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Railway Adventure

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Railway Adventure

By: L. T. C. Rolt
Narrated by: Malk Williams
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About this listen

L.T.C. Rolt was one of a small group of amateur railwaymen who made their dream of running their own railway come true. His vivid and often amusing account of this unique achievement is a record of individual enterprise and creative effort as refreshing as it is rare. Established by Act of Parliament in 1865 and unaffected by mergers and nationalisation, the Talyllyn Railway has been serving a remote and beautiful valley in the Merioneth mountains ever since. In 1950, the line was threatened with closure, and it was at that moment that the amateurs came to the rescue. It is now the oldest surviving railway of its kind in the world. This book is delightful listening for both railway devotees and lovers of the Welsh countryside, which is so beautifully described here.

"Come and join this railway adventure set amidst the magnificent mountain background of Wales - this should appeal to a whole new generation of enthusiasts" (Steam Railway News)

"This book remains essential reading, not only for those who love this corner of Wales and its railway, but all who have a genuine interest in what motivates people to try and preserve this part of our heritage" (Push and Pull)

©1953 Timothy Rolt (P)2017 T Rolt Engineering Railroad
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Most relevant
This is an absolutely wonderful book, even better than I remembered from decades ago. It is also very well read. Highly recommended.

Nostalgia

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Brings the area and the railway to life. Great book and great performance. Helps enormously that the narrator is comfortable with the Welsh names. Got this on a whim and, the author's occasional political rant on the benefits of small government aside, it is a truly inspirational tale of what is possible when people work together.

Just wonderful.

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This was a lovely narration, telling the story of how Tom Rolt and his band of brothers became the first railway preservation society in the world. You could almost smell the steam and hear the clank of the wheels passing the rail joints as the story was told. Absolutely nothing bad to say, we’ll worth a listen even if you’re not a railway buff.

Heroes of the Narrow Gauge

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Great audiobook. The narrator was very good. I really enjoyed listening to this book. Fantastic!

Wonderful

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Wonderfully written and weak read! A proper boys-own story of engineering determination in the face of official indifference… The story that launched a global industry!

Engineering history

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