Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway

WLLR is also carrying out audience research - worth filling in to help the railway find out more about its users.

https://haleysharpedesign.typeform.com/to/GSdwRyOf

 

For fans of the replica carriages, the new timetables include “Great Western train trips” on purple days starting next week. I haven’t seen anything about The Earl returning yet though, so I suspect the loco will have more of a Groß Westliche Bahn feel. Hope nobody tries to put a copper cap on that chimney.

 

The Earl enjoying his stay at 'the seaside'

 

A had a very enjoyable visit to the railway yesterday specificallly to travel behind Zillertal( despite the heat,when I returned to my car which was now in the sun it had a temperature of 36deg ), the loco perfromed well The majority of the windows in the coaches had been opened before departure so it was comfortable inside. . There is currently a mobile unit catering unit with outdoor seating in sun or shade with the cafe being closed.The new storage buildings in Welshpool were impressive with some inforamtion boards and containd three out of ticket locos and a selection of wagons. ( see earlier post for photos) . They are also developing a visitor centre in an industrial unit at Llanfair Caereinion, called Llanfair Connections, which includes a video of a journey along the line in 3 minutes. Also of note I received an email a few days before my visit advising of roadworks between Welshpool and Llanfair Caereinion

 

Completed. I agree it is worth filling out. I booked and visited to travel behind specifically behind Zillertal,so I have asked for something similar to travel behind No. 10 Sir Drefaldwyn once it returns from overhaul.

 

Looked like it was mostly just plumbing and refurbishing fittings left to do when I popped in the other weekend. Still a few weeks to go for it yet but not far off. Looks good in green though.

Tim

 

Completed. Refused the postcode question (it zeroes into my street), maybe amending to allow first half only?

I really enjoyed my trip, and will be back, but tbf, it is a bolt-on on our way back from Wales, so all the bells, whistles and bananas won't change it for me.

 

But that is useful to know because why invest in bells and whistles if no one is interested in them.

Tbf the SVR used to be our break the journey train ride when going to Wales, so if the WLLR can nab a steady stream of people going toand coming from that doesn't seem bad, after all, it doesn't matter what day of the week people travel as long as they are travelling.

 

If we are both typical, then maybe *less* galas etc would be the way. After all, if I am dropping in on the way through, a train with a seat is way better than a gala if I can't get a ticket.

But I doubt that would be (rightly) very popular with the volunteers, to treat the railway as a secondary attraction.

 

Perhaps that's comparing apples and oranges? If purchasing tickets for specific events is an issue, maybe you've identified a gap in the market for yet another bloody app. One for GLToW (or a bored teenager wannabe entrepreneur) to get their teeth into?


Just a quick edit to say the post below is bloomin' marvellous news and I want to "like" it several more times! ⬇️

 

The Earl is home again.

https://www.facebook.com/109476715927837/posts/1743953382480154/

 

Just a quick shout-out to the W&L - smashing website and easy to book train tickets; I’ve booked for the gala next month to travel behind Zillertal. Will be my first narrow gauge steam this year; can’t wait.

I’ll report back post visit with words and pictures.

 

The Zillertal loco was on form today. Sadly the Earl isn't quite ready for service, but it was nice to see Zillertal which I've never travelled behind. The Pickering carriages are absolutely lovely, and you can't beat the balcony ride, even with downpours of torrential rain, as we had today.

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I have only visited the W & L once. What a lovely experience. I know that they have made one of the Sierra Leone coaches 1st class. Be nice to see another Pickering built to !st class specs. Anyway thank you fpr the images. BTW the tea and cake at LC was very good;is it open to visitors now?

 

2 are 1st/3rd already

 

When I was there in July the cafe was closed but they was a mobile unit outside instead, with a seating area with picnic benches some of these were under cover and can be seen in the far right of the first picture posted by Andrew.

 

Yep, café not yet open, but the "van" was doing a good trade even in the rain (seating is under a marquee type cover) and seemed to be pretty good. We only had tea!

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And sorry some of the photos are sideways - they were the right way up when I posted them

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Excellent news from Llanfair: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1753614204847405&id=109476715927837

(Screenshot below for those who don't like FB links)

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Excellent day today on the W&L. Well done to all concerned. Caught 0843 SO Bus Welshpool to Llanfair and arrived at 9, to watch Earl being prepped.

Booked and travelled on 10am Llanfair Welshpool and back, Earl on load 3 GWR Pickering coaches - first time I’ve seen them - superb.

30 mins at Welshpool so time to grab a tea as engine took water; plus a display of vintage cars.

On way back passed No.2 Zillertal at Cryffynnod on a very heavily loaded train. Display of traction engines plus 2 16mm live steam layouts at Llanfair. New museum building worth a visit too. Real ale bar at Llanfair.

Unexpected (but welcome) vintage bus service doing regular Llanfair Welshpool trips - free if you have a train ticket - do not recollect seein this advertised on website; served as my means to get back to Welshpool for TfW train home.

Well done W & L; a cracking day. Few pics below I fired off. Paul S