The Gwili Railway thread

I just have this vision of a manor in the platform at bronwydd with a few mark 1s and welsh guards man and haulwen double heading a freight train round the loop in the other direction. Could be a reality in Easter next year how mad is that! Crazy how things have progressed.

 

More pictures just added to the Facebook page of the latest on the platform and the start of fencing work on the extension. Next up - the final 1/4 mile of tracklaying.....

Some pictures also of the DMU end car nearing the end of its repaint into BR green as well with "cat's whiskers", it will debut on the new livery at the "anything goes" gala next Sunday

Regards

Matt

 

Update

The edging work on the platform has now been completed. Next- backfill platform and more grading of the station area before final tracklaying. Fencing work ongoing too. No pictures this time as the battery ran out on my phone, but it's all looking good!

Still to do (the main bits anyway)- another round of ballasting, lay 1/4 mile of track/turnouts/loop, complete signalling south of Bronwydd Arms and we'll be just about there!

A reminder that the "Anything Goes" gala is this Sunday - all support welcome...

Regards

Matt

 

todays Anything Goes Gala was very popular with the passengers and was fun for those involved , congratulations to James who organised the event, and can't wait for the one next year

 

It's nice to hear you enjoyed it! Leave it with me for next year.....

 

That sounds great! We should have a few more wagons restored by then.

 

If anyone is interested in wagons at the Gwili - we are nearing completion of refurbishment of toad 114762 (Swansea Vale Railway). It took part in the demo freight on the Anything goes gala. It is now in the shed at Llwyfan Cerrig for a month for timber work replacement to the windowed end. Also in the shed is an 8 planker mineral wagon which is to be painted in GWR freight grey. A programme of other wagons to be refurbished in 2014 is being prepared.

 

update-

The platform is now 99% complete, last weekend saw the spreading of a top surface (see picture)

At the station, the surrounding area has seen grading of the embankment and space made for the run around loop. We have started laying out the sleepers from the north to south end of the platform ready for track laying, and then we work back towards the bridge and the present rail head for link up. This will be the primary focus for the next few weeks.

The final signal post has now been erected, this is the up section signal located south of Bronwydd Arms. Work is ongoing to run the signal wires, cables etc.

An 8 plank wagon and GWR toad are in the shed at the moment undergoing repairs and a repaint

At Llangollen Welsh Guardsman is very close to completion and we are hopeful the loco may be back with us before the santa season starts.

Regards

Matt

 

update-

today saw around 200 concrete sleepers laid out on the track bed stretching form the north end of the platform towards the existing railhead, which is just beyond the bridge in the photo. The rough plan is that by the end of this week the sleepers will be laid and then the rails get inserted to take the head of steel up to the north end of the platform. Wooden sleepers will be used in the platform road itself.

Regards

Matt

 

update,

track laying has recommenced and the first panel is in! The photo gives a view looking south towards the new station, with the road bridge prominent. You can see the gradient as well and the platform is visible just to the right of the end of the sleeper line. About 15 panels to insert get to the north end ramp of the platform, hopefully will be done in the next two weeks.

Fencing work is nearly finished, and work is also in progress to erect occupation crossing signs etc.

Regards

Matt

 

small update-
two more panels laid today, track now halfway under the bridge. More work next week, weather permitting.
regards
Matt

 

Another two panels in today, rail head now south of the bridge - not far to go now....

Regards

Matt

 

Today's update....
Another 4 panels in and the track is creeping towards the platform
Hopefully we will be pretty much there by the end of the week, weather permitting
Images taken in less than perfect light but give an idea

Regards

Matt

 

Well done team-Gwili ! Good to see things nearly there.
Next, on to Conwil and Llanpumsaint....

 

Yes, keep at it.

 

Seconded.

Having visited the Gwili a couple of times with the Wife and had the pleasure of meeting Matt Bowan, I can honestly say the this Railway is one that is going places.

Well done
Chris:

 

Thanks Chris, hope to see you again once the extension opens!

Another 4 panels laid today so things looking good, no pictures tonight though.

Regards

Matt

 

A more extensive set of pictures from the last few days here

http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/p...s-20008429-detail/pictures.html#axzz2jL0f05o5

No track laid today but another session planned for the weekend so hopefully the rails will reach the platform by Sunday.

Regards

Matt

 

Update

Couple of photos re the state of play as of today, only about 3 panels from the south end of the platform now. Unfortunately the light wasn't the best when I took the pics.

Work on the extension will slow down now somewhat as we head into the Santa season but we are still hopeful that it will be open next year

Regards

Matt

 

Matt, check your email.