Steam & Excursion > Wales UK narrow gauge tour November 2019 (photos)

The first week of November I ventured to Wales UK to participate in a series of photo charters, my first exposure to international steam operations. 

We toured for 8 days, visiting four narrow gauge railways: the Rheilffordd FFestiniog, Welsh Highland, Rheilffordd Talyllyn, and Vale of Rheidol. The weather was varied, from cloudless sunny day to dark overcast with wind and rain – temperatures between the 30s and 50s Fahrenheit. Yes it does rain a lot there, the reason for the lush endless fields of green. Our travels luckily timed the autumn colors quite nicely. 

Two elements that quickly intrigued me was the scenery and the people interacting with the machines, I focused on both with my cameras. 

In regards to preservation, an interesting fact about each of the railroads visited: 

- The Festiniog Railway Company which owns the railway is the oldest surviving railway company in the world. 
- The Talylynn is the world's first preserved railway. 
- The Vale of Rheidol Railway, unlike most other preserved railways in the United Kingdom, did not have a period of closure between its being part of the national rail system and becoming a heritage railway, and so has operated a continuous service for residents and tourists. 

For me these photos are merely a reminder of my experiences, the locations and scenes, and most importantly the new friends made. 

A special thank you goes out to Bob Branch, coordinator and leader of these excursions. 

Follow the link below to my gallery of images.

Link to Photos

Enjoy, 
Matthew

It was nice seeing you there. These are really excellent photos. The inclusion of the human element on the railway really make them stand out. It's a shame more American steam enthusiasts don't participate in events such as these. Normally I'm the only one that turns up on a regular basis. As your photos show, they don 't know what they are missing.
 

Matthew,

Thanks for sharing your stunning photos of a place most of us will never ge to see in person.

Martin

Simply fabulous!  Thanks for sharing.

-John

Terrific photos, thanks very much!!

Charlie Rice

Charles Rice
Saint Louis, MO

Amazing photos!  These railways have been on my list for years.  Thanks for sharing!

Great compositions and lighting... For a small country, Wales has a great deal to offer!

Beautifully artistic, Matthew, as always, and as Bruce said, the people elelment is appreciated.

I thank everyone for the comments left here, PM’s and email sent through my website; much appreciated! This was my first time travelling abroad to experience steam, but definitely not the last. Everything felt so new and exciting. I need and want more. I am hooked.

In regards to preservation, an interesting fact about each of the railroads visited:
- The Festiniog Railway Company which owns the railway is the oldest surviving railway company in the world.
- The Talylynn is the world's first preserved railway.
- The Vale of Rheidol Railway, unlike most other preserved railways in the United Kingdom, did not have a period of closure between its being part of the national rail system and becoming a heritage railway, and so has operated a continuous service for residents and tourists.

Back into Photoshop for me and closer to home, I will have some Locust Heights & Western 3-foot gauge Class A Climax replica photos from West Virginia to share soon.

Regards,
Matthew