Autumn freight on the Rheidol
THE Vale of Rheidol Railway was originally built to bring lead ore down the valley to Aberystwyth, while timber was also transported and used for pit props in the coal mines of South Wales. As freight traffic reduced, tourism increased. On November 8, a charter gave a glimpse of what freight and passenger trains looked like.
In steam for the day were 2-6-2Ts No. 7 Owain Glyndwr on a freight and No. 8 Llywelyn on the passenger set. Both built in 1923 and in GWR livery, they were without nameplates; they were named in 1955-6 by BR(WR). The Westinghouse brake has been cleverly camouflaged behind the casing of the water tanks.
Both locomotives performed very well during the day, with magnificent sound effects.
Safety first
The day began at 8.15am with the safety briefing. Being narrow gauge, there are no high platforms or long drops getting out of the carriages. Safety is taken extremely seriously on all such events, and throughout the day everyone obeyed the rules to the letter. The most important safety issue was to not cross the line behind the train. Doors are locked throughout the journey due to the tight clearance along the line.
Both trains were first posed at Aberystwyth station before the freight, consisting three five-plank wagons, two flat wagons, three fourplank wagons, a cattle van and then the brake van, set off behind No. 7 looking very authentic; it is unusual to see a steam-worked freight on the VoR, especially with such a varied consist.
Once clear, the passenger train departed in the same section at an extremely safe distance.
Many run-pasts took place en route to Devil's Bridge at the best locations. Once photographers were off and safe, the passenger train backed well out of the way, allowing the freight run-pasts, and once completed it was the passenger train's turn.
Poor weather meant that the day could be best described as atmospheric! The hillsides were wet and slippery, mist and clouds shrouded the valley below, and the autumn colours were at their best.
Riding down the line at the end of the day as it got darker without carriage lights, looking down on the mist was extremely pleasant. A short night session completed the day, the participants of which were a mix of British, German and Americans. One American spoke very highly of all the railways visited, the organisation, scenery, and sheep in particular, which he filmed especially for his grandchildren!
13 days of charters
The charter took place on the penultimate day of a 13-day programme of narrow gauge events covering seven railways, arranged and run jointly by experienced organisers Bob Branch and David Williams. They plan a further Welsh steam extravaganza in the autumn of 2022. David also runs steam charters in the UK and Isle of Man, with overseas trips planned to France, Germany, the USA and South Africa among other destinations.
➜ For details of next year's Welsh charters with Bob and David, email djw.edit7@btinternet.com