VoR Newsletter Issue 2 2018

no.30

Rheidol Review Newsletter

Photo by Alison L Jones

Issue 2 - 2018

www.rheidolrailway.co.uk

Telephone us: 01970 625 819 - Park Avenue, Aberystwyth SY23 1PG Regular steam train services running throughout the year

Welcome

A new, re-named and improved, newsletter

T

he winter period has been and gone in the blink of an eye, with spring taking hold of the Rheidol Valley, altering its beauty once more.

It was pleasing to welcome so many locals to join us during our locals discount offer. Many reliving memories and some travelling with us for the first time.

As always, the winter closed period has been a busy time, with the completion of several large re-sleepering jobs and track layout improvements at our Aberystwyth station.

The workshop staff have been working hard on several projects. With the overhaul of Talyllyn Railway’s No.3 being almost complete and the engine nearing return to its home line, attention will now focus on the completion of our own engine No.7. It will definitely be a large celebration for us when No.7 returns to steam later this year after a long absence. Even more a celebration to have all three of our engines in steam together, a sight not seen for a long time.

Continuing to look forward at the exciting things to come during this year. We have the return of our 1920s Jazz Night hosted at the Hafod Hotel in Devil’s Bridge. This year we are inviting people to join us for two events the first

C O N T E N T S

Page 3

Vale of Rheidol News

Page 5

Workshop Updates

Page 7

Permanent Way Update

Page 9

Volunteers

Page 11 Mines of the Rheidol Valley Page 14 An image from the Archive Page 15 Pictures from the Month Page 19 The Silver Mountain

Experience’s First Heritage Weekend

of which is to take place at the end of April.

We also welcome a new event to our calendar this year. In October we will be hosting a Monsters Ball, providing a Halloween event for adults to enjoy.

These highlighted events are on top of our popular events offering Driver for a Fiver experiences, Summer Evening Excursions, Halloween trains and not forgetting our Santa Trains towards the year’s end.

For this season we are also making workshop tours more available with two programmed each day.

With all these special events and our regular service trains waiting to take our visitors on experiences that will create memories, we have a great season to look forward to, and hope to see many of our readers during their visits.

Gareth D Jones Editor

Page 21 The VoR’s Aberystwyth Stations Page 23 Railway Reviews Page 24 Our Staff Page 25 Shop Products Page 27 Garden Railway Products Page 29 Timetable Page 30 Upcoming Events

Page 2

Vale of Rheidol Railway News

New Team Members Debbie Morgan Marketing Manager

I

n January we welcomed a new member to our team, Debbie Morgan.

Debbie has joined us as our new Head of Marketing. She has a highly experienced background, working with the local newspaper, the Cambrian News.

In her spare time, Debbie enjoys fly fishing and was a member of the Welsh Ladies Fly Fishing Team for over 14 years and has been a Welsh and International Champion. She also enjoys walking her dog and horse riding.

Jeff Cargill Booking Clerk

Page 3

I

n February we welcomed Jeff to the railway.

He lived in the area until 1990, when he moved to Cheshire. Having worked as an Archive Conservator he left to work as a laboratory assistant .

In 2007 he returned to working in Archives at Herefordshire Archives & Local Studies. In 2017 he took voluntary retirement and moved back to the area.

He now works a few days a week in the booking office in Aberystwyth and Devil’s Bridge.

Vale of Rheidol Railway News

A Steamy Proposal T

he 17th February was a special train journey for one couple who joined us for a memory making trip. During their visit Chris proposed to Becky, and she said ‘Yes’!

Thanks for sharing your news with us!

Don’t forget that we can cater for Weddings and all kinds of parties including Hen and Stag do’s!

Add the

Magic of a

Steam Train to your Wedding day..

Imagine the charm of your very own private steam train, waiting at the station to take you and your guests for a delightful journey through the stunning Welsh scenery a wonderfully unique experience for everyone to enjoy.

“The Vale of Rheidol Railway provided us with a unique and romantic venue for our special day” With a variety of opportunities and locations, the possibilities are endless. From using the steam train to get from the ceremony to the reception venue, or even holding your reception at one of our charming stations.

The Railway is completely flexible to make your dream day come true.

“A Uniquely Charming Venue...”

“Aberystwyth’s most unique wedding reception venue”

Contact Wendy on 01970 625 819 | wendy@rheidolrailway.co.uk

www.rheidolrailway.co.uk Park Avenue, Aberystwyth SY23 1PG

Page 4

WORKSHOP Talyllyn Railway No.3

S

ince our last edition No.3 has edged closer to completion once more.

The cab roof has had the addition of an opening hatch. This will allow more ventilation into the cab on the hot summer days.

The boiler has had its bare test static steaming. This is a simple light steam test performed prior to lagging and cladding. A safety valve is fitted next to the pressure gauge and the fire is raked out once the boiler reaches 75psi. All was steam tight and the boiler has now received its lagging and cladding, with painting well underway. An official steam test will be undertaken once the boiler is in the frames with everything assembled.

By the next edition the engine should have been completed and returned to the Talyllyn Railway. Look out for updates and a photo of the completed engine in the next edition due for publishing during May. Page Page 5 5

UPDATE Carriage No.15

T

he restoration of carriage No.15 has been continuing to get closer to completion. The wood panelling for the roof has been completed.

Much of the wood used in the roof has been recycled from the original roof panelling, which was carefully saved during the stripping of the carriage at the start of the overhaul.

The side panels which are all new material have been cut to size and are being fitted.

The new door frames for the widened doorways have been manufactured and fitted too.

The team working on the carriage comprises two apprentices, who are learning and developing skills for their future. They are also going to seal their place in the railways history through their contribution towards providing wheelchair accessible carriages in our fleet.

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the VAle of rheidol railway presents...

Jazz Night at the Hafod Hotel,

Devil’s Bridge

Train departs at 6.00pm

th April 8 turday 2

Sa

next JAZZ Event: th August 2018 Sat 4Limited tickets availabe

BOOK NOW!

£45

Package

£45 £30

Full Package not

including £30 excluding transport

transport

Tickets & further info: 01970 625 819 info@rheidolrailway.co.uk www.rheidolrailway.co.uk

Page 7

Jazz Night

by Wendy Thomas, VoR Events Co-ordinator.

A

fter a roaring success last September we have decided to host two more 1920s themed events this year.

So turn back the clocks and transport yourself by steam train to the bygone era of the 1920s, where you’ll travel through the stunning scenery of the Rheidol Valley to the Hafod Hotel at Devil’s Bridge.

Pull on your flapper dresses and get ready to Charleston!

Dance the night away to swinging jazz music and enjoy an elegant cocktail and 20s themed buffet.

If you’re a fan of the Great Gatsby and the TV series Peaky Blinders this is a must!!

The full package includes: • Complimentary cocktail on the platform • Train ride to Devil’s Bridge • Buffet and entertainment at The Hafod Hotel • Return travel to Aberystwyth by coach Limited tickets available, booking in advanced is necessary Page 8

Vale of Rheidol Volunteers

By Clive Higgs, Railway Volunteer

A

part from the tidying of the Aberystwyth, Aberffrwd and Capel Bangor flower beds, there has been little gardening during January and February. The sensible volunteers have been inside, in the warm, bright Paint Shop, painting stored gas lamp posts. The photograph above shows Maurice, Harm and Mark in the foreground with the spotless non-volunteer experts in the background.

The other volunteers enjoyed the rain, wind and cold at the Nantyronen platelayers’ hut, safely shaded from the sunshine warming the other side of the valley. A dry day allowed us to use the generator and a disk-cutter to cut off the protruding spikes that had held the old roof timbers to the walls. After this and the previous removal of the old rusty roof, there were a few rainy weeks and fewer tea breaks.

So all the walls were built up quickly and the new roof purlins were nailed in. Here, Pete is working on the south wall and John is holding Page 9

the sleeper steady. It was perfectly peaceful and there was no siege!

The roof was quickly nailed in place and the tea breaks restarted. Someone was a bit keen and lit the fire whilst the others were coughing on the roof.

Originally the roof purlins had been on the outside of the four walls. But when the old east purlin was removed, the chimney leaned

slightly. The chimney had been leaning on the hut and caused it to lean and the hut had prevented the chimney from leaning further.

The chimney was quickly made safe but we could not replace the outside purlin because it would have gone through the flue of the chimney. Not very safe when tea fanatics are lighting fires below.

Eventually a full-length purlin was nailed to the inside of the wall, beside the chimney and two short cosmetic purlins were nailed to the outside without running through the chimney. We walked along the line to pick up the extra timber from the pile beside the west hut.

John rebuilt the door and replaced the rotten wall above the door frame.

After creosoting the outside of the walls and building a rough path around the hut, everything was finished before the first train passed on February 10th. Apart from tidying up the litter inside the hut. New volunteers are very welcome! Also the PW team is going to put some neat ballast over the rough path to make the hut look compelely finished.

The next job is to restore the isolated lower hut nearly a mile to the west. It is hidden in a wooden dell near the 5ž mile milepost. Apart from the roof, this hut is in a much better condition as it has been less exposed to wild weather and weeds.

We waited until the half-term trains stopped

After

Before

running during the weekdays before starting work on this. The sessions will be longer now as it takes some time to walk to the hut from the nearest car parks at Nantyronen Halt or Capel Bangor Station.

At the first session the bank leaning against the east wall of the hut was removed and the front (north) wall of the hut facing the railway was temporarily winched vertical to see if anything collapsed. Only two new sleepers are needed here, unlike the four used at the Nantyronen hut. Hopefully the restoration may be finished before the main season trains start running at the end of March.

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Rheidol United Mines account books and letters, dating from 1870s-90s

Mines of the Rheidol Valley Rheidol mine artefacts return for the first time in 128 years. By Ioan Lord

I

n January 2018, I was made aware of and acquired several mining artefacts which had been stored in a derelict farm in upper Cwm Rheidol for over a century.

John Jones of Pencnwch, who’s memorandum and letters are included with the material given to me, was one of the very last miners to work at Rheidol United during the late nineteenth century. The Rheidol United comprise five adjacent mines situated in the vicinity of Rheidol Falls Halt on the Vale of Rheidol Railway, extending as far as Erwtomau in the ‘Horseshoe Curve’. John Jones evidently held some interest in the mines, since when they were closed in 1890, he was allowed (or perhaps just took) home with him the old register and account books, which were no longer relevant for the liquidated company, along with a few items of mining equipment. Erwtomau was reopened after the construction of the railway, but its machinery and equipment were all purchased new.

The old register and account books were stored Page 11

in the farmhouse for about 80 years, until the new owners removed them and kept them under better conditions in their permanent home elsewhere.

These books, which survive in excellent condition, were presented to me in 2017, and show the names, addresses, ages and employment of every miner at Rheidol United between 1882 and 1890. John Jones of Pencnwch is listed several times, along with boys and girls as young as 14 years of age. The account book shows every underground bargain that was operational between October 1889 and June 1890, as well as the company’s expenditure on candles, fuses, gunpowder and tools. The information was hand-written in the books by Captain D. Lambert, chief agent of the Rheidol United Mining Company.

In December 2017 the roof of an outbuilding at the farm collapsed, revealing an almost all-wooden nineteenth-century farm cart inside. The original paintwork survived in good condition, as well as the

name of the farmer and a different house painted in ornate, white lettering on the back. The house named on the cart was found to have been situated 3 miles south-west of Cwm Rheidol, near Llanfihangel y Creuddyn. The cart was moved from Llanfihangel and has been in Cwm Rheidol since at least the 1930s, as the oldest resident living in the valley can remember it being here during his childhood. Although not of mining origin, the cart is of great historical interest and was donated to me by the new owners of the farm.

This has now been moved to the Llywernog Silver-lead Mine Museum at Ponterwyd, where it will be restored and put on display as an example of a local-made cart similar to those used to transport ore from the mines in the district.

Also found at the farm was a nineteenth-century wooden ore skip, which was used by women and children at the mine dressing floors to carry ore from the picking tables to the crusher. This has almost certainly come from Rheidol United as well, when John Jones took the books in 1890. The skip is now also on display at the Llywernog Mine Museum, and contains the initials ‘GF’ incised on one side. A nineteenth-century iron winze kibble (ore bucket) handle was also found beside the skip, and is also on display at Llywernog. Careful inspection of the farm found that the rest of the kibble, i.e. the bucket itself, was not present. The dressing floor of Rheidol United was situated below the Vale of Rheidol Railway at Gwaithcoch, and it was here that the ore skip and kibble were built.

The artefacts were moved to the Llywernog museum

on a trailer in January 2018, after taking the wheels and side heighteners off of the cart body. The cart was reassembled, and temporary repair work done on the rotten axle, and it is now on static display in the ore jigger shed. We will carry out further restoration work on the body during the course of the year, including the replacement of several missing or completely rotten floorboards, and hopefully a more permanent repair on the axle. The felloes on one wheel did not survive the decades of being stored out in the damp in Cwm Rheidol, but the wooden hub, spokes and the entire other wheel survive in good condition. The original linchpins were used to re-attach the wheels after repair work at Llywernog.

The ore skip and the register and account books have been taken back to the Rheidol United Mines dressing floor at Gwaithcoch for the first time in 128 years, where they were photographed inside the ruined office where the books were originally kept.

These books have outlived the stone buildings in which they formerly lived by over a century, and it was a moving experience to be the first to take them back for the first time in 128 years.

Pictured above: Nineteenth-century Cwm Rheidol cart, now on display at Llywernog Mine Museum.

Ore skip and account books return to the mine office for the first time in 128 years.

N.B. These mines are on Private property and entry is forbidden unless by prior arrangement. Mines in the Valley are very dangerous owing to the vertical shafts and the potential for them to be hidden within woodland. Exploration should only be undertaken by experienced persons!

Page 12

Page 13

Vale of Rheidol Photo Archive

By Rob Bance,VoR Archivist

Croeso 69

F

rom mid 1963 the railway was controlled by the Midland region of British Railways and the new management attempted to improve the railway. One of their ideas was to run more chartered “specials” along the line.

In autumn 1968 in connection with the investiture of the Prince of Wales, an evening train was run with a viewing of the floodlit reservoir and falls at Aberffwrd, along with supper for the guests.

The passengers unloaded at Meithrinfa Halt (an unofficial halt, which was once used by pupils from Miss Trotter’s nearby school) and walked through the woods which was lit by electric lamps, these were powered by the PW department’s portable generator.

The return to the train, after the festivities had ended, was accompanied by music played by the Aberystwyth Silver Band.

Page 14

Pictures from the Month

By John R Jones, International Travel Photographer

Page 17

Platform Posters

By Debbie Morgan, Marketing Manager

T

he roaring twenties were a time of great prosperity, as the economy boomed after World War I. The nation was intent on having fun; a jazz obsession swept the nation, and prohibition did little to dampen the national spirit. Advertising at the time reflected the wealth of the nation, and a naivete and optimism that science was on the precipice of a golden age.

The 1920s were a strange time full of wacky fads, and too much trust in unproven science.

Advertisers were beginning to figure out what worked and what didn’t, and their enthusiastic ad copy would attempt to sway even the most incredulous purchasers.

The art deco style was seen as elegant and refined… the peak of modernity. Ads from this time period are actively sought by collectors because of their distinctive look.

This year we have invited local businesses to advertise on our platform in the style of 1920’s adverts. These posters will be A1 size on aluminium boards so will be hard wearing and weather proof.

Historically the stations were a key area to advertise and we look forward to seeing our stations in full use.

Below are some of the adverts that we have designed in readiness for our platforms. If you are a business that would benefit from over 60,000 visitors seeing your poster, then please get in contact with Debbie on 01970 625819 for further information.

A ROOM with a VIEW

Gwesty’r Marine Hotel

Promenade, Aberystwyth

Freshly cooked Carvery every Sunday from 12.30pm to 2pm

To book call

01970 612444

www.gwestymarinehotel.co.uk

Page 18

The Silver Mountain Experience’s First Heritage Weekend (Llywernog:1870)

T

he Silver Mountain Experience, home of Llywernog Silver-Lead Mine near Aberystwyth, travelled back in time to 1870 for their first Heritage Weekend!

With the help of members of the Welsh Mines Preservation Trust and the Cambrian Mines Trust, a vast amount of work has been going on and there were also some special interactive to restore the impressive Ore Jigger Machinery demonstrations and talks. The ‘Miner’s Life’ and run the Buddle and Jigger Waterwheels, the guided tour was a popular grand unveiling of which was favourite, as Llywernog Silveron the Heritage Weekend. It Lead Mine dates back to the was a momentous occasion mid-1700s and metal mining in as it was the first time Jiggers Mid Wales back as far as 4,000 had run at Llywernog since the years ago, so there is a wealth of mine closed over 100 years ago! history to be explored! Young Visitors really enjoyed seeing ‘adventurers’ also went on the the newly restored machinery quest to find the shy baby Dragon and waterwheels working again.

All of Silver Mountain’s A miner’s hat from in ‘A Dragon’s Tale’. Those who normal tours were running Ceredigion Museum were feeling braver took on Welsh myth and legend in their frightful throughout the weekend, Buddle and Jigger Waterwheels

Page 19

underground experience ‘Black Chasm’! The Would you invest in this great mine? interactive Time Lab show ran throughout the weekend, delving deep into the freaky facts and twisted tales linked to this unique Silver-Lead mine. The Mining Frauds of uring the Eighteenth and Nineteenth centuries min e managers would often write overly Mid Wales talks and the Shot Firing Mining boastful accounts of thei r mines to attr act inve stor s and thu Demonstrations were put on especially for s rival their competitors.

The mining frauds of Mid Wales are just one of the the Heritage Weekend, and were also greatly aspects invo many fascinating lved in this great local hist ory. enjoyed.

1870, Mid Wales: John There was a Mining Memorabilia stand, Balcombe, Manager of Llywernog Mine, builds impressive buildin where visitors were able to see mining-era gs on the surface of the site to match its underground ‘riches’. artefacts, documents, photographs and books brought in by local organisations Mining production is faci ng competition from oversea s. and the community, including Ceredigion Sha re-p ush ing scandals are rife.

Museum, Ceredigion Archives and the Welsh Mines Preservation Trust. Visitors ‘Llywernog silver-lead Min e is positioned in the hea were also invited to bring their own rt of the richest mineral district in Cardiga nshire, and has been hea vily wrought since about the year 1750. possessions in from the era, and it was great to see so many people sharing The main shaft, Hanson’s, has been sunk to the 72 Fath artefacts and stories relating to local oms Level, and has intersected the junctio ns of four rich veins of silv history and their ancestors, and so many er-lead ore.

There are nine levels of vast importance over a vertical height difference also getting into the 1870 theme with of 520 feet, from which hun dreds of tons of silver-lead ore have been extracted. dressing up from the time!

‘A trifling capital would be Families really enjoyed making badges sufficient to give this mine the thorough trial it well deserves, with new machinery and unlimited and having a go at a ‘Hat Snapshot’ ore reserves to be discovered.’ with the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales’s youth project ‘Ceredigion The Heritage Weekend in pictures Off-Limits’, and also enjoyed free access to all of the surface attractions such as the Mining Museum, Fossil Dig, Gem Panning, Kindlings’ Quest Quiz and new historic dressing-up in the kids’ Den. It was a wonderful way to launch the Silver Mountain Experience’s 2018 season, and they would like to thank everyone involved in making the event possible and all of the visitors for making it such a fantastic Image: Ioan Lord weekend. They look forward to more exciting heritage projects in the future and their next Heritage Weekend in 2019!

Image: Peter White Visit their website www. silvermountainexperience. co.uk and follow their Facebook page www.facebook.com/ SilverMountainExperience/ for information about further events and their day-to-day opening.

SCANDAL AT THE MINE

D

Image: Ceredigion Off-Limits

Image: Ceredigion Off-Limits

Page 20

The VoR’s Aberystwyth Stations

by Gareth Jones

O

n the 22nd December 1902 the VoR’s first public passenger train departed Aberystwyth destined for Devil’s Bridge. The Aberystwyth terminus from where that first train departed is today a road used to access a car park.

The original terminus was built along with a goods yard and engine sheds located alongside a branch that lead to the harbour, all built off what was then known as Smithfield Road (Now Park Avenue).

This station was in use for 23 years having seen the railway operate under it’s own company, the

Page 21

Cambrian Railways & the start of the Great Western period.

By 1925 under Great Western control the VoR, and the railway received it’s second terminus in Aberystwyth when the railway was extended to cross Park Avenue and a new station was created that ran parallel to the main line station.

With this new station positioned so close to the main line station, the tickets for travel on the VoR were now purchased from the main line booking office, where as previously they had been sold on site

at the original station.

Our passenger trains continued to operate from this station until 6th April 1968, when the last passenger train departed and crossed Park Avenue, bringing about the end of an era after 43 years use and the dawn of a new chapter for our railway.

On the 20th May 1968 the first VoR passenger train departed from the former standard gauge ‘Carmarthen’ bay platform, this becoming the railway’s third terminus station within Aberystwyth.

This change also provided new homes for both the lines, engines and carriages, as the VoR moved into the former standard gauge engine shed.

This third station within Aberystwyth also brought the biggest change in the route taken as the track was realigned, providing a more direct route to Llanbadarn.

In 2012 the facilities for boarding trains in this third station were improved by the building of a platform which makes boarding the carriages easier. Prior to the building of this platform all trains had been boarded from ground level requiring a big step up to get aboard.

The third station has been in use for longer than any of the other termini the railway has used in Aberystwyth, being in use for 50 years to date.

Page 22

Railway Reviews eview of a week in Waaulegse R e l g o day Go rrow g ed ur last and na

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Page 23

About our staff About Our Staff Ben Brotherwood Booking Clerk

Ben is an International Politics student studying at Aberystwyth University who procastinates from studying by spending as much time at the railway as possible.

He grew up in Gravesend, Kent where as a young boy he would enter cycling races.

In his spare time Ben loves model making and cycling, but when he is not busy at the railway he spends time at Corris Railway helping out and also is a trainee train driver at the Fairbourne Miniature Railway.

This is Ben’s second season at Rheidol and we are pleased to see him back.

John Pickersgill Booking Clerk

J

ohn is one of our part time team members working in the booking office.

A family man, John has a varied career history from carpentry to constabulary then a building surveyor. He has now retired and enjoys a few days a week working in our ticket office.

John enjoys socialising, golf and holidays.

His face may appear familiar to those who enjoy the TV series Y Gwyll/Hinterland as in the first series he played the role of a deceased accountant.

John is now in his fourth season with us and enjoys meeting and greeting our visitors from all around the world.

Page 24

BRITISH RAILWAYS THE FIRST 25 YEARS VOLUME 7: LONDON WESTERN REGION

by J. Allan and A. Murray This is the seventh in a series of books, depicting the first 25 years of British Railways with many previously unpublished photographs. The mix of pictures in this book illustrates, we hope, the unique character of the ‘Western’ in London, with a good balance between steam and diesel traction, and with a few gas turbines added in for good measure.

£22.50

THE GOLDEN AGE OF LONDON’S RAILWAYS FROM OLD POSTCARDS

by John Alsop In the first decade or so of the 20th century, the country was swept by the Picture Postcard collecting craze, with publishers and photographers competing to produce an ever expanding range of cards covering almost every aspect of Edwardian life.

Prominent amongst these were railway subjects, with cards of most stations being issued, along with other scenes of railway interest such as engine sheds and viaducts, as well as the trains and locomotives of the various pre-Grouping companies.

£25.00 ABERLLEFENNI - A SLATE LIFE

by Peter & Ginny Barnfield, Wes Magee A visually stunning photographic record of the quarry at Aberllefenni, recorded by Peter Barnfield in the hot summer of 1976. At this time the narrow gauge railway was still being used to transport slate down to the cutting shed in the village, trains being hauled along the line by an old tractor.

£12.95

Call in or phone our shop on 01970 625819 Page 25

THE HAND PAINTED TREASURED TRINKETS range is made of heavy enamelled metal. Each piece is decorated with small sparkling crystals, finished with gold plated edgings and hinged to open. Each piece comes in their own lined box.

Prices vary. Please see online or in store

JAN VAN HAASTEREN 500 PIECE COMIC PUZZLE. For decades Jan van Haasteren has created highly detailed, colourful and, above all, humorous illustrations.

Several different designs available.

£8.00

VALE OF RHEIDOL SCRAGGY BEARS

£7.00

PADDINGTRON BEAR GIANT CUDDLY TOY

Was £25 now £20

visit our online shop https://stores.ebay.co.uk/valeofrheidolrailway Page 26

Garden Railway Shop IP Engineering End of Line Offers PUNCH 16MM FREELANCE KIT

The punch loco kit is made from cnc machined styrene and heavy metal castings to give good traction. The kit is easy to assemble with MEK adhesive and normal hand tools. The loco comes as standard with brass handrail knobs.

Available in 32 mm or 45 mm gauge.

£40 each

DOTTI 16MM FREELANCE KIT

A free lance design inspired by the baguley handyside loco a powerful but compact loco with good detailing. The kits are complete with all that you need to complete including motor chassis battery box etc.

Available in 32 mm gauge.

£40 each

16MM GROUDLE GLEN COACHES GROUDLE GLEN RAILWAY OPEN (1986) COACH Based on the former Doddington coach before a roof was added.

GROUDLE GLEN RAILWAY NUMBER 1 (1988) & NUMBER 2 (1987) COACH These coaches differ from each other in the style of valence both of which are supplied in the kit allowing No1 or No2 to be constructed.

GROUDLE GLEN RAILWAY COACH NUMBER 3 This coach was built with the intention of fitting side doors and windows but these have not yet been fitted (2012).

£30 each Page 27

N I W

Accucraft Live Steam 16mm Hunslet 2-6-2 Locomotive

ÂŁ2 p Raffl er e Tic ket Sierra Leone Government Railways Hunslet 2-6-2T locomotive No.14. Fitted with an internal gas fired boiler and slide valve cylinders which are operated by a simplified Walschaerts valve gear. Manual control and gauge adjustable.

Buy your Raffle Ticket Today!

Buy online through our website or call 01970 625819 All proceeds from the raffle go to the VoR Carriage Fund.

Go online for our model and garden rail shop

www.rheidolrailway.co.uk Page 28

2018 Timetable 1. Pick your day of travel from the calendar.

2. Match the colour to the relevant timetable below.

Please note there are no services on white days.

MARCH 2018 M T W T F S 1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 16 17 19 20 21 22 23 24 26 27 28 29 30 31

S 4 11 18 25

JUNE 2018 M T W T F S 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 11 12 13 14 15 16 18 19 20 21 22 23 25 26 27 28 29 30

S 3 10 17 24

SEPTEMBER 2018 M T W T F S S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

APRIL 2018 M T W T F S 2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

JULY 2018 M T W T F S 2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

M 1 8 15 22 29

OCTOBER 2018 T W T F S 2 3 4 5 6 9 10 11 12 13 16 17 18 19 20 23 24 25 26 27 30 31

Aberystwyth Capel Bangor Aberffrwd Devil’s Bridge Devil’s Bridge Aberffrwd Capel Bangor Aberystwyth

dep: dep: dep: arr: dep: dep: dep: arr:

ORANGE 10:30 2:00 10:50 2:20 11:10 2:40 11:30 3:00 12:30 4:15 12:50 4:35 1:10 4:55 1:30 5:15

Aberystwyth Capel Bangor Aberffrwd Devil’s Bridge Devil’s Bridge Aberffrwd Capel Bangor Aberystwyth

dep: dep: dep: arr: dep: dep: dep: arr:

10:30 10:50 11:10 11:30 12:30 12:50 1:10 1:30

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4 11 18 25

12:10 12:30 12:50 1:15 2:15 2:35 2:55 3:15

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

10:30 10:50 11:10 11:30 12:30 12:50 1:10 1:30 GREEN 2:00 2:20 2:40 3:00 4:00 4:20 4:40 5:00

7 14 21 28

M T 1 7 8 14 15 21 22 28 29

S 5 12 19 26

S 6 13 20 27

S 1 8 15 22 29

AUGUST 2018 M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 10 11 13 14 15 16 17 18 20 21 22 23 24 25 27 28 29 30 31

S 5 12 19 26

NOVEMBER 2018 M T W T F S 1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 16 17 19 20 21 22 23 24 26 27 28 29 30

S 4 11 18 25

S 7 14 21 28

YELLOW 12:10 2:00 12:30 2:20 12:50 2:40 1:15 3:00 2:15 4:00 2:35 4:20 2:55 4:40 3:15 5:00 3:45 4:05 4:25 4:45 5:45 6:05 6:25 6:45

MAY 2018 W T F 2 3 4 9 10 11 16 17 18 23 24 25 30 31

S 1 8 15 22 29

6:00 6:20 6:40 7:00 8:00 8:20 8:40 9:00

3:45 4:05 4:25 4:45 5:45 6:05 6:25 6:45 GOLD 11:00 11:20 11:40 12:00 2:00 2:20 2:40 3:00

GOLD DAYS Enjoy the stunning Autumn Colours You can combine your visit with a Sunday Lunch at the Hafod Hotel, Devil’s Bridge

20’s

19 t Jazz Nighod hotel

f at the ha & Sat 4 AUGUST l ri Ap Sat 28th

2018 EVENTS

Roll back the clock to the Roaring 1920s! Take a steam train trip from Aberystwyth to Devil’s Bridge.

Buffet & entertainment at the Hafod Hotel.

Vintage costume a must!

SUMMER EVENING EXCURSIONS Why don’t you join us for dinner?

Departs Aberystwyth at 6:00pm, arriving back at 9:00pm.

For other times and dates see our Green Timetable

REAL DRIVE A GINE? EN STEAM

Upgrade your ticket to include

OPENING IN AP RIL

FISH AND CHIPS at Devil’s Bridge.

Extra £6.00 for Adults, £4.00 for Children

Station ’s Bridge our Devil et office Only at ck at the Ti Enquire

£5

pp

AT THE DEVIL’S BRI DGE STATION

MONSTER's BALL 27 OCTOBER 2018 A Halloween event just for the adults... a spooky train ride and a Halloween ball at the Hafod Hotel, Devil’s Bridge.

NEW FOR 2018

Halloween Ghost Train 29, 30 & 31 OCTOBER 2018 Dare you take the ghost train to Devil’s Bridge?

You will travel from Aberystwyth to Devil’s Bridge, with some spooks along the way...

SUNDAY LUNCH SPECIALS Boo

Park Avenue, SY23 1PG Telephone : 01970 625 819 info@rheidolrailway.co.uk

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4, 11, 18 & 25 November 2018

End your weekend with an extra special trip to Devils Bridge, taking in the ever changing stunning scenery and stop at the Hafod Hotel for a sumptious roast before heading back

Charity No 1076037

w w w. r h e i d o l r a i l w a y. c o . u k

Events Poster Double royal.indd 1

06/02/2018 10:54:01

Page 30

Photo by Debbie Morgan

www.rheidolrailway.co.uk

Telephone us: 01970 625 819 - Park Avenue, Aberystwyth SY23 1PG Regular steam train services running throughout the year