* The classic Bristol VR bus which will run the feeder service.
Excitement is building ahead of the Llangollen and Corwen Railway’s flagship Branch Line Gala, taking place from April 10 to 12, with the announcement of a special vintage feeder service linking the heritage line with the national rail network.
The newly revealed Ruabon Rail Replacement shuttle will operate using a classic Bristol VR bus, new to United Counties in April 1981, offering visitors a nostalgic and seamless connection between Ruabon and the railway.
The free shuttle will run morning and late afternoon services, carefully timed to link with National Rail arrivals and departures, helping visitors enjoy a full day immersed in the atmosphere of a traditional Welsh branch line.
The announcement is the latest in a series of developments for the gala, widely regarded as the railway’s key event of the year, showcasing the very best of its heritage operations, rolling stock and visitor experience.
Over three days, the railway will come alive with an intensive timetable of over 50 train services. There will also be live music, vintage vehicles and a wide range of catering and attractions across stations along the Dee Valley.
The Gala will feature an impressive and authentic Great Western themed locomotive line-up, combining visiting guest engines and home fleet favourites.
Visitors can look forward to the appearance of rare GWR Pannier Tank No. 1369, making its first-ever visit to the railway, and the welcome return of Small Prairie No. 4555 to the Dee Valley for the first time in more than six decades. They will join the railway’s own much-loved locomotives, including resident Pannier Tank No. 7754 and powerful freight locomotive No. 3802, alongside Class 14 diesel D9525, which will be making its final appearances at Llangollen.
In a further enhancement to the event, visitors can also book exclusive footplate passes, offering a rare opportunity to travel in the cab of the railway’s resident steam locomotives (7754 & 3802) alongside the crew, experiencing the sights, sounds and atmosphere of railway operation at close quarters.
Iain Ross, organiser of the Branch Line Gala, said: “This Gala is all about recreating the magic, variety and authenticity of a classic rural branch line. The addition of the ‘Ruabon Rail Replacement’ shuttle strengthens that vision by making it easier for people to connect directly from the national network and become part of the experience from the moment they arrive.
“We are also delighted by the strong interest shown so far in our footplate passes, which provide an unforgettable perspective on heritage railway operation. With a superb mix of visiting locomotives and our own home fleet, plus further announcements still to come, this is shaping up to be our most ambitious Gala yet and a true celebration of everything that makes this railway special.”
In many ways, the event represents a powerful full-circle moment. The last train on the original Ruabon to Barmouth line passed through Llangollen on January 16 1965, bringing an end to main line railway operations in the Dee Valley.
More than six decades later, the Branch Line Gala stands as a tribute to that legacy, celebrating the volunteers and supporters who have rebuilt and revitalised the route as one of the UK’s most loved heritage railways.
Further announcements, including additional attractions and programme details, will be made over the next two weeks as final preparations are made for what promises to be a landmark weekend in the railway’s calendar. The event timetable is already available online for enthusiasts to peruse.
* Tickets for the Branch Line Gala are on sale now - https://llan.hops.org.uk/tickets/branchline-gala/branch-line-gala
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