I hate tinsel…

The only thing worse than tinsel, is tinsel on trains! Whilst I applaud the energy and enthusiasm volunteers and paid staff throw into entertaining families aboard our heritage railways at Christmas, I just think tinsel looks tacky…

5310 approaches Glyndyfrdwy, Saturday 6th December 2025.

Whilst I can’t stop the tinsel, I can choose how I enjoy the railway this time of year and it is from a distance. The last few weeks have been very quiet, the shrill whistle of 3802 or deeper tone of 7754, the melodic horns of the DMU or the loud diesels, the chuff, the engine and exhaust noise, the click and clack… I’ve missed it all. 

It’s lovely to hear it back - and to smile and think of the train full of people ‘enjoying’ themselves. 

It’s also lovely to glimpse the train when out walking the dog. The foliage has gone, so glimpses have becomes fuller views. I particularly liked this composition, below, from a walk I don’t usually do so a bit of luck really…

5310 (with 7754 just hiding behind the trees) on 6, heading to Glyndyfrdwy, Saturday 6th December 2025.

I enjoy living alongside the railway, and I recognise I’m lucky to have it on my doorstep. I miss it when it’s asleep, and so will absorb it all, from a distance, this month. Until next time, more soon…

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