19c Mostly Cloudy
Barmouth Viaduct at Sunset 
Llanberis from Penllyn 
Morfa Bychan beach near Porthmadog 
STEPPING amid the whirring, cranking assembly of automata at Machinations, I'm instantly taken back in time to the magical days of childhood, before hard-nosed scepticism took hold, and when letters to Santa Claus didn't go unanswered.
Even kids raised in today's hi-tech megabyte world, where pixels have replaced pixies, can hardly fail to be impressed by this exhibition of hand-crafted wonders in what labels itself a Museum of Mechanical Magic.
Lying in a peaceful riverbank hollow in the sleepy village of Llanbrynmair in Powys, the huge red dragon with glowing eyes and gently flapping wings glowering from its glass tower by the car park entrance dares drivers on the north-south slog along the A470 not to break their journey here. They're well rewarded if they do.
The dragon is just one example of the robotic wonders in an exhibition where admission is free, but the intricately constructed models need to be fed by tokens costing 10p each. One little girl seems to be just as fascinated as her dad as they parade from model to model.
The automata were at one time on display in Liverpool and are largely on loan from enthusiast Pat Osborne, who purchased them from a number of specialist craftspeople. In a way they're very much toys, but often humorous, while some offer a serious social commentary that might well be missed by young eyes more taken in by colour and movement.
A wooden dentist struggles to extract a patient's tooth although having both feet firmly planted on his chest, while nearby a lady contentedly rolls out her pastry with a rolling pin.
A collection of musicians sing for their supper, one with his bowler hat extended in the hope of earning a few pennies, while nearby two ships are tossed from side to side by a stunning wooden wave. And over there, a jockey whips his reluctant horse into action.
The afflicted can take some of the place's childlike enchantment home in a box. There are 18 different moving model construction kits on sale in the on-site toy shop, knocking spots off any plastic model aeroplanes or ships for sheer pleasure and satisfaction once put together.
Look out too for the selection of musical boxes, from the traditional twirling ballerina to far more eclectic designs, and traditional toys the like of which you won't have seen since you were in plaits or short trousers.
Meanwhile the kids have another treat in store, as they head for the outdoor play area and its intriguing Rabbit Village, featuring tiny stone-built houses.
Machinations also offers bike hire, enabling you to explore the peaceful back lanes well off the hectic A470, perhaps up to the blissful peace and quiet of Cwm Tafolog, where rustling leaves compete with songbirds and streams to see who can make the most noise.
The parish of Llanbrynmair is noteworthy as the largest in Wales, indicating its highly rural nature. It played a prominent role in the growth of religious nonconformism in the 18th century, when independent denominations agitated to break away from the established Anglican church, and is said to have been the source of more emigrants to the USA than any other Welsh parish. Many in Ohio can trace their roots back here.
Back at Machinations, it's time for a break in the café, where a bacon sandwich will cost you £2.50. Or you can opt for a full-blown meal such as curry, lasagne or cottage pie, all just £4.25. Machinations is open seven days a week, 10am-4.30pm.
