Proactive Steam Strategy: Vale of Rheidol Railway Responds to Climate and Coal Challenges
The Vale of Rheidol Railway has announced a series of forward-looking adaptations to its historic steam operations in response to growing challenges from climate change and shifting coal supply quality. This comes after an unprecedented three-week suspension of steam services in May, during which only reduced-capacity diesel trains could operate.
The suspension was necessary following a series of lineside fires believed to have been triggered by embers emitted from steam locomotives as they tackled the steep ascent towards Devil’s Bridge. These incidents were exacerbated by the unusually dry spring, but a key underlying factor has been the recent changes to coal supply. The withdrawl of steam came at a difficult time, affecting the railway’s operations and revenue. Fortunately, the dry spell eased in time for the crucial Whitsun half term period, when full steam services were able to resume. Had the dry conditions continued, the financial impact could have been far more severe.
Historically, the Vale of Rheidol operated safely and reliably using high-quality Welsh steam coal combined with comprehensive spark arresting equipment in the smokeboxes and sealed and water drenched ashpans. However, due to recent government legislation, this supply is no longer available. Imported coals, which now fuel our locomotives, have proven inconsistent and often contain higher levels of volatile matter—greatly increasing the risk of fire.
“Steam is at the heart of everything we do,” said Stuart Williams, General Manager of the Vale of Rheidol Railway. “We take great pride in preserving our heritage, but we also have a duty to protect the local environment, ensure passenger safety, and secure the future of our railway.”
Locomotive Changes
In response, the railway is investing in two major initiatives:
- Diesel Power for Resilience
Restoration will commence this winter on W.G. Bagnall No. 3124, a powerful 0-6-0 diesel locomotive from 1957, which has been moved from the late Chairman Peter Rampton’s Surrey farm to Aberystwyth. Once operational, it will provide essential backup capacity, with the ability of hauling a full train—ensuring services can continue even during fire-risk periods or steam loco breakdowns.
Original works image of Bagnall 3124 in 1957
The Bagnall frames and cab being loaded in Surrey to return to Aberystwyth
- Steam Innovation with Oil Conversion
Plans are in place to convert Rheidol Tank No. 9 Prince of Wales back to oil burning. This retrofit will eliminate the spark hazard while preserving the experience of steam travel. The railway is no stranger to oil firing, with all three Rheidol tanks being oil fired for a large part of three decades between 1978 and 2012.
With other Rheidol locomotives—Nos. 7 and 8, plus Garratt No.60—remaining coal-fired, the fleet will be more flexible and climate-resilient than ever before.
We’re not reacting with temporary fixes—we’re implementing long-term, sustainable solutions,” added Llyr ap-Iolo, Managing Director. “This is a proactive step to protect our operations and ensure that families, enthusiasts, and visitors can continue to discover the Rheidol Valley with us for generations to come.