How a Railway in Wales inspired the Skarloey

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For over 70 years the reverend wilbert Awdrys railway series has delighted and inspired fans around the world. The books, which have sold millions of copies, continue to keep the interests in steam railways alive.
The television series, broadcast in multiple languages, has been nothing short of a global phenomenon. It's simple yet exciting stories, rich world and relatable characters have endured, and whether you know Thomas the tank engine from the books or show. He has been an important part of people's lives growing up.
Many know the names and characters of the main cast. However there are parts of the fictional island of Sodor that are just as important.
Beyond its network of main lines and branch ways lies the picturesque Skarloey railway. A narrow gauge line that snakes its way through the heart of the island.
It’s home to a roster of small yet determined engines. Its history spans back to the early days of the island's railways. With its dramatic storylines and engines with personalities greater than the highest peaks of Sodor, you'd be forgiven for thinking it comes straight from fantasy.
However its engines, its stories and history have a very real analogue. And much of that reality can be found in Wales.
The story of the Talyllyn is one of triumph. Of overcoming the odds and paving the way for what would become a global movement. It was also a significant inspiration for a number of the books found in the railway series. Four Little Engines, Gallant Old Engines and others have stories, characters and events directly inspired by the first few years of the Talyllyn’s existence as a preserved line. But what role did Awdrys books play in the continued success of the Talyllyn. And how has his enduring legacy, 40 years after his last book was published fed back into the railway with a heart of gold.
Crew:
Director
Charlotte Williams
Writer
Charlotte Williams
Sound
Katie Bataille
Camera
Charlotte Williams
Katie Bataille
Interviews:
Tom Foster
Luke Ryan
Daniel Coffey
Music:
‘Love Conquers’ by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au
‘Imagination' by AShamaluevMusic - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.ashamaluevmusic.com
‘Lonely' by AShamaluevMusic - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.ashamaluevmusic.com
‘Soothing' by AShamaluevMusic - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.ashamaluevmusic.com
‘No.4 Piano Journey’ by Esther Ambrani
‘Snowy Peaks Pt1’ by Chris Haugen
‘Swans in Flight’ Asher Fulero
‘Sweetly My Heart’ by Asher Fulero
‘Railway With a Heart of Gold’ by Reilly Cornwall’s Orchestral Orchestra
Originally Composition by Judd Woldin
Image Credits:
Farshore Publishing
National Library of Wales
Talyllyn Preservation Society
Narrow Gauge Museum Tywyn
Wikicommons
Ben Brooksbank
Tom Foster
Ko-Fi Contributors:
Emily
Afal
Ceri T
Carina
El
Queer Welsh Stories
Beckidy
Daniel Williams
More Utter Piffle
Special Thanks To:
The Narrow-Gauge Museum Tywyn Luke Ryan
Tom Foster
The volunteers and staff of the Talyllyn Railway
Our kind donators and contributors