INSIDE TRACK
The Gwili Railway on the importance of building and maintaining momentum
The opening of the Abergwili Junction extension on July 1 2017 was a seminal moment in the history of the Gwili Railway. The project had been the culmination of 17 years’ hard work, but amid the sense of achievement, there were two thoughts: how can we capitalise on the goodwill and momentum, and what’s next?
Whenever a preserved railway’s extension is completed, there is always a period of consolidation, as resources (financial and labour) are often diverted towards the extension – resources which can, in ‘normal’ times, be utilised elsewhere. With the Gwili’s expansion from a two-mile to four-mile line, the transition would require improvements in other areas if the railway was to continue the ‘upward trend’.
High on the list of priorities was some much-needed covered accommodation for locomotives and rolling stock. In particular, despite a good record of operating steam traction for over 30 years, a lack of covered accommodation was seriously hampering work on further restoration. The last full restoration of one of the home fleet (Vulcan ‘Austerity’ 0-6-0ST Haulwen) was completed by a contractor in 2007, while the last full restoration of a locomotive on site was even further back than that – ‘Welsh Guardsman’, the RSH ‘Austerity’, in 1993.
BUDGET SURPLUS
Various schemes for a proper engine shed had been proposed for many years, although the priority was to pay for overhauls themselves as opposed to investing in the facilities required. Nevertheless, the success of the fundraising for the extension allowed for a small surplus in the budget which could be used as a springboard for further projects. Again, after the success of the extension in terms of grants, and after making a case for the shed, Carmarthen County Council kindly offered some financial support as part of their Targeted Finance Fund. With some further match funding, we were able to award a contract for the construction of a oneroad shed measuring 75ft by 25ft, with room for two 0-6-0STs or equivalent.
Various arguments were put forward as to the location of the shed; operationally, our Bronwydd Arms station was now in the middle of the line, and there was more land available at Abergwili Junction. The deciding factor was that we enjoyed ‘permitted development’ rights for planning within the large and established footprint of Bronwydd Arms station, and equally any locomotive shed at Abergwili would be adjacent to Glangwili hospital. Therefore, the shed was erected at Bronwydd Arms.
Although the grant was awarded in 2016, it took until Easter 2017 for the shed to be erected. Again, on a smaller line, available staff time was taken up on operations or keeping the existing locomotive fleet in operation. When the contractor was available, the staff were not, and vice versa. There is a delicate balance between operations (which bring in the funds) and development (which installs essential improvements and keeps stakeholders engaged).
Once the shed was erected it was on to Stage 2 – the installation of a locomotive pit. We already had a serviceable pit, but a second one inside the shed was much desired for the restoration work, whereas the present pit was used for oiling up operational engines. Quotations were again sought from local builders, and the most suitable one chosen. Again, the demands of operations and the builder’s workload precluded an immediate start, and it was not until January 2019 that the hole was dug. The project progressed through the spring and completion of the pit itself was achieved in August (again, following much on/off time dependent on the availability of the contractor and our staff).
The next stage was to connect up the existing locomotive siding to the shed and get track under
TEAMS FROM ACROSS THREE DEPARTMENTS THAT WERE PREVIOUSLY FRAGMENTED HAVE NOW COME TOGETHER AND HAVE A FOCAL POINT FOR THEIR EFFORTS
cover. For the 40 feet or so over the pit, we utilised flat-bottom rail as this was easier to attach to the pit, with a resin and clip method. Ironically, our running line still uses bullhead rail at present. The first locomotive in the shed was the chassis of RSH 0-6-0ST ‘Moorbarrow’, undergoing contract overhaul.
The advantages of obtaining undercover accommodation were immediate but the final stage of the shed project (for now) was the laying of the concrete floor. This was finally achieved in January of this year with a 7am start to pour the concrete, and at the end of a very mucky but satisfying day one complete engine shed was laid before us.
The total cost of the shed, including the building, pit and floor, was £40,000 – although the real cost, when taking into account staff and volunteer time, is higher. The shed took just over three years from the erection of the first pillar to the laying of the final concrete. For a smaller line, a staged approach is necessary, and it does require some faith and focus to meet the end goal.
ONE DOOR OPENSÉ
Thankfully, as is frequently the case, one opportunity leads to others. We launched the TVR 28 project in October, and the ability to work on the Taff Vale Railway 0-6-2T under cover is a key factor in the restoration. Equally, we have the contract restoration of ‘Moorbarrow’ to complete by the spring, and following that, we have our own Haulwen dismantled and ready to be overhauled. Both ‘Moorbarrow’ and Haulwen are in good condition mechanically, so a quick turnaround is hoped for in each case. There is no doubt that the shed has increased interest in volunteering on the locomotives.
Teams from across three departments that were previously fragmented have now come together and have a focal point for their efforts.
Our next efforts are focused on the carriage shed at Abergwili Junction. This is planned to be a two-road, 240ft long shed for which planning permission has been obtained. The shed will house the railway’s Mk 1 fleet in addition to some of the four-wheeled carriages at the railway, including GWR No. 216 of 1888 and Taff Vale Railway No. 220 of 1891.
Covered accommodation would improve the prospects of regular service for these two centenarians, both carriages having received much attention in the last five years without becoming operational.
A small grant with matchfunding has been obtained to commence the groundworks, with the provision of a large area of land at the same height as the present station at Abergwili; these works will commence imminently, with a cost of £25,000.
The layout at the south end of the station will be remodelled, and, in the meantime, fundraising continues for the shed structure.
We have a kind offer of ‘pound for pound’ donations for the shed itself, and therefore we would need to raise another £50,000 at least to make the shed a reality. Donations would be most welcome and can be made via the railway at