The project to rebuild the long-lost tramway station at Chirk on the former Glyn Valley Tramway (GVT) in northeast Wales has moved forward with the arrival of the first rails.
Funds raised by the Glyn Valley Tramway Trust's ‘All Change At Chirk' Station Rebuild Appeal has enabled the trust to purchase some redundant rails and fishplates from the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway.
On Monday, 28th March, approximately 900 ft of 45 lb rail was moved to the GVT station site at Chirk. They will first be used to create a short demonstration line in the station area, then later used for sidings when funds become available to purchase new rails for the running line. Provided that fundraising continues to be successful, more materials will be purchased in the coming months towards the construction of a demonstration line.
This line will run the length of the platform and under the road bridge. It will be 2'6” gauge to accommodate an ex-Royal Naval Armaments Depot box van that will provide vital storage space as work continues to restore the station to its former glory. The target for the station rebuild appeal is £250k.
Every Tuesday and Friday, volunteers have been working hard to clear a large area of earth and debris covering the narrow-gauge trackbed.
To assist with generating interest and awareness of this project, volunteers have built a 24-square-foot live steam model of the tramway station at Chirk to take on tour. The layout will make its first public appearance at the Llangollen Garden Railway Festival on Saturday, 14th May.
Spokesman Andy Christie said. “We wish to thank all our supporters and contributors for their donations to this project. We are proud of the work that has been carried out by our volunteers so far. Clearing the tramway station site has been a most enjoyable task.
“Several artefacts from yester-year have been unearthed including a pair of Austin Mini car doors! The interest to revive this piece of Welsh narrow gauge history is growing daily and we look forward to giving further updates on our team's progress”.
Anyone wishing to donate to the ‘All Change At Chirk' (Station Rebuild Appeal) are invited to do so by using PayPal: thegvttrust@gmail.com.
The Glyn Valley Tramway is seen by many as the last Welsh narrow gauge adventure and is looking for new members to help them rebuild this lost tramway! To join their friendly team of enthusiastic volunteers, please email: contact@glynvalleytramwaytrust.co.uk
How long has it been since the tramway operated?