£45.00
Martin Fuller
Publication Date: 2017
Format & Edition: Hardback, First Edition
Pagination: 336 Pages, 381 Illustrations
Condition: New
Genre: Narrow Gauge, Light & Industrial
Status: In Stock
Talyllyn & Corris Steam Locomotives Volume 2: Early Preservation and Locomotive Rebuilds by Martin Fuller.
This volume describes the Talyllyn Railway Preservation Society’s early struggles and the programme of renewal and rebuilding that rescued the railway from near complete dereliction. The line’s only operational engine Dolgoch soldiered on, though in extremely poor condition. The track however was even worse. Her Majesty’s Inspector wrote in 1952 ‘the slate and earth ballast must, to some considerable extent, be maintaining the gauge.’ The situation was at its most desperate in October 1952 when no train could get through without derailing.
The railway struggled not just with maintenance arrears but a huge increase in traffic. The saving grace of the whole venture was the acquisition of the Corris Railway engines and later, Andrew Barclay No. 1431. As the Corris engines wore out the two original Talyllyn engines were rebuilt in the Midlands, but serious errors in the reconstruction resulted in appalling performance.
This volume provides many personal accounts of early struggles as the railway fought to find its feet and details the rebuilding programme which improved locomotive reliability and efficiency.
Preservation Pioneers
The Rebuilds
Consolidation
Memories from the Footplate
Volunteer Drivers
Conclusion
Locomotive Mileage
Map