Narrow Gauge Carriages

In his book “Narrow Gauge Railways of Mid Wales” of 1965, James Boyd wrote the following about the Talyllyn Railway’s carriage strategy; “A policy of supplying a new design of “standard” bogie carriage to enable the original carriages to be taken into the Museum has begun and a prototype (No.18) is now under construction.”

In the years that followed, six “standard” bogies were built, although they are all different and have been modified and rebuilt over the years. However, the original carriages remain in operational use and are an important part of the Talyllyn’s Victorian heritage and train.

Consequently, carriages are notably under represented in the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum and the 2013 temporary exhibition is intended, in part, to fill that gap by this introduction to a large subject. A timeline tells the story, largely restricted to narrow gauge carriages in the British Isles from 1807 to 2012 new build – over 200 years of history.

We acknowledge, with thanks, the assistance of David Mitchell; Don Newing; Peter Kazer; Paul Holmes; John Burton; Norman Bond, Will Smith and Peter Johnson in the preparation of this exhibition. Please take time on your next visit to Tywyn to enjoy the display.