A really excellent cab view video. I'm pleased to see the line in such lovely condition - it's always been a most charming little railway - a real credit to its volunteers and supporters.
Wow if I remember rightly the station at Welshpool never use to look like this in the mid 70s, as I use to ride on this mist weekends that I was down at the caravan with my grandparents at Dolgead hall which as also altered since I was last there in 1980, wonderful day trips on the light railway as it was called back then
Passenger services to Welshpool resumed in 1981 and the station building, dating from 1863, was relocated from Eardisley in Herefordshire and opened in 1992. [TA]
Thank you for a very nice video 👍 ! More of a bufferbeam view and that's even better. Last time I was at Tanllann it was a field where the PW department grew standard gauge sleepers, to be sawn in half by the likes of me.
Thank you very much for this fine video. I do like also the given informations about gradients and the allowed speed. I had been on the W&L trains several times, so your video is a good addition. Best wishes Dirk
Thanks Dirk. The gradients are as shown on the official 'as built' gradient profile, though if you ask anyone who has worked the line they may beg to differ in some places! [TA]
A wonderful trip down memory lane for this now 80 year old ex Kirkbymoorside, North Yorkshire town. Our station was closed during the Beecham, money saving administration, but my memories remain to this day, rekindled by this incredible Welsh railway documentary.
This is great. I went on this railway in 1979, as part of a cycle trip qwith my Father. We stopped off at Llanfair Caereinion at a farmer's field for three days and took a trip on the line on the second day. It hadn't been extended at that time and we only travelled for a shorter run than this. But it was great, and I intend to come back soon.
The line used to finish at Castle Caerinion just before the 1in 29 descent towards Welshpool . I must admit the journey after leaving Welshpool climbing up the Golfa Bank, especially from the Verander on the first coach . You can see all that the crew have to do to get to the summit at Castle Caerinion . BTW locomotives No’s 1 & 2make the best fist of the job , well , they were built for the line back in 1902.
That was fantastic footage and all the little extras throughout really finished it off. The railway has long been my fav since a child and I loved watching this. Thank you 🙂
@@WelshpoolSteam I calculated something like that. In Sweden we count vertical meters per 1 km, per 1000 meters. Not percent but promille. One railroad as an average of 10 per 1000 on a distance of 15 km. I guess the heaviest pieces are like they are on the railroad in the video.
We've made this journey so many times I can't count, but it never gets old. I enjoyed every minute on our 65" TV - almost like being there! Thank you, a million times.
Thank you for your encouraging comment. For those of us who work the line every trip is different and the charm of the W&LLR keeps us coming back. [TA]
Thank you for uploading this lovely video I enjoyed it immensely. What a beautiful part of the world this is I have placed the railway on my list of places to visit this year. It also prompted me to look at the history of the line and its subsequent preservation, very interesting. Thank goodness some far sighted people 60 years ago decided to restore and reopen the line.
Thank you for your comment. The story of the railway's preservation is a tribute to the vision, commitment and creativity of some remarkable people all those years ago and we're delighted to be celebrating 60 years of preservation this year (2023). We look forward to welcoming you when you come and visit us. [TA]
Great video. My first ride on this line was in the very early 1970s and it is probably what prompted me to visit Austria for the first time in 1981 to experience the OBB class 298 tank locos . Visited many times since including 2022 to sample ZB2 Please keep up your fantastic work and maybe in the distant future you could acquire an OBB class 2095 diesel. That would be very useful loco.
Hi Phil - a 2095 diesel could be useful, but we've got the Alishan Forest Railway diesel DL-34 arriving this season which will be a big help. Watch out for more news of this soon. [TA]
What a great video! It not only clearly shows the speed and slope, but also introduces interesting scenic spots, which is very helpful for us to know the scenery along your railway line.
Excellent video with the useful addition of gradients, which gives a good idea how steam crews must have to be on the ball with lots of ups and downs.. The standard of track maintenance is something the W&LLR can be justly proud of, I made a return trip on the line before the pandemic and was impressed by the smooth ride.
The line has been called 'the mid-Wales roller coaster'! Thank you for your kind comments about the standard of our track. Our almost entirely volunteer track gang, led by one of our staff, are out every week keeping it all in fine fettle. [TA]
Very nice video, 25 years odd since I last fired on the line, The Llanfair- Welshpool direction was always the tricky one to get right as with the checking behind and flagging the crossings , you had less time to keep the fire right. The other way was a doddle 20 mins to get a perfect fire whilst siping tea at Welshpool and then just managing the injector up the bank. Always interesting to see how much coal was need to fill up back at the yard. Do still use those forked shovels and big buckets ?
Hi James - your description is still pretty much how it is, though with different types of coal or coal substitute recently it's had its challenges for crews sometimes. And yes, we're still using the 'potato forks' to shovel coal into the coaling buckets. [TA]
Cool video of the narrow gage track and country side. One question tho, I've always wondered why the UK used such whimpy whistle on their steam loco's?? I mean dang, you hear a Steam Loco's whistle in America, like on a Big Boy or even a Shay or Heisler, you HEAR a whistle. They echo off hollows and hills for miles. Oh well, just wondering.
Hi Michael - the loco on this trip is from Austria and has a characteristic central European whistle. Most days you can hear our locos whistle a mile or more away long before you can see them. All part of the charm of this line, embedded in its rural landscape. But yes, US chime whistles really are something! [TA]
Really worried about the train running over completely unsupported tracks near Mill Curves! The track bed seems to have been washed away in several places.
The line round Mill Curves (and in some other places) runs over small girder bridges. Because the supporting girders are directly below the rails it can look like you're leaping across a gap but be reassured, the rails are very well supported and can carry the weight of the heaviest locos to work the line. [TA]
This is one of several small under-bridges on the line where the rails are laid directly above substantial girders that span the gap. The girders aren't easily visible because they're below the rail. The steel stretchers you can see, looking like thin metal sleepers, are clamped to the girders and the rail fixings are bolted to these to hold the rails.
Hi Ray - this was filmed from our visiting steam loco, ZB2 'Zillertal' from the Zillertalbahn in Austria. The loco passing us at Cyfronydd is The Earl (one of our two original locomotives) which returned from a major overhaul in 2021 in GWR green livery. Countess is currently out of service following expiry of its boiler ticket and on display in Welshpool. [TA]
@@WelshpoolSteam Thanks.happy days indeed,up to the Black lion in the village for our evening meal and a few pints.Most of the crowd from then have now passed on,i think there`s only two of us from that original crowd.
Thanks for the complement Gerald. Our track gang is out at least once a week (in all weathers!) looking after our line and the result is a very good and comfortable ride. [TA]
As a member of the Signalling Record Society I am intrigued by the unusual signalling on the line. Is the "Limit of shunt" signal going to be restored by the workshops, it only seems to be missing an arm ? Also why is there the absence of an entry gantry into Welshpool and fixed distants for the passing places and both Llanfair and Welshpool ? It's a delightful well maintained line, but I would like to see some inprovements to the signalling arrangements, however I'm sure finance is the issue ! Best wishes to all who contribute to the running of the line, long may it continue. John Wickens, Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Hi John - the signalling on the line exceeds the requirements of the original light railway order in that there were no signals until Castle loop was equipped for passing trains in 1909, these signals being removed in 1931. Due to the low train speeds and more than adequate signal sight lines fixed distants are not required. The current signalling arrangements meet our operating needs and the requirements of the ORR and so far as possible with regard to safety we aspire to preserve the light railway ambience which is part of our heritage and educational remit. [TA]
Thanks for the question. T marks the end of the temporary speed restriction, the start being indicated by the yellow speed limit sign. So T is where the speed limit Terminates. [TA]
A really excellent cab view video. I'm pleased to see the line in such lovely condition - it's always been a most charming little railway - a real credit to its volunteers and supporters.
Thank you for the kind comment. Our track gang and fence2fence teams work hard year round to keep the line looking good. [TA]
I am no Train enthusiast, but, what a wonderful film, thoroughly enjoyed, thank you.
Changed a bit since i was a volunteer in the mid 70s,early 80s!.
Excellent - thankyou. I'm pleased to be a member and supporter of this railway, although due to health issues, I haven't taken a trip since 1983!
Another Welsh narrow gauge jewel, absolutely fantastic! Many thanks for sharing this video!
3:08 Great to see the line again. Thanks for the posting.
Thanks Carol - very familiar territory! [TA]
Wow if I remember rightly the station at Welshpool never use to look like this in the mid 70s, as I use to ride on this mist weekends that I was down at the caravan with my grandparents at Dolgead hall which as also altered since I was last there in 1980, wonderful day trips on the light railway as it was called back then
Passenger services to Welshpool resumed in 1981 and the station building, dating from 1863, was relocated from Eardisley in Herefordshire and opened in 1992. [TA]
Thanks for sharing. Greetings from Australia.
Hi Richard - thank you for dropping by and greetings from mid-Wales!
Thank you for a very nice video 👍 ! More of a bufferbeam view and that's even better. Last time I was at Tanllann it was a field where the PW department grew standard gauge sleepers, to be sawn in half by the likes of me.
We've come a long way! Every volunteer, past and present, is part of the W&LLR story.
wonderful video full of interest
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for an excellent presentation. Thanks for posting it. 🐨🇦🇺
Thank you very much for this fine video.
I do like also the given informations about gradients and the allowed speed.
I had been on the W&L trains several times, so your video is a good addition.
Best wishes
Dirk
Thanks Dirk. The gradients are as shown on the official 'as built' gradient profile, though if you ask anyone who has worked the line they may beg to differ in some places! [TA]
A scenic tour today. Enjoyed it! See you on the next! 🇬🇧🙂👍🇺🇸
A wonderful trip down memory lane for this now 80 year old ex Kirkbymoorside, North Yorkshire town. Our station was closed during the Beecham, money saving administration, but my memories remain to this day, rekindled by this incredible Welsh railway documentary.
A very nice video. Travelled on the road many times to and Barmouth but never been on the train must do one time. Thanks again.
This is great. I went on this railway in 1979, as part of a cycle trip qwith my Father. We stopped off at Llanfair Caereinion at a farmer's field for three days and took a trip on the line on the second day. It hadn't been extended at that time and we only travelled for a shorter run than this. But it was great, and I intend to come back soon.
The line used to finish at Castle Caerinion just before the 1in 29 descent towards Welshpool . I must admit the journey after leaving Welshpool climbing up the Golfa Bank, especially from the Verander on the first coach . You can see all that the crew have to do to get to the summit at Castle Caerinion . BTW locomotives No’s 1 & 2make the best fist of the job , well , they were built for the line back in 1902.
That was fantastic footage and all the little extras throughout really finished it off. The railway has long been my fav since a child and I loved watching this. Thank you 🙂
Thanks Mike; we couldn't resist adding a few 'then and now' moments to show how it's developed. Sixty years of preservation this year 🎉
Thank you for a great ride, I've travelled the line many times but never like that. The video will be a great help with my model of the line
Thanks Terry. We hadn't thought about it from the modeller's perspective so are glad it helps.
I really enjoyed watching that. Thank you!!
Great video, thanks for all the added info and especially the old photos. God bless
Thank you Darren.
Very nice and very good video. Tom from Hungary.
Hi Tom - thanks for watching and best wishes from beautiful mid-Wales. [TA]
That was a perfect video. Thank you very much.
Nice touch putting gradients and speed limits in as well as the other information wish more did it
Thanks Tim - the line has so many stories to tell so we couldn't resist adding a few in here. The will be some more on the return trip, coming soon.
Thanks for posting this. A really nice looking line.
Showing the slope is much appreciated. It's quite a lot now and then.
Yes! In metric we have 1.6km of 3.4% climbing from Welshpool and many other sections at 3%.
@@WelshpoolSteam I calculated something like that. In Sweden we count vertical meters per 1 km, per 1000 meters. Not percent but promille. One railroad as an average of 10 per 1000 on a distance of 15 km. I guess the heaviest pieces are like they are on the railroad in the video.
That was epic, thank you so much for bringing to us. Have never done it yet but your vid certainly got me interested again!
Fantastic
Thank you Jennifer. [TA]
We've made this journey so many times I can't count, but it never gets old. I enjoyed every minute on our 65" TV - almost like being there! Thank you, a million times.
Thank you for your encouraging comment. For those of us who work the line every trip is different and the charm of the W&LLR keeps us coming back. [TA]
I have done the trip , but lovely to see what all the features along the way are .😍😍best wishes from Pembs .
Thank you for uploading this lovely video I enjoyed it immensely.
What a beautiful part of the world this is I have placed the railway on my list of places to visit this year. It also prompted me to look at the history of the line and its subsequent preservation, very interesting. Thank goodness some far sighted people 60 years ago decided to restore and reopen the line.
Thank you for your comment. The story of the railway's preservation is a tribute to the vision, commitment and creativity of some remarkable people all those years ago and we're delighted to be celebrating 60 years of preservation this year (2023). We look forward to welcoming you when you come and visit us. [TA]
Great video. Wonderful scenery. Happy memories of numerous journeys on the train over the years. Keep up the great work👍👍.
Thank you Trevor. We're looking forward to the 2023 season. [TA]
That was fantastic. Thanks for sharing Cheers 👍
excellent.
Live in Oswestry and I'm determined to ride this one day
Hadn't ever realised how long the ride was, definitely one to try
We look forward to seeing you, maybe sometime this year?
Welshpool and Llanfair is on my To-do list, although I have been stopped at Castle Ceirenion crossing several times!
Wonderful 👍
Nice video 😃
Love this ride, nice countryside !
The best way to see beautiful mid-Wales 👍🏻 [TA]
Great video. My first ride on this line was in the very early 1970s and it is probably what prompted me to visit Austria for the first time in 1981 to experience the OBB class 298 tank locos .
Visited many times since including 2022 to sample ZB2
Please keep up your fantastic work and maybe in the distant future you could acquire an OBB class 2095 diesel. That would be very useful loco.
Hi Phil - a 2095 diesel could be useful, but we've got the Alishan Forest Railway diesel DL-34 arriving this season which will be a big help. Watch out for more news of this soon. [TA]
good video
First time I've gone this way and not driven on the adjacent road to and from Tywyn, rather different this way!
What a great video! It not only clearly shows the speed and slope, but also introduces interesting scenic spots, which is very helpful for us to know the scenery along your railway line.
Greetings AFR! We're glad to be able to share our 13km of beautiful mid-Wales with you where your visitor, DL-34, will soon be feeling at home. [TA]
bet loco works hard going home
It's a stiff climb out of Welshpool! The return trip will be posted here soon.
Excellent video with the useful addition of gradients, which gives a good idea how steam crews must have to be on the ball with lots of ups and downs..
The standard of track maintenance is something the W&LLR can be justly proud of, I made a return trip on the line before the pandemic and was impressed
by the smooth ride.
The line has been called 'the mid-Wales roller coaster'! Thank you for your kind comments about the standard of our track. Our almost entirely volunteer track gang, led by one of our staff, are out every week keeping it all in fine fettle. [TA]
At 16:35 it can be seen a carriage is from the Magyar Államvasutak
Yes, we have two ex-MAV carriages, Cax 418 & 430 which have been in service here since c.2003 [TA]
Very nice video, 25 years odd since I last fired on the line, The Llanfair- Welshpool direction was always the tricky one to get right as with the checking behind and flagging the crossings , you had less time to keep the fire right. The other way was a doddle 20 mins to get a perfect fire whilst siping tea at Welshpool and then just managing the injector up the bank. Always interesting to see how much coal was need to fill up back at the yard. Do still use those forked shovels and big buckets ?
Hi James - your description is still pretty much how it is, though with different types of coal or coal substitute recently it's had its challenges for crews sometimes. And yes, we're still using the 'potato forks' to shovel coal into the coaling buckets. [TA]
Cool video of the narrow gage track and country side. One question tho, I've always wondered why the UK used such whimpy whistle on their steam loco's?? I mean dang, you hear a Steam Loco's whistle in America, like on a Big Boy or even a Shay or Heisler, you HEAR a whistle. They echo off hollows and hills for miles. Oh well, just wondering.
Hi Michael - the loco on this trip is from Austria and has a characteristic central European whistle. Most days you can hear our locos whistle a mile or more away long before you can see them. All part of the charm of this line, embedded in its rural landscape. But yes, US chime whistles really are something! [TA]
One day I will. Driven past many a time on the way to Cors Dyfi or Borth
Could've been interesting, 16:00, points set for a head-on! You need to spring-load them.
Really worried about the train running over completely unsupported tracks near Mill Curves! The track bed seems to have been washed away in several places.
The line round Mill Curves (and in some other places) runs over small girder bridges. Because the supporting girders are directly below the rails it can look like you're leaping across a gap but be reassured, the rails are very well supported and can carry the weight of the heaviest locos to work the line. [TA]
Worrying gap ay 5:37 - hopeit's been strengthened since.
This is one of several small under-bridges on the line where the rails are laid directly above substantial girders that span the gap. The girders aren't easily visible because they're below the rail. The steel stretchers you can see, looking like thin metal sleepers, are clamped to the girders and the rail fixings are bolted to these to hold the rails.
39:56 rip them birds 💀💀
Ha! They always seem to get away just in time; at least, I've never seen any sad remains on the line on the way back. [TA]
Which locomotive is this,i did a bit of work on the Countess in the workshop at Llanfair in the late 1970s.
Hi Ray - this was filmed from our visiting steam loco, ZB2 'Zillertal' from the Zillertalbahn in Austria. The loco passing us at Cyfronydd is The Earl (one of our two original locomotives) which returned from a major overhaul in 2021 in GWR green livery. Countess is currently out of service following expiry of its boiler ticket and on display in Welshpool. [TA]
@@WelshpoolSteam Thanks.happy days indeed,up to the Black lion in the village for our evening meal and a few pints.Most of the crowd from then have now passed on,i think there`s only two of us from that original crowd.
There's no obvious rocking and rolling. It looks as though the track is in first class condition.
Thanks for the complement Gerald. Our track gang is out at least once a week (in all weathers!) looking after our line and the result is a very good and comfortable ride. [TA]
As a member of the Signalling Record Society I am intrigued by the unusual signalling on the line. Is the "Limit of shunt" signal going to be restored by the workshops, it only seems to be missing an arm ? Also why is there the absence of an entry gantry into Welshpool and fixed distants for the passing places and both Llanfair and Welshpool ? It's a delightful well maintained line, but I would like to see some inprovements to the signalling arrangements, however I'm sure finance is the issue ! Best wishes to all who contribute to the running of the line, long may it continue. John Wickens, Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Hi John - the signalling on the line exceeds the requirements of the original light railway order in that there were no signals until Castle loop was equipped for passing trains in 1909, these signals being removed in 1931. Due to the low train speeds and more than adequate signal sight lines fixed distants are not required. The current signalling arrangements meet our operating needs and the requirements of the ORR and so far as possible with regard to safety we aspire to preserve the light railway ambience which is part of our heritage and educational remit. [TA]
🇮🇳💐🍁🥰🥰👌🍁💐🇮🇳
🚂😀👍🏻
what does the t sign mean
Thanks for the question. T marks the end of the temporary speed restriction, the start being indicated by the yellow speed limit sign. So T is where the speed limit Terminates. [TA]