Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway

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News (28/3/24)

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Star Picture

No.590 safely tucked away at Gelert's Farm depot WHHR after loaded test trains between the FR and Beddgelert. The loco will feature in a launch event this weekend at the WHHR and in the WHR100 event at the end of June. This image is courtesy WHHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

 

Welcome to Version 4 of this website, launched on 8/9/04 with news about work on Phase 4 of the WHR scheme. In addition to this Stop Press page and a Phase 1/2 page, there are 9 location pages, covering the Phase 3 works between Waunfawr and Rhyd Ddu. There are a further 9 pages covering Phase 4, the full route through Beddgelert, the Aberglaslyn Pass and on to Porthmadog, including the Traeth Mawr to Pen-y-Mount works recently constructed by the WHHR with three regularly updated map links for this area by Laurence Armstrong.

Finally, there are pages covering 'Phase 5', Views from the Line, the history of the abandoned PBSSR works around Beddgelert, Archived News and a Contacts page for volunteers. Another page covers the current operation of the WHHR southwest from Pen-y-Mount.

 

The above OS map shows the route through the Aberglaslyn Pass and Beddgelert. Click on the image to enlarge. Image produced from the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map service. Image reproduced with kind permission of Ordnance Survey and Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland.

Click here to use the free OS Get-a-map service.

Route section pages

Listed below are links to pages featuring progress on different sections of the line or archive views. Jump ahead to News section or follow the section links from page to page. Please note that access to the links below was restored on 2/9/04 at the new website www.isengard.co.uk

 

Phase 4 pages

Rhyd Ddu to Pont Cae'r Gors (updated 29/6/06)

Pont Cae'r Gors to Hafod Ruffydd Halt (new 8/10/06)

Hafod Ruffydd Halt to Beddgelert Forest Halt (updated 4/12/06)

Beddgelert Forest Halt to Beddgelert Station (updated 1/7/07)

Beddgelert Station Area (updated 30/6/07)

Beddgelert Station to Bryn-y-felin (updated 1/7/07)

Aberglaslyn Pass (updated 2/7/07)

Nantmor to Pont Croesor (updated 16/7/07)

Pont Croesor to Pen-y-Mount (updated 1/4/07)

WHHR (Porthmadog) (updated 1/4/07)

Porthmadog Cross Town Link (updated1/4/07)

Caernarfon Cross Town Link  (updated 10/10/10)

 

Other pages

Phase 1 images (Updated 8/9/23)

Railtours 2023 (Updated 15/12/23)

The 40km Dream Phase 1 (Updated 12/2/21)

The 40km Dream Phase 2 (Updated 1/4/21)

'Phase 6' page (new 2/4/06)

Views from the Line Page (updated 26/2/05)

PBSSR Works Historical Page (updated 25/3/05)

Rhyd Ddu Opening Page (New 14/2/04)

Archived News Page (updated 4/3/24)

Prince Charles Visit July 2003 (updated 5/1/22)

Snow Scenes (updated 17/12/23)

Rolling Stock News Page (updated 28/12/04)

Phase 4 News Page (updated 3/3/05)

Volunteer Contact details page (updated 23/6/21)

Phase 2 and 3 page list (updated 27/8/08)

Video list (new 9/11/15)

Access to Phase 2 pages is currently being progressed.

 

If you would like an automated announcement of site updates, email me at the NEW (2013) address below replacing the letters 'dot' with a full stop

Isengard@talktalkdotnet

This has been introduced as an anti-spam feature.

Disclaimer

There has never been any intent by myself to suggest that the views on these pages represent the views, opinions or policy of the F&WHR, the WHRCL or the WHRS.

I am happy to confirm that this is an INDEPENDENT web news service.

 

Stop Press!!

New construction images/text will be posted on a regular basis.

New text in RED!

 

WHR timetables

Click here for Laurence Armstrong's latest WHR North map dated 5/11/07

Click here for Laurence Armstrong's latest WHR Middle map dated 14/3/10

Click here for Laurence Armstrong's latest WHR South map dated 14/3/10

Click here for Mike Schumann's Phase 4 TWA maps and other maps courtesy of WHRS

Click here for John Sreeves Gradient profile courtesy of WHRS

Click here for Chainages and OS Map References

Timetables

 

Click on the image to enlarge and click again to enlarge to full size where available. This image is courtesy the F&WHR. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

 

2024 Timetable

Trains commence on Saturday 25/3/24 and continue until 31/10/24.

Click on the image to enlarge and click again to enlarge to full size where available. This image is courtesy the F&WHR. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

 

F&WHR events 2024

SuperPower will return for 2024 as a weekend event but not on the Friday even though the FR's Bygones Weekend will again be a three day event. This replaces the low key WHR Society Members' Weekend in September to match the Society AGM so appears to be aimed at the general public as well and might feature appearances by both No.590, the WHHR's Baldwin and Russell given the disappointment when No.590 failed just before the Centenary of the WHR event. The WHR Members' Weekend in September 2023 was relatively poorly attended but the F&WHR's promised Baldwin did turn up at Dinas for cab rides. As last year, it seems the Snowdonian Limited has been dropped from the schedule.

 

Date Event
1/1/24 Final Day of Festive Trains
10-11/17-18/24-25/2/24 Half Term Holiday Blanche cab rides at Caernarfon Station
29/2/24 Palmerston goes to Aberystwyth on display and August Gala
15-16/3/24 NLHF Boston Lodge Open Days with steam shuttle to Boston Lodge Halt
23/3/24 First day of 2024 Season
29/3/24-1/4/24 Cab rides at Caernarfon and Porthmadog over Easter weekend
20/4/24 The Snowdonian
4-5/5/24 'Friends of the Ffestiniog' events at Porthmadog (standard WHR service)
11/5/24 Caernarfon Food Fair (special connecting train may run)
18-19/5/24 Model Railway Workshop (Minffordd Gweithdy shuttles may run)
7-8/6/24 Rail-Ale (Dinas with connecting shuttles)
24-26/8/24 Palmerston running at VoR Rheidol Steam Festival
14-15/9/24 SuperPower and WHRS AGM will involve extra trains and the launch of NG15 No.134
21/9/24 The Snowdonian RERUN possibly with Kalahari
28/9/24 Trailffest (special train following runners)
4-6/10/24 FR Bygones Weekend (may involve additional services on WHR)
7-8/14-15/21-22/12/24 F&WHR Santa Specials Caernarfon-Rhyd Ddu/Santa's Grotto at Porthmadog
26/12/24-1/1/25 Festive trains on F&WHR

 

News Section

Timetable w/c 23/3/24

Click on the timetable to enlarge. Copyright F&WHR.

 

F&WHR 28/3/24

Thursday 28/3/24 was forecast to be a cold breezy day of sunny periods but showers later at Porthmadog with temperatures of 6-10C. There was a light dusting of snow on the Rhinogs for the second day above 300m. Thursday sees a repeat of Tuesday's service with three Porthmadog departures including two Mountain Spirit workings. There are two through WHR trains. The Quarryman runs again. Holiday makers are increasing in the area despite the chilling typical Easter weather as Easter Weekend approaches. The Tan-y-bwlch webcam was offline in the morning.

The first arrival by 09:45 was No.130 hauling the ECS for The Harbourmaster which was due to depart at 10:05 as James Spooner rolled in with the ECS for the 10:40 Mountain Spirit. The Fairlie ran round by 10:25  and departed on time. No.143 arrived with the Snowdonia Star at 12:27. The loco detached and ran to the fuelling and watering point at 12:30 while some attention was given to the Service Car. Linda pulled in with The Quarryman at 13:03, some 13 minutes late, with demountable tender cab fitted in view of weather. At 13:06 the Garratt ran back to the depot and at 13:15 completed its run round shortly after Linda had completed its own run round. The Quarryman rake was then shunted to the yard to allow the returning Mountain Spirit access to the FR platform.

 

This easterly view (27/3/24) shows Linda with a canvas cab awning to protect footplate staff from the weather. The train eventually returned to Boston Lodge. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR and was taken on a web camera.

 

This easterly view (28/3/24) shows Linda with the demountable tender cab backsheet fitted to protect footplate staff from the weather. The loco briefly returned to Boston Lodge on Wednesday afternoon to have it fitted between duties. No.143 is running round after watering in the yard. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR and was taken on a web camera.

 

Moel-yr-hydd was noted on the cherrypicker rake at 12:04 passing Minffordd  and heading east but the webcam went off line later. The second run of the Mountain Spirit departed by 14:25. No.130 was back a little early with the return working of The Harbourmaster and departed ECS for the depot at 16:28. With the rain showers in the afternoon the snow line retreated to about 400m on the Rhinogs. At 17:50 the Fairlie was running round the returned Mountain Spirit which departed ECS for the depot at 17:56 to close the day's activities.

 

Easter weekend footplate rides confirmed

There will be footplate rides available on three different Hunslet locomotives during the Easter weekend. Two will be working at 'Y Stesion - The Station', Caernarfon and one at Harbour Station, Porthmadog. All three of these locos were built in the same factory in Leeds and worked for slate quarries in North Wales:
▪ Y Stesion, Caernarfon:

Friday 29/3/24
HUGH NAPIER & BRITOMART - 12:00-16:00 (after an ECS run from Porthmadog in the morning)
Saturday 30/3/24
HUGH NAPIER - 10:00-16:00
Sunday 31/3/24
HUGH NAPIER - 10:00-16:00
Monday 1/4/24
HUGH NAPIER - 10:00-16:00


▪Harbour Station, Porthmadog:
Saturday 30/3/24
LINDA - 10:00-16:00
Sunday 31/3/24
LINDA - 10:00-16:00
There is no need to pre-book and there is no charge, although donations are always welcome towards the cost of coal etc.

 

Snowline report

A website that started last year to give regular snow cover reports over winter has filled a much needed gap in the Meteorological Office's reports. However it has not been updated since 16/3/23 despite snow being visible on some of the mountains around Porthmadog. There are snowline reports back to 2000 on this website and links to various local on line weather stations. Snow definitely fell on the Rhinogs today

 

F&WHR 27/3/24

Wednesday 27/3/24 was forecast to be a cold breezy day of sunny periods and showers at Porthmadog with temperatures of 3-8C. Wednesday sees four Porthmadog departures with two Mountain Spirit workings and two The Aberglaslyn workings to Beddgelert. The Quarryman runs again and the Gelert Explorer from Caernarfon. Holiday makers are increasing in the area despite the chilling typical Easter weather for the school holidays take their two weeks break either side of Easter.

No.143 was on the 10:15 The Aberglaslyn working, the first of the new season, and James Spooner on the well loaded 10:40 Mountain Spirit which was noted departing a few minutes late and arriving at Minffordd at 10:53. The train arrived at Tan-y-bwlch at 11:22 and it appeared some kind of trolley, maybe a buffet trolley, was removed from the middle of the train and taken to the rear along the platform. The train departed at 11:30 and was planned to cross The Quarryman at Tan-y-grisiau.

At 12:57 No.143 returned from Beddgelert while Linda arrived across The Cob on The Quarryman at 13:00. Given the weather Linda might have had its demountable tender cab fitted but instead a white sheet had been fitted to protect footplate staff. The loco is tabled at Glan-y-pwll but the tender cab is probably at Boston Lodge. At 13:05 the Garratt worked to the fuelling point. Linda ran round at 13:15 and departed on time. This was followed by the Garratt running round and departing at 13:41. No.143 was to be replaced by No.130 at Beddgelert in the afternoon. James Spooner arrived back on time in the FR platform at 13:56. and the loco soon detached to fuel and water. The train left 5 minutes late at 14:25.

Steam shunting was noted at Pen Cob Junction at 14:45, possibly Linda collecting the demountable tender cab. Linda departed at 15:25 on time with The Quarryman.

 

Dinas views 26/3/24

This northerly view (26/3/24) shows Caernarfon Castle shunting the ECS from the Carriage Shed at Dinas to extract the Combination Car. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright Keith Holland and was taken on a iPhone camera.

 

This southerly view (26/3/24) shows Caernarfon Castle shunting the Combination Car to the workshop at Dinas. This stop-go project has made little progress in the last few years. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright Keith Holland and was taken on a iPhone camera.

 

Dinas Carriage shed plans

The F&WHR Trust's  Diamond Jubilee Appeal is raising funds for an estimated £600,000 revamp of Dinas, the major part of which is for a new Carriage Shed in the bay area to ensure all coaching stock is stored under cover. Every pound donated will be matched by a pound from the F&WHR Trust so the target is £300,000.

The aim of the upgrade is to:

 

Three options were exhibited at SuperPower last year and Option 3 has now been chosen as the version that matches the future needs of the F&WHR at Dinas the best.

 

Click on the image to enlarge. This plan is copyright F&WHR.

 

The new shed built in the bay platform provides through storage for a 10 coach WHR rake at expense of losing the little used bay platform. A shorter road on the east side of the Carriage Shed has enough space for a heritage set of NWNGR/WHR coaches (to be formed) or the summer dated The Cwellyn set. The shed also contains a covered servicing and catering stores as well as having room for 16 coaches.

Option 3 was chosen as it is the most cost effective, provides the largest amount of additional undercover storage and has no phasing issues as the current Carriage Shed can continue to be used until it is ready. The new shed eliminates the scarcely used bay platform and reduces views from the northbound platform across the yard which is little used except in special events and galas. The shed provides some protection from the weather for passengers on the adjacent platform. The new through line to the east of the station building reintroduces a historic feature and will require a fixed crossing point for safety even though tracks will be level with the gravel. It allows a rake to leave the shed in a southbound direction. There is even a headshunt siding to avoid shunting clashes with movements on the main line. To accommodate the new link, the existing south loop point will be moved north a short distance to allow for the new yard point. The shed will have a low pitched roof and be clad in wood so that it does not clash with the historic stone and slate Goods Shed and station building. For less than the cost of modifying the existing carriage shed, the railway gets a larger better shed and retains the original carriage shed for locos and other rolling stock.

Details of the shed are:

 

A comprehensive construction survey of the whole site is underway with detailed design work to follow, bearing in mind the proximity to the two remaining historical features. For example the low pitch of the roof compared to NWNGR/WHR structures gives less impact and will weigh less too. Phase 1 will be to install the new trackwork, possibly during the WMWP of 2024/5. This will allow normal operations to continue while the new shed in built. Phase 2 is the construction of the new shed which is expected to be completed later in 2025.

Ex BR Manager Dr John Prideaux is chairing the Dinas Steering Group and these plans have been developed over an extended period since 2017. The group's aim, as well as extending the life of the coaching stock by having it under cover, was to reduce the complicated (though interesting) shunts needed each day to prepare trains for service and to put them away at night. Using the bay platform means the shed will match the length of the 10 coach mega trains used these days with no need to split the set. The adjacent infrastructure yard can be developed with improved efficiency as trains can depart to the south without a shunt (the most likely direction for them to depart). 

 

 

F&WHR  26/3/24

Tuesday 26/3/24 was forecast to be a cloudy day at Porthmadog with temperatures of 6-10C. Tuesday sees a repeat of Saturday's train services with the two Mountain Spirit workings out of Porthmadog today and the two through trains on the WHR, The Harbourmaster and the Snowdonia Star. Holiday makers are likely to be in the area is greater numbers from today as next weekend is Easter Bank Holiday weekend and many school holidays take their two weeks break either side of Easter.

Linda came over The Cob light engine arriving in the WHR platform at 09:23 before shunting over t0 the FR platform at 09:26. This was probably to take The Quarryman rake ECS to Blaenau Ffestiniog for the 11:40 first working of the season. In previous years it is believed the rake may have been kept at Glan-y-pwll depot and the loco outstabled there returning to Boston Lodge at regular intervals for maintenance. A considerable number of people were on the platform at 09:30 ready for the 10:05 The Harbourmaster which was crossing The Cob ECS at 09:40 as Linda shunted the yard, departing with the ECS for The Quarryman at 09:47. James Spooner arrived in the FR platform at 10:20 with the ECS for the 10:40 Mountain Spirit. As the Fairlie ran round Bill arrived light engine in the WHR platform to pick up a coffee before proceeding onto the WHR at 10:32. This loco seems to be returning to Dinas from its winter duty as Glan-y-pwll pilot. The Fairlie left on time and arrived at Minffordd at 10:50, continuing at 10:54 towards Tan-y-bwlch. The passing loops on the WHR are going to be busy today with two northbound trains.

Another departmental working turned up at 11:20 with Harlech Castle propelling the empty rail bolster wagon. The train set off towards Boston Lodge at 11:37. No.130 arrived from Caernarfon at 12:24 on the Snowdonia Star probably passing Bill at Beddgelert The loco uncoupled and ran to the yard to coal and water a few minutes later. The loco ran round just after 13:00. The Quarryman had arrived on time and was shunted to the yard at about 12:20 to clear the FR platform for the returning Mountain Spirit.

 

This easterly view (23/3/24) shows Harlech Castle with the rail carrying bolster wagon. The train eventually returned to Boston Lodge. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR and was taken on a web camera.

 

James Spooner returned at 13:55 and uncoupled to coal and water. No.130 departed a few minutes late at 14:08 on the return Snowdonia Star. The Fairlie ran round at 14:18 and the train departed a few minutes late at 14:23. The return working of The Quarryman was then signalled to shunt back to the FR platform for the 15:25 departure. At 14:40 Linda shunted the rake back to the platform ready for the return The Quarryman. At 16:31 No.143 arrived back with the returning The Harbourmaster. The ECS departed for the depot at 16:46.

 

KS4415 update 25/3/24

Keen followers of KS4415 might remember that in August 2021 the group sent the spare McLaren-Benz engine off for a 12 week job. Well, 12 weeks have finally passed, and in March 2024 it found its way back to the group! Welcome home MDB4, a little later than expected!
The first thing the volunteers did was take it apart. The new bearings have been removed from their housings so volunteers could clean out all the oilways. This was well worth doing, because aside from nearly 100 years of general grime, there was also a lot of swarf from the machining operations that have been carried out. Volunteers then refitted the oil pump and used it to pump kerosene through the engine to prove everything was clear.
Lastly, after getting all the bits out that have not been looked at for years it was realised that the engine was missing the arm for the fan belt tensioner pulley. Amazingly one was found on the 1945 McLaren MR4 that was in KS4415 when it came back from Mauritius. This was very pleasing, as up until now that engine has been utterly useless; despite looking like it could have been a useful source of spare parts. At least there will be one of it part that makes it onto the restored loco.

For images see KS4415 page.

 

F&WHR 25/3/24

Monday 25/3/24 was forecast to be a cloudy day at Porthmadog with temperatures of 7-10C. Monday sees a repeat of Sunday's train services with just the two Mountain Spirit workings out of Porthmadog today and one Gelert Explorer between Caernarfon and Beddgelert. Holiday makers are likely to arrive is greater numbers from today as next weekend is Easter Bank Holiday weekend and many school holidays take their two weeks break either side of Easter.

Steam was being raised at 09:55 and at 10:13 James Spooner arrived in the FR platform with the ECS for the first of two Mountain Spirit trains due to depart at 10:40. The loco ran round at 10:20 and the train departed on time at 10:40 and arrived at Minffordd at 10:50 with its 10 coach rake. Departure came at 10:58 after collecting the token and The train arrived at Tan-y-bwlch at 11:25 with a fairly light loading and departed at 11:37 having built up lateness at both stops. The train was noted departing Minffordd during its return at 13:50 some 10 minutes late and arrived at Porthmadog at 14:01, just 6 minutes late. The afternoon Mountain Spirit departed 10 minutes late at 14:30. The train arrived in Tan-y-bwlch at 15:13 and departed at 15:21, some 21 minutes late. At the end of the day, the ECS departed Porthmadog in drizzle at 18:03 to close the day's activities.

 

Ricky & Sue visit FR screening 2/4/24
The first episode of new three-part series Ricky & Sue and a Trip or two streamed 19/3/24- if you missed it, you can still 'catch up' with the episode on More4 TV channel.
Actors Ricky Tomlinson and Sue Johnston are celebrating four decades on screen together in an all-new More4 series visiting landmark places from their lives and the special destinations the pair have always wanted to see together.
Episode 1 - 19/3/24
In Liverpool, Ricky and Sue visit Brookside Close, where they first starred on-screen together, the Cavern Club, where Sue recalls her friendship with Paul McCartney, and experience Bongo's Bingo
Episode 2 - 21:00 Tuesday, 26/3/24
Ricky & Sue visit the Midlands...
Episode 3 - 21:00 Tuesday, 2/4/24
Ricky & Sue visit North Wales - and take a train ride on the Ffestiniog Railway's Woodland Wanderer service...
You can see the official Press Release with a viewing link by clicking on this link https://www.channel4.com/.../ricky-tomlinson-and-sue...

 

Short video of first train of season 23/3/24

Click on the Facebook link to see a short video clip of James Spooner with the first train of the season departing Tan-y-bwlch by Alex Spring (F&WHR). The siding at Tan-y-bwlch now contains the large water tank wagon used to assist fire fighting in the forest in the case of hot dry spells in the summer.

 

F&WHR 24/3/24

Sunday 24/3/24 was forecast to be a day of sunny periods with temperatures of 6-10C at Porthmadog. There are just the two Mountain Spirit workings out of Porthmadog today with one Gelert Explorer between Caernarfon and Beddgelert. Early steam was being raised and shunting at Boston Lodge preparing the ECS rake. At 10:20 James Spooner was already in the FR platform with the first of two Mountain Spirit trains due to depart at 10:40. The train departed at 10:43 and arrived at Minffordd at 10:52 with its 10 coach rake. It was on its way two minutes later after collecting the token and arrived at Tan-y-bwlch at 11:21 with a fairly light loading. No.130 was noted on the Beddgelert Explorer out of Caernarfon today after yesterday's problem substitution, said to be caused by a leaking boiler washout plug.

The Mountain Spirit was back at Tan-y-bwlch at 13:16 and departed for Porthmadog at 13:19 where it arrived by 14:00 ready for the afternoon working. The loco was fuelled and watered and then ran round at 14:18. The train departed a few minutes late at 14:23. Returning from Blaenau Ffestiniog the train was noted passing Minffordd at 17:46, some 26 minutes late and arrived at Porthmadog at 17:54, still 19 minutes late. Run round came at 18:13 and the ECS departed for the depot to close the day's activities at 18:18.

 

F&WHR Monopoly

A Snowdonia Edition of Monopoly has been produced and was launched at Portmerion on 21/3/24. The new edition is on sale in the F&WHR shop at £34.99 and features Snowdonia/Eryri landmarks but surprisingly none of the F&WHR stations are included although the railway features on the box. It would be interesting to know which four Snowdonia stations replace the London Termini. One of the new penalty cards could be 'You have been caught exceeding the 20mph speed limit'! There must be 3 or 4 castles in the Snowdonia area that feature on the new game board. The classic counters have been replaced and Welsh themed counters including a dragon and a train carriage. See F&WHR story.

 

Loco roster w/c 23/3/24
To get the 2024 season underway, there will be eight steam locos in action on the F&WHR this coming week.
On the Ffestiniog Railway: James Spooner, David Lloyd George and Linda will be working the passenger services - with Blanche making an appearance on Saturday on an evening Staff Special.
James Spooner will be busy working two trains every day on the Mountain Spirit.
David Lloyd George will make its first appearance of the season on Good Friday.
Linda will be hauling The Quarryman trains starting from Blaenau Ffestiniog.
Blanche will heading a Private Train on Saturday evening 23/3/24.
Services on the Welsh Highland Railway will be covered by NG/G16s Nos.130/143.
No.130 will start the week working from Caernarfon.
No.143 will start the week working from Porthmadog.
• On Wednesday the two locos will swap trains at Beddgelert and work from the other end of the railway for the rest of the week
Hugh Napier and Britomart will steam from Porthmadog to Caernarfon on Friday morning 29/3/24, and then provide footplate rides in the afternoon and over the whole Bank Holiday weekend, returning after completing the Easter Monday duty..
--------------------------------------------------
NOTE: This information is provided in good faith, solely as a guide, but could be subject to change at any time.

 

F&WHR 23/3/24

Saturday 23/3/24 was forecast to be a day of showers and sunny periods with temperatures of 6-9C at Porthmadog. With the new season starting today and some school's starting Easter Holidays there were people about on the platform early. Early steam was being raised and shunting at Boston Lodge preparing the ECS rakes. Three departures were due today with ECS trains likely to arrive about half an hour before departure. First up was The Harbourmaster due to depart 10:05 followed by the first of two Mountain Spirit trains due to depart at 10:40. The Snowdon Star was due to arrive at 12:25 and the second Mountain Spirit depart at 14:20.

Large numbers of people had crowded onto the platform by 09.55 and surprisingly the ECS for the WHR service had not left Boston Lodge leaving them standing in the cold windy weather. The ECS eventually arrived behind No.143 at departure time 10:05 and departed 7 minutes late while the ECS for the FR service approached across The Cob. The ECS Mountain Spirit arrived in the FR platform at 10:15 and ran round by 10:30 and departed on time. A large group of sightseers watched the train depart. The train arrived at Minffordd at 10:51 with Observation Car No.152 Eryri Snowdonia on the rear, departing 2 minutes later.

 

This easterly view (23/3/24) shows No.143 on The Harbourmaster, the first train of the new season. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR and was taken on a web camera.

 

This easterly view (23/3/24) shows James Spooner arriving with the ECS for the  Mountain Spirit, the first FR train of the new season. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR and was taken on a web camera.

 

Caernarfon Castle arrived on the Snowdonia Star at 12:57, over half an hour late, having probably substituted for the rostered No.130 for all or part of the journey after a boiler wash out plug was said to have leaked. Some of the lateness might be a reaction to late running by The Harbourmaster. The loco ran round at 13:15 and departed at 14:07, almost on time, just after the Fairlie returned. No.143 returned on time with The Harbourmaster by 16:30 and set off ECS for the depot at 16:43 while Blanche was shunting light engine in the yard. See Friends of F&WHR Facebook page for further images of Caernarfon Castle's journey on 23/3/24.

 

This easterly view (23/3/24) shows Caernarfon Castle on the Snowdonia Star, running round at Porthmadog. Despite a half hour late arrival due to a late substitution for No.130 no doubt, the return working managed to leave on time. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR and was taken on a web camera.

 

Blanche shunted a 7 coach rake into the WHR platform with Observation Car No.100 on the rear, presumably from the yard. This is believed to be The Quarryman rake that has not yet moved to outstable at Glan-y-pwll. James Spooner was back at 16:50 in the FR platform with the second Mountain Spirit and run round came 5 minutes later. The ECS set off at 18:00. Blanche set off with the Staff Special (no doubt a thank you from management for their hard work in preparing the railway for the new season) at 18:17 as sunset illuminated the Rhinogs in flaming red. It passed through Minffordd at 18:28 heading for Tan-y-bwlch where it arrived at 19:11 where staff visited the cafe. The train departed at 20:58 on its return journey arriving back in Porthmadog at 21:50. Blanche ran round at 21:55 and the ECS departed for the depot at 22:00 to close a busy day's activities.

 

Spooners and Tan-y-bwlch tea room change opening hours

Spooners bar extended their hours with the start of the new season - with evening meals now available every day of the week. The revised details are listed below...
CAFÉ:
Open daily 09:00-16:00
for drinks, sandwiches, cakes etc.
BREAKFAST MENU
09:00-11:30
LIGHT BITES & EVENING MEALS
12:00-21:00 - Monday to Saturday
15:00-21:00 - Sunday
SUNDAY CARVERY
12:00-15:00
BAR:
Open daily from 12:00
12:00-22:00 - Monday to Thursday
12:00-23:00 - Friday and Saturday
12:00-22:30 - Sunday

The Tan-y-bwlch tearoom is also changing its opening ours from the start of the new season. Come and enjoy a tasty treat and refreshing drink at the Tea Room at Tan-y-Bwlch Station. You can arrive by train, by road or on foot - there's a welcome for all. The basic hours will be from 10:00-16:00 every day, with hot food available from 10:30-14:30. However, these times will be extended on days when the Woodland Wanderer or The Victorian trains are running to Tan-y-Bwlch. The tea room will stay open until 16:30, with hot food available until 15:30, so staff can more easily serve passengers arriving on those trains.

 

F&WHR 22/3/24

Friday 22/3/24 was forecast to be a day of sunny periods with temperatures of 5-10C at Porthmadog and showers later. With the new season starting tomorrow there was an expectation of some steam testing as neither Merddin Emrys nor Linda has been noted on test yet and the Mountain Spirit is booked to run twice on Saturday. While no trains were noted at Porthmadog or Tan-y-bwlch at 09:45, staff were present checking the signalbox at Porthmadog at 10:00 as a signaller may be on duty all day starting tomorrow. The drooping WHR platform starter seems to have been fixed.

Harlech Castle propelled the FR Mess Car No.1111 into the WHR platform at 11:17 for filling with water from the platform watering point. Other staff were greasing the pointwork in preparation for the resumption of services tomorrow. The train left at. 12:05 for Boston Lodge. No other movements were noted.

 

Moving Pictures No.90 22/3/24

Click on the YouTube link to watch 29 minutes 50 seconds of video showing shuttles to Boston Lodge for the NLHF Open Days, a report from the Coach Works and Velinheli's steam test. This video is copyright F&WHR and was published on 22/3/09. It is best viewed at 1080p with Chrome and was videod on a 4K camcorder by John Wooden (F&WHR).

 

Alco Mountaineer news

Aside from are usual working party reports, there is some exciting news that the boiler is now off Mountaineer. It has also been shot blasted ready for further testing and inspections. Dylan Ham and his team have very kindly carried out this lifting operation for the team. They also arranged for the shot blasting to be carried out by E Jones, Sandblasting and Spraying services, saving the team hours of work. This is another big step in returning Mountaineer to steam.
Click here to see Jay and Dylan's photos.

There are many ways to support the project and get involved.
Please find the Mountaineer Appeal page on the Ffestiniog Railway society web site.
https://www.ffestiniograilway.org.uk/.../mountaineer-appeal
The Mountaineer Group has its own website, where they have a selection of items for you to purchase to support the project.
https://www.alco1265.org.uk/
Finally if you would like to get involved please contact pbooth@ffwhr.com for more information on how you can do this.

 

F&WHR 21/3/24

Thursday 21/3/24 was forecast to be an overcast day with temperatures of 7-10C at Porthmadog. Steam was being raised at 09:45 at Boston Lodge and it appeared the Tan-y-bwlch PW duty has been withdrawn. With the new season starting in just 2 days there was an expectation of some steam testing as neither Merddin Emrys nor the Penrhyn Ladies has been noted on test yet and The Harbourmaster is booked to run on Saturday and there has been no sign of the Boston Lodge Garratt (No.87?). It could arrive light engine from Dinas on Thursday/Friday. Steam shunting in the new Carriage Shed was noted at 10:15.

The train came over The Cob at 10:40, stopping at the king point to uncouple a second portion. James Spooner pulled into the FR platform with the three coach test rake and Vale of Ffestiniog arrived in the WHR platform at 10:44 with a long 9 coach rake (possibly The Harbourmaster rake) with  a buffet car at the front and No.2060 and an open coach at the rear(No.2021 or 2022). The train set off for Dinas at 10:47 while James Spooner ran round the rake in the FR platform. The Fairlie left at 10:53 with the three coach rake (Nos.21/10/11), possibly another Boston Lodge Tour Group, but did not progress to Minffordd. Further steam shunting was noted at Boston Lodge a t 11:05.

At 11:25 blue Hunslet Mines diesel Moel-y-hydd emerged from Minffordd Yard light engine and at 11:30 reversed towards Boston Lodge. At 12:45 a steam train was noted reversing its rake in the area of old Loco Shed sidings. At the same staff were giving Tan-y-bwlch platform benches a good pre-season clean. At 13:00 the short rake departed Boston Lodge Halt and headed back to Porthmadog, possibly with another Boston Lodge Tour Group. James Spooner arrived back in the FR platform at 13:05 with the short 3 coach rake.

 

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This westerly view (21/3/24) shows Moel-y-hydd shunting out of Minffordd Yard and continuing towards Boston Lodge. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR and was taken on a web camera.

 

Blanche arrived from the WHR at 13:19 with a 5 coach mixed train with a cherrypicker and Mess Car No.111, returning from trackside clearance duties, on the rear. This was probably a working from Dinas which had passed Vale of Ffestiniog's ECS at Rhyd Ddu. At 13:30 the Fairlie ran round but attached to the front of Blanche. At 13:45 Blanche reversed its train into the FR platform with the Fairlie double heading and the short 3 coach rake was coupled to the rear. The assemblage departed at 13:49 for Boston Lodge. At 14:25 green liveried Garratt No.143 arrived in the WHR platform from Boston Lodge and gave a cab ride to a party of 5 along the length of the platform. This must have arrived recently as it was noted on steam test at Dinas on 15/3/24. Others then had a cab ride up and down the platform as there seemed to be a number of families visiting the platform on this windy afternoon. The loco departed for Boston Lodge at 14:52.

 

This easterly view (21/3/24) shows No.143 giving cab rides in the WHR platform. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR and was taken on a web camera.

 

Harlech Castle arrived in the WHR platform with the WHR Mess Car No.111 at 15:25 from The Cob and ran round 5 minutes later and departed for the depot at 15:37. With the return of Blanche from Dinas it seems only Linda and Merddin Emrys remain to be tested as of the end of the day on Thursday. Vale of Ffestiniog returned light engine from Dinas at 16:55 into the WHR platform and arrived at Boston Lodge at 17:00 to close the day's activities

 

FR Coach No.20

Glenn Williams, Carriage Works Supervisor reports:
Introducing Gloucester 'Bowsider' No.20, in roughly late 1950s condition - fresh from the paint shop.
This carriage has really been a team effort with almost every member of the team doing something on it.
▪ New window mouldings and drop lights.
▪ Rebuilt balconies, with wood replacing steel chequer plate.
▪ Cill and door rot removed and new teak timber grafted in.
▪ New carpet in the First Class compartments.
▪ All the door interiors changed from 1990s varnished wood to a painted finish, matching the rest of the interior.
▪ A full repaint into 1950s green and ivory livery - to run alongside Vans Nos.11 & 12, Carriages Nos.17, 21 & 38 to help celebrate 70 years of the FR Society and the first trains to run under the new management.
▪ We have even added the slip boards so prominent in those 1950s pictures.
Look out for it in the 'Woodland Wanderer' set - we're sure it will be very popular with enthusiasts and the general public alike!

 

For images see F&WHR Facebook page.

 

F&WHR 20/3/24

Wednesday 20/3/24 was forecast to be a rainy overcast day at first with temperatures of 5-11C at Porthmadog but brighter later. The Tan-y-bwlch and Minffordd webcams were out of action again in the morning, for the second day. Steam tests for the new season might be expected with Merddin Emrys, Blanche and Linda and the Boston Lodge based Garratt. Lyd, James Spooner and David Lloyd George have already been tested at Porthmadog and No.143 at Dinas. No trains were observed at Porthmadog at 09:30. With the new season starting in just 3 days one might have thought there would be more activity anticipating the four passenger trains booked to run on Saturday 23/3/24, the two Mountain Spirit workings, The Harbourmaster and the Snowdonia Star. If the Garratt for The Harbourmaster is not yet at Porthmadog, a light engine positioning move must take place by Friday in anticipation of the start of the new season on Saturday.

The sun came out in the late afternoon and access to the Minffordd and Tan-y-bwlch webcams was restored but it did not appear that there were any movements. A surprisingly large number of people walked on the platform looking for trains and photographing rolling stock suggesting that the F&WHR could have started the 2024 season a little earlier. PW staff were still present at Tan-y-bwlch at 17:00.

 

Busy Easter events

The F&WHR has a busy Easter ahead. In addition to the train services, there will be footplate rides on a number of Quarry Hunslet locomotives at Caernarfon and Porthmadog - plus the launch of the F&WHR's very own set of 'Top Trumps' collectors cards, with games and activities at Caernarfon. There will certainly be fun for all the family. Visitors can find out more about the Easter activities over the weekend of 29/3/24-1/4/24 on the F&WHR website : festrail.co.uk/easter.

Caernarfon footplate rides:
29/3/24 –             12:00-16:00 – HUGH NAPIER & BRITOMART
30/3/24-1/4/24 –  10:00-16:00 – HUGH NAPIER
Porthmadog footplate rides:
30/3/24                10:00-16:00 – LILLA
31/3/24 –             10:00-16:00 – LILLA


The F&WHR are also looking further forward. This year will see the start of our Guided Tours of Boston Lodge Works - looking 'behind the scenes' and discovering some of the fascinating stories about the historic railway. Details will be added to the F&WHR website as soon as they are finalised. Don't forget - if you want to check what trains are going to be running on a specific date, check the online calendar at festrail.co.uk/calendar.

 

F&WHR 19/3/24

Tuesday 19/3/24 was forecast to be a day of sunny periods with temperatures of 9-11C at Porthmadog. The Tan-y-bwlch and Minffordd webcams were out of action in the morning. Steam tests for the new season might be expected with Merddin Emrys, Blanche and Linda. At 09:30 a PW train came slowly across The Cob with Harlech Castle propelling a DZ wagon with ballast and the FR Mess Coach No.1111 and waited for clearance in the WHR platform. This may have been in association with the spot PW work from the last few days which saw 4 rails and sleepers taken towards the Aberglaslyn Pass by a small PW train. The train departed for the WHR at 09:42.

Vale of Ffestiniog emerged from Boston Lodge in the afternoon and was noted at Pen Cob Junction at 13:50 before shunting back into the depot. This may have been connected with the ECS movement noted below. The Tan-y-bwlch and Minffordd webcams were off line all day and as a result some interesting movements were missed. Vale of Ffestiniog brought a mixed rake including the Curly Roofed van and some four wheelers down through Minffordd loop and Bill, recently stabled at Glan-y-pwll, hauled two empty B wagons normally used for coal deliveries through the loop later, possibly entering Minffordd Yard for refilling.

At 16:50 Lyd arrived in the FR platform at Porthmadog light engine. The loco moved out to the king point at 17:15 and staff rejoined the loco which then ran into the WHR platform. After receiving some attention to the lubrication of its motion the loco departed at 17:29 for Boston Lodge to close the day's activities.

 

Infrastructure WMWP complete

With the new season's trains just day's away the final touches are being completed with the WMWP. Here is a list of what has been achieved:
Toilets refurbished at Beddgelert
Harbour station gents toilet refurbished and level access created
Blaenau Platform re-constructed
Spooner's kitchen re-floored
Topsy electrical distribution board replaced in Spooners
Tan-y-bwlch cafe required some work
Micro ETS installed Rhyd Ddu to Waunfawr
Second token machine re-instated at Boston Lodge
New cable from Tunnel North to Minffordd to improve ETS reliability on FR
Tan-y-bwlch water tower refurbished and roofed
600m of track relayed on FR in the Whistling Curve to Hafod-y-llyn and crossing Bothy area
Track laid inside and the fan outside the new Small Loco Shed
All company Personal Computers upgraded
New internal phone system based on MS Teams introduced and commissioned
With cooperation of the F&WHR's neighbouring land owners around 20km of Lineside clearance has taken place
Boston Lodge toll gate steps re built
Oh and staff had two weeks off for Christmas!
Every weekend since November has seen volunteers working on the infrastructure and without this help none of the above could be achieved.
Finally despite having a fairly hefty programme of work to ensure the F&WHR has locos and carriages for the season Boston Lodge built a tool van for Lineside team.
Thanks everyone!

 

This easterly view (18?/3/24) shows the completed fan of sidings for the Small Loco Shed. Work by the ROWG and White Rose Group over two weekends in March has almost completed the job with a little ballasting and tamping still to complete. The track to the left with the ballast wagon will lead to the new Garratt Shed incorporating a suitable sized pit for maintenance of the Boston Lodge allocated Garratt. The WHRS is funding this single road shed project. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera.

 

This westerly view (18/3/24) shows the completed new Tool Van, resembling a GWR Toad Brake Van from this perspective. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera.

 

F&WHR 18/3/24

Monday 18/3/24 was forecast to be a cloudy day with temperatures of 10-11C at Porthmadog. There were no trains visible at 08:15 at Tan-y-bwlch or Porthmadog. Steam test for the new season might be expected with Merddin Emrys, Blanche and Linda. Vale of Ffestiniog was shunting outside the Carriage Shed at 08:30.

Upnor Castle turned up in the WHR platform by 09:25 propelling the FR Mess coach No.1111. The train departed up the WHR by 09:44.

 

Dinas steam tests 15/3/23

Up at Dinas No.143 received a steam test on 15/3/23.

 

WHR on TV

The new season is nearly here as final preparations are made for the official ‘first day’ back this Saturday, 23/3/24. The services for the opening Saturday will include the Snowdonia Star, departing from Caernarfon Station, a location which featured on the popular S4C programme; ‘Am Dro’ last month. This popular Welsh language programme sees 4 contestants battle it out to have their favourite Welsh walking trail immortalised in the S4C walk of fame, with a cash prize for the winner. The WHR featured on an episode, aired on the 25/2/24, where Carys (a former FWHR Buffet Steward) lead the other 3 contestants on a walk around Caernarfon and the Foryd (the road around the shore of the tidal inlet west of Caernarfon Harbour), which included a special train journey to kick things off.

So why not come and visit the WHR for your own special train journey at Caernarfon, Porthmadog or Blaenau Ffestiniog this year?
The countdown to the reopening continues!

 

Mainline news

On Thursday 14/3/24 Freightliner 66605 hauled 6Y63, the Crewe Basford Hall-Crewe Basford Hall, a short ballast train running east along the North Wales Coast back from Holyhead with 66540 on the rear. There did not appear to be an Aberystwyth log train on Friday 15/3/24 or Saturday 16/3/24. On Sunday 17/3/24 the Padeswood Cement train ran with GBRf 66737 Lesia hauling the heavy rake over Buckley summit to Avonmouth.

 

F&WHR 17/3/24

Sunday 17/3/24 was forecast to be an overcast day with temperatures of 8-11C at Porthmadog. There were no trains visible at 09:15 at Tan-y-bwlch or Porthmadog and it appeared the Tan-y-bwlch PW duty had been withdrawn for the weekend. Over the last three days Lyd and James Spooner and David Lloyd George have been steam tested on test trains or Boston Lodge Halt NLHF shuttles so Merddin Emrys, Blanche and Linda might be expected out on test before the new season starts on 23/3/24. Later in the season, Welsh Pony might be repaired and Taliesin might appear after its 10 year boiler refurbishment. Palmerston is away at Aberystwyth so will not reappear until October. Prince is unlikely to appear this year as work has not yet started on its 10 year overhaul. On the WHR, the NG15 No.134 Kalahari might appear in the Autumn in addition to the usual 3 Garratts.

Steam was raised at Boston Lodge at 14:00 and a loco was noted shunting in the works several times in front of the Erecting Shop on test. This may have been Quarry Hunslet Velinheli which was completed over the weekend. The formal steam test will be on Friday 22/3/24.

 

Russell steam test 16/3/24

This northerly view (16/3/24) shows Gelert and Russell passing their steam test before the start of the new season at Gelert Farm depot. It is the final full year of Russell's boiler certificate. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright Andrew Goodwin WHHR and was taken on a phone camera.

 

With Russell due its 10 year boiler exam in 18 months, a prompt return of No.590 from the VoR is essential if there is to be any chance of the two locos operating side by side in events later this year on the WHHR or shared events such as SuperPower or Bygones. There was considerable disappointment at last year's WHR 100 Celebrations when No.590 was a last minute 'no-show', especially after the extensive WHHR test running campaign in the weeks before.

 

These westerly views (16/3/24) shows Hunslet Mines diesel Emma (very similar to the F&WHR's S&T loco Moel-y-hydd) at Gelert's Farm depot. On the left the loco can be seen with components removed for winter maintenance and on the right the engine and gearbox have been re-fitted. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright Andrew Goodwin WHHR and was taken on a phone camera.

 

NLHF Boston Lodge Visit report 15-16/3/24

James Waite reports: The runs with double Fairlie James Spooner and the three green and cream coaches (Nos.21, 10 and 11) were to take us participants in the NLHF Boston Lodge Open Days from Harbour Station to Boston Lodge Halt. I was on the morning visit. The visit was interesting and the amount of structural work being done on the old buildings was impressive - and the guides were helpful and informative. Downsides were that we were not allowed to set foot in either the Erecting Shop or the Carriage Shop which caused a lot of disappointment. A Workshops Visit which does not involve visiting the workshops clearly lacks something!

I was particularly hoping that the shed containing Chinese C2 loco project's Dahuichang No.4 might be opened up but this also was not on offer and I had to make do with the photo of its old redundant parts outside! The sun shone briefly in the afternoon, providing my first sight of James Spooner when it was not pouring with rain!

 

This westerly view (16/3/24) shows James Spooner preparing to shunt a 10 coach rake. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright James Waite and was taken on a digital camera.

 

This easterly view (16/3/24) shows James Spooner shunting the yard at Porthmadog Harbour station. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright James Waite and was taken on a digital camera.

 

This westerly view (16/3/24) shows coaching stock in the yard at Porthmadog Harbour station as viewed from the Premier Inn where you can specify a room overlooking the station. The short green rake in the platform was used for the Boston Lodge Halt NLHF Open Day shuttle. James Spooner can be seen at the watering point. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright James Waite and was taken on a digital camera.

 

More about new Wrexham - Euston service

Further details about the new Wrexham-Euston service via Wolverhampton and Walsall have emerged with the Government sounding supportive. The Daily Post has a story about the new service which is due to launch next year, five times a day. See Daily Post story.

 

F&WHR 16/3/24

Saturday 16/3/24 was forecast to be a day of showers and temperatures of 10-11C at Porthmadog. There were no trains visible at 08:30 at Tan-y-bwlch or Porthmadog and the Tan-y-bwlch PW duty had been withdrawn for the weekend. Over the last two days Lyd and James Spooner have been steam tested on test trains so Merddin Emrys, David Lloyd George, Blanche and Linda might be expected out on test before the new season starts on 23/3/24. Later in the season, Welsh Pony might be repaired and Taliesin might appear after its 10 year refurbishment. Palmerston is away at Aberystwyth so will not reappear until October. Prince is unlikely to appear this year as work has not yet started on its 10 year overhaul. On the WHR, the NG15 might appear in the Autumn in addition to the usual 3 Garratts.

Steam was being raised at Boston Lodge and shunting was noted at 10:00. David Lloyd George arrived at 10:14 with a very mixed 10 coach rake containing parts of the Woodland Wanderer and The Quarryman rake. The loco ran round 5 minutes later. After some shunting the double Fairlie took the 3 coaches from the Woodland Wanderer set Nos.21/10/11, back towards Minffordd, arriving at 10:56. The train was noted during its return, re-starting from Boston Lodge Halt at 12:45, arriving back in the FR platform at Porthmadog at 12:50 and returning to the depot at 12:53 light. This was the second day of NLHF visits to Boston Lodge but this time with David Lloyd George for haulage!

The loco returned with coach No.23 and the WHR water carrier wagon in Harbour Station carriage sidings at 13:13. The loco was shunting the seawall siding 15 minutes later and was signalled for departure by 14:00. David Lloyd George departed hauling the 3 coach rake at 14:05 towards Minffordd and arriving there at 14:15.

 

This westerly view (16/3/24) shows David Lloyd George arriving at Minffordd with the 3 coach NLHF special train for the second time that day. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR and was taken on a web camera.

 

The loco ran round at Minffordd at 14:31 and departed back towards Porthmadog at 14:35, arriving at Boston Lodge Halt at 14:41. At 16:36 the Fairlie was back in the station shunting coach No.23 in the FR platform onto the 3 coach test train. This departed at 16:44 towards Boston Lodge to close the day's activities.

 

Carriage Works Update 16/3/24

Glenn Williams, Carriage Works Supervisor reports:
As we enter the last week before services start, it’s all go in the carriage works. Recent departures from the paint shops include Service Carr. No.2011, on which Allison trialled a new manufacturer's paint. The carriage now looks very smart in the set.
Allison next tackled Carr.No.2043, which has received a new end and new roof covering, as well as a host of other jobs, before a full repaint and also now looks great. This one will be back next year for an internal upgrade. Sarah has done a couple of quick touch-up and varnish jobs on Carr. No.2047 and Carnforth Carr. No.113 - again, both now very smart.
The Tal-y-llyn carriage has made good progress and is all but ready for the paint shop thanks to our volunteers. It should be in the painting area late next week and it now sports the customary picture on a window - Pac-Man this time.
WHR Pullman Car No.2115
Bodysgallen makes progress, with the end plastic floors installed, new sliding windows in place, ceiling painted and new walnut panelling being cut and fitted.
Bowsider No.17 has been sanded down and issues with the doors attended to, as well as a little cill rot being dealt with. The carriage is now in 17 Road paint shop and should start receiving paint next week. While Bowsider No.20 is almost complete in 16 Road paint shop, having received new balcony woodwork, window mouldings, attention to the doors and again cill rot. Meanwhile, Lee has been sorting various faults and doing a number of fitness to run and door lock inspections.
Finally, today we start to say 'good bye' to our winter staff, with Phil leaving today and Eurig mid-week next week. Thank you to both of them for their hard work this winter. Both had a supervised go at shunting today, to get Carr. No.17 into the right place, as a 'thank you'.

For images see Facebook Festrail page.

 

F&WHR 15/3/24

Friday 15/3/24 was forecast to be an improving day with murky conditions at first and temperatures of 3-10C at Porthmadog. There were no trains visible at 09:20 at Tan-y-bwlch but PW staff were present. At 09:20 Upnor Castle arrived at the king point at Porthmadog propelling the FR Mess Car No.1111 before advancing to the WHR at 09:25. At 09:30 the train set off up the WHR platform before advancing onto the WHR. A rake of coaches was still present in the yard at Harbour Station from the previous day's shunt with Lyd.

 

This easterly view (15/3/24) shows Upnor Castle propelling the FR Mess coach No.1111 through the WHR platform at Porthmadog for some PW on the WHR. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR and was taken on a web camera.

 

At 10:04 James Spooner arrived in the FR platform with the 3 coach rake used yesterday for the Lyd test run (coaches Nos. 21, 10 and 11). The double Fairlie ran round at 10:15. The train set off at 10:33 towards Minffordd with much condensation in the damp air and passed through at 10:46. The loco ran round there at 10:56 and departed for Porthmadog at 11:04 but after a substantial time in section between Minffordd and Boston Lodge Halt the train arrived back in the FR platform at 12:37. The loco ran round 5 minutes later and shunted the yard to collect the FR's tank wagon and shunt this to the watering point. The stops at Boston Lodge Halt were in association with the NLHF Open Day visits to Boston Lodge.

 

This westerly view (15/3/24) shows James Spooner running round  at Minffordd. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR and was taken on a web camera.

 

Upnor Castle arrived back in the WHR platform from its PW job on the WHR towards Beddgelert at 13:19 and, after a very brief stop, crossed The Cob a minute later arriving at Minffordd wrong line at 13:30 and reversing into the yard at 13:32. Meanwhile shunting was completed in Harbour Station by 13:50 and James Spooner was signalled for departure. The train finally departed at 14:03 with its three coach train heading for Minffordd again where it arrived at 14:16 carrying what appeared to be a wreath of flowers.

AT 14:36 Harlech Castle arrived at Tan-y-bwlch from the east in the Down line at 14:35. A steam loco was noted going on shed at Boston Lodge at 14:40 (probably James Spooner) while the sun was out at Porthmadog. Harlech Castle and its single BZ wagon train continued to the west at 14:41. Harlech Castle eventually entered Minffordd Yard at 15:25 to close the day's PW activities.

James Spooner was back in Porthmadog at 15:28 coupling up to coaches left in the yard for the last few days. The 10 car train departed at 15:31 with Service Car and Observation Car on the rear. The loco then turned up light engine at Minffordd still carrying the wreath and collected the three coach rake left there earlier at 16:00. The train paused at Boston Lodge Halt departing at 16:10 and arriving at Porthmadog in the FR platform at 16:16. The departure was signalled by 16:30 and left at 16:44 without running round, a long propel movement across The Cob to the depot!

 

This easterly view (15/3/24) shows James Spooner propelling the three coach rake out of the FR platform at Porthmadog back to Boston Lodge at the end of a busy day. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR and was taken on a web camera.

 

No.143 steam test

Garratt No.143 received a satisfactory steam test on Thursday 14/3/24 prior to its planned use on Snowdonia Star services which recommence on 23/3/24.

 

F&WHR 14/3/24

Thursday 14/3/24 was forecast to be a day of heavy rain with temperatures of 10-11C at Porthmadog. There were no trains visible at 09:40 at Tan-y-bwlch but PW staff may have been present. At 09:40 a mixed rake was noted in the FR platform at Porthmadog with the WHR Water Wagon No.2003 on the rear of an Open Carriage and the Romanian Carriage No.2060.

Vale of Ffestiniog came over The Cob at 10:30 propelling a flat bolster wagon carrying 4 rails and several sleepers and stopped in the WHR platform. The train departed at 10:42 for the WHR.

 

This easterly view (14/3/24) shows Vale of Ffestiniog propelling a rail bolster wagon through the WHR platform at Porthmadog for some spot re-sleepering and rail replacement on the WHR. Meanwhile a mixed rake with the WHR water tank wagon stands in the FR platform. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR and was taken on a web camera.

 

This easterly view (14/3/24) shows Vale of Ffestiniog hauling the rail bolster wagon past the Llyn Bach car park Porthmadog returning from some spot re-sleepering and rail replacement on the WHR. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright Andrew Goodwin (WHHR) and was taken on a phone camera.

 

The Funkey was back at 12:17 having deposited the rails and sleepers besides the track probably in the section before Beddgelert. The train continued to Boston Lodge 5 minutes later. At 12:55 Upnor Castle ran round an 8 coach rake in the WHR platform and was signalled to shunt by 13:00. The rake was shunted into the yard at 13:08 with the loco flying the Welsh flag. The diesel coupled to the water tank wagon in the FR platform at 13:13. The train departed at 13:23.

Lyd arrived in the FR platform with a three coach train from the Woodland Wanderer rake at 14:02 (coaches Nos. 21, 10 and 11)and ran round soon after arriving. The train departed back to Boston Lodge about 5 minutes later.

 

Alsthom to run new Wrexham service

Alsthom, who provide rolling stock for the franchises, is to work with SLC Rail to run the new open access Wrexham Shrewsbury and Midlands Railway service to Euston, planning to start in 2025. The new operator is likely to pass DfT scrutiny as Avanti is abandoning its only Shrewsbury service this summer (see story below). See Rail Advent news story.

 

F&WHR 13/3/24

Wednesday 13/3/24 was forecast to be a day of heavy rain with temperatures of 9-10C at Porthmadog. There were no trains visible at 09:00 at Porthmadog or Tan-y-bwlch but PW staff were present at Tan-y-bwlch. At 09:30 Vale of Ffestiniog was noted light engine at Tan-y-bwlch in the Down line platform. The loco left light engine at 09:39 towards the east and no other trains were noted during the day.

 

Whole year timetable now available

The F&WHR has produced a whole year timetable suitable for those who like to 'hop on/hop off' at intermediate halts. Some of the halt timings are missing, particularly from the WHR and The Cwellyn times will be added later. While most trains have an extra un-booked coach added for such 'hop on/hop off' services passengers can only be accepted at intermediate halts if there is space. The guards will do their best to find space but the Woodland Wanderer is sold on a compartment basis and there may be no compartments free. This timetable represents the base level of service. Certain trains are duplicated on days according to demand and passengers should look on line on their day of travel to confirm any extra services that may be running or for cancellations. It is likely there will be Festive services on 1/1/25 which are not shown in the timetable. On occasion the base service may not run or advertised duplicates cancelled because of operational difficulties.

This timetable is unlikely to be printed and distributed but those who wish can print out their own copy of the PDF from the following website.

F&WHR SUMMARY TTs 2024 v6 (festrail.co.uk)

To magnify these images hover over images and click CTRL twice then use scroll to adjust to desired size.

 

F&WHR 12/3/24

Tuesday 12/3/24 was forecast to be an overcast day with temperatures of 10C all day at Porthmadog. There were no trains visible at Porthmadog or Tan-y-bwlch at 09:15 but PW staff were present at Tan-y-bwlch. No train movements were noted today.

 

Avanti abandons Shrewsbury trains from June

Avanti, now running under Direct Award control by the DfT, is to abandon train services from Shrewsbury that provide direct London connections to Mid Wales. This hopefully makes it more certain the new Open Access operator Wrexham, Shropshire & Midlands Railway, operating to Euston on this route, will have better loadings through Shrewsbury and Telford. The route is via Walsall, Sutton Park and Nuneaton though it appears at least this one direct path Avanti are abandoning might be available to them.

 

F&WHR 11/3/24

Monday 11/3/24 was forecast to be a day of light cloud with temperatures of 7-10C at Porthmadog. There were no trains visible at Porthmadog or Tan-y-bwlch at 08:55. At 09:03 Vale of Ffestiniog arrived at Tan-y-bwlch wrong line light engine from the Porthmadog direction before continuing to the east 3 minutes later. No other train movements were noted during the rest of the day.

 

BBC Archive YouTube: Colonel Campbell's train 1975

Click on the YouTube link to watch 8 minutes 53 seconds of video including a ride with Simplex The Colonel and Upnor Castle on a Dduallt service. This video is copyright BBC and was published in 1975. It is best viewed at 1080p with Chrome and was videod by the BBC.

 

Blaenau Ffestiniog works complete

The platform improvement works at Blaenau Ffestiniog were finished in early March well in advance of the start of the new season. The platform edge kerb stones have been renewed on the main platform face and the central block paving replaced. The tarmac at both ends of the platform has also been renewed. A dropped kerb has been installed at the west end of the station near the water tank and fencing at the very end of the platform. This is to deal with local residents who frequently treat the station as a thoroughfare.

 

PW Supervisor job vacancy

The Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways is looking to consolidate its position as one of the premier tourist attractions in North Wales! To help the F&WHR achieve this the railway is looking to expand its Permanent Way team, which is responsible for the inspection, maintenance, repair and installation of track. The team also undertake other infrastructure related works (fencing, drainage, lineside clearance) in accordance with current and developing F&WHR Company policies and plans.
In order to complete these tasks, the railway is looking to employ a Permanent Way Supervisor, whose permanent, full time role will be based at the Infrastructure Depot, Minffordd, near Porthmadog.
The F&WHR can offer the successful applicant:
🟢 Salaries in the range of £26k – £28k dependent on experience
🟢 Full time hours (40 hours per week), usually Monday to Friday with occasional weekend working
🟢 A minimum of 28 days paid holiday, inclusive of all Bank and Public holidays
If this sounds of interest, head over to the Jobs page to find out more: https://www.festrail.co.uk/jobs/

 

F&WHR 10/3/24

Sunday 10/3/24 was forecast to be a day of light cloud with temperatures of 6-12C at Porthmadog. It was an early start for the trainees at Porthmadog with Vale of Ffestiniog arriving on a six coach train by 09:25 in the WHR platform and running round at 09:29 while the trainees went to the signal box. The train shunted to the FR platform at 09:42 once the trainees had boarded and appeared to be The Quarryman rake with coach No.103 in the consist. At Tan-y-bwlch there was no activity to be seen on Sunday morning.

Another group of trainees was present at Minffordd wearing orange PW protection gear observing operation of the Mineral Line junction. The train consisted of the FR Mess Car No.1111 with top and tail diesel locos, probably Harlech Castle at the east end and Upnor Castle at the west end if required. This train departed at 09:45 towards Porthmadog and arrived at Pen Cob Junction at 09:50 before shunting into Boston Lodge yard. This allowed the signals to be cleared for the Funkey to depart Porthmadog but the rake set back instead and the trainees rejoined the train from the signal box. The Funkey shunted up and down the FR platform at around 10:10 and at 10:30. At 10:47 the rake was shunted back to the WHR platform as the trainees rejoined from a well earned break in Spooners.

At 10:58 the train departed for Minffordd. Trainees got off at Minffordd and were shown how to operate the loop and Mineral Line Junction from 11:15-11:25. At 11:45 the train was back in the WHR platform at Porthmadog and the Funkey ran round at 11:48 before shunting the rake to the FR platform at 12:05. At 12:47 the front three coaches were shunted into the seawall siding and back at 12:56. The train departed at 13:18 for Minffordd passing there about 10 minutes later.

The trainees were out at Minffordd Mineral Line Junction at 13:54 when Harlech Castle arrived hauling the cable drum wagon and FR Mess Car No.1111 running wrong line into the loop. Once the S&T train had cleared the area, the Funkey having already run round, hauled its train back towards Porthmadog at 14:00. At 14:10 the train reversed into Boston Lodge depot to close the day's training session.

 

F&WHR 9/3/24

Saturday 9/3/24 was forecast to be a day of sunny periods and temperatures of 7-11C at Porthmadog. No trains were noted at either Tan-y-bwlch or Porthmadog in the morning. Vale of Ffestiniog turned up light engine in the WHR platform at 13:30 and a second train appeared to be shunting at Pen Cob junction. At 13:35 the Funkey left for Pen Cob Junction passing through adverse signals and the longer then waited at the junction before starting back to the station at 13:45. The diesel and six coach train arrived in the WHR platform at 13:50 with what appeared to be The Quarryman set with coach No.103. Some 10-20 trainees got off to examine the signalbox and its workings. Run round came at 13:53 and the train departed 10 minutes later and was propelled back into the FR platform. At 14:10 the loco uncoupled and shunted light engine to the WHR platform to give trainees, who now exited the signal box, practice with operations. The loco ran through the Britannia Bridge section next and came back to the WHR platform at 14:26 and then repeated the manoeuvre arriving back at 14:46 when the trainees returned from the Britannia Bridge tramway section. The loco coupled up and after the trainees revisited the signalbox, set off at 15:02 to perform the shunt into the WHR platform. The end of the trainee exercise came at 15:12 when the train departed for the depot.

 

This easterly view (9/3/24) shows Vale of Ffestiniog running round its train in the WHR platform at Porthmadog for the benefit of trainees. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR and was taken on a web camera.

 

NLHF March 24 update

Click on the YouTube link to watch 8 minutes 53 seconds of video including progress with the new Small Loco Shed where concrete work has been completed. Ducting for water and drainage is being completed outside before the fan of tracks connects to the shed internal tracks. Internally, The Small Loco Shed is almost finished, needing just a few extras like compressed air lines. This video is copyright F&WHR and was published on 3/09. It is best viewed at 1080p with Chrome and was videod on a 4K camcorder by John Wooden (F&WHR).

 

Station Hosts needed

The start of a brand-new season is fast approaching and the F&WHR is counting down the days to welcome visitors back to the much-loved railways! In preparation for this new season, the F&WHR is looking for new Station Hosts, to help greet customers at Harbour Station in Porthmadog and at Tan-y-Bwlch Station (there are also station hosts at Beddgelert and Caernarfon).
This is a fantastic role where you will have an opportunity to meet visitors from across the world.
Station Hosts greet customers, make them feel welcome and special, answer their enquiries and ensure that the customer experience they receive is excellent. If this sounds of interest, head over to the F&WHR Volunteering page: https://www.festrail.co.uk/volunteering/

 

National Lottery Open Week 9-17/3/24
To say thank you for the £30 million raised for Good Causes every week by players, hundreds of National Lottery-funded venues like the F&WHR across the UK will be offering free entry, discounts and special offers throughout National Lottery Open Week.
Any National Lottery ticket, Scratchcard or Instant Win Game can be used to unlock the offers at http://www.nationallotteryopenweek.com/. National Lottery Open Week runs 9-17/3/24 and, this year, aims to encourage people to open up to new experiences.

 

Click on the image to open the advert. Advert copyright F&WHR

 

Free Tours of Boston Lodge
The F&WHR is taking part in The National Lottery Open Week, to say a huge thanks to National Lottery players for their support of the Interpretation and Boston Lodge Project. To celebrate this occasion, on the 15-16/3/24, the F&WHR will be offering free tour with them. It is as simple as that! Visit the NLHF website to book your place: https://nlhfproject.festrail.co.uk/boston-lodge-tours/. There are however limited spaces remaining on 16/3/24.

 

F&WHR 8/3/24

Friday 8/3/24 was forecast to be a murky breezy start but an improving day with a sunny afternoon and temperatures of 5-9C at Porthmadog. At 09:35 there were no trains visible at Tan-y-bwlch but Upnor Castle arrived in the FR platform with a mixed rake for sorting. The loco ran round at 09:45and coupled to the open coach and Romanian coach No.2060 on the rear. At 09:52 seven of the 8 coaches were shunted to the seawall siding leaving the Observation Car in the FR platform. One coach was left there and the remaining 6 shunted back to the FR platform. The three rearmost coaches were removed at 10:10 and shunted to pick up another so four were shunted back into the FR platform at 10:17. At 10:45 the seven coach rake with a service car and Observation car No.2152 Gwyrfai on the rear was shunted into the WHR platform. The sun finally came out as the loco detached and ran to the seawall siding at 11:19 to collect three B wagons of coal which were shunted to the fuelling point. More shunting followed and Upnor Castle eventually left the yard to recouple to the rake in the WHR platform at 11:48. The rake departed for Boston Lodge at 12:06.

At 12:37 Upnor Castle arrived back in the WHR platform with a second rake apparently for sorting out. This rake features an observation car No.2100 Glaslyn and service car next to the loco. The loco ran round by 13:38 and departed for Boston Lodge at 13:44 with no sorting having taken place as it was sorted on Tuesday. At 14:30 Moel-yr-hydd was noted in the WHR platform with the FR's Mess Van No.1111 and some S&T wagons. Run round occurred by 14:50. The train departed at 14:57 towards Minffordd.

 

This easterly view (8/3/24) shows Moel-yr-hydd running round the FR Mess Van in the WHR platform at Porthmadog. This narrow bodied Mines Hunslet loco was purchased from Adrian Shooter's collection last year. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR and was taken on a web camera.

 

At 15:17 Moelwyn was propelling Nesta out of Minffordd Yard as Moel-y-hydd propelled its S&T train into the station with a cable drum wagon with an empty drum. While Nesta is nominally 2' gauge its 'back to back' flange measurements would cause it to derail on F&WHR pointwork so the loco is being transported to Boston Lodge on flat wagon No.192. Moelwyn departed for Boston Lodge at 15:19. At 17:27 the S&T train was propelled back into Minffordd Yard to close the day's activities.

 

This westerly view (8/3/24) shows Moelwyn propelling Nesta (recently transferred from the BLR) and some wagons out of Minffordd yard while Moel-yr-hydd approaches from Porthmadog on the main line with the S&T train. This narrow bodied Hunslet Mines loco was purchased from Adrian Shooter's collection last year and has replaced Moel Hebog as the S&T loco. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR and was taken on a web camera.

 

WHHR new season

The Welsh Highland Heritage Railway will kick off the new season from Monday 25/3/24 with a 5 train a day diesel service from its Tremadog Road terminus. No.590 has been sent to Aberystwyth for repair (see separate story). Coach No.7, the Eisteddfod coach, appeared in its new light blue livery during the WHHR's February coach painting week. Click here for WHHR timetable.

 

This Gelert's Farm view (2/24) shows No.7 in its new blue livery bringing memories of the FR's Toy Railway era of the inter-War years. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright WHHR and was taken on a digital camera.

 

Baldwin No.590 returns to Aberystwyth 26/2/24

It has been several months since No.590 (formerly Imperial War Museum's No.794 in disguise) failed with a hot box shortly after arriving from restoration at the VoR at Aberystwyth. The VoR must have accepted some liability as the loco was returned there in late February as part of several loco moves, with Nesta arriving and placed on a flat wagon from the BLR and Palmerston also going to the VoR. Hugh Napier was selected as shunter of the day rather than a diesel shunter as the FR's General Manager was driving and the same lorry was used for all three moves. WHHR diesel No.4 was used to propel No.590 to Pen-y-Mount Junction which is still operated with switch-rail fitted padlocks rather than rodded to the signalbox. Surely the padlocks could be fitted to levers in the signalbox rather than staff having to scrabble around on the ground every time the link is used?

Hugh Napier hauled the Baldwin to Minffordd, propelling it into the yard and pushing it up the ramp onto the low loader using FR wagon No.192 to reach. Two days later Moelwyn was used to unload Nesta onto flat wagon No.192 and propel Palmerston onto the low loader in poor weather. The loco left for Aberystwyth the next day 29/3/24 in slightly improved weather conditions.

 

Moving Pictures No.89 7/3/24

Click on the YouTube link to watch 31 minutes 37 seconds of video showing the three loco transfers in February and early March. This video is copyright F&WHR and was published on 3/09. It is best viewed at 1080p with Chrome and was videod on a 4K camcorder by John Wooden (F&WHR).

 

F&WHR 7/3/24

Thursday 7/3/24 was forecast to be a day of sunny periods with temperatures of 4-10C at Porthmadog. At 08:50 the KMX tamper/liner was stabled by the signalbox on the Down line at Tan-y-bwlch.

At 10:50 Vale of Ffestiniog was noted on the FR platform shunting rakes of coaches. The loco had propelled a rake including coach No.103 into the platform from The Quarryman set. The train had probably been moved to the yard by 11:30 and the KMX tamper had moved from Tan-y-bwlch by midday and did not appear to return that afternoon. At 12:18 the Funkey shunted out of the yard and back into the FR platform light engine. The four coach rake with No.112 on the rear and No.103 in the centre was pulled forward to the starter signal in the FR platform at 12:54. The train reversed in again at 12:56 and was out again by 13:20 before setting back a minute later. The rake was back out at 13:26 before reversing back again a minute later. More than 10 trainees, possibly guards, were noted on the platform and these movements may have been to train the guards with coupling.

Upnor Castle arrived back in the FR platform with another rake at 16:00 and ran round. The six car rake departed at 16:14 with the four coaches from the morning shunt and an extra two on the rear, possibly forming up The Quarryman rake.

 

Glan-y-pwll activity 2-3/4/24

There are several photos and short videos available showing volunteer activity at Glan-y-pwll depot on the Friends of the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways Facebook page on 2-3/3/24. One video shows the stripped boiler of Mountaineer being drawn out of the shed by Bill. Other videos show Dolgarrog and Andy shunting round the depot. Dolgarrog showed much use during construction of the WHR and Andy is a volunteer built Simplex which includes parts from The Colonel, Lady Diana and Sandra.

 

RAIL ALE appeal for help

The WHR Rail Ale Festival, taking place on the 7-8/6/24 at Dinas, is always a highly anticipated highlight in the F&WHR calendar, featuring Real ales and ciders, live music and catering vans! This year, the Welsh Highland Railway Society are on the lookout for volunteers in order to make this Rail Ale the best one yet! There is a whole range of tasks you can help the WHRSoc. with including the pouring of beer, the selling of tickets or the set-up and take-down. If you would like to get involved, head over to the F&WHR Volunteering page to get in touch: https://www.festrail.co.uk/volunteering/.

 

See video advert.

 

F&WHR 6/3/24

Wednesday 6/3/24 was forecast to be a sunny day with temperatures of 4-11C at Porthmadog. At 08:40 the KMX tamper/liner was stabled by the signalbox on the Down line at Tan-y-bwlch. Down at Boston Lodge Vale of Ffestiniog appeared to be stabled outside the Loco Shed at 13:00 while the KMX had not moved at Tan-y-bwlch. At 13:40 the Funkey arrived in the WHR platform light engine while it appeared a rake had been left at Pen Cob junction. Vale of Ffestiniog ran back to Pen Cob Junction at 13:49 and at 14:00 returned with a 6 coach train into the WHR platform consisting of stock some of which is normally used in The Quarryman rake such as No.103. Several staff got off the train. The loco ran towards the WHR at 14:04 returning at 14:35 to wait by the king point and the crowd on the platform went to look at the king point before returning. This may have been for trainee guards to familiarise themselves with Cae Pawb and tramway road crossing procedures. The loco completed the run round at 14:50 and departed for Boston Lodge at 15:03. The KMX remained stabled at Tan-y-bwlch at 15:10 and did not appear to have been used today.

 

Mountaineer progress report March

Up at Glan-y-pwll depot excellent progress is being made with Alco Mountaineer. All of the boiler tubes are now out of the boiler and both tube plates are clear and ready for inspection. The rest of the boiler has also now been thickness tested which has shown that the plate work is in good condition. These readings need to be documented for future reference and review by the boiler inspector.
The chimney has also been removed now meaning the boiler is ready to be lifted off subject to future arrangements. A wagon has been made ready to accept the boiler once it is ready to be stored. Lastly a start was made on cleaning down the frames. A good first clean was achieved but further work is required. This will lead on to more detailed design work on the chassis and measurement taking to determine the future scope of work required. For images of progress see F&WHR Facebook page.
There are many ways to support the project and get involved. Please find the Mountaineer Appeal page on the Ffestiniog Railway society web site https://www.ffestiniograilway.org.uk/full_article/mountaineer-appeal
The Mountaineer Group has its own website, where they have a selection of items for supporters to purchase to support the project https://www.alco1265.org.uk/. Finally if you would like to get involved please contact pbooth@ffwhr.com for more information on how you can do this.

 

F&WHR 5/3/24

Tuesday 5/3/24 was forecast to be a cloudy day with temperatures of 3-9C at Porthmadog. At 08:30 the KMX tamper/liner was stabled by the signalbox on the Down line at Tan-y-bwlch. It departed towards the west at 09:33. The tamper was back by 17:00.

 

KS4415 progress February

The gear levers have had some attention and are a step closer to being refitted. The levers are held in position by a spring loaded ball bearing that lands in a corresponding dimple in the quadrant. The ball needs to be stiff enough to hold the lever in the right position for high/neutral/low, but still allow the driver to move it between positions. One of the levers had a screw broken off in it, and the position of it made it seem virtually impossible to drill out. However, a brainwave came in the form of a Dremel and a flexible attachment that was just small enough to get in up against the side of the gear lever. The screw was drilled out and the thread in the hole was cleaned up. Volunteers then made new cover plates and installed a new ball bearing and springs.
The next job tackled was fitting the cover for the main drive gears. To make this easier volunteers removed the gearbox, as they were planning to take it out anyway. Fitting the gear cover was relatively straightforward, but even without the gearbox it was a fiddly job working between the frame stretchers and the front sprocket and chain.
The last job volunteers did was fitting the missing clips to the vacuum pipe. For some reason these were missed off when they originally fitted the pipe, so it was good to finish it off properly. Aside from ticking jobs off volunteers also dug out the old exhaust and put it together so they could take some measurements and work out what brackets need making for it. While they were getting excited about engine bits they found the original air filter box too; this needs some cleaning up! Finally they unboxed the MDB4 water pump that has been rebuilt for us as a homework job by one of the volunteers.

The KS4415 Group is hoping to complete the loco and get it working by its centenary on the F&WHR in the summer or 2028. For images see F&WHR Facebook page.

 

F&WHR 4/3/24

Monday 4/3/24 was forecast to be a day of sunny periods becoming overcast later and breezy with temperatures of 6-8C at Porthmadog. There was still a dusting of snow on the top of the Rhinogs and Moelwyns in the morning. At 08:30 the KMX tamper/liner was stabled by the signalbox on the Down line but had left by 10:00. It returned by 12:25 for a staff lunch break but had gone again by 13:45.

Meanwhile, down in Boston Lodge, Vale of Ffestiniog was preparing rakes fore the new season. It was noted shunting outside the new Carriage Shed and came across The Cob at 12:56 with a 10 coach ECS rake to enter the WHR platform. The Funkey ran round at 13:00 revealing coaches Nos.11/12 at the head of the rake.

 

This easterly view (4/3/24) shows Vale of Ffestiniog with a long mixed rake of coaches in the WHR platform at Porthmadog. This rake required sorting in the yard to prepare the rakes for the new season in 3 weeks time on 23/3/24. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR and was taken on a web camera.

 

The train shunted at 13:09 after completing the run round. The rake was shunted into the FR yard and the three rear coaches left behind The remaining rake consisting of two observation cars No.150 Gwynedd and No.152 Eryri Snowdonia sandwiching 4 modern carriages was shunted into a different siding. A further shunt extracted No.150 and the first three coaches. At 13:37 this pulled out of the station with an additional 2 coaches attached including No.124 on the rear and set back into the yard. The rake was pulled forward again at 13:44 leaving No.124 in the siding before setting back into a different siding a minute later. At 13:48 5 the rake was pulled out again with 5 saloons on the rear before setting back again and collecting No.152 now sandwiching 7 saloons. This long rake was propelled back into the FR platform at 14:02.A group of trainee guards/buffet attendants came onto the platform to observe the shunt as well as a group of infant school children and their teachers. The trainees joined the train for staff familiarisation purposes. The train departed at 14:07 heading across The Cob and entering Boston Lodge. Coaches Nos.11/12 were left in the seawall siding to form part of the C set for the Woodland Wanderer.

 

Velinheli refurbishment 3/3/24

Quarry Hunslet Velinheli has moved from the BES boiler inspector regime that covered construction to the local independent inspector who looks after the F&WHR boilers in service. This involved a further hydraulic test along with a thorough exam. All tests were satisfactorily completed on Wednesday 28/2/24.
The engine is now going back together again and solid progress was made on 3/3/24. This includes fitting the ash pan c/w spark arrestor mesh, fitting injectors and water gauges, final fit (hopefully) of saddle tank and even the nameplate and worksplates are on now. A tired but happy Velinheli team left the engine with water in the glass for the first time. A steam test is likely as soon as the smokebox has been completed. For images see F&WHR Facebook page.

 

F&WHR 3/3/24

Sunday 3/3/24 was forecast to be an overcast day with sunny periods later and temperatures of 3-7C at Porthmadog. There was still a dusting of snow on the top of the Rhinogs and Moelwyns in the morning. At 08:50 the KMX tamper/liner was stabled by the signalbox on the Down line and it appeared to stay there all day. Now that Blanche has finished its cab ride Half Term Holiday duties at Caernarfon it might be returned to Boston Lodge light engine.

 

The Snowdonian 20/4/24

With The Snowdonian due to run 20/4/24 already sold out by early March the train will be run again on Saturday 21/9/24. It is possible that Kalahari, NG15 No.134 may be available for the September run!

The April run is planned to be 08:45 from Porthmadog where a light inclusive breakfast can be upgraded to 'full English' at Spooners. Coffee is served on the train and there is a short break at Blaenau Ffestiniog. The train swops locos at Boston Lodge and this allows a non stop service through Porthmadog (assuming Cambrian Coast ERTMS signalling allows). The train will stop at Waunfawr for a buffet lunch at The Snowdonia Parc brewpub (which served real ales, including its own prize winning brews). The final stop will be Caernarfon where a comfort break is allowed before the train returns to Porthmadog. Tea and a sweet treats box will be served on the final leg. Arrival at Porthmadog is planned for 18:10 and Spooners will be available for optional evening meals.

The booked haulage on the FR will be Lilla, Linda and Blanche with Lilla dropping off at Tan-y-bwlch. At Boston Lodge, a locomotive swap sees new 2023 Fairlie, James Spooner and 1879 Fairlie, Merddin Emrys double head to Caernarfon and back to Porthmadog. This will be the first time James Spooner will have been on the Welsh Highland Railway. An unusual chance to see the oldest and newest Double Fairlie locomotives working together.

Lilla is likely to be operating shuttles to Boston Lodge later in the day. At Boston Lodge, and possibly later on, on show at Harbour station, two visiting locomotives – Decauville 0-4-0Ts CHUQUITANTA (Works No.36/1885) and LILY (Works No.648/1912) – courtesy of Jeremy Martin and the Richmond Light Railway team. There is also a chance to see these visitors making a cameo appearance at Beddgelert Station on Saturday.

Locos for the September rerun have yet to be confirmed.

 

F&WHR 2/3/24

Saturday 2/3/24 was forecast to be an overcast day of heavy rain with temperatures of 1-5C at Porthmadog. There was a dusting of snow on the top of the Rhinogs and Moelwyns in the morning. At 08:50 the KMX tamper/liner was stabled by the signalbox on the Down line and it appeared to stay there all day. Now that Blanche has finished its cab ride Half Term Holiday duties at Caernarfon it might be returned to Boston Lodge light engine.

 

This westerly view (2/3/24) shows the KMX tamper liner stabled at Tan-y-bwlch. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Nigel Shaw and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

 

Waunfawr resignalling completed 1/3/24

Waunfawr has been resignalled with the internet based computer signalling system devised by Roland Doyle. New distant and illuminated home signals have been installed, shunt tokens, points indicators, wrong line working equipment etc. This should ease the use of Waunfawr as a location to terminate shuttles and special workings during Gala events or out of course working. See F&WHR Facebook page for images.

 

Appeal for help with Waunfawr station gardens

Dafydd Thomas, Chairman of the Cymdeithas Rheilffordd Eryri / Welsh Highland Railway Society, has made a plea for volunteers to help look after the lovely station at Waunfawr. Interested in the opportunity? Find out more below:

 

This northerly view (8/23) shows The Cwellyn passing Waunfawr station last summer in the hands of Lyd. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Nigel Shaw and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.


"We urgently need a small group of volunteers to take on looking after the gardens at Waunfawr Station. The Society has hired a contractor to put the gardens into good shape and he has done an excellent job, so all the hard work has been done.
Apart from the fact that the contractor has other commitments with the growing season now in full swing, the cost to the Society of employing him further will not be a small amount. Since the station opened in the year 2000 the gardens have been maintained by volunteers and we hope that this can now continue.
There is a range of tools available and the cost of any new plants, fertiliser, etc will be borne by the Society. Waunfawr Station has excellent facilities with regularly cleaned modern toilets and a small kitchen where a 'panad'
(cup of tea) can easily be prepared, as well as a refrigerator to keep food fresh. The bonus is that you get to see, close up the trains coming and going from Caernarfon. There is the added bonus of the ‘Snowdonia Parc’ brewpub close by, that has excellent snacks and meals available - as well as real ale, brewed on the premises to slake your thirst at the end of a day’s gardening.
If you’d like to take up the challenge with some fellow enthusiasts, family members or friends please get it touch with me – dthomas@crhe.uk
"

 

F&WHR 1/3/24

Friday 1/3/24 was forecast to be an overcast day after a sunny start with temperatures of 2-7C at Porthmadog. Snow was forecast across North Wales on Friday 1/3/24, particularly above 200m and was noted on the top of the Rhinogs and the Moelwyns in the afternoon. At 08:50 the KMX tamper/liner had already left Tan-y-bwlch to go on site of the recent tracklaying and complete the job. The KMX was back at Tan-y-bwlch by 16:00 and staff prepared to leave at the end of their shift.

 

Looking back 15 years

It is 15 years since the WHR was finally linked to the FR on 28/2/2009. Reproduced below is the coverage of the event from this website's archives and a contemporaneous F&WHR video.

 

Click on the YouTube link to watch 5 minutes 30 seconds of video showing the Golden Bolts ceremony on 28/2/09. This video is copyright F&WHR and was published on 3/09. It is best viewed at 1080p with Chrome and was videod on a 4K camcorder by John Wooden (F&WHR).

 

Golden Bolts day (28/2/09)

Although the track had been linked up the night before, 28/2/09 (a day chosen as there was no passenger service on the FR) was the ceremonial day for the completion of the rail link. This was to be the first day that locos used the FR/WHR connection, albeit a temporary connection! Bolts placed the night before were removed alongside Spooner's patio around midday. The day was dull but at least it was mild and did not rain. A special working came across The Cob with No.87 leading Merddin Emrys and Palmerston and two B wagons (the later for use a photographers' platform).

 

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This easterly view (28/2/09) shows the special working approaching Harbour Station crossing The Cob. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Nigel Shaw and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

 

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These easterly and westerly views (both 28/2/09) show the completed rail link between Cob Records and the start of the WHR platform at Spooners. A white line has been marked on the edge of the platform and a stop block placed just west of Spooners. The platform edge kerb stones had been removed but will be set against the platform edge in due course. The extended FR platform is delineated as a dropped down crossing in the foreground. Click on the images to enlarge. These images are copyright Barrie Hughes and were taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Images post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

 

Just before loco movements began the General Manager Paul Lewin showed the 'Golden' Bolts along with the FR's trowel first used in 1833 to lay the FR's foundation stone. The bolts were actually aluminium/bronze alloy.

 

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This easterly view (28/2/09) shows the General Manager Paul Lewin with the trowel and bolts. This was the first loco to use the link. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

 

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This view (26/2/09) shows the alloy bolts. One is inscribed for each track gang. Even the order of the language is different! Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Roger Dimmick (FR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

 

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This northerly view (28/2/09) shows the track gang leaders Dafydd Thomas on the left and Paul Bradshaw on the right doing up their respective bolts. One is inscribed for each track gang. Even the order of the language is different! Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Roger Dimmick (FR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

 

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This easterly view (28/2/09) shows No.87 entering the WHR link for the first time at 1410. This was the first loco to use the link as nothing had travelled on it the previous day. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

 

Large crowds, hundreds strong, gathered to watch the event. Merddin Emrys (a loco used to test the bridges on the WHR back in 1923) also ran onto the WHR connection leaving a space between the two locos either side of the bolt site.

 

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This westerly view (28/2/09) shows Merddin Emrys (one of the locos that operated on the WHR in 1923) entering the WHR link for the first time. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

 

Palmerston then shunted the B wagons into position so photographers could see over the assembled masses.

 

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This southerly view (28/2/09) shows Palmerston (one of the locos that operated on the WHR in 1923) almost dwarfed by B wagons that were hauled into the adjacent sidings to provide a higher viewpoint for photographers. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

 

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These easterly views (both 28/2/09) show No.87 close to the stop-block at Spooners. Click on the images to enlarge. These images are copyright Barrie Hughes and were taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Images post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

 

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This westerly view (28/2/09) shows Merddin Emrys and No.87 with the North Wales Track Gang on the site after the bolts had been fitted. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

 

After the photo-calls, Merddin Emrys was removed and Palmerston shunted onto the WHR connection around 1500 with former WHRCL CTRL Manager David High in charge.

 

The three locos were positioned around the WHR for a final photo-call.

 

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These westerly views (both 28/2/09) show Merddin Emrys shunting in the station and Palmerston with No.87 on the WHR connection. Click on the images to enlarge. These images are copyright Barrie Hughes and were taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Images post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

 

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These westerly views (both 28/2/09) show Palmerston and No.87 on the WHR connection. Click on the images to enlarge. These images are copyright Barrie Hughes and were taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Images post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

 

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This westerly view (28/2/09) shows Palmerston shunting off the WHR connection as the event finished. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

 

Before the three locos assembled on The Cob to return to Boston Lodge, Merddin Emrys hauled the B wagons out of 2 road with former WHRCL Manager Roland Doyle in charge.

 

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This westerly view (28/2/09) shows Merddin Emrys hauling the B wagons out of Harbour Station. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

 

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This westerly view (1970s) shows Linda leaving Harbour Station crossing the WHR point. At this time even the Good's Shed (now Spooners) had a siding point. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Phil Waldren and was scanned from a 35mm negative. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

 

F&WHR 29/2/24

Thursday 29/2/24 was forecast to be a day of sunny periods with temperatures of 3-8C. Snow was forecast across North Wales on Friday 1/3/24, particularly above 200m. At 09:45 Harlech Castle was noted stabled by Tan-y-bwlch signalbox in the Down line light engine. Vale of Ffestiniog turned up at the same time at Porthmadog king point after crossing The Cob. The loco dragged 3 coaches into the WHR platform. Harlech Castle had left Tan-y-bwlch by 10:00. The Funkey reversed its train down the platform at 10:45 and picked up goods from a platform trolley nearer to the signalbox. The train waited there until 13:44 before the loco propelled the coaches back to Boston Lodge. The KMX tamper/liner was stabled on the Down line at Tan-y-bwlch by 16:30, ready to finish off the latest piece of track to be relaid.

 

This easterly view (29/2/24) shows Vale of Ffestiniog with three coaches in the WHR platform at Porthmadog. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR and was taken on a web camera.

 

Dukedog on display at Aberystwyth

The Bluebell Railway had lent the VoR Dukedog No.9017 Earl of Berkeley for display at Aberystwyth. These locos used to haul trains on the Cambrian Coast into the 1950s. Allelys delivered the loco by road transporter on 28/2/24. See Cambrian News story which contains a short video of the delivery. See also VoR news story.

 

Nesta moved for refurbishment

Earlier this week Nesta, a Penrhyn Quarry locomotive, departed from the Bala Lake Railway Heritage Centre on her journey toward being returned to steam in the not-too-distant future. Currently Nesta, which is now owned by the Richmond Light Railway in Kent, has been moved to Boston Lodge and will be on display at the new behind-the-scenes tours which are scheduled to commence this summer. You can read more about the plans for Nesta at https://www.festrail.co.uk/nesta-conservation-plan/.

As a result it was a busy day at Minffordd yard, though a horrible day weather-wise, but - in the middle of all the torrential rain and mist - there were 'comings and goings'. Quarry Hunslet Nesta (Works No.704 of 1899) arrived from the Bala Lake Railway / Rheilffordd Llyn Tegid. The loco has been bought by the Richmond Light Railway and has come to the F&WHR for assessment prior to its restoration to operable condition, during which great care will be taken to conserve as much of the original as possible.
With Nesta transferred from the low-loader onto an ex-RAF wagon, it was the turn of Palmerston to be moved onto the trailer - ready for its move to the Vale of Rheidol Railway (which will take place 29/2/24).
Palmerston is heading off to Aberystwyth for display in the VoR's new museum alongside other celebrity locomotives. Later in the year, Palmerston will enter the VoR workshop for an overhaul and return to steam - ready for an appearance at the 'Rheidol Steam Festival' event over their August Bank Holiday weekend event.

Moelwyn was used to shunt the dead locos. See F&WHR Facebook page for images.

 

F&WHR 28/2/24

Wednesday 28/2/24 was forecast to be an overcast rainy day with temperatures of 6-9C. At 08:00 Harlech Castle was noted stabled by Tan-y-bwlch signalbox in the Down line. The greasers were out today maintaining the pointwork at Harbour Station. Upnor Castle turned up at 09:40 propelling the FR's Mess Car No.1111 into the yard at Porthmadog. At 09:41 Harlech Castle set off to the west from Tan-y-bwlch light engine. Upnor Castle departed the yard at 10:15 dragging the Mess Car and stopped just beyond the king point before returning towards Boston Lodge at 10:25. Harlech Castle returned to Tan-y-bwlch in the late afternoon to stable overnight on the Down line as normal.

 

Spring comes to Tan-y-bwlch tea room

1/3/24 is the first day of Spring as well as being St David's Day. The Tan-y-bwlch tea room will reopen at weekends from 10:00-15:00 to serve visitors to the station from 2/3/24 even though trains will not arrive until 23/3/24.

 

WHR 27/2/24

Tuesday 27/2/24 was forecast to be an overcast day with rain later and temperatures of 3-10C. At 09:15 Harlech Castle was noted being started up by Tan-y-bwlch signalbox. It propelled the wagons out of the station towards the west at 09:31. A cold snap is forecast for Friday/Saturday with hill snow forecast above 200m. Four locos had been moved around depots yesterday and two more were due steam tests today in preparation for the start of services for the new season in 4 weeks time. Porthmadog station contained a rake a coaches and a few B wagons full of coal for the fuelling point. Coaches are also receiving routine maintenance checks to ensure complete rakes are available for the new season.

Harlech Castle arrived back at Tan-y-bwlch just before 13:30 and staff left for work elsewhere.

 

F&WHR 26/2/24

Monday 26/2/24 was forecast to be a sunny day with temperatures of 1-8C. At 08:30 Harlech Castle was noted stabled by Tan-y-bwlch signalbox with its two DZ wagons. It had not appeared to have moved all weekend.

 

Waverley to call at Holyhead!

Waverley, the last ocean going paddle steamer, will call at Holyhead this year for the first time this century! There are three dates in June covering routes between Seacombe Pier in the Mersey and Holyhead Dock and Llandudno Pier. The trips are run in conjunction with Mersey Ferries. See advert below.

 

Click on the advert to enlarge.

 

No.134 report Jan/Feb 2024

Adrian Strachan, leader of the No.134 Group, gives a detailed report which reveals the locos will soon be paired with its tender and is likely to reach a stage where it can be tested later this year.

Evening all, as the dark nights recede the possibility of Kalahari action in North Wales increases, following another great month of volunteer input on No.134. At the late Jan and Feb working parties, sometimes at weekends and sometimes during the week, we have made many steps closer to completion.
Checking the Heusinger gear resulted in a requirement to adjust the fireman's side lifting arm to ensure equal mid gears, but the return crank angles proved very close to expectation so no rectification needed there. All in all - better than expected after all the work done over 15 years to the bottom end of the loco by many staff and volunteers. Final setup of the piston valves is left to do.
At the heart of the boiler the brick arch support pegs and angles were completed allowing the first set of firebrick arch segments assembled in the firebox following a few days curing in the heater box. This marks the completion of firebox works so the firehole door assembly was final fitted. Surrounding this area the firebox was then lagged and the recently painted cladding sheets final fitted on top.
Directly below, under the cab footplating, the loco to tender interfaces were worked with the mounting eyes for safety chains fitted to both vehicles, and the injector water pipes completed, now only awaiting the opportunity to position the tender behind the loco to connect up and test movements. Due to length of the loco & tender and the sharp radius curves in Boston Lodge carriage shed the hoses between the two vehicles have to accommodate a lot of movement, so some innovative routing and suspension methods have had to be applied here to hopefully ensure no leakage or damage to hoses in traffic.
Forward of the injectors the large diameter copper pipework for their steam supplies have been formed into the shape required to drop down from the steam turret, avoiding handrails and stay covers, and arrive at the steam elbow interfaces. The Dinas machinists are presently producing mountains of bronze swarf as a by-product of the creation of the impressive large nuts and unions required for the feed water supply pipework. There is a lot more work to come in this area! But the polishable pipework has started well
The small lube pipework from the 2 mechanical lubricators to the Krauss-Helmholtz truck, Steampipes & Cylinders was completed at the February working party and awaits testing once the lubricator drives are completed by the Dinas staff. As the cylinder bore feed oil pipes were completed, the Cylinders were lagged and the cladding sheets fitted.
Also at the working party the boiler handrails were fitted for the first time and the stanchions we previously fitted can now be drilled and pinned to secure them in position.
The vacuum train pipe on the loco has now been worked back to the cab and awaits the final positioning of the brake ejector in the next week or two for connecting in. The routing of the vac pipework on the loco is completely new, running just inside the driver's side frame plates rather than bolted along the outside of the running plates as in SAR service.
Late in February one of our volunteers spent a week in the workshop and as part of this the tender sandboxes were fabricated, and the stainless handrails fabricated to their mounting brackets and fitted to the cab. The renovation of the car-catcher for the front of the loco has been started, utilising expired boiler tubes as per SAR practice, but this time donated from F&WHR resident Hunslet Britomart! The spindle & gauge plate which mounts atop the firebox has been formed and trial fitted and work will continue on this next time.
The tender vacuum pipework is now 95% complete requiring only the termination of the hard piping under the front dragbox, then we will await shedpace to get the tender behind the loco and connect the flexibles, as per the water supply pipes.
On the tender a large package completed has been the bunker insert, which raises the bunker floor by 100mm to give a more ergonomic shovelling height, and takes the opportunity to include a sump drain under the coalspace and avoid shovelling welsh liquid sunshine onto the fire too often! This assembly is bolted in and easily removable from the tender, the interfaces matching to the fuel tank we have designed in the conversion kit for when the loco may be required to switch easily from coal to liquid fuel in future.
At the February working party the rear headlamp returned, now also fitted with its battery and LED cluster and was final mounted on the tender. The ladder for loco crew to access the tender top was mounted at the rear, and the brackets for flange lubrication sticks were mounted to the rear bogie back axle. Underneath the tender a specific packer was made to ensure the correct alignment of the brake beam support bracket and when fitted this completed all the rigging now. We did suffer an unexpected setback as the handbrake column became seized due to insufficient tolerance between the shaft and housing, this has been dismantled for modification.
134 is really starting to look the part, and we have high hopes to be out of the line this year if we continue to get the financial and skilled support we need for the completion tasks. There is certainly an impressive amount of volunteer input going in from the team. Many thanks to all who have, and continue to, contribute to the project!

For images see Adrian Strachan's Facebook page.

 

F&WHR 25/2/24

Sunday 25/2/24 was forecast to be a day of light cloud with temperatures of 4-8C. At 08:00 Harlech Castle was noted stabled by Tan-y-bwlch signalbox with its two DZ wagons. It did not appear to move all day.

 

F&WHR 24/2/24

Saturday 24/2/24 was forecast to be a day of light cloud and sunny periods with temperatures of 4-7C. There was a dusting of snow on the Rhinogs. At 08:30 Harlech Castle was noted stabled by Tan-y-bwlch signalbox with its two DZ wagons . It did not appear that the train moved all day and it was still present in the evening.

 

F&WHR 23/2/24

Friday 23/2/24 was forecast to be a day of showers and sunny periods with temperatures of 3-7C. There has been a little overnight snow on the peaks. At 08:45 Harlech Castle was noted stabled by Tan-y-bwlch signalbox with its two DZ wagons as workers arrived. At 09:04 the train departed with spent ballast towards Dduallt. At 09:57 the loco propelled the two empty waggons back into the station and waited additional duties. It had gone to the worksite by 10:5 and back again in the Down line by12;00. The loco left at 12:00 to the east leaving the two wagons in the platform but was back again around 14:30 and was shut down as staff left for the weekend.

 

F&WHR 22/2/24

Thursday 22/2/24 was forecast to be a rainy day with temperatures of 4-7C but improving later. At 09:00 Harlech Castle was noted stabled by Tan-y-bwlch signalbox as workers arrived. The loco eventually departed about 10:45. At 13:13 the loco propelled the two DZ wagons through the station from east to west via the Down line. The loco and wagons were back by 15:30 and shut down as staff went home at the end of the day.

 

Main Line news 21-22/2/24

The Penmaenmawr stone train has restarted. Colas liveried No.70802 worked 6K33 the Penmaenmawr Quarry Colas to Longport on 21/02/24.

The Conwy Valley Line saw a 5 coach NR test train today top and tailed by former EPS loco 37612 with 37254 Cardiff Canton on the rear as it made its way back to Chester.

The May timetable change does not show restitution of the midday loco-hauled Holyhead-Cardiff so the North Wales Coast has become the Cinderella Line with almost all the Mk4 stock allocated to Swansea/Cardiff-Manchester several times a day. TfW seems to think Class 153s will do for North Wales! To think that at one time the NWC Main Line had loco hauled trains from Holyhead/Bangor/Llandudno to Birmingham International and Manchester and even some Transpennine workings!

 

F&WHR 21/2/24

Wednesday 21/2/24 was forecast to be a day of drizzly periods and fog with temperatures of 7-11C but improving later. At 09:20 Harlech Castle was noted passing through Tan-y-bwlch at speed light engine on the Down line from the east having departed about 09:00. The loco arrived back at 11:09 in the Down line hauling the two empty DZ wagons in very wet conditions but had gone by 11:22. The loco was back stabled on its own by the signal box at 15:25 as workers left at the end of the day.

 

Free ‘Behind The Scenes’ Tours of Boston Lodge

Ever wondered what goes on at the F&WHR's historic Boston Lodge workshops? Well wonder no more... as there are three ‘Behind the Scenes’ tours taking place over the coming weeks!
13:00 – 28/2/24
13:00 – 11/3/24
10:00 – 27/3/24
Experienced Tour Guides will take you on a fascinating guided walk around the works, explaining progress on the restoration work of both listed and new buildings, showing you all that is going on in the Erecting Shop, as well as an opportunity to admire the craftsmanship at the Carriage Works.
These tours will be free to all, whether you are a steam train enthusiast or simply curious to see what goes on at the works!
Please note some age and accessibility restrictions apply, further details on the NLHF website:
https://nlhfproject.festrail.co.uk/workshops/
Book your tickets by contacting James Kindberg: jkindberg@ffwhr.com.

 

Getting the railway ready for the new season

Sue Sharp reports: Megabash weekend is 23-24/3/24 and is an event for FR Volunteers who would like to help prepare the railway for our visitors at the beginning of the new season. There will be work around the railway for those who enjoy Gardening, for those interested in Electrical work at Boston Lodge and for those who would enjoy using their DIY skills with the Buildings Department.
On this occasion the Company provides a special train to Tan y Bwlch café on the Saturday evening to enjoy a two-course meal together at the café. There is no charge for the train but we do have to pay for the two-course meal.
If you would like to join us, please let me know -
1) which days you can work with us?
2) which department you would like to work with?
3) and if you would like to join us for the meal?
Do ask any questions if you need to know more.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Please email Howard Wilson on
volunteer@ffwhr.com OR leave a message with us and we will come back to you!
📷 Penrhyn Hostel Team. Thank you Sue Sharp
We can't promise sunshine but we can promise lots of laughs!

 

F&WHR 20/2/24

Tuesday 20/2/24 was forecast to be a day of drizzly periods with temperatures of 8-10C. At 08:45 Harlech Castle was being started up at Tan-y-bwlch and had left by 09:15. Down in Porthmadog, families on Half Term Holidays were already wandering around Porthmadog station looking for trains at 09:00. At 11:23 Harlech Castle arrived light engine from the west presumably for staff to collect tools as it departed for the worksite by 11:27. The loco was back again at midday receiving some attention possibly topping up windscreen washer liquid before returning to the worksite at 12:08. The loco and wagons were back stabled by the signalbox by 16:20 as staff had finished for the day.

 

Linda's Beddgelert trip 19/2/24

This easterly view (19/2/24) shows Linda hauling a short 4 coach rake passing through the Aberglaslyn Pass. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera.

 

This easterly view (19/2/24) shows Linda hauling a short 4 coach rake approaching Cemetery Crossing with the village in the background. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera.

 

Additional photos are available on F&WHR Facebook page.

 

Free tours of Boston Lodge

The F&WHR is taking part in The National Lottery Open Week, to say a huge thanks to National Lottery players for their support of the railway's Interpretation and Boston Lodge Project. To celebrate this occasion, on the 15-16/3/24, the railway will be offering free tours of Boston Lodge to visitors who bring a National Lottery ticket or scratch card with them. It is as simple as that!
Visit the F&WHR's NLHF website to book your place.

 

Click on the advert to enlarge.

 

F&WHR 19/2/24

Monday 19/2/24 was forecast to be a day of sunny periods with temperatures of 8-11C. There was quite a surprise this morning with Linda in the WHR platform at Porthmadog at 09:15 with a four coach rake. The train left towards Caernarfon at 09:18 but probably only went to Beddgelert/Rhyd Ddu as it was back by 11:45 and departed at 12:10 for the depot which it entered at 12:15.

 

This easterly view (19/2/24) shows Linda hauling a short 4 coach rake departing Porthmadog presumably for Dinas. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a webcam.

 

Up at Tan-y-bwlch Harlech Castle which had been stabled by the signal box all weekend had left with a works train by 09:30. It was back stabled by the signalbox with the two DZ wagons by 17:15.

 

Recruiting for the new season

The F&WHR is looking for new seasonal staff. The countdown is nearly over as next month, the F&WHR will be ready to steam into the 2024 season as they look forward to welcoming visitors once again!
The railways currently have a number of new job vacancies available across various departments, including;
🔵 CARRIAGE CLEANERS
🔵 CHEFS
🔵 COMMERCIAL ASSISTANTS
🔵 FOOD & BEVERAGE ASSISTANTS
🔵 ON-TRAIN STEWARDS
… and more...!
If any of these jobs take your interest, see the F&WHR jobs page for more details!
Click here to view full job descriptions: https://www.festrail.co.uk/jobs/

 

F&WHR 18/2/24

Sunday 18/2/24 was forecast to be a cloudy day with temperatures of 7-12C with sunny periods later. Up at Tan-y-bwlch Harlech Castle was stabled by the signal box at 09:00 and appeared not to have moved over the weekend. Vale of Ffestiniog must have returned from Dinas yesterday as it arrived in the WHR platform coming across The Cob at 08:30 with the six coach rake that was taken to Dinas yesterday. This was probably a training course for guards. The train ran round at Minffordd at 08:50 and was noted back in Porthmadog WHR platform and having run round by 09:45.

The train departed at 09:50 before coming to a sudden stop on the king point. The train reversed into the WHR platform at 09:52 and again at 09:58. About 10 trainee guards got off the rear coach at 10:00. Signals indicated shunting was taking place in the yard but no loco was noted so it was probably a test. It appeared connections were examined for vacuum problems or guard training. The front two coaches were split off and then reconnected at 10:10. A further splitting and coupling attempt was made at 10:15 with final departure coming at 10:24. The train headed to Minffordd to run round at 10:55 before departing at 11:12 for Porthmadog. Arrival in the WHR platform came at 11:24 and the 10 trainee guards made their way to Spooners whilst others examined the couplings and vacuum connections.

 

This westerly view (18/2/24) shows Vale of Ffestiniog hauling the Quarryman rake arriving at Minffordd on a Guards training exercise. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a webcam.

 

The sun came out in the afternoon and Velinheli was noted making a run across The Cob between Boston Lodge and the WHR platform. The loco arrived light engine at 15:22 and departed again at 15:44. The train was back again at 16:26 drawing a wagon possibly giving a treat to the Young Rail Professional volunteers and departed for Boston Lodge at 16:33.

 

This easterly view (18/2/24) shows Velinheli arriving at Porthmadog with a wagon full on volunteers. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a webcam.

 

F&WHR 17/2/24

Saturday 17/2/24 was forecast to be a cloudy overcast day with temperatures of 8-11C with yellow warning of heavy persistent rain in the afternoon and continuing into Sunday evening. Up at Tan-y-bwlch Harlech Castle was stabled by the signal box at 08:50. An ECS working was noted passing Minffordd at 09:13. Vale of Ffestiniog then ran round and was noted being shut down in the station at 09:30. Upnor Castle passed through the loop at 09:40 with a PW train including the FR Mess Car No.1111 and wagons with sleepers and rails heading towards Boston Lodge. This train was propelled from Pen Cob Junction into the yard to complete trackwork alterations for the new Small Loco Shed, courtesy of the Young Rail Professional volunteer group. At 13:00 staff returned to the Funkey stabled in Minffordd platform. What appeared to be the six coach Quarryman set then departed at 13:25 towards Porthmadog, arriving in the WHR platform at 13:35. At 13:40 the train departed, heading towards Dinas with its 6 coach train.

 

This easterly archive view (17/2/24) shows Vale of Ffestiniog hauling the Quarryman rake towards Caernarfon. This is the first train noted going towards Caernarfon since 1//1/24. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a webcam.

 

As well as Porthmadog, holidaymakers were noted visiting Tan-y-bwlch and even turned up at Minffordd to look at the ECS train.

Up at Dinas Blanche was booked to be giving cab ride duties over this weekend and next for Half Term Holiday visitors to Caernarfon. The General Manager has explained that the FR cannot offer Half Term holiday trains as Boston Lodge is being dug up to reorganise utility services. However, an ECS passenger train did depart Boston Lodge today and ran via Minffordd and Porthmadog towards Caernarfon (see above). So it appears the excavations at Boston Lodge do not explain the absence of Half Term holiday services on the WHR from Porthmadog or Caernarfon. Given that the Bala Lake and Tal-y-llyn Railways are both offering such services over the next few weeks it appears to be a commercial decision not to offer these services.

 

Mainline trains

The Aberystwyth Log train ran on Friday 16/2/24. 6C56 the 15:48 Aberystwyth to Chirk Kronspan left at 15:45 but became late after Welshpool. Despite being 48 minutes late whilst changing locos at Coleham LMD (Shrewsbury), the train arrived on time at Chirk after reversing at Chester in the absence of a facing crossover at Chirk. The train was hauled by a 97304 and HNR livery Class 37 inside but usually has a Colas loco inside to cope with the heavy gradient up to Talerddig summit. See H18-PDW Photography YouTube clip.

 

F&WHR 16/2/24

Friday 16/2/24 was forecast to be a day of light cloud with temperatures of 8-10C. Up at Tan-y-bwlch Harlech Castle had left probably on works train duty by 10:30. The loco propelled the two DZ wagons into the Down line by 10:50 and headed west at 11:00 propelling the wagons to the worksite. The loco was back in the Down line ECS wrong line at 12:21 for a lunch break but shut down for the rest of the day as staff went elsewhere.

Up at Dinas Blanche was booked to offer cab rides over the weekend (and is booked for next weekend too) for Half Term Holiday visitors to Caernarfon. The General Manager has explained that the FR cannot offer Half Term holiday trains as Boston Lodge is being dug up to reorganise mains services. While this would affect trains starting from Porthmadog on the WHR too it does not explain the absence of services from Caernarfon given that the Bala Lake and Tal-y-llyn Railways are both offering such services.

 

Loco Roundup YouTube 16/2/24

Click on the YouTube link to watch 20 minutes 39 seconds of video showing progress with locos. This video is copyright F&WHR and was published on 16/2/24. It is best viewed at 1080p with Chrome and was videod on a 4K camcorder by John Wooden (F&WHR).

 

Nesta to be based at Boston Lodge

The as yet unrestored former Penrhyn Quarry Hunslet Nesta (No.704 of 1899), which was repatriated from Puerto Rico, is the subject of a deal between the F&WHR and the Richmond Light Railway. The loco will be exhibited initially in its unrestored state at Boston Lodge as part of the new workshop tours, but subsequently will be restored at the works for operation on the RLR. https://www.festrail.co.uk/nesta-conservation-plan/. The loco will soon arrive on the FR from display at the BLR.

 

Statesman Railtours 2024

Statesman will operate several railtours to North Wales this year although Holyhead seems to be off the schedule and no railtours originate from North Wales which Statesman seems to regard as an economically depressed area. In addition to a trip to the Llandudno Victorian Extravaganza Statesman from Woking, Salisbury and Bath on 6/5/24, there are four Snowdonia Statesman trips to Blaenau Ffestiniog with optional FR add-ons to Tan-y-bwlch from the following starting points:

15/5/24 Chesterfield, Leicester and Nuneaton

19/6/24 Cardiff, Chepstow and Birmingham New Street

17/7/24 Chester-Le-Street, Leeds and Stalybridge

4/9/24 High Wycombe, Banbury, Birmingham International

Trains will call at intermediate stations. See Statesman Rail website for full details.

 

F&WHR 15/2/24

Thursday 15/2/24 was forecast to be a drizzly overcast day with temperatures of 8-11C. Up at Tan-y-bwlch Harlech Castle had left probably on works train duty by 09:15. The loco passed through the Down line wrong line light engine at 12:30 heading east. The loco was back light engine and stabled by the signalbox at 15:40 as staff went home for the day.

Up at Dinas Blanche was probably on shed awaiting its cab ride duties over the next two weekends for Half Term Holiday visitors to Caernarfon.

 

10% off James Spooner merch!

To celebrate winning the HRA ‘Coiley Award for Steam Locomotive Engineering’ (for the building of the F&WHR's new Double Fairlie) the Retail Manager has reduced the price of James Spooner souvenirs by 10% until the end of February. This is an exclusive ‘online only’ offer for orders placed through the F&WHR webshop.

 

Click on the advert to enlarge. Items shown are listed below. Image copyright F&WHR.

 

What’s included?
▪ Mug – Two designs (were £7.99, now £7.19)
▪ Glass Placemat – Two designs (were £9.99, now £8.99)
▪ Acrylic Keyring (was £2.99, now £2.69)
▪ Acrylic Fridge Magnet (was £2.99, now £2.69)
▪ Slate Coaster (was £5.99, now £5.39)
How does the discount work?
The discount will applied automatically to the offer items included in your basket when you are ready to checkout.
Simply click the link below to go to the webshop's selection of ‘James Spooner’ items:
James Spooner merchandise.

 

Hanson & Hall Railtours to visit North Wales

Hanson and Hall of Keighley, the Class 50 owning rail logistics company that works with RailAdventure, will be offering railtours this year. An initial tour to North Wales has been announced for 20/7/24 using their short Mk1 set from the Chiltern Hills (probably High Wycombe). In addition to H&H's No.50008 Thunderer another loco will be required, probably top and tailed. See H&H website for details of railtours.

 

F&WHR 14/2/24

Wednesday 14/2/24 was forecast to be a drizzly overcast day with temperatures of 10C all day. Up at Tan-y-bwlch Harlech Castle was still present in the loop at 08:45. There was further shunting around mid day with the loco turning up light engine with lights on in the fog and departing to the west shortly afterwards. The loco was back by late afternoon and resumed its position stabled by the signalbox. Up at Dinas Blanche was probably on shed awaiting its cab ride duties over the next two weekends for Half Term Holiday visitors to Caernarfon. Half Term Holidaymakers were noted on the platform at both Porthmadog and Tan-y-bwlch at various times but there were no trains to greet them.

 

Palmerston to be displayed, repaired and run at VoR

Despite the WHHR's problems with No.590, the Vale of Rheidol Railway and the F&WHR have agreed a collaboration to run 1864-built steam locomotive Palmerston at the VoR later this year. The loco will thus be back in steam faster than the F&WHR could manage from its own resources. Palmerston visited the VoR several times between 1913-1922 before being required for WHR construction and most recently it visited the VoR again in 2014. This widely travelled loco even visited the BLR in 2018. Out of boiler ticket since 2022 the loco is currently stored in the Old Loco Shed.

 

This westerly archive view (2014) shows Palmerston tackling the steep gradients in the Rheidol valley towards Devil's Bridge. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a webcam.

 

The locomotive will arrive at Aberystwyth in late February, and will spend the first half of the 2024 season on static display in the VoR's new Museum, Display & Events building at Aberystwyth station in the former Loco Shed. The locomotive will then enter the VoR workshops in July, for work to return it to traffic. Palmerston will then feature (in steam) as the star guest at the line’s ‘Rheidol Steam Festival’ event from 24-26/8/24 where it will be hauling trains to Devil’s Bridge (presumably double headed with an air braked loco). Palmerston will return in late September to take part in the FR's Bygones event. It seems it will miss the WHR SuperPower weekend.

See full story here.

 

Chinese C2 Loco project news

After a quiet few months, the CR volunteers are resuming their regular monthly updates. Work has been proceeding on various components including the expansion links and the design of the new boiler has been progressing. See C2 website.

 

F&WHR 13/2/24

Tuesday 13/2/24 was forecast to be a rainy overcast day with temperatures of 7-9C. Up at Tan-y-bwlch Harlech Castle was still present in the loop at 08:00. The loco had left on works duties by 09:50. DZ 1424 and another wagon, both empty, were shunted into the Down platform by 12:30. The loco returned to join the wagons in the late afternoon. Up at Dinas Blanche was probably on shed awaiting its cab ride duties over the next two weekends for Half Term Holiday visitors to Caernarfon.

 

Loco projects review

Taliesin's power bogie is being refurbished and the wheels re-profiled. New tubes will soon be fitted followed by a hydraulic test to approve the boiler for another 10 years. Work has yet to start on checking Welsh Pony's shifted crank pin problem that sidelined the loco last September. Prince is also set to see some progress in 2024 with fundraising for a new boiler as the last certificate expired 9/22. The NG15 No.134 Kalahari needs about £50,000 more spending on it to complete. The loco has cost almost £630,000 so far. The loco has been OOU since 2020.

Work also continues at Glan-y-pwll depot on the Alco Mountaineer. The 1863 Mountaineer project at North Bay Rail Engineering Services Darlington continues to make good progress on this original design side tank version of the England engines. The private project to complete Gowrie, a single Fairlie of dubious steaming ability ordered for the PBSSR but used on the NWNGR. The loco was sold in 1918 and never saw use on the WHR which opened in stages over 1922-23. Work is currently underway on the coal bunker, cabs and side tanks plating, having a wheeled rolling chassis. Work is also underway on the trailing unpowered bogie. For further information about Gowrie, click on the Gowrie website. What is surprising is that there is no project to recreate Moel Tryfan, a single Fairlie used on both the WHR and the FR right up to closure being scrapped by the new FR management in 1954.

 

F&WHR 12/2/24

Monday 12/2/24 was forecast to be a sunny but chilly day with temperatures of 4-8C. Up at Tan-y-bwlch Harlech Castle was still present on its own in the loop at 08:30 and did not appear to have moved over the weekend. The loco was started up at about 09:00 and set off on works duties by 09:15. It was noted shunting around the station ar 09:25 and was back at 09:30. The loco returned at 14:30 with a wagon and was shut down for the day. Up at Dinas Blanche was probably on shed awaiting its cab ride duties over the next two weekends for Half Term Holiday visitors to Caernarfon.

 

North Wales main line news 2-12/2/24

On 2/2/24 97303 Dave Berry hauled a tamper to Porthmadog from Tywyn. The loco returned light to Shrewsbury Coleham LMD later. Tampers need to be hauled as they do not have ERTMS fitted.

All seven Class 67 hauled rakes are being extended to include an extra Mk4 coach by the end of March. Selective door opening is required because of some of the shorter platforms on the Marches route.

The Aberystwyth Logs does not appear to have run on 9-10/2/24.

On 12/2/24 Europhoenix (hired to ROG) No.37800 Cassiopeia (ex Glo Cymru) hauled a Class 175 DMU No.175114 (sidelined at Holyhead) going to store at Barton under Needwood. No.37510 was on the rear. See Deiniol Williams excellent photo on Facebook's Railways of North Wales page.

 

Steam driving courses at the WHHR

The 2024 Driving Courses are now bookable at the WHHR. A full day course is £700 available on 19-26/4/24, 3-24/5/24, 19/7/24 and 4-11-18/10/24. Evening courses are available any day the railway is operating steam (check timetable). A taster experience for £45 is also available on steam days. Contact WHHR steam driving experience to book.

 

No news about Baldwin No.590

Several months have now passed since the no-show of No.590 after it was failed with hot bearings the day before its was due to appear at the WHR100 Gala. Many supporters hope that a year on it might appear at the F&WHR's September SuperPower event but there is no news so far. Steam Railway Magazine made a short YouTube about No.590 including some archive footage to whet the appetite. With Russell shortly due to be withdrawn for its 10 year overhaul it seems sadly unlikely the pair can appear together for some years.

 

Click on the YouTube link to watch 5 minutes 22 seconds of video showing No.590 at the WHHR including some archive footage. This video is copyright Steam Railway Magazine and was published on 11/24. It is best viewed at 1080p with Chrome and was videod camcorder by Tim Dunn.

 

F&WHR 11/2/24

Sunday 11/2/24 was forecast to be a mixed day with temperatures of 3-9C and some sunshine later. Up at Tan-y-bwlch Harlech Castle was still present on its own in the loop at 08:15 and did not appear to move all day. Up at Caernarfon Blanche was booked on Sunday and over the next two weekends to give cab rides to visitors who might visit the station at Half Term Holidays.

 

Success at Heritage Railway Association Awards 10/2/24

The Coiley Award for Steam Loco Engineering went to the F&WHR for its new double Fairlie James Spooner. The F&WHR also won the Rising Star Award for its Osian Hughes who joined the Marketing Department in 2020. See F&WHR Facebook page for full details. The Llangollen Railway won the Infrastructure Award for the completion of Corwen Station.

 

Fare issues

F&WHR fares have been rising with inflation as the costs of providing the service rise. The F&WHR currently promotes round fares for complete journeys (Disneyfication experiences as some detractors suggest) and the price of these journeys may be off-putting for those holidaymakers on low incomes or with families with adult teens. When faced with these prices on the website some people will baulk at visiting the railway even though they are in the area, in favour of cheaper entertainment. For example the Snowdonia Star experience for a husband, wife and adult teen son/daughter would cost £166.95 including booking fee! This particularly hits the WHR with its longer journeys.

Potential passengers may feel intimidated about seeking lower fares at the booking office in a queue and there is little or no promotion of turnback fares in literature/on websites. Rather than losing the trade of such groups, turnback journeys could be promoted at roughly half the fare e.g. Caernarfon-Rhyd Ddu by changing into the Harbourmaster off the morning Snowdonia Star or in the afternoon, getting off the return Harbourmaster at Rhyd Ddu and joining the returning Snowdonia Star. Similar opportunities exist for both morning and afternoon from Porthmadog to Beddgelert/Rhyd Ddu. This gives a Cwellyn type journey out of the Cwellyn's Summer season twice a day or an extended Aberglaslyn type journey on days when The Aberglaslyn is not running. While the F&WHR would no doubt like to fill its trains with full fare passengers, trains do not usually operate fully booked except in the high season, so filling spare seats with these economy fare options seems a sensible way of garnering marginal income.

 

F&WHR 10/2/24

Saturday 10/2/24 was forecast to be a sunny day with temperatures of 4-10C. Temperatures were forecast to rise a little over the weekend. Up at Tan-y-bwlch Harlech Castle was still present on its own in the loop at 08:15 and was still there at the end of the day. From 08:30 steam was being raised at Boston Lodge. This was Blanche being prepared for its cab rides at Caernarfon later in the day.

Blanche came over The Cob light engine at 09:20 but paused by the king point for several minutes before stopping near the signal box at 09:26 for the token. The loco left for Dinas at 09:30 and was expected to offer cab rides in Caernarfon over the three weekends of the Half Term Holidays starting 10/2/24. The loco might be expected to arrive at Caernarfon at about midday.

 

This easterly view (10/2/24) shows Blanche making a light engine move to Dinas to offer cab rides at Caernarfon over the 3 weekends of Half Term Holidays, starting today. This was probably the first steam engine on the WHR since 1/1/24! Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a webcam.

 

Timetable dates in March

The Gelert Explorer runs TThSX from 24/3/24.

The Snowdonia Star runs TThSO from 23/3/24.

The Harbourmaster runs TThSO from 23/3/24.

The Aberglaslyn runs WSuO from 27/3/24.

The Woodland Wanderer runs FSSuO from 29/3/24.

The Mountain Spirit runs daily from 23/3/24.

The Quarryman runs FSuX from 25/3/24.

There are no Victorian services in March.

With the Snowdonia Star and The Harbourmaster running on the same day it is possible to make return journeys from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu or Porthmadog to Beddgelert/Rhyd Ddu on both the morning or afternoon departures.

 

Tornado midnight test run on Cambrian?

Tornado is the test engine for the signalling trials of ETC on the ECML. It is apparently to be tested on the Cambrian too. NR reneged on promises 13 years ago to provide a mobile ERTMS signalling unit for visiting traction. This has had the effect of banning visiting steam and heritage diesel excursions on the Cambrian Coast and WCR's regular summer dated Cambrian Coast Express steam operation which mirrored The Jacobite on the Mallaig Line. Now the trial ETC unit fitted to Tornado will be tested west of Shrewsbury. See Shropshire star story.

 

Five Cambrian Coast railtours from Pathfinder!

With the Barmouth Bridge reconstruction completed and open all year in 2024, Pathfinder is planning no less than 5 excursions to the Cambrian Coast this year. In recent years there have sometimes been no excursions on the Cambrian Coast so this trend is to be welcomed even though NR require double headed Class 97 haulage west of Shrewsbury. After Shrewsbury, passengers can opt to get off at Barmouth, Minffordd, Porthmadog or Pwllheli.

1) 4/4/24 Reading and stations via Oxford/Birmingham New Street.

2) 18/4/24 East Midlands Parkway and stations via Coleshill Parkway/Birmingham New Street.

3) 16/5/24 Cardiff and stations via Hereford.

4) 5/9/24 Bristol and stations via Bromsgrove/Birmingham New Street

5) 12/9/24 Swindon and stations via Stourbridge Junction/Tame Bridge Parkway

 

Depending on the day passengers could travel on the FR between Minffordd (excursion stops 13:50-17:00) and Porthmadog (excursion stops 14:00-16:45) or vice versa. The F&WHR does not seem to be planning any special services to meet the trains yet and there are no add on fares but it should be possible to do something in 3 hours 10 minutes at Minffordd. The Minffordd stop is advertised as being for a 1 mile walk to Portmerion allowing over 2 hours to visit the famous Italianate village.

It seems the only area that Pathfinder is not offering a tour from is the North West but passengers from this area could join any of the excursions at Shrewsbury. All trains will be hauled by Class 67 to Shrewsbury and double headed Class 97/3 (Class 37) on the Cambrian.

In comparison, trips to the North Wales Coast are few and far between this year with just one trip advertised so far.

8/6/24 Festiniog Express by Vintage Trains from Dorridge with S5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe or S7029 Clun Castle with a diesel loco hauling up the Conwy Valley.

 

F&WHR 9/2/24

Friday 9/2/24 was forecast to be a chilly overcast drizzly day with temperatures of 6-8C as the cold snap ended. Temperatures were forecast to rise a little over the weekend. Steam was being raised at Boston Lodge at 09:00 as Blanche was prepared for its journey to Dinas where cab rides were planned over the Half Term Holiday weekends. Up at Tan-y-bwlch Harlech Castle was still present with the three wagons in the loop but had gone by 10:00. From 11:00 Blanche was running up and down the Carriage Shed presumably on test for the next hour as the mist descended. At 12:20 the loco emerged onto the main line and worked towards the Old Loco Shed presumably to deliver some rolling stock before returning to the Carriage Shed. Later information revealed Prince, Welsh Pony and Palmerston had been moved there.

 

Clearance of Trawsfynydd branch

The closed and disconnected Trawsfynydd branch line south of Blaenau Ffestiniog has become an overgrown rubbish dump and NR has apparently received complaints from neighbours. Some clearance work is reported to be underway.

 

Moving Pictures No.88 9/2/24

Click on the YouTube link to watch 19 minutes 43 seconds of video showing various Winter volunteer projects. This video is copyright F&WHR and was published on 9/2/24. It is best viewed at 1080p with Chrome and was videod on a 4K camcorder by John Wooden (F&WHR).

 

F&WHR 8/2/24

Thursday 8/2/24 was forecast to be a chilly day of sleet and snow with temperatures of 4-6C as the cold snap rolled in. Temperatures were forecast to drop later as a short cold snap with snow was due Thursday/Friday. Snow warnings were in place until 06:00 on Friday and some schools in North Wales had been closed as a precaution. A dusting of snow fell on the Rhinogs but there was no lying snow even at Tan-y-bwlch. More snow was evident at Blaenau Ffestiniog.

 

This westerly view (8/2/24) shows snowfall at Blaenau Ffestiniog with staff on hand to finish the platform works. The number of footprints on the platform indicate it is used by a through route by schoolchildren. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image courtesy Daily Post and was taken on a digital camera.

 

No trains were scheduled to run but works trains and stock transfers were possible with Blanche going to Dinas on Friday in a stock move. A tall crane was working at Boston Lodge at 09:00 and Vale of Ffestiniog was doing some shunting at 09:20.

Up at Tan-y-bwlch, the rake of three wagons and Harlech Castle were still present at 09:00 where they had been left the night before. At 09:24 the diesel propelled the rake out of the station towards the relay site and returned by 16:25 to finish the day's activities.

 

2024 timetable compared

The 2024 timetable is shown above with the 2023 timetable retained for comparison. Dates of operation will be reviewed later. There have been some changes to timings on the FR and this may be to make better connections with the Conwy Valley line. There have been no changes to the WHR timetable.

Woodland Wanderer Up to 4 services will run according to anticipated demand. Trains run earlier with an 09:45 over an hour earlier than the 11:10 first train of last year. The final train is also earlier at 14:50 compared to 15:30 last year which was thought to arrive back too late at 17:40.

The Victorian This new service utilises two of the paths allocated to last year's Woodland Wanderer starting with the 11:50. The Victorian operates on days when the Woodland Wanderer does not operate.

Mountain Spirit The times are similar to last year's two paths but with the 40 minutes layover at Blaenau Ffestiniog extended to 50 minutes which results in the afternoon working getting back a little later at 17:35.

The Quarryman This utilises the same path as last year but with an extended 2 hour 35 minute layover in Porthmadog compared to 2 hours 15 minutes last year and so a later arrival back at Blaenau Ffestiniog.

The Gelert Explorer This runs up to twice a day with the same times as last year.

The Aberglaslyn This also runs up to twice a day with identical times to last year.

The Snowdonia Star This also runs to the same times as last year.

The Harbourmaster This is also unchanged.

The Cwellyn This operates TWThO to unchanged times but only in the high season.

 

New A487 Dyfi bridge opens 2/2/24

The new £46 million A487 Dyfi Bridge opened on Friday 2/2/24. This will ease traffic coming towards the F&WHR from the Aberystwyth area. The old bridge is sometimes closed by flooding on its approaches, a problem now avoided by the new road being on a viaduct across the Dyfi floodplain. This is one of the last TfW road schemes as WAG has paused road building for environmental reasons. It remains to be seen if they will invest the money in new rail schemes such as the Amlwch line or the major TRAWS scheme to reconnect Bangor to Porthmadog and Aberystwyth to Carmarthen or Swansea to provide a North Wales-South Wales rail link within Wales. Most of the bridge is subject to a 50mph speed limit.

See TfW report and BBC report.

 

Click on the YouTube link to watch 3 minutes 5 seconds of video showing the opening of the new A487 Afon Dyfi bridge at Machynlleth. This video is copyright Griffiths, the contractor, and was published on 6/2/24. It is best viewed at 1080p with Chrome and was videod by Griffiths staff using a quadcopter.

 

F&WHR 7/2/24

Wednesday 7/2/24 was forecast to be a chilly day of sunny periods with temperatures of 2-7C as the cold snap rolled in. Temperatures were forecast to drop later as a short cold snap with snow was due Thursday/Friday. No trains were scheduled to run but works trains and stock transfers were possible. The WHR tracks at Porthmadog are looking very rusty again as it appears there have been no movements for a few weeks now. The Up line at Minffordd also looks rusty with fewer works trains noted recently.

Up at Tan-y-bwlch, the rake of three wagons and KMX tamper-liner were still stabled by the signalbox at 08:30 in the Down line. There was no sign of steam being raised at Boston Lodge with Blanche due to be transferred to Dinas depot by Friday. The KMX tamper had left Tan-y-bwlch by 11:00. By 16:30 Harlech Castle had joined the east end of the rake at Tan-y-bwlch and the KMX had not returned.

 

Small Loco Shed progress 7/2/24

Roughly 70 cubic metres of concrete was pumped into formwork to create the floor of the Small Loco Shed on 7/2/24. Rebar was included to make the floor strong enough to bear weight. For images see F&WHR Facebook page.

 

F&WHR responds to Half Term

The F&WHR has finally responded to the absence of any Half Term trains in February compared to the services offered on the Tal-y-llyn and Bala Lake Railway and is providing BLANCHE on cab rides at Caernarfon station in a previously unadvertised move that will cheer WHR supporters. The loco will most likely make the light engine movement to Dinas by Friday 9/2/24. While the FR may be blocked by PW work, the WHR is available for Half Term services from both Porthmadog and Caernarfon with only the occasional lineside clearance trains to pass.

By providing BLANCHE at 'Y Stesion' during the break for footplate rides over the three weekends of 10/11, 17/18 and 24/25 February, the F&WHR is dipping a toe in the water with Half Term Holiday trains. Regular Half Term holiday trains were offered over 2 weeks at the end of February in the years before COVID to cover both English and Welsh schools' holiday weeks. Cab rides will be offered between 10:00 and 16:00 on those days and you can join the driver and fireman in the cab of BLANCHE for a ride through the station area. It is a great way to entertain the family - and it is warm and dry inside the cab if the weather is not at its best!
Caffi De Winton and the station shop will be open as well - and visitors can also see the new interactive displays and information panels that have just been installed. This previously unadvertised service will be a family treat for the many visitors who come to North Wales during Half Term holidays to see the sometimes snow covered alpine scenery.
BLANCHE was built in 1893, by the Hunslet Engine Company of Leeds, to work the Penrhyn Quarry Railway's main-line between Coed-y-Parc, Bethesda and Porth Penrhyn, Bangor. Retired by the quarry in 1962, BLANCHE moved to the Ffestiniog Railway in 1963, following its sister LINDA, where the loco has been kept busy - working trains longer and heavier than it ever did during its time on the PQR! It also acquired a pony truck to improve riding using the trailing bogie wheelsets from the much missed WHR single Fairlie Moel Tryfan.

 

North Wales Track Gang 2-4/2/24

Work took place between Caernarfon and Dinas and later the lineside team moved to the Dinas-Waunfawr section. The works train consisted of Caernarfon Castle with the well wagon occasionally, a B wagon, the WHR Mess Car No.111 and the SAR brake van.

 

This southerly view (3/2/24) shows Caernarfon Castle with the WHR Mess Car No.111 at Hendy Crossing during lineside clearance work. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright Tom Waldren and was taken on a phone camera.

 

This northerly view (3/2/24) shows Caernarfon Castle with the WHR Mess Car No.111 at Caernarfon station during lineside clearance work. The B wagon is full of cuttings. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright Tom Waldren and was taken on a phone camera.

 

F&WHR 6/2/24

Tuesday 6/2/24 was forecast to be an overcast rainy day with temperatures of 2-10C. Temperatures were forecast to drop later as a short cold snap with snow was due Thursday/Friday. No trains were scheduled to run but works trains and stock transfers were possible. The WHR tracks at Porthmadog are looking very rusty again as it appears there have been no movements for a few weeks now. The Up line at Minffordd also looks rusty with fewer works trains noted recently.

Up at Tan-y-bwlch, the rake of three wagons and KMX tamper-liner were still stabled by the signalbox at 08:30 in the Down line, apparently unmoved since Friday. The KMX had disappeared by 10:20 and was presumably working on tamping the relay west of Tan-y-bwlch. The KMX was back in the loop at Tan-y-bwlch by 15:00.

 

Launch of The Victorian service

Click on the advert to enlarge. Advert copyright F&WHR.

 

The new Victorian service will be launched to run on selected dates in April and May. Further dates will be added in due course if the venture is successful. The service will use the FR's Victorian period liveried coaches including No.15 and the bowsiders, bugboxes and probably the curly roofed van. Compartments for up to six persons can be booked. The trains will be hauled by a double Fairlie loco (probably James Spooner) or other vintage loco and have an hour lay over at Tan-y-bwlch for a break in the cafe. Passengers may choose their compartment.

The F&WHR and Tal-y-llyn Railways are proud to be part of the UNESCO Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales as both were built to service the slate industry. The railways are pleased to announce they will be working together to offer an opportunity to try both The Victorian and Tal-y-llyn’s Slate Trail experiences.

The return journey is priced at £33 (children and dogs £3) but it may be possible to take a single journey by returning on one of the alternative FR services which must booked separately. It is possible to purchase two single tickets on The Victorian on days when two services operate. Initially trains will operate TThO from 9/4/24 to 23/5/24 and additionally on a few Saturdays (20/4/24 and 4/5/24). Trains run twice a day at 11:10 and 14:50, arriving back at 13:20 and 17:00 respectively. The Woodland Wanderer will not operate on days when The Victorian runs. The Victorian can be seen as upselling as the return fares are £4 dearer than the Woodland Wanderer being a premium for the Victorian ambience.

 

NG15 No.134 launch?

Assuming Kalahari is completed in time, it is hoped to launch this loco at this year's SuperPower event 14-15/9/24. If the loco is still not ready, guided tours of the loco are likely to be given.

 

F&WHR 5/2/24

Monday 5/2/24 was forecast to be an overcast day with temperatures of 9C all day with misty conditions at times with a short cold snap due Thursday/Friday. No trains were scheduled to run but works trains and stock transfers were possible. The WHR tracks at Porthmadog are looking very rusty again as it appears there have been no movements for a few weeks now. The Up line at Minffordd also looks rusty with fewer works trains noted recently.

Up at Tan-y-bwlch, the rake of three wagons and KMX tamper-liner were still stabled by the signalbox at 09:00 in the Down line, apparently unmoved since Friday. At 19:00 Upnor Castle and Harlech Castle were noted propelling the FR Mess Car No.1111 out of Minffordd loop wrong line towards Porthmadog. Moel-yr-Hydd arrived at Minffordd from Porthmadog at 12:56 propelling a B wagon filled with coal and dragging the FR's Mess Car No.1111. The train reversed into Minffordd Yard at 13:04.

 

2024 tickets on sale 6/2/24

The F&WHR's 2024 season will begin on the 23/3/24 and this year the railway will be running all the journey options that they offered last year, plus a brand new FR addition to the timetable… introducing ‘The Victorian’! There has been no attempt to follow the example of other North Wales heritage railways and offer Half Term services in February on the WHR or any additional service on the WHR in the main season despite last year's promise to promote services more from Caernarfon.

Here are the F&WHR's 9 journey options for 2024:

• Woodland Wanderer : Porthmadog - Tan-y-Bwlch
• The Victorian : Porthmadog - Tan-y-Bwlch
• Mountain Spirit : Porthmadog - Blaenau Ffestiniog
• The Quarryman : Blaenau Ffestiniog - Porthmadog
• Gelert Explorer : Caernarfon - Beddgelert
• The Aberglaslyn : Porthmadog - Beddgelert
• Snowdonia Star : Caernarfon - Porthmadog
• The Harbourmaster : Porthmadog - Caernarfon
• The Cwellyn : Caernarfon - Rhyd Ddu (Summer dated)

Details of all services will be available here from 6/2/24. This link currently gives access to an 18 minute video showing the services.

All trains between late March and early November will be available to book via the F&WHR website. A full analysis of services offered compared to last year will be made in tomorrow's edition of this webpage.

 

Snow alert!

The Met Office has put out a warning for heavier than expected snow on Thursday and Friday 8-9/2/24 for North and Mid Wales from 03:00 to 03:00. See Met Office warnings.

 

Pwllheli Job Fair 7/2/24

The Pwllheli Job Fair is being held on Wednesday, 7t/2/24 at Neuadd Dwyfor 13:00-16:00. Local people looking for a job come and say ‘Hello’ as the F&WHR will be attending the event too. Staff would be happy to have a chat and explain all the exciting opportunities the F&WHR has available including both seasonal and full time jobs.

 

F&WHR 4/2/24

Sunday 4/2/24 was forecast to be an overcast day with temperatures of 8C to 10C with misty conditions at times. No trains were scheduled to run but works trains and stock transfers were possible. The WHR tracks at Porthmadog are looking very rusty again as it appears there have been no movements for a few weeks now. The Up line at Minffordd also looks rusty with fewer works trains noted recently.

Up at Tan-y-bwlch, the rake of three wagons and KMX tamper-liner were still stabled by the signalbox at 08:30, apparently unmoved since Friday. Conditions at Tan-y-bwlch were very misty at first. No other movements were noted.

 

Carriage Works report 2/2/24

It has been a busy week in the Carriage Works. Staff have been busy making the new bottom end headstock for Bowsider Carriage No.20. The old chequer plates have gone and traditional wood has taken their place and it is looking great. Window mouldings have also been making progress and are now dry fitted and, again, these too look great. Meanwhile other staff have been busy repairing the roof of WHR carriage No.2043. For images see F&WHR Facebook page.

 

F&WHR 3/2/24

Saturday 3/2/24 was forecast to be an overcast day with temperatures of 8C to 11C and misty at first but with some sunny periods at the end of the afternoon. No trains were scheduled to run but works trains and stock transfers were possible. The WHR tracks at Porthmadog are looking very rusty again as it appears there have been no movements for a few weeks now. The Up line at Minffordd also looks rusty with fewer works trains noted recently.

Up at Tan-y-bwlch, the rake of three wagons and KMX tamper-liner were still stabled by the signalbox at 08:30, apparently unmoved since yesterday. Conditions were very misty everywhere on the railway at first. At 09:12 the PW train exited Minffordd yard with Harlech Castle propelling the FR Mess Car No.1111, the PW container wagon and two small FR wagons. The train made its way east towards the relay site just west of Tan-y-bwlch with the mist clearing slowly.

 

More NLHF interpretation panels erected

Despite the rain and cold foggy winter weather, the National Lottery Heritage Fund Project bilingual interpretation panels continue to be erected. The second week of installation has gone well with new wall panels and displays installed at numerous locations including Porthmadog. Minffordd, Boston Lodge Halt, and Dduallt but nowhere on the WHR this time it seems! For images see F&WHR Facebook page.

 

F&WHR 2/2/24

Friday 2/2/24 was forecast to be an overcast day with temperatures of 9C to 10C and misty at times. No trains were scheduled to run but works trains and stock transfers were possible. The WHR tracks at Porthmadog are looking very rusty again as it appears there have been no movements for a few weeks now, as is the Up line at Minffordd with fewer works trains noted recently.

Up at Tan-y-bwlch, Harlech Castle was still stabled in the Up line with its rake of three wagons at 10:20 apparently unmoved since yesterday. At 16:06 the loco was missing having left the rake in the platform (including DZ1424) as the fog descended. The KMX tamper-liner was visible at the far end of the rake.

 

2024 Trailffest date changed

The date for the Trailffest run has been changed to 28/9/24. A special train will be run. Registration commences 1/3/24.

 

Hairy Bikers Go West

BBC2's Hairy Bikers have visited the FR. The FR clip will appear during the fifth episode of the programme and will be broadcast on Tuesday 5/3/24 at 19:00.

 

Mainline news 2/2/24

The Aberystwyth log train did not appear to run on 2/2/24 but instead a light engine moved from Porthmadog to Coleham Depot (Shrewsbury) using the same path from Dyfi Junction. The train was 0Z50 the 14:58 Porthmadog-Coleham ISU which had probably taken a tamper to Porthmadog to use as part of weekend PW.

 

F&WHR 1/2/24

Thursday 1/2/24 was forecast to be a chilly day with temperatures of 6C to 8C with light cloud. No trains were scheduled to run but works trains and stock transfers were possible. The WHR tracks at Porthmadog are looking very rusty again as it appears there have been no movements for a few weeks now, as is the Up line at Minffordd with fewer works trains noted recently. Ballast lorries were delivering to Minffordd after 08:15 in preparation for a ballast train to deliver top ballast to the Crossing Bothy relay site, just west of Tan-y-bwlch.

The KMX tamper was noted leaving Minffordd Yard at 08:22 heading for the Crossing Bothy relay site. Up at Tan-y-bwlch, Harlech Castle was still stabled in the Up line with its rake of three wagons at 08:15 apparently unmoved since Friday but had gone by 11:40. The loco was back with its 3 wagons by the signalbox at 14:30.

 

Trackwork Volunteering 2024

Volunteering is currently organised differently due to the Covid-19 outbreak. We have a mix of weekend and weekday working parties. The Black Hand, Tuesday Gang and Rest of the World Gangs will be very glad to accept your help. Contact the relevant organiser to let him know when you plan to join us. Please do not just turn up as that makes it difficult for us to plan ahead.

The programme for 2024 is fortnightly for the North Wales Track Gang in RED but details are still awaited for the ROWG in BLACK:

January   13-14/1/24      
February          
March          
April          
May          
June          
July          
August          
September          
October          
November          
December          

Bank Holiday weekend

! Subject to confirmation when the Winter Major Works Programme is available

WW-Working week Saturday-Thursday

The Tuesday Gang expects to be operating most Tuesdays.

Arrangements may change so contact the working party organiser before you commit yourself to joining us just to make sure.

Contacts

If you intend to join one of the weekend or Tuesday gangs, please contact the appropriate organiser. If you are interested in weekday working or have any queries about track work volunteering, please contact Phil Nock.

Tuesday Gang:

North Wales Black Hand Gang (BHG): Dafydd Thomas Phone: 01248 681019 Email: dthomas@ffw

Rest of The World Gang (ROWG): Phil Nock Email: pnock@ffwhr.com

If you intend to join one of the weekend or Tuesday Gang days, please contact the appropriate organiser. If you are interested in weekday working or have any queries about track work volunteering, please contact Paul Bradshaw. See Contacts page.

Gradient graph

John Hopkins has contributed this image of the gradient profile of the WHR. It makes clear how much of a mountain we have climbed and how steep the drop through Beddgelert is. Maybe most of all, it reveals the challenge facing northbound trains after they stop at Beddgelert!

This image is courtesy/copyright John Hopkins and is derived from data courtesy John Sreeves with additional work by Michael Bentley. Click on the image to enlarge.

Site development

If you have suggestions for development of this site, please contact me by email at the address at the top of the page.

Comments

If you would like to make a comment about this website, why not visit my Guestbook.

If you have a correction or require a reply please leave your email address or, more simply, send an email directly to my email address shown near the top of this page, just after the list of links to other pages.

 

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Maps & Plans and links

Click here for Steve Harris' /WHRS' full list of Historical Maps and Gradient Profiles

DVD material can be purchased from Jon Marsh who is the WHRS' (DVD Only) Mail Order officer. All other materials are now sold in the F&WHRS shop.

Click here for the Mail Order web page

Click here for the Official WHR website

Click here for Official WHHR site

Click here for FR Company websites

Click here for Welsh Highland Heritage Group

 

V4.4816 updated 28/3/24