The Gwili Railway thread

Puts Llwyfan in a completely new perspective, really!

 

Update

Some posative news on the extension, the railway has launched an appeal to find 20k. This might not seem like much on its own but all is revealled in our extension appeal leaflet now available on the website-

http://www.gwili-railway.co.uk/en/carmarthen-north/news.aspx

You may have also seen the press release in the latest edition of Steam Railway Mag (although I haven't- can't find a shop anywhere around me that has the latest edition!!).

Exiting times could be just around the corner, but we have a few hurdles to jump first. If any NatPres readers feel the urge to contribute to the appeal, you will be most welcome!

Regards

Matt

 

Another update with a Great Western-esque theme!

The main news this month is that the first cafe coach is now in operation! This is one of the former Taff Vale Railway coach bodies recovered from Birmingham, now in GW chocolate and cream (and with the original garter crest still on the body). The interior has been tastefully converted into a tea room and provides a good facility and a fine ambience. The second TVR coach is in the process of being converted into overflow seating.

Two GWR lamp posts are being erected next to the crossing gates to further enhance the period atmosphere. One post was recently donated from a house in Cardiff.

GWR coach 216 and Taff Vale 220 have now been removed from the shed. Both are looking shiny but unfortunatley neither will be running just yet as there are too many outstanding jobs, mainly on the doors. A picture is attached (taken by JWKB on this forum) showing the test run lastw eek and giving a glimpse of the near future (hopefully!)

The latest incumbent in the shed is the DMU centre car which is to receive a repaint into BR Green within the next month.

Regards

Matt

 

I think we should henceforth call it the 'Taff Caff'...

 

It would be a stunning thing to see all five vintage coaches being pulled along the line by Taff Vale No.28

Well, maybe No.85 is the more realistic option, but still, the photographs would look glorious.

 

yes they would, not forgetting that a TVR coach is being restored on the Swindon and Cricklade too so it may well be possible to get a short TVR train (2 coaches) together in the not too distant future.

For those interested there is a "behind the scenes" video on our Youtube Channel now posted showing the Dining Train and some of the work involved in these events

Gwili Steam Railway's Dining Trains - YouTube

Regards

Matt

 

Excellent link Matt.

I don't know if other railways across the UK have attempted this before, but getting that sponsorship from Felinfoel Brewery, to re-paint the dining carriages, refurbishing them into bars, complete with corporate colours and dragon motifs, was and still is, an absolutely bloody amazing thing.

I'd wager the coaches are on par with the classical Pullman carriages of the day. Nothing beats having a pint and meal across the Camarthenshire countryside.

 

Not to mention the brewery also sponsoring the overhaul of Welsh Guardsman, so we have had a very fruitful relationship, and long may it continue. At the end of the day, local businesses need to support each other in these times of hardship. The Aberayron Signal Box Project experienced a similar thing when moving the signal box from Fishguard using Davies Crane Hire, a local Carmarthen firm, to whom we are most grateful for getting the box safely to our railway in a highly professional manner. As a matter of fact, it is amazing the amount of potential support there is out there from a cross section of the community; it's just a question of finding it, tapping into it and giving something back, whether through advertising, special events and recommendation of various services rendered to other parties. It all helps.

 

The Gwili Vintage Carriage Group website has been updated with August news

Gwili Vintage Carriage Group » News

Regards

Matt

 

And there is alaso an update on the Carmarthen Extension website

Gwili Railway Carmarthen North Project News & Updates on the Project

Tree clearance pictures plus finishing touches to the level crossing

Regards

Matt

 

Yes, tough, unglamorous work, but it needs to be done. It does mean we are another step closer to extending the line. Better finish off a couple of articles I'm writing now I'm back from holiday!

 

Hi all -

For those interested, HC No.1731 "Jennifer" will be working trains at the Gwili Railway tomorrow (Wednesday October 3rd), as "Haulwen" is due for her annual exam. Trains depart Bronwydd Arms at 1030, 1150, 1320 and 1450 - an adult rover is £8.00, and children travel for just £2.

Cheers,

Phil.

 

Haulwen has passed her annual exam and should be back in service soon.

In the meantime, the DMU centre car is now in green undercoat, with green top coat due to be applied at the end of the month.

GWR 216 is back in the shed for some more attention so hopefully more news to report on that front soon.

Regards

Matt

 

Services next Wednesday (17th October) shall be hauled by Jennifer. First train is at 10.30 from Bronwydd Arms.

 

Update-

Welsh Guardsman continues to progress at Llangollen. The new steel firebox is in position and awaits fitting of stays etc. On the chassis the cylinder block has been sent to a contractor for machining and should return by the first week in November. No predicted date for return- hopefully next year sometime.

Olwen's boiler is in Somerset and has had new "skirts" fitted to the outer firebox and the next job will be to drill out the copper side stays. No predicted date for return.

Both Jennifer and Haulwen are available for service, the latter having covered nearly 2,000 miles this year to date!

On the carriage front the DMU centre car has now been returned to the shed for glossing in BR Green.

GWR 216 now has a full set of upholstery with the fitting of the seat backs and bases in the last two compartments last week. The two major o/s jobs are repair the doors and drop, adjust and replace the vacuum cylinder. Hopefully these will progress over the winter and probably continue into next year.

The second Taff Vale Coach body is now nearing the end of a major refit to enable it to be used as overflow for the new cafe. During renovation the majority of the roof and one side had to be replaced as much was rotten and beyond repair.

On the extension front there is much activity in the background, and with tree clearance ongoing the heavy machinery is pencilled in for site work in early November so that the trackbed can be scarified, drains cleared ready for tracklaying.

So lots going on....

Regards

Matt

 

3 photos attached showing
(1) New upholstery in GWR 216
(2) DMU cente car in green undercoat
(3) tree clearance ongoing on the extension

Regards

Matt

 

The extension looks like its going to be a very picturesque line in the future .Keep up the good work .

Keith

 

Thanks Matt. I often look at the web site and have been a bit disappointed not to see frequent updates. :frown: Hope to visit one day.

Regards, Howard

 

Observation noted, and will pass on to relevant person. I assume you're on about the main website? Either way, feedback is most welcome so that we know whether or not the website is doing its job of promoting the railway.

 

Thanks Howard, the website doesn't tend to get updated that regularly but hopefully this thread plugs the gap a bit. If anybody has any specific questions about the Gwili then those of us "on the ground" will do our best to answer them.

Suffice to say at the moment there could be interesting times around the corner so we'll keep the news coming!

Regards

Matt