2015 August 29th - 31st 'Heart of Gold' Weekend

Celebrating over 60 years of the Talyllyn Railway Preservation Society


Saturday 29th August

Our Young Members took over for the day, running the train service. Abergynolwyn was the place to be for the Abergynolwyn Show, held in our field below the station. Other highlights of the day included the 1950's Engineering Train and Driver for a Tenner at Wharf. An unusual sight in these parts was the Rouemaster bus - giving bus rides between Abergynolwyn and Talyllyn Lake.

The All Night Steam began with an hourly service from Wharf. Special trains included the Illuminated Train and the railway's Traffic and Operating Committee 50th Anniversary Special. Travellers were treated to a spectacular sunset followed by a ride through the fairy-lit Dolgoch Woods.

The bar was open at Abergynolwyn and we even had DJ Nick travelling about playing a selection of railway and night themed songs, suggested by loads of people via our Facebook and Twitter sites.

The trains were well filled most of the night. Guards were advised when checking tickets to be 'mindful of sleeping passengers'.

Sunday 30th August - 1950s Day

Wharf Station was taken over by Series One Landrovers for the day for their annual rally. Plenty of passengers arrrived in 1950s attire to take advantage of the free travel on offer. Extra trains included the 'Re-enactment Decorated Coronation Train' and the ‘Dolgoch and Abergynolwyn Only’ special. The Routemaster Bus moved down the valley for the day, giving rides between Tywyn Wharf and Fairbourne. The day ended with the Landrover Rally and Talyllyn Railway Preservation Society Members’ BBQ at Abergynolwyn.

Monday 31st August

Special trains today included the 'Dolgoch Slip Train' (recreating an engineering train run to repair a landslip near Dolgoch) and the 'No.7 Special' - No 7 Tom Rolt with carriage 17, Van 7 and engineer's Van 70.

Thank you to everyone who worked hard to make this weekend a success. The final 150th Gala, the Heritage Weekend, will take place over our AGM weekend 25th - 27th September.

Photos - Max Birchenough, Barbara Fuller, Karen Willans, David Williams and Mark Winstanley