The Glyn Valley Tramway Blog

The Work Continues…..

February 26, 2010 · Leave a Comment

THE WORK CONTINUES, AND THE RESULT OF OUR WORK LAST YEAR…..

Further work on track clearance continued on the 13th February, with a good turnout again and some new faces joining the working parties of the Glyn Valley Tramway Trust.

The main task for the day was the clearance of rubbish and litter from underneath one of the iconic structures of the GVT, Matchbox Bridge. Although the main structure was replaced over ten years ago, the replacement bridge was built in an identical style to the old one, and carries a public footpath over the trackbed from the Chirk Castle gates, past the Chirk caravan site and onwards over Matchbox Bridge.

As the work progressed during the day, it became apparent that the bridge abutments were in reasonably good condition, though the south abutment had been damaged some years ago by a falling tree pulling apart some of the stone work near the bottom as it fell. This good condition is a testament to the high quality of the work and the skill the Victorian engineers put into the building of the tramway, which can also be seen in the construction of Hand Lane Bridge, next to Chirk railway station. It looks as good today as it would have over a hundred years ago!

With regards to the article on the 23rd January working party, I have included some photos of the woodland flowers that sprung to life last year after our clearance work the previous winter. As more light reaches the woodland floor after our continuing efforts, it will only get better!

Ian Davies.

GVTT.

http://www.glynvalleytramway.co.uk

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MORE OF THE GLYN VALLEY TRAMWAY IS REVEALED…

February 4, 2010 · Leave a Comment

Another year has begun, and so starts again the working parties of the Glyn Valley Tramway Trust clearing the trackbed of the G.V.T. as part of the ongoing detailed surveying and design work by TIR Railways Ltd, funded by the Welsh Assembly Government, Wrexham County Borough Council , Rural Development Fund and administered by Northern Marches Cymru.

After last year’s highly successful work on the clearing of the track from Baddies Wood down to the Chirk Fisheries on the Glyn Ceiriog road, the effort this time had moved to the clearance of ‘the cutting’ in the garden of Ty Rhirid near to the end of the line at Chirk railway station. A team of 12 volunteers had been assembled on the 23 January and work had quickly got underway as everyone involved realised here was a golden opportunity to work off some of the Christmas excess!

As the day progressed, it was both satisfying and encouraging to all onsite as ‘the cutting’ slowly but surely revealed itself again nearly seventy five years after the last train hauled itself up the steep gradient from the Chirk Fisheries road crossing to Chirk station in a deafening mix of steam and grinding metal.

The cutting itself is still in remarkably good condition, possibly due to it being protected from the incessant British weather by all the undergrowth and trees over the past few decades. While we were working, we all saw an abundance of snowdrops beginning to sprout on the cutting sides. One wonderful result of all the work that we did last year on the Baddies Wood section of the track was the
transformation the woodland went through after our clearing and felling allowed much more light onto the woodland floor, and wild garlic, snowdrops, bluebells, wild primrose, wood anemones and lesser celandine just erupted after many decades of being dormant in the gloomy woodland light. The flowers in the recently revealed ‘cutting’ may go through a similarly spectacular revival this spring.

Since we began, our work on the trackbed has been done with
sensitivity and care with this resultant rejuvenation of the woodland in mind, the flowers all looked amazing, and this will be one of the many attractions that the Tramway will provide for visitors when it is steaming through the wood again in the near future.

With most of the work now complete in ‘the cutting’, our attention now is directed towards the rest of the track between Matchbox Bridge and Baddies Wood. Some of the track was cleared of small trees last year where it was safe to do so, but progress was stopped due to the very close proximity of the Glyn road to the trackbed as it winds its way down the hill from Chirk to Pontfaen Bridge. This is a more involved job, as it would be too dangerous for the Trust alone to try and fell some of the trees so close to the road. However, it is in our sights, and even now we are planning this next phase of clearance, one which will be so visible and its results so startlingly obvious to travellers on the Glyn road as the trackbed is revealed. Some work also remains to be done on the stretch from ‘the cutting’ to the Hand Lane bridge at Chirk station, but this is a relatively straight forward affair.

This year has started very well, and with very many thanks to the land owners Myddelton Estates, Caravan Club and Mr Ben Williams for their ongoing permission, support and encouragement and with an increasing membership and volunteer base, the work is progressing well, and the revival of the G.V.T edges closer to reality.

As always, we are very keen for new members, anyone can join and help this great project to come to fruition and to bring a new source of income to Chirk and the Glyn Valley during these difficult and uncertain economic times. Some of you, like me, may have a direct link to the G.V.T through family; maybe your grandad, like mine, worked on it, or maybe an uncle, or maybe even your dad. My own dad, who rode on the tramway as a young lad, always said to me ‘if the Tramway was open today, it would be making a fortune’. Of course he was right.

Whatever your skills and abilities, whatever you can offer, however small you think your contribution will be, come forward and speak to us, for it will be warmly welcomed and appreciated, and will make a big difference to this project. Working parties, administration, publicity, fundraising and making a cup of tea are all hugely important, and so whatever you think you can offer, we want to hear from you….

You can contact us on www.glynvalleytramway.co.uk and we look forward to hearing from you, and one day soon, sooner than you think, the sound of steam will be heard in the Glyn Valley again.

Ian Davies

Archaeological Officer and Working Party Supervisor.

Glyn Valley Tramway Trust http://www.glynvalleytramway.co.uk.

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Membership now over 500 !

January 18, 2010 · Leave a Comment

Membership has continued to grow steadily over the last 12 months with over 500 members if you include the corporate membership class. More than 50% of Trust members live locally to the Tramway ie Chirk, the Ceiriog Valley and Wrexham. Whilst the Trust is very proud of its local support it has a nationwide membership base and has members as far afield as the United States and welcomes support physical, financial, technical and social who want to see steam trains back on the Glyn Valley.

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Working Parties Resume

January 17, 2010 · Leave a Comment

We are resuming working parties to maintain a clear trackbed from Chirk to Pontfaen in order to make it presentable for both planners and funders and to maintain a core of effective volunteers. The work is pretty physical and involves cutting back vegetation using hand saws and other tools. If you are a member or would like to become one and help us at this early stage we would be very pleased to see you. The same flexible team of people last year also laid track, ran a steam locomotive, ran display events, collected equipment, recruited and fundraised. There are also opportunities in many backroom but equally important tasks such as arranging social events, providing admin support and distributing publicity material. Whatever you can do or would like to do to help please get in touch on 0775 4084689 or email me.

Dave Dilnot

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Why 762mm Gauge ?

March 9, 2009 · Leave a Comment

The Trust made the pragmatic decision to adopt 2ft 6in(762mm) rather than the original 2ft41/2 (724mm) for the following reasons;

  • Allows the use of hired in steam from the beginning which was a requirement of the Welsh Assembly Government and other potential funders.
  • Availability of suitable steam and diesel locomotives for sale or hire.
  • Business continuity in the event of a failure in service.
  • To allow testing of new locomotives and rolling stock at their place of manufacture without the additional costs of building a unique 724mm gauge test track.
  • Spot hire of locomotives and stock for special events to give variety.
  • To allow GVT stock to be hired out for income generation.
  • To avoid expensive re-gauging of stock and re-certification.
  • To closely replicate the appearance and proportions of the original as 1.5in (38mm) is barely noticeable.
  • Has HM Railway Inspectorate approval.
  • Allows the GVT to cooperate with others and be part of a wider railway community.
  • Has the support of experienced staff and volunteers on heritage railways who understand the issues involved.
  • Availability of on track permanent way maintenance machines.
  • Makes the best use of public funds.

Apart from this minor alteration of gauge other matters have had to be changed to allow compliance with current HMRI railway requirements such as;

  • Brakes – original chain brakes or unfitted are not an option. Dual circuit continuous air brakes are required, locomotives will be fitted with air pumps and stock will be fitted with low key HGV type airlines.
  • Couplings- original couplings had too much slack. The preferred coupling is the Ffestiniog ‘Chopper’ which gives a close couple and has a good track record.

 The Trust regards compliance with these technical issues as being matters which are essential for a safe and viable operation and will make the difference between whether the Glyn Valley Tramway is restored or not. It is felt that the minor variation in gauge from the original line and the necessary safety features are well thought out and will not affect the overall appearance of a revived line or its character. The Trust are determined to pay great attention to matters of staff appearance, track construction, signage and buildings to illustrate the unique heritage of the line in this way.  The Trust has detailed modern standards for the underlying integrity of track, locomotives and rolling stock but will rely to a very large extent on archive material to re-instate the look of the tramway.

If you have any questions regarding the technical issues of rebuilding the tramway please contact me;

David Dilnot

Project Manager     Mob 0775 4084689 david.dilnot@glynvalleytramway.co.uk

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Going for the Ton

March 9, 2009 · 1 Comment

The Board of Trustees have set a target of 100 members to be recruited by the end of June 09. The membership is already fast approaching 70 since the Trust launched publicly at the end of June last year . Bernard Rockett the membership secretary said  ’We are on track but we need all GVT supporters to come forward and for all our members to recruit at least one friend or family member and we will easily break the magic 100′

Membership subscriptions are a major source of Trust income and allow projects to proceed much more quickly and members can be encouraged to become volunteers. To date 30% of members actively volunteer either in admin or on site roles which is a very high rate of active support.

Help swell our numbers and join the dynamic Glyn Valley.

bernard.rockett@glynvalleytramway.co.uk

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Entertainments Officer !

March 9, 2009 · 1 Comment

Would you like to help the Trust lighten up a bit ?

We would love to recruit someone (or a team) who can arrange social events and trips for members. It is important that we have a chance to get together socially and maybe visit some railways, and other places of interest or even partake at a local hostelry. The Trust needs someone whose main role is the social side, they don’t have to live locally but just know how to hire a train or throw a party !

Do it on the Glyn Valley ! 

david.dilnot@glynvalleytramway.co.uk

   

  

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Quarter Size GVT Models

March 9, 2009 · Leave a Comment

Trustee and Model Engineer Charles Taylor-Nobbs and a small team are working flat out to produce quarter size GVT models in 7.25 inch gauge. The team are producing granite, slate and tar wagons and are looking to build two Beyer Peacock tram locomotives in the same gauge. These are very chunky models that will play an important educational role at exhibitions and dispalys and it is hope they will also be put to good use on a planned miniature railway. Charles and his team would like to hear from any model engineers who would like to get involved, he also has modellling interests covering every scale of GVT model. Although the Trust is geared towards 12 inches to the foot, it is a broad church and covers all GVT interests.  If you model the GVT and would like to make contact please email  charles.taylor-nobbs@glynvalleytramway.co.uk 

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Wood Chipper in Action

March 9, 2009 · Leave a Comment

As a result of the working parties clearing vegetation from the formation a large quantity of scrub had built up at Pontfaen, that needed to be cleared. Thanks to the generousity of Griffiths Tool Hire Ltd the Trust had the use of a diesel powered ‘Timber Wolf’ Wood Chipper over the weekend of March 7/8. This heavy duty machine made light work of a pile of branches 40ft long x 6ft high x 10ft deep up to 6inches diameter. Four Trust volunteers have been trained to use the machine. A special thanks to local volunteers Ken Nowell and Team leader Ian Davies for their hard work and coming back on Sunday to finish the job. Ian’s trusty Land Rover Discovery proved to be an ideal towing vehicle for the towable Wood Chipper and he has been getting some practice reversing trailers now he knows what his towbar is for !  

The Trust is always looking for more volunteers to help on and off site in many roles to suit individual skills and abilities and also what people might want to have a go at. If you would like to join in please contact me on 0775 4084689 or via email david.dilnot@glynvalleytramway.co.uk

David Dilnot

Project Manager

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GVT Consultants

March 7, 2009 · Leave a Comment

Hi,

I have been asked by the Trust to post an occasional blog about what I am doing for the Trust and I thought the first thing to do was to give a little background.  My Company, TIR Ltd has been engaged by the Trust to undertake the work required to develop and plan for a re-instated section of the Tramway. The Trust has, as you may know, receieved a Grant for this work and we are very pleased to have been awarded the Contract.

TIR Ltd is a multi-disciplinary consultancy set up 3 years ago to provide professional services to the heraitage and private railway sector. The Company works with a number of experienced individuals in specialised areas such as Tourism, Railway and Construction safety and Economics to offer a one-stop service. I myslef have a background in Construcation Management having run a successful property development company in SW England for 16 years. I also trained as an Architect, though I do not practice independantly as such but it gives me the skills to undertake a large amount of the drawing and Planning work associated with new projects. My aim is to blend my business background with my knowldege of and interest in railways, always with a strong seasoning of reality!

In adition, I also work for the Hunslet Engine Co, who you may know, supply both new diesel and steam locomotives into the UK and European rail market.

To date, since we have been working for the Trust we have been concentrating on the High level Study which has focussed on developing an overall long-term strategy for the Tramway. This has involved lengthy discuissions with landowners, planners and other Public Stakeholders such as the Highways Authority, Environment Agency etc. I have also been holding face-to-face consultations with local businesses, individuals and organisations who may be affected or benefit from the Tramway’s revival.

Finally, it has to be admitted, I am a railway enthusiast, with a particular interest in narrow gauge railways. I started as a junior cleaner / restorer at the Bluebell in the eightees working (in freezing temeratures I seem to remember) on the rear pony truck of a certian Bullied pacific which is only now some 25 years later about to enter service! After that I also had a spell as a fireman at Welshpool before becoming involved with mainline railtours and being a founder Director of an organisation called the South West Main Line Steam Co which rescued the turntable at Yeovil Junction and began developing the site as a Steam Centre. I have mixed emotions about this because the Centre has not been able to develop as far as we would have hoped due to the decline in  steam railtours using the route. In the nineties the ex LSWR mainline to Exter was one of the ‘approved’ steam routes and very busy with railtours but in the last few years the service train frequency has risen so much (as has passenger numbers) that steam specials can’t be easily accomodated – a  sahme for the enthusiasts but great for the rail user and I have to say I fall on the side of the latter! My wife soon realised it was best not to delve too deeply into the depths of my knowledge, in case she changed her mind about me being reasonably normal!

One final anecdote. As part of my Degree we had a Surveying module and we were given fairly free range to select our own subject. I chose the then moribund section of the Welsh Highland from Pitts head down through the forest to beddgelert (most people did normal things like a castle or local road!) . This you have to remember was long before the FR thought of re-building it and I had tried to walk it a few years before (as I had done with most of the other accessible sections along with the Corris to Aberlefennni, Hafan Tramway, Nantlle and other obscure NG tramways like the Croesor). Suffice to say that somewhere in my archives is a complete set of drawings for most of that section, with transects and long-sections and even a set of loading gauge drawings of the bridges from Pitts Head up to Waunfawr, complete with a super-imposed profile of a …..NGG16!

Chris Phillimore.

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