The Ffarquar branch
The Ffarquhar Branch, better known as Thomas's Branch Line, runs from Knapford to Ffarquhar (pronounced Far-kar) via Elsbridge. Wilbert made his first model of this line in 1955 for the 1956 Wisbech Trades Fair, and was exhibited until 1965. Mark II was begun in 1966, and was constructed in the Railway Room at his house in Stroud.
After his death it was restored by members of the North-Western Area Group of the Talyllyn Railway Preservation Society and is now housed in the reconstructed Awdry Study in the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum at Wharf Station in Tywyn, although of course it would not have been in there when the study was in use, as one of the bedrooms had been turned into a Railway Room.
Wilbert Awdry's other model railway, the Mid-Sodor Railway, was until recently located at Cadeby Rectory, the home of the late Rev. Teddy Boston (who appeared as "The Fat Clergyman" in the Railway Series). It is currently in the care of Christopher Awdry.
