Rhiw Valley Light Railway runs for final time
THE 15in gauge Rhiw Valley Light Railway ran for the last time on October 2. A surprise announcement following the September open day stated that for various reasons the October 2 open day would be the last time the line would be operated, resulting in a record 219 visitors to see the last trains.
The private line at Manafon, near Berriew, Powys (not far from Welshpool) was built by Jack Woodroffe, the first trains running in 1970. Following Jack’s death his son Mike continued to operate the line on open days assisted by a small group of volunteers.
Resident steam locomotives
Severn Lamb 0-6-2T Powys and TMA Engineering/Jack Woodroffe 0-4-0 tender Jack together with diesel Monty were in operation. The final two trains were double-headers around two circuits of the line worked by different crews so that all volunteers had a share in the final journeys.