The Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway will be holding a new special event on Saturday 28th April 2018 celebrating the anniversary of the small West African nation, Sierra Leone.
The Llanfair Line has a strong connection with Sierra Leone, today, the line owns a complete train brought to Wales from the African nation in 1975, and on Saturday the narrow gauge railway will be running specific stock and mounting displays to celebrate Sierra Leone independence day.
Sierra Leone gained independence on 27th April 1961 after more than 100 years of British rule. To equip the country for independence, the British Government carried out infrastructure refurbishment, this included repairs to the railway which ran 227 miles into the mountainous country.
A full rake of new carriages was ordered from Gloucester Carriage and Wagon Company and was delivered to Sierra Leone in 1961 – these became known as the Independence Coaches. However, in 1968, the decision to close the Sierra Leone Railway was taken as a result of the World Bank. This meant that the railway gradually phased out, with the final passenger train operating in November 1974.
In 1975, the WLLR was seeking to improve its passenger fleet and became aware of the fleet of coaches disposed of in Sierra Leone. Following a visit to the capital of Freetown, a substantial amount of equipment was purchased from the scrap dealer. As well as the four Independence Coaches, the railway also bought rail, signalling equipment and SLR steam locomotive No. 85.
One of the Llanfair coaches has since been sold to the South Tynedale Railway for them to convert to a buffet car, and another was dismantled for spares. However, two are still in use and have been restored to original condition. One, a first-class coach, is fitted with 16 white leather armchairs. The two coaches in Freetown are unrestored and require a lot of work to bring them back to their former glory.
On the 28th April, the Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway will celebrate Sierra Leone independence, the event is being run in partnership with the Friends of Sierra Leone National Railway Museum, a UK Based group who are actively supporting progress at the museum.
Steam locomotive No. 85 has been out of service since 2010 and is in need of boiler work, but it will be on display Llanfair Caerenion until its turn for restoration comes up.
What did the officials say?
W&LLR general manager Charles Spencer said:
“Come and ride in a unique railway carriage and learn more about this special connection. Regular fares and discounts apply – and the day will provide much of interest to visitors.”
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