Member of the Association of Independent Museums
Affiliate Member of The Transport Trust
Member of the Heritage Railways Association
Founded 1974
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The Content of this Website is Strictly Copyright to The Glyn Valley Tramway Group
Registered address: The Old Tramway Engine Shed, New Road, Glyn Ceiriog, Llangollen, LL20 7HE
The first narrow-gauge track seen at Glynceiriog for well over 70 years has recently been completed by Group members in the former Loco Yard at Glyn. Constructed to the correct GVT gauge of 2ft 4½ins (of course), the relaying covers some 100ft of the former station loop, with the intention of being integrated into the Group’s broader plan to relay – with only minor changes to facilitate operation – the original track layout in the immediate environs of Glyn Station.
The laying of this section of track is largely experimental at this stage and has a twofold purpose. Firstly, to test the ability of Group members to lay track in a safe and ‘professional’ manner, and secondly, to validate the materials and final appearance to ensure historical accuracy.
The group has used for the work four 50ft lengths from its stock of actual original GVT rail recovered some years ago when the Tal-y-llyn Railway re-laid a section of its own line on which lengths of ex-GVT rail had been re-used in the 1930s after the Tramway closed down. Through the Group’s excellent working relationships with The Cambrian Railway Trust, sufficient second-hand standard gauge sleepers were obtained to enable them to be cut in half and re-used on the replicated section. Secured with dog-spikes and plates to the original pattern used on the Tramway, even the granite ballast has been sourced from a quarry from which that it is believed the Tramway used to obtain its ballast (when it used it!).
The sight of actual track at Glyn has attracted much favourable comment from local residents – many of whom have been prompted to ask when the first steam tram is likely to run! As part of its forward planning, the Group is already working on a strategy that will bring the old GVT alive again – in a truly authentic way. We pride ourselves on being the ONLY organisation that is working to re-create the true heritage of The Glyn Valley Tramway.
Group is well on the right track !
Experimental track to correct 2ft 41/2in gauge (above) successfully laid by Group members on the site of the former Station Loop at Glyn. An original GVT wheelset (right), recently donated to the Group, tests out the new track.