Full steam ahead for Golden Year

Planned works have seen 700m of track replaced along with extensive new drainage works, but the harsh winter brought with it unforeseen problems including a landslip blocking the line, an embankment slip near Castle Caereinion as well as numerous trees across the line.

But the problems have all been overcome by a team of volunteers that have braved the elements to be ready for the line’s Golden Jubilee.

General Manager, Terry Turner, said: “The extra work this winter was a tough call but, thanks to the determination of our regular track volunteers, the railway will open as planned on Good Friday (March 29).”

The original working line was closed by British Railways in 1956 but it was reopened as a tourist line on April 6, 1963.

The anniversary will be marked by the 1963 opening day timetable recreated with a series of special trains running to the intermediate station of Castle Caereinion, as they did 50 years ago.

Highlights of the weekend include storyboards displayed throughout the trains describing how the railway has evolved over the past 50 years, a real ale bar with a specially-brewed Anniversary Ale, and hot food available all day and into the evening.

Pre-booking is advised for those wishing to travel on the Anniversary Trains and full details are available on the Golden Jubilee page of the W&LLR website at www.wllr.org.uk

The line is also planning a 1960s weekend on May 18/19.