Talyllyn Railway
The Talyllyn Railway is a 7¼-mile, 2 ft 3 in gauge railway in mid-Wales, running from Tywyn Wharf on the Cardigan Bay coast to Nant Gwernol at the head of Nant Gwernol forest, via Abergynolwyn. It is the most historically significant heritage railway in the world: in 1951 it became the first railway anywhere to be taken into preservation by volunteers, an event that founded the entire heritage railway movement.
The line was built in 1865 to carry slate from the Bryn Eglwys quarries above Abergynolwyn down to the coast for shipment, with passenger services as a secondary activity. After the slate trade collapsed and Sir Henry Haydn Jones (the line's sole owner since 1911) died in 1950, his widow agreed to sell to a preservation society organised by author Tom Rolt. The first volunteer-operated trains ran in 1951, the moment that began the heritage railway movement worldwide. The line continues to operate using its original Victorian locomotives, including the unique 2 ft 3 in gauge engines Talyllyn (1864) and Dolgoch (1866), still working their original line.
The railway is famously the inspiration for the Skarloey Railway in the Rev. W. Awdry's Thomas the Tank Engine stories, Awdry was an active Talyllyn volunteer and based the fictional railway directly on it.
History
The Talyllyn Railway opened in 1865 to carry slate from the Bryn Eglwys quarry. After the slate trade declined the line was kept running, latterly almost as a hobby, by Sir Henry Haydn Jones (1911–1950), never officially closing. After his death in 1950, his widow Lady Haydn agreed to sell to a preservation society organised by author and engineer Tom Rolt. The Talyllyn Railway Preservation Society took over in 1951, the first volunteer railway preservation in the world. The original locomotives Talyllyn and Dolgoch were rescued and are still in service today. The line was extended in stages to Nant Gwernol in 1976.
Original line history
The line was built in 1865 by the Bryn Eglwys quarry interests, with passenger traffic added in 1866. Unlike many slate-line operations, it had a Light Railway Order from the beginning and operated continuously even as the slate trade collapsed. Sir Henry Haydn Jones acquired the line in 1911 and kept it running essentially out of sentiment until his death in 1950.
Stations and infrastructure
Tywyn Wharf is the coastal terminus and headquarters, with the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum (the principal museum of the world's narrow-gauge railways). Abergynolwyn is the principal intermediate village, with cafe and shop. Nant Gwernol is the upper terminus in spectacular forest scenery. Dolgoch Falls is a popular request stop for the waterfalls walk.
Route and stations
Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors
Special events and operations
Events include the annual Race the Train (a road race against the train, in May), gala weekends with visiting narrow-gauge engines, vintage train weekends, and Santa Specials. The line has a particularly active society and many enthusiast events.
Visitor information
Tywyn Wharf is a few minutes' walk from Tywyn (Cambrian Coast Line) station. Direct trains run from Birmingham International, Shrewsbury, Aberystwyth, and Pwllheli.