Talyllyn Railway volunteer Luke Ryan describes the history and heritage of the world’s first preserved heritage railway. Originally built to transport slate down from the North Wales mines it was also designed with passengers in mind. Despite all the changes to the rail industry over the centuries, Talyllyn has remined independent and in 1951 it was taken over to be preserved by the Talylln Railway Preservation society.
One of Talyllyn’s most famous volunteers was the Rev. Wilbert Awdry, the author of Thomas The Tank Engine. It’s often said that the Isle of Sodor is loosely inspired by the Talyllyn Railway.
Luke describes the links between Thomas and friends and Talyllyn.