The Dyfrdwy Tramway: August...

It seems that with the arrival of the summer holidays the railway has entered somewhat of a slumber, not a surprise really given the kids descending on us and demanding our attention. However, things have calmed down on occasion and allowed me to run a few trains in the garden...

The first was an inspection - the owner had instructed the manager to organise for him to traverse the whole line and ascertain it's condition and need for future investment. He was joined by his Beagle, and the two men took a leisurely trip along the line, which hadn't been used for a few weeks as the quarry had it's annual summer holiday in August.

More recently the steam engine has been running - and with good weather and careful use of steam and the burner I managed to get nearly 45 minutes running, shunting trucks back and forth down the line. Slate slabs to the mill from the quarry, cut slate to the wharf, coal and oil to the mill and mine respectively...

The garden is beginning to green up after the July heat wave, and it's nice to play trains and watch the locomotive make it's gentle way along the tramway.

The wharf area is in much need of crane and office building - two winter jobs, and other areas of the line need fencing or some 'sheep stops' installing.

At least the locomotive now sports a whistle to warn the occasional animal and wandering walker from time to time. More soon...