Llangollen Railway autumn…

I have watched the fledgling rebirth of the Llangollen Railway this year mature with milestones achieved and the settling in of trains to Corwen…

As the leaves begin to turn golden brown and the nights cool it is with a little sorrow that I realise that this weekend marks the last timetabled trains until the new year with just the Rocket and Christmas trains before reopening next spring. This has a deep sense of melancholy - and the realisation of how I take the regular horn warnings on the farm crossings across the valley that punctuate mid week running days for granted.

Class 108 trailer with Class 127 DMBS, Glyndyfrdwy 

The year has seen not just return to Corwen but two successful gala, a visiting locomotive and restoration of two important locomotives. Most of you will realise the significance of 7754, but how many recognise the 127 DMU? This machine is a diesel hydraulic, so must be driven with care when paired with its usual diesel mechanical brethren, making it special in itself, but upon arrival in the early days of preservation, still in BR blue, it was regular performance to Berwyn before any run around facilities were available which helped the railway keep pushing towards Corwen. How many thousands of passengers must it have carried for the railway I wonder?  

Recently restored in green (groan) she looks superb. The sound is interesting, and to be honest, a bit boring compared to the hell fire from the blue 104. The lack of gear changes and it’s automatic transmission mean there is no let up in the acceleration and exhaust note, so it sounds flatter and a little dull. I think it’s great we have it back for both variety and historic significance and I’m so happy that the DMU group have worked tirelessly on restorations this year, perhaps the Cravens next? Blue for this?!

The Dee valley is a beautiful place to visit, and not at all bad to live. Living too with the railway is a magical experience and one that I’ve learnt to embrace differently since the rebirth. Just walking around the hills on a weekend often gives the opportunity to listen or spot a train deep in the valley below. I hope you can all visit the line at some point, and if you do, please do get in touch, I’d be happy to walk down to the village station to say hello! Until next time though, more soon…

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