Appeals Past & Present

Sylfaen Bank Relay

The track on Sylfaen bank, from Sylfaen Halt over the summit towards Golfa, was relaid by the GWR in the 1920s with rail transferred from the Tanat Valley Railway. Although this length was resleepered during preservation, it was time for it to be relaid with heavier section rail. Other work would include fettling the drainage and reballasting. The cost of materials had risen dramatically since the last trackwork and it was necessary to top up the funds with an appeal to members.

Status, March 2010:

Work commenced in Nov 2009 with the old track being removed and the track bed cleared. In the process it was found necessary to renew a culvert just on the east side of the summit. New Year brought snow but, when possible, work continued with the relaying, providing a chilly antidote to seasonal excess. In early Feb, the new track was approaching the private crossing by Lower Sylfaen Farm, and the two new occupation crossings were being constructed. Rails were rejoined in March in time for the 2010 season.

Images: B Webber, A Charman, K Heywood

W&LLR No.12 'Joan'

No.12 'Joan' (Kerr Stuart No.4404, 1927) lay out of service in the headshunt at Llanfair for some years, awaiting her turn in the workshop. Although not as capable a loco as the original Beyer Peacocks, once restored Joan will be a useful loco, able to handle all but the heaviest trains. Work includes a new boiler with Lempor exhaust in a dummy balloon chimney. The boiler will have a smaller firebox, allowing more space on the footplate.

Status, July 2010:

The frames and wheelsets werereunited in Feb '10. The new boiler was delivered from Israel Newton's in mid-May and the new tanks later in the summer - she's beginning to look like a loco again! It is hoped to have 'Joan' in light steam at the 2010 Gala.

Images: B Webber, G Gauntlett, A Charman, W&LLR collection