Pontycymer project on track as target met
First train movement for Garw Valley Railway’s 600 metre project.
THE Garw Valley Railway (GVR) reached a milestone in its
600 metre project at the line’s Pontycymer headquarters on September 11, when Planet 0-4-0DH No. 4006 of 1963 and Carfit C wagon No. DB 748120 became the train to run over the recently relaid track and into the platform which has been newly built.
The GVR is the trading name of the Bridgend Valleys Railway Company Ltd, an embryonic heritage line which is restoring the railway between Pontycymer and Brynmenyn, originally part of the GWR’s Llynvi and Ogmore Railway.
A number of changes have taken place in the organisation, including personnel. One of the challenges set by the board to the volunteers was to get 600m of track operational – a project that has been delayed by Covid-19.
Phil Stinton, director, told the RM: “Throughout the Covid-19 lockdowns, volunteers have been keeping in touch using Zoom. When Covid-19 rules allowed, volunteer working parties resumed in May this year. Since then, we have relaid and connected up three panels beyond the point which gives access from the ‘main line’ into the shed and yard. Until that was done, nothing could come out of the shed.
“In early September, we were asked by Caerau Men Shed if it could take photos of its members on the train in the platform for the group’s calendar. Our engineering team ensured the Planet and wagon were fit for operation – both vehicles having not moved for some time. Our volunteers have pulled out all the stops to get us this far.”
He added: “The Planet was last in the platform in 2019 and immediately after that the track connecting the platform from the shed was disconnected. September 11 was a milestone for us as it is the first loco movement over the first panels of our 600m project, which has once again reconnected the shed and platform and meant we could use the loco.”
It is now hoped to run No. 4006 more regularly for demonstration and training purposes. It will also open up the possibility of bringing out some of the GVR’s other stock from the shed for visitors to see in the sun on open days. In due course, once approval is gained from the Office of Rail and Road, it is also hoped to offer brake van trips. Public rides are currently offered on open days using the 10¼in gauge miniature railway.
Asked about the next stage, Phil replied: “Our volunteers are keen the maintain the momentum so we will now look at upgrading the railway south from Pontycymer. The next section requires the erection of a fence as running alongside the line is a permissive footpath – Network Rail is the landowner.”
Volunteers are on site on Saturdays and every effort will be made to show visitors around.