Llanelli & Mynydd Mawr Railway Host Memorable Bank Holiday Event!

Today saw The Llanelli & Mynydd Mawr Railway at Cynheidre hold a very successful event for the bank holiday (August 27). Over 200 people attended at the former colliery enjoying the atmosphere and of course a ride on the train. Chair of Llanelli Rural Council Sian Mair Caiach was full of smiles for The West Wales Chronicle along with her consort. The earlier part of the day was taken up with a private hire by the Branch Line Society which saw 136 of its members delight in a peek behind the scenes and ride on (double headed by the railways) two resident diesel locomotives, Sentinel Diesel No. 10222 and ex-Nederlandse Spoorwegen Class 600 locomotive NS625. Later in the day the Sentinel Diesel was used to offer brake van rides to members of the general public.

The Branch Line Society is a voluntary association for railway enthusiasts and they had arrived at Llanelli from Crewe on the especially chartered train The Marching Crompton, so-called because it had travelled via the scenic Welsh Marches line which runs along the border through Shrewsbury and Hereford to Newport.

On arrival at Llanelli a short coach transfer brought them to the railway at Cynheidre. In addition to the train ride they enjoyed guided tours behind the scenes to view rolling stock under restoration by volunteers and visited the Heritage Centre for an insight into the railway’s history and future plans.

The railway is now closed until December when the popular Santa Special trains return, for the first time on two consecutive days, the weekend of December 8th and 9th. In addition to the train ride all children will receive a gift from Santa. Seasonal refreshments will also be available.

Tickets will be available soon from the following web link https://www.llanellirailway.co.uk/events-booking

For more information or to volunteer please visit our website at https://www.llanellirailway.co.uk or Facebook page at www.facebook.com/llanellirailway