The theme of this year’s temporary exhibition at the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum in Tywyn is ‘Our Railway Adventure’, celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Talyllyn Railway being run by volunteer.
The exhibition takes its cue from Tom Rolt’s classic book ‘Railway Adventure’ which charts the creation of Talyllyn Railway Preservation Society in October 1950 and the first two years of operation of the railway by volunteers in 1951-’52 – becoming the world’s first, successful, volunteer operated, heritage railway.
The exhibition tells the stories of railway preservation pioneers, so far as possible in their own words. But memory is fallible and this approach reveals some inconsistencies in their recollections.
For example, the Trinder family states that membership number 1 was allocated to the society’s first chairman, Bill Trinder, whereas Patrick Garland asserts that this honour was given to the Poet Laureate John Betjeman. Another question is how many attended the inaugural meeting in Birmingham in October 1950?
These preservation pioneers met and overcame the many challenges in taking over a dilapidated railway and making it fit for purpose. They took the first steps in the worldwide heritage railway movement and towards making Talyllyn Railway what it is today, with an inclusive and diverse preservation society with its “heart of gold”.
Steve Oates, Heritage Railway Association chief executive, says: “This new exhibition is an opportunity to learn about some of those volunteering stories – showcasing how volunteering at a heritage railway can make an impact, change lives and protect our history. Perhaps it will inspire you to get involved and begin your own volunteering story!”
The exhibition also celebrates other anniversaries falling in 2026 – the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum; the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Nant Gwernol ‘extension’ and the 30th anniversary of Talyllyn Tracksiders, working parties that allow families with children to work together on the railway.
The Narrow Gauge Railway Museum has more than 800 items on display, from complete locomotives to smaller pieces, such as paperwork, signalling equipment and tickets.
With nearly 90 railways represented in the museum’s collection, it provides a unique and comprehensive record of more than 200 years of narrow gauge railway history. Each year, this collection is supplemented by a themed temporary exhibition.
The museum, located at Tywyn Wharf Station, is open daily from March 29 to November 1 inclusive, when trains are running on Talyllyn Railway. Admission is free although donations are encouraged.
Visit www.ngrm.org.uk and www.talyllyn.co.uk to check opening times and for more information.
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