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Among all the Welsh narrow gauge lines the Talyllyn Railway has long been a favourite of mine. Since my first ever encounter (Rhydyronen to Tywyn
Wharf in the guards van during the early 70s) i have seen it extend to the foot of the Alltwyllt incline with the 1976 opening to Nant Gwernol, build a new loco ('Tom Rolt') and rebuild Wharf Station. It was also instrumental in kick starting my
interest in exploring slate quarries because, having stared up at the Alltwyllt incline too many times and, armed with maps plus a (old!) camera, i went off in search of its primary reason for being built - Bryn Eglwys slate quarry. Luckilly i saw
the site before the foresters ran riot up there - but with every visit (there's been quite a few) i have seen it become more and more derelict and overgrown. Thankfully the opposite is true of the railway. Today the TR is teaming with charm and
remains a friendly line. I still consider Rhydyronen to be a peaceful haven, plus the long walks from Abergynolwyn have always been my all time favourites and i still enjoy trips up the line with, as usual, a labrador or two in tow ... But that's
another story. The following are a small selection of photos, gathered from many, but contrasting the 80s versus the modern. |
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