Glyn Valley Gauge change

Yes, not the best example I admit! It was the only example of a narrow gauge line (pushing it, I know) being 'rebuilt' to another gauge in the preservation era that I could think of, other than miniature railways.

Jon

 

Big money spinners for all heritage railways are Santa Specials and Thomas Days. Put a face on anything, no matter what gauge, and it's "from" Thomas, and any gauged railway can have Santa visiting it. I think as enthusiasts we lose sight of the fact that we aren't actually the customers, we're a very niche market, and those railways that pander to the niche market and not their main customer base lose out on income. That's not to say that there isn't the money in enthusiasts, but we certainly aren't top of the pile in priority to please!

 

Not strictly true regarding Thomas - you have to have one of the 'approved' Thomas locos on site to stage an event with the Thomas branding nowadays (Skarloey Railway is of course treated differently). I am not aware of any narrow gauge approved Thomas in the UK apart from in their theme park.

 

Bure Valley Railway's 2-6-4T "Wroxham Broad" is approved as "Thomas" and often travels to other fifteen-inch gauge railways for this purpose.

 

Thomas was a catch all term for any family events (Postman Pat and Pepper Pig seem to be the biggies these days). That aside, I think my point is still valid

 

The only NG 'Thomas' approved railway I can think of is Kirklees, and I'm sure they have their own...
...unless its OOU of cause!

Sorry, I digress (again!)

 

As is Thomas at the NVR - which was officially named as such by the Rev Awdry himself...