2016 May - The Road to Adventure Gala

'Back to the 70s' Talyllyn style


This weekend was all about celebrations. Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the opening of the Extension between Abergynolwyn and Nant Gwernol, celebrating No 5 Midlander's 75th birthday and celebrating No 7 Tom Rolt's 25th anniversary.

Saturday 30 April

We ran an early 1970s peak service between Tywyn Wharf and Abergynolwyn, with a shuttle service operating between Abergynolwyn and Nant Gwernol.

Up at Abergynolwyn, a reunion of the ‘Gwerns’ (the name given to the volunteers and staff who worked on the Extension) took place. We had a re-enactment of the first ‘blast’ on the extension followed by a buffet in the cafe.

Down at Wharf, classic vehicles from the 1960s, 70s and 80s were on display and the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum put on an exhibition about the history of the Extension. A couple of special guests for the weekend were Tim and Richard Rolt, who brought their father Tom’s Alvis to Tywyn as part of the classic vehicle display. Visitors to Kings Cafe were treated to a special 1970s menu.

The day ended with a 70s disco at Wharf, with DJ Nick playing great tunes and attendees wearing some fantastic outfits!

Sunday 1 May

Time for Peak Service 1976 between Tywyn Wharf and Nant Gwernol - 10 trains and five engines in steam. Despite the weather plenty of people were about to take advantage of the extra trains.

We held a short ceremony to commemorate the opening of the extension to Nant Gwernol at Abergynolwyn at 11 am. The inaugural train’s run was recreated with No 2 Dolgoch and the original headboard (courtesy of the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum). Unfortunately, the heavy rain meant it was wise to remove the headboard at Pendre before it disintegrated. Some of the original 'Gwerns' and those involved with the railway in the 1970s recreated the ribbon breaking ceremony at Abergynolwyn with part of the original opening ribbon.

Monday 2 May

No 5 Midlander and No 7 Tom Rolt were the stars of Monday. Highlights included:

• Early Morning Photographic Special with No 7 Tom Rolt and 25th Anniversary headboard.
• Special train hauled by diesel locomotive No.5 Midlander with our vintage set of 150 year old carriages.
• Special train with No 7 Tom Rolt ran to Abergynolwyn only.
• Celebrations at Abergynolwyn to mark the 75th Anniversary of diesel locomotive No 5 Midlander, and the 25th Anniversary of steam locomotive No 7 Tom Rolt.
• Rare three train crossing at Brynglas.

Many thanks to the team responsible for arranging the gala, a lot of hard work went into creating a briliant weekend. Our next gala is Talyllyn 150 - The Grand Finale - Friday, 1 July 2016 - Sunday, 3 July 2016.

Photos thanks to: Allan Black, Max Birchenough, Ian Drummond, Barbara Fuller, Darren Turner and Karen Willans