Gwili Steam Railway- Summer Gala - 22nd/23rd June 2019

Hi all,

Just a quick reminder of the upcoming gala at the Gwili Steam Railway. If you're about, it'd be good to see you there! A copy of the publicity 'spiel' is below.

Diolch,

Phil.

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22nd/23rd June 2019 - Gwili Railway Gala

Gala time is approaching!

Back in 2018, our “Gwili 40” gala showcased the past 40 years of the Gwili Steam Railway in the preservation era - as well as harking back to early days in preservation in 1978. However, there was still steam to be found in industrial service in South Wales at the time.

For the 2019 gala therefore, we’re shifting our attention back 41 years to Graig Merthyr Colliery (who were still running steam in 1978) - which has a special connection with our own RSH No.71516 “Welsh Guardsman”.

Our 2019 gala falls exactly on the 41st anniversary of the end of steam at Graig Merthyr colliery. Our own “Welsh Guardsman” carries the boiler from Bagnall No.2758 - which famously worked the final train out of Graig Merthyr.

In the latter years of Graig Merthyr colliery, the steam workings were extensively photographed - featuring heavily in the enthusiast press in late years (particularly through the work of photographer Geoff Silcock).

There are many stories surrounding the final train before closure, as it was heavily reported in both the enthusiast and local press at the time. The reporter (for a syndicated paper) was a young Anne Robinson (of “Weakest Link” fame), who rode on the footplate for the final run down the Dulais valley.

41 years on (to the day), we will recreate the spirit of the final day at Graig Merthyr - with an austerity carrying a wreath on the smokebox, as well as both the English & Welsh flags (as it did back in 1978). We might not be able to recreate the rake of 16T mineral wagons - however the loco will be working a demonstration goods train (featuring a series of photographic runpasts), to try and capture some of the atmosphere of 1978.

In addition, there will also be plenty else to see! All the usual ‘gala’ attractions will be available. Look out for:

- Intensive timetable in operation on both days, with all available motive power in use.

- Trains crossing at both Llwyfan Cerrig and Bronwydd Arms.

- Demonstration goods train, with banking display.

- Displays and stalls at Bronwydd Arms, from other preservation societies and groups.

- D2178 on brake-van rides at Llwyfan Cerrig - a rare opportunity for haulage.

- Opportunity to ride on our demonstration goods train - £5 for a round trip between BA and AJ (Saturday 22nd only).

- Road steam on display at Bronwydd Arms - featuring both full-size and miniature engines.

- Unusual movements - including an afternoon ‘non-stop’ from Abergwili Junction to Danycoed on both days.

- Sentinel steam wagon “Typhoo” on display (in steam) at Bronwydd Arms. It will also make occasional demonstration runs on the A484 between Bronwydd Arms and Conwil, pacing the passenger trains through the valley.

- “Echoes of Graig Merthyr”: a mini-charter with “Welsh Guardsman” on Saturday early evening at Bronwydd Arms (approx.5pm onwards) - the loco will work a series of photographic ‘run pasts’ through the station on a demonstration goods, carrying the wreath and flags to recreate something of the spirit of the final run at Maesteg.

- “A Midsummer Night’s Steam” - a leisurely steam-hauled evening round trip on the Saturday night, celebrating the 75th birthday of “Welsh Guardsman”. Curry and rice will be served on board, and the bar will be open. £5 for food (on production of valid ticket for travel), no pre-booking necessary. 6pm ex Bronwydd Arms.

 

A quick motive power update for the gala...

‘Welsh Guardsman’, D2178 and the cl.117 DMU are all due to appear at the gala as booked.

HC No.1731 “Jennifer” is currently being prepared for a cold exam, which is due to take place on Monday 17th June. If this is successful, a steam test will follow. There is therefore a small possibility that the locomotive may make this year's gala event - although it is not looking likely at this stage.

Nonetheless, the gala is still very much going ahead! Regardless of whether ‘Jennifer’ makes it or not, there will be plenty of ‘different’ things going on - with an intensive and busy timetable on both days. Look out for:

- Demonstration goods train (with banking display).
- Trains crossing at both Bronwydd Arms and Llwyfan Cerrig
- Brakevan rides with D2178 at Llwyfan Cerrig.
- Displays and stalls at Bronwydd Arms, from other railways and preservation societies.
- A steam-hauled late afternoon ‘non-stop’ in the uphill direction, from Abergwili Junction to Danycoed
- Photographic runpasts on the Saturday evening (5pm onwards), with “Welsh Guardsman” on a goods train - recreating the spirit of the final days of steam at Graig Merthyr Colliery (41 years ago to the day).
- A 'rideable' goods train (£5 for a round trip between BA and AJ, Saturday 22nd only - must be booked in advance).
- Small road steam display in the yard at Bronwydd Arms (both full size and miniature engines).
- ‘A Midsummer Night’s Steam’ - an evening steam-hauled curry train on the Saturday evening. 1800 ex Bronwydd Arms - £5 for food, on production of a valid travel ticket. The bar car will be on the train, and will be open throughout the evening.

Copies of both the public and working timetables will be out shortly. There will be plenty going on - we hope to see you there!

 

Really would go to this if I wasn't away for the weekend. Wanted to go to October gala's for the last few years but it's always been Saturday only and I couldn't make them.

 

Hi all,

Time for some updates....

- HC No.1731 "Jennifer" unfortunately won't be out, due to outstanding work following a cold exam on Monday 17th June. It will be on static display at the gala.
- "Welsh Guardsman" and the cl.117 DMU will be in use, operating a busy timetable. They will be joined by class 03 D2178 on Saturday 22nd only, working brakevan rides between Llwyfan Cerrig and Danycoed.

Copies of the timetable are available below. If you're looking for an intensive timetable or unusual movements, Saturday is the day to come - there will be plenty going on.

- Demonstration goods train (with banking) - 1035 ex Bronwydd Arms.
- Trains crossing at both Bronwydd Arms and Llwyfan Cerrig on Saturday.
- Brakevan rides with D2178 at Llwyfan Cerrig on Saturday.
- Displays and stalls at Bronwydd Arms, from other railways and preservation societies.
- A steam-hauled late afternoon ‘non-stop’ in the uphill direction, from Abergwili Junction to Danycoed (both days).
- Photographic runpasts on the Saturday evening (5pm onwards), with “Welsh Guardsman” on a goods train - recreating the spirit of the final days of steam at Graig Merthyr Colliery (41 years ago to the day).
- A 'rideable' goods train (£5 for a round trip between BA and AJ, Saturday 22nd only - must be booked in advance).
- Small road steam display in the yard at Bronwydd Arms (both full size and miniature engines) - both days.
- Unique Sentinel steam waggon "Typhoo" giving occasional demonstration runs - times as advertised 'on the day'.
- ‘A Midsummer Night’s Steam’ - an evening steam-hauled curry train on the Saturday evening. 1800 ex Bronwydd Arms - £5 for food, on production of a valid travel ticket. The bar car will be on the train, and will be open throughout the evening.

If you're about on the Saturday, do come and say 'hello'!

Diolch,

Phil.