60th Anniversary of Preservation

In 1950 the future was bleak for the Talyllyn Railway: the owner, Sir Henry Haydn Jones had died and the line looked likely to close at the end of the season. A groups of railway enthusiasts formed the Talyllyn Railway Preservation Society and, thanks to the good will of Sir Haydn's estate, took over the railway. The Talyllyn became the world's first preserved railway. The first train ran on the 14th May 1951. A lot has been achieved since then in restoring the track and improving the line for visitors.

In 2011 we are celebrating 60 years of railway preservation. Events and Celebrations are taking place throughout the year alongside our regular family events programme.

Tuesday, 15th March - Locals’ Day: All welcome!

Saturday, 2nd April - Sir Haydn visits 16mm Modellers' Convention, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire.

Friday, 13th May - Dolgoch's inaugural train for Steam Railway Magazine appeal donors.

Saturday, 14th May to Sunday, 15th May -  Talyllyn Preservation 60 Gala Weekend.

Saturday, 4th to Sunday 5th June - All Night Steam.

Wednesday, 15th June - Celebration of the Centenary of the Birth of the Rev Wilbert Awdry: Opening of the Wilbert Awdry Exhibition in the NGRM.

Saturday, 18th June - Rev W Awdry Centenary Special Duncan Day: family activities.

Saturday, 2nd to Sunday 3rd July - Garden Railway and Have-a-Go Gala.

Saturday, 16th July - TRPS 60th Anniversary service. St Cadfan’s Church, Tywyn.

Saturday, 23rd to Sunday, 24th July - Jubilee Tom Rolt Rally Steam and Vehicle Rally

Saturday, 27th August - Volunteer Showcase Gala

Sunday, 28th August - Series One Land Rover Rally.

Saturday 24th to Sunday 25th September - AGM weekend: special trains and Photographic exhibition in Bethany Vestry, Tywyn High St.

Thursday, 6th October - Re-enactment of the last 1950 train. Special advance tickets only.

Friday, 14th - Saturday, 15th October - LTC Rolt Symposium, transport history study event.

We hope you can find time to join us in our celebrations.