Before long, the several networks centred on Newtown decided that they needed to join up with one another, and in July 1864 the Cambrian Railways company was formed by the amalgamation of four existing companies: the Llanidloes and Newtown Railway, the Oswestry and Newtown Railway, the Newtown and Machynlleth Railway, and the Oswestry, Ellesmere and Whitchurch Railway (the Aberystwith and Welsh Coast Railway would join soon after). The Mid-Wales Railway did not participate in this amalgamation, but the Amalgamation Act preserved the MWR rights concerning running powers over parts of the other lines.Christiansen and Miller, page 71
