READER OFFER INSIDE
no.36
Rheidol Review Newsletter
Celebrating 1989 - 2 0 1 9
YEARS
of Private Ownership
Photo by Robert Parry-Jones
Issue 2 - 2019
www.rheidolrailway.co.uk
Telephone us: 01970 625 819 - Park Avenue, Aberystwyth SY23 1PG Regular steam train services running throughout the year
Celebrating 1 989 - 2 0 1 9
YEARS
of Private Ownership
2019 Events
COME AND VISIT OUR NEW STATION IN ABERYSTWYTH
• DRIVER FOR A FIVER - Footplate Experience
27th to 30th May & 15th July - 29th August 2019 (YELLOW & GREEN TIMETABLE DAYS) Drive a real steam engine at Devil’s Bridge station
• RIDE AND DINE EVENING EXCURSIONS
29th May, 21st July and 3rd, 7th, 10th, 14th, 17th, 21st & 24th August 2019 (GREEN TIMETABLE DAYS) Upgrade your ticket for a Fish and Chip supper at Devil’s Bridge station (see website for full menu)
• STEAM FESTIVAL WEEKEND - FORGOTTEN ENGINES
14th & 15th September 2019 Join us to celebrate 30 years of private ownership. 3 mystery engines, ‘hidden for decades’ will be on show plus see all 3 GWR Rheidol tanks in steam together for the first time in 20 years. (Special timetable for weekend see website for details)
• MONSTER BALL - 1st November 2019
Join us for an adult only event on the ghoulish steam train journey through the Rheidol Valley to the Hafod Hotel, Devil’s Bridge for spooky entertainment and buffet.
• HALLOWEEN GHOST TRAIN - 29th, 30th & 31st October 2019. Join us for a frightfully good trip up the Rheidol Valley!
SUNDAY LUNCH SPECIALS •Park Avenue,
3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th November 2019. SY23 1PG End your weekend with an 819 extra special trip to Devils Bridge, taking Telephone : 01970 625 in the ever changing stunning scenery and stop at the Hafod Hotel info@rheidolrailway.co.uk for a sumptious roast before heading back.
Why follow us Charitynot No 1076037
Welcome
New arrivals all round...
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hat a start to the season we have had, with No.7 adding to the list of records the engine holds (see issue 6 2018) by being the first steam engine to haul a passenger train from our new platform, the first arrival of a passenger train into our new platform and closer to home a new arrival for me too, with the birth of my third child ‘Tomi Wynne’. All three of these significant events occuring within 24 hours of each other. With such a strong start to the year your probably wondering how this year is going to get better. Well I’d like to make a few suggestions. During March we will be moving into our new temporary booking office on the new platform which is four times the size of our current one, we will also be opening our new toilet block which too is on our new platform. Later this year we have our Forgotten Engines event to look forward to. This event will be a celebration of 30 years of private ownership of the VoR. It will also be the first time in over 20 years that all three ‘Rheidol Tanks’ have been in steam working passenger trains together. Not only that but we are also hosting 3 mystery visiting
C O N T E N T S
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News
Page 4
2019 Events
Page 5
Workshop Updates
Page 9
Volunteers
Page 11 Mines of the Rheidol Valley Page 14 An image from the Archive Page 15 Picture Gallery Page 17 Llywernog 1840 Page 19 Scaled Down Page 23 Railway Reviews Page 24 Our Staff Page 25 Shop Products Page 27 Garden Railway Products Page 29 Timetable
engines for the event, something not to be missed in my (perhaps slightly biaised) opinion. In last edition’s editorial I asked how many of our readers also model our line in some way or scale. The response to this was fantastic and in this issue you will be able to see an excellent level of skill used in both building and maintaining the models big and small from all over the world! This edition I pose the hypothetical question: If you could host an event on our line, what would it be and why? You never know we may even turn your suggestion into reality in the future. From themed events to teddy bear trains, we are interested in your thoughts.
Gareth D Jones Editor
READER OFFER BUY O
NE
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T
E
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FREE is With th
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Not Valid during July & August Cheapest Ticket Free. Voucher cannot be used in-conjunction with any other offer or concession Valid until 1st November 2019. 1 coupon per transaction
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Vale of Rheidol Railway News Progress on our Station Project - ‘Wales to the World’
A lot of progress has occurred since our last edition. The accessible platform has now been completed and has already welcomed visitors to the railway with Loco No.7 hauling the inaugural train. For more on the project check out our dedicated facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/VoRWalestotheWorld/
Our new coal hopper being unloaded
The coal hopper ready for use
Our new temporary booking office & shop in place on the platform
No.8 & our Flail sit in the headshunt next to the temporary booking office
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Sometimes even a digger driver needs a shovel to lean against!
A new shed being built under our new water tower
Our permanent way team installing the new point rodding setup
Our accessible platform gets tarmacked
The tarmacking continues around the toilets
The new platform shelter under construction
The new platform shelter completed and ready for painting Page 4
WORKSHOP Baldwin No.44699
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ork has begun on Baldwin engine No.44699. So far work has included the fabrication and assembly of two new water tanks for the engine and the alignment of the frames has been checked. The next jobs to be completed will be the fabrication of new wheel centres and axles for the engines front bogie and machining of the axle boxes for the driving wheels
Carriage Project
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he carriage project is focused on the rebuilding of one of our first class carriages to provide an upgraded first class facility and interior wheelchair spaces. Recent progress has involved the creation of several jigs to aid the construction process and the mocking up of design ideas to ensure the highest quality will be maintained throughout the rebuild.
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UPDATE Diesel No.10
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iesel 10 has been receiving attention to its transmission drive, which has been sent away for specialist overhaul.
Whilst it has been away the opportunity has been taken for a repaint. For the first time in the engine’s history it is not green, it has been repainted into a rather dashing grey livery.
Garratt No.60
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he boiler of No.60 has had new small tubes fitted and is ready for hydraulic testing. Work will soon commence on overhauling the power bogies for reassembly of the engine to begin. Page 6
To visit the 300ft Waterfalls, Punchbowl and 3 Bridges built one on top of the other, turn left from the train station and walk down the hill past the Hafod hotel (approx 5 minutes). The Nature Trail circular walk includes views of the waterfalls, 3 Bridges, Robbers Cave and Jacobs Ladder (A steep flight of 100 continuous steps). It takes roughly 45 minutes and is a challenging walk with 675 steep steps. It is not suitable for pushchairs and those with walking difficulties. Adult £3.75 Child £2.00 20% discount on Nature trail walk by showing this advert to the attendant.
Not enough time for the long walk? Too many steps? To view just the 3 Bridges and the Devil’s Punchbowl enter through the coin operated turnstile. Only £1.00 per person Recommended time 10 minutes.
CARAVAN PARK 01970 890233
Looking for somewhere to stay near the train station at Devil’s Bridge? Call our friendly staff and enquire about our 2 bedroom self catering bungalow or Gypsy Pod. Alternatively pitch a tent or bring your touring van or motor home. We are situated just 10 minutes walk from the train station and 5 minutes walk from the waterfalls and Hafod Hotel & Brasserie. enquiries@woodlandsdevilsbridge.co.uk
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www.woodlandsdevilsbridge.co.uk
Platform Posters By Debbie Morgan, Marketing Manager
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he roaring twenties were a time of great prosperity, as the economy boomed after World War I. The nation was intent on having fun and a jazz obsession swept the nation. Advertising at the time reflected the wealth of the nation, and a naivety 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 1920s’ adverts. These posters will be A1 size on aluminium boards so they 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 or debbie@rheidolrailway.co.uk 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
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Vale of Rheidol Volunteers
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By Clive Higgs, Railway Volunteer
he long seats at the intermediate halts and stations have had a very mobile time, thanks to the winter weather. The Permanent Way team had already transported the seats at the Rheidol Falls and Rhiwfron halts down the line to the old mainline engine shed at Aberystwyth and the volunteers had re-varnished them before Christmas. There is no road to these halts so the PW team have returned the seats. With the major building work at Aberystwyth Station continuing from 2018, there was not the space to put all the remaining 10 seats into the shed for drying, stripping or cleaning and re-varnishing. Three were taken by road from Aberffrwd Station to the shed, dried, cleaned and revarnished, and then taken back to the Aberfrrwd platforms. At the same time the remaining Aberffrwd seat was dried in the Aberffrwd Station office, cleaned and then revarnished in the waiting room when the temperature rose above 8˚C (At lower temperatures the wet varnish becomes milky.) It was moved back to the platform the day before the first trains. At Nantyronen the two messy seats were taken to the waiting room for dismantling and drying. The planks were sanded down to the bare wood and varnished when it was warm
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enough. The seats were returned to the platform just before the first train. At Capel Bangor the four seats were carried to the waiting room and allowed to dry. They were then cleaned, re-varnished, and returned to the platforms with no weather delays. The soot was washed off the water tower at Devil’s Bridge. The tank had been drained to prevent frost damage, so we waited for a rainy day that would rinse off our soapy water if we washed the tower in the rain. After several dry weeks we gave up waiting and washed and rinsed the tower with carried water. But we needed very little water to rinse the soapy water away. The 2019 train timetable posters have been fixed in the stations and halts. A volunteer has placed temporary waymarks on the new pine marten trail from Devil’s Bridge. This is whilst the Vincent Wildlife Trust makes its bespoke signs for the trail. The gardens at Aberystwyth, Capel Bangor, Nantyronen, Aberffrwd and Devil’s Bridge have been tidied and weeded. At Aberffrwd the willow herb plants have been removed and more topsoil has been added at the back of the garden, ready for future planting. At Aberystwyth a
new garden plot has been set up underneath the “Aberystwyth” sign on the new platform. The layers were put down: a base layer of stones, a middle layer of topsoil and and a top layer of compost. Then the most interesting layer of plants.
with the tulip shoots growing fast. The compost in these troughs had subsided during the winter and some new compost was added. The fencing of the Aberffrwd Wood has been delayed due to all the small jobs but a pathway has been dug to the west fence, ready for fencing there. March should be busy at Aberffrwd, starting with the fencing of the wood and the planting of the Berberis at the back of the garden near the station. The 260 Geranium plugs should be arriving in the week after March 18th, and planted in pots in a greenhouse until the night frosts end. Compost will be laid in station gardens and the planting and weeding work will be increasing. The volunteers look forward to the Vale of Rheidol in Spring.
At Devil’s Bridge the Clematis was detached temporarily from the platform’s lattice fence whilst it was treated with creosote substitute. The troughs have also been tidied and the chicken netting was removed from the Nantyronen troughs as the daffodil shoots grew. None of the bulbs had been pulled up by jays or dug up by badgers. The daffodils are in full bloom at the end of February,
Our volunteers meet once a week, and through their efforts our stations always look at their best no matter what the weather. If you wish to join our amazing band of volunteers helping to maintain our stations then please get in touch via email: info@rheidolrailway.co.uk Page 10
Normal gunpowder level
Talybont Coffin-Level
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By Ioan Lord
his time we will be examining our latest significant underground find near Talybont, admittedly north of Cwm Rheidol, but which has close resemblances to its ‘brothers’ in some of the oldest Cwm Rheidol mines
.
The find is that of a possibly ancient ‘coffin-level’, an adit or level driven entirely by the use of hand tools, before the days of gunpowder. Several of these historically-significant levels survive locally, and some date back as far as the Roman occupation in mid-Wales between AD 70 and 410. They were driven in the shape of a narrow and often eerie coffin, not wishing to make it any larger than was needed to allow access for a single file of men. Some coffin-levels in the area were reported as being no more than 3 feet in height and 18 inches wide; those in Cwm Rheidol are slightly less Page 11
primitive and measure on average 5 feet in height and 2 feet in width. The coffin-level near Talybont was found by us quite by chance, after abseiling 50 feet down an open-cut/ shaft above Alltycrib. It takes the form of over 300 feet of meandering passage, with chisel marks possibly dating back over a thousand years clearly visible on the walls. These often-ancient coffinlevels were driven using stone hammers and chisels to cut a groove into the middle of the forehead (working face), then stag antlers and wedges were used to prise and split the rock
on either side into the groove already cut in the middle. In some mines the ‘Firesetting’ technique was used, with the lighting of bonfires at the forehead in order to heat the rock, before throwing cold water on it which caused it to shatter.The progress of driving a level using this method is extraordinarily slow and laborious, yet many local coffin-levels have been driven for hundreds of yards, showing the remarkable endeavours of the ancient miners. Coffin-levels are very distinctive and their smooth, curved profile gives clear indication that gunpowder
was not used in their creation. The one found at Talybont had been widened in one place at a later date using gunpowder, in order to see if any ore had been left on one side of the passage which was missed by the ancient miners. Despite these levels being constructed using similar methods up until the introduction of gunpowder in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, this mine near Talybont has been dated back to the Roman period, and was later worked by Sir Hugh Myddelton and Elizabeth I’s Society of Mines Royal during
the 1500s.The accessing of the long coffin-level has proved that significant work took place here in primitive times, and this particular coffin-level bears close remembrances to the Roman levels at the Dolaucothi gold mines in Carmarthenshire. With the passing of the centuries the style of coffin-levels changed to become less carefully formed and shaped, as more materials became available, and some later levels driven using hand tools only have no resemblance to a ‘coffin’ whatsoever. Therefore, such a fine example as that found above Talybont could well be ancient. In Cwm Rheidol, three coffinlevels have been found, but only one is in the same league (i.e. clearly a particularly old and primitive example) as the Talybont one. This is located above the Vale of Rheidol Railway at Rhiwrugos or Erwtomau Mine, and could well date back to the Roman occupation in mid-Wales, since
Rhiwrugos is reputed to be a Bronze Age mine. Other Cwm Rheidol coffinlevels exist at Nantglas Mine (above Rheidol Falls Halt) and Blaencennant (beyond Rhiwrugos), but these are of less primitive style and probably only date back to the seventeenth or earlyeighteenth century. Another Iron wagon In the photographs, notice found in No. 8 Adit how the newly-rediscovered Talybont coffin-level differs from a normal level driven using gunpowder. Another photograph shows the distinct ‘coffin’ profile in the Roman levels at Cwmystwyth Mine, with almost-2,000-year-old chisel marks clearly visible on the walls. Ioan has recorded some of his underground explorations on a Miner’scamera. shovelSee and helmet mounted ammonal tin some of the footage here: https://youtu.be/rAtfvqG_CpQ
‘Rich Mountains of Lead’ The Metal Mining Industry of Cwm Rheidol and Ystumtuen by Ioan Lord Available for purchase in our shop or online £45 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!
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Vale of Rheidol Photo Archive By Rob Bance,VoR Archivist
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1968 rebuild
hese two photographs illustrate the large amount of reconstruction that took place when the former Carmarthen standard gauge bay platform was adapted for the new Vale of Rheidol station. These images show the dismantling of the standard gauge tracks and the laying of the new narrow gauge track around the former mainline infrastructure.
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No.7 waits patiently to haul the first ever train to depart our new accessible platform on 16th February 2019. Photo: Robert Parry-Jones
The Return of Llywernog Silver-Lead Mine’s Heritage Weekend:
The ‘Boom Years’
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840: Mid Wales enters a Mining Boom. Mines to be grandly branded the California of Wales (Ponterwyd), Welsh Potosi, Silver Brook, Silver Stream, and Silver Mountain. The next three decades would see increased production, fortunes made, and hopes raised. The Silver Mountain Experience, home of Llywernog Silver-Lead Mine near Aberystwyth, is again travelling back in time and warmly invites the public to join them in discovering a great bygone age! Its first Heritage Weekend, in 2018, was a great success, with mine machinery demonstrations, talks, displays, tours, activities and more. This returns for 2019 – Llywernog: 1840 will explore the ‘Boom Years’. With FREE ENTRY to the event (a suggested donation of £5 per person would be gratefully received to help support the preservation of this unique historic site*), there is an abundance of activities going on throughout the weekend which delve deep into this incredibly fascinating history. The lovingly restored Blacksmith’s Forge in the original main mine building will open its doors for special full exclusive access during the Heritage Weekend only. This houses
original tools and equipment, and there will be experts on hand to explain the processes involved in this skilled craftmanship, which was essential to the mining industry. The ‘Miner’s Life’ guided tour**, special displays and exciting demonstrations put on for the Heritage Weekend will take you on a journey from ‘Hard Rock’ to ‘Heavy Metal’; you can discover how ore formed 485 million years ago was mined, processed and smelted. Step in to the footsteps of a miner and be immersed in the original and rare setting of the mine, both above and below ground. See working waterwheels and mine machinery in action and visit the Mining Museum, which features new exhibits and information only recently added. The Miner’s Trail takes you around this unique historic site and allows you to see some of the best preserved mine buildings in the country. Llywernog Silver-Lead Mine dates back to the mid-1700s, and metal mining in Mid Wales back as far as 4,000 years ago – so there is a wealth to be discovered!
Interactive activities will be on offer to interest all ages. Try your hand at Gem Panning, where you can discover and take home a colourful selection of gems or ‘fool’s gold’**. Visit the Den and dress up as a Victorian – there will be plenty of photo opportunities! Have an adventure on our Dragon’s Tale tour**, the epic new story ‘A Knight’s Quest’ returns by popular demand. This is perfect for the younger visitors! There’s also the Fossil Dig, Kindling’s Quest, the Silver Water Play Area, the Nature Trail, and much more. It is a great opportunity to explore the Silver Mountain Experience’s attractions and find out about their new features for 2019. The about their work and how you can become a Annual Pass will be available to purchase member. We encourage visitors to share ‘Voices from at reception, and the gift shop will be open the Past’ – tell us about your ancestors, share offering an array of interesting and unique items – from dragons to mining figures on their stories, or bring any artefacts from the time. If you have something you think may minerals! Why not try an be related to mining, bring it authentic Miner’s pasty in the in and our mining experts will café too? Step in to the do their best to identify and tell The Mining Memorabilia you more about it! footsteps of a stand returns this year, The Heritage Weekend where visitors will be able miner and be will run from 10am to 4pm to see mining-era artefacts, on Saturday 30th & Sunday documents, photographs immersed in the 31st March 2019, at the Silver and books brought in by original and rare Mountain Experience - located local organisations and the between Bwlch Nant Yr Arian community. Some of these setting of the mine, and Ponterwyd on the A44, fascinating items include only 15 minutes’ drive from both above and facsimile material from Aberystwyth and 30 minutes Ceredigion Archives. below ground. from Llanidloes. The Royal Commission on This will be launching The the Ancient and Historical Silver Mountain Experience’s 2019 season, Monuments of Wales’ Ceredigion Heritage Youth Panel will be running fun interactive which proves to be the best yet with more activities. There will also be the opportunity exciting features and events going on than to speak to members of the Welsh Mines ever before! Visit their website www. Preservation Trust and Cambrian Mines Trust silvermountainexperience.co.uk for more information, and keep an eye on their social media channels for exciting updates in the build up to the event. *Entry is free, although a suggested donation of £5 per person would be gratefully received. All donations go to the Llywernog Silver-Lead Mine CIC to help support the preservation of this unique historic site, the only surviving Silver-Lead Mine in Wales open & accessible to the public. **A supplementary charge is made for the guided tours and Gem Panning. All other activities and talks are free.
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SCALED DOWN
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his fantastic layout of our Aberystwyth and Aberffrwd stations has been built and is owned by Simon Reeve, a regular visitor to our line. We asked Simon to tell us more about his project. “I asked my dad for a backwoods miniatures Vale of Rheidol tank for my 40th birthday almost 6 years ago. He bought it for me and also set about building it. In July 2014 he showed me where he had got to and had incredibly built the top half of the loco brilliantly. He was really struggling with the chassis and motion work etc because everything is so small. After this the kit lay in my drawer until about May 2017 when I managed to get hold of a kit builder called Ken Gibbons who was very happy to take on the rest of the kit for me. I then took the decision to start building my own model. It is 009 gauge and took me a while to come up with what and where I was going to model and as you mentioned, Eddie and Rachael Field have already created Devil’s Bridge so brilliantly that I decided it
was best that I didn’t go there. As you know, there are many areas on the railway that are stunning so anywhere would have been great. I decided on Aberystwyth station and then later realised I could put a horseshoe bend in and build Aberffrwd station on the same board. The model is about 4ft x 10ft. I started building it in August 2017 and I’m still working on it now.There is always something to do on it. The big thing about 009 layouts is that virtually everything comes in kit form, so has to be built, unlike 00 gauge where most engines, carriages and wagons are bought pre-built. The model consists of: 1 x VoR backwoods miniatures tank No 7
Owain Glyndwr 1 x Worsley Works Baguley Drewry Diesel with a Graham Farish n gauge class 08 chassis 7 x Parkside Dundas VoR Carriages 2 x Parkside Dundas Guards vans 8 x Nine-Lines Wagons 2 x Peco Flat Wagons 6 x Peco Hudson Rugga V-Skip Wagons 1 x Permaquip and trailer 2 Metcalf double engine sheds put together Metcalf Platform. All of these came in kit form and were built and painted by myself. Everything else you see building wise is built from scratch by myself. All the buildings at Aberystwyth station and the station hut at Aberffrwd. As you know, I love the railway and have always wanted to build a VoR layout but the resources have not been great. Narrow Gauge modelling has really started to pick up now which is a fantastic thing.�
D
ave Smith and his friend Stephan own two live steam engines in Melbourne, Australia. Built by others at first for 3 1/2” gauge (correct at their scale of at 1.4” = 1’- 0”) we spread them to 5” gauge to allow us to visit various other club’s ground level tracks, both in Victoria and interstate. That modification may seem a bit heretical to some but, fortunately, is not very noticeable. There are few 3.1/2” gauge tracks here now and all are raised versions which do not allow points and crossings. They were originally built by our friend Cliff Kirby (Owain Glyndwr, in 1960s) and the late Bert Wedgewood (Llywelyn in 1980)
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respectively. When Bert saw Cliff’s No 7 he wanted one similar, but used some cylinders he had from the commencement of another NG model, hence they are not quite scale. Cliff built the copper boilers for both. Stephan now owns No 7 and I have No 8. I started corresponding with Llyr Ap Iolo (VoR Manager & Chief Mechanical Engineer) some years ago when seeking information to model the air compressors. He was most helpful, emailing a number of pictures to me and we were able to reproduce and mount the compressors as you see (used as water pumps in our case).”
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im Sanderson scratch built a model of Rheidol. He has been modelling for over 50 years. “I have been modelling since I was 13 – 14 years of age. My discipline has been 009 – 4mm scale on 9 mm gauge track – strictly scaling to 2 ft 3 in, but often used for anything from 2 ft to 2 ft 6 in, I am a member of the 009 Society. For about 15 years, until 2015, I built and operated an exhibition layout, named Elmgate, on a ficticious English railway. However, I have cosmopolitan interests, and often build anything that takes my fancy! The availability, through the 009 Society, of a Minitrains 0-4-0 outside framed chassis provoked me to buy one, and I then cast round for a suitable model to build. Browsing through my library of books, I was reminded of the former Plynlimon and Hafan Tramway loco TALYBONT, which later was used in construction of the Vale of Rheidol, and became RHEIDOL on that line. RHEIDOL (I will use that name) was built by Bagnall in 1896, for the Treze de Maio line in Brazil, but the order was cancelled. It was therefore available all but new for the P&HT. This was built to the gauge of 2’ 3”, which makes it ideal for 009! It had a short life at the P&H, and was snapped up by the contractors to Vale of Rheidol Railway, and converted to 1’ 11 1/2” gauge for use between
Aberystwyth and Devils Bridge. It was a 2-4-0T, and ran for a while with spark arrestor chimney, both at Hafan, and Aberystwyth. It was scrapped by the GWR around the time that they provided the three new 2-6-2 locos. Although a model in original condition was considered, I decided to model RHEIDOL, as it appeared in the first few years of the VoR. My sources of information include C C Green’s book on the line, Boyd’s Narrow Gauge Railways in Mid Wales, and various booklets. Taking the drawing from my copy of Boyd, scanning and printing to 4mm scale, I realised that the dimension from front driving axle to the rear of the Minitrains mechanism was spot on for RHEIDOL. However, the model wheelbase, at 16mm is some 4mm short of the 5 ft of the prototype. I was happy to live with this discrepancy. The other major challenge is that the connecting rods drive on to the front axle, not the rear, as the model mechanism, which I did by swapping the axles around. A front pony truck was added. With a steel rod as the boiler, the bodywork was assembled from plastic card, and other details added: A pair of VoR original coaches, and brake van were assembled from commonly available kits.” Page 22
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About our staffAbout Our Staff Niall Bowdler
Painter, Carpenter, Fireman & Guard
N
iall has been with the railway since November 2013. Prior to joining the team in our workshop he was working as a chef, though always wanted to do a more hands on job in heritage restoration. He is a man of many talents currently heavily involved with our carriage project. Niall is an expert painter, his work being visible on our carriages and engines with sign writing done by his own hand. In his spare time he builds speakers and has created the Idris Sound System which he takes to large scale music events across the country, providing a high quality large speaker set up for these events.
Connor Briant - Apprentice & Fireman
C
onnor began his apprenticeship with the railway in October 2015. Prior to coming to the railway he had been studying motor mechanics in college, which he began after leaving 6th form. Connor is a keen biker and enjoys restoring and working on the vintage motor bikes he rides. When he isn’’t getting his hands dirty with his bikes he enjoys the tranquility of reading, and getting lost in his books.
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THE CROESOR TRAMWAY
by Dave Southern with Adrian Barrell
I
n the nineteenth century the slate quarries of Gwynedd in North Wales not only constituted the most important industry of the region, making a dramatic contribution to both the economy of North West Wales and its landscape, but they also supplied the bulk of the world’s roofing slate and architectural slate slabs. This is the story of the Croesor Tramway and the slate quarries of the remote Croesor valley, that supplied some of that slate. The tramway, was conceived as a direct connection to the harbour at Porthmadog for its quarry customers. Unlike the pioneering Ffestiniog Railway, its close contemporary and neighbour, the tramway was horse worked throughout its life. In the early 1920s, the lower part of the tramway became part of the now re-opened Welsh Highland Railway. Based on significant original research, the building, operation and the route are described as well as the key personalities involved such as Hugh Beaver Roberts, Charles Spooner and Moses Kellow, the entrepreneurial Croesor quarry manager. The book includes interviews with some of the people who latterly worked on the tramway and inclines. Significant parts of the tramway and the above ground parts of some of the quarries are still accessible to the well equipped and sure footed walker. This book will therefore be of interest both to casual readers of social and industrial history as well as those wanting more detailed information on what can still be seen in the Croesor valley. The book comprises approximately 120 pages of text and is well illustrated with maps and photographs in colour and black and white including several published for the first time.
£25.00 ALLIED RAILWAYS OF THE WESTERN FRONT - NARROW GAUGE IN THE SOMME SECTOR
by Martin & Joan Fairbrother
I
n this book the metre gauge networks that were established before the First World War are examined. Then the build up of light (60cm gauge) railways, initially mainly French but later British, in 1915 and 1916, is considered, with an assessment of the contribution of these and the metre gauge lines to the war effort. After the war the light railways contributed to the reconstruction of the devastated areas, and then in some places served the sugar beet industry. The metre gauge railways were rebuilt or repaired. The story is followed to the closure of the last of these railways in the 1960s. This book is a companion volume to Narrow Gauge in the Arras Sector by the same authors. It refers also to other previous works on British and French railways in the First World War, but contains sufficient information to stand alone. It describes how to find key locations now, and where rolling stock can be seen. Some walks are included for those who wish to explore the territory.
£40.00
Call in or phone our shop on 01970 625819 Page 25
GLOUCESTER LOCOMOTIVE SHEDS: HORTON ROAD & BARNWOOD
by Steve Bartlett
T
his is the latest in a series of in-depth studies of motive power depots during the latter days of steam, looking closely at their changing engine allocations and operational responsibilities. The principal ex-GWR Gloucester Horton Road and ex-LMS (Midland Railway) Gloucester Barnwood motive power depots are covered in depth with their locomotive allocations, operational duties and changing responsibilities over the years fully described. Not forgotten are both depots’ sub-sheds at Brimscombe, Cheltenham Malvern Road, Lydney, Ross-on-Wye, Dursley and Tewkesbury along with the duties and local routes that they covered. This in-depth study is supported by over 200 well-chosen black and white photographs, many of which are previously unpublished, and each of the motive power depots covered are supported by detailed plans of the shed layouts. This new book follows the same author’s successful “Hereford Locomotive Shed” published in October 2017 and further books are planned in the series.
£25.00 THE NEW THOMAS RANGE ‘TRACKMASTER PUSH ALONG’
T
his new range has been introduced to replace the Thomas Adventures Range and is designed to fit on the Thomas Trackmaster Track.
Prices Vary
Vsit our online shops: https://shop.rheidolrailway.co.uk/ Page 26
Garden Railway Shop ACCUCRAFT BAGULEY DREWERY 0-6-0D ELECTRIC LOCO FEATURES A QUALITY ALL-METAL CHASSIS. THIS POPULAR MODEL HAS WHEEL-SETS THAT ARE CHANGEABLE BETWEEN 45MM (1 GAUGE) AND 32MM (0 GAUGE). SPECIFICATIONS: SCALE: 16MM TO 1 FOOT (1:19 SCALE) GAUGE: 45MM OR 32MM HEIGHT - 158MM WIDTH - 100MM LENGTH - 275MM OVER COUPLING BUFFER FACES HEIGHT TO FOOTPLATE - 45MM POWER: 0-24V DC MINIMUM RADIUS: FOR 32MM GAUGE 760MM (2 FEET 6 INCHES), FOR 45MM GAUGE 610MM (2 FEET)
AVAILABLE IN GREEN AND A VALE OF RHEIDOL ONLY LIMITED EDITION GREY
Only £350 IP ENGINEERING - ARNOLD, ARKLE & CABBED RUSTON These industrial Locos are built to 16mm/ ft scale and are constructed from brass and metal castings. Kits include the steel wheels, heavy duty gears, brass bearings & fully moulded motor chassis etc. They can be constructed by means of solder or 5 minute epoxy. Everything you need is supplied
Arkle
including motor chassis unit, battery boxes and switches etc. All you have to supply is glue time and paint to make up a very fine detailed model. Arnold & Arkle are available in 32 mm or 45 mm gauges, the cabbed Ruston is only available in 32mm.
Ruston
Kits Priced £100 each Page 27
Arnold
WIN
Accucraft 7/8ths Bagnall Live Steam Engine - Worth £1250
cket i t r e p £2 3 for £5
Buy you Raffle Ticket Today! Buy online through our website or call 01970 625819 All proceeds from the raffle go to our carriage fund
Visit our model and garden rail shop online
www.rheidolrailway.co.uk Page 28
2019 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 2019 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 31
JUNE 2019 M T W T F S 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 11 12 13 14 15 17 18 19 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29
S 2 9 16 23 30
M 1 8 15 22 29
APRIL 2019 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
S 7 14 21 28
MAY 2019 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
M 1 8 15 22 29
T 2 9 16 23 30
JULY 2019 W T F S 3 4 5 6 10 11 12 13 17 18 19 20 24 25 26 27 31
S 7 14 21 28
AUGUST 2019 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
OCTOBER 2019 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 31
Page 17
FEBRUARY 2019 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
NOVEMBER 2019 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
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
12:10 12:30 12:50 1:15 2:15 2:35 2:55 3:15
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
SEPTEMBER 2019 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
Why not Upgrade to the First Class Saloon?
for seating that yields extra comfort and observation windows.
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
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
Romance of a Steam Train to your Special Day.. Add the
Aberystwyth’s most unique wedding reception venue
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.
Contact us on 01970 625 819
marketing@rheidolrailway.co.uk www.rheidolrailway.co.uk Park Avenue, Aberystwyth SY23 1PG
Photo by John R Jones
www.rheidolrailway.co.uk
Telephone us: 01970 625 819 - Park Avenue, Aberystwyth SY23 1PG Regular steam train services running throughout the year