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Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway 30/06/13

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Posted on: 9/07/13
Updated on: 9/07/13

The Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway had been on my 'to visit' list for several years and more than lived up to expectations. The 2 foot 6 inch gauge line, one of few narrow gauge lines built under the provisions of the Light Railways Act 1896 to help farmers get supplies in and produce out, runs through the picturesque scenery of the Banwy Valley to link Llanfair and WelshpooI. The line was not a great success, always short of cash, and passenger services ceased in 1931 but it passed into preservation intact in 1961. Today the only missing part is the street running in to the mainline station in the centre of Welshpool. I was fortunate to be able to travel behind one of the two Beyer Peacock 0-6-0Ts built for the line in 1902, No:822 'The Earl', which actually pulled the last train on the line operated by British Railways in 1956 and the 1963 re-opening train. and travel in some beautifully restored Hungarian carriages whose open balconies at front and rear provided an interesting vantage point to see the line and the work of the loco crew, working up the 1 in 29 Golfa bank
The stations were neat and well presented, oozing period atmosphere with GWR lower quadrant signals and more. It was good to have the opportunity to see two of the line's out of traffic locos in a shed at Welshpool (see photos) too.
All in all, a great little railway that preserves an important part of Britain's railway heritage as the first real light railway while offering an enjoyable ride, good passenger facilities and excellent value for money. I hope to return soon.

Key information

Locos: No:822 0-6-0T 'The Earl'
Ticket prices: Adults £12.80 return
Line length: 8 miles

Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway 30/06/13

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Key information

Verdict

Top line

The journey

Locomotives

Conclusions