Vale of Rheidol and Brecon Mountain Railways reunited after 30 years

The acquisition brings together two railways with a remarkable shared history, opening opportunities for engineering collaboration, heritage conservation and tourism development while preserving each railway’s distinctive identity.

The two railways previously operated under unified management between 1988 and 1996, following the acquisition of the Vale of Rheidol from British Rail. When the businesses separated, Tony Hills took responsibility for the Brecon Mountain Railway, while Peter Rampton continued developing the Vale of Rheidol.

Both men oversaw substantial investment, creating two very different but equally distinctive narrow-gauge operations.

Vale of Rheidol Railway Chief Executive Llŷr ap Iolo said:

“For those of us who knew and worked with Peter Rampton and Tony Hills, this is a particularly significant moment.

“They were two remarkable railwaymen who shared a passion for narrow-gauge railways, each with a clear vision forwhat their railway could become. Having worked alongside them for more than 30 years, I feel privileged that we now have the opportunity to bring the two operations back together and continue the work they started.

“Tony’s vision for an American-style narrow-gauge railway at Brecon is something we are committed to preserving and developing, alongside Peter’s legacy at the Vale of Rheidol.

“There is an enormous amount of knowledge and experience within both railways. Bringing our teams together creates opportunities to share that expertise, particularly in engineering, maintenance and restoration, while retaining the character that makes each railway special.”

Tony Hills, who died in 2015, helped establish the Brecon Mountain Railway along part of the former Brecon andMerthyr Railway trackbed. Its American-inspired locomotives and rolling stock have become a familiar sight in the landscape of Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.

Peter Rampton, who died in 2019, continued developing the Vale of Rheidol, the historic Aberystwyth–Devil’s Bridge line which opened in 1902 and became the last steam railway operated by British Rail.

The acquisition creates opportunities to share specialist engineering knowledge, workshop facilities and expertise in locomotive and rolling stock maintenance and restoration. The Vale of Rheidol has invested extensively in its engineering facilities at Aberystwyth, supporting its own fleet alongside other heritage railway projects.

The Vale of Rheidol is also expanding its work in railway heritage and conservation through Collection X, theextraordinary collection of more than 40 historic locomotives assembled by the late Peter Rampton. The railway is developing opportunities to conserve and restore the locomotives and make more of the collection accessible to the public.

Television presenter and railway historian Tim Dunn has joined the railway’s team as Head of Collection Development, helping take forward this work alongside other heritage initiatives.

With the Vale of Rheidol approaching its 125th anniversary in 2027 and the Brecon Mountain Railway now operating for more than 45 years, the acquisition brings together decades of railway preservation and commercial experience. Bothrailways continue to evolve, combining investment in the visitor experience with the enduring appeal of steam trains travelling through spectacular Welsh scenery.

As part of the new management structure, Stuart Williams has been appointed Chief Operating Officer of the Vale of Rheidol Railway, which now incorporates the Brecon Mountain Railway. His role spans both operations, building on the past two and a half years spent working at Brecon on secondment from the Vale of Rheidol.

Both railways will retain their individual identities, locomotive fleets and visitor experiences.

At Brecon, the next chapter begins immediately with preparations for its inaugural THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Rideseason, running from 13 November to 23 December and welcoming more than 23,500 visitors.

Stuart Williams said:

“Having spent the past two and a half years working with the team at Brecon, I know just how much potential thisrailway has. We have a distinctive steam railway, a spectacular setting and a team who care deeply about the place. There is a great deal to build on.

“I’m looking forward to working across both railways in my new role, sharing the strengths of each and helping BreconMountain Railway play an even greater part in Merthyr Tydfil’s vibrant tourism industry and the wider Bannau Brycheiniog area.

“We’re straight into a busy start, preparing to welcome more than 23,500 visitors for our first Polar Express season.That brings opportunities well beyond the railway, for local accommodation providers, cafés, restaurants and other attractions. We want the railway’s success to help the wider area thrive too.”

For further information, visit www.vor.wales and www.bmr.wales.