April 2021 was a very busy month for the Bala Lake Railway, with staff and volunteers preparing the whole railway for reopening on Saturday 1st of May 2021.
With the easing of COVID-19 measures, heritage railways in the UK can began to reopen in the past few weeks, with more due to the coming months.
The Bala Lake Railway has carried out many changes and work to ensure the line is safe for passengers on reopening.
Station Buildings
Perspex screens have been fitted around the shop and café in line with UK Government advice, along with ‘traffic lights' to notify people how busy certain areas are before entering.
The platform's canopy has been repainted, the office has been re-roofed, and a brand new roof built over the picnic area.
The Llangower Group has been formed with their focus being the upkeep and maintenance of Llangower Station, located halfway along the line.
Locomotives and Rolling Stock
The loco shed has received a new roof. The Guards Van Coach has been completed, which now features a better internal layout including being wheelchair-friendly.
Both steam locomotives “George B” and “Maid Marian” have been inspected and steamed to see whether they were ready for returning to traffic. “George B” has received some work on its injectors, with the cone floats being adjusted.
At the Severn Valley Railway, the boiler for “Holy War” has undergone a hydraulic test which it has passed. The boiler has returned to Llanuwchllyn where the team can carry out the remaining tasks on the engines 10-year overhaul.
Preparation work, including the transport and reassembly of 7¼ inch track, has been completed ahead of the railway's Re-Railed Event on Saturday 12th June 2021.
For more information, to book your tickets or to support the Bala Lake Railway, please visit their website here.
Bala Lake Railway Society Chairman Dave Rutt said: “The station at Llangower is in a beautiful setting by the lake and this group aims to give the station the attention it deserves, transforming it into a little gem that the railway can be proud of”.
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An Excellent Well Done to the Beauitful Bala Lake Railway (over in North Wales), on how well they’re doing…
Especially on the Narrow-Gauge Loco Restoration Work, and on their Long-Term Goal, of Hopefully Reaching ever closer to Bala itself too.