Vegetation ClearanceThe society has permission from Network Rail to undertake vegetation clearance work in 2009 at a number of key sites on the railway. These sites include the former stations at Pontyates and Pontyberem. This clearance work will improve the railway environment for the benefit of the local population. As can be seen from the photograph, work is currently in progress at Pontyates station and is requiring the felling of many saplings (some would say trees) which have grown up through the trackbed!

Steam Locomotive Pontyberem In December 2007 the last surviving B.P.& G.V.R. steam became available for sale. This engine was bought by a society member and is now being restored at the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway. The long-term aim is to return this engine to the Gwendraeth Valley to run on the railway. Although Pontyberem has never run in preservation it is in a reasonable mechanical condition. As a consequence the overhaul of the engine was started in the summer of 2008. The engine was built in 1900 by the Bristol based firm of Avonside. It ran on the B.P.& G.V.R., where it received the running No.2, from 1900 until 1914. After the engine was sold by the railway the locomotive had a long career in the South Wales coal industry. Eventually it was bought for preservation by members of The Great Western Society. Inevitably the engine was modified during its time working for the coal board. Under the current restoration plans the locomotive will be restored as far as possible back to its B.P.& G.V.R. appearance. The changes being made are likely to include the replacement of the existing chimney and cab both of which are life expired. Once restored the engine will be painted in the original green livery that it use to carry when running in Carmarthenshire.

Diesel Engine 03141In the 1960s steam locomotives on the railway were replaced by a number of modified 03 class diesel shunters. Half a dozen of these engines have survived into preservation including 03141. This engine was purchased by a society member several years ago. Initially it was stored in Swansea but it has now been moved to the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway. This engine is currently undergoing a full overhaul. It is likely to be the Gwendraeth Railway project’s first operational engine.

Renovation of GUV at the Pontypool & Blaenavon RailwayRestoration of one of the two GUVs has started following it's recent move to the Blaenavon site. Over the course of a busy Sunday one side and end were power washed down, had rust spots treated with red oxide and a top coat of blue grey (similar to Rail Blue) applied to one end.Further work on the rest of the vehicle will be undertaken as weather permits.