The Gwili Railway thread

I suppose the ideal money no object idea would be to have a facility similar to IOW train story ? Back in the real world (unfortunately..) any undercover accommodation would be a massive step forward, and hopefully isn't too far off. But anyway i cannot wait to see some of the vintage carriages up and running!

 

Update

On the extension, the anti-trespass grids and longitudinal timbers have been installed on the two occupation crossings. No pics yet sorry, hopefully next week.

The job list is getting smaller, a few odd jobs such as insert the odd bolt or change the odd fishplate. Some fencing jobs remain and these are in hand with the contractor. A few more signs remain to be erected, as well as the mile post heads.

Meanwhile the shed cladding has been delivered and is being erected. This will continue into next week.

Regards

Matt

 

Evening All,
Here are few picture of latest vintage coach progress.
Some doors have migrated from green undercoat to red undercoat as part of the filling and sanding stage, it will be a few more coat before we even consider gloss !

Second picture show some new beading that has been made. This is ready for trimming and cutting in to final shape.

 

Interesting 1964 colour film of Carmarthen to Aberystwyth, including all the branches, in General railway chat...

Don't know if this link will work, if not perhaps someone who knows how will do it properly ( ) https://www.national-preservation.com/threads/carmarthen-aberystwyth-film-1964.889945/

Alan

 

Update

The shed continues to progress and the latest picture shows the side sheets attached on both sides plus half the roof and the rear end.

Regards

Matt

 

Looking good! What are the chances of Abergwili Junction trains at Easter please?

 

Don't think we will make Easter as still a few jobs left but hopefully won't be long after.

Regards

Matt

 

Update

1. Moorbarrow in steam ready for the weekend diner

2. Shed roof now complete

Next week on the extension, the mile post heads will be erected and other work ongoing on the walkways.

Regards

Matt

 

Extension update-

1 and 2 - anti-trespass timbers on the occupation crossings

3 and 4 - signage- authentic "SW" board on rail post and not-so authentic "SLL" in English and Welsh

5 - walkway under construction at Abergwili Jtn

6 Looking south alongside the river.

Regards

Matt

 

Looking great!

 

Update

Big day on the extension as the mile post heads (8) were installed today. No chance for pics due to incessent rain but on the Facebook site there are a few videos.

Meanwhile the shed is almost complete, we have a back door now but the front door will be a week or so.

The plan is not to lay track in the shed initially as we are going to construct a pit inside. Once this is done we can finally get under cover after 39 years.....

Hopefully some more progress on the extension to report shortly, Getting very close now....

Regards

Matt

 

I've often wondered why it's taken so long? Most railway would regard it as a priority.

 

Yes a shed is long overdue. In the earlier years we restored several locos on site without a shed. Latterly most heavy restoration work has been outsourced. The previous operating model was based on one main Austerity loco being active which to be fair proved moderately successful. We have had several proposals for a shed over the years which seemed to have taken second place to actually paying for overhauls and extensions. The real impetus has come since the expansion of running days (needing 2 x 0-6-0ST or equivelant) and full time MPD staff.

So the short answer - money and circumstances.

Regard

Matt

 

Update

Two more rail "posts" for signage were erected on the extension today. This weekend, hopefully completion of the walkway at Abergwili Jtn and next week some of the trackwork snagging list.

The photo shows a view inside the shed, nice to find somewhere dry to take shelter....

Regards

Matt

 

Update

Walkway between the ground frame and the platform now ballasted.

Regards

Matt

 

Update

Looking fabulous in the sunshine, some photos of the extension with more signs and mile posts erected. From next week the final fencing jobs are due to start.

In answer to the obvious question, no date yet but getting closer.....all to be revealed soon I hope!

Regards

Matt

 

Update

Some more authentic signs now erected and protecting the pedestrian crossing at Bronwydd.

Regards

Matt

 

Update

1. A general view of the platform...only things missing are trains and passengers!

2. Walkway across track for staff under construction (to ground frame)

3. More signs, this time on platform.

Regards

Matt

 

A vintage carriage update this time-

Work continues on Taff Vale Railway 220. The doors are in undercoat after repairs. Meanwhile the bodywork is receiving attention, with plywood panels being replaced with metal sheets. The coach should make it into the shed later this year.

A photo is attached of the interior of GWR216 showing replacement picture frames, seating and a GWR gas lamp on the ceiling albeit without the globe.

Regards

Matt

 

Update

The shed is now complete with the front door being fitted today. Next stage will be to complete the pit and we hope that work will start on this shortly. Then we can get rails in the shed and under cover at last...

Regards

Matt