| The Welsh narrow
gauge railways offer wide variety in scenery and gauge. Each line has its own atmosphere
and charm. Some are small operations and others are in the big league. The following
selection of images were taken in early June 2001 on an extended visit to the lines. Note:
By viewing these photographs you signify your agreement to the terms
of usage. |
On the Welshpool and LLanfair Railway (2'6" gauge), 0-6-0T No 822 'The Earl' relaxes
at Welshpool after taking water, as his crew enjoy their own version of liquid
refreshment. 'The Earl' was built by Beyer Peacock of Manchester in 1902.
|
|
Simmering gently at Llanfair is Tubize-built 2-6-2T No 15 'Orion'. in the right background
are two of the ex-Zilltertalbahn coaches. 'Orion' was built in Belgium in 1948.
|
On the Talyllyn Railway (2'3" gauge), 0-4-0WT No 6 'Douglas' is in Rev Awdry mode as
'Duncan' as it poses in the sunlight at Nant Gwernol. This Barclay tank was built in 1918.
|
|
Later that day, at Tywyn Wharf, 'Duncan' quietly waits at the head of his train. An up and
coming enthusiast surveys the scene, accompanied by his father. In view is 4w third class
carriage No 17.
|
At Porthmadog station on the Ffestiniog Railway (1'11 1/2" gauge), 'Earl of
Merioneth' has its drain cocks open during shunting as it (he?) makes up the first train
of the day. The Earl is a 'double Fairlie' built at Boston Lodge Works in 1979, and
therefore a relative youngster. |
|
'Russell' of the Welsh Highland Railway, Porthmadog (1'11 1/2" gauge), running round
at Porthmadog. 'Russell' is a Hunslet 2-6-2T built in 1906. |
On the Welsh Highland Railway, Caernarfon (1'11 1/2" gauge), former South African
Beyer Garrett No NG143 arrives at Waunfawr under the small road bridge at the north end of
the station. |
|
The Snowdon Mountain Railway (800mm gauge) is a rack and pinion system. At the Llanberis
end of the line we see No 2 'ENID', with Giesel ejector, heading up to the shed. |
Amidst typical Snowdon Mountain scenery, No 5 'MOEL SIABOD' is seen climbing hard on 5
June 2001. |
|
At the other end of Llanberris is the Llanberis Lake Railway (1'11 1/2" gauge). This
line operates three of the famous 'Quarry Hunslets'. In this scene the oldest of the trio,
No 1 'Elidir', built in 1889, is about to be watered at Llanberis. |
The driver of Bala Lake Railway No 3 'HOLY WAR' chats to two enthusiasts from Northern
Ireland, Gordon Magee and Errol Stafford (centre). Errol runs his own 2'6" gauge
narrow gauge railway at Annaghmore, Co Armagh. The Bala Lake Railway has a gauge of 1'11
5/8". 'HOLY WAR' is a 1902 quarry Hunslet. |
|
Half an hour after the previous view, 'HOLY WAR' whistles to the photographer as it skirts
the edge of Bala Lake with a four coach train. The sheep, no doubt preoccupied with other
matters, appear unphased by the train. |
The Fairbourne & Barmouth Steam Railway (12 1/4" gauge) has something of a
miniature railway atmosphere. In this sunny view, Curwen 0-6-4T 'Beddgelert' moves
cautiously up to its train after running round at Barmouth. 'BEDDGELERT' was built in
1979. |
|
|
|
