Virtual Railfan Tour - Welshpool and Llanfair Railway - Crossing Inspections

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 at the top of the climb from Welshpool


It so happened that on one of those days I was able to watch the unloading of a car back on to the rails. It had been sent away for modifications to help mobility challenges passengers.

I found the railway grade crossings to be in good shape although there were some improvements that could be made.
Tomorrow I will look at a day spent at a potentially problem crossing at Cyfronydd.


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