News from September 2004

"Dot" at Pendre

The Narrow Gauge Railway Museum’s 18" gauge Beyer Peacock loco "Dot" was spotted on 21st August by David Mitchell. Here it is just outside the South Carriage Shed at Pendre having its paintwork cleaned. (Next to it is TR No. 1’s boiler.)

Dot gets its paintwork cleaned at Pendre.

Source: Talyllyn Railway: Latest News

Posted by Peter Bowyer on 1 September 2004

Memorial Service held for John Slater

Following a private cremation at Putney, Tywyn said goodbye to John Slater at a Service of Remembrance at St Cadfan’s church on Friday 3rd September.

John was the son of a Major General, and trained as an engineer, before becoming a journalist. He was editor of the Railway Magazine for many years. He joined the newly formed and pioneering Talyllyn Railway Preservation Society in 1951, and between then and his recent death made nearly 1800 visits to work on the Talyllyn. This averages some 35 visits a year for 53 years, and he published a private newsletter for each visit.

John was editor of the “Talyllyn News” from 1963 until 1999 and single-handedly produced 143 issues, every one on time. He was elected as a Vice President of the Society in 1988 in recognition of his dedication.

The service, in a packed St Cadfan’s, was attended by members of John’s family, led by Patrick Scott. Also by representatives from the railway press, including Nick Pigott (Editor Railway Magazine), Messrs. Chris Smythe and David Woodhouse representing the Heritage Railway Association, and by many Talyllyn members.

The Reverends Celia and Nigel Adams conducted the service, and Rev. Christopher White led prayers, all three are active members of the TRPS. Lessons were read by Society Chairman Don Newing and by TRPS Vice President and retired TR Chief Engineer, John Bate. John Slater’s nephew Patrick Scott and TRPS Vice President Richard Hope O.B.E delivered addresses.

Following the service, a crowded memorial train ran from Wharf Station to Brynglas. Locomotive No 2, “Dolgoch” was driven by Mike Green with Phil Glazebrook as fireman, both being long time friends of the deceased. At Brynglas, John’s ashes were interred in the Talyllyn Memorial Garden in a service conducted by TRPS member Rev. Celia Adams. Following the interment, the train continued to Abergynolwyn Station where the customary cold collation was served.

Patrick Scott concluded his address with the comment “John had the courage to follow his dreams”. A fitting tribute.

Source: Talyllyn Railway: Latest News

Posted by Peter Bowyer on 7 September 2004

Have-Another-Go - AGM Weekend Services, 25th & 26th September 2004

A service of more and shorter trains (the Orange service) was drafted for
possible use in Spring Bank Holiday week during Wharf redevelopment. In the
event, it was judged to be necessary only to add relief trains to the
advertised (Pink) service on a few days. However, some operating volunteers
were keen to try the Orange service, so on A.G.M. Saturday a curtailed version
will operate, slightly retimed to fit the advertised (Blue) service. One of the
four sets used will be our vintage train.

On Sunday morning, we are a little late celebrating the 50th anniversary of
the first Talyllyn passenger train working by No. 4 Edward Thomas. On Whit
Monday 2nd June 1952, the first day of the season, No. 4 double-headed with
No. 2 Dolgoch on the vintage set as far as Brynglas. As recounted in Railway
Adventure chapter 5, Tom Rolt was nervous of the effect of the weight of two
engines on Dolgoch Viaduct.

Also on Sunday, members may “Have-a-Go”, this time driving an air-braked
train, mostly between Quarry Siding and Nant Gwernol. Prices are:-

Pendre-Abergynolwyn or Abergynolwyn-Pendre £45
Abergynolwyn-Quarry Siding-Nant Gwernol-Abergynolwyn £45

As last year, proceeds will go towards Wharf redevelopment. Applications
should be sent in writing, indicating any time preference, addressed to Wharf
Station and marked “A.G.M. Have-a-Go”. Further information will be sent with
written confirmation of bookings.

As usual, advertised facilities may have to be altered in the event of
operational or mechanical difficulties. Last year I found myself ‘Having-a-Go’
at the regulator of No. 7 Tom Rolt instead of No. 1 Talyllyn, so this year I’m
not committing us to particular locos, apart from No. 2 Dolgoch on Sunday’s
vintage train, piloted by No. 4 Edward Thomas as far as Brynglas, the latter
with green rather than 1952’s shop grey saddle tank. No. 6 Duncan should appear
as advertised on some of the normal public services on both days.

Roger Whitehouse, Timetables Officer

Saturday September 25

				V			Q	V
Tywyn Wharf		dep	9.25	10.00	10.30	11.05	11.40	12.45	1.20	1.55	3.00
Pendre	CR		9.29	10.04	10.34	11.09	11.44	12.49	1.24	2.01	3.04
Rhydyronen	CR		9.37	10.12	10.42	11.17	11.52	12.57	1.32	2.09	3.12
Brynglas	CR		9.43	10.18	10.50	11.23	11.58	1.05	1.42	2.15	3.18
Dolgoch Falls			9.56	10.31	11.03	11.36	12.11	1.18	1.55	2.28	3.31
Abergynolwyn		arr	10.10	10.45	11.15	11.50	12.25	1.35	2.07	2.40	3.45
		dep		10.46	11.19	11.51	12.26	1.36	2.08	2.41	4.06
Nant Gwernol		arr		10.52	11.24	11.57	12.32	1.42	2.14	2.47	4.12

				V			Q	V
Nant Gwernol		dep		11.05	11.35	12.10	12.45	1.55	2.25	3.00	4.22
Abergynolwyn		arr		11.10	11.40	12.15	12.50	2.00	2.30	3.05	4.27
		dep	10.30	11.35	12.10	12.45	1.20	2.25	2.55	3.30	4.30
Dolgoch Falls			10.40	11.45	12.24	12.55	1.34	2.35	3.05	3.44	4.44
Brynglas	CR		10.49	11.54	12.33	1.04	1.43	2.44	3.14	3.53	4.53
Rhydyronen	CR		10.55	12.05	12.39	1.10	1.49	2.50	3.25	3.59	4.59
Pendre	CR		11.04	12.14	12.46	1.19	1.56	2.59	3.34	4.08	5.08
Tywyn Wharf		arr	11.16	12.21	12.56	1.31	2.06	3.11	3.41	4.15	5.15

Sunday September 26

			V		Q
Tywyn Wharf		dep	9.55	10.30	11.40	1.55	3.00
Pendre	CR		9.59	10.34	11.44	2.01	3.04
Rhydyronen	CR		10.07	10.42	11.52	2.09	3.12
Brynglas	CR		10.18	10.48	11.58	2.17	3.18
Dolgoch Falls			10.31	11.01	12.11	2.28	3.31
Abergynolwyn		arr	10.45	11.15	12.25	2.40	3.45
		dep	10.46	11.19	12.26	2.41	4.06
Nant Gwernol		arr	10.52	11.24	12.32	2.47	4.12

			V		Q
Nant Gwernol		dep	11.05	11.35	12.45	3.00	4.22
Abergynolwyn		arr	11.10	11.40	12.50	3.05	4.27
		dep	11.35	12.10	1.20	3.30	4.30
Dolgoch Falls			11.45	12.24	1.34	3.44	4.44
Brynglas	CR		11.54	12.33	1.43	3.53	4.53
Rhydyronen	CR		12.05	12.39	1.49	3.59	4.59
Pendre	CR		12.14	12.48	1.58	4.08	5.08
Tywyn Wharf		arr	12.21	12.55	2.05	4.15	5.15

On Sunday September 26, “Have-a-Go” steam-hauled trains (not conveying

passengers) will operate as follows:-

Pendre-Abergynolwyn dep 9.05 a.m.
Abergynolwyn-Quarry Siding-Nant Gwernol-Abergynolwyn dep 10.00 & 11.20 a.m., 12.30 & 1.35 p.m.
Abergynolwyn-Pendre dep 2.45 p.m.

All “Have-a-Go” train times are approximate.

CR	Trains call ON REQUEST ONLY.
Q	“The Quarryman”.
V	Talyllyn vintage train: limited accommodation.

Source: AGM_Weekend_Services.html”>Talyllyn Railway: Latest News

Posted by Peter Bowyer on 7 September 2004

Wharf Redevelopment: Photos from August Bank Holiday weekend

Lawrence Garvey, joint TRPS Membership Secretary, has kindly sent these photographs of Wharf Station taken during theAugust Bank Holiday weekend (Saturday 28th – Monday 30th August).

The front (platform-facing) elevation of the new building.

Another view of the front elevation.

The link between the old and new buildings.

The view from the Brynhyfryd Road bridge.

The new canopy.

An overall view of the rail side of the site.

The viewing balcony and site for the Guards’ Room.

The view from road level.

Detail of the eaves.

Source: Talyllyn Railway: Latest News

Posted by Peter Bowyer on 17 September 2004

Double-headed vintage train on Sunday 26th September

A double-headed vintage train was run on Sunday 26th September; No. 4 "Edward
Thomas" piloted No. 2 "Dolgoch" to Brynglas, then returned light engine to
Pendre to take a later train. Many thanks to George Gardiner for these photos.