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Fairbourne Railway ‘84 - ‘95

Discussion in 'Narrow Gauge Railways' started by Miff, May 7, 2019.

  1. Miff

    Miff Part of the furniture Friend

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    I’ve stumbled upon Shôn Ellerton’s website with his memories (including perilous adventures with a nail gun) and photos of the Fairbourne at the time it was owned by his family:
    http://shonellerton.com/articles/railways/fairbourne-railway/

    (I wasn’t sure whether to post this in Narrow or Miniature, since this period includes the gauge conversion (please report this post if it bothers you)).
     
    Last edited: May 7, 2019
    Miff, May 7, 2019
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  2. 61624

    61624 Part of the furniture

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    Shôn Ellerton has announced on Facebook that his father, John Ellerton, has died recently. Many readers will recall that he rebuilt the Fairbourne Railway from 15" gauge to 12-1/4" to accommodate the rolling stock from the line he had built in France, the Reseau Guerledan, and to the form it is largely in now. A controversial figure, in many (??!!most) ways he nevertheless probably ensured the survival of the line at a time when its future looked bleak.
     
    61624, Aug 13, 2022
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  3. cymroglan

    cymroglan Member

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    Somehow this change of gauge controversy managed to go viral long before we had the internet! It was the age of fanzines and I remember some interesting views being aired!
    I used to holiday in the area in the early 1970s and have the fondest of memories of the old 15 inch line with some grand locos. I do agree though that it was all looking life expired by the time JR took over and it only took one trip on the 12 1/4 to convince me that it was actually a very good idea.
    I’m really sorry to hear that JR has died, I didn’t know him at all but did say hello to him a few times. A cheerful, friendly chap as I recall.
     
    cymroglan, Aug 13, 2022
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  4. Miff

    Miff Part of the furniture Friend

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    John Ellerton was also known as John de Frayssinet. Here’s his website about his ‘County Gate’, a superbly landscaped 009 model railway based on a never-built extension of the L&B.
    http://www.009.cd2.com/
     
    Miff, Aug 14, 2022
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  5. Steve B

    Steve B Well-Known Member

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    Well, well! I knew about County Gate, but had never associated it with John Ellerton. A superb model. Thanks for sharing the link to the website.

    Steve B
     
    Steve B, Aug 14, 2022
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  6. Miff

    Miff Part of the furniture Friend

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    Last edited: Aug 14, 2022
    Miff, Aug 14, 2022
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