THE history of the Talyllyn Railway is told in a new book by award-winning author, Ian Drummond.

Rails Along The Fathew makes use of original research, as well as the latest computer and printing technology, to produce a new book about the world’s first preserved railway.

Drummond recalls its origins as a tramroad, built to transport slate from the Bryneglwys quarry to Tywyn.

Opened in 1865, today the Talyllyn Railway has become the pioneer of railway preservation.

The book traces the story of the railway from those humble beginnings through days of prosperity and austerity, to its preservation and development as a world-famous tourist destination.

“However, it still retains much of its heritage and has all of its original locomotives and carriages in regular service, giving it an authentic atmosphere, ”Drummond explains.

A volunteer on the Talyllyn Railway for 40 years, he was one of the main organisers of this year’s 150th Anniversary celebrations.

Of his volunteering, Drummond says: “In July 1975 I did my first volunteer turn on the Talyllyn Railway as a trainee at Dolgoch station.

“The station assistant was Sue Vincent (now Whitehouse) and the stationmaster was Keith Stretch. What I remember of that day is Keith regaling us with all sorts of stories about the history of the railway. Little did I think then that 40 years later I would be writing a book of the railway’s history for the 150th anniversary.”

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