Garw Valley Railway
| Garw Valley Railway | |
|
Glamorgan | |
|---|---|
 Disused line in the Garw Valley | |
| Gauge: | standard |
| Grid reference: | SS893842 |
| Location: | 51°32’45"N, 3°35’52"W |
| No. of stations: | 5 |
| Track: | 5 miles |
| Information | |
| Website: | https://www.garwvalleyrailway.co.uk/ |
The Garw Valley Railway is a standard gauge heritage railway in Glamorgan. The line is non-operational but it is hoped that, in the near future, there will be brakevan rides between Pontycymer and Pant-y-Gog, a distance of about half-a-mile. The line was formerly used for freight and passenger services, and most of the track is still in place between Brynmenyn and Pontycymer.
Progress
Land engineering has been commenced to prepare for the building of a new platform at Pontycymer. The Train Shed facilities have been modernised. Planet 4006 is now fully operational and upgraded (rewired electrically). An internal archive store has been built.
The Vale of Glamorgan Railway Society lost their lease of the Barry Island Railway in December 2008, and so relocated their headquarters and some stock to the Garw Valley, cerating Bridgend Valleys Railway Company Limited.[1] They are at present working with the Bridgend Valleys Railway Company (trading as Garw Valley Railway) - the correct name - to rebuild the line.
Access to the Public
The BVRC is currently unable to hold open days. But visitors are most welcome to visit the Train Shed and see current progress. Working days are Wednesdays and Saturdays.
List of Stations along the Garw Valley Line
BVRC stations planned to date.
- Pontycymmer
- Further halts will be intended once the line replacement is undertaken. The current end of the line is most likely to be at Bryngarw Country Park - a distance of some 4 miles from Pontycymer. However, this depends upon significant bridge repairs.
The new platform at Pontycymer was commenced in the summer of 2014 - extensive excavations having been undertaken to provide the correct levels -and the first 65 ft should be completed by Spring 2015.
Stock
- Planet 0-4-0 Diesel hydraulic No 3890, built 1958
- Planet 0-4-0 Diesel hydraulic No 4006, built 1963
- Flat wagon
- BR "Shark" class Brake van No DB993721 fitted with ballast ploughs
- British Rail Class 108 BR Blue, former Barry Island Railway
- RSH 0-4-0ST 7705, built 1952 has now arrived at Pontycymer. The loco, owned by the 7705 locomotive group (a group of VGR/GVR members) is to be restored for use on the line. The locomotive was originally used at the Ely Paper Mills, Cardiff.
- Hunslett Austerity 0-6-0 Saddle Tank 68070.
Outside links
- Garw Valley Railway
- page at Wales Rails
- Cardiff and Ogmore Valley Railway
- Ogmore Valley Railways
- Port Talbot Railway and Docks Company