The Vale of Rheidol Railway

Just as lock-down got under way I got a new book by Peter Johnson - The Vale of Rheidol Railway.

This is an unusual narrow gauge railway, unlike most Welsh lines it's main traffic has always been tourist passengers. Yes it did carry goods and minerals when built, but tourism was the main driver for it's construction, and what kept it going through five different owners - including British Rail, who didn't close it but kept it running into the 1980's. Although it had a limited variety of locos and stock compared to some lines, and perhaps takes less of the limelight, it is an interesting railway in beautiful scenery.

The book is written in Peter's usual chronological story-line style, similar to that used in his recent book on the Corris railway and before that, his books on the Ffestiniog Railway, and the Great Western Narrow Gauge Railways. The latter book did of course cover the Vale of Rheidol since the GWR was one of it's owners, but in this book Peter is able to go much more deeply into the history of the line - which starts with the early proposals, takes us through construction and early years, ownership by the Cambrian, British Railways/Rail, and into private ownership in recent times.

There are many photographs giving a flavour of the line through the ages, including a few in recent years, although the majority are period and therefore black and white.Reproduction is excellent, the book is of good quality and the text is clear and well written. Peter is able to make history interesting and easy to read. Modellers may be disappointed that there are no drawings of locos or stock (though there are some excellent photos). There are some maps but the only track-plans are period documents showing the changes at Aberystwyth, and while there are lots of photos of the trains and scenery there are surprisingly few of the stations or facilities (perhaps unsurprising for a tourist railway).

So like the Corris book this isn't a definitive volume, but it is a complete story of the line to date, an enjoyable read and a good pictorial record of this attractive railway. So a good way to spend some time in lock-down!