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NEW ‘EXCURSION CAR’ FOR 2026

Partially constructed wooden tram in a workshop with metal framing and stairs.

A Sneak Peek at Something New: Our Open-Air Excursion Car for 2026

We’re delighted to share an early look at a brand-new open-air excursion car, currently under construction by the Vale of Rheidol Railway for the Brecon Mountain Railway. Due to arrive in the spring, this exciting addition represents a significant investment in both visitor experience and accessibility, and responds directly to the growing demand we’ve seen in recent seasons.

Meeting Demand at Our Busiest Time

The popularity of the Brecon Mountain Railway continues to grow, and last summer showed just how strong that demand has become. In August we were operating at an average of 97% capacity, with many services effectively full. While this is a fantastic position to be in, it does mean we’ve been struggling for space on some of our busiest trains, particularly during peak holiday periods.

This new excursion car will give us valuable extra capacity, helping more people enjoy the railway at the times they most want to travel, while maintaining the relaxed, high-quality experience our visitors expect.

A More Immersive Way to Travel

With its open sides, the new car is designed to offer a truly immersive journey through the Taf Fechan valley. Passengers will be able to:

  • Hear the locomotive working as it tackles the gradients

  • Smell the coal and steam drifting back through the train

  • Feel closer to the landscape, the reservoirs and the surrounding hills

It’s a style of travel that connects you more directly to the railway and its environment — particularly special on warm summer days, when the sights, sounds and atmosphere are all part of the experience.

Designed with Accessibility in Mind

Just as importantly, the new excursion car has been purpose-designed to be wheelchair accessible. Improving accessibility across the railway is a key priority for us, and this carriage will make it easier for more visitors to enjoy an open-air steam train journey, comfortably and safely.

By combining accessibility with additional capacity, this project helps ensure that growth at the railway benefits as many people as possible.

Built In-House, with Heritage Expertise

Being built by the Vale of Rheidol Railway team, the car draws on decades of experience in designing and constructing rolling stock for narrow-gauge heritage lines. It’s a great example of collaboration within our wider railway family, and of using in-house skills to deliver practical, visitor-focused improvements.

Looking Ahead to Spring

There’s still plenty of work to be done before the car arrives in Brecon this spring, but we couldn’t resist sharing this behind-the-scenes sneak peek. We’ll be sharing more updates as the build progresses — and we’re very much looking forward to welcoming passengers aboard once it enters service.

Watch this space… 🚂

Metal platform with railing, steps, and an orange lift in a workshop. Partially constructed wooden structure with metal frame inside a workshop. Interior of a partially constructed wood and metal tram with workers in the background.

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