In patchy sun, DRS’ 37605 crosses Cynghordy viaduct on the Central Wales Line with Arriva Trains Wales/Pathfinder Tours’ “The Sugar Loaf Mountaineer” 1Z52 09:07 Birmingham New Stret to Bynea, postponed from 7th July due to fire risk. This re-run was also supposed to have been steam hauled, but LSL announced the previous day that Black 5 45231 “Sherwood Forester” would not be ready in time, thus 37605 worked the tour throughout. This caused much consternation among the passengers, many of whom decided not to show up, and many others deciding to disembark at Craven Arms on the outward leg. The tour was promoted by ATW as their final farewell to the franchise, and to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the opening of the Central Wales Line in June 1868. Celebrations were held at Llandovery Station where the train was met by the town’s dignitaries, and a plaque was unveiled by BBC newsreader and historian Huw Edwards. Due to the late arrival of the SRPS ECS stock from Bescot, the tour finally departed New Street 47 minutes late, and by this time was 50 minutes late. In 2017, Network Rail completed a £3.5m renovation of the viaduct.
