The 2008 Gala was a spectacular success and saw the visit of Derby Lightweight single car Iris from its Derbyshire base. This 1950s single car was very popular and was a credit to those who have restored it. Despite the poor weather visitor numbers were significantly up on previous years and most took advantage of the intensive timetable which saw 15 trains each way - with an additional run with all nine cars coupled together on the Saturday evening.

This photo by Richard W Jones shows Iris leaving Berwyn Station

Iris near Deeside - Picture Richard W Jones

At the controls of the steam autotrain. Picture Richard W Jones

The Wickham unit in multiple with Iris Picture Richard W Jones

The full lineup comprised four two car sets, from classes 104/108/Wickham and class 127+105. There was also the steam autotrain for comparison. The class 104 appeared with a full yellow end on one vehicle, Picture Mike Martin

There were more trains than in previous events and many ran in multiple, with the order being varied throughout the day. Here the Wickham unit is being coupled up to the rear of the class 127 unit in the rarely-used platform two at Carrog station. Picture Mike Martin.

The Cravens unit is seen here at Glyndyfrdwy station. Picture Mike Martin

The view forward through the cab was always the most sought after in first generation railcars - here Iris is seen from the Wickham Unit. Picture Elizabeth Harland.

A final view of Iris parked in the headshunt at Llangollen station. Picture Elizabeth Harland.