Tuesday 20th - Wagons and little railways

My first day back in after a lovely week in a cottage near Dolgellau. It was going to be a busy day with preparations for our Gala visitors needing to be underway as it is now quite a lengthy job. Although keeping an eye on the blog while I was away, the first thing was to have a walk round to see the week's progress first hand.

There had been some good work done on the Discovery coach, although as always with the preparation stage for a while it all looks the same.

Richard continued the sanding of numerous areas of filler and then ended the day by completing the undercoating of the gutter panel.

Dave had also made good progress with the tidying up of FO 3127 using the dark grey undercoat. It's going to be a while before this comes into the Works, so giving the coach a temporary coat of paint not only gives protection but changes an unsightly mess into something looking quite smart.

[Photo : Paul E] The MICA van is now really looking the biz. While Maurice adds more wood primer to the north end, Alex carefully marks out the positions of the large G W.

The two templates are now taped in place ready for the outlines to be pencilled on.

[Photo : Paul E] Later in the day Maurice is top coating the Cotswold side doors.

As the red paint goes on the ghostly letters now make themselves very visible.

Progress with the Open C wagon is also good. Chris and Paul work on the Malvern side door to ensure it fits well.

[Photo : Paul E] And also fit the missing plank.

[Photo : Paul E] This side now also looking really good.

This is Peggy who arrived with her owner from Cornwall. He is a member of the Bodmin and Wenford Railway and will be assisting with the O Gauge model railway which is being set up for the gala in the Tim Mitchell Building.

The final crossover of the day.

With the Paintshop floor thoroughly vac'd, some of the gala displays are put up.

Lots more to do on Thursday.

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A collection of holiday photos from the previous week. Staying near Dolgellau is a perfect location for visiting the little trains of Wales (and the big ones too!).

Sunday - Vale of Rheidol

The downside of all this endless hot weather is the lineside fire risk, so currently no steam hauledge on the VOR.

This didn't detract from the excellent journey.

Their first class coach is really lovely. Maybe next time?

There is an excellent museum by Aberystwyth station with a fine collection of old steam locos and other vehicles. It was a lovely surprise to find that it included the Dukedog, on loan from the Bluebell Railway until it can be refurbished.

A really beautiful coach from the Isle of Man Railway.

Monday - Ffestiniog Railway

As with yesterday fire risk meant diesel haulage, disappointing but, also as with yesterday, the glorious scenery made up for it.

Blaenau Ffestiniog with the main line to Llandudno Junction.

Apparently steam was running on the Welsh Highland and we briefly caught sight of a smoking chimney as we passed Boston Lodge loco works. No photos of the works, instead nearby Minffordd Station.

Tuesday - Fairbourne Railway

A great way to visit this delightful little railway is to do the grand tour, which involves a walk, the railway, and then the ferry.

Walking out of Barmouth to descend to the railway and the bridge.

It's quite a spectacular walk across the estuary over this 900 yard bridge, which had a major multi-million pound restoration over the years 2021-23.

After the bridge the walk continues alongside the railway, and then at Morfa Mawddach station the line is crossed and a lengthy track followed to Fairbourne.

Arriving at the station to find "Sherpa" trundling up and down.

The real treat was to find the miniature replica of the L&BR Manning Wardle "Yeo" pulling the train.

Then the journey with "Yeo" at the front, and just before we left "Sherpa" coupled up and we were doubleheaded.

Arriving at Harbour View Station to walk down the beach and wait for the one of the two ferry boats to return you to Barmouth.

Wednesday - Explore Cambrian Coast Day Ranger

That's what it said on the ticket and for just £19 you get to do one of the most scenic railway journeys in the country.

Starting from Barmouth we travelled to Pwllheli and back, and then on to Machynlleth. And yes, from the comfort of a bay window the scenery is superb. Barmouth Station was quiet when we arrived; by the time the train arrived it was very different and no doubt many were doing the same as us.

The journey to Pwllheli had many views such as these.

Then the return to Barmouth and on to Machynlleth.

Over Barmouth Bridge

For about a mile after Fairbourne the train really slowed and having passed through the Friog avalanche shelter the nearness to the cliff edge became very apparent. The railway is literally running along a terrace; the road above follows the same contours on its own terrace (we drove along it the next day). There are some good photos on the web showing this quite dramatic scene.

Then on towards Tywyn, and past The Wharf where we could see an engine in steam on the Tallylyn Railway (good news!) ........

....... and then the Dyfi Estuary, and finally Machynlleth. The return to Barmouth was on a crowded train, which became very well filled at Tywyn when many pupils from the senior school piled onto the train. The line is certainly very well patronised by both holidaymakers and locals. Overall it was a good day out and much recommended.

Thursday - Talyllyn Railway

I have much wanted to travel on this delightful railway, where railway preservation began in 1951. The shop in Tywyn Station has a large section on Tom Rolt and his life. There is also an excellent museum which also features both him and the Revd Audrey.

"Sir Haydn" named after Sir Haydn Jones who owned the railway prior to it continuing as the World's first heritage railway.

At just over 7 miles, it's not as long as the others, but the scenary is just as lovely.

Looking down on Abergynolwyn. The station is high above the village and was the original limit of the preserved line before it was extended to Nant Gwernol. The station is lovely with an excellent cafe. The trains stop here for a while, either on the outward or return journeys.