The Vale of Rheidol Light Railway
Opening in 1902 under the Vale of Rheidol Light Railway Act, this famous little narrow gauge line has passed through Cambrian Railways and Great Western Railway ownership to be nationalised and somehow survive into 1986 as a unique if unlikely twelve miles of today's British Rail network.
Since the precarious trackbed was literally carved into the lonely hillside with pick, beetle and wedge, countless thousands of holidaymakers have forsaken the sunny beaches of Aberystwyth (or whiled away a rainy day) to make the journey on the line to the secluded falls at Devil's Bridge.
The author first looked at the line in 1920, renewing acquaintance with it in 1954 when its survival was in doubt. He conducted an extensive photo- graphic survey to record examples of every feature, measured track, signals, buildings, wagons, and accumulated works drawings etc. Indeed, he considers himself fortunate in having consequently got to know so many of the old Rheidol men who, regarding the line with such affection, have over the years imparted so much of the information that inspired this book.
Although an important part of Welsh national heritage, the author has always considered that the Vale of Rheidol receives less publicity than the privately preserved lines. He has since 1959 provided photographic exhibitions about the line for British Rail, VORRSA and Ceredigion Council, and now records its history in this splendid volume which will surely be regarded as the definitive account.
Hardback with dust jacket, 264 pages, black & photographs
Condition: Good/Very Good
ISBN: 9780906867433
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