gauge): Croydon Merstham and Godstone Railway – extension of SIR West Somerset Mineral Railway incorporated 1855 to carry iron ore; passenger service from 1865; closed to all traffic 1898 see article here Wales Cambrian Railways incorporated between 1864 and 1904 Oswestry and Newtown Railway 30 miles: incorporated 6 June 1855; opened 1860-1 Llanidloes and Newtown Railway miles: 4 August 1853; 1859. Until 1861 this section of the line was completely isolated Newtown and Machynlleth Railway 23 miles: 27 July 1857; 1863 Oswestry, Ellesmere and Whitchurch Railway 18 miles: 1 August 1861; 1863-4 Aberystwith and Welsh Coast Railway 86 miles: 26 July 1861; 1863–69 Mid Wales Railway miles: 1 August 1859; 1 September 1864. This Railway maintained complete independence from the Cambrian until 1 January 1888, when the latter took over working the line; and on 1 July 1904 when the two Railways amalgamated. and several railways opened in the 1860s Festiniog Railway incorporated 23 May 1832 ( gauge) miles opened 1836 to carry dressed slate from Blaenau Ffestiniog to Porthmadog for export by sea, carried passengers from 1865. Still independent and since 1954 a leading heritage railway. Llanelly Railway and Dock Company incorporated 1828 Rhymney Railway incorporated 1854 Taff Vale Railway (TVR) incorporated 1836. Among the eight railways amalgamated with the TVR is one early railway: Aberdare Railway opened 1846 See also History of rail transport in Great Britain History of rail transport in Great Britain to 1830 History of rail transport in Great Britain 1830–1922 References Notes Sources Early British railway companies Pre-grouping British railway companies Early British railway companies