A STEAM railway in Ceredigion is about to release what they describe “as the most comprehensive book ever produced about this unique line”.

Many years have been spent researching the Vale of Rheidol railway’s archive and archaeology, dating back to the opening of the line in 1902, to produce this.

Research, coupled with detailed drawings, mean the book presents an unrivalled description of the railway’s history, equipment and infrastructure.

It was produced by Stephen Phillips (design), Llyr ap Iolo, Robert Gambrill and Robert Bance (Vale of Rheidol archivist).

Highly detailed drawings of locomotives, passenger carriages, goods stock, service vehicles, bridges, signalling, trackwork, station buildings, lineside equipment and water columns feature alongside fascinating photographs, documents and ephemera from the railway’s archive.

Many of these illustrations are being reproduced for the first time, and many in colour.

Carefully prepared livery diagrams illustrate the myriad of paint schemes used by the railway, including Brighton Ochre and BR Rail Blue.

In addition to providing a comprehensive record of locomotives, carriages, wagons and buildings, aided by primary source information and close examination of surviving equipment, the work brings the record up to date with extensive details of modern developments and equipment.

This includes a unique behind-the scenes insight into the engineering and operation of a modern preserved narrow gauge steam railway.

The book will become available, only from the Vale of Rheidol, in January 2022.

With the initial print run being limited in numbers and interest expected to be high, early ordering to avoid disappointment is recommended.

Visit www.rheidolrailway.co.uk/shop/ for more information and to order.