Wednesday 28 September 2011

Tan-y-Bwlch Station....................... halfway along the Ffestiniog Railway

On my way to Porthmadog I called at the lovely little railway staion at Tan-y-Bwlch.
Tan-y-Bwlch is the principal intermediate passenger station on the narrow gauge Ffestinog Railway which was built in 1836 to carry dressed slate from Blaenau Ffestiniog  to Porthmadog for export by sea.  Tan-y-Bwlch is at a height of 430 ft (130 m). and is about 7.5 miles (12.1 km) from Porthmadog.
I had just got out of the car when I heard the whistle of an engine in the distance...perfect timing.

 I was taking video clips as well as stills.
I can share the noise of the steam engines but unfortunately not the smell.
The railway is single track but has two trains running at the same time.
At this station the track runs either side of its platform enabling the trains to pass.
Tourists can also make the trip a bit shorter by jumping on and off here.
 A few minutes after the engine travelling from Porthmadog arrive I heard the whistle of the approaching train from Blaenau.


The trains can't leave this station until they are both here so it's a great place to see them. A few minutes of people running around and the sounds and smells of the engines adding to the atmosphere.
I have checked the times of my images... from hearing that first whistle to watching the trains arrive and all the hustle and bustle... then back to peace and quite took less than ten minutes.
Ten wonderful minutes.

19 comments:

Horst in Edmonton said...

Awesome sight, wonderful that they are still running those trains.

Art said...

Absolutely beautiful train!

Laura~Pretty Pix said...

What wonderful timing, to get to see these two trains. I agree, awesome sight!

TexWisGirl said...

i think trains are certainly a 'guy' thing. these are pretty in their old-fashionedness, though.

Pantherka said...

Beautifully you timed it, great. It's absolutely beautiful, it would be a great trip.

joo said...

Lovely post, Andrew!
Last year I spent holiday in Wales and I took the steam train to Devil Bridge - it was like the journey to the past!

Bob Bushell said...

What beautiful train rides, and a wonderful photography.

Debbie said...

wonderful....i love trains and the beautiful sound of their whistle!!

VaishVijay said...

What a lovely collection. When I thought steam engines are extinct, save for the museums, you've captured some lovely shots, TQ!

Again, TQ for browsing thru' my blog http://rattlingcommunicator.blogspot.com/.

grammie g said...

Hi Andrew...I love a train...I wish there was still passenger trains in my area!!
I loved hearing the whistle, sort of haunting in a way!!
Love this post and the video added that special touch for the photo's!!
Grace

jeanlivingsimple said...

Andrew, Neat post about the trains!:)

Anonymous said...

Hola Andrew
que bellos paisajes ,el puente sobre el tren . hermoso viaje. saludos.

ADRIAN said...

These engines are superb. So much time and so much love devoted to them. Just grand to see.

BlueShell said...

I can just imagine...how nice is to be there!
Thank you!

Bitch said...

Very cozy traveling with this train!!!
Greetings from Greece

Nancy said...

Something about those old trains that you boys can't resist. Great photos, Andrew! :)

Reena said...

Great shot of the old train ... but for travel, give me the fast euro rail!

holdingmoments said...

Memories from past times. So good to see these still running in places, thanks to the dedication of a few good folk.

Matteo Taffuri said...

Awesome shots and beautiful train have a nice day
greets
Matteo