Anniversary

When the band of enthusiasts took over the railway for a trial period of two years, back in 1951, there was just one ancient and worn out locomotive available, No 2 Dolgoch and they knew that there was not much life left in 'The Old Lady' as things stood.   Not many miles away, the railway from Corris to Machynlleth has closed.   The Corris Railway had been nationalised (something the Talyllyn escaped, perhaps because it's owner was the local MP) and the two surviving locos, run down but in better condition than Dolgoch, were due to be sold for scrap.   Connections were made and the Talyllyn volunteers acquired the two engines for £50.   They were unloaded from the main line on 17th March 1951 and fifty years ago today.   Dolgoch was steamed and coupled to the two cold engines, she pulled them up the line to the workshops at Pendre.   Today, with much shinier engines, this event was re-enacted.   Having cycled past on route to the Health Centre where I was stabbed in the arm, I was back in time to see the engines depart .... a real shot in the arm!

A video online will tell the story better and you can see the action today as it happened.  Click Here   An extra pic from 1951

No reaction to the jab so far although I'm tired tonight but I should be.   I fitted in three hours work, an hour's dog walk and a zoom lecture - nice to see you Helen - as well as getting Jamie's housing application form completed today, all after a lousy disturbed night's sleep!   Hoping for a better one tonight.