The railway inspired Awdry to create the Skarloey Railway , based on the Talyllyn , with some of his exploits being written into the stories .
In 1952 , Awdry volunteered as a guard on the Talyllyn Railway in Wales , then in its second year of preservation .
The railway inspired Awdry to create the Skarloey Railway , based on the Talyllyn , with some of Awdry 's exploits being written into the stories .
In 1952 , Awdry volunteered as a guard on the Talyllyn Railway in Wales , then in its second year of preservation .