Chevallier expected to leave WLLR

BILL Parker’s Manning, Wardle 0-6-2T Chevallier seems unlikely to remain at Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway (WLLR) much longer.

Chevallier arrived at WLLR for the line’s 2016 gala, and has remained stored, other than a couple of runs to test work undertaken by the owner’s representatives.

It goes out of ticket in April. WLLR members have been told the tests showed Chevallier was not suitable for the railway, primarily on the grounds of coal and water consumption.

There were also mechanical issues, hence Chevallier was not utilised to cover WLLR’s current loco shortage.

Instead, the railway hired U-Class 0-6-2T No. 2 Zillertal, which entered service at the end of August last year. Members were also told Chevallier was not currently for sale and WLLR did not wish to continue storing it.

If it were placed on the market the issue would be considered by WLLR’s board.

withdrawn

WLLR will open the 2020 season with its own Beyer, Peacock 0-6-0T Countess and on-hire No. 2 Zillertal available, together with Diema diesel

No. 17.

Kerr, Stuart 0-6-2T Joan failed at the end of the 2019 season and with its boiler ticket expiring in April 2020 was not worth repairing for the limited use it would get before withdrawal.

The reduced timetable operated in 2019 because of loco difficulties, resulting in a 3% decline in passenger numbers to 22,495. A fare increase meant traffic revenue was up 1% to £242,301, although retail revenue declined 5% to £167,779.

WLLR’s 2020 timetable will look more akin to that in 2018 with more running days and trains than 2019.

BARBARA FULLER The Talyllyn Railway’s Hughes 0-4-2ST No. 3 Sir Haydn crosses Dolgoch Viaduct on December 22 with the 13.00 ‘Santa Special’ from Tywyn Wharf to Dolgoch. The Talyllyn Railway top-and-tails its ‘Santa’ trains, the loco providing steam at the rear, in this instance being Kerr, Stuart 0-4-2ST No. 4 Edward Thomas.