Gwili Railway: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 51°53′30″N 4°18′03″W / 51.89155°N 4.30077°W / 51.89155; -4.30077
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{{Short description|Heritage railway in Carmarthenshire, Wales}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2018}}
{{Use British English|date=January 2018}}
{{Infobox Heritage Railway
{{Infobox Heritage Railway
| name = <center>Gwili Railway<br>''<small>Rheilffordd Gwili</small>''</center>
| name = Gwili Railway<br /><small>{{lang|cy|Rheilffordd Gwili}}</small>
| image = [[Image:Gwili Railway logo.jpg]]<br>The official logo of the Gwili Railway<br>[[Image:4566 at Bronwydd Arms.JPG|centre|250px]]<br>ex-GWR No.4566 visiting in October 2008
| image = [[File:Gwili Railway logo.jpg]]<br />The official logo of the Gwili Railway<br />[[File:Vulcan Foundry Austerity 0-6-0ST Haulwen Bromwydd Arms.jpg|centre|250px]]<br />Vulcan Foundry Austerity 0-6-0ST 'Haulwen' at Bronwydd Arms
| locale = {{flagicon|WAL}} Wales
| locale = {{flagicon|WAL}} Wales
| terminus = {{stnlnk|Bronwydd Arms}}
| terminus = {{stnlnk|Danycoed Halt}}<br />{{stnlnk|Abergwili Junction}}
| coordinates = {{coord|51.89155|-4.30077|type:landmark|display=inline,title}}
| latitude = 51.89155
| longitude = -4.30077
| linename = [[Carmarthen and Cardigan Railway]]
| linename = [[Carmarthen and Cardigan Railway]]
| originalgauge = {{railgauge|7ft0.25in}}
| originalgauge = {{Track gauge|7ft0.25in|allk=on}}
| preservedgauge = {{railgauge|ussg}}
| preservedgauge = {{Track gauge|uksg|allk=on}}
| operator = Gwili Railway Co. Ltd
| operator = Gwili Railway Co. Ltd
| stations = 3
| stations = 4
| length = {{convert|2.50|mi|km}}
| length = {{convert|4.50|mi|km}}
| stageyears = 1978
| stageyears = 1978
| com-years = 1860
| originalopen = 1860
| com-events = Opened
| com-years = 1872
| com-events = [[Track gauge conversion|Converted]] to<br />{{Track gauge|uksg|allk=on}}
| com-years1 = 1881
| com-years1 = 1881
| com-events1 = Absorbed by [[Great Western Railway]]
| com-events1 = Absorbed by [[Great Western Railway]]
Line 20: Line 23:
| com-events2 = Closed
| com-events2 = Closed
| stage = Taken over by the preservation society
| stage = Taken over by the preservation society
| years = 2001
| years = 1987
| events = Llwyfan Cerrig reached
| events = Opening of extension to [[Danycoed railway station|Danycoed]]
| years1 = 2002
| years1 = 1988
| events1 = Llwyfan Cerrig station officially opened
| events1 = Work starts on extension to [[Carmarthen railway station|Carmarthen]]
| years2 = 2001
| events2 = Opening of extension to [[Danycoed railway station|Danycoed]]
| years3 = 2002
| events3 = Work starts on extension to [[Carmarthen railway station|Carmarthen North]]
| years4 = 2008
| events4 = Gwili Railway marks 30 years to the day of Re-opening
| years5 = 2009
| events5 = Gwili Railway purchases Llanpumpsaint train station site (completely).
| years6 = 2011
| events6 = Gwili is Awarded for fully restored GWR-Style crossing gates at Bronwydd Arms itself.
| years7 = 2017
| events7 = Opening of extension to new station at Abergwili Junction.
| years8 = 2023
| events8 = Abergwili Junction officially opened.
| headquarters = [[Bronwydd Arms railway station|Bronwydd Arms]]
}}
}}

{{Gwili Railway}}
{{Gwili Railway}}


The '''Gwili Railway''' ([[Welsh language|Welsh]]: ''Rheilffordd Ager y Gwili'') is a Welsh heritage railway that operates a standard gauge [[heritage railway|preserved railway]] line from the site of [[Abergwili]] Junction (near [[Carmarthen]]) in South West [[Wales]] along a short section of the former [[Carmarthen to Aberystwyth Line|Carmarthen to Aberystwyth]] railway that closed for passenger traffic in 1965, the track being lifted in 1975 "just as the Gwili was being established".
The '''Gwili Railway''' ({{lang-cy|Rheilffordd Gwili}}) is a Welsh heritage railway, that operates a preserved standard gauge [[heritage railway|railway line]] from the site of [[Abergwili]] Junction (near [[Carmarthen]]) in [[South West Wales|southwest]] [[Wales]] along a {{convert|4+1/2|mile|spell=in|adj=on}} section of the former [[Carmarthen to Aberystwyth Line|Carmarthen to Aberystwyth line]]. The original railway closed in 1965, with the track being lifted in 1975.


== Original line ==
The Gwili Railway was formed in 1974 (but officially in April 1975) and, by 1978 (the same year it re-opened), had purchased and rescued at least eight miles of track (between the sites of Llanpumpsaint Train Station and Abergwili Junction) and was running an initial steam-hauled service on a one-mile section of it.
{{unreferenced section|date=February 2015}}
The broad-gauge railway was opened in 1860 from Carmarthen to Conwil (now Cynwyl) by the ill-fated [[Carmarthen and Cardigan Railway|Carmarthen and Cardigan Railway Company]] (CCR), which fell in and out of insolvency until it was eventually absorbed by the [[Great Western Railway]]. Despite hostility from GWR, the line never actually reached [[Cardigan, Ceredigion|Cardigan]] - getting no further than Newcastle Emlyn.


The [[Manchester and Milford Railway]] made a junction with the CCR at Pencader, making a through route to Lampeter which, in turn, later extended to [[Aberystwyth]]. In 1872, the line became the last in Wales to be [[Track gauge conversion|converted]] from Brunel's {{Track gauge|7ft0.25in}} gauge to {{Track gauge|uksg|allk=on}}.
The Gwili Railway has the distinction of becoming the first standard-gauge preserved railway to operate in Wales when it re-opened "in 1978" the one-mile section of the Carmarthen-Newcastle Emlyn route from its base at Bronwydd Arms, three miles north of [[Carmarthen]].


In its early days, the line thrived by serving the local farming and wool industries though, in the years following the [[First World War]], this traffic gradually declined. The [[Second World War]] brought another lease of life as a relief route carrying heavy ammunition trains between south and north Wales.
Since then, the railway has expanded to [[Danycoed]] halt and the company continues to hope to expand towards [[Llanpumpsaint]]. Currently, the railway is working south towards [[Carmarthen]] to a new station site called ''Carmarthen North'' built at the site of the old and former Abergwili junction.<ref>http://www.ukplanning.com/carmarthenshire/showCaseFile.do;jsessionid=27B2FF9A2CBDA35BFB4A3DBCE0608AEC.wam2?action=show&appType=planning%20folder&appNumber=W/19935 PLANNING ON OLD ABERGWILI JUNCTION SITE from Carmarthenshire County Council</ref>


Between the wars, the [[Great Western Railway|GWR]] sought to encourage traffic, opened several new halts along the route and provided [[camping coach]]es at several stations.
The locomotive stock of the Gwili Railway is unusual in that it mostly represents local industrial and wartime operations rather than mainline services. In an interview with Steam Railway Magazine, it was stated that railway intends to obtain a larger loco or locos for passenger service.


The route earned a reputation as a meandering rural branch; where trains trundled along, often flagged down by market-bound farmers' wives making their way across the fields to board the carriages. In fact, nearly three hours was permitted for the {{convert|56|mile|adj=on}} journey between Carmarthen and Aberystwyth.
== History of the line ==


In the post-war years, closure of the spurs off the main line began. The Branches to Aberaeron and Newcastle Emlyn closed in 1952 which left only the route between Carmarthen and Aberystwyth open to traffic. The line enjoyed a brief resurgence in the 1950s, when the Royal Train traversed the route and other new traffic included [[Butlins]] through-specials taking holidaymakers to the new camp in [[Pwllheli]].
The broad-gauge railway was opened in 1860 from Carmarthen to Conwil by the ill-fated [[Carmarthen and Cardigan Railway|Carmarthen and Cardigan Railway Company]] (CCR), which fell in and out of insolvency until it was eventually absorbed by the [[Great Western Railway]]. Despite hostility from GWR, the line never reached [[Cardigan, Ceredigion|Cardigan]] any further than Newcastle Emlyn.
[[File:Danycoed Halt Geograph-1345419-by-Robert-Davies.jpg|thumb|6430 ( On loan from Llangollen ) at Danycoed]]
However, declining passenger figures meant that the [[Beeching Axe]] was inevitable. In the end however, it was nature that struck the first blow. Heavy flooding severed the line {{convert|6|mile|spell=in}} from Aberystwyth in December 1964, this taking place in the same weekend that storms that caused the [[Ruabon to Barmouth Line]] to suffer a similar washout. The last passenger train ran along the truncated route on 22 February 1965, two [[Hymek]] diesels providing the motive power. The line remained open for freight using [[Hymek]] locomotives until around 1970, then by [[British Rail Class 37|Class 37]] locomotives. The freight traffic that kept the remainder of the line open was dominated mainly by milk traffic between Carmarthen and Lampeter where traffic was routed to both the last remaining part of the main line to [[Aberystwyth]] as far as the milk creamery at Pont Llanio (near [[Llanddewi-Brefi]] which survived until 1970, plus the [[Aberaeron]] branch as far as the milk creamery at Green Grove near Felin Fach which continued in service until discontinued by [[British Rail]] in 1973.


This resulted in the final closure of the line. Track was left in place until the summer of 1975.
The [[Manchester and Milford Railway]] made a junction with the CCR at Pencader, making a through route to Lampeter which, in turn, later extended to [[Aberystwyth]]. In 1872, the line became the last in Wales to be converted from Brunel's {{railgauge|7ft0.25in}} gauge to standard gauge.


== Gwili Railway Preservation Company ==
In its early days, the line thrived by serving the local farming and wool industries though, in the years following the [[First World War]], this traffic gradually declined. The [[Second World War]] brought another lease of life as a relief route carrying heavy ammunition trains between South and North Wales.
Following the line's closure, the Gwili Railway Preservation Company was formed with the ambition to preserve at least {{convert|8|mile}} of track of the former route, from Abergwili Junction right up the Gwili Valley to the station site at [[Llanpumpsaint]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.walesrails.co.uk/gwil.html |title=Gwili Railway |website=Walesrails.co.uk|access-date=7 May 2015}}</ref>


Track lifting had already started at the time of the formation of the new Company and, as a result, only {{convert|1|mile|spell=in}} of track north of Bronwydd Arms was left in situ, the Company being able to acquire the full 8-mile stretch of trackbed from Abergwili Junction to Llanpumsaint for both rebuilding and preserving. Over time, the Railway has extended the operational length from one-mile to over {{convert|4+1/2|mile|0}}, as well as reconstructing original features at Bronwydd Arms station and amassing a collection of locomotives and rolling stock.
Between the wars, the [[GWR]] sought to encourage traffic, opened several new halts along the route and provided [[camping coach]]es at several stations.


The Gwili Railway was set up in 1975, and within three years the railway had purchased 8{{nbsp}}miles of track (between the sites of Abergwili Junction and Llanpumpsaint railway station) and was running an initial steam-hauled service on a one-mile} section.
The route earned a reputation as a meandering rural branch; where trains trundled along, often flagged down by market-bound farmers' wives making their way across the fields to board the carriages. In fact, nearly three hours was permitted for the 56 mile journey between Carmarthen and Aberystwyth.


In April 1978, it re-opened the one-mile section of the Carmarthen-Aberystwyth route from its base at Bronwydd Arms, ({{convert|3|mile}} north of [[Carmarthen]]), making it the first standard-gauge heritage railway to operate in Wales.
In the post-war years, closure of the spurs off the main line began. The Branches to Aberaeron and Newcastle Emlyn closed in 1952 which left only the route between Carmarthen and Aberystwyth open to traffic. The line enjoyed a brief resurgence in the 1950s, when the Royal Train traversed the route and other new traffic included [[Butlins]] through-specials taking holidaymakers to the new camp in [[Pwllheli]].


The railway had been working south towards [[Carmarthen]] to a new station site named "Abergwili Junction" built on the northern outskirts of Carmarthen, at the site of the old and former Abergwili junction.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.idoxgroup.com/|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20120918042210/http://www.ukplanning.com/carmarthenshire/showCaseFile.do;jsessionid=27B2FF9A2CBDA35BFB4A3DBCE0608AEC.wam2?action=show&appType=planning+folder&appNumber=W%2F19935|url-status=dead|title=Idox &#124; Software Built on Insight|website=Archive.today|archive-date=18 September 2012|access-date=1 November 2021}}</ref>
However, declining passenger figures meant that the [[Beeching Axe]] was inevitable. In the end however, it was nature that struck the first blow. Heavy flooding severed the line six miles from Aberystwyth in December 1964, this taking place in the same weekend that storms that caused the [[Ruabon to Barmouth Line]] to suffer a similar washout. The last passenger train ran along the truncated route on 22 February 1965, two [[Hymek]] diesels providing the motive power. The line remained open for freight using [[Hymek]] locomotives until around 1970, then by [[Class 37]] locomotives. The freight traffic that kept the remainder of the line open was dominated mainly by milk traffic between Carmarthen and Lampeter where traffic was routed to both the last remaining part of the main line to [[Aberystwyth]] as far as the milk creamery at Pont Llanio (near [[Llanddewi-Brefi]] which survived until 1970, plus the [[Aberaeron]] branch as far as the milk creamery at Green Grove near Felin Fach which continued in service until discontinued by British Rail in 1973.


===Route===
This resulted in the final closure of the line. Track was left in place until the summer of 1975.
Trains on the Gwili start from [[Abergwili junction station]] on a site that is being constantly improved that currently houses 2 platforms, carriage shed, large car park, caffe and a booking office.

The next stop is [[Bronwydd Arms railway station|Bronwydd Arms]] where the replica GWR station is dominated by a Signal Box saved from [[Llandybie railway station]] on the [[Heart of Wales Line]]. The Signal box, which is open to the public, was built in 1885 and has been restored to operate signalling within the station area.
Two years after its closure, the Gwili Railway Company was formed with the ambition to preserve a figure eight miles of track of the former route, from Abergwili Junction right up the Gwili V alley to [[Llanpumpsaint]].<ref>http://www.walesrails.co.uk/gwil.html Gwili Railway on WalesRails</ref>

Track lifting had already started by the time of the formation of the new Company and, as a result, only a mile of track north of Bronwydd Arms was left in situ, the Company being able to acquire the full eight-mile stretch of trackbed from Abergwili Junction to Llanpumsaint for rebuilding. Over time, the Railway has extended the operational length from one mile to 2½ miles, as well as reconstructing original features at Bronwydd Arms station and amassing a collection of locomotives and rolling stock.

== Visitor attraction ==

Trains on the Gwili start from [[Bronwydd Arms railway station|Bronwydd Arms]] where the replica GWR station is dominated by a Signal Box saved from [[Llandybie railway station]] on the [[Heart of Wales Line]]. The Signal box, which is open to the public, was built in 1885 and has been restored to operate signalling within the station area.


Typical features on the line include the gradients such as the 1 in 60 on the bank immediately north of Bronwydd Arms, the meandering [[River Gwili]] and the [[A484]] road which are never far away and the wooded forests and sharp curves as the railway twists its way through the valley.
Typical features on the line include the gradients such as the 1 in 60 on the bank immediately north of Bronwydd Arms, the meandering [[River Gwili]] and the [[A484]] road which are never far away and the wooded forests and sharp curves as the railway twists its way through the valley.
[[File:Peckett 0-4-0ST Olwen Bromwydd Arms.jpg|thumb|right|Peckett 0-4-0ST 'Olwen' at Bronwydd Arms]]
From Bronwydd, the line climbs between rural hills and meadows alongside the [[River Gwili]] past the site of the first terminus of the newly opened Gwili Railway next to the old mill at [[Cwmdwyfran]]. From here, the line continues climbing until it passes under a rusticated brick bridge at the second terminus at the now defunct Penybont station.


The line carries over a redecked bridge crossing the River Gwili. This expansion was achieved in time for its 10th anniversary celebrations in 1988. At the same time, the new terminus of [[Llwyfan Cerrig railway station|Llwyfan Cerrig]] was opened to the public.
From Bronwydd, the line climbs between rural hills and meadows alongside the river [[River Gwili]] past the site of the first terminus of the newly opened Gwili Railway next to the old mill at [[Cwmdwyfran]]. From here, the line continues climbing until it passes under a rusticated brick bridge at the second terminus at Penybont station.


In 2001, a further {{convert|1/2|mile|1|spell=in}} extension built by volunteer labour was opened to a new halt at [[Danycoed railway station|Danycoed]].
The line carries over a redecked bridge crossing the River Gwili. This expansion was achieved in time for its 10th anniversary celebrations in 1988. At the same time, the new terminus of [[Llwyfan Cerrig railway station|Llwyfan Cerrig]] was opened to the public.
[[Llwyfan Cerrig railway station|Llwyfan Cerrig]] (in English, Stone Platform) was a former quarrymen's halt and the Gwili Railway has created a nature trail which winds through the old quarry and emerges above the stock sheds. The station building, which originally stood at Felin Fach on the [[Aberaeron]] branch and dates from 1911, was dismantled by volunteers and re-erected in the early 1990s. It has been restored and furnished to an authentic 1950s style.


In 2001, a further half mile extension built by volunteer labour was opened to a new station/halt at [[Danycoed railway station|Danycoed]].
[[Llwyfan Cerrig]] (in English, Stone Platform) was a former quarrymen's halt and the Gwili has created a nature trail which winds through the old quarry and emerges above the stock sheds. The station building, which originally stood at Felin Fach on the [[Aberaeron]] branch and dates from 1911, was dismantled by volunteers and re-erected in the early 1990s. It has been restored and furnished to an authentic 1950s style.
From the platform, a path leads to a picnic area on the bank of the Gwili River where kingfishers and heron can sometimes be glimpsed. A miniature railway runs from this station and refreshments can be bought.
From the platform, a path leads to a picnic area on the bank of the Gwili River where kingfishers and heron can sometimes be glimpsed. A miniature railway runs from this station and refreshments can be bought.


From Llwyfan Cerrig, the line runs uphill for another ¾ mile with the River Gwili on one side and a rock face on the other, until it reaches the present end of the line at Danycoed (English translation being 'foot of the wood') where a typical [[Great Western Railway|GWR]] rural halt has been recreated.
From Llwyfan Cerrig, the line runs uphill for another {{convert|1/4|mile|spell=in}} with the River Gwili on one side and a rock face on the other, until it reaches the present end of the line at Danycoed (English translation being 'under the wood') where a typical [[Great Western Railway|GWR]] rural halt has been recreated.

Operationally, the railway is normally run on a 'one engine in steam' basis.


===Incident===
Operationally, the railway is normally run on a 'one engine in steam' basis although the facility exists to pass trains at Llwyfan Cerrig at busy periods such as [[Day Out With Thomas]] events. In recent years, the Railway has expanded the portfolio of events on offer with Dining Trains, Driver Experience days and Jazz and other themed nights now being part of the annual timetable.
On 19 July 2006, a volunteer was killed in an accident when coupling carriages together for the train that was due to run that day.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/raib-reports/fatal-accident-at-bronwydd-arms-station-on-the-gwili-railway |title=Fatal accident at Bronwydd Arms station on the Gwili Railway |publisher=Rail Accident Investigation Branch|access-date=25 May 2015}}</ref>


== Future expansion ==
== Future expansion ==
=== Northwards ===
Restoring the line northwards has proven to be more difficult than the Gwili Railway had initially anticipated, volunteers' high hopes of reaching either [[Conwil railway station|Cynwyl Elfed]] or [[Llanpumsaint]] having been hindered by the cost of repairing a number of bridges en route. There are a total of nine bridges between Danycoed Halt and Llanpumsaint, all of which are in poor condition and require extensive refurbishment to be made worthy for rail traffic once more. Eight of the bridges cross the River Gwili, whilst the ninth crosses a road immediately south of the site of [[Llanpumpsaint railway station]].


An attempt was made in the early to mid 1990s to extend the railway by laying track southwards from the disused [[Conwil railway station|Conwil station]] site towards the railhead at Llwyfan Cerrig, but was frustrated by the escalating cost of repairing the three river bridges en route.
Restoring the line northwards has proven to be more difficult than initially anticipated, volunteers' high hopes of reaching [[Llanpumsaint]] constantly being hindered by the number of bridges en-route.


Beyond Llanpumsaint, the track-bed is virtually intact through the tunnel and up to just south of the site of Pencader station; however, the Gwili Railway has no plans to extend further in that direction as it neither owns the land nor has the necessary statutory powers to operate a railway north of Llanpumsaint, due to donations of track they have more than enough to extend to Conwil.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pressreader.com/uk/steam-railway-uk/20170324/282969629889691|title=|via=PressReader|access-date=1 November 2021}}</ref>
There are a total of seven bridges to overcome, all of which are in poor condition and need refurbishment to be worthy for rail traffic once more. There were several attempts to extend the railway to [[Cynwyl Elfed station]] in the late 1980s and early 1990s.


=== Southwards ===
The current situation of only being able to raise enough funds to expand to relatively nowhere, coupled with the financial difficulties involved in trying to reach [[Cynwyl Elfed station]] alone became all too apparent.
[[File:RSH Austerity 0-6-0ST Welsh Guardsman Abergwili Junction Run Round.jpg|thumb|right|RSH Austerity 0-6-0ST 'Welsh Guardsman' runs round at Abergwili Junction]]
The closure of the former [[Swansea Vale Railway]] in 2007 resulted in a merger of that society with the Gwili. This has provided a boost to the southern extension (to Abergwili) with track materials, a footbridge, water tanks/cranes and signalling equipment from Swansea now earmarked for use on the Abergwili extension.


In 2011, over {{convert|1|mile|spell=in}} of track was laid on the southern extension to Abergwili Junction and work started to improve signalling and the [[level crossing]] at [[Bronwydd Arms railway station|Bronwydd Arms]] for future passenger operation.
However, now that the recent half-mile extension to Danycoed is completed, the society has focused its attention to a southward extension towards a Proposed [[Carmarthen]] North. Since the preservation society owns the trackbed as far as Abergwili Junction, two miles south of Bronwydd Arms, this will allow for the construction of a new station which will be built alongside the new Carmarthen Eastern by-pass. This will, hopefully, greatly improve visibility of the railway to passing traffic on the busy Carmarthen East by-pass compared with the somewhat hidden Bronwydd Arms station.


By 2016, the track had extended all the way down and into Abergwili Junction station itself. The extension of the railway to Abergwili Junction finally opened in July 2017, this brings the line up to a total of {{convert|4+1/2|mile}} in length. On 1 July the extension opened for 150 invited guests, with the extension opening to the public the day after, on 2 July.
Reconnection with [[Carmarthen railway station]] is now currently impossible as the railway bridge<ref>http://www.casgliadywerincymru.co.uk/Item/2321-carmarthen-railway-bridge Colour 35mm slide of Carmarthen Railway Bridge, Carmarthenshire by Dylan Roberts</ref> that once carried the line over the River Towy was removed in the 1980s and no longer exists.<ref>http://www.llanegwad-carmarthen.co.uk/parishpictures25.htm The Bridge which carried the line over the River Towy</ref>


Abergwili Junction is the permanent southern terminus of the Gwili Railway. The Carmarthen East by-pass (constructed 1997 -1999) followed the course of the old line from Carmarthen to Llandeilo, rendering any extension of the line south beyond Abergwili Junction impossible.
The closure of the [[Swansea Vale Railway]] in 2007 resulted in a merger of that society with the Gwili. This has provided a boost to the southern extension with track materials, a footbridge, water tanks/cranes and signalling equipment from Swansea now earmarked for use on the extension.
Abergwili Junction station has one platform, with a run-round loop.
However the Aberystwyth-Carmarthen Feasibility study states there is sufficient land alongside the west side of the bypass to reconnect the 2&nbsp;km to Carmarthen station though it would require a new 100m skew bridge across the Afon Tywi just north of Carmarthen station.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2018-10/aberystwyth-to-carmarthen-rail-reinstatement-feasibility-study.pdf|title=Aberystwyth to Carmarthen Rail Reinstatement Feasibility Study|date=19 September 2018|website=Gov.wales|access-date=1 November 2021}}</ref>


{{-}}
In 2011, over a mile of track has been laid on the extension and work is ongoing to improve signalling and the [[level crossing]] at [[Bronwydd Arms railway station|Bronwydd Arms]] for future passenger operation.<ref>http://railways.national-preservation.com/showthread.php?t=14305 Gwili Extention (sic) to Carmarthen? from National Preservation forums</ref>


==Locomotives==
As of June 2012, Tracklaying is currently re-commencing, and certain other works are being undertaken on the removal of a small bridge (Bridge 6 on the above plan) and replacement with a pipe and infill, the construction of a siding and signalling work.
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible"
|-
! Name and Number !! Class !! Builder !! Picture !! Livery !! Notes
|-
| 3879 ''Haulwen'' || Hunslet Austerity || Built by the Vulcan Foundry 1945, Rebuilt in 1961 by Hunslet || #[[File:Vulcan Foundry Austerity 0-6-0ST Haulwen Danycoed 1.jpg|150px]]|| N/A || Withdrawn from Traffic in 2016. Under overhaul, boiler is at [[The Flour Mill]].
|-
| 7849 ''Moorbarrow'' || [[Robert Stephenson and Hawthorns]] 0-6-0ST || Built by Robert Stephenson and Hawthorns in 1955 || [[File:Abergwili Junction Station passing loop, Gwili Railway, South Wales.jpg|150px]]|| Lined Blue || Moved to the line in 2015, returned to service following an overhaul in July 2021
|}


* 3879 [[Vulcan Foundry]]-built [[Hunslet Austerity 0-6-0ST|Austerity]] {{whyte|0-6-0|ST}} locomotive built in 1945 (works number 5272). Rebuilt in 1961 by [[Hunslet Engine Company|Hunslet Ltd]] (works number 3879). Withdrawn from operational services in early 2016, and now undergoing an overhaul. Named ''HAULWEN''.<ref name="IRS 14EL">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0-MyQAAACAAJ |title=Industrial Locomotives: Including Preserved and Minor Railway Locomotives |isbn=978-0-901906-39-7 |publisher=Industrial Railway Society |access-date=1 April 2014 |year=2006 |first1=G. |last1=Morton | author2 = Industrial Railway Society }}</ref><ref>{{cite web
==Locomotives<ref name="IRS 14EL">{{cite book | author = Industrial Railway Society | title = Industrial Locomotives (14EL) | publisher = Industrial Railway Society | year = 2007 | isbn = 901906 39 5}}</ref>==
|url=http://www.philt.org.uk/Industrial/Ind-Steam/i-r6zRb9x
===Steam locomotives===
|title=Austerity 0-6-0ST 'Haulwen' waits in the loop at Llwyfan Cerrig

|access-date=7 May 2015
[[Image:Gwili Railway.jpg|thumb|'Victory' waiting at Bronwydd Arms]]
* 1914 [[Avonside Engine Company]] colliery engine built in 1914 and a long term restoration project. Works number 1680. Named "SIR JOHN" ( No longer at Gwili Railway, moved to Cynheidre)
* 2201 [[Andrew Barclay]] 0-4-0 saddle tank built in 1945. Carries name ''VICTORY'' Stripped down for Overhaul.
* 3879 [[Vulcan Foundry]]-built [[Hunslet Austerity 0-6-0ST|Austerity]] locomotive built in 1945 (works number 5272). Rebuilt in 1961 by [[Hunslet Engine Company|Hunslet Ltd]] (works number 3879). Operational on passenger trains. Named ''HAULWEN''.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://philtpics.fotopic.net/p49508802.html
|title=Vulcan Foundry built Austerity 0-6-0ST 'Haulwen' at Llwyfan Cerrig
|accessdate=2008-05-04
|author=Phil Trotter
|author=Phil Trotter
|website=Philt.org.uk
|date=2008-04-05
|date=25 October 2008
}}</ref>
}}</ref>
* 7058 [[Robert Stephenson and Hawthorns]] 0-4-0 saddle tank built in 1942. Named ''OLWEN''. Used as [[Percy the Small Engine|Percy]] for [[Thomas the Tank Engine]] Events.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://philtpics.fotopic.net/p49508837.html |title=RSH 0-4-0ST (no.7058/1942) 'Olwen' |accessdate=2008-05-04 |author=Phil Trotter |date=2008-04-05}}</ref> Stripped down for boiler work, should be back late 2012.
* 71516 [[War Department (UK)|War Department]] 0-6-0 saddle tank built in 1944 by Robert Stevenson Hawthorns (works number 7170). Under repair, should be back summer of 2012 Named ''WELSH GUARDSMAN''
* [[War Department (UK)|War Department]] 0-6-0 saddle tank built in 1944 by Robert Stevenson Hawthorns. Named Phoenix,in storage awaiting long term resteration.
*3829 [[Hunslet]] austerity locomotive built in 1955. Ex- [[Swansea Vale Railway]]. Stored at Bronwydd Arms pending boiler overhaul
*1345 [[Peckett]] Mond Nickel No.1. Ex [[Swansea Vale Railway]]. Stored at Bronwydd Arms, firebox repairs required.


*7849 [[Robert Stephenson and Hawthorns]] {{whyte|0-6-0|ST}} built in 1955. Named No.47 ''Moorbarrow'' and outshopped in a light blue livery, operational following completion of overhaul in July 2021.
0-6-0T Jennifer from the [[Llangollen Railway]] will be visiting for the 2012 season


===Diesel locomotives===
===Former steam locomotives===
* 71516 [[War Department (UK)|War Department]] {{whyte|0-6-0|ST}} built in 1944 by Robert Stevenson Hawthorns (works number 7170) Named ''WELSH GUARDSMAN''. Returned to service in 2013 following overhaul. Left for the [[Severn Valley Railway]] in February 2020.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.svrlive.com/blmar20| author=Severn Valley Railway|title=Welsh Guardsman touches down|website=Svrline.com |access-date=7 December 2020}}</ref>


[[GWR 6400 Class]] 6430 is visiting until January 2024.
[[Image:Pen-Y-Bont station, Gwili Railway.jpg|right|thumb|<center>Pen-Y-Bont station in 1981.]]


7058 ''Olwen'' || 0-4-0ST || Built by [[Robert Stephenson and Hawthorns]] in 1942|| [[File:Bronwydd Arms Gwili Railway geograph-3282182-by-Ben-Brooksbank.jpg|150px]]|| Painted as Percy || Used as Percy at Thomas events. Olwen left the railway in late November 2023
* [[BR Class 117]] 3 car DMU Nos 51347 / 59508 / 51401
* D2178 [[British Rail]] [[British Rail Class 03|Class 03]] shunter. Operational. (Unnumbered)
* 14901 [[British Rail Class 14]]. On loan for 2011 and 2012
* 27658 [[North British Locomotive Company]] shunting engine built for [[British Steel]] [[Landore]]
* 27878 North British Locomotive Company shunting engine built for British Steel's East Moor steelworks and later at the [[tinplate]] works at [[Felindre]] near [[Swansea]]
* 207103 [[Ruston (engine builder)|Ruston and Hornsby]] industrial engine used at [[Bedwas]] coke ovens by [[British Benzol]]
* 393302 Ruston and Hornsby industrial engine built in 1955 and used at the Aluminium Wire and Cable Company in [[Swansea]]


==Vintage coaches==
==References==
{{reflist}}

The Gwili Railway has a fine collection of Vintage Coaches from various railway operators and historic companies.

[[Image:Bronwydd Arms station, Gwili Railway.jpg|right|thumb|<Center>Bronwydd Arms station and train in 1981.]]
*[[Taff Vale Railway|TVR]] No.145 - (built 1874) The oldest standard gauge coach surviving from a Welsh railway company. Recovered in late 2006 and returned to [[Wales]]. It is now in storage pending a decision on how best to proceed with its restoration. An initial examination suggests that the remaining ten doors, most of the floor, all the glazing and the external paneling on one side will need replacing.
*[[Taff Vale Railway|TVR]] No.220 - (Built 1891) Undergoing a repaint, expected to return to serive in 2014
*[[Great Western Railway|GWR]] No.216 - (Built 1888) Restoration ongoing, expected to be in service late 2014
*[[Taff Vale Railway|TVR]] No.153 - (Built 1874) In store pending restoration.
*[[Great Western Railway|GWR]] No.793 - (Built 1881) Offered to the group in 1991. No repair work can be done on this vehicle until coach No.216 is nearing completion.

==Filming at the Gwili Railway==
*2004 - [[Carrie's War]]
*2005 - [[Heidi]]
*2008 - [[Egde of Love]]

==Awards==
*[http://www.nrha.org.uk/ National Heritage Railway Awards] for Bonwydd Arms Level crossing gates 2011


==External links==
==External links==
{{commons category}}
{{commons category}}
*[http://gr-ps.org.uk/index.html Official website of the Gwili Railway Preservation Society (GRPS)]
*[http://www.gwili-railway.co.uk/ The Gwili Railway home page]
*[http://www.gwili-railway.co.uk/ The Gwili Railway home page]
*[http://www.gvcg.co.uk Gwili Vintage Carriage Group's website]
*[http://www.gvcg.co.uk Gwili Vintage Carriage Group's website]
*[http://www.railbrit.co.uk/Carmarthen_and_Cardigan_Railway/frame.htm Carmarthen and Cardigan Railway]
*[http://www.railbrit.co.uk/Carmarthen_and_Cardigan_Railway/frame.htm Carmarthen and Cardigan Railway]
*[http://www.walesrails.co.uk/gwil.html Gwili Steam Railway from WalesRails]
*[http://www.walesrails.co.uk/gwil.html Gwili Steam Railway from WalesRails]
*[http://www.nrha.org.uk/ National Heritage Railway Awards] for Bonwydd Arms Level crossing gates 2011

{{Heritage railways in Wales}}
{{Heritage railways in Wales}}

==References==
{{reflist}}


[[Category:Heritage railways in Carmarthenshire]]
[[Category:Heritage railways in Carmarthenshire]]
[[Category:Standard gauge railways in Wales]]
[[Category:Standard gauge railways in Wales]]

[[cy:Rheilffordd Gwili]]

Latest revision as of 01:40, 15 February 2024

Gwili Railway
Rheilffordd Gwili

The official logo of the Gwili Railway

Vulcan Foundry Austerity 0-6-0ST 'Haulwen' at Bronwydd Arms
LocaleWales Wales
TerminusDanycoed Halt
Abergwili Junction
Coordinates51°53′30″N 4°18′03″W / 51.89155°N 4.30077°W / 51.89155; -4.30077
Commercial operations
NameCarmarthen and Cardigan Railway
Original gauge7 ft 1⁄4 in (2,140 mm) Brunel gauge
Preserved operations
Operated byGwili Railway Co. Ltd
Stations4
Length4.50 miles (7.24 km)
Preserved gauge4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Commercial history
Opened1860
1872Converted to
4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
1881Absorbed by Great Western Railway
1973Closed
Preservation history
1978Taken over by the preservation society
1987Llwyfan Cerrig reached
1988Llwyfan Cerrig station officially opened
2001Opening of extension to Danycoed
2002Work starts on extension to Carmarthen North
2008Gwili Railway marks 30 years to the day of Re-opening
2009Gwili Railway purchases Llanpumpsaint train station site (completely).
2011Gwili is Awarded for fully restored GWR-Style crossing gates at Bronwydd Arms itself.
2017Opening of extension to new station at Abergwili Junction.
2023Abergwili Junction officially opened.
HeadquartersBronwydd Arms
Gwili Railway
Legend
to Pencader
Pencader Tunnel (
985 yd
901 m
)
 Llanpumpsaint
River Gwili
Conwil
Danycoed Halt
Llwyfan Cerrig
Nant Cwmdwyfran
 Bronwydd Arms
B4301
Nant Tinc
Abergwili Junction
Llanelly Railway
Carmarthen Eastern by-pass
(A40) over River Towy
 Carmarthen
National Rail
South Wales Railway

The Gwili Railway (Welsh: Rheilffordd Gwili) is a Welsh heritage railway, that operates a preserved standard gauge railway line from the site of Abergwili Junction (near Carmarthen) in southwest Wales along a four-and-a-half-mile (7.2 km) section of the former Carmarthen to Aberystwyth line. The original railway closed in 1965, with the track being lifted in 1975.

Original line[edit]

The broad-gauge railway was opened in 1860 from Carmarthen to Conwil (now Cynwyl) by the ill-fated Carmarthen and Cardigan Railway Company (CCR), which fell in and out of insolvency until it was eventually absorbed by the Great Western Railway. Despite hostility from GWR, the line never actually reached Cardigan - getting no further than Newcastle Emlyn.

The Manchester and Milford Railway made a junction with the CCR at Pencader, making a through route to Lampeter which, in turn, later extended to Aberystwyth. In 1872, the line became the last in Wales to be converted from Brunel's 7 ft 1⁄4 in (2,140 mm) gauge to 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge.

In its early days, the line thrived by serving the local farming and wool industries though, in the years following the First World War, this traffic gradually declined. The Second World War brought another lease of life as a relief route carrying heavy ammunition trains between south and north Wales.

Between the wars, the GWR sought to encourage traffic, opened several new halts along the route and provided camping coaches at several stations.

The route earned a reputation as a meandering rural branch; where trains trundled along, often flagged down by market-bound farmers' wives making their way across the fields to board the carriages. In fact, nearly three hours was permitted for the 56-mile (90 km) journey between Carmarthen and Aberystwyth.

In the post-war years, closure of the spurs off the main line began. The Branches to Aberaeron and Newcastle Emlyn closed in 1952 which left only the route between Carmarthen and Aberystwyth open to traffic. The line enjoyed a brief resurgence in the 1950s, when the Royal Train traversed the route and other new traffic included Butlins through-specials taking holidaymakers to the new camp in Pwllheli.

6430 ( On loan from Llangollen ) at Danycoed

However, declining passenger figures meant that the Beeching Axe was inevitable. In the end however, it was nature that struck the first blow. Heavy flooding severed the line six miles (9.7 km) from Aberystwyth in December 1964, this taking place in the same weekend that storms that caused the Ruabon to Barmouth Line to suffer a similar washout. The last passenger train ran along the truncated route on 22 February 1965, two Hymek diesels providing the motive power. The line remained open for freight using Hymek locomotives until around 1970, then by Class 37 locomotives. The freight traffic that kept the remainder of the line open was dominated mainly by milk traffic between Carmarthen and Lampeter where traffic was routed to both the last remaining part of the main line to Aberystwyth as far as the milk creamery at Pont Llanio (near Llanddewi-Brefi which survived until 1970, plus the Aberaeron branch as far as the milk creamery at Green Grove near Felin Fach which continued in service until discontinued by British Rail in 1973.

This resulted in the final closure of the line. Track was left in place until the summer of 1975.

Gwili Railway Preservation Company[edit]

Following the line's closure, the Gwili Railway Preservation Company was formed with the ambition to preserve at least 8 miles (13 km) of track of the former route, from Abergwili Junction right up the Gwili Valley to the station site at Llanpumpsaint.[1]

Track lifting had already started at the time of the formation of the new Company and, as a result, only one mile (1.6 km) of track north of Bronwydd Arms was left in situ, the Company being able to acquire the full 8-mile stretch of trackbed from Abergwili Junction to Llanpumsaint for both rebuilding and preserving. Over time, the Railway has extended the operational length from one-mile to over 4+1⁄2 miles (7 km), as well as reconstructing original features at Bronwydd Arms station and amassing a collection of locomotives and rolling stock.

The Gwili Railway was set up in 1975, and within three years the railway had purchased 8 miles of track (between the sites of Abergwili Junction and Llanpumpsaint railway station) and was running an initial steam-hauled service on a one-mile} section.

In April 1978, it re-opened the one-mile section of the Carmarthen-Aberystwyth route from its base at Bronwydd Arms, (3 miles (4.8 km) north of Carmarthen), making it the first standard-gauge heritage railway to operate in Wales.

The railway had been working south towards Carmarthen to a new station site named "Abergwili Junction" built on the northern outskirts of Carmarthen, at the site of the old and former Abergwili junction.[2]

Route[edit]

Trains on the Gwili start from Abergwili junction station on a site that is being constantly improved that currently houses 2 platforms, carriage shed, large car park, caffe and a booking office. The next stop is Bronwydd Arms where the replica GWR station is dominated by a Signal Box saved from Llandybie railway station on the Heart of Wales Line. The Signal box, which is open to the public, was built in 1885 and has been restored to operate signalling within the station area.

Typical features on the line include the gradients such as the 1 in 60 on the bank immediately north of Bronwydd Arms, the meandering River Gwili and the A484 road which are never far away and the wooded forests and sharp curves as the railway twists its way through the valley.

Peckett 0-4-0ST 'Olwen' at Bronwydd Arms

From Bronwydd, the line climbs between rural hills and meadows alongside the River Gwili past the site of the first terminus of the newly opened Gwili Railway next to the old mill at Cwmdwyfran. From here, the line continues climbing until it passes under a rusticated brick bridge at the second terminus at the now defunct Penybont station.

The line carries over a redecked bridge crossing the River Gwili. This expansion was achieved in time for its 10th anniversary celebrations in 1988. At the same time, the new terminus of Llwyfan Cerrig was opened to the public.

In 2001, a further one-half mile (0.8 km) extension built by volunteer labour was opened to a new halt at Danycoed.

Llwyfan Cerrig (in English, Stone Platform) was a former quarrymen's halt and the Gwili Railway has created a nature trail which winds through the old quarry and emerges above the stock sheds. The station building, which originally stood at Felin Fach on the Aberaeron branch and dates from 1911, was dismantled by volunteers and re-erected in the early 1990s. It has been restored and furnished to an authentic 1950s style.

From the platform, a path leads to a picnic area on the bank of the Gwili River where kingfishers and heron can sometimes be glimpsed. A miniature railway runs from this station and refreshments can be bought.

From Llwyfan Cerrig, the line runs uphill for another one-quarter mile (0.40 km) with the River Gwili on one side and a rock face on the other, until it reaches the present end of the line at Danycoed (English translation being 'under the wood') where a typical GWR rural halt has been recreated.

Operationally, the railway is normally run on a 'one engine in steam' basis.

Incident[edit]

On 19 July 2006, a volunteer was killed in an accident when coupling carriages together for the train that was due to run that day.[3]

Future expansion[edit]

Northwards[edit]

Restoring the line northwards has proven to be more difficult than the Gwili Railway had initially anticipated, volunteers' high hopes of reaching either Cynwyl Elfed or Llanpumsaint having been hindered by the cost of repairing a number of bridges en route. There are a total of nine bridges between Danycoed Halt and Llanpumsaint, all of which are in poor condition and require extensive refurbishment to be made worthy for rail traffic once more. Eight of the bridges cross the River Gwili, whilst the ninth crosses a road immediately south of the site of Llanpumpsaint railway station.

An attempt was made in the early to mid 1990s to extend the railway by laying track southwards from the disused Conwil station site towards the railhead at Llwyfan Cerrig, but was frustrated by the escalating cost of repairing the three river bridges en route.

Beyond Llanpumsaint, the track-bed is virtually intact through the tunnel and up to just south of the site of Pencader station; however, the Gwili Railway has no plans to extend further in that direction as it neither owns the land nor has the necessary statutory powers to operate a railway north of Llanpumsaint, due to donations of track they have more than enough to extend to Conwil.[4]

Southwards[edit]

RSH Austerity 0-6-0ST 'Welsh Guardsman' runs round at Abergwili Junction

The closure of the former Swansea Vale Railway in 2007 resulted in a merger of that society with the Gwili. This has provided a boost to the southern extension (to Abergwili) with track materials, a footbridge, water tanks/cranes and signalling equipment from Swansea now earmarked for use on the Abergwili extension.

In 2011, over one mile (1.6 km) of track was laid on the southern extension to Abergwili Junction and work started to improve signalling and the level crossing at Bronwydd Arms for future passenger operation.

By 2016, the track had extended all the way down and into Abergwili Junction station itself. The extension of the railway to Abergwili Junction finally opened in July 2017, this brings the line up to a total of 4+1⁄2 miles (7.2 km) in length. On 1 July the extension opened for 150 invited guests, with the extension opening to the public the day after, on 2 July.

Abergwili Junction is the permanent southern terminus of the Gwili Railway. The Carmarthen East by-pass (constructed 1997 -1999) followed the course of the old line from Carmarthen to Llandeilo, rendering any extension of the line south beyond Abergwili Junction impossible. Abergwili Junction station has one platform, with a run-round loop. However the Aberystwyth-Carmarthen Feasibility study states there is sufficient land alongside the west side of the bypass to reconnect the 2 km to Carmarthen station though it would require a new 100m skew bridge across the Afon Tywi just north of Carmarthen station.[5]

Locomotives[edit]

Name and Number Class Builder Picture Livery Notes
3879 Haulwen Hunslet Austerity Built by the Vulcan Foundry 1945, Rebuilt in 1961 by Hunslet # N/A Withdrawn from Traffic in 2016. Under overhaul, boiler is at The Flour Mill.
7849 Moorbarrow Robert Stephenson and Hawthorns 0-6-0ST Built by Robert Stephenson and Hawthorns in 1955 Lined Blue Moved to the line in 2015, returned to service following an overhaul in July 2021
  • 3879 Vulcan Foundry-built Austerity 0-6-0ST locomotive built in 1945 (works number 5272). Rebuilt in 1961 by Hunslet Ltd (works number 3879). Withdrawn from operational services in early 2016, and now undergoing an overhaul. Named HAULWEN.[6][7]

Former steam locomotives[edit]

GWR 6400 Class 6430 is visiting until January 2024.

7058 Olwen || 0-4-0ST || Built by Robert Stephenson and Hawthorns in 1942|| || Painted as Percy || Used as Percy at Thomas events. Olwen left the railway in late November 2023

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Gwili Railway". Walesrails.co.uk. Retrieved 7 May 2015.
  2. ^ "Idox | Software Built on Insight". Archive.today. Archived from the original on 18 September 2012. Retrieved 1 November 2021.
  3. ^ "Fatal accident at Bronwydd Arms station on the Gwili Railway". Rail Accident Investigation Branch. Retrieved 25 May 2015.
  4. ^ https://www.pressreader.com/uk/steam-railway-uk/20170324/282969629889691. Retrieved 1 November 2021 – via PressReader. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  5. ^ "Aberystwyth to Carmarthen Rail Reinstatement Feasibility Study" (PDF). Gov.wales. 19 September 2018. Retrieved 1 November 2021.
  6. ^ Morton, G.; Industrial Railway Society (2006). Industrial Locomotives: Including Preserved and Minor Railway Locomotives. Industrial Railway Society. ISBN 978-0-901906-39-7. Retrieved 1 April 2014.
  7. ^ Phil Trotter (25 October 2008). "Austerity 0-6-0ST 'Haulwen' waits in the loop at Llwyfan Cerrig". Philt.org.uk. Retrieved 7 May 2015.
  8. ^ Severn Valley Railway. "Welsh Guardsman touches down". Svrline.com. Retrieved 7 December 2020.

External links[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Gwili Railway.
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