1997 News

For the Enthusiast

News Update, 20th December 1997

The Santa season is now well underway, with trains today (Saturday), tomorrow and on Christmas Eve. The re-arrangements at Wharf are also underway; the token instrument has been moved and the relay cabinet turned through 90 degrees; temporary signalling arrangements are in place for the duration of the work. The building and signalling work will be finished after the Christmas holidays.

News from the Line, 9th December 1997

(Taken from December 1997 Talyllyn News.)

The railway has agreed to loan locomotive No. 3 "Sir Haydn" to the Corris Railway Society in October 1998, subject to agreement on the fee and meeting track, safety and security conditions. The original request for a loan in August 1998 (to mark the 40th anniversary of the Corris line) had to be declined as the loco is required in traffic at Tywyn during this period. The Corris Railway has offered a return visit to the Talyllyn by one of its diesel locomotives.

The Woodland Trust has been awarded £26300 by the Heritage Lottery Fund, covering 75% of the cost of purchasing the land on the east side of the ravine at Nant Gwernol and estimated maintenance costs for the first five years. The land is being purchased initially by Talyllyn Holdings Limited and then passed on to the Woodlands Trust once permanent access rights have been established.

A tree-planting ceremony was held at Brynglas on 11st October by the Bristol & Western Area Group. Five trees were planted in memory of group members who have died in recent years, namely Paul Taylor, Martin Causon, Reg Bartholemew, John Enyon and the Rev. Wilbert Awdry. A special train was run for the occasion, together with lunch on the train, a tour of Pendre works, dinner in the cafe at Wharf and a talk by David Leech (TR Traffic Manager). Crossing of trains at Abergynolwyn was made more entertaining by the colour light signals being out of commission for re-wiring, flag signalling being used instead.

Traffic News

A special train was operated on Sunday October 5th in connection with a main line steam special to Tywyn. During the main line train's layover at Tywyn, loco No. 7 "Tom Rolt" took 6 bogie carriages to Brynglas and back, the train running full.

The first batch of next year's timetable leaflets have now arrived, and the Web version of the timetable is also nearly ready.

The Mutual Improvement Classes for volunteers over the summer were judged very useful as well as entertaining; there will be other training events during the winter and spring months including a seminar for Blockmen (signalmen).

Engineering Department

A considerable amount of work has been done on the fencing and on accomodation crossing gates; the north side gate at Tynllwyn Farm crossing (the campsite crossing) had suffered particularly under the weight of campers waving to the trains!

Steam loco No. 1 "Talyllyn" is in increasing need of an overhaul of the valve gear and rear truck; a new smokebox door has been fitted. No. 2 "Dolgoch" continues to make slow progress with the new valve rod ends milled out and ready for welding to the existing rods. It is hoped to finish the boiler repairs during December. No. 3 "Sir Haydn" requires attention to two weeping stays, and a new smokebox door has been fitted. No. 4 "Peter Sam" had a boiler tube removed to check the condition of the firebox, which has proved to be in good order. No. 6 "Douglas" is having its valve gear overhauled and some adjustments made to allow it to work the wrong way round (chimney to the west) during the early part of next year. It has suffered from several spring failures. No. 7 "Tom Rolt" is running well.

Carriage No. 22 suffered a cracked window when a guard failed to open it before sticking his head out, despite the use of laminated glass. The underframe of ballast wagon No. 22 is ready for its new body to be fitted.

A point rodding cover and walkway has been installed at Quarry Siding ground frame, and the assortment of old sleepers and concrete blocks in front of Brynglas ground frame has been replaced with paving slabs.

The workshops are concentrating on completing the self-propelled flail mower, and it is hoped to have the vehicle, and its safety case documentation, completed by May. TR design air pumps have been sold to the Puffing Billy Railway and the Coal Creek Heritage Village, both in Australia. A large double skinned diesel tank has been acquired at an advantageous price.

Talyllyn Navvies

The Talyllyn Navvies are a new group designed to encourage young volunteers below the normal minimum age for working alone on the railway. A week of activities wsa run between August 17 and 22 1997, with a mixture of railway work and entertainment for those taking part.

The work undertaken ranged from clearing undergrowth between Abergynolwyn and Nant Gwernol to cleaning locos and carriages and even the Pendre inspection pit! On the first day off the gang walked from Dolgoch to Abergynolwyn along the north side of the valley, and on the second there was a trip to the Ffestiniog Railway including a tour of Boston Lodge and a walk from Dduallt to Blaenau Ffestiniog in the rain.

Further Navvies events are planned for the future - 1998 dates will be posted in due course.

Museum News

A conservation statement for 30 major items in the collection has been prepared by Anthony Coulls and adopted. This sets out the importance of each item and gives a programme for their conservation, maintenance and display. It is also an essential element in the museum's application for continuing registration by the Museums and Galleries Commission.

A signal arm from the Isle of Man railway, different from the fish-tailed version already on display, has been restored and will be on display soon on a new post. The mystery object in this year's competition was the coupling chain from the end of one of the steel ropes from one of the TR inclines. The Woolwich Arsenal wagon is nearly finished and should be on display soon; the GWR slate wagon has been surveyed for restoration.

News Update, 1st December 1997

The loco shed at Pendre is accessible once more following work on attaching the new (but original profile) plastic guttering. The work has now moved to the side of the building opposite the station platform, and the railway east of Pendre is currently inaccessible. The motor trolley 'Toby' has been left to the east of the blockage in case it should be necessary to go up the line.

In the carriage shed, the replacement panelling for carriage No. 19 is now in primer. The south side of carriage No. 1 was being touched up on Saturday.

News Update, 17th November 1997

Diesel No. 5 "Midlander" has been revitalised following its earlier clutch problems. No. 8 "Merseysider" has also been seen recently (in very incomplete form, missing among other things an exhaust, buffer beams and most of its bodywork) moving around Pendre yard under its own power. On Saturday No. 9 "Alf" was receiving attention to its electrics.

Steam locos Nos. 1, 3, 4 and 6 are currently stranded in Pendre shed where the main doors are unopenable due to work on the replacement guttering. Next door in the workshop, the flail mower continues to make good progress. The old buffer beams from No. 8 "Merseysider" are being fitted, as is the turret mechanism from one of the railway's Smalley excavators. The new engine for this machine has also been delivered.

In the paint shop, Brown Marshall carriage No. 1 is now making good progress. The north side repairs have been finished and painted, and the west end re-paint is also complete. The new bottom timber for the east end was being fitted on Saturday afternoon. The headstock at this end is still to be replaced. Also in the paint shop, No. 19 (bogie composite) has been receiving further attention at the east end; one panel on the south side has been removed, and the vehicle is having its paint rubbed down. No. 4 (affectionately known as "Lulu") is also in for attention.

Further re-arrangements are being made to the Traffic Office at Wharf Station over the winter. The Booking Office is to be separated from the Control Office, with a sliding hatch between them. The door from the Booking Office into the entranceway will swap places with the British Rail ticket window. The token instrument and the signal circuitry will need to be moved as well; fortunately this coincides neatly with the decision to replace the Wharf-Pendre signal and telephone cables this winter.

News Update, 5th November 1997

Outdoor Week continues; the running total of man-days to Tuesday night was 103.5, an improvement on last year. The new cable duct on the north side of Wharf cutting is complete and the S&T department is now pulling the new cables through.

The Dolgoch toilet block also continues to make progress. The roof is now 99% finished (awaiting a few ridge tiles) and the wall panels (under construction in the comfort of the North Carriage Shed at Pendre) are almost ready for installation.

The new diesel, No. 10, has been fitted with bufferbeams and buffers and had a trial run to Brynglas on Sunday. Diesel No. 5 "Midlander" has been failed by the engineering department due to gearbox/clutch problems and No. 10 has therefore been released for general engineering traffic.

Carriage No. 19 (bogie composite) requires major attention to the east end. Investigation of a postage-stamp sized patch of rot has escalated into replacement of all the panelling at this end, and some attention to the framing. Rot continues to be a serious problem with the Tisdale-built carriages.

News Update, 4th November 1997

The main 1997 running season ended on Saturday and the autumn Outdoor Week is underway; the railway is now closed for the winter. The next trains will be the Santa Specials on 13th/14th, 20th/21st and 24th December, and the Christmas Holiday service from 26th December to January 3rd 1998. A Carol Train will run on the evening of Saturday 20th December

News Update, 13th October 1997

At the preservation society AGM on 27th September, it was decided to keep locomotive No. 6 "Douglas" facing downhill until the start of the peak summer service next year. This should be popular with photographers, though it will cause some problems in the loco shed as the smoke hoods are designed for locos facing uphill.

Construction of the Dolgoch toilet block is proceeding well, with the timber framework of the building erected (except for the roof) and the digesting unit in place underneath. The panels are being constructed at Pendre.

The signalling installation at Abergynolwyn is being refurbished, with much of the wiring underneath the signal box replaced. The block shelf above the lever frame is to be fitted with new signal repeaters giving more information before, and this information will also be available in the relay room for the use of signal technicians. Electric 'U' signs to show when the box is unmanned will be fitted to the outer home signals in place of the current manually-operated signs, eliminating a long walk for the blockman when starting and finishing duty. Various other minor improvements are also planned.

Next year's timetable has been finalised, and will appear on this web site in due course.

News Update, 25th September 1997

A memorial service for the late Rev. Wilbert Awdry, a former vice-president of the TRPS, was held in Gloucester Cathedral on Tuesday September 16th.

The enthusiasts weekend will be held on Saturday and Sunday 27th and 28th September, with the Talyllyn Railway Preservation Society's AGM on Saturday at 3:30pm. This web site will be demonstrated on Saturday morning and early afternoon, in the museum at Wharf station.

News from the Line, 24th September 1997

(Taken from September 1997 Talyllyn News.)

Traffic News

The railway has operated well through the summer, the only major problem being on 6th July when No. 1 "Talyllyn" failed at Abergynolwyn, having run out of steam, and was rescued by diesel No. 9 "Alf". This was the first occasion for 4 years when a train had to be retrieved by another loco. Otherwise almost all trains have operated within 5 minutes of right time; a snap survey showed that the most common reason for minor delays was passengers making last minute visits to the toilets!

The 1998 fares have now been agreed on, with the return adult fare from Wharf to Nant Gwernol at £8.00. Accompanied children remain at £2.00 and the car park at 50p, all other fares being adjusted in line with the Wharf-Nant Gwernol adult fare.

Santa Specials will operate in two different forms this year; on 13th, 14th, 20th and 21st December trains will run to Rhydyronen and back at 11.00, 12.30 and 2.00pm, whereas on Christmas Eve trains run to Abergynolwyn at 11.00 and 2.30pm.

Engineering Department

The Permanent Way gang has continued to apply cardium to rail joints. The timbers on most of the occupation crossings have been replaced, and the winter relaying site at Fach Goch has been lifted and packed and the speed restriction lifted. The undergrowth along the line has been strimmed, and the drain in Wharf cutting rodded through after having become blocked.

The steam locos have run well. Nos. 4 and 7 have been fitted with lamp storage brackets, for use when a headboard is being carried or the loco is double-heading. No. 4 required several boiler tubes to be expanded to cure leaks. Coal supplies have been poor and a delivery of Polish coal is being tried, though a lot of effort is required to reduce the large lumps to a suitable size.

Diesel No. 5 is back in use after its drastic engine repairs; one driver discovered the hard way that if there is no diesel on the dipstick then there is none in the tank. No. 8's rebuild continues to make progress - the new cast iron buffer beams have been drilled and tapped for buffers and drawhooks.

Most carriage work has already been covered in this column. The last remaining un-modified ex-MoD is being stripped down for regauging, and will eventually form the basis of a generator van.

The new Dolgoch toilets have yet to be completed. It is now intended that the superstructure will be constructed in situ by the railway's staff.

The flail assembly for the new hedge cutter has been collected; design work has progressed to the stage where construction can recommence. The motor trolley "Toby" is running well having received a new battery and a second-hand alternator from a Mini.

The autumn outdoor week will take place from Nov 1-9 inclusive. The main tasks are:

Lifting joints between milepost 6 and Abergynolwyn, between Dolgoch and Quarry Siding, and in Brynglas loop
Cardium work if dry
Clearance of lineside vegetation
Picking up rail at the lineside and consolidating rail stock
Hedge cutting
Removing lineside growth in the cutting east of Brynglas
Burying a cable duct in the north face of Wharf cutting
Landscaping around the Dolgoch toilet block

New faces are always welcome.

Talyllyn Tracksiders

Talyllyn Tracksiders is the new name for the junior working groups organised by Ian Evans. A pilot week was held during the Spring Bank Holiday week, with 21 under 14s taking part, a total of 70 "Tracksider days".

The jobs undertaken included:

repainting part of the station fence at Abergynolwyn,
clearing undergrowth from the slate block wall at the east end of Abergynolwyn platform,
replacing fencing at Fach Goch,
clearing the stream at Cynfal,
vegetation clearance and drainage improvements (paddling!) at Dolgoch, and
restoring slate fencing near Abergynolwyn.

A very enjoyable time was had by all, and the event will certainly be repeated. During the week, Tracksiders also assisted at the launch of Chris Awdry's new book "New Little Engine".

Railway Letter Service

The Railway Letter Service celebrated its 40th birthday between May 23rd and 30th. A special stamp issue was launched, with the first day covers carried to Abergynolwyn by train. A celebratory weekend featured a celebratory dinner in Machynlleth, displays of railway letter service materials including rare first day covers, original artwork, early postcards and much more, and a variety of talks. A variety of special trains were run, and van No. 5 provided a most successful travelling post office service.

Museum News

The remains of two Snailbeach Tramway wagons have been donated to Shropshire County Council and have moved to the engine shed at Snailbeach, on condition that at least one will be restored for public display and that if they become surplus to requirements they will revert to the museum.

A GWR narrow-gauge slate wagon has been delivered, and is currently stored outside. The Woolwich Arsenal wagon has been reunited with its wheels and has been repainted.

The "WHISTLE" sign from the Penrhyn Quarry Railway has been taken off display and loaned to the Railway Company, to enable further castings to be made.

News Update, 11th September 1997

The railway's recently-acquired Simplex Series 'T' diesel No. 10 arrived on Tuesday 9th, and was unloaded yesterday. Whilst it has been regauged, some further work will be required before it can enter TR service.

The crane which unloaded No. 10 also turned steam loco No. 6 "Douglas" to face Tywyn. (Normally TR locos run chimney-first uphill.)

News Update, 8th September 1997

John Adams, Vice-president and former President of the Talyllyn Railway Preservation Society, died in hospital on Monday 1st September. Our condolences are extended to his family.

The TR covered van has been moved into the former gunpowder store at Tywyn Wharf, for restoration to start.

News Update, 27th August 1997

The body of the last remaining Talyllyn Railway covered goods van was moved from its resting place behind the road bridge at Rhydyronen, where it has lain for the last 60-plus years since withdrawal, to Wharf last night for the start of its restoration. It is temporarily mounted on an ex-Corris Railway wagon chassis.

News Update, 25th August 1997

No. 10's wheelsets have been reprofiled and regauged, and have been returned for fitting to the loco, which is expected to arrive in Tywyn in working order by mid September. It will be necessary to fit Talyllyn-style buffers and couplings before it enters service.

Dave Scotson, TR Engineering Manager, has kindly provided two photographs of No. 10 in store. Side view (25K), front view (34K).

Carriage No. 18 suffered minor roof damage from the wheel lathe's overhead crane in the North Carriage Shed during Victorian Week, which was rapidly repaired by carriage department volunteers.

News Update, 5th August 1997

Further details of the recently-purchased locomotive No. 10 are now available:

Maker: Simplex
Year: 1985
Works number: 101T023
Wheel arrangement: 4w (chain drive)
Wheel diameter: 24"
Wheelbase: [Don't know]
Engine: Dorman 6DA
Transmission: Twin Disc 400 Series two speed torque converter fitted with oil cooler. Final drive comprises a drop box, right angle gearbox and heavy duty chains to both axles.
Power: [Not sure; 105 bhp?]
Weight: [Not sure; around 10 tons]
Notes: Ex 2'6" gauge colliery line.

News Update, 4th August 1997

This week is Victorian Week in Tywyn and on the Talyllyn Railway. A full run-down of events is available elsewhere on this site. Other forthcoming events include "Race the Train" and the Landrover rally - see the events page for dates.

News Update, 28th July 1997

Brickwork on the Dolgoch toilet block has been completed following a series of early-morning expeditions on "Toby", the PW trolley, and the timber for construction of the main building frame has arrived in Tywyn.

No. 1 "Talyllyn" failed at Abergynolwyn a couple of weeks ago with severe clinkering; diesel No. 9 "Alf" was dispatched to rescue the train although its own problems with hot axleboxes recurred on the down journey. No. 9 is currently confined to light duties. Steam locos. Nos. 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 are in service and running well; No. 4 has had some motion work carried out.

The railway has purchased a further diesel locomotive. No. 10, as it will become, has not yet been delivered to Tywyn although its wheelsets have arrived for reprofiling and regauging. In addition, it will be necessary to fit standard TR buffers and drawhooks before it can enter service. This is an extremely powerful machine, quite capable of hauling the heaviest of engineering trains without difficulty. Full technical details will be posted here as soon as possible.

Carriage No. 2 (Brown Marshalls, 1866) is in the workshops to allow air brakes to be fitted. A few minor problems have come to light due to slight differences between No. 3 which has already been fitted, and Nos. 1 and 2 which are of slightly later construction.

In the paint shop, carriage No. 1 is still under repair with the east end headstock removed. Tidying up of the area around the bottom body member in preparation for its replacement is ongoing.

On Friday, the underframe of ballast hopper No. 22 was needle-gunned in the west carriage shed (much to the chagrin of your scribe, who was Pendre Blockman!) using the new air compressor, recently installed to allow the air brake system to be pressurised before the arrival of a locomotive, thus saving time.

The S&T department have completed production of a batch of 5 of the new Mk. 3 "remote operator" units; this will allow the retirement of several of the older units on the railway. The new units also permit the block bell operating voltage to be changed much more easily, giving greater flexibility in use of the railway's eclectic collection of bells and gongs.

News Update, 7th July 1997

Work continues on the new toilet block at Dolgoch Falls station. On Saturday the solar panels to power the fan were erected, and tested satisfactorily. The S&T department also completed construction of the second Mark 3 "remote operator" unit for the Electric Key Token system, to allow a spare pair of EKT instruments to be used for training purposes during the summer.

Work continues on No. 2 "Dolgoch". A crack has been found in one of the forked valve rods, which carry the drive to the slide valves around the front axle.

Ballast hopper wagon No. 22 is currently in the workshops. The old, much wasted body has been removed, and some work is being carried out on the underframe before the new body is fitted.

In the paint shop, carriage No. 1 has had the east end headstock (buffer beam), buffers and coupling hook removed to enable repairs to be made to the bottom body sill. The headstock and underframe members are fortunately in good condition. A considerable amount of work remains to be done before the carriage can return to traffic.

News from the Line, 26th June 1997

(Taken from the June 1997 issue of "Talyllyn News", No. 174).

We are sorry to record the deaths of M. R. ("Chips") Harrison, noted for his work in carriage building, the North Carriage Shed, the Dolgoch landslip and many other projects including the new roller bearing pony truck on No. 3 "Sir Haydn", and B. J. P. (John) Williams, a director of the Talyllyn Railway Company and Talyllyn Holdings Limited from 1967 until 1978.

A memorial service for the Rev. W. V. Awdry will be held in Gloucester Cathedral on the afternoon of Tuesday 16th September.

General News

The railway has been offered one or both of the model railways owned by the late Rev. W. V. Awdry and featuring various characters from his Railway Series books.

Our previous ticket suppliers, Booths Ltd of Hull, have ceased production of traditional "Edmondson"-type card tickets. As a result, new suppliers have had to be sought, and supplies are being divided between the Edmondson Ticket Printing Company of Holywell, Clwyd, the West Somerset Railway at Dunster, and the Milldean Press in Australia. The last-mentioned company will be using a genuine Edmondson ticket printing machine, believed to be the only one in working order in the world.

The land on the east side of the Nant Gwernol ravine is to be purchased by the railway and transferred to the Woodlands Trust, a charitable organisation whose aim is to return woodland areas to their natural state and which favours public access - this is just what the railway would like to see done with the land. The Trust are applying for a 75% grant towards the purchase price of £18000; an appeal organised by the railway has raised the remainder.

Long service awards for staff who have been employed by the Talyllyn Railway Company have been awarded to Phil Care and Mike Green.

Engineering News

The Ruston Bucyrus 10-RB excavator used on construction of the Nant Gwernol extension has been sold to an enthusiast connected with a quarry museum in the Lake District. After being made operational, and before loading, it was used to level some ground near the ballast dock and back siding at Wharf, where it has been located for some years.

Work undertaken during the February outdoor week included ballasting, jacking and packing at the bottom of Cynfal bank, realignment and crowing on the western approach to Brynglas, and jacking and packing near milepost 5 1/2, lineside clearance. A gang from the Corris Railway gave much useful assistance, but more outdoor volunteers are always needed. The autumn Outdoor Week this year will take place from 1st-9th November, and next spring's Outdoor Week from 23rd February-4th March 1998.

A considerable amount of work has been done on fencing, on the south side of the line between Quarry Siding and Ceunant Coch, between Pendre and Hendy Bridge, and near the camp site crossing at Rhydyronen. There has also been some attention to hedgerows, though unfortunately a visit by the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers had to be cancelled.

The necessary components for fitting air brakes to carriages 1 and 2 are being made up, following the installation on No. 3.

Dolgoch toilets continue to make progress; the digesting unit has been delivered and the design has been slightly modified to provide 2 "seats" in the Ladies/Disabled side of the building.

Work continues in the works on the self-propelled flail mower, the Matisa ballast tamper continues to work well (long may this last!)' the company lorry passed its MoT test first time, and the works continues to undertake a wide variety of outside work including wheel reprofiling for the Vale of Rheidol, Welshpool and Llanfair and Bala Lake Railways, repairs to a standard gauge road/rail vehicle working on the Cambrian Coast line, some welding at a local supermarket, and the removal and replacement of a broken stud in the flagpole base at a local hotel.

Museum News

The Giesel ejector formerly fitted to loco No. 4 has been returned on loan to the museum by its owner. The Oakley Quarry wagon has received considerable attention with new timbers on one side and end doors and some replacement metalwork. The LNWR slate wagon has had its brake gear overhauled, and both wagons have been lubricated.

Various replica parts for the remaining original Talyllyn wagons are being made, including slotted coupling pins and spring clips, and axle box oil hole covers. These are for fitting both to those wagons in the museum's care and to those still in service with the railway company.

John Hywel Jones has retired as a volunteer in the museum, and we thank him for his services over many years.

A new nine page booklet "Tickets of the Talyllyn Railway" has been produced to accompany the TR ticket displays in the museum. It gives such detail as is known about TR tickets and could be useful to anyone who collects them. The booklet is available from the museum while attendants are on duty.

News Update, 16th June 1997

Saturday 14th saw a special train, chartered by the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum Trust, to celebrate the 100th birthday of the locomotive "Jubilee 1897". The mixed train, comprising Talyllyn and Corris carriages and the museum's two restored Talyllyn slate wagons, carried the guests from Tywyn Wharf to Nant Gwernol and back, and was followed by a buffet, speeches and cake-cutting in the museum.

Refurbishment of the signalling installation at Abergynolwyn continues, with a replacement head for signal A5 (up home) being prepared at Pendre.

News Update, 26th May 1997

The May Holiday week is now well underway, with the full peak passenger timetable in force. On Saturday 24th, Locos. 3, 4 and 7 ran the daytime trains with No. 6 "Douglas" working the evening special for the Tom Rolt Rally barbecue.

In the workshops, the new buffer beams/ballast weights for Diesel No. 8 "Midlander" were being drilled; much of the framing for the new engine cover has now been constructed and awaits fitting. Diesel No. 5 "Midlander" is now back in service.

The Signals and Telephones Department has received delivery of two second-hand 50 line telephone exchanges, one of which is destined to replace the current Pendre exchange.

Museum News, 26th May 1997

Pete Atkins has sent an update about "Penelope", the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum Trust's Simplex Motor Rail, which is stabled at the North Ings Farm Museum, Dorrington near Sleaford Lincs.

Penelope was earning her keep over the May Day Bank Holiday by running a demonstration works train on the farm's half-mile 2ft gauge railway. North Ings Farm Museum houses a number of narrow gauge industrial diesel locomotives including a 1937 Orrestein & Koppel and a prototype Ruston & Hornsby as well as a collection of vintage tractors and farm machinery. There is also a vertical boilered steam loco which runs on special occasions.

The museum is open on Saturday afternoons and from 10 until 5 on Sundays. Trains are run on demand normally hauled by a Hunslet diesel, but hopefully Penelope will also be helping out this year.

News Update, 12th May 1997

Steam locos Nos. 1, 3, 4 and 7 are in service. No. 6 "Douglas" has passed its boiler test and is undergoing some routine mechancial maintenance before returning to regular service. On the diesel front, No. 5 "Midlander" received new cylinder liners, pistons and gaskets and returned to service. No. 9 then failed again with another hot box which was again fixed. No. 5 is again out of service, this time with minor water system problems.

In the paintshop, carriage No. 1 is still receiving attention. The new piece of timber to replace a rotten portion on the north side between the eastern and middle comparments has now been fitted; more work is needed here on filling and shaping before painting can start. The smaller area of rot on the east end awaits attention, and the west end will need to be repainted after the paint blistered badly when it was left out in the sun over Easter. The work on the north side has revealed the history of Talyllyn carriage liveries down the years, right back to the original 1866 paintwork.

Bogie brake 3rd No. 22 has been varnished, and awaits completion of the new droplights before re-entering service. No. 7 (4-wheel wheelchair saloon) has been through the paintshop for interior attention and soundproofing.

The replacement body for ballast wagon No. 22 has been constructed, and will be fitted to the underframe shortly. This replaces its original, much corroded body.

News Update, 4th April 1997

Steam locos No. 1 "Talyllyn", No. 3 "Sir Haydn", No. 4 "Peter Sam" and No. 7 "Tom Rolt" have been in service over the Easter period. No. 6 "Douglas" has been reassembled and awaits a visit from the boiler inspector.

A diesel famine hit the railway over Easter when locos No. 5 "Midlander" and No. 9 "Alf" failed with corroded cylinder liners and a hot axlebox respectively. No. 9 has been repaired and underwent trials between Pendre and Wharf yesterday (3rd April).

The new tool van for the track gang had a test run from Pendre to Brynglas and back yesterday evening, behind loco No. 7 "Tom Rolt". The van looked extremely well in its nearly-completed Cambrian Railways-style livery, and the train crew included Murray Dods and Mark Stevenson who have had a large role in the vehicle's construction. If all goes according to plan, it will be running today (4th April) on a passenger train, the van being fully equipped with air brakes and electrical jumper cables to allow this.

News Update, 21st March 1997

Rev. W. V. Awdry

The death was announced this morning (21/3/1997) of the Reverend Wilbert Awdry, creator of the Railway Series and a Vice-President of the Talyllyn Railway Preservation Society, at the age of 85. Our condolences are extended to his family.

"Peter Sam" will be carrying black ribbon on his headlamp tomorrow.

News Update, 17th March 1997

The down home signal at Tywyn Wharf was replaced last week, after the existing wooden signal post (installed in 1955) finally succumbed to the ravages of time.

Reassembly of No. 6 "Douglas" is underway, with the boiler back on the frames following its return from repair at Pridham's workshops.

News from the Line, 11th March 1997

(Taken from the March 1997 issue of "Talyllyn News", No. 173).

Mike Parrott

We regret to record the untimely death on December 26th of Michael Parrott at the age of 39 years, after 22 days of intensive care following severe scald injuries sustained in an industrial accident at his place of work on 4th December.

Mike first visited the Talyllyn Railway in 1957, became a member of the society in 1964 and started as a volunteer in the locomotive department in 1968, progressing through the grades to become a fireman in 1981. Mike was a most popular and conscientious engineman, who took his annual week of firing during Victorian Week.

The funeral was held on January 7th, followed by cremation, and a memorial train ran on March 8th to scatter his ashes where he most enjoyed himself - the railway. Our sympathy and condolences are extended to his wife Susy and young sons Edward and David, to his brother Chris, and to the rest of the family.

1996 Figures

The poor weather over the Christmas period had its effect on the traffic figures. Santa Specials were 1.4% up on last year. The Carol Train suffered from disgusting weather and was poorly attended, but the Boxing Day to New Years Day service showed an increase of 32.5% over 1995. The train heating was very effective, and no problems were experienced operationally with the weather. The final figures for 1996 show traffic revenue up by 11%.

Forthcoming Events

New Volunteers' Weekend

A new volunteers' weekend will be held over the May Day bank holiday weekend, May 3-5 1997. The purpose of the weekend is to invite members and non-members to have a go as a volunteer on this unique and very friendly railway. Beginning at approximately 1pm on Saturday 3rd and concluding at about 2pm on Monday 5th, the weekend programme includes the chance to see the outdoor gang at work, tours of Wharf station and Pendre workshops, and a complete tour of the line stopping at stations, block posts and other sites of interest. Above all, there will be a chance to "have a go" at various jobs on the railway. If you would like to take part, contact Steve Saul at 24 South Street, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 3SE or telephone 01788 330036 (evenings only).

Family Working Groups

A pilot scheme for family working groups will take place during Spring Bank Holiday week (week commencing 25th May). A programme of tasks suitable for family groups, including those below 14 years of age who are not normally able to volunteer, is being put together. If you would be interested in coming, please contact Ian Evans at 17 Corner Close, Wigginton, York. YO3 3QB as soon as possible so that planning can take account of likely numbers. A similar event is planned for the 10-16 age group, from Monday 18th to Friday 22nd August including 3 days working on the railway and two days seeing the area. Numbers will be limited to around a dozen. Details from Dale Coton, 14 Freesland Rise, Stockingford, Nuneaton, Warwickshire. CV19 9QF, or phone 01203 396476 (evenings).

Railway Letter Service

The Talyllyn's Railway Letter Service celebrates its 40th anniversary in 1997, with a celebration weekend being held to mark the event, starting on Friday 23rd May. The Talyllyn Railway operated the first of the modern Railway Letter Services among preserved railways, and would like to extend an invitation to enthusiasts and collectors to join in the festivities. A week-long Travelling Post Office service will commence on Sunday 25th May. The weekend's celebrations are only open to pre-booked participants and full information and a booking form are available from Tony Skinner, 2 Wheatfield Road South, Northampton NN3 2HH.

Steam-hauled Works Trains

As last year, steam-hauled works trains will run every Friday evening during the peak service: July 18 and 25, August 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29. The trains will depart from Pendre when the last down train has passed and return before dark.

Victorian Week

Victorian Week will take place from Sunday 3rd - Saturday 9th August 1997. The dates of Victorian Week next year have been fixed as 2nd - 8th August 1998.

Engineering Department

Locomotives

No. 1 "Talyllyn": In traffic. Some maintenance is required on the rear truck sideplay and on the motion.
No. 2 "Dolgoch": Re-staying of the firebox has been completed, but some wastage has been found in the area of the blow-down valve. A working party is planned to attend to this and to build up the smokebox tubeplate where required.
No. 3 "Sir Haydn": In traffic. The valve gear has been completely overhauled and the valves reset. The mechanical lubricator outlets have been redesigned to reduce damage caused by careless feet.
No. 4 "Edward Thomas" / "Peter Sam": In traffic. Work has been undertaken on the injector steam feeds and on the blower. The boiler will require watching as "necking" of some crown stays is evident.
No. 6 "Douglas": The boiler has been removed and sent to Pridham's workshops for attention to a persistent leak in the foundation ring. The work has been done at no charge and the boiler is now back in Tywyn. A full motion overhaul is required before returning to traffic later in the year.
No. 7 "Tom Rolt": Routine maintenance; will be in traffic this year.
Diesel No. 5 "Midlander": Continues to run well.
Diesel No. 8 "Midlander": The overhaul continues. The loco is back on its wheels, and the controls are being fitted into the redesigned central console ready for a trial run of the engine and hydraulics. The platework for the new cab has been cut out.
Diesel No. 9 "Alf": In traffic. A problem is suspected with the forward/reverse dog clutch, however the loco is still able to fulfil its duties.

The 1996 steam loco mileage statistics are as follows: No. 1 "Talyllyn" 1213 miles, No. 2 "Dolgoch" nil, No. 3 "Sir Haydn" 4597 miles, No. 4 "Peter Sam" 3120 miles, No. 6 "Douglas" 4782 miles, No. 7 "Tom Rolt" 2876 miles. Total: 16588 miles.

Carriage and Wagon

Carriage No. 1 (one of the original carriages built by Brown Marshall) is undergoing repairs to a length of timber in the north side below the windows, and to a small area of rot in the east end.
Carriage No. 3 (another of the other Brown Marshalls) is in the works being fitted with air brakes.
No. 18 (prototype standard bogie) has had its roof covering replaced with an experimental flexible, rubberised coating.
No. 22 (bogie brake 3rd) has had considerable attention to rotten panelling and timberwork on both ends and the south side. The interior has been repainted and revarnished as required, and some repainting is required on the exterior.
The new tool van for the track gang is rapidly nearing completion. Final lettering was under way last weekend (8th-9th March), the livery being a Talyllyn variant on the Cambrian Railways wagon livery. The van is air braked and fitted with the standard train lighting and communication system cables, enabling it to be run in a passenger train.
The Narrow Gauge Railway Museum's 2-bar Talyllyn slate wagon visited the paint shop for a repaint after being fitted with a new top side rail to replace a defective piece of timber.
Ballast wagon No. 22 is to be fitted with a replacement body, the existing one being seriously corroded.

Outdoor Work

A considerable quantity of work has been completed over the winter, including replacing the poor rail near Fach Goch with new rail ex-MoD, and tamping of this section, continuing onto the bottom of Cynfal bank. A gang from the Corris Railway Society gave most welcome assistance during the Spring Outdoor Week.

Other news

Dolgoch Toilets and Abergynolwyn Station Extension

Construction of the new permanent toilet block at Dolgoch Falls station is well under way, and it is hoped to have it opened by the Spring Bank Holiday week. Easter would have been ideal but the freezing ground conditions seriously affected delayed the concreting and blockwork.

Extension of the refreshment room at Abergynolwyn station is also planned, using the same jig for the prefabricated timber panels as for the Dolgoch toilets. Groundworks will begin around the beginning of October, with completion by Easter 1998.

Museum and Heritage News

The winding drum at the Abergynolwyn Village Incline site has been sold to the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum Trust for a nominal sum. It is to be restored for display in situ, with some track, the wagon turntable from the site and a wagon. The small stack of original 1865 rail has been moved from Quarry Siding to the Winding House site in connection with this work, which is being undertaken by the railway's Young Members Group.

The body of the last surviving Talyllyn Railway covered goods wagon, which has slumbered behind the bridge at Rhydyronen for more than 60 years, has also been sold to the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum Trust for restoration. The timber required for the work has arrived and overhaul of the axleboxes for the new underframe has started. The body is expected to be moved (very carefully) to Pendre soon.

Modeller's Study Group

It has been suggested that a Talyllyn Railway Modeller's Study Group be formed.