Talyllyn Tracksiders

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Talyllyn Tracksiders is the name for the railway's family volunteer working groups. Working visits are organised 2 or 3 times a year, for up to a week each time. Our main event is Spring Bank Holiday / May half term week, when up to 30 youngsters and their parents come. For more information telephone Ian Evans on 01904 766967. Tracksiders is open to all junior members with their parent(s) supervising.

Tracksiders dates for 2008

Visit the Talyllyn Tracksiders' web site (external site).

The Talyllyn Tracksiders pose at Tywyn Wharf station with steam locos Nos. 7, 4 and 3
Photo: Ian Evans

Tracksiders work in supervised groups on projects such as painting, fencing, clearing undergrowth, restoring slate fencing, building footpaths, relaying sidings, and many, many other jobs. We have done work at stations, on the line side, and in the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum. However, we are not involved in the operating of trains and Pendre workshops and loco sheds are effectively out of bounds. We have however held hands on training events at the Downs School Light Railway.

Talyllyn Tracksiders working on an incline wagon at Tywyn Wharf station
Photo: Ian Evans

A key focus of Talyllyn Tracksiders is that it is arranged for family participation. Of course it picks up the under 14s who are not allowed to work on the trains, although we do not set any specific age limits. It is not a creche. This arrangement also provides a pool of supervisors, although we do not necessarily insist that children work with their own parents!

Talyllyn Tracksiders helping author Christopher Awdry, at a book signing at Tywyn Wharf
Photo: Ian Evans

The formula also includes barbeques, beach parties etc. The aim is to have fun, learn new skills and make friends. Many TRPS members have life-long friends from their earliest days on the railway, and we provide the same opportunity for the next generation.