In awe at Aberystwyth…

It’s holiday time here and I’m down in Pembrokeshire visiting Mum for a day or two. On the drive down I chose to break the trip with a visit to the new museum at the Vale of Rheidol railway…

I had seen photos and thought it worth investigating but was bowled over by the venue, the setting and restoration work involved on the old engine shed… the wood block floor alone is a work of art. Beyond though, well above actually and first thing you see when you walk in is Sabero No.1, a Couillet narrow gauge locomotive and my heart melted. This thing is absolutely wonderful, its character enhanced by the unrestored finish, but more, its proportions and design are just beautiful. My oh my, I spent ten minutes wandering around her, taking it all in and just breathing in history and imagining her story.

From the information board:

This was the first of three locomotives built by Société Anonyme de Marcinelle & Couillet, generally known as Couillet locomotives, for the Spanish coal mine Hulleras de Sabero, other two were No.2 "Saelices" | 209 in 1898 & No.3 "Olleros" in 1900. The 600mm gauge railway ran for 6km between Sotillos and Sabero, carrying about 1,600 tons of coal a week, making it the second most important mining system in the country.

These locomotives along with 7 others from the railway were the start of the collection of the late Peter Rampton in the 1960s and have been in storage since being imported into the United Kingdom in 1969.

Coupled behind an equally characterful vehicle, crying out to be recreated in 009 on my Creech Barn layout - imagine a couple of these trundling around, lovely lovely stuff and more photos…

From the information board:

This match-boarded wagon was the "coche del Presidente" meaning the Presidents coach from the Hulleras de Sabero Railway which served various coalmines in the Hulleras area to the coal washing facilities at Vegamediana. It became part of the collection of the late Peter Rampton as a gift from the coal mine in return for purchasing 8 of their locomotives.

The emblem painted on the end was the symbol of the mine depicting the hammer and chisels used by the miners along with the initials of the mine.

There is such variety on display but I’m showing my GWR allegiance by this photo of the Dukedog, what a fitting locomotive to book end the display, one whose wheels rolled the ribbons beyond the shed wall many years ago…

As we finished lunch and headed onwards, just time to witness the second train of the day being prepared for departure - immaculately turned out and by the time we left the carpark no spare seats in the carriages. 

I can heartily recommend a visit if you’re passing. The book shop isn’t bad either! Until next time, more soon…

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