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.