Talyllyn steam locomotives get secret 150th paint job
Two locomotives at the heart of a historic preserved railway have been given a secret make-over as the line celebrates its 150th anniversary.
The original two engines on the Talyllyn line in Gwynedd are now a striking "Indian Red", as they were in 1865 and 1866.
The railway inspired the Rev W Awdry to write Thomas the Tank Engine stories.
The special anniversary year is being marked with a series of events throughout 2015.
Photographic archives helped reproduce the original livery for the locomotives, No.1 Talyllyn and No.2 Dolgoch, before the results were unveiled online - grabbing 3,000 'likes' on Facebook within days.
"We were just stunned when the numbers just kept climbing and climbing," said the railway's general manager, Chris Price.
"What people have also responded to is the quality of the work that has been done with many commenting that the overall finish is amazing."
The railway, running from the coast at Tywyn to Abergynolwyn and Nant Gwernol inland, was built to carry slate.
It was saved by volunteers in 1951, making it what they say is the world's first preserved railway.