The Llanelli and Mynydd Mawr Railway has announced that Class 73 Electro-Diesel No. 73 130 will make its debut in passenger service at the new season launch. This locomotive was previously used by European Passenger Services to haul Eurostar units.
The Railway will host a Mixed Traction Gala on the weekend of 18 and 19 March, with highlights including (subject to availability):
- first services with recently-arrived Class 73, which will be used for brake van rides in the morning and afternoon
- inaugural services by ex-Great Western Pacer No. 143 612, which is on loan to the Railway from the Vale of Berkeley Railway
- ex Transport for Wales Pacers 142 006 and 143 607 in service
- short rides in ex-MOD 4 wheel railcar No. AD9117, subject to completion of overhaul
All available traction will feature in service, subject to availability, including:
- Sentinel 0-4-0 DM Shunter No. 10222
- Class 143 Pacer Railcar No. 143 612 & TFW sets 142 006 / 143 607
- Ex. MOD 4-wheel Railcar AD9117
- Class 73 Electro-diesel No. 73 130
Gates open at 9.30am with the first departure at 10am, then frequently through the day until 3pm. A range of single trip and rover tickets will be available. Full details and timetables will be available nearer to the date and updates will be posted on the Llanelli and Mynydd Mawr Railway website and Facebook page.
Tickets are available here.
The railway is uniquely home to both types of Pacer train, which until recently operated the majority of services for Transport for Wales in the South Wales Valleys. These units will be on view and ex-Great Western sister unit no. 143 612 will make its inaugural service trips during the weekend.
Along with 73 118 , 73 130 was one of two Class 73s selected for modification to work for European Passenger Services. The modification required the full rebuilding of both the buffer beam and front end to accommodate a coupling adaptor which could be lowered into position to enable the locomotive to be coupled to a Eurostar set. The locomotives were required to act as both rescue engines in the event that a set failed in service on the
UK side of the Channel Tunnel or if vehicles needed to be shunted within North Pole International depot.
Sentinel Wagon Works (Rolls Royce) 0-4-0DM diesel shunter No. 10222 was built in Shrewsbury in 1965. This locomotive spent many years at ARC Penderyn Quarry in Hirwaun and later at Machen Quarry. It was donated to the railway by Hanson Aggregates and transferred to Cardiff Cathays as works pilot in return for free storage. Hanson donated paint and transfers to aid the restoration of the locomotive, which was completed in 2011. It has since been the prime mover at the railway for both shunting and working passenger trains with the vacuum braked former goods brake van.
A selection of items from ‘The South Wales Cab Yard', a collection of 35 loco and multiple unit cabs currently based at a private site in Bridgend, will also be available for inspection, and the railway's other rolling stock will also be available to view with access to the main stock sheds and heritage centre.
Light refreshments and a range of souvenirs will also be available to purchase. All advertised attractions are subject to availability on the day.
The railway is a charity run totally by volunteers. It is hoping to grow into a major tourist attraction for the Llanelli district and in order to reach our goals it is appealing for more volunteer help in all departments including operational, maintenance and restoration, and administration. If you could spare a few hours for what is a most enjoyable pastime and worthwhile cause do not hesitate to get in touch via the railway's website or Facebook page.
