Stories from Awdry’s time working on the railway found their way into his books, such as the time he managed to leave the refreshment lady behind at Abergynolwyn, the far end of the line.
Tim Dunn, railway historian and TV presenter who is also a volunteer at Talyllyn, said the railway had become the “spiritual home” of Thomas the Tank.
“Awdry created new characters in the Thomas the Tank Engine books, based on the locomotives of the Talyllyn Railway.
“He wasn’t just inspired by the locations, the locomotives and some of the things that had happened to him.
“The whole ethos of a friendly little railway made its way into his books, the sort of place with a quirk and a charm that children could warm to.”