LLANGOLLEN RAILWAY AUTUMN STEAM GALA SOUVENIR GUIDE. 2 nd,3 rd & 4 th September 2016

Transcription

1 LLANGOLLEN RAILWAY AUTUMN STEAM GALA SOUVENIR GUIDE 2 nd,3 rd & 4 th September 2016

2 The Llangollen Railway Spanning a ten mile route through magnificent Welsh scenery, the railway has six different stations ready to explore. Stations are well equipped with facilities and there are plenty of things to see and do, from the world s oldest chain link bridge to a wealth of heritage attractions along the Dee Valley. Tel: info@llangollen-railway.co.uk 1 st Edition Llangollen Railway, August 2016, The Station, Abbey Road, Llangollen, Denbighshire, LL20 8SN Programme designed and produced by Peter Dickinson with test based on previous gala editions.

3 Autumn Steam Gala 2 nd, 3 rd & 4 th September 2016 Event Guide CONTENTS Stepping Back in time 4 Locomotives 5 Photography & Locations 7 Along the Line 9 Cameos & Evening Trains 10 Fun Quiz 11 Timetables 12 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. VOLUNTEER SUPPORT GROUPS The Railway is operated mainly by volunteers. The Llangollen Railway Trust welcomes both active and armchair members to support the line. Benefits of membership include travel concessions and a regular news magazine Steam at Llangollen. Shares in the Llangollen Railway PLC can also be bought. The majority of the railway s historic locomotives and railcar fleet have their own dedicated supporting groups, including: Foxcote Manor Society; The 5199 Project; Llangollen Railway GWR Locomotive Group, Steam Locomotive Company; Llangollen Railcar Group and Llangollen Diesel Group. SOME USEFUL POSTCODES Market Street Car Park, Llangollen (Pay & Display): LL20 8PS Mill Street Car Park, Llangollen (Pay & Display): LL20 8RQ Royal International Pavilion, Llangollen (Pay & Display): LL20 8SW Carrog Station (Free but limited parking): LL21 9BD Green Lane Car Park, Corwen (Pay & Display): LL21 0DN

4 Steaming back in time A journey on board the Llangollen Railway is a trip back into a golden age of railway travel. The line has a rich history dating back to 1865 when it was constructed as part of cross-country route linking Ruabon with the Welsh coastal resort of Barmouth. The coming of the railway revolutionised the rural communities across North Wales; bringing in tourists and holiday-makers, whilst transporting goods, livestock and raw materials out to the rest of the country. The Great Western Railway described a journey as a paradise for artists and fishermen and a country rich in mountain streams, wild woods and wide far views, unbeaten in any part of Wales. However as transport links improved, both people and industry were no longer reliant on the railway and sadly the line closed completely in the 1960s. In the 1970s a group of enthusiasts set out to restore the 10 mile stretch of line between the towns of Llangollen and Corwen. In March 2014 steam hauled trains reached Corwen from Llangollen once again and work is now underway to complete the new Corwen Central station. So let the train take the strain and embark on a journey back in time along the scenic Dee Valley.

5 Locomotives The Llangollen Railway s 2016 Autumn Steam Gala aims to transport you back to the 1950s, with all the sights and sounds of the nationalised railways in North-East Wales. Alongside our resident fleet of historic steam locomotives, we are delighted to have a very special guests which will be in use over the three day event. Visiting Steam Locomotive L&YR Class No. (Courtesy of Andy Booth, ELR and the RSR) Former Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway No.1300 was built at Horwich Works in 1896 to a design that became the L&YR s standard goods locomotive. Ultimately 484 members of the class were built between 1889 and 1918 and it was a tribute to the soundness, usefulness and simple practicality of the design that around 50 members of the class were still operating in the summer of 1960 under British Railways. No is the only surviving member of the class, having been withdrawn from active service in The locomotive is currently in its London Midland and Scottish Railway guise as No., as it appeared between the 1920s and late 1940s. When the railways were nationalised in 1948, many locomotives did not receive their new British Railways livery for many months and in some cases even years. Indeed a former GWR Pannier tank locomotive (No.7428) could be regularly seen around Bala and Blaenau Ffestiniog seen in GWR livery. The A Class locomotives were designated as Power Class 3F whilst under LMS and BR ownership. Although it is unclear whether No.1300 ever operated in North-East Wales, similar 3F tender locomotives of Midland, LNWR and LMS origins were regular sights in and around Corwen during steam days, working services over the now closed line from Ruthin and Denbigh. Resplendent in LMS black livery, No. is making a special guest appearance for this gala and is pictured at her usual base on the East Lancashire Railway (Matthew Collier) Our Resident Fleet BR No.7822 Foxcote Manor No.7822 is a Manor class locomotive, designed by Charles Collett of the GWR and built by British Railways at Swindon Works in No.7822 was initially shedded at Oswestry, a large railway hub of the time, and the former HQ of the Cambrian Railways. From there the Manors hauled passenger and freight trains to places such as Whitchurch, through Ellesmere, Shrewsbury, Aberystwyth and Barmouth on local and express work. No.7822 was also shedded at Chester briefly and at Shrewsbury for her final years in mainline service. Foxcote Manor saw a variety of services in her 15 year mainline life, from double headed Manors on the Cambrian lines or the Cambrian Coast Express as well as frequently working 2 or 3 coaches with a goods or milk wagons attached to the rear around Salop in the latter days of steam. The loco also hauled the Royal Train in Following withdrawal in 1965, the loco languished in a South Wales scrapyard until being purchased for preservation by the Foxcote Manor Society in No.7822 has just undergone a major overhaul and is hoped to be in traffic during the gala.

6 BR Standard No departs from the line s headquarters of Llangollen with a Corwen bound train GWR 5101 class 2-6-2T No.5199 No was one of a class of 209 Large Prairie locomotives built primarily for suburban and local passenger services all over the Great Western Railway system. Prairie refers to the locomotive s wheel arrangement, with two leading wheels, six coupled driving wheels and two trailing wheels. No was built at Swindon in 1934 and spent most of her GWR and BR working life based at several sheds, primarily around the Birmingham area. Following withdrawal from Gloucester Horton Road shed in March 1963 and languishing in a South Wales scrapyard for nearly two decades, No.5199 was purchased for preservation in 1985 and moved to the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway. Extensive restoration back to operational condition was undertaken at Llangollen and Long Marston by the locomotive s owners, the 5199 Project Group. GWR 64xx class 0-6-0PT No. Pannier Tank No. was built by the Great Western Railway at Swindon Works in It was one of a class of 40 locomotives built for use on auto train and light passenger workings. The class was auto-fitted, meaning that they were equipped with the remote control equipment needed for working auto trains. The small wheels of the 64XXs made them particularly suited for working in hillier locations. By 1948, No. was allocated to Pontypool Road depot in South Wales, before moving to Ebbw Junction and then Severn Tunnel Junction sheds. By the early 1960s, No. was busy working branch line services in South-West England, becoming a regular on the old Tavistock South branch line and would often run with two autocoaches. No. also worked for a spell alongside classmate No.6400 on the Yeovil Town to Yeovil Junction shuttles; one of the last steam push-pull services in the country. BR Standard 4MT class 2-6-4T No No was built by British Railways at Brighton in It was one of a class of 155 tank locomotives built to a Standard design for use on commuter and secondary services. The Standard 4 tanks were originally allocated to all regions of British Railways, except the Western. However, in later years the class became synonymous with the Cambrian routes and were regular performers over the Ruabon to Barmouth line. No featured in the opening scenes of the short documentary film Snow in 1963, which showed the efforts of British Railways staff in coping with the winter of Appropriately enough, the locomotive was filmed arriving at Drwsy-nant station on the Ruabon to Barmouth line, between Bala and Dolgellau.

7 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 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 Llangollen Goods Junction (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. 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 doubletrack 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

8 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 ) The main passing point on the Llangollen Railway, the idyllic halfway station of Glyndyfrdwy reopened in 1992 as the then terminus of the restored railway from Llangollen, becoming an intermediate station in 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. Concrete Road (OS Grid Ref: SJ ) 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 17 th 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. Corwen East (OS Grid Ref: SJ ) The railway officially reopened to the temporary station at Corwen East on 1 st 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. An occupation crossing approximately 1/2m mile west of Glyndyfrdwy station offers an interesting vantage point from which to photograph trains

9 Along the Line LLANGOLLEN: Llangollen station, situated in the angle between the medieval bridge and the River Dee, is the main headquarters of the railway. Station facilities include: The Station Café Bar Souvenir Shop Locomotive Shed and Workshops will be open for viewing, where we are building new steam locomotives, including No The Unknown Warrior, No.4709, No Spirit of Sandringham and No.6880 Betton Grange as well as carrying out overhauls. Disabled toilets on platform 1 Baby changing facilities on platform 1 BERWYN: Located within the Dee Gorge, this idyllic wayside station has been restored back to its 1930s Great Western Railway appearance. Station facilities include: Station tea room and toilets Walk across the oldest chain link bridge in the World Riverside walks to Horseshoe Falls Foxcote Manor Society fundraising stall GLYNDYFRDWY: The halfway station and main passing point on the line, complete with its traditional level crossing. Station facilities include: Station refreshment room and toilets The Cambrian Bar Station Shop on platform, selling second hand books, railwayana, pictures, prints & DVDs Preserved Barmouth South signal box open to the public CARROG: An idyllic country station lovingly restored to its 1950s BR Western Region appearance. Station facilities include: Station refreshment room and toilets Carriage shops selling second-hand books, railwayana, pictures & DVDs Free Car Parking Miniature railway alongside the cattle dock (weather permitting) CORWEN EAST: The latest addition to the Llangollen Railway serving the picturesque market town of Corwen, at the foot of the Berwyn Mountains. Large Car Parking available adjacent to station. Corwen Museum open to the public (5 10 min walk). Free entry.

10 Cameos & Evening Trains Loco Allocation Changes On Sunday 4 th September, there will be two locomotive allocation changes effecting services between Llangollen and Corwen. Agreement has been reached with British Railways (Western Region) for the loan of ex-gwr Manor No.7811 Dunley Manor and ex-somerset & Dorset stalwart BR Standard 4MT No These changes will only be for the Sunday, with No.7822 Foxcote Manor and BR Standard No returning to their allocated duties after this date. The appearance of No is particularly poignant as 2016 marks 50 years since the closure of the much lamented Somerset & Dorset route between Bath Green Park and Bournemouth, Demonstration Goods Each day at Berwyn station, the local stopping service at p.m. and 2.02 p.m. will be handling light goods traffic of milk, perishables, luggage and parcels. Common destinations for the traffic include Cuthberts seeds to Birkenhead (Morpeth) Docks, parcels to Wolverhampton (Low Level), Salop and Penrhyndeudraeth, milk traffic for Wrexham General and suitcases from Vivod Hall to Birmingham Snow Hill. Look out for Walter the prized racing pigeon from Llantysilio Hall will be conveyed to Eastbourne for the world-renowned Pigeon Race over to France. Evening Services & Real Ale On Friday and Saturday evenings, real ale trains will be in operation between Llangollen and Glyndyfrdwy. The Cambrian Bar inside Glyndyfrdwy station will be open, serving a wide selection of ales and beers. A buffet car will also be open on board the train. The booked motive power will be in the form of 1950-built BR Manor No Foxcote Manor, hauling a rake of BR Mark 1 type carriages. TIMETABLE p.m. p.m. Llangollen dep Berwyn....dep Glyndyfrdwy...arr Glyndyfrdwy...dep Berwyn.dep Llangollen arr Platform 2 at Carrog Arrangements have been made for the waiting room on platform at Carrog to be open during the Autumn Steam Gala. Inside, a number of historic artefacts are on display relating to the Ruabon to Barmouth line.

11 Fun Quiz 1. How many L s are there in LLANGOLLEN? 2. Station cats were once a common feature on the railways. How many station cats reside at Berwyn station? 3. How many wheels are on our steam locomotive 5199? 4. How many lamp posts are there on the platform at Carrog? 5. What is the name of the river that the railway follows? 6. How many tunnels are there on the line? 7. Name six animals you can see from the train on your journey? 8. How many signal boxes are there on the Llangollen Railway? 9. Where is the only gated road crossing on the railway? 10. What is the number of the blue diesel shunter at Carrog? MINIATURE RAILWAY RIDES Experience steam engines both little and large at Carrog. The station s miniature steam railway will be in regular operation throughout the gala (weather permitting).

12 Friday 2 nd September Demonstration goods loading & unloading will be taking place at Berwyn on p.m. and 2.02 p.m. on each day throughout the gala. Loco from Llan: Set: Auto Headboard: S A Auto F B Auto S F A Auto B S F A a. m. a. m. a. m. a. m. a. m. a. m. p. m. p. m. p. m. p. m. p. m.. p. m. p. m. p. m. p. m. Llangollen dep Berwyn dep Glyndyfrdwy dep Carrog dep Corwen East arr dep Carrog arr Loco: Carrog dep Glyndyfrdwy dep 10t t t Berwyn dep Llangollen arr For details about the Evening Real Ale Trains in operation, see page 10. A British Railways Mark 1 rake including buffet car Auto British Railways liveried steam auto-train (limited passenger accommodation is available) B British Railways Mark 1 rake F Demonstration freight train S British Railways Suburban rake t Terminates here.

13 Saturday 3 rd September Loco from Llan: Set: Auto Headboard: S A Auto F B Auto S F A Auto B S F A a. m. a. m. a. m. a. m. a. m. a. m. p. m. p. m. p. m. p. m. p. m.. p. m. p. m. p. m. p. m. Llangollen dep Berwyn dep Glyndyfrdwy dep Carrog dep Corwen East arr dep Carrog arr Loco: Carrog dep Glyndyfrdwy dep 10t t t Berwyn dep Llangollen arr For details about the Evening Real Ale Trains in operation, see page 10. A British Railways Mark 1 rake including buffet car Auto British Railways liveried steam auto-train (limited passenger accommodation is available) B British Railways Mark 1 rake F Demonstration freight train S British Railways Suburban rake t Terminates here.

14 Sunday 4 th September Locomotive Allocation Changes No and No Dunley Manor will be in operation on services today. Loco from Llan: Set: Headboard: Auto S TRPS a. m. A Auto F B a. m. a. m. a. m. a. m. a. m. p. m. p. m. p. m. p. m. p. m.. p. m. p. m. p. m. p. m. Llangollen dep Berwyn dep Glyndyfrdwy dep Carrog dep arr Corwen East dep Carrog arr Auto Loco: Carrog dep Glyndyfrdwy dep 10t t t Berwyn dep Llangollen arr S F A Auto B S F A Disclaimer: Whilst every effort will be made to maintain services, the Llangollen Railway does not guarantee that trains will depart or arrive at the times stated, and some advertised connections may not be met. The LR reserves the right to alter or suspend any train service without notice. No liability for any loss, inconvenience or delay can be accepted. For operational reasons it may be necessary to substitute locomotives scheduled in our timetable. All locomotives are subject to availability.

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