2016 New Year News

'Mince Pie' Specials and mending No 4 Edward Thomas


The ‘Mince Pie’ trains had quite a few passengers on them enjoying a bit of fresh air. Some people even braved walks round Dolgoch Falls. There was a lovely Christmassy ‘buzz’ about the railway with mince pies and mulled wine on offer. The new carriage heating also seems to be working well!

Pendre Shed is usually lovely and quiet between Christmas and New Year as the staff take a well deserved break. The only slight drama during the week was caused by No 4 Edward Thomas - taken out of service due to running a hot box on the pony truck axles. It probably didn’t help that there was some flooding under Brynglas Bridge and water may have got into the axleboxes.

As we needed two working engines to run our trains, No 4 was jacked up the next day. The axle boxes were removed and cleaned out, the metal bearing ground out, then all put back together. The engine was steamed and tested with a few trips to Wharf in the afternoon. No 4 was back in service the next day. Many thanks to the small team (including staff member Dave who came in during his holidays) for sorting No 4 out. Just in case the repairs didn’t work, No 1 Talyllyn was steam tested ready for use if required.

We also held a diesel driver training session over a couple of days. It was an opportunity for our diesel locomotive drivers to have a go on the two new Baguleys, plus refresh themselves on driving the rest of the diesel fleet. The participants appeared to enjoy themselves driving up and down the line on engineering trains and shunting round Pendre Yard in the rain. Participants also helped clear out blocked lineside drainage channels up the line so a useful couple of days all round.

And finally, sadly one of our long standing Guards, Phil Sayers, has decided to retire from guarding trains, although he will still be out and about on the railway. His last train was on Saturday 2nd January. Thank you Phil.

Photos by John Smallwood and Karen Willans