint first.

Regards

Matt

 

A bigger car park and an engine shed workshop is probz half a million by the time you pay for the access road land works? Tom

 

I'm thinking of popping over tomorrow, are trains running the full length of line - Bronwydd to Danycoed?

 

Hi, yes they are - full timetable on the website

www.gwili-railway.co.uk

Regards

Matt

 

Thanks. The websites only has Bronwydd departures btw but I'm currently sat at Bronwydd station anyway so it's all academic now!

 

Well it's been a while since the last post so time to bring you all up to date with goings on...,

Both Welsh Guardsman and Haulwen are available to start the season, and will be joined by Ring Haw later in the season. The latter is being brought in to ensure enough coverage as Haulwen is in the last 18 months of ticket. Work on Olwen is progressing as time permits.

On the carriage front GWR 216 is now in the shed and we "hope" that all the outstanding work will be finished later this year....other work includes running repairs and completion of the Swansea Vale Toad.

Llwyfan Cerrig station building has received repairs to the canopy over the winter

On the extension front the construction of the pointwork at Abergwili is underway and the fiddly jobs such as changing odd rails etc are underway. The loop and headshunt are due to be constructed in April. No date yet for opening.

Regards

Matt

 

Brief extension update-

The North end point is being assembled into the main line as the photo shows. Once this is in place the construction of the loop can proceed apace and the tamper can return


Regards

Matt

 

Hey Matt,

How is it going down the railway? Has Victory left for Blaenavon? Its was always too small for the Gwili and specially so with the new extension. How is the extension front going?

Tom

 

Hi Tom

Things going fine thanks, railway is busy with passengers and plenty of booked parties/cream teas filling the shoulders of the season. On the loco front we have Welsh Guardsman and Haulwen available, to be joined by Ring Haw shortly. Olwen's boiler continues to progress towards a steam test.

On the carriage front GWR 216 is starting to come together (see photos on carriage section of the forum)

The extension is progressing, pointwork ongoing, some rails have to be changed, loop should be commenced shortly.

As for Victory, it was a bit small for the railway but nevertheless did play a part for a while, the boiler is in fairly good condition so hopefully not too long before it is up and running again (or the boiler might be used on another AB loco?)

Regards

Matt

 

Brief update

Preparations are underway for the construction of the loop and headshunt at Abergwili Jtn, the formation has been levelled/graded and the platform line adjusted as required. Track laying should start w/c June 1st.

The laying of the North station point is ongoing, the switch blades are being sent away for straightening. On the main line certain rails need to be changed and this is ongoing.

Meanwhile GWR216 continues to progress towards completion as well as the more mundane operations at this time of year! Ring Haw will soon be joining us for the summer.

Regards

Matt

 

Hello,
Any developments regarding GWR 450/TVR 28 ?


Nick

 

We much enjoyed our visit to the Gwili last year. It took me back to the early days of preservation. A bit scrappy in places but with huge enthusiasm and a very friendly atmosphere. If some readers of this posting miss those days, I would recommend volunteering for a week - I am sure you would be welcomed (usual disclaimers). There are some good B and Bs in Carmarthen and there is a bus that runs out to Bronwydd Arms. We went out that way, then afterwards walked over the hill to the next valley at Peniel and returned on another bus route, thus combining a scenic walk with the railway visit.

 

Currently on display at Shildon while plans are drawn for fundraising/restoration.

Regards

Matt

 

Brief update

Work ongoing on the extension, the loop line is starting to be laid and the point blades for the North point are back on site after some TLC

More photos to follow over the next week or so

Regards

Matt

 

Update

More track laying this weekend and we have taken delivery of a GWR milk tanker for restoration and use

Regards

Matt

 

Matt

Out of interest, where has the GWR milk tanker come from please?

Many thanks

Nick

 

It has come from the East Somerset Railway I believe. I am also a bit confused as I was under the impression it was an LMS milk tanker as the owner is a bit of an LMS fan. Although truth be told I can't see much visual differences between an LMS and GWR milk tanker... although stand to be corrected.

 

This one a LMS one http://www.ws.vintagecarriagestrust.org/ws/WagonInfo.asp?Ref=2592 or this one a GWR one http://www.ws.vintagecarriagestrust.org/ws/WagonInfo.asp?Ref=2676 Both listed on the ESR.

 

But we are on Western territory so it must be GWR☺️

 

I'm currently at the ESR and have sight of both the LMS and GWR milk tankers, so I think it probably came from somewhere else!