A few Talyllyn Railway pictures.

It does indeed! Hope they line out the splashers like they were when first rebuilt in 1968.

According to Martin Fuller's excellent book Talyllyn and Corris Steam Locomotives Vol 2 (which I happened to have on my lap while reading your post!) the Machynlleth Station Master was a Mr Campbell Thomas. He arranged for the motion to be greased and tarpaulins to keep the worst of the weather off.
It appears he wasn't the only "friend" of the Corris locos at Machynlleth. They were not sent for scrap immediately on closure because someone convinced Swindon that Haydn Jones was still interested in buying them - despite Edward Thomas turning them down due to a poor inspection report (he said it would be more cost effective to repair the boiler on "Talyllyn", which was academic of course - they had no money anyway!). Without this they would probably have been razor blades by the time the TRPS came knocking.
On purchase, a Machynlleth fireman (David Jones) and a mate cleaned the locos up ready for transit, and the Mach. foreman fitter (Mr James) rooted out all the spares they had for both locos and loaded them into the Corris van.

Anyone with an interest in the TR or Corris locos really should get Martin Fuller's books. Vol 1 covers pre-preservation and Vol 2 post-preservation.
I thought I knew a bit about them, but these books are a real eye-opener, not just on the loco's, but also the many personalities involved down the years.
They also put right many myths pre-1951 and explain some "political expediencies" in TRPS decision-making - particularly the rebuilds of Nos 1 and 2.
No connection with the author I hasten to add - just very grateful for the painstaking work and detail. The photos are good too!

 

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Lovely in green.

 

Yes, part 1 is excellent, haven't got part 2 (yet?).

 

I found part 2 absolutely fascinating - some of the stories of things done to keep the locos running in the early days of preservation are especially interesting.

 

Coming along nicely (no sign in needed):
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2103860079629672&id=205064302842602&__tn__=*s*s-R

 

Ever fancied a Falcon Cabriolet (no sign in needed)?
https://m.facebook.com/rheidolrailw...106172169398463/?type=3&source=49&__tn__=EH-R

 

"Sir Haydn" has it's cab back! ..... and what's that white fluffy stuff coming out of the chimney? (No sign in needed)
https://m.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...2119601474722199&source=49&refid=13&__tn__=+=

The little loco must be heading off home any day now.

 

Looks almost TOO new.

 

I used to work with an Old School panel beater (a prewar professional motor cyclist .... not only was the first prang of any new model of car south of the Thames sent to him to work out how the repair should be done, but not one insurance adjuster ever queried one of his quotes - some good reputation, Eh?) who, when he'd finished turning a mangled wreck back into something which met his impeccable standards, always used to stand back, hands in holey old cardigan pockets, take a draw on his unfiltered cigarette, wink and say 'There you go ..... just like a new bas*ard'!

I think the folks at Aberystwyth, who can be mighty proud of their fine achievement, could be forgiven for resurrecting Cliff's old job completion ceremony!

 

No 3 was delivered to Tywyn Wharf this morning:-

https://www.facebook.com/pg/Talyllyn/posts/?ref=page_internal

Moving up to Pendre at the moment - left Wharf pulled dead by No 9 Alf on the Wharf webcam.
Looks absolutely superb!

 

Number 3 looking lovely. Have been watching the webcam to see her in action!
I think currently all 6 steam locos are serviceable? When was this last the case (if ever)? And is there going to be a gala to showcase them all...?

 

The TR boasted 100% availability about 6 years back, when No.1 had taken it's lid off. Unfortunately, it won't last long as 'Talyllyn' has under a month left before overhaul time.

 

June 16th - Anything Goes Gala

 

A extra train at the start of the day nearly caught me on the hop, but to my delight No 1 and 4 coach and the Glyn Valley one were in use on it.

 

Paradise....