Are there any practical heritage railways?

[teuchter]

Last time I went there (last year, as a tourist) it seemed a dead letter, which is a shame for all the reasons expressed in that Parliamentary evidence. Whether the Wrexham and Shropshire going from Ruabon changes things, I dont know (though I hope it would, given that it would benefit both companies). Perhaps the Welsh Assembly could take a hand in things?

Do you know if they managed to get the route protected at least, if nothing else?

 

[agricola]

I dont think they did. A quick look at Google Earth shows the old trackbed as far as Trevor and then it appears lost in buildings.

 

[Jonti]

Widening things to the British Isles generally, the 3' gauge steam trains on the Isle of Man run in the summer months with lovely century old locos and carriages. They mostly carry tourists, naturally (it's quicker, more comfortable and convenient to catch the bus!) but plenty of locals use the service as well.