where am I?

[ge_rik]

Having a break for a few days. Snapped this a couple of hours ago. Where was I?

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Rik

[philipy]

I'm no expert but it looks rather like a Kerr Stuart Wren class? Is there still one at Statfold?

[ge_rik]

I'm no expert but it looks rather like a Kerr Stuart Wren class? Is there still one at Statfold?

Nice try, but no. Not sure of they still have a Wren at Statfold. It's a while since I've been there.

Rik

[drewzero1]

That has to be Tom Rolt! Are you at the Talyllyn Railway?

[Andrew]

That has to be Tom Rolt! Are you at the Talyllyn Railway?

The TR's TR's my guess too!

[ge_rik]

That has to be Tom Rolt! Are you at the Talyllyn Railway?

Excellent! Full marks!!
The buffers were a bit of a giveaway as to the railway but I expected it would take slightly longer to bag the loco - given that it's a bit of a one-off. Or maybe that's what made it easier?

Rik

[drewzero1]

The distinctive large/boxy side tanks were the first clue, though the wheels did throw me off a bit... I hadn't realized they were so small! The glimpse of the crest on the tank and the mineral wagon in the background were also helpful clues. I didn't even notice the buffers until after answering, but they served as additional confirmation.

Hope you're having a a great trip Rik. Someday I'd like to visit the great little railways of Wales, but for now just in my dreams.

[ge_rik]

Name today's loco

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Rik

[drewzero1]

I think I know it again, but somebody else can have this one.

(I might've heard this one has steamroller wheels? )

[Peter Butler]

Name today's loco

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Rik

'Mallard' ? ..... This is fun!

[drewzero1]

'Mallard' ? ..... This is fun!

Mallard's not green... Clearly, this is ’Dwight D Eisenhower’!

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[ge_rik]

Disappointed that no one had a try for this. Ex-Corris ex-Falcon Foundry loco now named Sir Haydn. I really love those solid cast driving wheels. Very reminiscent of my early Triang locos and a great excuse for adding spokes to proprietary metal wheels for my latest 3D printed motor blocks.

Sod's Law. I tried to visit both the Corris and Fairbourne Railways today but they are closed on Fridays! Bad planning! Looks like I'll also miss a steam gala tomorrow on the Corris with three Falcon inspired locos in evidence. But have to head home tomorrow to provide Sunday dinner for very aged mother and now quite aged brother, but at least the weather has been kind today.

Rik

[ge_rik]

BTW - cab detail from Sir Haydn. Might be useful when fitting out freelance locos

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Rik

[ge_rik]

Had a great day on the Talyllyn. We travelled down from Abergynolwyn to Tywyn, had lunch, then took the train back. It bucketed down so that when pulling away from Rhydyronen the driver really had to nursemaid the loco with much wheel slip until we crossed the stream and rounded the bend and breasted the rise. I got as much as I could on video. Will try editing and posting when I get home.

The chap sharing our carriage turned out to be the recently retired secretary of the 16mm NGM Assoc. and, by coincidence, used to work for the Falcon Foundry.

Rik

[drewzero1]

Sorry to disappoint Rik, was hoping to let somebody else guess. The 'steamroller' comment was meant as an oblique reference to Sir Haydn's wide-treaded pony wheels. There was a Railway Series story where the other engines made fun of Sir Handel (based on Sir Haydn) for that feature. (That might've been a bit of a deep cut for anyone who doesn't currently have young train-obsessed children!)

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[ge_rik]

That's curious. By coincidence, I'm in the process of reading Boyd's Narrow Gauge Railways of Mid-Wales (picked up from a trader at Machynlleth market). I've just read the chapter on the Talyllyn and he describes that when the Preservation Society took over the railway they discovered the original stock had such wide treads that the gauge was at least half an inch wider than its supposed 2'3". When they first ran Sir Haydn it kept falling down between the rails because of its narrower tyres. At first they added extra timber beneath the buffer beams so it wouldn't fall too far but eventually they had to restore the gauge on the entire system.

Presumably, with his close connection to the Talyllyn, the Revered Reverend used this to inspire that story.

Rik

[ge_rik]

Now returned home from our brief travels.

It's a while since I've ridden on the Talyllyn. I must say, the staff couldn't have been more helpful and obliging. I was waiting trackside to take some photos of Sir Haydn when the station master popped over and told me, as long I was careful, I could wander over to where the loco was being watered, fed and polished to take photos. The staff doing the polishing even apologised for getting in the way as I took pictures. ....

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A really friendly railway.


Rik

[drewzero1]

It looks really lovely, Rik. I hope I can make it over to visit someday.

I have a few domestic trips planned this summer that involve a rail history preservation element... I might have to borrow this idea and see if anybody can guess where I am!

[LNR]

Hard to believe they're working locos, they are so clean. Look like they have just come out of a museum.
Grant.

[ge_rik]

Hard to believe they're working locos, they are so clean. Look like they have just come out of a museum.
Grant.

I got the impression they oiled and polished the loco after each run.

Rik