Vale of Rheidol's Aberystwyth workshop is back in action at ‘90% capacity'

DESPITE having staff placed on the Government-supported furlough payment scheme during the coronavirus pandemic during last year, the Vale of Rheidol Railway's Aberystwyth workshop is now back at 90% production capacity and much engineering progress has been made.

As reported in issue 283, the contract to overhaul Beyer Peacock 0-6-0T No. 822 The Earl for the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway has been completed. The lowloader that took back The Earl then returned with ex-Sierra Leone Railway Hunslet 2-6-2T No. 85, which has not worked since 2010.

VoR staff have stripped the locomotive and reported on its condition. No. 85 is now in storage and the WLLR's decision on the next step to be undertaken is awaited.

Next in line for works attention is the completion of the overhaul of VoR resident Hanomag NGG13 2-6-2+2-6-2 Garratt No. 60 (10551 of 1927), earmarked to enter service before the end of this season.

Work is also about to recommence on restoration of Second World War Baldwin 10-12-D 4-6-0T WDLR No. 794 (No. 44699/1917).

It will be completed as Welsh Highland Railway No. 590, for the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway.