Gwili Motive Power 2011

Boiler tubes have failed, thus the loco requires a retube. There may be "other" issues to resolve on examination as well so the priority will now be to get Olwen back in traffic and then look at Haulwen over the winter.

Olwen requires some welding and a retube but once that is done we should be good for a new 7/10 year cert.

 

How long before we have Olwen back roughly Matt?

 

September we hope but it's never a good idea to put a date on these things. However the boiler has been seen and we know what needs to be done so no surprises we hope!

Olwen has worked on the railway every year since 1986, (25 years!) so fingers crossed the sequence continues....

 

Oh i thought she was due back in June! ohwell just have to wait a bit longer to have another turn on her

 

Of course, if you want the 'alternative' reason for Haulwen's non-appearance at the 2011 Thomas event, click on the link below...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXObRyb-KmM

(from about 04:20 in).

One of the more bizarre sides of railway preservation!!

Cheers,

Phil.

 

It seems a pity for Haulwen to be out of action for such a long time for want of a retube, which can be done in a few days. I know human and financial resources are limited but its 10 yr ticket will be ticking away. It doesn't seem long since its overhaul, the tubes that are currently in the loco haven't lasted very long. Fingers crossed then that Jennifer keeps things going until Haulwen is back.

 

As I mentionned above, the work anticpated is more than just a retube. Until we exaine the boiler properly (i.e detubed/out of frames) we can't say what else needs to be done. Taking into account resources available, and given that we know what work needs to be done on Olwen to get it back into traffic, the decision was made to give this the priority before turning to Haulwen over the winter. We have been caught out before with Austerity boilers (Welsh Guardsman etc), what was initially a planned retube on that one turned into a requirement for a new firebox. Depending on Haulwen's condition we might get a new 10 year ticket on it but who knows!

 

Some footage of Jennifer in action
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfROjswnmwQ

General pattern for the next few weeks will be steam (Jennifer) on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays with Diesel on the other days, either the 03 or Cl 14. Jennifer will also be operating on Sunday 29th May. As always this is a general guide and if you wish to travel to see a specific engine, then ring the booking office either the day before or on the day to confirm- 01267 238213.
Mondays 16th and 23rd May will see cream teas on the train, well worth sampling but don't take my word for it....
Olwen's boiler is off to Llangollen this week for remedial work.
Regards
Matt

 

Sorry Matt I will not take your word for it . Just kidding as myself and the Wife have sampled them ourselves, superb they were too. We will be back in a few weeks:

Kindest regards
Chris:

 

Sounds like i'll have Jennifer on 20th June then

 

Another excellent video by Bob Masterman of a recent Driver Experience Day is here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kx02TB6Z5ZU

Unfortunatley Jennifer has had a few problems this week, she was due to be tested today after repairs, will post more info when I get it. We don't seem to be having much luck this year with steam.....Olwen's boiler is now at Llangollen and we eagerly await it's return!

 

Class 14 rostered Tuesday/Thursday + Friday this week
Jennifer fixed and rostered Wednesday/Sat/Sun/Mon
regards
Matt

 

What date do the Cream Tea's start up Matt? Hopefully have Jennifer on 20th June then!

 

Jennifer failed this morning, so if you were intending to ride it specifically this weekend please ring the office before travelling....(01267 238213). I am not sure whether it will be fixed by the weekend, will let you know when I get more info.
Regards
Matt

 

Managed to pop in today for a ride behind the 14. I rang ahead to check it was running and was greeted at the ticket office on my arrival as a result! Staff were extremely friendly and I even had a cab ride while the loco ran round. Definitely worth a visit as the 14 sounds ace. I also mnaged to get a few shots of it crossing the road at Bronwydd as it's stabling there so as not to block Jennifer in. Apparently, jennifer and the 14 will be top and tailing this weekend with the 14 on the Southern end.

James

 

Think SVR-Rogers was more hoping to fire it, if he gets a teddybear or a gronk instead, I will take the Mickey on his return to Bewdley

 

Yes Jennifer is out Friday (tomorrow) and if it behaves! then will be for the weekend as well (Classic Transport Weekend)- see the Website
www.gwili-railway.co.uk
Fear not SVR-Rogers we might get steam for your turn on the 20th June (Make sure you bring the cooking shovel...)

 

The DMU will also be out this weekend, there will be a two train service, the other being Jennifer and the Class 14 top and tailed. The DMU trailer car has just emerged from the paint shop looking shiny in a new coat of blue and grey and with plenty of vintage and classic vehicles on display then why not come along if you haven't got any other plans....

 

Hi all -

As Matt says, we'll be running an hourly timetable tomorrow - departures on the xx30 from Bronwydd Arms, as follows...

1030 ex BA - "Jennifer" (North end), CK+SK+BSK, 14901 (South end).
1130 ex BA - DMU
1230 ex BA - "Jennifer" (North end), CK+SK+BSK, 14901 (South end).
1330 ex BA - DMU
1430 ex BA - "Jennifer" (North end), CK+SK+BSK, 14901 (South end).
1530 ex BA - DMU
1630 ex BA - "Jennifer" (North end), CK+SK+BSK, 14901 (South end).
17/18 ex BA - DMU (ecs to Llwyfan Cerrig for stabling).

If someone can tell me how to upload a file onto here, I'll happily post the WTT in full, as an Excel file...

Also...this weekend will also have the unique (for now...) sight of trains using Bronwydd Arms as a 'through' station!

On each arrival (at xx10 past each hour), passengers will detrain from the stock, before it departs ECS South across the level crossing, a short way onto the extension towards Carmarthen. The other set will then move from loop to platform, to form the next departure (at xx30 past each hour, as above). These 'false departures' South from Bronwydd Arms should make an interesting spectacle for passengers, giving a taste of 'things to come' when we open to Carmarthen North. It's also (I think...) the first public opportunity to see the brand new 2 gate system in operation.

Don't forget that a regular vintage bus link will operate from the railway to the Showground, where a large collection of vintage vehicles, stationary engines, old cars, heritage buses, display + trade stalls et al will be available to nose around.

Enjoy it if you go, and don't forget your camera!

Cheers,

Phil.

 

some pictures from the vintage transport weekend here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/oldmiwl/sets/72157626810624723/
Jennifer. CL 14, newly painted DMU car and a train passing the new level crossing gates all featured
The general pattern should be steam Monday, Wed, Sat, Sun with diesel Tuesday/Thursday/Fri for the next couple of months at least.