The Amerton Railway's 2ft gauge Bagnall 0-4-0ST 1491 Isabel starts out on its journey along the railway's one mile circuit with the 11:30 departure, the first train of the day, on 10 July 2022. Having just passed the oak tree on the straight section of track north of the station, it is now passing the picturesque Amerton Pond.

Bagnall 0-4-0ST 1491 Isabel crosses over Amerton Brook with the Amerton Railway's 11:30 train on Sunday 10 July 2022. Isabel was built in 1897 for the Cliffe Hill Granite Company of Markfield, Leicestershire. Withdrawn in 1946, the loco was cosmetically restored and displayed on a plinth in Victoria Park, Stafford. In the 1980s the Stafford Narrow Gauge Railway Society Ltd was formed to bring the loco back to life, and after an extensive restoration, the loco arrived at the Amerton Railway in 1991. A trio of Amerton Farm's sheep can be seen in the background.

The 11:50 Amerton Railway departure approaches Stump Junction on Sunday 10 July 2022, in the capable hands of Bagnall 0-4-0ST 1491 Isabel. The junction point levers, and the eponymous stump can be seen on the right!

Bagnall 0-4-0ST 1491 Isabel is pictured on the approach to Amerton station, after completing a circuit of the line with the 11:50 train on 10 July 2022. The construction of the 2ft gauge Amerton Railway started in 1990, and opened two years later, initially with just a short section of track. The complete one mile circuit opened in 2001.

Bagnall 0-4-0ST 1491 Isabel passes a motley collection of rolling stock on the Amerton Railway's drift mine siding on 10 July 2022. The train is the 12:10 departure on what was a completely sunny and very hot day. Amerton Farm's sheep wander at will all over the railway, but the hot weather meant that a lot of them were sheltering in the shade of the tree on the left.

Bagnall 0-4-0ST 1491 Isabel rounds the curve on the approach to the Amerton Brook bridge with the 12:10 train on 10 July 2022. The Amerton Railway offers endless photographic possibilities, as the line weaves through the trees and through the field on its one mile circular route.

The 12:30 Amerton Railway departure passes the industrial railway sidings on 10 July 2022, as Bagnall 0-4-0ST 1491 Isabel does another circuit of the line. Despite the perfect weather, the first trains of the day were only lightly loaded, but perhaps that had something to do with the Wimbledon Men's Final taking place later in the day!

The Amerton Railway's Bagnall 0-4-0ST 1491 Isabel crosses over the Amerton Brook on 10 July 2022 with the 12:30 train. There is quite an overhang at the back of the loco. It almost looks like it should have been an 0-4-2ST!

Hunslet 0-4-0ST 680 George B receives some attention at Bala on 1 May 2022, after arriving with the 15:10 train from Llanuwchllyn. The loco, which was built in 1898, worked in the Dinorwic Slate Quarry until 1965. After initially being stored at the Dowty Railway Preservation Society, Ashchurch, it arrived at the Bala Lake Railway in 2017 for a full restoration.

Bala Lake Railway Hunslet 0-4-0ST 779 Holy War waits at Bala station on 31 May 2012. It will shortly be working the 15:00 service to Llanuwchllyn. The original Great Western Railway footbridge looks slightly out of place, now the track has downsized somewhat! The original station opened in 1934 as Bala (Llyn Tegid).

With Bala Lake looking especially blue under a sparkling clear sky, 0-4-0ST 780 Alice approaches Pentrepiod Halt on 30 May 2016 with the 11:00 Llanuwchllyn to Bala service. The Bala Lake Railway was staging their 'Festival of Transport', with various vintage vehicles on display at Llanuwchllyn, along with an enhanced train service. The crossing in the foreground gives access to a lakeside campsite.

Hunslet 0-4-0ST 780 Alice approaches the unusual bracket signal at Llangower on 30 May 2016, as it works the 11:40 Bala to Llanuwchllyn service, during the Bala Lake Railway's 'Festival of Transport'. This loco, along with the several others on the line, spent its working life at the Dinorwic slate quarry.

Surrounded by all the general clutter of a railway workshop, including, surprisingly a small model of itself, 1903 built Hunslet 0-4-0ST 822 Maid Marian reposes in Llanuwchllyn shed at the Bala Lake Railway on 31 May 2012. The loco spent its working life at the nearby Dinorwic slate mine.

The Bala Lake Railway's 1973 built Severn Lamb D1087 Merionnydd, pictured at Llanuwchllyn on 9 August 2002. This loco has carried numerous liveries during its career. This rather drab colour scheme had been replaced by a bright blue paint job when I saw it parked in the same position ten years later.

The Bala Lake Railway's interpretation of a Class 52 'Western'! The 1973 built Severn Lamb D1087 Merionnydd (works number 22) is pictured at Llanuwchllyn on 31 May 2012. This is definitely not BR blue, and the loco has subsequently repainted into the much more typical Western livery of maroon with small yellow panel. It had previously appeared in BR blue with full yellow ends, and also a slightly drab grey-green colour scheme.

Baguley Drewry 0-4-0 780 Bob Davies passes Dolfawr on 30 May 2016 with the 10:15 Llanuwchllyn to Bala service. The southern section of the Bala Lake Railway has some superb photographic vantage points. This particular spot with the rustic barn, complete with rusty corrugated iron roof repairs is especially attractive. the whole scene is enhanced by some unexpected Bank Holiday Monday sunshine.

Baguley Drewry 0-4-0 780 Bob Davies passes the diminutive Pentrepiod Halt on 30 May 2016 with the 10:50 Bala to Llanuwchllyn service. The loco was built in 1983 for the Royal Navy, and was used at Fishguard, before being purchased by Pete Briddon's Yorkshire Engine Company, and then moving to the Bala Lake Railway.

The driver of Hunslet 0-4-0ST 994 George Sholto does some last minute oiling, prior to working another trip on the 2 ft gauge Nursery Railway at Bressingham on 24 September 2000. The loco was built in 1909 for the Penrhyn Quarry Railway. Bressingham Gardens was established by the late Alan Bloom in 1946, and in addition to standard gauge railway locomotives, includes this 2ft gauge line, two other miniature lines, and numerous other exhibits, including traction engines (one can be seen in the background here).

0-4-2ST 3 Sir Haydn back home on the Corris Railway on 3 June 2012. Although unable to run as its boiler certificate has expired, the former Corris Railway locomotive is a star attraction on the line, which it left in 1951 for a second life on the Talyllyn Railway. Although in need of much work, the Talyllyn obviously got a bargain, as it only cost them £25! That was cheap even in the 1950s. It is pictured standing beside the reconstructed Maespoeth Junction signal box.

The Corris Railway's diminutive Simplex 4wDM No.5 Alan Meaden, pictured in the sunshine at Maespoeth on 30 April 2022. The loco was built in 1965, and worked for Staveley Lime Products, Hindlow, until secured for preservation on 1974. Apparently the loco is unpopular due to its inertia starting system, that doesn't always work!

Corris Railway Ruston & Hornsby 0-4-0 No.6 propels its train into Corris station on 3 June 2012. Holy Trinity church can be seen in the background, the railway following the eastern edge of the graveyard as it enters the station from the Maespoeth direction. This 1966 built locomotive was originally 2' 6" gauge, and was regauged on arrival at Corris to 2' 3".

Conversation piece at Maespoeth on 29 May 2016, during the Corris Railway's Gala Day. The crew of Ruston & Hornsby 0-4-0 No.6 discuss some operational point with the signalman, before working the late running 14:08 Maespoeth to Corris, conveying the two wagons that had previously worked down on the gravity train, plus a brake van.

Corris Railway 0-4-2ST No.7 waits in the rain at Maespoeth to form the next train back to Corris on 3 June 2012. Directly behind it is one of the line's original locomotives - No. 3 Sir Haydn, which is on loan from the Talyllyn Railway, its adopted home since the 1950s.

Winson Engineering built 0-4-2ST No.7 arrives at Corris on 29 May 2016 with the 13:40 Maespoeth to Corris service, during the Corris Railway's Gala Day. As can be seen, much use is made of the local slate for lineside walls.

Corris Railway 0-4-2ST No.7 stands on the new traverser at Corris station on 30 April 2022. The traverser, which was constructed by Statfold Engineering, Tamworth, enables locos to run round in the very cramped station site. It is operated manually, with two people pushing on removable posts at each end of the table.

Corris Railway 0-4-2ST No.7 approaches Corris on 30 April 2022 with the 'Machynlleth Comedy Festival' special, returning from Maespoeth. The line bends to the left just behind the train, passing in front of the row of white houses.

Corris Railway 0-4-2ST No.7 arrives at Corris station with empty stock from Maespoeth, prior to working the first passenger train of the day on 6 May 2024. The railway here squeezes between the farm access road on the left, and the church on the right.

Corris Railway 0-4-2ST No.7 runs round its train at Maespoeth on 6 May 2024. It is passing the 1878 built engine shed, which is still serving its original purpose, 146 years later. The large hole in the back of the cab is to allow the fire to be cleaned using long fire irons.

In 2015 the Corris Railway acquired this Orenstein & Koppel 0-4-0 diesel hydraulic locomotive from Mauterndorf in Austria. 25721 was built in 1957 for a construction company in Vienna. A slight change of gauge (from 760 mm to 687 mm) was required before it could be used in Wales. It is pictured here at Corris on 29 May 2016.

The Corris Railway's diminutive Clayton 0-4-0 battery electric locomotive No.9 Aberllefenni is pictured inside the carriage shed at Maespoeth on 29 May 2016. The loco was built by Clayton in 1974 for the Aberllefenni Slate Quarry.

One of the highlights of the Corris Railway's Gala on 29 May 2016 was the working of the gravity train. Here, the first of the two departures (13:25) is pushed out of Corris station. In the background is the line's recently acquired Orenstein & Koppel 0-4-0 diesel hydraulic locomotive 25721.

The Corris Railway's 13:25 gravity train finally begins to roll after being pushed out of Corris station on 29 May 2016, during the line's Gala Day.  At present the line runs for approximately one mile down the Afon Dulas Valley from Corris to Maespoeth.

The 15:50 Corris to Maespoeth gravity train approaches its destination on 29 May 2016, during the Corris Railway's Gala Day. Note the brakesman controlling the descent. The very photogenic location and some unexpected, and very untypical, warm sunny bank holiday weather makes for an interesting picture.

Cotswold Wildlife Park Railway No.4 Bella passes the rhino paddock, whilst on another circuit of the park on 27 December 2019. The two foot gauge 0-4-0T steam outline diesel loco was built by Alan Keef in 2003. The Cotswold Wildlife Park occupies the grounds of Bradwell Grove Manor House, an early nineteenth century country estate house, near Burford.

Bradwell Grove Manor House is prominent in the background of this view of Cotswold Wildlife Park Railway No.4 Bella, pictured doing another circuit of the park's railway on 27 December 2019. The house was built in 1804 by William Hervey. It was designed by William Atkinson and built in the Gothic style by local builder Richard Pace.

Schöma 0-4-0 5129 was in action at the Crowle Peatland Railway over the 2023 Easter Weekend, giving rides along the line's 530 yard long track. It seen here propelling slave unit 5131 and the railway's single coach, on the approach to the line's headquarters on 8 April 2023. The undulating nature of the track is a perfect recreation of normal peat railway practice!

Virtually the whole length of the Crowle Peatland Railway's line can be seen in this view of Schöma 0-4-0 5129 nearing the northern limit of the line on 8 April 2023. The railway's shed can be seen in the background.

Schöma 0-4-0 5129 and slave unit 5131 stand at the 'station' at the northern end of the Crowle Peatland Railway on 8 April 2023, having just arrived with another train load of visitors, during the line's Easter Open Day.

Schöma 0-4-0 5129 arrives back at the Crowle Peatland Railway's headquarters on 8 April 2023, having just completed another trip along the railway's 530 yard line, during the Easter Open Day. On the right is Wickham Type 17A Trolley No.4091 and its unpowered trailer.

Schöma 0-4-0 5129 emerges from the Crowle Peatland Railway's shed on 8 April 2023 with another demonstration train, during the line's Easter Open Day. On the left are three tipper wagons, which are on loan from the Isle of Man Railway.

Looking very smart in its light green paintwork, Schöma 0-4-0 5220 The Thomas Buck stands inside the Crowle Peatland Railway's shed on 8 April 2023. Unlike the line's other two Schöma locos, this one retains its original 5 Cylinder Deutz engine. On the right is former Lisbon tram 711.

A line up of Crowle Peatland Railway motive power, inside the railway's shed on 8 April 2023. From left to right: Motor Rail 0-4-0 40hp 40s302 Little Peat, Schöma 0-4-0 5130, Schöma 0-4-0 5220 The Thomas Buck, and former Lisbon Tram 711.

A line up of locomotives in the rain at Porthmadog on 1 May 2022. On the right is the Ffestiniog Railway's 2-4-0ST+T Blanche. In the centre is the Richmond Light Railway's Hunslet 0-4-0ST Sybil. On the left is Hunslet open cab 0-4-0ST Elin, also from the Richmond Light Railway, with the Ffestiniog Hunslet 0-4-0ST Britomart partly visible behind.

In typically gloomy Welsh weather, Ffestiniog Railway 0-4-4-0T 10 Merddin Emrys crosses the Cob with the 13:35 Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog service on 2 June 2012. This mile long embankment predates the railway, being built in 1811 for land reclamation purposes.

Ffestiniog Railway Fairlie 12 David Lloyd George leaves Blaenau Ffestiniog with the 11:45 train to Porthmadog on 4 June 2005. It had just about stopped raining, but the clouds are still enveloping the mountains in the background. Note the standard gauge line to Llandudno Junction in the foreground. David Lloyd George was built at the railway's Boston Lodge works in 1992, and is the most powerful double Fairlie locomotive in the world.

Ffestiniog Railway Fairlie 0-4-4-0T 12 David Lloyd George stands in the pouring rain at Porthmadog station on 20 October 2014, prior to working the 10:10 service to Blaenau Ffestiniog. Despite getting the camera soaked during the brief time that it took to take this picture, the result is worth it, as it just typifies Welsh weather!

Ffestiniog Railway Fairlie 0-4-4-0T 12 David Lloyd George stands at Blaenau Ffestiniog station on 20 October 2014, after having just arrived with the 10:10 service from Porthmadog. Even if the location wasn't already easily identifiable, the sign leaves little doubt!

Ffestiniog Railway Fairlie 0-4-4-0T 12 David Lloyd George arrives at Porthmadog station on 21 October 2014, after having just crossed the Cob from Boston Lodge. It would shortly be working the 10:10 service to Blaenau Ffestiniog. I particularly like the way the exhaust stands out against the dark clouds, and the backlighting of the red semaphore signal spectacles.

Ffestiniog Railway Fairlie 0-4-4-0T 12 David Lloyd George sets off from Porthmadog station on 21 October 2014 with empty coaching stock for Boston Lodge, at the end of the day's services. The 863 feet high peak of Moel-y-Gest dominates the background.

Two modes of transport travel along the Cob at Porthmadog on 2 June 2012. The Ffestiniog Railway's 0-6-0 diesel locomotive Criccieth Castle draws the 12:55 train from Caernarfon into Porthmadog station, whilst motorists travel at roughly the same sedate speed as they arrive at the town. The Welsh Highland Railway's Garratt locomotive No. 87 is on the rear of the train, which must perform this reversal in order to enter the station. The single Valerian plant growing from the wall in the foreground adds some colour to the scene.

Ffestiniog Railway 0-6-0 diesel hydraulic loco Harlech Castle pulls away from a brief stop at Minffordd station on 19 October 2014, with an engineering train heading for the nearby Minffordd Yard. Harlech Castle was built by Baguley-Drewry Ltd in 1983. It had originally been destined for use in Mozambique. As delivered it fouled the Ffestiniog loading gauge, and was only able to be used in Minffordd Yard. After being fitted with a reduced height cab, it was able to be used all along the line, as a civil engineer's loco.

Under a typically grey North Wales sky, Funkey B-B diesel hydraulic Vale of Ffestiniog stands at Blaenau Ffestiniog on 7 August 2002 waiting to depart for Porthmadog, although there is a distinct lack of passengers! Although since repainted green, it is seen here in the National Power livery, as worn by the standard gauge Class 59/2s. This also explains the Vale of Ffestiniog name, which ties in with the names of its larger cousins.

Ffestiniog Railway diesel hydraulic Vale of Ffestiniog stands at Porthmadog station on 21 October 2014, after having just propelled a rake of coaching stock into the new Welsh Highland Railway platform, in readiness for the 10:45 departure to Caernarfon. It was a generally cloudy morning, but a small hole appeared in the blanket of dark clouds after the loco and stock had left the sidings visible on the left of the picture. I hoped that the sun would stay out long enough for a decent picture once the train had backed into the platform. Luckily the train backed in without delay, and I had a few seconds worth of stunning light before the clouds blotted out the sun again.

Gartell Light Railway 0-4-2T No.6 Mr. G receives some attention at Common Lane station on 3 June 2002. The loco was built especially for the line in 1998 by the North Dorset Locomotive Works. The Gartell Light Railway is a 2ft gauge line near Templecombe, the route of which mostly follows the course of the old Somerset & Dorset Railway.

The Isle of Man Steam Railway's 2-4-0T No.6 Peveril, pictured inside the Port Erin Museum on 9 May 2017. She was built in 1875 by Beyer Peacock & Co, and worked on the line until 1960. There is still a possibility that one day it will be restored to working order, despite being out of use for over half a century.

The Isle of Man Steam Railway's 2-4-0T No.8 Fenella arrives at Port Soderick station on 12 May 2017 with the 11:50 Douglas to Port Erin service. The train stopped briefly, but no passengers either joined or alighted. In fact apart from us two photographers, there seemed to be nobody in the vicinity at all. Fenella is now the only working loco of the original smaller engines.

The Isle of Man Steam Railway's 2-4-0T No.12 Hutchinson, pictured at Douglas station on 8 May 2017, after arriving with the 14:00 service from Port Erin. The loco was built by Beyer, Peacock & Co, and was delivered to the island in 1908.

Late spring on the Isle of Man Steam Railway, and the fresh green foliage contrasts nicely with the loco's 'Indian Red' livery, as well as the red and cream of the coaches. 2-4-0T No.12 Hutchinson whistles as it approaches Santon on 8 May 2017 with the 15:50 Douglas to Port Erin service.

Ballabeg is one of the Isle of Man Steam Railway's smaller stations, and is little used. Being a request stop, trains often pass straight through, as is the case here, as Beyer, Peacock & Co. 2-4-0T No.12 Hutchinson steams through on 8 May 2017 with the 15:50 Douglas to Port Erin service. This station building is not the original, but was formerly a permanent way hut, with a canopy added in 1982. The station is in open countryside, some distance from the village of Ballabeg, on the A28 towards Castletown.

A pair of Isle of Man Steam Railway trains cross at Castletown on 9 May 2017. 2-4-0T No.12 Hutchinson arrives with the 11:50 Douglas to Port Erin service. The picture is taken from the 12:00 Port Erin to Douglas service, led by No.13 Kissack.

The Isle of Man Steam Railway's 2-4-0T No.12 Hutchinson waits at Castletown station on 12 May 2017 with the 10:00 Port Erin to Douglas. Already 15 minutes late, it would have to wait for a further seven minutes, as the 09:50 train from Douglas, hauled by No.13 Kissack, with which it was due to cross, was now running 22 minutes behind time.

The Isle of Man Steam Railway's 2-4-0T No.13 Kissack stands next to the water tank at Port Erin, after arriving with the 09:50 service from Douglas on 9 May 2017. Kissack was the island's penultimate steam loco, arriving in 1910.

The Isle of Man Steam Railway's 2-4-0T No.13 Kissack stands at Douglas station on 9 May 2017, having just backed onto the stock that will form the 13:50 service to Port Erin. The dark Brunswick green livery is non-standard on the island.

The Isle of Man Steam Railway's 2-4-0T No.13 Kissack stands at Douglas station on 11 May 2017, prior to working the unadvertised additional 19:00 'Pie and Mash' dining special to Port Erin. The weak low evening sunshine certainly highlights the red brickwork of the station building in the background.

The Isle of Man Steam Railway's 2-4-0T No.13 Kissack passes Ballaquiggin (between Port Soderick and Santon) with the 09:50 Douglas to Port Erin service on 12 May 2017. Presumably it would have taken less time to raise steam on this occasion, as the loco was used the previous evening for a 'Pie and Mash' special, arriving back at Douglas after 22:40.

Running over 20 minutes late, the Isle of Man Steam Railway's 2-4-0T No.13 Kissack arrives at Castletown station on 12 May 2017 with the 09:50 Douglas to Port Erin service. The track in the foreground formerly served the station's goods shed.

The Isle of Man Steam Railway's newest steam locomotive, 2-4-0T No.16 Mannin, pictured inside the Port Erin Museum on 9 May 2017. The loco was built in 1926, and was a more powerful version of the line's other 2-4-0s. She was withdrawn in 1964.

Isle of Man Steam Railway 0-4-0 diesel locomotive No.18 Ailsa stands at the head of a rake of coaching stock in Douglas station on the morning of 9 May 2017. Ailsa was built by the Hunslet Engine Co. in 1994 for use during the construction of the Channel Tunnel. However, it wasn't used, and instead was regauged, and used on the Jubilee Line extension of the London Underground. It then reverted to its original gauge and moved to the Isle of Man. The original intended use of the loco is reflected in its reduced height, which slightly restricts the driver's view. This explains the addition of cameras on arms attached to the corners of the loco.

Eighteen inch gauge Hunslet articulated 0-4-4-0DM No.3 Carnegie stands in Alan Keef Ltd's yard at Lea (near Ross-on-Wye) on 2 March 2003. It is wearing the livery of the Bicton Woodland Railway, from where it had just been removed. The loco was built in 1954 for the Royal Arsenal Railway at Woolwich.

W.G.Bagnall 0-4-0ST 2133 Woto stands in Alan Keef's yard at Lea on 27 September 2022, during the 50th Anniversary Open Day. Although the site was open, this was almost an hour before the advertised opening time, which explains the lack of people. It got very crowded later on, making this kind of picture very difficult.

A historic moment for the Corris Railway's new build 0-4-2ST 10 Falcon on 24 September 2022, as it is steamed in public for the first time at Alan Keef's 50th Anniversary Open Day at Lea (near Ross-on-Wye). The loco, had only received its boiler certificate a few days earlier. In grey primer and without any buffers, it is pictured on the morning of the open day, just before the works plate was fitted. This will be the railway's second steam locomotive, and is based on one of the line's original locomotives, now in service on the Talyllyn Railway.

Alan Keef 0-4-0VBT 30 Taffy is pictured at the company's headquarters at Lea (near Ross-on-Wye), during their 50th Anniversary Open Day on 24 September 2022. This vertical boiler 'coffee pot' locomotive was built in 1990.

Kerr Stuart 0-4-0ST 4256 Peter Pan has plenty of steam to spare, as it completes the first of many short passenger trips, during Alan Keef's 50 than Anniversary Open Day at Lea on 24 September 2022. Note the Isle of Man Steam Railway boiler in the background.

During Alan Keef's 50th Anniversary Open Day at Lea on 24 September 2022, Kerr Stuart 0-4-0ST 4256 Peter Pan was kept busy giving visitors short rides along the demonstration track. It is seen here passing underneath the trees on the third run.

Hunslet 0-4-0ST 1 Elidir gets a drink at Gilfach Ddu station on the Llanberis Lake Railway prior to working its next train to Penllyn on 6 August 2002. Built in 1899 for the Dinorwic Quarry line, this little locomotive was originally named Red Damsel. When this picture was taken all passenger services started from Gilfach Ddu, however the following year an extension was opened to Llanberis with a new station not far from the Snowdon Mountain Railway's terminus.

On 6 August 2002, Hunslet 0-4-0ST 2 Thomas Bach simmers gently in front of the 1870 built former quarry workshops at Gilfach Ddu station, on the Llanberis Lake Railway. This large range of buildings are now used to house the National Slate Museum. Thomas Bach was originally named Wild Aster when delivered to the Dinorwic Quarries in 1904.

Snowdon Mountain Railway 0-4-0RT 6 Padarn descends from Snowdon summit on 6 August 2002, as 0-4-0 diesel locomotive 12 George waits at Clogwyn station with an ascending train. The railway's original five steam locomotives were built in 1895-6. No.6 Padarn was the first of a small batch of new locomotives built in the 1920s. Although a slightly misty day, Llyn Padarn can clearly be seen in the background.

Snowdon Mountain Railway 0-4-0 diesel locomotive 12 George pushes its single coach up the mountain on 6 August 2002. Built by the Hunslet Engine Co, Leeds in 1992, this is the last of a batch of four similar locos that were added to the resident steam fleet from 1986 onwards. It is powered by a 12 litre 320 Horsepower (238 kW) six cylinder turbocharged Rolls Royce engine.

As walkers negotiate the long winding path from Llanberis to the summit of Snowdon on 6 August 2002, some less hardy people take the easy option, travelling to the summit on the Snowdon Mountain Railway's diesel electric railcars 23 & 21. The railway acquired three of these railcars in 1995 from HPE Tredegar Ltd, but control problems led to them being withdrawn by 2003, and ultimately scrapped. Because each railcar only had one set of pinions, they could not work singly. Incidentally, Wikipedia states that No.21 had been withdrawn by 2001. This is clearly wrong, as No.21 is definitely the rear vehicle of this pair.

Schöma 0-4-0 86hp 5129 and its slave unit stand amid the weeds near Red House Farm, Swinefleet on 1 September 2002, shortly after the 3 ft gauge peat railway ceased operations. This view is looking towards Goole, and Drax Power Station can clearly be seen on the horizon. This loco was one of a pair that were used on the line its later years, and they were considerably more powerful than anything used previously. The lines stretched for miles onto Goole and Swinefleet Moors, with both permanent and semi-permanent sections of track laid to reach the various peat cutting areas. The site, which had been operated by Fisons, Levingtons, and finally Scotts, has now been taken over by English Nature.

Schöma 0-4-0 5129 is pictured in its final resting place on the Swinefleet Peat Railway, next to the access road to Red House Farm on 1 September 2002. Judging by the encroaching vegetation, it clearly hadn't moved for a while.

When the 3ft gauge Swinefleet Peat Railway ceased operations in July 2000, the line's Schöma 0-4-0 diesel locomotive 5129, and a line wagons were left abandoned either side of the concrete access road to Red House Farm. This slightly unusual viewpoint taken on 1 September 2002 shows the wagons, with 5129 visible at the far end of the rake. The road to the farm crosses the stubble fields on the right, and accesses the farm via a bridge over the Swinefleet Warping Drain, a ditch which can be seen paralleling the line on the left.

Schöma 0-4-0 5129 stands forlornly amidst other assorted narrow gauge equipment in the privately owned station yard at Hardingham, next to the Mid Norfolk Railway. This 1990 built locomotive was formerly used at the Swinefleet and Hatfield Moors peat railways, which closed in 2000 and 2006 respectively. A nice reuse of a Thomas the Tank Engine banner! The picture was taken from the 13:45 Wymondham Abbey to Dereham DMU on 29 May 2014.

Formerly of the Swinefleet and Hatfield Moors peat railways, Schöma 0-4-0 5220 stands amongst the weeds in the yard of Hardingham station next to the Mid Norfolk Railway on 29 May 2014. Photo taken from the passing 13:45 Wymondham Abbey to Dereham DMU. Whilst in use at Hatfield the loco was named The Thomas Buck. The mark left by the removal of the nameplate can just be seen above the radiator. The name seems to have been transferred to sister loco 5130, which has been preserved as a static exhibit at the Hatfield Moors works.

Motor Rail 0-4-0 40hp 40s302 stands abandoned in the grass at Bank Top, on the Swinefleet Peat Railway on 1 September 2002. Surrounded by more discarded equipment, and on the opposite of the rough track to the surviving railway line, this loco has obviously seen better days! The 3 ft gauge line had just recently closed, although this particular loco had been out of use since 1996. Like most of the locos used on the line it had been modified throughout its life, the cab in particular been altered.

Fletcher Jennings & Co 0-4-2ST 1 Talyllyn arrives at a rain soaked Abergynolwyn station on 3 June 2012 with the 10:30 service from Tywyn Wharf to Nant Gwernol. This was the Talyllyn Railway's first locomotive, which was originally constructed as a 0-4-0ST. Poor stability soon led to the addition of trailing wheels. A cab was also added (very necessary in weather like this!).

Token exchange at Tywyn Wharf, on the Talylln Railway. Fletcher Jennings & Co 0-4-0WT 2 Dolgoch arrives with the 11:35 service from Nant Gwernol on 20 May 2006. This is one of the line's two original locomotives, and the only one that was operational when the preservation society took over in 1951.

After having arrived at Nant Gwernol with the 13:55 train from Tywyn Wharf, 0-4-0WT 2 Dolgoch runs round its train on 20 May 2006, before heading back down the valley with the 15:00 departure. This is the eastern extremity of the Talyllyn Railway. It opened to passengers in 1976, having only been served by slate trains in pre-preservation days.

The Talyllyn Railway's 0-4-2ST 3 Sir Haydn waits at Tywyn Wharf station on 30 April 2022, prior to departure with the 14:55 train for Abergynolwyn. In the background is the water tower, and the sharply curved sidings that were formerly used for slate transshipment.

Talyllyn Railway 0-4-2ST 3 Sir Haydn arrives at Quarry Siding on 6 May 2024 with the 12:20 Tywyn Wharf to Nant Gwernol service. Note the bluebells growing right next the track in the foreground. The 1013 feet high peak of Foel Wyllt dominates the background, with the valley of the Afon Fathew visible through the bushes on the right.

Talyllyn reflection. Former Corris Railway 1921 built Kerr Stuart & Co. 0-4-2ST No.4 Edward Thomas is reflected in the windows of my train (hauled by No. 2 Dolgoch), as the two trains cross at Quarry Sidings on 20 May 2006. Edward Thomas is working the 15:00 Tywyn Wharf to Nant Gwernol, whilst I am on board the 15:00 Nant Gwernol to Tywyn Wharf service.

Kerr Stuart 0-4-2ST 4 Edward Thomas arrives at Abergynolwyn station on 30 April 2022 with the 15:30 train from Tywyn Wharf. The loco was built in 1921 for the Corris Railway, working on that line until 1947. The Corris Railway closed in 1948, and the loco was acquired by the Talylln Railway in 1951, along with the Corris's other loco, 0-4-2ST 3 (later named Sir Haydn).

Talyllyn Railway Ruston 0-4-0 diesel No.5 (formerly named Midlander) waits in the rain at Abergynolwyn station on 3 June 2012. It had just brought a party of young volunteers up from Tywyn, and is now waiting to return to Pendre. Built in 1941, this locomotive was acquired by the railway in 1957 and proved itself to be extremely useful in the early preservation era.

Talyllyn Railway 0-4-0WT 6 Douglas passes Cynfal on 13 May 2022 with the 11:45 Tywyn Wharf to Nant Gwernol service. The loco was repainted into this striking blue colour scheme in 2018 to mark the centenary of the Royal Air Force, as well as the centenary of the loco itself. There cannot be many locomotives that carry the RAF roundel as a logo!

Talyllyn Railway 0-4-2T 7 Tom Rolt passes Ty Mawr on 13 May 2022 with the 10:00 Tywyn Wharf to Nant Gwernol service. This loco was rebuilt from a former Irish 3ft gauge Bord na Móna locomotive. It is named after one of the Talyllyn Railway's founder members, the famous transport historian and writer, L. T. C. Rolt.

Talyllyn Railway 0-4-2T 7 Tom Rolt passes Brynglas Ground Frame on 13 May 2022 with the 13:30 Tywyn Wharf to Nant Gwernol service, after waiting for a few minutes in the loop for the 12:50 Nant Gwernol to Tywyn Wharf train.

Talyllyn Railway 0-4-2T 7 Tom Rolt leaves Quarry Siding on 6 May 2024 with the 11:35 Nant Gwernol to Tywyn Wharf service. A new carriage shed now occupies the site of he old quarry, which formerly supplied ballast for the railway. The rough track leading from the farm occupation crossing in the foreground, descends very steeply to the Tywyn to Abergynolwyn road, which can just be glimpsed on the left.

1983 built Baguley-Drewry Ltd 4wDH No.11 Trecwn stands at Abergynolwyn station on 30 April 2022, whilst employed on shuttle trains to Nant Gwernol. The Talyllyn Railway acquired three of these locos from RNAD Trecwn in 2008. One was used for spares, the other, No.12 St. Cadfan is out of sight on the other end of this train. The locos had to be regauged from 2' 6" after they arrived from Trecwn.

Hunslet 0-4-0ST 541 Rough Pup, pictured inside the Narrow Gauge Museum at Tywyn Wharf on 3 June 2012. The loco was built in 1891 for the Dinorwic Quarry railway. It spent its entire working life there, being withdrawn in 1960.

Kerr Stuart 0-4-0WT 721, pictured inside the Narrow Gauge Museum at Tywyn Wharf on 3 June 2012. This diminutive locomotive was built in 1901 for the Dundee Gas Works. It looks a little unbalanced, as if it should really be a 0-4-2WT!

With a steam dome almost the same diameter as its boiler, 18 inch gauge, 1887 built Beyer, Peacock & Company 0-4-0WT 2817 Dot is pictured inside the Narrow Gauge Museum at Tywyn Wharf on 3 June 2012.

0-4-0WT Justine rests inside the shed of the two foot gauge Toddington Narrow Gauge Railway on 25 April 2011. She was built by Arnold Jung of Germany in 1906 and used in a wide range of industrial applications on the continent, before coming to England in 1975. Behind her is 1953 built Ruston & Hornsby 0-4-0 diesel mechanical shunter 354028, with the partially dismantled 1936 built 181820 (also by Ruston & Hornsby) at the rear of the shed.

The Toddington Narrow Gauge Railway's 0-6-0T Tourska stands next to the former Honeybourne North Loop Signal Box (now a museum used by the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway) at Toddington on 20 October 2019. The loco was built in 1957 by Chrzanow, Poland.

0-8-0T 1091 stands inside the Toddington Narrow Gauge Railway's loco shed on 20 October 2019. The loco was built in 1918 by Henschel & Son of Cassel, Germany. The loco arrived in Gloucestershire in 1985, having been bought from the Naklo Sugar Factory in Poland.

The world's oldest regularly worked steam locomotive, the Ffestiniog Railway's 1864 built 0-4-0ST 2 Prince waits to leave Caernarfon station on the Welsh Highland Railway (Caernarfon) with the 17:00 service to Waunfawr on 7 August 2002. The thirteenth century Caernarfon Castle can be seen in the background.

Welsh Highland Railway ex South African Garratt No. 87 weaves across Porthmadog High Street, as it arrives at the Ffestiniog Railway's station with the 12:55 service from Caernarfon on 2 June 2012. As well as the impressive scenery further up the line, this long level crossing with the track actually running along the road for a short distance is one of the highlights of the line.

Welsh Highland Railway Garratt 87 pulls into Beddgelert station on 21 October 2014 with the 10:00 Caernarfon to Porthmadog service. Viewed from the 10:45 Porthmadog to Caernarfon train. Despite the fact that the station would presumably increase tourism, there was much local opposition to the reopening of Beddgelert station.

The rusting hulk of former South African Narrow Gauge Railways NG15 Class 2-8-2 133 awaits restoration at Dinas on 7 August 2002. The Welsh Highland Railway (Caernarfon) acquired this 1953 Belgium built loco in 1998. Note the fully loaded ballast wagons in the background for use on the extension to Rhyd Ddu.

If you want to see Beyer-Garratts in the UK go to North Wales. The Welsh Highland Railway has a selection of these impressive beasts. On 7 August 2002 Beyer Peacock's final steam locomotive - the 1968 built NGG16 Class 2-6-2+2-6-2 143 takes water at Caernarfon.

A pair of ex South African Railways Garratts crossing on the Welsh Highland Railway on 1 June 2012. Beyer Peacock 143 arrives at Rhyd Ddu with the 11:15 Caernarfon to Porthmadog service. The picture is taken from onboard the 11:00 Porthmadog to Caernarfon, headed by Cockerill built No. 87, which can just be seen taking water.

Welsh Highland Railway NGG16 Class 2-6-2+2-6-2 143 stands at Caernarfon on 21 October 2014. Just a few minutes later, whilst the loco was taking water, this pleasant autumn day was briefly transformed into monsoon conditions!

This shows just how quickly the weather can change in Wales. Shortly after taking a picture of Welsh Highland Railway NGG16 Class 2-6-2+2-6-2 143 at Caernarfon on 21 October 2014, this torrential downpour occurred while the loco was taking water. This unusual viewpoint, looking down from a footpath that runs above the line, is in marked contrast to the same loco (in a different livery), at the same spot twelve years earlier.

A narrow gauge motive power contrast at Porthmadog on 21 October 2014. On the right, Beyer Garrett NGG16 Class 2-6-2+2-6-2 143 has just arrived with the 14:15 Welsh Highland Railway service from Caernarfon, while on the left Ffestiniog Railway Fairlie 0-4-4-0T 12 David Lloyd George has just moved forward in readiness to shunt the empty stock off the 15:05 train from Blaenau Ffestiniog. This picture gives a good view of the new £1m platform, which allows both Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland trains to occupy the station at the same time.

1954 built Hibberd 0-4-0 diesel loco Upnor Castle is pictured at Dinas on the Welsh Highland Railway (Caernarfon) on 7 August 2002. The loco had previously spent nearly two decades on the nearby Ffestiniog Railway. This side view clearly shows the chain drive and the large sand boxes.

1967 built Funkey (the manufacturer not my adjective!) B-B diesel locomotive Castell Caernarfon ambles past the water tower at Caernarfon station on the Welsh Highland Railway (Caernarfon) on 7 August 2002. The loco, which originally worked on the Port Elizabeth line in South Africa, is one of the most powerful narrow gauge diesels in the UK by virtue of its 335hp turbocharged Cummins engine. The yellow stripes had only just been added when this picture was taken.

The Welshpool & Llanfair Railway's 1946 built Andrew Barclay 0-4-0T 1 Dougal is certainly an unusual locomotive. Especially built to negotiate the restricted height tunnels in the Glasgow City Gas Department's Provan Gas Works, this diminutive locomotive is dwarfed even by other narrow gauge stock. Note also the short wheelbase (to traverse tight radius curves) and consequent lengthy front and rear overhang. It is pictured here at Llanfair Caereinion on 4 August 2002.

Welshpool & Llanfair Railway 0-6-0T 822 The Earl has its water tanks topped up at Welshpool on 4 August 2002. Built by Beyer Peacock in 1903, 822 is one of the line's original two locomotives, the other being 823 Countess. Note the large cast number plate, dating from its days as part of the Great Western Railway fleet.

Welshpool & Llanfair Railway 0-6-0T 2 The Countess passes Dolarddyn with the final Welshpool to Llanfair train of the day on 2 August 1987. She is one of the original locomotives built for the line in 1903 by Beyer Peacock. The other loco built at the same time is 1 The Earl. Unlike many Welsh narrow gauge railways built to exploit the slate industry, this line was built to serve a purely agricultural area, and not surprisingly never made a profit.

Welshpool & Llanfair Railway 0-6-0T 823 Countess waits beneath the water tower at Welshpool on 4 June 2012. prior to working the 12:45 train to Llanfair Caereinion. Ironically I had photographed the line's other original locomotive, 822 The Earl at the same location almost a decade previously.