Welcome to the Talyllyn Railway's HRA Award-Winning RU-vid Channel!
The Talyllyn Railway is a Victorian narrow-gauge steam railway, set in the beautiful North Wales countryside. We are the World's First Preserved Railway, run by a band of dedicated volunteers from all over the World.
Running from Tywyn to Abergynolwyn and Nant Gwernol, the line passes the delightful Dolgoch Falls and there are excellent forest walks at Nant Gwernol. Why not come and visit us for a great family day out in Southern Snowdonia?
Part of The Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales World Heritage Site.
Videos produced for the Talyllyn Railway by Luke Leo Ryan
A big thank you to Ian, Stella, Julie and Duncan for their help with subtitling!
*Falcon Handover Speech* Dear Friends, I have been asked by Sir Handel Brown, the owner, to say a few words on his behalf. He’s sorry he cannot make it today. He, like us, was delighted to hear that this event was to be happening for a fourth year. “The Reverend Wilbert Awdry” he said, “did his best to show Sodor as it really is. He was a credible ambassador for our island, though only some of his artists were as creditable as he. This year’s ambassador from the Skarloey Railway is of course, Sir Handel. We would also like to thank the Corris Railway for their help in ensuring that Sir Handel could visit. They have recently finished their own steam engine, which is not unlike Sir Handel. But Sir Handel is, of course, one of a kind.” When the owner told me which engine was coming this year, I was not convinced. “Sir Handel” I explained, “is pompous, preening and full of his own self importance”. Then I realized, such an engine would love the attention from so many enthusiasts. I dare say, under such watchful eyes, Sir Handel would be even more useful here than in Sodor. This year, Sir Handel is joined by Rusty, who is in the yard, and Fred, who you can find at the other end of the line. They are the backbone of the maintenance fleet of the Skarloey Railway and deserve just as much of your attention, no matter what Sir Handel thinks. Special attention should go to Rusty, for it’s 65 years since this intrepid diesel was introduced into the book. This event is a celebration and we’re thrilled that you have come to join us. There are so many faces old and new who have come this weekend to celebrate the life and legacy of my father and perhaps his most enduring creations. We hope you’ll enjoy every part of it. It’s a privilege to be here and to those who always asked after him, Christopher sends his very best wishes to everybody. Thank you, enjoy your day - Veronica Chambers
I think the name "Tom Rolt" suits this engine more than "Irish Pete". It's a nice way of praising the man who helped preserve and pretty much save the Talyllyn Railway in the 1950s. One of these days, I will go to Wales and visit the Talyllyn Railway. One day...
Did the old platelayers live there, or camp out there during the week, or just use the bothy as a meal room and place to get out of the worst of the weather?
I'd take a little gas stove to cook some dinner and breakfast; it's a good way to pass some time, and a hot feed and drink can lift your mood in a dark and probably damp place.
We've extended as close as physically possible - the actual Railway never made it to the Quarry itself. At Nant Gwernol you can see the remains of the first incline that led up to the Bryneglwys Quarry, after that it was a horse drawn tramway that took the wagons to the next incline and up to the first quarry level. No steam engine ever stepped foot (I suppose it should be wheel) there! Sadly the state of the quarry means it is utterly unfeasible to restart slate production - let alone the amount of money it would take to restore the buildings since demolished would mean it'd never ever turn a profit, and of course it would also mean we lose our gorgeous nature walks around the old site which plenty of tourists and locals very much enjoy.
Well, that old hut certainly is a glance back in time! Can't imagine how it would be to live in that hut, day in and day out. The plate layers were probably too tired to care by the end of the day, though
I'm not sure how feasible this is, but it would be interesting if they converted the Room with a View hut into a rentable VRBO cottage with a proper interior and a bathroom for guests to sleep in.
Sounds like a cool idea but I feel like you'd lose some history with a conversion like that... I'd like to see it cleaned up and restored, and stay in it as it was.
I can see how easy it was for Rev Awdry to make characters for them. These little engines have such personality! Little hard workers, still going strong. You Welsh are just amazing at loving these things. 🥹
Tom rolt must be turning in his grave ,this type of nonsense is turning this glorious old line into a theme park ride . Won’t be visting again To much focus on making a ‘quick buck ‘than a heritage railway experience,what next a QR code on the drivers grease top ..wharf isn’t Disneyland
Respectfully, it was Tom Rolt who suggested to the Reverend Awdry to put the Talyllyn Railway in his books. We're respecting a part of our history and heritage with these events, and that is what comes first and foremost over making a 'quick buck' - it's certainly helpful that the event is so successful however. We have had a "Skarloey" engine at the TR on and off for the best part of 40 years - so it's nothing new. I'm fairly sure the heritage railway experience we offer isn't damaged by one weekend a year - if it doesn't take your fancy that is fair enough, so just don't visit during that event. I'd highly recommend "The Slate Trail" for a proper Talyllyn heritage experience if you did want to give that a go.
@@TalyllynRailway1865 I wish the TR all the best as I’m cancelling my membership after 4 generations of family involvement. Good luck with ‘Brynglas world ‘
Great update, thanks Ian, Rob, Nick and all donors. My pin badge and certificate arrived a few weeks ago but I see I must get one of those nice waistcoats too.
Terrific update video, especially on the Talyllyn Railway's vtial yet crucial 57 appeal reaching it's latest target of such an astounding amount on it's fundraising appeals, OH and excellent highlights in-between, Also... brilliant idea re-using that theme tune from ''Railway with a Heart of Gold'' by the way, Even though I myself have not yet visited the terrific Talyllyn Railway 'in-person' which I hope to do so... someday, it's still on my bucket list. I consider the talyllyn railway - as the united kingdom's flagship heritage railway, msotly as it was where railway preservation first came about over 70-odd years ago.