BRAND new rail manufactured in England is helping the Llangollen Railway to stay on track. The Welsh heritage line has recently taken delivery of a quantity of British Steel 56E1 flat-bottom rail rolled in Scunthorpe, which has been used to replace a sizeable section of worn rail between Berwyn and Glyndyfrdwy stations.
Later this year, there are plans to start further track relaying, a project that will take about two years.
Darren Cole, UK account manager for rail at British Steel, said: “The track that needs replacing next is located in Berwyn tunnel. It is 40 years old and has corroded because of its location, so we are looking into supplying our corrosionresistant Zinoco rail. Zinoco rails are coated in zinc, which forms a protective barrier against corrosion, and thanks to latest advances, its super-hydrophobic finish also repels water. “Corrosive environments, such as tunnels where water can collect, are notorious for significantly reducing rail life, so this solution could be the perfect option for the Llangollen line.”
VINTAGE DUO:Furness Railway 0-4-0 No. 20 visited Didcot Railway Centre in April. On April 7, Britain’s oldest working standard gauge steam locomotive, owned by the Furness Railway Trust, was in operation alongside Didcot resident No. 1340 Trojan, the oldest working GWR loco. The locos were caught on camera during a short period at the end of the day as both were operating on the main and branch lines at the railway centre during the public opening times. As reported last issue, No. 20 is due to operate at the Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway on May 20/21, 27-29 – and June 17/18.
FRANK DUMBELTON/GWS