Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway

Has anything been seen of the big Taiwanese diesel?
Pat

 

I wondered that too recently and went looking, the most recent I could find was a youtube video from May 2024 of it running in apparent passenger service, but could well have been a populated test run?

Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway - Taiwanese DL-34 - 4th May 2024

Other than that, there's a video of it static in the shed Christmas of 2025

【British Narrow Gauge Railways】Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway, DL-34 in The Shed

 

A replacement torque converter from another one of the class was being shipped from Taiwan. I don't know what the timescale for installing it, but the loan has been extended, I think for another 3 years after it enters service.

 

Looking forward to the W and L Gala this weekend with accomodation booked.

Is there any intel people may have as to the train plan, is it steam with a diesel pilot please? Or has weather of the past week created headroom for all steam services to operate?

I've emailed the railway but nothing back yet on the Traction front for this weekends gala. Any info appreciated, before I commit to buying a long distance train ticket to get to Welshpool, plus the gala ticket.

Whilst I totally understand measures necessary in connection with staff wellbeing and fire risk during the hot weather of July and August, I would only want to visit the W and L with steam haulage and would defer a visit to the Autumn if that's not the plan.

TIA.

 

They've said on Facebook that timetables will be released week commencing 31st August, once they've made a decision about whether it'll be steam or diesel. The Wasp is booked to be out as well for the first time in a quite a while.

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/186F9xxYTz/

'WASP' RAILCAR RIDES @GALA - Did you identify our teaser handbrake wheel?

Ex MOD railcar the 'Wasp' will be running regular trips between Llanfair and Castle. Experience our line from a different perspective!

Limited to 10 passengers per trip. Timed tickets must be obtained from Llanfair Booking Office on the day. Trips included Free with Gala Day Tickets, but donations welcome.

⭐Download the Gala Information Booklet from our Event Page.

Join us 4-6 Sept! Click this link to pre-book your tickets now: https://wllr.org.uk/events/steam-gala/

⏰Train Timetables to be confirmed week commencing 31st, when we have risk assessed steam operations alongside forecast weather and Government wildfire guidance.

 

https://wllr.org.uk/wp-content/uplo...nS5PPo1_UYIkfuflhC_aem_NY5cZBZkvBnZ-x6GlS1Z6w

Gala brochure.

Edit - timetables now available.

https://wllr.org.uk/events/steam-ga...dXuWNLMSvwraqoITYQ_aem_OhqFuonOM9hwdi7rLUHa6g

Not the easiest things to read.

 

Premier has at least been allowed to steam round Llanfair station.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1793207988665010/?fs=e&s=TIeQ9V&fs=e&fs=e

 

A 32 page brochure, containing two lists of locos not running, but no mention of the ones which are?

 

It's a shame they've gone with that timetable given the recent rain they've had in the area. The website says diesels will work between Cyfronydd and Welshpool so will swap trains at Cyfronydd and lead between there and Welshpool and return.

 

"STEAM & DIESEL GALA 4-6th September: Trains Steam hauled between Llanfair & Cyfronydd. Trains double-headed Steam & Diesel between Cyfronydd & Welshpool. See Events Page for Timetable Details."

Friday evening's final service is showing double headed steam from Llanfair to Welshpool and back again though.

 

That service is down as only 2 Zillertal coaches so must be a 'they won't need to work hard' decision.

 

Just looking at Welshpool and Llanfair weather, using Met check, looks like rain tomorrow and likely Thursday. With rain pushing up from South and West Wales tonight.

I've just been studying the W&L gala plan, noting diesel and steam double-headed on the majority of the route - perhaps too much to hope diesel assistance will be rescinded in the wake of further rain in the next 48 hours.