National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales preserves and celebrates the sound and moving image heritage of Wales, making it accessible to a wide range of users for enjoyment and learning. Its film collection reflects every aspect of the nation’s social, cultural and working life across the 20th century, giving a fascinating insight into Welsh filmmaking, both amateur and professional.
This film is part of Free
The Tal-Y-Llyn Railway
The engine ‘Dolgoch’ bumps and bounces its coaches – and two teapots - along the line from Tywyn Wharf Station to Abergynolwyn, before its closure in 1950.
From the collection of:
Overview
A film that pays homage to the charms of the Talyllyn Railway, following the engine 'Dolgoch', with coaches attached, as it bumps and bounces its way along the grassy line from Tywyn Wharf Station to Abergynolwyn, stopping at Towyn Pendre Station, Rhydyronen, Brynglas and Dolgoch (after passing over the Dolgoch viaduct). Believed to have been shot by the Rev. Albert Knowles (d.1990) who lived at least the latter part of his life in Grindleton, Clitheroe, Lancashire.
Opening in 1866, the Talyllyn Railway transported slate – and also passengers - from Bryneglwys Quarry to Abergynolwyn and Towyn. It closed in 1950 but was not out of operation for long as the Talyllyn Railway Preservation Society was instituted in 1951 – the first society of its kind in the world - and dedicated to its successful revival.
Related
Watch for free
Wexford Railway Station (1902) Wexford Railway Station (1902)
Non-Fiction 1902 2 mins Silent
A flurry of activity at Wexford Railway Station as passengers alight an Edwardian steam train.
Watch for free
Bicton Woodland Railway Bicton Woodland Railway
Current affairs 1976 2 mins Silent Location: Bicton Park
Bicton Woodland Railway reopens to passengers for the summer season
Watch for free
Godfrey Davies: The Last Train from Peterchurch Godfrey Davies: The Last Train from Peterchurch
Amateur film 1953 5 mins Silent Location: Peterchurch
Railway services on the Golden Valley line in Herefordshire slip into history.
Watch for free
Folkestone's Leas Lift Cliff Railway and the Crab & Winkle line. Folkestone's Leas Lift Cliff Railway and the Crab & Winkle line.
Amateur film 1955 16 mins Silent
A triple treat for rail fans is featured here with signalbox action, a seaside cliff-railway and an eerie walk along the ghost of a line - plus a bonus for aviation enthusiasts
Watch for free
The Southern Railway Runs a Special! ...To Their Flower Show at Raynes Park The Southern Railway Runs a Special! ...To Their Flower Show at Raynes Park
Non-Fiction 1929 1 mins Silent Location: Raynes Park
Pint-sized propulsion on a miniature steam railway delights the young and old
Watch for free
Train Ride to Devil's Bridge Train Ride to Devil's Bridge
Travelogue 1964 11 mins Location: Aberystwyth
12 miles of magic as we journey on the Vale of Rheidol Railway, one of the Great Little Trains of Wales
Watch for free
The Fathew Flyer The Fathew Flyer
Amateur film 1979 6 mins Location: Dolgoch
Alan Willmott cranks up the speed on this Talyllyn Railway Special so that those visitors who wish to “do” Wales in a day can pack more in!
Watch for free
Talyllyn Railway Royal Visit 1982 Talyllyn Railway Royal Visit 1982
Home movie 1982 6 mins Silent Location: Talyllyn Railway
Charles and Diana, the Prince and Princess of Wales, take a one-station trip on one of the country’s little trains, Charles riding in the cab from Pendre to Rhydyronen.
Watch for free
Summer Service Only Summer Service Only
Documentary 1957 13 mins Silent Location: Talyllyn Railway
P B Whitehouse, an authority on railways, extols the virtues of “the little railway” – the Talyllyn - that runs from Rhydyronen to Abergynolwyn and beyond.
Watch for free
Cader Idris & Talyllyn Cader Idris & Talyllyn
Amateur film 1957 14 mins Silent Location: Dolgoch
Down Talyllyn way, 22/5/1957, with the Rev W V Awdry of ‘Thomas the Tank Engine’ fame and other Talyllyn Railway notables. J Adams films the BBC filming ‘Now’ series footage.
Watch for free
Railway with a Heart of Gold Railway with a Heart of Gold
Documentary 1965 15 mins Location: Talyllyn Railway
At the heart of the Talyllyn Railway are the volunteers – e.g. schoolboys, bus drivers, actors – whose commitment ensures the line’s continuance, despite the odd derailment.
Watch for free
Among the Rails of Wales Among the Rails of Wales
Amateur film 1952 12 mins Location: Welshpool/Y Trallwng
Jim Fraser of Bristol, with great affection for his subject, introduces the viewer to the “quaint little railways and tramways” of Wales.
Watch for free
Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 24 mins
Daniel Kokotajlo talks to Nia Childs about Starve Acre, his folk horror about a couple digging deep into grief in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
Watch for free
Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 30 mins
Sky Peals director Moin Hussain and lead actor Faraz Ayub talk to Tomisin Adepeju about their magic realist drama.
Watch for free
Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell
Documentary 2024 42 mins
Documentary exploring the BFI National Archive’s role in rediscovering and remastering the early films of Michael Powell.
Watch for free
Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels
Short documentary 2024 12 mins
Bryony Dixon, curator of silent film at the BFI national archive, explores the origins of a series of comic travelogues, and Michael Powell's involvement in making them.
Watch for free
New Perspectives: Oldboy New Perspectives: Oldboy
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Discover why Dan George of Northumbria University believes everyone should experience Oldboy at least once.
Watch for free
New Perspectives: Wings of Desire New Perspectives: Wings of Desire
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Trixie Parkin-Christie of Northumbria University offers fresh insight into why Wings of Desire remains essential viewing.