Hi everybody. Today, following a brisk cruise via the M6, M54, A5 and god only knows how many other minor country roads, I reached the famous Talyllyn Railway at Tywyn, on the western coast of Wales. This fantastically historic railway, at 2ft 3" in gauge, hides in the beautiful Fathew valley, running through unspoilt scenary for 7.25 miles. Originally constructed to carry slate, the line opened in 1865 between Tywyn and its upper reaches at Nant Gwernol. Traffic was busy but, allas, in 1946 the slate transport business collapsed following a heavy rockfall in the mountains. In 1866, the line began passenger services with crude coaches, being one of very few railways operating slate trains to also operate passenger trips. Later in its life; after many ups and downs; the railway was bought by Haydn Jones, a man who vowed to keep the line running for as long as possible. After purchasing the line in 1911, Jones kept it running until his death in July 1950, with his widow continuing operations until the end of that season. After that, the railway seemed set to dissapear forever. Fortunately, a band of enthusiasts came together, let by Tom Rolt, and, on May 14th 1951, the very first train on the very first preserved railway went into service. Slowly but surely, the new society restored the line, allowing future generations to experience its charm, its beauty and its peace. Lucky for us, the line is still running today and, is going strong at that! I arrived at Tywyn at just before 10am. After buying a ticket, I awaited the loco and stock for the first train, hauled by 1864-built Fletcher Jennings 0-4-2, No1 "Talyllyn" herself...
"Talyllyn" arrived with some historic-looking stock, before uncoupling and heading over for water. The loco was beautifully turned out, carrying a Welsh crest on the front bufferbeam and wearing a striking red & black livery. The loco was crewed by three; a lady Driver, a lady Cleaner and a male Fireman. I must admit, the extra 3" in gauge gives a much larger locomotive. For 1864, "Talyllyn" is big! After watering, the loco moved around onto the front of the 10:30am departure. I boarded an 'open' coach, from which to survey the views which awaited further up the valley. Departing on time, the train passed Pendre; the workshops of the line. Therefore, I spotted "Sir Haydn" lying in wait in the shed. Four loco's would be in service today, including "Talyllyn". Working her way up the valley, through various stations and wayside halts, the loco seemed to haul the train easily. Passenger numbers seemed strong, despite the ever-threatening rain. Mind you, you can tell this is a popular line. Past farms and hillside plains we went, steaming along through a time-trapped world. Wales is beautiful. You can tell it has been like this for centuries...
As I said, the coach I was travelling in was an 'open'. However, there was an assortment of stock making up the rake. One type in attendance was the 4-wheeled rigid frame coach. As well as these, there was a 1st Class 'Bug-Box', beautifully done, as well as a large bogie coach or two. Together, lovingly restored to the highest standards, they remind us of a bygone age of narrow gauge travel, kept for the future on the Talyllyn Railway. Below, a 4-wheeled coach stands at the head of the train...
After a scenic run through the damp valley, the train reached the terminus at Nant Gwernol. Here, the loco was uncoupled and ran round...
From Nant Gwernol, the track used to continue as a horse-drawn tramway to the top of the hills. However, though evidence of these primitive operations remains, the tramway is no more. Looking down from the platform, lush greenary is all that meets the eye...
At Nant Gwernol, the 1864-built loco rests as she awaits the road...
Many will remember the Talyllyn's inclusion in the Awdry books which one day became Thomas the Tank Engine. Of course, the TR engines were the 'Four Little Engines' discovered by Awdry in his tenth book. Awdry was of course a supporter and regular volunteer and visitor of the Talyllyn. The engines that were written into the book all had 'twins' on the Talyllyn. Of course, "Talyllyn"s twin was "Skarloey", the little red 0-4-2 in th TV series that followed later. "Peter Sam" (No4 "Edward Thomas"), "Sir Handle" (No3 "Sir Haydn") and of course "Rheneas" (No2 "Dolgoch") also appeared, as did "Duncan" (No6 "Douglas"). Awdry passed away in 1997, leaving behind an unforgettable legacy in both television and in his books for the Talyllyn to recreate. Each season, one engine is chosen to "play" one of the twin engines from Sodor. This year, "Sir Handle" was in attendance. It is such a thrill to see the engines you watched on TV as a child in the flesh. Anyway, with "Talyllyn" back on the train, we departed homeward...
At Abergynolwyn, there was a 25-minute pathing stop. "Talyllyn"s cab...
"Talyllyn"...
At Quarry Siding, we passed "Sir Handle" ("Sir Haydn" in disguise)...
"Skarloey"...
Back at Tywyn, the Talyllyn posters are all around...
With "Talyllyn" now off the back of the train, 1921-built No4 "Edward Thomas" ran round and onto what was now the front. The loco looked great, in a shining green livery under the darkened skies. She was of course "Peter Sam" in the books and the TV series, herself being of Kerr Stuart build. The engine used to have a Giesel-Ejector with the appropriately flat chimney. However, I believe this has now been removed for a more conventional arrangement...
"Edward Thomas" at Tywyn, directly behind is the Cambrian coast Network Rail line...
Leaving the two steamers outside, I headed into the relatively new station building at Tywyn. As well as the shop, waiting area, booking office and cafe, the building also houses a wonderful Museum, housed over two levels. I must admit, I was very impressed. Everything from locomotives to rail relics and historic artefacts. One display I did enjoyed was the tribute to Mr Awdry, and his books...
The upper floor of the Museum also includes a viewing balcony, from which you can see the entire station, yard and of course the Network Rail line alongside. Below, "Talyllyn" is spotted from an unusual angle from above...
On the lower floor, the bigger locomotives are kept. 2ft gauge Quarry Hunslet "Rough Pup" looked well, stored in the warmth of the cosy museum. However, unfortunately, I fear she may never run again...
Finally ladies and gents, before I end this post, I have included the footage I took at the Talyllyn, starting along the line and giving views of "Talyllyn" in action...
Well, a lovely trip overall folks. I spotted all four of the loco's in action, though No2 "Dolgoch" could not be photographed due to the pouring Welsh rain! This line is beautiful; very historic, well-kept and professional to boot. I would recommend indeed! Well, now, another one done(!); back in the car and off to Fairbourne!...
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