On Saturday 18th the W&LLR was running a four train service. 822 The Earl, one of the two identical 0-6-0Ts which comprised the entire loco stud throughout the lines pre-preservation history, between Castle Caerinion and Sylfaen on the 09:45 from Llanfair.

The Earl is in her GWR condition. Originally built by Beyer Peacock for the nominally independent W&LLR, although the line was worked (unprofitably) by the Cambrian Railways. Both the Cambrian and W&LLR were absorbed by the GWR in 1922.

On the mainline, the 09:30 from Aberystwyth/07:28 from Pwllheli en-route to Shrewsbury near Trewern

Back on the W&L the 11:15 from Welshpool approaching Castle Caerinion

Passengers enjoying the ride on the balcony of the Romanian-built replica Zillertalbahn coach.

The countryside through which the raiwlay runs is wonderfully green, a tribute to the quantity of rain which falls. And falls.

The weekend of the 18th and 19th was one of three during the summer when the vintage train of the two replica Pickering carriages is operated, this time with The Countess, which sports GWR Brunswick Green. The W&L only ever owned three carriages, all built by Pickering, and they were scrapped shortly after passenger services were withdrawn in 1931. The Ffestiniog Railway built the replicas for the W&L..

At Heniarth The Earl heads east on the 13:00 from Llanfair...

...and crosses the only noteworthy piece of civil engineering, the bridge over the River Banwy.

Also at Heniarth the vintage train returns...

...with The Countess in fine form.

At Cilcweydd a pair of 158s cross the River Severn, forming the 12:09 from Birmingham International to Aberystwyth (arr 15:26) and Pwllheli (arr 17:09).

On board the 14:15 from Welshpool. Golfa Bank, immediately west ofRaven Square is pretty fearsome. This sign dates fromthe days when unfitted freight trains operated. At it's worst Golfa's gradient is 1 in 29.

Leaving Sylfaen, our train consists of two utilitarian Hungarian bogie coaches and a four wheel replica Zillertalbahn car with end platforms.

Nearing journey's end. the Llanfair fixed distant is in the distance.

At Llanfair The Earl prepares to give way to The Countess for the 15:45 return to Welshpool.

Driver and Station Master discuss the finer points of driving technique.

The Earls smoke box is cleaned.

The W&L has a very close relationship withAustria's Zillertalbahn. Here an ZB transporter wagon is being converted to carry engineering plant for the railway

A fan engages in some rivet counting before departure

As we leave Llanfair we pass The Earl taking a well earned breather

Past the carriage shed and some happy volunteers

The first couple of miles takes the railway along the banks of the Banwy

At Castle Caerinion the fireman flags us across the road...