The Fairbourne Railway & WW2 History

We visit Fairbourne in North Wales. A small seaside town on the south side of the Mawddach Estuary, opposite the seaside town of Barmouth.
After walking down the beach, I have come to have a look at some of the remaining World War 2 defences - built in 1940 and stetching 1.5 miles. There were 5 bullet proof red brick pill boxes originally along the front the the town, but only 1 remains today.
There were also 650 concrete dragons teeth degisned to slow down any WW2 enemy tanks that attempted to come ashore. These dragons teeth dominate the sea front and can be followed for quite some distance.
Continuing to walk along the promenade, you enter the penilsula into the heart of the estuary - Penrhyn Point - with spectacular views of the Barmouth Bridge, which carries the Cambrian Coast Railway across the sands. Joining us on our journey is the minature Fairbourne Railway, which runs from by the mainline railway station in the town, all the way onto the tip of the peninsula.
There has been a narrow guage, or minature railway, in Fairbourne since 1895. Today we get to see the steam loco Sherpa on it's final trip of the day - operated by the Fairbourne Railway Preservation Society.
You can also catch the Barmouth to Fairbourne Ferry to make the short trip across the water to and from Barmouth.
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[@wideyxyz2271]

I love Fairbourne. We camped there for a good 7 years solid every summer. Friendly beautiful place and Barmouth just across the estuary. Fabulous place. The other lines you saw at the Café station were 5" and 71/4" gauge for Model Engineering/Exhibition trains.

[@martinmarsola6477]

A nice informative visit to the museum and the beach defenses. Hope you enjoyed it. I enjoyed watching it! Cheers Paul! ❤😊

[@WobblyRunner]

Cheers Martin 👍

[@andrewmarriott4033]

Great video remember seeing this railway last time we were in Barmouth get better soon 👍

[@WobblyRunner]

Cheers Andrew. 👍

[@maestromanification]

😂 I can't believe you even found some narrow gauge concrete sleepers! Great video seems odd they did away with the loop. Am I right in thinking that railway was 15in gauge then converted to 12½in gauge? Hence why there was bit of dual gauge

[@WobblyRunner]

I think you're right about the 15inch gauge. Someone told me if it's below 15, then it's minature instead of narrow gauge. Not sure if that's right?
I believe the loop was taken out as it caused the carriages to be on the wrong side for the doors.

[@maestromanification]

@@WobblyRunner
I think that's right, there have been 15in narrow gauge in the past
Always find it odd that some railways have doors on one side only. That DMU on the Ravenglass line one went on its side and was difficult to get passengers out as was sitting on its doors

[@WobblyRunner]

@@maestromanification 😧 I did wonder what they would do in case of an accident

[@garethparkin9498]

I believe why they don't use the loop anymore is because it frequently gets covered over with sand and I think they spent most of the time trying to clear it

[@WobblyRunner]

👍 cheers Gareth.

[@garethparkin9498]

No problem mate btw enjoying the channel

[@WobblyRunner]

@@garethparkin9498 excellent 👌. Glad your enjoying it

[@wideyxyz2271]

Correct its easier just to run round.