Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway

ZB2 was at the back of the running shed this past weekend. It has apparently had some trouble with boiler stays, and there has to be a question as to whether it is worth repairing for only a few weeks of running before the end of the loan.

Unfortunate timing of failure as Sir Drefaldwyn / 699 is in bits being painted and fettled.

The Earl is in fine form and keeping the trains running with the Diema.

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Have just seen the lineup for the gala - ZB2 showing as being on static display so assuming it's run it's last on the WLLR?

 

Yes, I just saw that. 2 steam locos and 2 diesels out and interestingly the big Taiwanese diesel is only on goods trains. Presumably ZB2 has been failed?

 

First visit to the line today. It is a friendly line and good to see the railway busy. Great activity book for children included in the price (half in English and the other in Welsh).


I thought I saw the chassis of The Countess as we passed one of the sheds so I presume she is now is under overhaul?

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823 is currently stripped for pre assessment prior to any potential overhaul, the boiler is outside the front of the machine shop as well, just behind the big tent, so you may have seen that too.

Really glad to hear you enjoyed your visit

 

Yes, still plenty of commissioning and testing works to do on the big red one as part of its putting in to use.

My understanding is that ZB has a boiler issue and further discussions are underway as to the best way forward. So as yet unknown what the future holds

 

Ready for the gala!

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=3653457701631733&set=gm.26818252954426712&type=3

 

I was reading (in August 2024) the July 1903 Railway Magazine and came across an article about the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway. The article marked the opening of the line at the beginning of April 1903.

http://rogerfarnworth.com/2024/09/1...ailway-again-the-railway-magazine-april-1903/

A while back I posted a couple of articles about the town section of the line which had to be abandoned. ....

http://rogerfarnworth.com/2022/07/24/the-welshpool-llanfair-light-railway/

and

https://rogerfarnworth.com/2022/09/23/the-welshpool-llanfair-light-railway-an-addendum/

Those articles pull together a large number of photographs and maps associated with that part of the line.

 

Given October is almost upon us don't suppose anyone's got any further news regarding ZB2?

 

The info for the upcoming photo charter days states:

"Unique opportunities to see No.699 alongside fellow Austrian engine ‘Zillertal’ (not in steam) in cameo scenes, before the latter’s return home to Austria"
https://wllr.org.uk/events/photography-days/

Suggests that the plan is to send her home rather than repair and keep in Wales.

 

Thanks I'd not seen that - will look to get it off work to be able to attend.

 

Yesterday, before the storm...........
............It was rather a nice and sunny day just over the Welsh Border.

Sir Drefaldwyn was the rostered locomotive, here seen at Cwm Lane heading for Welshpool and on the return to Llanfair Caereinion.








Cheerz,

Alan

 

Just arrived safely back home in Austria.

 

Never got to see it.

 

Me neither I made several visits to Wales during her stay but somehow she never seemed to be running when I was there! Ah well, I guess I'll have to pay a visit to Austria at some point...

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Planned some trips but loco availability never coincided with mine.

 

"Oh, you might as well keep it now, it goes so well with your Austrian coaches......" were the words that I was hoping to eventually read someday...........

Anyway, "Zillerthal" was a very welcome sight at the head of trains whilst it was here, it will be missed, especially for that wonderful booming exhaust - what a majestic sound to hear echoing thro' the hills around Castle Caereinion.













Cheerz,

Alan

 

I travelled behind Zillertal in 2021 on a pre-booked trip of it hauling the Austrian coaches. Had to pay for two, even though only me, but thought I would miss it, if I didn't take the opportunity then. Glad I did now!
Looking at the pictures above, I must return for a trip behind Sir Drefaldwyn.

 

I was lucky enough to have a few trips behind it and even managed a footplate ride at the gala last year.

Seeing as International visitors are now a thing, what are the chances of getting one of the Puffing Billy's Baldwins over to Mid Wales?!