We can do it…
There will, understandably, be many readers itching to read all about the return to steam of ‘Large Prairie’ No. 4110 – the first Barry restoration to be completed for an unprecedented three years. That the restoration itself hadn’t even started when the previous ex-Barry locomotive returned to service back in 2019 is astonishing, and the revival of this useful Collett 2-6-2T is an undeniably good news story at a time when our movement is under strain like never before.
However, as fantastic as the restoration of No. 4110 is, our industry is nothing without people, and it will be people – not locomotives or rolling stock – that get this industry through these challenging times. This is why, for me, Barbara Fuller and Sarah Thomas’ article on women volunteers at the Talyllyn Railway is the one that strikes a chord the most, and Steam Railway is honoured to be able to publish such an article. Here is a railway that, organically and naturally, has made women core to what it does, and though there have inevitably been barriers along the way in the last 70 years, those glass ceilings have been well and truly smashed. It’s small wonder that the TR reports healthy volunteer numbers and seems to be one of the few heritage lines in a good place right now, both operationally and financially.
This is something we want – and must – see more of in future. If our heritage railways are to survive and thrive, people must be front and centre, and making our railways welcoming to all is vital to our future success. Of course, the Talyllyn is not alone in its attitude towards its volunteers, but such an approach needs to be universal across every railway, not just a select few. Get it right, and there are rewards aplenty to be reaped.
Enjoy your issue!