About

The Preservation Pioneers had a hard task ahead of them relaying the Railway in the early 1950s – and even the best volunteers need a hand from time to time.

A photographic day with No.2 ‘Dolgoch’ at the head of an era-appropriate 1950s Permanent Way train, complete with loaded wagons and re-enactors!

The day will begin at 7:30am at Tywyn Wharf Station, with the train departing at 8:00am.

The Talyllyn Railway was in a sorry state when the Preservation Society took over operations in 1951, with the saying “Don’t disturb the turf around the Rails” being used predominantly – as it was the only thing keeping the tack to gauge!

It was apparent a full re-lay of the line was in order, so the pioneering volunteers took to the task. Frequent permanent way trains were run, formed of the rotting wagons at the TRs disposal – predominantly of the iron bodied types. In 1953 salvation came in the form of the Territorial Army who, on a training exercise, assisted the volunteers with the track renewal work.

The Territorial Army enjoyed multiple visits to the TR on training exercises following this, even rebuilding part of Dolgoch Viaduct. We are delighted to say that we are to have re-enactors dressed in period Territorial Army uniform aboard this charter train to provide extra authenticity and the chance for some different and unique shots.

In the morning we will steadily make our way up the line stopping for run pasts and staged photographs along the way, and similar on the return journey back to Tywyn Wharf. You will be able to pre-order lunches in the morning that will be ready for when we get back.

Once suitably refreshed at Wharf, we will head back up the line to Brynglas for an evening photo shoot – returning to Tywyn for 8:30pm.

We hope you can join us for this full day experience!

Rheilffordd Talyllyn Railway