The fledgling Llanelly and Mynydd Mawr Railway, located on the site of the former Cynheidre colliery and which was Britain’s first operating public railway authorised by an act of Parliament, has taken delivery of former Chiltern bubble car 55019.
Saving 55019 from being cut up was only possible after considerable help from Chiltern Railways who ensured that the bubble car had a secure future after it became surplus to their requirements.
Chiltern is well known as the only train operator to use bubble cars in everyday service. Two of them, both restored to pristine condition, being based at Aylesbury depot where they see daily use on the Princes Risborough branch and are affectionately known by passengers as the Risborough rompers.
Project manager Des Thomas said: “We must express out thanks and appreciation to Chiltern Railways for the assistance which they have given to us during this process and for the enthusiastic support they continue to give our project.”
The LMMR would like to see 55019, probably painted in its original BR green livery, in passenger use within two years but need more volunteers to make this a reality. The railway houses two steam locomotives along with a number of diesel units and shunters.
