Golds galore in thrilling Railway races

* Driver Roger Hodgkinson receives the gold medal

 from the Fat Controller.

* The Fat Controller presents Thomas with his gold medal.

* Neck and neck in the Olympian tussle

between Thomas and Diesel.

* Crowds flock around winning Thomas. 

Neck and neck races for gold medal glory between two engines in peak form was the thrilling highlight of the weekend’s Days Out With Thomas at Llangollen Railway.

In a topical Olympic twist to the usual race between Thomas and Diesel, on Sunday Thomas went for gold.

In the morning's race Thomas was a clear winner when steam easily triumphed  over diesel.

The Fat Controller was on hand to award Thomas the gold medal before an appreciative crowd.

Later a coal cake was presented to Thomas as a further tribute to his prowess.

However in a turn of fortune in the afternoon heat, diesel got the better of Thomas when, in the final leg, Diesel slipped into reverse ahead of the steam crew and sailed home well ahead to take gold and confound all expectations.

Further attempts at gold can be expected next weekend when steam is once again pitted against diesel – definitely one thing you won't see on BBC Olympics!

A Railway spokesman said: “Whilst we had a few showers on both days the weather didn't really interfere with proceedings except at Carrog first thing on Sunday when the heavens opened but Llangollen escaped until late in the day when we caught the tail end of a passing shower going up the border to Wrexham and Chester.”

There are more Days Out Wth Thomas on Thursday 9th, Friday 10th, Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th August.

Ticket Prices: Adults £15, Seniors £13, Children £10, Family 1 (1 adult & 1 child) £22, Family 2 (2 Adults & 2 Children) £40, Under 3's FREE. Book online at https://sales.webticketmanager.com/llangollenrailway - No booking fee for online bookings. Tel: 01978 860979. Office bookings incur a £2.50 booking fee per transaction and not per ticket.