THREE narrow gauge heritage lines have been progressing building projects that will enhance their offering to the public when complete.
The Vale of Rheidol Railway’s (VoR) new station building will come into use for the 2023 season with staff relocating from their present temporary accommodation into the new building this spring. The temporary booking office/shop structure on the platform has been relocated and will become a store.
Phase 3 of VoR’s Wales to the World reconstruction of its Aberystwyth terminus and transformation of the old loco shed into a new display space, is also advancing. Steelwork has been replaced where required and glass panels reinstated in the roof lantern (the previous panels were removed following storm damage in 2014) to increase the natural light inside the building.
Natural light will be enhanced when the brickwork removed from four side bays facing the platform is replaced by full height curtain wall glazing panels. Following the addition of internal insulation under the original ceiling, the roof interior has been clad in a style that replicates the original ceiling.
Pouring of a new concrete floor was due to be complete by the end of December with the first rails already being installed for the loco exhibits. During the winter the permanent way team aims to lay 1,500 new sleepers and undertake the usual main line spot maintenance before switching to laying track from the yard into the new display space to enable exhibits to be moved in.
Boston Lodge
Heavy machinery and plant from contractors OBR Construction Ltd has commenced working at Ffestiniog Railway’s Boston Lodge works site. The lottery-backed Boston Lodge Redevelopment and Interpretation Project, backed with financial contributions from the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways Trust and the Ffestiniog Railway Society, will restore and rejuvenate historic buildings
