National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales preserves and celebrates the sound and moving image heritage of Wales, making it accessible to a wide range of users for enjoyment and learning. Its film collection reflects every aspect of the nation’s social, cultural and working life across the 20th century, giving a fascinating insight into Welsh filmmaking, both amateur and professional.
This film is part of Free
Welshpool and Llanfair Railway
The engines, staff, stations and passengers on this narrow gauge line opened in 1903, reduced to freight only in 1931, closed entirely in 1956 and reopened by volunteers in 1963.
From the collection of:
Overview
This narrow gauge line opened in 1903, not for the transport of slate, as is the case with other such lines in Wales, but in order to connect rural communities with Welshpool, which offered a ready market for farm produce. It was closed to passengers, however, in 1931, carried freight only until closure in 1956, but was reopened by volunteers – as a heritage line - in 1963. A new terminus – Raven Square – opened in 1981, the original station in Welshpool no longer being an option.
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