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Gwili Railway Railcars 50th birthday

Discussion in 'Diesel & Electric Traction' started by Phil_Guard, Jul 31, 2010.

  1. Phil_Guard

    Phil_Guard Member

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    Anyone remember days like these...?

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4f-j-2Ayz88

    Today (Sat 31st July 2010), a small part of this history is being kept alive; a smart but slightly weathered blue/grey unit make will pick its way slowly through a leafy valley in West Wales. A leisurely warm Welsh day, with a tub of Joes icecream in one hand, the smell of freshly creosoted sleepers wafting lazily in through the droplight, as the unit growls and sways its way up the line. Which era is this again....?

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    Or put another way, today is the first in the series of "Heritage Railcar Saturdays" at the Gwili Railway, to celebrate our cl.117 units 50th birthday. Its a bit of an experiment, operating like this - so any support you could give would be much appreciated. If you're about today (31st July), do come say 'hi' as I'll be the guard - enthusiasts will be made especially welcome.

    Departures from Bronwydd Arms are at 1030, 1150, 1320, 1450 and 1610; a return ticket is £6 adults, £3 kids (valid all day), and HRA etc is valid. DMU also operates on Aug 7th, 21st and 28th to those timings, as well as playing a part in our first ever Diesel Gala on August 14th/15th, supporting the cast of 08 631, D9521 and D2178 (special fares apply).

    Buzz buzz....
     
    Phil_Guard, Jul 31, 2010
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  2. nanstallon

    nanstallon Part of the furniture

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    I really enjoyed that video of the Valley lines - I lived in Newport in mid-Seventies, and this brought back some memories of the weekend tickets I used to get, that for two or three quid gave you all the Valleys lines, plus Hereford, Worcester and Bristol; happy days. I'm looking forward to visiting the Gwili on 21 August.; it was a borrowed 4566 last time - 1994 on family holiday - and the kids loved the steam on this line. Now the kids have grown up, and I am left to enjoy diesel power on my own!
     
    nanstallon, Jul 31, 2010
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  3. Phil_Guard

    Phil_Guard Member

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    Glad the video brought a few memories back - its a cracking watch, isn't it?

    We had a pleasant day on Saturday - a comfortably busy day punters-wise, and only two families turned away when they found out it wasn't steam. Food for thought for other heritage railways...? As running on Summer Saturdays is an experiment (and this is our first attempt), it was a pleasant surprise.

    DMU running on the Gwili is a relaxed affair, with plenty of time to stop and chat to the crew - why not pop down? Next DMU running day is this Saturday, August 7th, with steam daily between now and then.

    Nanstallon, thanks for your support - we look forward to welcoming you on August 21st. Will you be booking on the photo-charter, thats in operation that day? £25 for the full day, or cheaper if you can only turn up later - PM or email (phil.budd@yahoo.com) for details and a booking form. It'd be great to welcome you - it looks like its going to be an enjoyable day.

    Cheers,

    Phil.
     
    Phil_Guard, Aug 1, 2010
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