The new museum building is busy on its first morning. Hudson Toastrack carriage Number 42 and Peckett Steam locomotive "Karen" are on the right. PICTURE: Andy Goodwin

There's a loco in there, somewhere...... Guard Chris Dearden keeps order as a party of children try out Simplex Number 36. PICTURE: Andy Goodwin

There's still plenty to do on the new building. Displays are being prepared for the grey boards in the background, and there's another exhibit or two on the way to fill the empty space. PICTURE: Andy Goodwin

The new museum has plenty of space compared to the old displays. PICTURE: Andy Goodwin

Where it all began: shedmaster Ian McGrath demonstrates the reason why the 2' railways of Porthmadog are here in the first place.

The new museum tells the story of Porthmadog and its narrow gauge railways; one of the early stages in history was the gravity slate trains of the Ffestiniog Railway.

A variety of slate wagons through the ages is shown, from earlier wooden ones, to later metal bodied designs.

The slate wagon lineup includes a wharf wagon - used only on the quayside - just visible at the end of the row.

The displays move from gravity slate trains to steam locomotives; an extra insight into the workings of a steam locomotive comes from this sectioned boiler.

The chance to go into the cab of Peckett steam engine Karen has always been a popular part of the exhibition. The ramp also forms a viewing platform for the rest of the locomotive.

Hudson toastrack carriage number 42, originally built for the Welsh Highland Railway in 1923, has temporarily come into the main exhibition hall. It will be replaced by the Buffet Car when ready.

WHR Ltd directors Mark Herbert (left) and Andy Goodwin give the new museum their seal of approval, even if only as a place to watch the world go by.

A view the length of the new museum building with the replica platelayers trolley in the forground.

The miniature railway also has a new station as part of the museum development. Here tram engine Number 7 prepares to depart for another trip. PICTURE: Andy Goodwin

The miniature railway station has been jokingly termed "Gelerts Farm Low Level" to distinguish it from the two foot gauge halt which is to the left behind the trees. PICTURE: Andy Goodwin