The Talyllyn Railway has always done things the hard way. After construction had already begun on its bridges, a Board of Trade inspector spotted they were too narrow for the 2ft 3in (0.68m) gauge.

Talyllyn Railway's Stuart Williams, right, with David Jones, who was treated to a ride on the 'Dolgoch' steam train (Image: Mandy Jones) ...

Puffing Billy was the world’s second preserved railway after the Talyllyn, and has been run by volunteers since 1955. Will Smith on Talyllyn Railway Loco No 2 Dolgoch, built in 1866.