Colin Churcher 2020

  Crossing collision at Cyfronydd The crossing at Cyfronydd has been the scene of a couple of collisions even though the trains are running very slowly indeed.  I decided to spend a day here to evaluate the crossing, paying particular attention to vehicle driver behaviour. I arrived before the passage of the first train and made myself at home with  some cows in an adjacent field and a robin who ignored me in its search for worms and caterpillars.  There were two locomotives operating that day so there was plenty to look forward to. Looking towards the station from the highway across the cattle guard A mirrow has been placed to warn of the approach of trains Joan is making towards Llanfair The Earl is going towards Llanfair. Train speed over the crossing is 5mph. A Welshpool train coming up the hill towards the crossing Crossing at Cyfronydd Exchanging tokens at Cyfronydd It was an interesting day and I took the last train back to Llanfair to get my ride back to Shrewsbury. .

The Welshgpool and Llanfair Railway was a part of the Great Western Railway as indicated by the decorations on one of the heritage coaches. Another example of GWR heritage is the brass safety valve cover and copper capped stack/chimney on The Earl Having had some 25,000 public and another 25,000 private crossings while in Transport Canada, it was agreed that I would carry out a crossing inspection of the entire Welshpool and Llanfair line. I walked most of the 8 miles but also did some observations from the rear of the trains. The 2' 3" gauge  Welshpool and Llanfair was  built to serve the farming community. It never served the quarrying or mining communities of most Welsh narrow gauge lines. My work was an excellent opportunity to enjoy the countryside of Mid-Wales. The rear platform was an excellent opportunity to view crossings at slow speed   An excellent set of automatic gates and signals at Castel Caereinion The cattle guards were in good condition Approaching the grade

The headquarters of the line are at Llanfair Caereirion We left you at Welshpool where the Earl was taking water Before leaving Welahpool, another shot of the Countess, my favorite. View from the front car as we set off Arrival at Llanfair where the office is on the right hand side Station building A curious Victorian post box in the station building. Curious because the railway commenced operation after the passing of the Victorian era. Llanfair signal box with a well locked lever frame The Earl at Llanfair This beautiful coal wagon has just been completed from scratch by a volunteer.  He has dared management to even think about dirtying it up by carrying coal in it. There is an excellent cafe at the station but the Goat Hotel is available if you wish for a pint in pleasant surroundings  The Goat Hotel bar. Back at the station there is always something of interest At Gala time Llanfair can become very busy Paul has been given the privilege of a footplate ride Backhead of Countess Our

  The Countess coming into the platform at Welshpool The Welshpool and Llanfair Railway runs westwards from Welshpool At one time the railway originated at the Great Western station but the heritage railway starts at Raven Square because the town did not want trains running through it. This picture was taken in March 1966 when the rails still ran into the former GWR yard The Countess, one of the original W&Ll locomotives, is frequently photographed at the Welshpool water tank. This is original rail - the line was opened in 1902. This is Momarch - a visitor for the popular W&L Galas The Count is the other original W&L locomotive.  It is currently away at Aberystwyth receiving a thorough overhaul. This is Joan, now owned by the W&L. A demonstration goods (freight) train in the siding at Welshpool The Fish and Chip trains are very popular and usually sold out There is a steep grade out of Welshpool which can be tricky if the locomotive has been standing for some time. Here