Vale of Rheidol Railway - Official News Thread

LLYWELYN GOES BACK TO COAL

Yes indeed it is official - rumours have been rife over the last few months but we can confirm that this Spring, a Rheidol Tank will steam on coal for the first time in over 30 years.

The Vale of Rheidol line was of course the last steam on British Rail before right up until privatisation in 1989. The three Swindon built steam locomotives were converted by British Rail to burn gas oil between 1978 & 1981 however the rising cost of oil over recent years has dramatically increased our running costs so coal conversion seemed to be the next step

The work is being carried out in the workshops at Aberystwyth and the first fire is expected to be lit in a few weeks time.

We think it will be popular with the both our passengers and the engine crews. No 9 "Prince of Wales" will remain oil fired and it will be interesting to compare the two locomotives over the course of the season.

Keep an eye on Vale of Rheidol Railway Official Facebook Page for further developments.

Vale of Rheidol Railway - Aberystwyth to Devils Bridge, Mid Wales

 

What's the plan for No.7 the loco? Its been a long time since she ran - although No.9 is my Fav I have a soft spot for No.7 as its the 1 of the 3 I had my only ever footplate ride. With the stations going back in and the idea of trying to get people to get off the train to look around the valley surely there is a chance for running more trains and therefore a need for a 3rd loco

 

Also, mainly due to the excellent maintenance regime at the VoR, no's 8 & 9 have been exceptionally reliable since the last time all 3 were in service together. The main summer timetable requires both to be available every service day.

 

Excellent news, and nice to have an official outlet of news from the VoR. I was a student at Aberystwyth for four years and it remains a favourite of mine, but always somewhat enigmatic!

 

Im also quite found of the Rheidol, feels like the most 'Great Western' of the Welsh Narrow Gauge lines.

 

Pah. The FR was running trains two years before the GWR.

 

We've got a quarter century on you in steam operation though

 

In another thread it was recently stated there may be plans for no.7 once the new workshop/running shed is completed. It will be noted that the running shed end of the new building has roads for 3 locos.

 

Its not a competition for who is the oldest, newest though is it! We are so lucky to have so much variety across the country.

The power of the Rheidol tanks will be on display for the participants of a David Williams photo charter which will be running this Spring. It will be a rare opportunity to see and photograph the line from locations normally totally inaccessible to the public. This will be the first photo charter to be run on the line since 1996. I'm told the places sold very quickly after it was announced, but fear not if you've missed it as there will be more organised before the end of the year.

As for Owain Glyndŵr, that is correct, some progress has been made on No 7 over recent years but the big work is to come. Nothing much to report at the moment but watch this space. We want it back too!

 

Andrew I think you may need to get out of Porthmadog more often it seems to be going to your head.

As for this threads topic, Fantastic news for the Guys at Aber and something that had been talked about since 2008/9 finally it has happened and I wish you many success.

Cheers

 

Do we need a separate "Great Little Trains squabbling" thread, chaps?! Then you can argue about who's the biggest, oldest, widest ...

Richard

 

Not at all, just posters to post something relevant rather than trying to comment to sufficiently include a reference to the railway in the top left hand corner of Wales.

 

The Merioneth and Llantiscilly Rail Traction Company Limited???

 

But of course

 

The Vale of Rheidol had a delivery today . . .

See Official VoR Facebook Page

 

And I thought one of collection X had escaped! Seriously though that is nice to see and will be even better to smell.

 

Yes indeed, I'm looking forward to riding in an open carriage and not having to hold my nose!

 

The first fire is lit . . .

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?...36175352.65271.205064302842602&type=1&theater

 

No 8 has been on test this week working several trains up to Aberffrwd and Devil's Bridge.

The test runs have been very successful with the locomotive performing well and proving to be very free steaming and efficient on coal.

Vale of Rheidol Railway - Railway, Tourist attraction - Aberystwyth, United Kingdom | Facebook

 

Splendid news. Incidentally wajsteam, would you in the future be able to provide roster information? Whilst one is coal and the other is oil, I would prefer to visit when No.8 is scheduled to be in service.