Engineering honour for world’s first preserved railway Talyllyn Railway joins ranks of Britain’s engineering greats 30 October 2011 The Talyllyn Railway, the world’s first volunteer-run heritage railway was today presented with a prestigious Engineering Heritage Award by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
Professor Isobel Pollock, President Elect of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, unveiled a plaque to mark the award: The volunteers that saved the Talyllyn Railway 60 years ago were the first to recognise the importance of our Victorian railways, kicking off a preservation movement that has swept the globe. Today, from Australia to Zambia, rail enthusiasts are keeping an integral part of our industrial heritage alive thanks to the passion and commitment of those original Talyllyn volunteers.
Dave Scotson, Chief Executive of the Talyllyn Railway Company, welcomed the news: We are delighted and honoured to be presented with this highly regarded award and also, when we look at previous winners, finding ourselves amongst such distinguished company.
