Alps carriage to run on Llanfair line
The railway has just agreed the purchase of a high-windowed observation carriage from the Zillertalbahn in Austria.
Carriage B4-43 ‘Glaswagen, which is expected to enter service in Wales during 2026, is of 1950s vintage and was built originally to allow visitors to admire the alpine surroundings of Tyrol on the Austrian line.
It is now surplus to the Zillertalbahn’s requirements, so the W&LLR has agreed to acquire the vehicle, to supplement its existing carriage fleet and provide visitors with an alternative way to enjoy the Mid-Wales scenery alongside our distinctive open balcony carriages.
The W&LLR and Zillertalbahn have enjoyed a close relationship since the Austrian line donated four of its balcony carriages to its Welsh counterpart in 1968 – these vehicles remain a unique aspect of the Llanfair Line’s visitor experience to this day.
It also operated a historic steam locomotive, ‘Zillertal’, on hire from the Zillertalbahn between 2019 and 2024.
The ‘Glaswagen’ is like the other Austrian carriages mechanically well-suited to W&LLR operations, with compatible braking systems, but will require coupling modifications and ‘fitness to run’ inspections before entering service.
In the medium-term it is hoped that the vehicle will provide a good platform for an interior upgrade to enable it to play a role in the line’s popular on-train catering services.
The carriage is due to make the journey from Austria to Wales over the autumn.
W&LLR General Manager, James Brett, said that it would allow visitors to enjoy the hills and valleys of the rural line with a different experience to its existing carriages.
“It is also a great opportunity to acquire a historic vehicle which will complement our current fleet, giving us more operating capacity and flexibility as we continue to enhance and diversify our visitor offering – we would like to thank the Zillertalbahn for offering us the opportunity to purchase this carriage and their transport partners, the Pressnitztalbahn, who are bringing it to Welshpool for us,” James added.
Zillertalbahn CEO, Andreas Lackner, described the transfer of the special carriage to Wales as another milestone in the long partnership between the Zillertalbahn and the W&LLR. “With this vehicle now surplus to our requirements, we are glad it has found a home where passengers can continue to enjoy its panoramic travel experience,” he added.
PICTURE: Panoramic carriage B4-43 ‘Glaswagen’ in Jenbach, Austria, shortly to be transferred to the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway. Photo: W&LLR
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