Llanelli and Mynydd Mawr Railway volunteers go the extra mile at second event of 2021

By David Mee

THE Llanelli and Mynydd Mawr Railway held its second post Pandemic Open day at its base at Cynheidre on Saturday 31st July, again featuring Pacer Railcar 142 006.

It really was a day of going the extra mile at the railway, with volunteers pulling out all the stops to ensure that everyone went home with a smile on their faces. The railway saw an unprecedented level of positive feedback from visitors on the day, as well as online after the event, demonstrating yet again how it puts people and the community at the heart of its operation. Comments included:

‘I just want to say thank you to the two Gentlemen on the train today for giving my little boy Calvin the best experience ever he’s so so happy. Well worth the 45 minute drive to get there. Thank you look forward to visiting again’

and

‘The boys enjoyed seeing how the train works and blowing the horn. Thanks for making the experience so magical’

The event featured a new attraction in the form of a complete Class 47 cab belonging to 47738, which was brought to the railway by Richard Benyon of ‘The Cab Yard’, a collection of 35 loco and multiple unit cabs currently based at a private site in Bridgend. The item was very well received and everyone that visited the cab enjoyed their guided tour and explanation of what all of the handles and switches do. The railway is to continue to work in partnership with the group, which will eventually see the majority of the collection relocated to the Llanelli & Mynydd Mawr Railway.

Services were operated throughout the day by Class 142 no. 142 006, which put in a sterling performance all day.

Attention will now turn to the next event at the railway on Saturday 28th August, which will be a unique ‘Pacer Gala’ featuring all three of the railways pacer units, including possibly the only gala appearance of unit 143 607 before it takes up a static role at the railway.

The railway also plans to operate loco-hauled services later in the year using resident 0-4-0DH Sentinel no. 10222, Dutch 0-6-0 Class 600 no. NS690 and their resident BR Brake van.

Please check the website at www.llanellirailway.co.uk or social media regularly for details of all future events at the railway.

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 we need 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. For more information or to volunteer please visit our website at https://www.llanellirailway.co.uk or Facebook page at www.facebook.com/llanellirailway