The stunning scenery of Wales is a boon to visitors of the heritage lines there. While many will relate to the country for its narrow gauge lines weaving their way round tight valleys and mountains, the standard gauge ones (though few in comparison) can be just as attractive. Established as a heritage line in 1975 and running for what is soon to become 10 miles through the Dee Valley, part of an outstanding area of natural beauty, the Llangollen Railway hit the headlines in early 2021 when it was announced that the PLC had gone into administration. At one point there was universal doubt as to whether it would run again. Yet just a few months later, the Llangollen Railway Trust was operating a limited DMU service once more, with steam returning in August.
Preservation roots
The heritage line came about thanks to the efforts of the Flint and Deeside Railway Preservation Society, a group looking for a standard gauge route to preserve and restore. Its members decided that the line between Llangollen and Corwen was the ideal choice. After closure, the trackbed and stations were purchased by the local council, which was wise enough to the effect that potential a heritage line could have on tourism and thus leased three miles to what later became the Llangollen Railway Trust.
Despite abandonment by BR having led to vandalism of the sites and masses of overgrowth, volunteers set to work on relaying track and making repairs to Llangollen station. Their first open day was held on September 13,
1975, officially declaring it and
