VISITORS to Llangollen Railway were shown diesel power at the railway's heritage railcar weekend.

Last weekend saw Llangollen Railway dispense with their usual steam engines to allow heritage diesel railcars full access to the line between Llangollen and Corwen.

Throughout the weekend rail-fans were able to ride on several trains operated by British Rail in the early 1960s.

Star of the show was the Class 110, a two-car unit formerly used on the Calder Valley line unit, and on loan from the East Lancashire Railway.

The frequent service provided by the four units showed how the Llangollen line might have operated if it had not been closed in 1965, when the introduction of diesel tractor would have speeded up services and simplified operations between Ruabon and Barmouth.

George Jones of the Llangollen Railway Trust said: "The weekend went very well, aided by the sunshine on Sunday. Hundreds were attracted to this annual special event and some had travelled considerable distances to sample a ride in the visiting Calder Valley unit, class 110.

"While some 'ordinary' passengers may have been disappointed to find no steam service, they soon discovered the delights of travelling in a railcar with its all round views from front and rear seats allowing for seeing the Dee Valley scenery to best advantage."