Many years have been spent researching the railway’s own archives and archaeology dating back to the opening of the line in 1902 to produce this sumptuous volume. With the research coupled with detailed measured drawings, the book presents an unrivalled description of the Railway’s history, equipment and infrastructure.
The production team could not have been better placed to undertake this work. They comprise of Stephen Phillips who undertook Design, Illustration and research. Llyr ap Iolo, Robert Gambrill and Robert Bance (VoR Archivist).
The highly detailed drawings include locomotives, passenger carriages, goods stock, service vehicles, bridges, signalling, trackwork, station buildings, lineside equipment, water columns etc. Also featured are a fascinating selection of photographs, documents and ephemera from the railway’s own archives from opening to the present day. Many of these illustrations are being reproduced for the first time with many in colour. Carefully prepared livery diagrams illustrate the myriad of paint schemes used by the railway, including Brighton Ochre and BR Rail Blue.
In addition to providing a comprehensive record of locomotives, carriages, wagons and buildings, some now long disappeared, aided by primary source information and close examination of surviving equipment, the work brings the record up to date with extensive details of modern developments and equipment. This includes a unique behind-the scenes insight into the engineering and operation of a modern preserved narrow gauge steam railway.
The book will become available, only from the Vale of Rheidol, in January 2022. With the initial print run being limited in numbers and interest expected to be high, early ordering to avoid disappointment is recommended.
ISBN: 9780954454647