Vale of Rheidol Railway

The Vale of Rheidol Railway is unique, in that it remained in the hands of British Rail, for many years after they had abandoned their other narrow gauge and branch lines. Certainly it was still run by BR staff, when we visited it back in 1988. It is a sad fact, that back in 1986, an MP, trying to be helpful had asked a question in the House of Commons, regarding extra funding for the line, which in fact enlightened the Government to it's actual existence! They then went on to put it up for sale, as they thought, probably quite rightly, that Central Government had no place in running what was in fact a tourist facility. Luckily it was taken over by the Brecon Mountain Railway Company Ltd. in 1989 as a going concern, and they have subsequently instigated a series of improvements in the quality, look and safety of the line and it's rolling stock.

The line opened for public use in 1902, and was intended from the outset as a general goods and passenger service, with particular emphasis on the traffic from the lead mines. The early, rapid decline in the latter, was partly offset by the wood trade, with the need for pit props in the First World War. However, the last goods service was officially withdrawn in 1928, leaving passengers, even then mainly tourists, as the main reason for it's existence. Indeed it is a very picturesque route, climbing rapidly up the South side of the Rheidol river valley, via the Rheidol Falls and terminating at Devil's Bridge, a favourite tourist spot, with it's falls and fascinating triple bridge.

Great Western Railway Number 8, the engine pulling the train, on the day of our visit, at the terminus, Devil's Bridge station.

Rheidol view

Number 8 in full steam, on the way back down to Aberystwyth.

Prince of Wales

Number 9, the Prince of Wales, the other engine in steam, at the end of the day before entering the Engine sheds, which are behind Aberystwyth Station.

The Prince of Wales being pushed into the engine sheds by, the diesel, Number 10.