12 th 14 th OCTOBER 2018 Souvenir Programme

Transcription

1 12 th 14 th OCTOBER 2018 Souvenir Programme

2 Steaming back in time When so great an authority as John Ruskin left on record his opinion that the Vale of Llangollen is one of the most beautiful spots in Wales or anywhere else, further praise of its countless attractions would be simply supererogation. And yet, charming as it may be, its loveliness only furnishes a fit preface to the many and varied beauties which are successively unfolded to the traveller over the picturesque Royal Route by which the Great Western Railway approaches Festiniog and Barmouth. As a general rule the holiday tourist, with limited time, is in search of much scenery within little space. To such the Welsh territory of the Great Western Railway will prove a veritable El Dorado of scenic riches. Within the eighty miles of railway west of Ruabon are countless examples of typical Welsh landscape, comprising verdant valleys and rugged mountains, with endless choice bits through the woodlands, or by the lakeside and the rivers. At its westward extremity, overlooking Cardigan Bay, is Barmouth, one of the fairest of the fair seaside wateringplaces to be found in Wales. Extract from The Official Guide to the Great Western Railway,

3 TICKETS Tickets may be purchased directly from all the station Booking Offices on the day or in advance on our website. At times when our intermediate stations are closed, tickets should be obtained from the ticket inspection on board the train. Discount tickets are available for children, senior citizens, families and groups. SOUVENIRS AND SALES The railway s main souvenir, models and book shop is at Llangollen Station, stocking a wide range of our own range of souvenirs, railway books, models and DVDs at competitive prices. Two carriage shops selling railwayana, books and collectables are located at Carrog, with funds raised supporting the restoration and operation of some of the railway s historic steam locomotives. The stations along the line also have dedicated sales areas open over the weekend. REFRESHMENTS The Station Café and Bar at Llangollen will be open over the weekend offering a variety of fresh coffee, teas, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages as well as freshly prepared sandwiches, cakes, cream teas & afternoon teas. At Berwyn, Glyndyfrdwy and Carrog stations there are small and friendly Tea Rooms offering Tea, Coffee, freshly made sandwiches, pasties and homemade cakes. A Buffet is available on-board one of our trains (see timetable for details). SAFETY DURING YOUR VISIT Steam locomotives are used throughout the year and the smoke from them adds to the heritage ambience of our historic railway. Please take care when close to the locomotives, especially when trains are leaving the stations. Please take the following simple precautions during your visit: Don t lean out of train windows or open doors whilst the train is in motion. Don t cross railway lines unless authorised. Don t drop litter from the train.

4 GUEST LOCO IN PROFILE 1: Ivatt Class 2MT Our first confirmed guest is BR Ivatt 2MT No , courtesy of the Great Central Railway in Leicestershire. This steam locomotive was built at Swindon Works and completed on 19th February 1953 at a cost of 13,756. A total of 128 of these locomotives were built to a design by H.G. Ivatt for the London, Midland & Scottish Railway (LMS). The first twenty were built by the LMS, whilst the remaining 108 locomotives of the class (including 46521) were built by British Railways. The class were designed for light mixed traffic duties, finding themselves equally at home hauling passenger and goods trains is a former Royal Train engine spent almost its entire working life in Wales and was allocated to Oswestry, Brecon and Machynlleth steam sheds during its career. Did you know? Members of the class gained the affectionate nickname of Mickey Mouse Built: February 1953 Allocated new to Oswestry Shed (89A) Reallocated to Brecon (89B): March 1953 Reallocated to Oswestry (89A): October 1959 Reallocated to Machynlleth (89C): March 1963 Withdrawn: October 1966 Workings over the Ruabon- Barmouth Route Following the transfer of the route from BR s Western Region to the London Midland Region in 1963, the Ivatt 2MT locomotives became a regular sight on the line. During 1963 and 1964, No was nominally allocated to Machynlleth but was often to be found based at Penmaenpool for working the Dolgellau to Barmouth shuttle services. On the last day of services, No hauled the final 2.55pm Barmouth to (Chester) Bala train on 16 th January The train consisted of just two coaches. At Penmaenpool, a black flag fluttered at half mast, and detonators were set off en-route at Dolgellau and Bontnewydd stations as the train passed through.

5 Demonstration Goods Each day at Berwyn station, the local stopping service will be handling light goods traffic of milk, perishables, luggage and parcels. Common destinations for the traffic include Cuthberts seeds to Bala, parcels to Ruabon and Salop, milk traffic for Corwen Creamery and suitcases from Vivod Hall to Criccieth. Look out for Walter the prized racing pigeon from Llantysilio Hall who will be conveyed to Woodside for the world-renowned Royal Liver Bird Race. Photographic Opportunities. Free for all Gala ticket holders Times: 11:35, 12:38, 13:30, 14:33, 15:25 and 16:28 Past and Present Special Exhibition Along our line, we have lots of interesting structures built with local stone which was quarried along the River Dee. A special exhibition telling the story of some of the viaducts, road bridges and station buildings will be running in the Henry Robertson suite in Llangollen Station throughout the Autumn Steam Gala. These unique items have kindly been loaned to us for the event courtesy of volunteer Peter Dickinson. Free for all Gala ticket holders Venue: Henry Robertson Suite, Llangollen Station

6 GUEST LOCO IN PROFILE 2: 7714 GWR Pannier Tank Our second guest is GWR Pannier Tank No. 7714, courtesy of the Severn Valley Railway near Birmingham is a GWR Collett 5700 class 0-6-0PT Pannier tank. The 5700 class was the most numerous class of engine designed and built by the Great Western Railway; more than 860 were built between 1929 and Pannier tanks could be found at work all over the former GWR system and although designed primarily for shunting duties, they were regularly used on local freight and passenger workings was built for the GWR by Kerr Stuart & Co. of Stoke in The visible rivets on the water tanks are a sign of its non-swindon origin. Built: 1930 Withdrawn: January 1959 The locomotive entered service at Tyseley the same year, and worked at various sheds until withdrawn by BR in January 1959, having run an estimated 520,259 miles in service was sold to the National Coal Board for use at their Penallta Colliery near Rhymney in South Wales. Initially used daily, the long wheelbase proved unsuitable for the tight curves in the track there so it mostly acted as a spare engine went to the Severn Valley Railway in 1973 following a successful preservation bid. A lengthy restoration followed; the locomotive not being steamed until The locomotive is now owned by the SVR Pannier Tank Fund, who also own GWR Pannier is an old friend in many ways, having been based at Birkenhead from 1937 until 1958, before moving briefly to Wrexham's Rhosddu shed prior to withdrawal. Did you know? The Llangollen Railway is currently overhauling sister locomotive

7 LLANGOLLEN RAILWAY presents Along Cambrian Lines II - 12th, 13th & 14th October 2018 Loco: Set: C S M X C S X M C X S LLANGOLLEN DEP BERWYN DEP P P P GLYNDYFRDWY ARR DEP CARROG ARR DEP CORWEN ARR Loco: Set: C S X M C X S M X C S CORWEN DEP CARROG ARR DEP GLYNDYFRDWY ARR DEP BERWYN DEP P P P LLANGOLLEN ARR Set X is a Mixed Train and has limited Passenger Capacity P - stops at Berwyn to load/unload Parcels & Freight All advertised events and locomotives are subject to availability

8 Preserving Memories Photography & Locations The Llangollen Railway welcomes visitors to come and take advantage of some of the unique photographic opportunities our railway provides. The railway buildings and infrastructure provide historical Great Western Railway & BR (Western Region) settings between the 1930 s and 1960 s. Visitors are permitted to film and/or photograph at the Llangollen Railway for personal use only. Filming and photography for commercial gain is strictly prohibited unless pre-approved by the Railway. We ask that all of our visitors please respect the railway and its environment; please do not trespass on the railway line or any of the private property adjoining the railway. At stations, tripod legs should be kept away from platform edges. The line between Llangollen and Corwen generally runs East to West, with the ambient light keeping to the South site of the line. The following list details just some of the great photo locations available from publically accessible areas along the 10 mile line. Llangollen Station and area, LL20 8SN (OS Grid Ref: SJ ) The main hub of our activities, where visitors can relax between trips in the Station Café & Bar. The station itself has been lovingly rebuilt to capture the 1950s era and its location beside the historic Dee Bridge in Llangollen offers excellent access for cafes, pubs, restaurants, ATMs and shops. The station itself offers some excellent opportunities for photography, with its platform canopy, covered footbridge and long curved (12 coach length) platforms flanked by overbridges. Locomotives can be seen taking water from the GWR water column on platform 2. The station was originally opened by the Llangollen & Corwen Railway in 1865 as an intermediate station and closed to passenger traffic in Llangollen Goods Junction, LL20 8SN (OS Grid Ref: SJ ) Departures from Llangollen can be observed from the roadside along the A542 (Abbey Road) on the approach to Llangollen Goods Junction. The viewpoint is located opposite the International Eisteddfod car parking and overlooks the main running line, River Siding and the inclined access line to Llangollen shed yard.

9 Berwyn Station & Viaduct, LL20 8AN (OS Grid Ref: SJ ) Probably one of our most popular photographic locations, Berwyn station itself offers some good opportunities for photographs, particularly of trains approaching up the 1-in-80 Berwyn bank from the east. A public footpath heads down to the historic Chain Bridge over the River Dee via an underpass at the Llangollen end of the single platform. A viewing area on the adjacent A5 road overlooks the station beside the lamp hut. Some interesting side-on shots of trains in the station can be gained from the B5103 roadway which passes under the platform and then over the Kings Bridge. Berwyn Overbridge (OS Grid Ref: SJ ) Situated to the west of Berwyn station, this double-track width road bridge offers some first class opportunities to record trains approaching and departing the station. A minor lane runs parallel with the line as far as Berwyn Tunnel (approx. ½ mile). Berwyn Tunnel Lineside Viewing Area (OS Grid Ref: SJ ) A dedicated lineside viewing area on the approach to Berwyn tunnel was opened in 2015 and is a popular location to photograph trains climbing up the 1-in-80 gradient. Access is possible only on foot from Berwyn station, following the minor lane from Berwyn Overbridge parallel with the railway. Deeside Loop & Halt (OS Grid Ref: SJ ) The passing loop at Deeside is commonly used during gala events to enable two trains to pass on the otherwise single track section between Llangollen Goods Junction and Glyndyfrdwy. The halt is an excellent example of an idyllic wayside country halt, boasting a single track platform, wooden waiting shelter and signal box. The halt is not commonly in use so please check the appropriate timetable if considering using the train. Access to the station is via a grassed (and sometimes very muddy) footpath from the nearby A5 road. Garthydwr Area (OS Grid Ref: SJ ) The minor lane towards Garthydwr joins the A5 on the eastern approach to Glyndyfrdwy village, next to the Original Butterfly Man. Limited parking is available in the laybys on the A5. The lane and adjacent public footpaths offer a great vantage point of trains approaching and leaving Glyndyfrdwy. Glyndyfrdwy Station & Area (OS Grid Ref: SJ ) A genuine GWR signal box (from Leaton on the Shrewsbury to Chester line) controls the station area and level crossing, whilst the Grade II listed former Barmouth South box is open to the public and offers an elevated vantage point over the station throat. Playing fields and to the east of the station are publically accessible adjacent to the lineside.

10 Concrete Road (OS Grid Ref: SJ ) An occupation crossing approximately 1/2m mile west of Glyndyfrdwy station offers an interesting vantage point from which to photograph trains passing the station s distant signal. The concrete surfaced access track joins the A5 a few hundred yards west of the Berwyn Arms pub. Carrog Station & Area (OS Grid Ref: SJ ) Carrog station has been restored to its BR Western Region 1950s condition and boasts a restored cattle dock, original 1865-built station building and replica GWR platform-mounted signal box. Wood post signalling typical of the 1950s has been installed within the station area. A minor lane crosses the line immediately to the west by means of a stone overbridge, providing a superb vantage point over the station. Further west of the station, a public footpath crosses the line near the Up Distant signal and is accessible across a field from beside Carrog s 17th Century stone river bridge. Bonwm Halt (OS Grid Ref: SJ ) The former station site at Bonwm Halt offers a location from the pavement of the adjacent A5 road. Remnants of the original wooden platform remains are still in situ; however they lie within the railway s boundary and are therefore out of bounds. Please take care when photographing around Bonwm; the A5 is a fast, busy and twisty road and although the pavement is on the railway side, it is not particularly wide. There is no car parking available at this location; access being on foot from Corwen town. Dwyrain Corwen East (OS Grid Ref: SJ ) The railway officially reopened to the temporary station at Corwen East on 1st March 2015, serving the picturesque market town of Corwen. The area around our present Western terminus offers plenty of photographic opportunities for visitors. A nature reserve bounds the station to the north along the banks of the River Dee, whilst to the south is a large communal field. The line s approach to Corwen is marked by Overbridge 28A, with some interesting views of trains arriving and departing being possible from the pavement of the A5. Please Remember: Visitors are permitted to film and/or photograph at the Llangollen Railway for personal use only. Filming and photography for commercial gain is strictly prohibited unless preapproved by the Company. Drones must not be operated on or within 50m of Llangollen Railway property.

11 Station in the Spotlight 1: The Station In the Gorge Berwyn Station Situated in a prominent position beside the A5 road, Berwyn station is instantly recognisable because of its distinctive appearance. The architect, Samuel Pountney Smith, headed his original drawings for the station in 1864 as a design for a 2nd class station, but as can be seen, this was anything but! Today the station is located within a wooded gorge with only a handful of houses and a riverside hotel nearby. Back in the Victorian era, it was surrounded by a vibrant community including a post office and Methodist chapel. However it was the local gentry who were the main reason for the station s existence. The Chairman of the Llangollen & Corwen Railway lived just up the road at Plas Berwyn and in an agreement from 1861 it was announced that: A station to be called The Berwyn Station shall be built in ornamental style and contain a first class waiting room in addition to the general waiting room. All passenger trains shall stop at Berwyn if and when required by the owner or occupier of, or visitors to, Plas Berwyn mansion. The central part of Berwyn station comprises the General Waiting Room, with an adjoining Booking Office. The elaborate lamps on the interior walls recall a time when the station was lit by oil and paraffin only; the station being too remote for gas pipes to be installed to it. Tickets Please! The term booking office which is still used today is adopted from the old coaching practice of issuing tickets from a book. Originally these tickets on the early railways were handwritten and the process was very laborious. In 1837 a stationmaster and trained cabinet maker named Thomas Edmondson introduced

12 Right Top: Awaiting the arrival of the milk train Right Bottom: The exterior of Berwyn from the road the Edmondson railway ticket. These preprinted tickets were all individually numbered and date-stamped by a machine upon issue. Special souvenir Edmondson tickets are still issued to passengers from Berwyn s booking office in the traditional way. First Class Waiting Room The station s tea room is now located within the former First Class Waiting Room. During the Victorian period, the station boasted a separate waiting room for the men and women travelling first class. The room had comfortable seats and a roaring fire in winter, whilst those in the General Waiting room would have had to settle for bench seats. The Role of the Station Master From 1865 until the mid-1950s, the station master was the key authority figure at Berwyn railway station. The station master was a well-respected figure with significant social standing in the local community. His role would have included selling tickets, handling parcels, tending to the station s coal fires and making sure all passengers were safe. In his spare time, the station master also looked after the station s floral and vegetable gardens. Milk The railways created a regular supply of fresh milk from the countryside. The milk was transported in tall conical metal churns, being taken by a delivery cart from the local farms to the nearest railway station. The churns, generally with a capacity of seventeen gallons, were very heavy. Handles enabled two men to lift one when necessary, but more commonly they were rolled along on their bottom rims by one man, making a distinctive rattling noise. Two milk churns would arrive at Berwyn every day from the nearby Llantysilio Farm for transporting on to the Corwen Creamery. Station Master s House This is the mock-tudor part of the station building, which is where Berwyn s station master and his family would have lived. Although the house came with the job, the Station Master still had to pay rent to the GWR; in 1924 this would have cost him 7 shillings and sixpence a week. The House has recently been tastefully converted into the Llangollen Railway s own self-catered holiday let.

13 Demonstration Parcel Loading Every day at Berwyn: 11:35, 12:38, 13:30, 14:33, 15:25 and 16:28

14 Station in the Spotlight 2: A Frozen Moment in Time Carrog Station Carrog station, 7½ miles from Llangollen, is an archetypal country station and has been rebuilt to its mid-fifties condition as closely as possible. It is set close to the village of Carrog with its 17th Century River Bridge, mountain vistas and traditional Inn. Livestock on the Line The station's restored cattle dock can be found halfway along Platform 1 and was once an important source of revenue. A cattle dock is a loading platform designed to facilitate the loading and unloading of livestock, such as sheep and pigs. Specially designed cattle wagons would then be used to move the livestock around the railway network. The metal livestock pens still extent at Carrog would have been used to keep the animals together and to prevent them escaping and causing havoc! Before the development of the railways, cattle had to be moved from the local farms to market on foot, which meant that they lost weight and therefore their value. The coming of the railway to Carrog in 1865 brought new opportunities for the local farmers, offering a much faster and more efficient mechanism for transporting cattle to market. It also meant that animals could be traded further afield than had previously been the case. Signalling for Safety The safety of passengers has been one of the most important aspects of the line's history since the railway opened in The earliest railway signalmen were in fact police officers who were employed to keep order on the railway, to set the road and to make sure that the line was clear for the arrival of trains. Indeed it is still

15 Right Top: The reconstructed waiting room Right Bottom: Classic cars, camping and Carrog possible to hear signalmen being referred to as 'bobbies' today. ight Top: Classic cars, camping and Carrog Inside the signal box, the main operating room has a mechanical lever frame in the centre of the floor, whilst the large glazed windows enables the signalman to see all the train movements around the station. Generally, the red coloured levers operate all the signals, whilst the blue and black levers operate the track points. A white coloured lever indicates that this is spare (unused). ight Centre: The reconstructed waiting room ight Bottom: The 17 th Century river bridge over the Dee The signalman on duty at Carrog communicates with other signal boxes on the line through a bell codes and mechanical instruments displayed on a shelf above the lever frame. When a train from Llangollen is due, listen out for the series of bells ringing out as the Carrog signalman chats with his counterpart at Glyndyfrdwy. The current signal box is an awardwinning replica of the original Victorian version which was demolished after the railway closed in the 1960s. The rebuilt signal box was made operational on 3rd March 2007 and won the national Westinghouse Signalling Award in Waiting Room During the late Victorian era, a second platform and waiting room were installed at Carrog to handle the increase passenger traffic using the railway. Passengers wishing to travel towards Bala and the Cambrian Coast would have particularly glad of the comfortable and warm waiting room during periods of inclement weather. The small coal fire in the corner of the room would have been tended to by the Station Master. After the railway closed in the 1960s, the waiting room and urinal on Platform 2 were demolished. Fortunately, thanks to the hard work and efforts of volunteers, the building was painstakingly rebuilt on its original foundations in the early 1990s. A similar waiting room building was found to still survive on a closed GWR railway in Gloucestershire and was carefully dismantled brick-by-brick over the course of three days in readiness for its rebuilding at Carrog. Inside the waiting room, a dedicated museum on the former Ruabon to Barmouth railway has been created, displaying many historic artefacts from the days of steam.

16 Abbey Road, Llangollen, Denbighshire LL20 8SN Tel: