It has been more than forty years since the last British Rail steam train ran as part of a normal timetabled service. The steam train was long ago replaced by more modern and efficient forms of traction. Which were in their own turn replaced by the modern electric trains we have today.
That should have been the end of the steam train, consigned to the scrapyard and the history books, but in fact it is just the beginning of our story. Since the 1960's a network of privately owned and operated railway lines have sprung up across the country. These lines are normally staffed by a small army of volunteers and using steam locomotives and coaching stock from both British rail and former industrial railway systems, every week these private, or preserved railway lines carry thousands of passengers over 100's of miles of rebuilt railway track.
What many people do not realise is that railway preservation did not start in the 1960's with a steam train from British Rail at all. In fact its origins go back as far as 1950 and start with the narrow gauge Talyllyn Railway in the small Welsh town of Tywyn.
Preservation Pioneer
Running for over seven miles from Tywyn to Abergynolwyn, and Nant Gwernol, the Talyllyn Railway can claim the honour of being the worlds first preserved railway.
The line which still uses its original 1860's locomotives and coaching stock starts from Wharf station in Tywyn, before proceeding away from the town and into some of the most attractive scenery to be found anywhere in the United Kingdom. The next stop is Pendre where you will find the railways fully equipped workshops and storage depot. You might also see another steam train being prepared for service, or cleaned out after a hard days work.
Dolgoch Falls
There are several other stations of note on the line before we reach the terminus at Nant Gwernol. One of the highlights must surely be Dolgoch. Alight from your steam train here to view the famous Dolgoch falls.
The waterfalls at Dolgoch are well worth seeing at any time, but if you can manage to see them after a period of heavy rain then they are truly spectacular, just follow the path from the train station to climb up into the mountains for some of the best views of the higher waterfalls.
Further down the line we come to Abergynolwyn station. Every steam train stops here to give both steam train crew and passengers an opportunity to sample the refreshments at the excellent cafeteria this station boasts.
The last stop on the Talyllyn railway is Nant Gwernol. This is the starting point for many interesting walks in the Welsh countryside. It is also the closest station to the picturesque Welsh village of Abergynolwyn.
Peter Townsend - Peter Townsend has been producing ebooks, web content articles, and many other types of writing for more than ten years. He spent many ...
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