If you register, you can do a lot more. And become an active part of our growing community. You'll have access to hidden forums, and enjoy the ability of replying and starting conversations.

The Gwili Railway thread

Discussion in 'Heritage Railways & Centres in the UK' started by Matt78, Jan 28, 2012.

  1. thb17

    thb17 Member

    Joined:
    Feb 7, 2012
    Messages:
    265
    Likes Received:
    216
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    National Key account manager
    Location:
    Ely
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    No I do not currently volunteer
    I just have this vision of a manor in the platform at bronwydd with a few mark 1s and welsh guards man and haulwen double heading a freight train round the loop in the other direction. Could be a reality in Easter next year how mad is that! Crazy how things have progressed.
     
  2. Matt78

    Matt78 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 27, 2007
    Messages:
    1,637
    Likes Received:
    3,273
    Occupation:
    Solicitor
    Location:
    South Wales
    More pictures just added to the Facebook page of the latest on the platform and the start of fencing work on the extension. Next up - the final 1/4 mile of tracklaying.....

    Some pictures also of the DMU end car nearing the end of its repaint into BR green as well with "cat's whiskers", it will debut on the new livery at the "anything goes" gala next Sunday

    Regards

    Matt
     
  3. Matt78

    Matt78 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 27, 2007
    Messages:
    1,637
    Likes Received:
    3,273
    Occupation:
    Solicitor
    Location:
    South Wales
    Update

    The edging work on the platform has now been completed. Next- backfill platform and more grading of the station area before final tracklaying. Fencing work ongoing too. No pictures this time as the battery ran out on my phone, but it's all looking good!

    Still to do (the main bits anyway)- another round of ballasting, lay 1/4 mile of track/turnouts/loop, complete signalling south of Bronwydd Arms and we'll be just about there!

    A reminder that the "Anything Goes" gala is this Sunday - all support welcome...

    Regards

    Matt
     
  4. m20cru

    m20cru New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 21, 2012
    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    2
    todays Anything Goes Gala was very popular with the passengers and was fun for those involved , congratulations to James who organised the event, and can't wait for the one next year
     
  5. JamesR92

    JamesR92 New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 25, 2013
    Messages:
    44
    Likes Received:
    8
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Customer Service Assistant for London Midland
    Location:
    Kidderminster
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    Yes I am an active volunteer
    It's nice to hear you enjoyed it! Leave it with me for next year.....
     
  6. Emlyn Williams

    Emlyn Williams New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 23, 2013
    Messages:
    3
    Likes Received:
    2
    Occupation:
    Caricaturist
    Location:
    Swansea
    That sounds great! We should have a few more wagons restored by then.
     
  7. Emlyn Williams

    Emlyn Williams New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 23, 2013
    Messages:
    3
    Likes Received:
    2
    Occupation:
    Caricaturist
    Location:
    Swansea
    If anyone is interested in wagons at the Gwili - we are nearing completion of refurbishment of toad 114762 (Swansea Vale Railway). It took part in the demo freight on the Anything goes gala. It is now in the shed at Llwyfan Cerrig for a month for timber work replacement to the windowed end. Also in the shed is an 8 planker mineral wagon which is to be painted in GWR freight grey. A programme of other wagons to be refurbished in 2014 is being prepared.
     
  8. Matt78

    Matt78 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 27, 2007
    Messages:
    1,637
    Likes Received:
    3,273
    Occupation:
    Solicitor
    Location:
    South Wales
    update-

    The platform is now 99% complete, last weekend saw the spreading of a top surface (see picture)

    At the station, the surrounding area has seen grading of the embankment and space made for the run around loop. We have started laying out the sleepers from the north to south end of the platform ready for track laying, and then we work back towards the bridge and the present rail head for link up. This will be the primary focus for the next few weeks.

    The final signal post has now been erected, this is the up section signal located south of Bronwydd Arms. Work is ongoing to run the signal wires, cables etc.

    An 8 plank wagon and GWR toad are in the shed at the moment undergoing repairs and a repaint

    At Llangollen Welsh Guardsman is very close to completion and we are hopeful the loco may be back with us before the santa season starts.

    Regards

    Matt
     

    Attached Files:

  9. Matt78

    Matt78 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 27, 2007
    Messages:
    1,637
    Likes Received:
    3,273
    Occupation:
    Solicitor
    Location:
    South Wales
    update-

    today saw around 200 concrete sleepers laid out on the track bed stretching form the north end of the platform towards the existing railhead, which is just beyond the bridge in the photo. The rough plan is that by the end of this week the sleepers will be laid and then the rails get inserted to take the head of steel up to the north end of the platform. Wooden sleepers will be used in the platform road itself.

    Regards

    Matt
     

    Attached Files:

  10. Matt78

    Matt78 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 27, 2007
    Messages:
    1,637
    Likes Received:
    3,273
    Occupation:
    Solicitor
    Location:
    South Wales
    update,

    track laying has recommenced and the first panel is in! The photo gives a view looking south towards the new station, with the road bridge prominent. You can see the gradient as well and the platform is visible just to the right of the end of the sleeper line. About 15 panels to insert get to the north end ramp of the platform, hopefully will be done in the next two weeks.

    Fencing work is nearly finished, and work is also in progress to erect occupation crossing signs etc.

    Regards

    Matt
     

    Attached Files:

  11. Matt78

    Matt78 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 27, 2007
    Messages:
    1,637
    Likes Received:
    3,273
    Occupation:
    Solicitor
    Location:
    South Wales
    small update-
    two more panels laid today, track now halfway under the bridge. More work next week, weather permitting.
    regards
    Matt
     
  12. Matt78

    Matt78 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 27, 2007
    Messages:
    1,637
    Likes Received:
    3,273
    Occupation:
    Solicitor
    Location:
    South Wales
    Another two panels in today, rail head now south of the bridge - not far to go now....

    Regards

    Matt
     

    Attached Files:

  13. Matt78

    Matt78 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 27, 2007
    Messages:
    1,637
    Likes Received:
    3,273
    Occupation:
    Solicitor
    Location:
    South Wales
    Today's update....
    Another 4 panels in and the track is creeping towards the platform
    Hopefully we will be pretty much there by the end of the week, weather permitting
    Images taken in less than perfect light but give an idea

    Regards

    Matt
     

    Attached Files:

  14. Felix Holt

    Felix Holt Guest

    Well done team-Gwili ! Good to see things nearly there.
    Next, on to Conwil and Llanpumsaint.... ;)
     
  15. Bulleid Pacific

    Bulleid Pacific Part of the furniture

    Joined:
    Apr 14, 2007
    Messages:
    3,991
    Likes Received:
    1,039
    Occupation:
    A Thingy...
    Yes, keep at it.
     
  16. cct man

    cct man Part of the furniture

    Joined:
    Jan 15, 2007
    Messages:
    3,220
    Likes Received:
    49
    Occupation:
    CONSTRUCTION
    Location:
    LONDON
    Seconded.

    Having visited the Gwili a couple of times with the Wife and had the pleasure of meeting Matt Bowan, I can honestly say the this Railway is one that is going places.

    Well done
    Chris:
     
  17. Matt78

    Matt78 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 27, 2007
    Messages:
    1,637
    Likes Received:
    3,273
    Occupation:
    Solicitor
    Location:
    South Wales
    Thanks Chris, hope to see you again once the extension opens!

    Another 4 panels laid today so things looking good, no pictures tonight though.

    Regards

    Matt
     
  18. Matt78

    Matt78 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 27, 2007
    Messages:
    1,637
    Likes Received:
    3,273
    Occupation:
    Solicitor
    Location:
    South Wales
  19. Matt78

    Matt78 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 27, 2007
    Messages:
    1,637
    Likes Received:
    3,273
    Occupation:
    Solicitor
    Location:
    South Wales
    Update

    Couple of photos re the state of play as of today, only about 3 panels from the south end of the platform now. Unfortunately the light wasn't the best when I took the pics.

    Work on the extension will slow down now somewhat as we head into the Santa season but we are still hopeful that it will be open next year

    Regards

    Matt
     

    Attached Files:

  20. Bulleid Pacific

    Bulleid Pacific Part of the furniture

    Joined:
    Apr 14, 2007
    Messages:
    3,991
    Likes Received:
    1,039
    Occupation:
    A Thingy...
    Matt, check your email.
     

Share This Page