Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway
Stop Press Page
V4.5056
News (3/12/24)
You are visitor No.
to this website
Modern images updated from 26/11/24
Archive images updated from 28/7/03
Star Picture
No.590 safely tucked away at Gelert's Farm depot WHHR after loaded test trains between the FR and Beddgelert. It was intended the loco would feature in a launch event at the WHHR and in the WHR100 event at the end of June but the loco developed a hot box after several days of testing. 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 1/12/24)
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!
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
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.
To compare with the archived 2023 timetables click here for upper half or here for lower half of the timetable.
Works Visit Shuttle timings
The three coach rake consists of a bugbox, a bogie coach and the Sentrybox brakevan No.3. This changed to a two coach rake by
Mostly twice a day TThSX from 16/10/24
Porthmadog ECS arr | 09:35 |
Porthmadog dep | 10:10/11:20M |
Boston Lodge Halt arr | 10:15/11:30M |
shunt to refuge | 10:20 |
Boston Lodge Halt dep | 12:15/12:30M |
Porthmadog arr | 12:20/12:40M |
shunt to yard | 12:25 |
Porthmadog dep | 15:45 SuX |
Boston Lodge Halt arr | 15:50 SuX |
shunt to refuge dep | 15:55 SuX |
Boston Lodge Halt dep | 17:50 SuX |
Porthmadog arr | 18:00 SuX |
Porthmadog ECS dep | 18:10 SuX |
Times for the hour long Mini tours are shown with an M.
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 last 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 but a rerun of The Snowdonian does occur on Saturday 21/9/24.
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 |
6-7/4/24 | Britomart and Hugh Napier visit Beamish 'Wheels of Industry' Gala |
20/4/24 | The Snowdonian |
4-5/5/24 | Friends of the Ffestiniog events at Porthmadog (standard WHR service) |
6/5/24 | Family Fun Day at Blaenau Ffestiniog with extra return train to Tan-y-bwlch |
11/5/24 | Caernarfon Food Fair (connections available via The Harbourmaster) |
18-19/5/24 | Model Railway Workshop |
27/5/24 | FELINHELI Bank Holiday cab rides Caernarfon Station |
28-30/5/24 | TWThO The Cwellyn Half Term Holiday service |
2/6/24 | PTG Tour with James Spooner solo to Caernarfon and Lyd on the FR |
7-8/6/24 | Rail-Ale (Dinas with connecting shuttles) |
20/7/24-31/8/24 | Saturday cab rides at Porthmadog with VELINHELI or HUGH NAPIER |
26/7/24-2/8/24-9/8/24-16/8/24 | FO Palmerston 12:30 return working Aberystwyth-Devil's Bridge |
24-26/8/24 | Velinheli at Bala Lake Railway Gala |
24-26/8/24 | Palmerston running at VoR Rheidol Steam Festival |
13/9/24 | Palmerston photo charter at VoR |
20/9/24 | Palmerston last day at VoR 'Behind the Scenes' and cab rides at Aberystwyth |
14-15/9/24 | SuperPower and WHRS AGM involving extra trains/launch of NG15 No.134 |
21/9/24 | The Snowdonian II with K1 |
28/9/24 | Trailffest (special train following runners) |
4-6/10/24 | FR Bygones Weekend (may involve additional services on WHR) |
31/10/24 | Final day of WHR trains. Linda offers Caernarfon cab rides |
1/11/24 | Final day of Extended FR Season |
16/11/24 | Christmas Market Caernarfon Station/Y Galeri (NO SPECIAL TRAINS) |
30/11/24-1/12/24 | Christmas Fair at the Gweithdy Minffordd (NO SHUTTLE TRAINS) |
7-8/12/24, 14-15/12/24, 21-22/12/24 | F&WHR Santa Specials Caernarfon-Rhyd Ddu |
7-8/12/24, 14-15/12/24, 21-23/12/24 TBA? | Santa's Grotto at Porthmadog/Cab rides at Porthmadog/Shuttle trips Porthmadog-Minffordd |
28/12/24-1/1/25 | Festive trains on F&WHR - Christmas Cwellyn/Christmas Mountain Spirit |
F&WHR events 2025
Shown below is an early version of the F&WHR Events list for 2025. This is missing some previously regular WHR events such as SuperPower and a likely launch event for NG15 No.134 or the possible return of Baldwin No.590, which many supporters hold tickets for from the aborted launch in 2023. At the moment there is nothing planned for the WHR Society AGM in September. Unfortunately the WHHR's Baldwin Russell will be out of ticket so is unlikely to appear alongside the Baldwin compounding the disappointment when No.590 failed just before the Centenary of the WHR event. As last year, it seems the Snowdonian Limited has been dropped from the schedule and so far there is no rerun of The Snowdonian planned.
Train services start a week later than last year and NO February Half Term holiday services are planned for the second year running despite running such services in pre-COVID timetables and the success of such services on other heritage railways. There do not seem to be any events to support Rail 200, the 200th Anniversary of the Stockton & Darlington Railway, which is being promoted by the government as a major opportunity to celebrate the success of railways across the country.
Date | Event |
1/1/25 | Final Day of Festive Trains |
15/2/25-23/2/25 | Half Term Holiday NO SERVICE currently planned |
29/3/25 | Start of 2025 Season |
26-27/4/25 | The Snowdonian |
3-4/5/25 | Friends of the Ffestiniog events at Porthmadog (probably a standard WHR service) |
10/5/25 | Caernarfon Food Fair (connections available via standard WHR service giving over an hour) |
17-18/5/25 | Model Railway Workshop (Gweithdy Minffordd with possible shuttle trains?) |
13-15/6/25 | Rail-Ale (Waunfawr with connecting shuttles) |
20-22/6/25 | FR Soc. 70th Anniversary (standard WHR service likely) |
13/9/25-14/9/25 | WHR Society AGM NO SUPERPOWER currently planned |
27/9/25 | Trailffest with extra train from Tan-y-grisiau paralleling runners |
3-5/10/25 | FR Soc AGM and Bygones Gala (probably a standard WHR service) |
6-7/12/25, 13-14/12/25, 20-21/12/25 TBC | F&WHR Santa Specials Caernarfon-Rhyd Ddu/Santa's Grotto at Porthmadog |
6-7/12/25, 13-14/12/25, 20-21/12/25 TBC | Cab rides at Porthmadog/Shuttle trips Porthmadog-Minffordd |
28/12/25-1/1/26 TBC | Festive trains on F&WHR - Christmas Cwellyn/Christmas Mountain Spirit |
This table will be updated as new information is received. Items marked in black are currently either not mentioned at all or to be confirmed.
Christmas Timetables
Santa Special timetable
Runs 7-8/12/24, 14-15/12/24, 21-22/12/24
Station | Time | Time |
Dinas ECS dep) | 09:15 | |
Caernarfon ECS arr) | 09:30 | |
Caernarfon dep) | 10:00 | 13:40 |
Rhyd Ddu arr) | 11:05 | 14:45 |
Rhyd Ddu dep) | 11:35 | 15:15 |
Caernarfon arr) | 12:45 | 16:15 |
Caernarfon ECS dep) | 16:45 | |
Dinas ECS arr) | 17:00 |
Passengers receive a complimentary food hamper. Children receive a present and adults a glass of sherry.
Christmas Cwellyn timetable
Runs 28/12/24-1/1/25
Station | Times | Times |
Dinas ECS dep) | 10:00 | |
Caernarfon ECS arr) | 10:15 | |
Caernarfon dep) | 10:45 | 13:45 |
Waunfawr arr) | 11:15 | 14:15 |
Rhyd Ddu arr) | 11:45 | 14:45 |
Rhyd Ddu dep) | 12:15 | 15:15 |
Waunfawr arr) | 12:45 | 15:45 |
Caernarfon arr) | 13:15 | 16:15 |
Caernarfon ECS dep) | 16:45 | |
Dinas ECS arr) | 17:00 |
Enquire with booking office for hop on-hop off fares and return trips from Rhyd Ddu to Caernarfon.
Christmas Mountain Spirit timetable
Runs 28/12/24-1/1/25
Station | Time | Time |
Boston Lodge ECS dep) | 09:30 | |
Porthmadog ECS arr) | 09:35 | |
Porthmadog dep) | 10:00 | 13:30 |
Minffordd dep) | 10:10 | 13:40 |
Penrhyndeudraeth dep) | 10:15 | 13:45 |
Tan-y-bwlch dep) | 10:40 | 14:10 |
Tan-y-grisiau dep) | 11:05 | 14:35 |
Blaenau Ffestiniog arr) | 11:15 | 14:45 |
Blaenau Ffestiniog dep) | 11:45 | 15:10 |
Tan-y-grisiau dep) | 11:50 | 15:15 |
Tan-y-bwlch dep) | 12:15 | 15:40 |
Penrhyndeudraeth dep) | 12:30 | 15:55 |
Minffordd dep) | 12:35 | 16:05 |
Porthmadog arr) | 12:50 | 16:20 |
Porthmadog ECS dep) | 16:50 | |
Boston Lodge ECS arr) | 16:55 |
Phone Booking Office for availability of hop on-hop off fares. A return journey on the 11:40 from Blaenau Ffestiniog is bookable.
The Santa Grotto/Elf Express shuttle timetable will be amended when more information is received. Runs 7-8/12/24, 14-15/12/24 and 21-23/12/24 between 10:00 and 15:00 with a half hour return journey time.
Suggested timings
Station | Time | Time | Time | Time | Time | Time | Time | Time | Time | Time | Time | Time |
Boston Lodge ECS dep) | 09:30 | |||||||||||
Porthmadog ECS arr) | 09:35 | |||||||||||
Porthmadog dep) | 10:00 | 10:30 | 11:00 | 11:30 | 12:00 | 12:30 | 13:00 | 13:30 | 14:00 | 14:30 | ||
Minffordd arr) | 10:10 | 10:40 | 11:10 | 11:40 | 12:10 | 12:40 | 13:10 | 13:40 | 14:10 | 14:40 | ||
Minffordd dep) | 10:15 | 10:45 | 11:15 | 11:45 | 12:15 | 12:45 | 13:15 | 13:45 | 14:15 | 14:45 | ||
Porthmadog arr) | 10:25 | 10:55 | 11:25 | 11:55 | 12:25 | 12:55 | 13:25 | 13:55 | 14:25 | 14:55 | ||
Porthmadog ECS dep) | 15:00 | |||||||||||
Boston Lodge ECS arr) | 15:05 |
F&WHR 3/12/24
The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Tuesday was for a day of sunny periods with temperatures of 4 to 8C. Sunset is at 16:02 and temperatures are expected to become milder and damper mid week before returning to colder conditions at the weekend. There is no sign of snow around the F&WHR but Snowdon and the mountains should receive snow showers at the weekend to make an alpine background for the Santa Specials. Work was visible at Tan-y-bwlch on the station master's cottage which is being prepared for rental next year. No works trains were observed.
A stop block has been positioned at the entrance to the FR platform which protects the Santa's Grotto set stabled nearer the Booking hall and under the protection of the platform awning. This means the Elf Express shuttle to Minffordd will probably depart from the WHR platform. At the moment the shuttle is advertised as operating between 10:00 and 15:00 but when booking the Santa's Grotto the final slot is shown as 16:20-16:30 with associated shuttle tickets referred to as 'No set time'. The timetable for the shuttle will be refined when more information is received but would appear to be half hourly between 10:00 and 15:00. It is likely the shuttle will return ECS to Boston Lodge shortly after 15:30.
Staff entered the signalbox at 13:00 and removed the stopblock from the FR platform bringing it nearer to the rear of the Santa's Grotto rake. This might allow the Elf Express to depart from the FR platform. Sunshine in the afternoon brought a considerable number of walkers to the Porthmadog platform who used it as a promenade.
Santa Specials sold out?
It appears that the Santa Specials sold out today three days in advance of services starting. It looks like more income could have been made for the F&WHR by running the trains on the first weekend of December additionally as have some of the other heritage railways. Maybe this will be considered next year?
Lineside weekend 7-8/12/24
The new Infrastructure Manager, Jack Blow, is
looking for some assistance with clearing lineside vegetation, before he loses
any more of his regular team of volunteers in the undergrowth!
--------------------
Hi all.
I just wanted to remind everyone of the up and coming lineside weekend on the FR
this weekend, 7th / 8th December.
It would be great to get as many people as possible involved. The lineside
weekends are always good fun - unfortunately I can't guarantee what the weather
will be, although so far it's not looking too bad.
The planned worksites are at Llyn Ystradau (clearing some of the recent growth
which is restricting views) and Rhiw Goch (clearing signal sight lines).
If you plan on attending please let myself know –
jblow@ffwhr.com
All help is greatly appreciated. I hope to see you there.
Jack Blow
F&WHR 2/12/24
The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Monday was for an improving day but overcast and showery at first with temperatures of 0 to 10C. Sunset is at 16:03 and temperatures are expected to remain mild with no sign of snow. Work was visible at Tan-y-bwlch on the station master's cottage which is being prepared for rental next year. No works trains were observed.
New WHRS website
The WHR Society's website is set to be revamped by 15/12/24. Unfortunately the Members' Area will not be accessible and WHRSoc members will need to make a new account once the new area goes live.
The Victorian Train and The Cwellyn mystery
The latest F&WHR advertising suggests that all train services operated in 2024 will be repeated in 2025 and indeed the initials VT for Victorian Train are displayed in the timetables as well as an explanation of what the train will offer in 2025. The Victorian Train will run to Woodland Wanderer timings from 6-23/5/25 and 28/9/25-17/10/25 excepting 3-5/10/25 and 8/10/25. See F&WHR whole year timetable.
CW stands for The Cwellyn service which operates between Caernarfon and Rhyd Ddu and follows the Gelert Explorer or Snowdonia Star out of Caernarfon in timetables C, E and F. The problem is that the base timetable does not show any days allocated to timetable C, E or F. The trains will be added later in the year when demand has been assessed. Last year The Cwellyn ran on TWThO in the peak season.
Medium range forecast predicts another 'wall of snow' (12/12/24)
North Wales is set to receive a dose of up to 20cm of snow by 12-13/12/24 if WX Charts prediction comes true. This might make for a magical experience for the Santa Specials to Rhyd Ddu on 14-15/12/24 if the snow persists a few days. See Daily Express story. More snow is anticipated for the following Thursday 17/12/24 and may last the weekend for the Santa Specials. The Santa Specials have booked well and there is only 1 train with availability as of 2/12/24 and only room for 5 family groups. Maybe the Santa Specials should have been started earlier on 31/11/24-1/12/24 as some other heritage railways did.
Click on the advert to see available Santa Specials.
F&WHR 1/12/24
The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Sunday was for a mild but overcast day with temperatures of 4 to 14C. Sunset is at 16:04 and temperatures are predicted to drop back again to normal next week. No work was visible at Tan-y-bwlch on the station master's cottage which is being prepared for rental next year. No works trains were observed.
Christmas Fair at the Gweithdy but no shuttle! 30/11-1/12/24
There have been many events at the Gweithdy Minffordd this year and all seem to have had a shuttle link from Porthmadog except this Christmas Fair. Last year Blanche and Linda top and tailed the Minffordd Shuttle for this event on the weekend of 2-3/12/23. This year visitors were advised to drive and park nearby or catch a bus!
Click on the advert to enlarge.
First train over new Minffordd point 27/11/24
Click on the Facebook link to watch Upnor Castle on the works train using the new Minffordd Yard point for the first time.
F&WHR 30/11/24
The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Saturday was for a mild but overcast day with temperatures of 10 to 16C. Sunset is at 16:04 and temperatures are predicted to drop back again to normal next week. Work continued at Tan-y-bwlch presumably on the station master's cottage. No works trains were observed.
'How's it all Going 2024'
The 2024 edition of 'How's it all Going/the Diamond Jubilee Appeal/Sustainable Railway booklet dropped in late November. There is much interesting information in the glossy booklet about buildings, infrastructure projects and loco restoration projects but what is also interesting is what it misses out. There is little mention of the proposed Beddgelert station building. This building has become essential since the station became a 'frontier station' with both Gelert Explorer and Aberglaslyn services terminating there and laying over for at least an hour. Better toilets and at lease some shelter are needed given the occasionally poor weather conditions at Beddgelert. A cafe to provide refreshments is also advisable.
F&WHR 29/11/24
The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Friday was for a mild day of sunny periods with showers later and temperatures of 10 to 16C. Sunset is at 16:05 and temperatures are predicted to rise towards the weekend before dropping back again to normal next week. Work continued at Tan-y-bwlch presumably on the station master's cottage. No works trains were observed.
The north loop point at Dinas and access to the yard are scheduled for replacement between Santa Specials on weekdays in December. Other WHR works sees the badger damage to track at Portreuddyn being rectified and track in the Aberglaslyn tunnels T2/3 being relaid with plastic sleepers. After Xmas PW attention moves to the FR with extension of recently relaid section from Tan-y-bwlch further towards Plas Halt.
Moving Pictures No.101 (28/11/24)
Click on the YouTube link to watch 18 minutes 12 seconds of video covering infrastructure matters now that trains are not operating. This video is copyright F&WHR and was published on 18/11/24. It is best viewed at 1080p with Chrome and was videod on a 4K camcorder by John Wooden (F&WHR).
2025 Tickets on Sale now!
Tickets for the 2025 services are NOW ON SALE and trains start running on 29/3/25. This year the F&WHR are running all the journey options that they made available last year, offering something to suit everyone! A trip on the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways makes the perfect Christmas gift so why not book your 2025 visit now?! Full details on all our services, along with booking links for tickets, are available here. The countdown to the new season at the F&WHR is now officially underway!
Dates are bookable right up to 31/10/25, the proposed end of the 2025 season. The season kicks off on Saturday 29/3/25 with The Mountain Spirit and The Harbourmaster from Porthmadog with the Snowdonia Star starting from Caernarfon. The Easter weekend is quite late this year at 18-21/4/25 and most schools are taking their 2 week break 12-27/4/24.
Having run a full year of 'Disneyfied' services, the F&WHR seems much more confident this year in putting the full year's up in advance compared to last year. In comparison in 2023 (the most recent full year figures) 43% of seats were empty where with the timetables of 2019 pre-Covid, the figure was 64%. Having said that, the F&WHR operates fewer trains now that 2019. The pattern of services is largely the same as last year but the early season The Victorian has been replaced by the standard Woodland Wanderer it seems. It is not certain if the early 09:45 Woodland Wanderer ever operated in 2024. It will be interesting to see if it has been dropped from the full timetable when this is published as opposed to the Calendar view available at the moment.
F&WHR 28/11/24
The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Thursday was for a day of sunny periods and temperatures of 6 to 11C. Sunset is at 16:06 and temperatures are predicted to rise towards the weekend before dropping back again to normal next week. Work continued at Tan-y-bwlch presumably on the station master's cottage. No works trains were observed.
Book Review-'Aberystwyth to Carmarthen'
Aberystwyth to Carmarthen by Geraint Roberts published by Lightwood Press (304pp A4 hardback £40) is a well illustrated account of this long lost rural branch line that connected North to Mid and South Wales as an offshoot of the Cambrian Coast Line. The TRAWS campaign is trying to reopen the line. The book also covers the Newcastle Emlyn and Aberaeron Branches and might make an ideal Xmas present for someone interested in Welsh railway history. Born from the aborted Manchester and Milford Llanidloes-Carmarthen route via Llangurig. The Aberystwyth to Strata Florida section was an afterthought after the mountain section was abandoned by the engineer David Davies as being too expensive with its long tunnel under the Cambrian range and high viaducts over the Ystwyth and other gorges. Before amalgamation with the GWR the railway was in Chancery for much of its life as it was saddled with the debt of a share of Llanidloes station costs on the never completed mountain section.
Advert image courtesy Amazon.
The railway operated from the short bay platform on the south side of Aberystwyth station but was closed after flooding cut the line in the Ystwyth Valley near Llanilar in December 1964. The bay was used by the Vale of Rheidol from 1970 after demolition of the line was completed in the late 1960s. The line south of Strata Florida was closed in February 1965 and lifted after milk traffic ceased in 1970.
The book has extensive text with newspaper extracts featuring contemporary reports and over 1000 illustrations, mostly photographs, with the minority in colour. There are signalling diagrams and map extracts to show station layouts. Traction is shown including freight, passenger, milk trains and excursions. The popular Manor steam locos are well covered as are the Hymeks, Class 37s and DMUs from the later diesel years.
The book could have benefitted from an index. One area that could have been better covered is the never completed route cross the mountains, between Llanidloes, Llangurig and Strata Florida including the mile long Myherin Tunnel, the approach cuttings for which were actually started. Nevertheless there is a short 3 page chapter on the Llangurig Branch which carried one stone train so that the Mid-Wales railway could bill the M&MR for their share of Llanidloes station! The book incorrectly states there are no earthworks west of Llangurig. In fact the route crosses the A44 just west of Pont Aber Bidno and the embankments are present to this day that would have offered a skew bridge like Gethin's Bridge on the Conwy Valley.
F&WHR 27/11/24
The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Wednesday was for a day of sunny periods and temperatures of -1 to 9C. Sunset is at 16:07 and temperatures are predicted to rise towards the weekend. Now the weather has calmed down there may be some need for inspection trains after Storm Bert which could have caused obstructions on the line. A works train was stabled on the Mineral Line at Minffordd at 09:00 no doubt to ballast and tamp the new point fitted yesterday that gives access to Minffordd Yard. At 09:27 Upnor Castle propelled the train out of the Mineral Line into the station and shunted the train onto the main line.
By the end of the day the point was ballasted and tamped and Upnor Castle hauled the first train over the point into the yard. See video of Facebook Festrail Insider webpage.
Santa's Grotto ready for action
The conversion of Harbour Station into
Santa's Grotto is complete. See
Facebook video.
The F&WHR is looking forward to another wonderful festive December here in
Porthmadog. There is going to be so much to see and enjoy during the run up to
Christmas, with Santa waiting to meet your family in his magical Christmas
Carriage Grotto on 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22 and 23 December..!
⛄ The Booking Hall has been transformed into yet another fantastically decorated
Winter Wonderland, complete with memories of Christmas' Past and our now
traditional seasonal 'Kevin the Carrot' display!
But that is just the start of a visit to see Santa in Harbour Station. After
you have had the chance to look through all the delights of the winter wonderland
(feel free to take photos, of course), you venture through the Gift Shop and out
onto the platform.
Here you will see a beautifully decorated steam loco standing at the front of
Santa's special carriages. Take a close look at the Elves workshop, then the
Arctic Animals standing beneath the Northern Lights, before taking your turn to
enter the breath-taking delights of Santa's Grotto.
It is a real treat to see the reaction of young children when they are taken
into the Grotto to meet Santa in his cosy living room. There's time for a chat,
to take photos - and to receive presents from Santa, of course.
But there is still more to enjoy during your time at Harbour Station - before or
after meeting Santa.
One of our small steam locos will be in action, providing footplate rides
through the station for all of our visitors - young and old. There will also be
Elf Express shuttle trains running between Porthmadog and Minffordd during the
day, so you can have a scenic ride across the Cob behind one of our larger steam
locos...
The Gift Shop is open every day for Christmas shopping. The F&WHR has a wide range of
items - local gifts and souvenirs, books, DVDs, games, toys, models etc - to
suit all tastes and ages. Pop in when you are in town or shop online at
festrail.co.uk/shop
♨ Spooner's Cafe-Bar is also open every day from 09:00, offering hot food until
20:00 - alongside its cafe counter service of sandwiches, cakes and other
treats.
✳ So, why not come along and enjoy a family 'Christmas Treat' - staff
would love to see you here.
Tickets to see Santa (as well as tickets for the Elf Express
trains) should be bought in advance wherever possible, to avoid unnecessary
queuing - go to
festrail.co.uk/christmas for more details and to book your visit.
F&WHR 26/11/24
The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Tuesday was for a day of sunshine and temperatures of 2 to 11C. Sunset is at 16:08 and a short cold snap is expected in the mid week. Now the weather has calmed down there may be some need for inspection trains after Storm Bert which could have caused obstructions on the line. However, there did not appear to be any works trains on the F&WHR for the sixth day running. Views of the Cob show the floodwaters slowly dispersing. On Tuesday evening another low pressure system will cross Wales and there is the chance of snow on the mountains as the moist air hits the cold air mass to the north. Santa Specials are still 10 days away though!
PW work continued with the fitting of a new turnout at Minffordd.
This westerly view (26/11/24) shows the new point fitted in the Mineral Line to give access to Minffordd Yard. This point uses recycled plastic bearers. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR taken on a digital camera.
TfW train tracker
TfW's train tracker shows the location of train and the direction of movement (defaults to north if stationary). As it is live the train symbols move slowly across the map. Coloured symbols are TfW trains with green symbols representing on time trains, amber, those delayed up to 10 minutes and red, those more than 10 minutes late. There is a search function and an automatic 'Find my Train' function. Clicking on a train shows its route and opens a panel showing the train's timetable. Click on the TfW link to try the Train Tracker app.
F&WHR 25/11/24
The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Monday was for a day of sunny periods and temperatures of 2 to 11C. Sunset is at 16:09 with showers likely in the evening and a cold snap later in the mid week. There may be some need for inspection trains after Storm Bert which could have caused obstructions on the line. but there was no sign of works trains on the F&WHR for the fifth day running. Views of the Cob show an inland sea as the waters of the Afon Glaslyn pool behind the tidal gates from the storm and thaw. There was over 10cm of rain in a day at Capel Curig. GWR advised its passengers not to travel as several key routes are blocked until NR has a chance to inspect and clear the railways later today.
Welsh Tourist tax bombshell
The BBC has revealed the thinking of Welsh Labour/Plaid Cymru over the suggested Tourist Tax. A £1.25 per person per night is envisaged at hotels/B&Bs/self-catered accommodation (chalets) Hostels and campsites world be 75p per person per night. so a family of 2 adults and two children staying for a fortnight would find their bill rise by £84. AirB&Bs would have to register. If passed the new taxes could be implemented council by council from 2027 and councils could increase the charge after a year following consultation. The aim of the charge is to promote the Welsh language (a Plaid Cymru aim), Tourism and infrastructure/services used by holidaymakers. This might inevitably hit numbers visiting the F&WHR and even volunteers who stay at the Dinas, Minffordd and Penrhyndeudraeth hostels. The Tories and Liberal Democrats have concerns that the charge may stifle tourism. See BBC News story.
F&WHR 24/11/24
The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Sunday was for an overcast day with showers and temperatures of 4 to 13C with a gusts from Storm Bert of up to 50mph in the morning. Sunset is at 16:10 and the storm fades on Monday although the possibility of disruption still exits. Weather warnings for wind and rain were issued by the Met Office for rain from 06:00 Saturday to 06:00 Sunday and for wind from 05:00 to 19:00 today. There was no sign of works trains on the F&WHR for the fourth day running.
The Brecon Mountain Railway was hit by a landslip caused by water running along the side of the track then spilling down the mountainside shelf. This has brought a temporary closure to the line just before the important Santa Season.
F&WHR 23/11/24
The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Saturday was for an overcast day with heavy showers and temperatures of 9 to 16C with a gusts of up to 60mph in the morning. Sunset is at 16:11. There was a dusting of snow at Tan-y-bwlch in the morning and the weekend ahead shows the current cold snap fading with more snow showers turning to rain, strong winds and the possibility of disruption. Weather warnings for wind and rain were issued by the Met Office for rain from 06:00 Saturday to 06:00 Sunday and for wind from 05:00 to 19:00 today.
There was no sign of any activity on the F&WHR today. Platform steps had been blown onto the line at Porthmadog. Deciduous trees seemed to have been stripped of their last Autumn leaves.
Santa Specials filling fast!
Click on the advert to enlarge. Advert copyright F&WHR.
There are just two weeks to go till the first
Santa Train of the season and seats are selling fast!
GOLD seats in FIRST CLASS are already completely SOLD OUT for all 12 Santa
Trains this year.
The four Santa Trains on 21st and 22nd December are all FULLY BOOKED
STANDARD CLASS seats are currently still available on all Santa Trains
over the first two weekends in December, but some will soon fill.
The trains with most spaces available are:
7th December - 13:40
8th December - 10:00
15th December - 10:00
✅ So, if you are looking to bring your family for a ride on a Santa Train, do
not delay in booking your tickets - Santa and his Elves will be here, staff hope
you will be too!
ℹ More information and link to online ticket sales:
festrail.co.uk/christmas
Chocolate Delight at Spooners!
Click on the advert to enlarge. Advert copyright F&WHR.
It may be grey and miserable outside, but Spooners has the perfect antidote for you. Come along and treat yourself to a mouth-smacking, belly-warming, milky hot chocolate delight - topped with cream, chocolate sauce and sprinkles - accompanied by a delicious iced doughnut. Only £4.50 for a truly tasty winter treat!
F&WHR 22/11/24
The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Friday was for showers and sunny periods and snow showers on the mountains with temperatures of 1 to 9C with a biting wind. Sunset is at 16:12. There was a dusting of snow at Tan-y-bwlch in the morning and the weekend ahead shows the current cold snap fading with more snow showers turning to rain, strong winds and the possibility of disruption. A weather warning for snow and ice was issued by the Met Office for ice from midday Thursday to 10:00 Friday. The Rhinogs still displayed the dusting of snow they showed on Tuesday but it was slowly fading. Further snowfall was forecast for higher ground over 100m and snow flurries were noted at Tan-y-bwlch where workers continued on the stationmaster's house. No works trains were observed.
The forecast for Saturday featured yellow warnings for heavy rain and wind as storm Bert hit Porthmadog. Gusts of up to a damaging 58mph were predicted.
John Prescott RIP
John Prescott passed away on 20/11/24 aged 85. He was born in Prestatyn but spent most of his life in the Humberside area where he worked as a steward on a cruise ship for a couple or years. He became an ardent trade unionist and Labour MP for Hull in 1970, rising to become Deputy PM in Blair's 1997 New Labour administration and healing rifts between right and left within the party.
At a time when opposition was growing to the extension of the WHR through the Aberglaslyn Pass and the Millennium Grant was in question John Prescott took a pivotal role in securing the future of the WHR by approving the WHR Order 1999 on 28/6/99 against the advice of the Inspector's Report and after 17 months of delay at the DoETR. It was his final action as Secretary before responsibility for T&W Orders passed to the Welsh Assembly who had said they would call in the scheme in view of the opposition of farmers, the SNPA and National Trust. See Ben Fisher's 1999 News Archive.
F&WHR wins Go award
On 21/11/24he F&WHR won the Go Attraction of the Year North Wales Tourism Award on 21/11/24 sponsored by SF Parks which runs 5 holiday camps in North Wales.
F&WHR 21/11/24
The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Thursday was for sunny periods and snow showers later with temperatures of 0 to 7C with a biting northerly wind. Sunset is at 16:13 and the week ahead shows the current cold snap continuing with more snow showers, freezing night time temperatures and the possibility of disruption. A weather warning for snow and ice was issued by the Met Office for ice from midday Thursday to 10:00 Friday. The Rhinogs still displayed the dusting of snow they showed on Tuesday but it was slowly fading. Further snowfall was forecast for higher ground over 100m.
There were snow flurries at midday at Porthmadog and staff were at work at Tan-y-bwlch today. Storm Bert was forecast for the weekend bringing heavy rain and gales but with snow on the leading edge then a warming. No works trains were noted today.
Santa Specials booking well
Santa Specials begin in two weeks and must be booked in advantage, as must the Santa's Grotto at Porthmadog. There will be local music groups and singers providing entertainment at Caernarfon Station, with time to browse the shop or enjoy a tasty treat from Caffi de Winton. The Gold tickets are fully booked and the Standard tickets for the final day 22/12/24 are also fully booked.
F&WHR 20/11/24
The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Wednesday was for a brighter showery day after initial hail with temperatures of -1 to 5C with a biting northerly wind. Sunset is at 16:14 and the week ahead shows the current cold snap continuing with more snow showers, freezing night time temperatures and the possibility of disruption. A weather warning was issued by the Met Office for snow and ice until 10am Wednesday. The Rhinogs still displayed the dusting of snow they showed on Tuesday. Tan-y-bwlch was deserted but had a dusting of snow and ice.
This easterly view (20/11/24) shows Harlech Castle with a fully laden ballast wagon departing for the WHR work site at 09:16 with the Rhinogs still dusted with snow above 200m contour experiencing further snow showers. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR taken on a webcam.
The train returned to Porthmadog at about 15:00 with an empty ballast wagon and headed for Minffordd Yard, reversing into the Mineral Line at 15:14.
This westerly view (20/11/24) shows Harlech Castle with empty ballast wagon arriving wrong line at Minffordd at 15:12 before reversing into the yard. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR taken on a webcam.
F&WHR 19/11/24
The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Tuesday was for a brighter day after snow showers with temperatures of -2 to 7C .Sunset is at 16:15 and the week ahead shows the current cold snap continuing with more snow showers, freezing night time temperatures and the possibility of disruption. A weather warning has been issued by the Met Office and certain main roads were closed today by snow or, more surprisingly, fallen trees. Over 100 schools were closed and there were power cuts in several areas for a few hours. The Conwy Valley line was bustituted on Monday and Tuesday. Snow was noted falling at Tan-y-bwlch early on Tuesday morning. F&WHR appears largely shut down this week except for works trains with no staff present at Tan-y-bwlch. All three webcams were working today and showed the Rhinogs dusted with snow.
This easterly view (19/11/24) shows a first taste of Winter at Porthmadog with the Rhinogs dusted with snow above 200m contour at midday. Further unsettled weather with snow and cold temperatures has been forecast for the rest of the week. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR taken on a webcam
Thank you from the F&WHR 19/11/24
A short 25 second video thanking the NLHF for their support on the 30th birthday of the organisation.
Dinas progress 18/11/24
This southerly view (18/11/24) shows the new turnout ar Dinas under the road bridge that will give access to the new Carriage Shed in the North Yard. The loop point has been repositioned slightly to the north. The boarded crossing will also need rebuilding. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright Keith Holland taken on a iPhone camera.
This southerly view (18/11/24) shows the area between the road bridge and the access gate being reduced to the new level and slate fines added to form a new sub base for the track that leads to the new Carriage Shed. The gradient on this short section will be 1 in 50. The F&WHR has hired plant from local company W.H.Jones of Penisarwaun. This is the location where the 91cm gauge De Winton coffee pot loco Llanfair was displayed until October. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright Keith Holland taken on a iPhone camera.
Painting workshop
'HAVE A GO' SKILLS WORKSHOPS - PAINTING...
Come and try a new skill..! These free workshops will give you a chance to learn
and practice skills in the F&WHR's historic workshops.
Our expert staff will start with some theory and explanations about what lies
ahead but these events are very much about being hands on, giving you the
opportunity to practice your new skills in a safe and constructive environment.
Workshops are provided free of charge. Thanks to the Interpretation & Boston
Lodge Project, made possible by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Ffestiniog
Railway Society and FfWHR Trust.
➡ PAINTING - The ultimate transferrable skill - come along and learn how to
'properly' paint ahead of your next decorating session at home!
All the F&WHR locomotives and carriages are hand-painted. While staff may start
you off on some practice pieces you will learn from the highly-skilled painters
who provide the mirror-like finishes on the railway's award-winning locos and
carriages.
Workshop includes:
▪ Preparation
▪ Surface finishes
▪ Brush techniques
Dates:
▫ November 23rd/24th
▫ December 7th/8th
▫ January 4th/5th
Location:
▫ Boston Lodge Works
The staff love to share their skills - and, you never know, staff might even
interest you in volunteering with them in the future. You would certainly be
very welcome...
Interested in 'Having a Go'?
Head to https://www.festrail.co.uk/have-a-go-skills-workshops/ - then click the
'Enquire' button to email the F&WHR with your details and preferred workshop.
Staff look forward to hearing from you!
F&WHR 18/11/24
The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Monday was for a showery day with temperatures of -1 to 11C .Sunset is at 16:17 and the week ahead shows a cold snap with freezing night time temperatures and the possibility of snow on the mountains from Tuesday. The F&WHR appears largely shut down this week except for works trains with no staff present at Tan-y-bwlch. All three webcams were working today.
In the afternoon several S&T technicians came out to maintain the Harbour Station signals until sunset. The first parts of the National Grid Tunnel Boring Machine for the Dwyryd Estuary high voltage line visual improvement programme arrived on 18/11/21, no doubt to beat the disruption expected from the snow! See Glen Williams Facebook page images. For full details on this story see below.
NLHF Boston Lodge works complete 18/11/24
Click on the YouTube link to watch 0 minutes 35 seconds of video announcing the completion of the NLHF Boston Lodge rebuild project. This video is copyright F&WHR and was published on 18/11/24. It is best viewed at 1080p with Chrome and was videod on a 4K camcorder by John Wooden (F&WHR).
Autumn Operational problems
Reported delays in WHR services in recent weeks seem to be down to poor steaming/fuel. Recently No.130 had to stop three times en route for a blow up!
KS4415 progress 15/11/24
This week volunteers reached a bit of a
milestone for the engine rebuild - they are ready to start building it up. The
engine was assembled earlier in the year so they could remind themselves how it
all goes together, but that was only a test fit. So this week volunteers
dismantled everything and started to get ready for putting it together properly.
The plan is to build all the components onto the engine over this winter
(including newly made components like the fuel pump and water pump-Ed). Then the
team will be able to concentrate their efforts on the missing bits until it is
finished.
One job they did before dismantling was take some measurements for push rod
lengths. One of the volunteers is overhauling a set of push rods as a homework
project, but as most of the originals had rusted right through they needed to
confirm the overall length of them. To achieve this the team will put the cam
and cambox and one set of valve rockers in place and then measured between them.
Once volunteers had measured the push rod length they dismantled the block and
sump and started getting ready for fitting the cylinder liners. A dry run showed
that the tool they have made for aligning the liners seems to work and the
sealing O rings will be a good fit. So the team should be able to fit the liners
on their next working party. During the working party the volunteers had to
endure the power being off in Boston Lodge and the stove was lit for heat
explaining the unusual sight of smoke emerging from the chimney last week. For images see
KS4415 Facebook page.
National Grid Dwyryd Estuary Tunnel 18/11/24
In order to reduce the visual impact of the existing 3km of National Grid lines suspended across the Dwyryd estuary close to the new Pont Briwet a tunnel is to be bored. The tunnel boring machine is coming from Germany and will be transported by lorry along the A55/A487/A497 to the assembly compound close to Y Garth Quarry, Penrhyndeudraeth. The tunnel will emerge near Llandecwyn before the cable route rejoins the existing National Grid line to the site of the closed Trawsfynydd Nuclear Power Station. The main difficulty is bringing the giant load the narrow section of the A487 at Penmorfa on the approach to Porthmadog, a location sorely calling out for a bypass!! At the end of the Porthmadog bypass the Convoi Exceptionnel will turn right at the roundabout then past Minffordd station. Temporary alternations to signage at the roundabout will be required. The lorry will then reverse down the lane from Britannia Terrace to the Garth substation. Work will start following delivery in early 2025 and be complete in mid 2026. For more details see National Grid press release.
F&WHR 17/11/24
The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Sunday was for a largely showery day with a few sunny periods later and temperatures of 2-12C .Sunset is at 16:18 and the week ahead shows a cold snap with freezing night time temperatures and the possibility of snow from Tuesday. The F&WHR appears largely shut down this week except for works trains. All three webcams were working today.
10,000 subscribers to F&WHR YouTube channel 17/11/24
The F&WHR YouTube channel is celebrating reaching 10,000 subscribers with a special short video featuring excerpts from recent content. There are over 15 years of content in John Wooden's F&WHR Official YouTube Channel. Recently the descriptors have been expanded to include helpful chapter times and a Welsh translation of same.
Click on the YouTube link to watch 4 minutes 13 seconds of video showing excerpts from recent YouTubes published on this channel. This video is copyright F&WHR and was published on 17/11/24. It is best viewed at 1080p with Chrome and was videod on a 4K camcorder by John Wooden (F&WHR).
F&WHR 16/11/24
The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Saturday was for a largely showery day with a few sunny periods later and temperatures of 2-13C .Sunset is at 16:19. The F&WHR appears largely shut down this week except for works trains. The two failed webcam were restored to use by Saturday morning. There was some attention given to the Harbour Station signalling.
Santa's grotto set 12/11/24
Click on the YouTube link to watch 26 seconds of video which features Criccieth Castle propelling the Santa's Grotto rake into the FR platform on 12/11/24. This video is copyright F&WHR and was published on 17/11/24. It is best viewed at 1080p with Chrome and was videod on an iPhone (copyright F&WHR).
Dinas works progress
One of the earliest Advance Works was the examination of all the drainage inspection chambers by the North Wales Track Gang. this was followed up by a CCTV survey GEWS (Penrhyndeudraeth) who discovered sewer blockages by tree roots, collapsed drains etc. These will be cleared this winter. Unwanted material/scrap from the infrastructure area has been cleared away including the rail unloading gantry crane which has been sold for reuse. Construction company records have also been archived. The old Phase 4 Construction Office has been demolished including the main electrical distribution board so a new board has been set up and rewired by volunteers. The old office space will be used to reposition some of the containers.
Changes were necessary around the entrance gate to allow for the new southern exit to the new Carriage Shed. The steel fence has been removed and the de Winton coffeepot quarry loco has been moved to the opposite side of the access road. On 7/10/24 the Up loop in the station was taken OOU and the trailable point units disconnected/ These have been in use since 1997, over 25 years and are in need of refurbishment. It is likely the loop wont be restored until Marsh when the new season begins. The points are clamped and set for the DOWN line only which is the easterly line through the platforms. Five new points have been ordered from K G Price of Caerphilly who provided the previous turnouts. Two were due late October and the remaining three mid November. The replaced points may be reused in the North Yard layout however a section of defective sewer must be replaced first. The loop point will be re-sited further south and a catch-point in the yard will lead to a headshunt. As MicroETS is being extended to Dinas, some 330m of new cable ducting will be required and several signal poles. See plan for details. There will be a 1 in 50 gradient from the platform area up to the area between the station building and the Goods Shed as the rail head will be level with the yard surface to continue to allow vehicular access to the station building and Goods Shed.
Click on the image to enlarge. Image copyright F&WHR.
F&WHR 15/11/24
The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Friday was for a largely overcast day with a few sunny periods and temperatures of 8-14C .Sunset is at 16:21. The F&WHR appears largely shut down this week except for works trains. Only the Porthmadog webcam was active from the morning.
Signalling staff were present on the Porthmadog platform from 09:00 checking the signalling system. Several signalling technicians were noted checking and completing annual maintenance of the Harbour Station system for the rest of the day.
F&WHR 14/11/24
The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Thursday was for a day of sunny periods with temperatures of 5-16C and sunset at 16:22. The F&WHR appears largely shut down this week except for works trains. Only the Porthmadog webcam was active from the morning.
Harlech Castle was noted in the WHR platform at 09:15 propelling two DZ wagons with slate waste. The train set off across Britannia Bridge at 09:22 for some work location between Porthmadog and Beddgelert where the line needs strengthening possibly because of embankment erosion. Signal engineers seemed to checking the signals during the day. the train returned at about 15:30 but had left for Minffordd Yard by about 16:00. As darkness fell the various signals around the station were noted being tested through their various aspects.
The new walkway platform for Porthmadog water tank was craned onto the support columns and the tank added today. The galvanised steel will be painted in due course.
This westerly view (14/11/24) shows the water tank erected by Brunswick Ironworks team. Note the new safety fencing around the access walkway. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR taken on a digital camera.
What? No 2025 SuperPower??
Surely there must be some kind of error? The events list for 2025, just published, shows THREE major events on the FR increasing to 8 days of gala, Friends of Ffestiniog (2 days), FR Society 70th Anniversary (3 days) and the usual Bygones October Gala (3 days) but NO SuperPower Gala on the WHR! While there is a Spring Rail-Ale beer festival gala, which this year will be based at Waunfawr due to work underway at Dinas, there is no sign of a WHR event in September. At the very least there should surely be a launch event for NG15 No.134!
WHR supporters are likely to be upset by this development. While understanding that work at Dinas may have precluded the use of that location, surely there are other possibilities, including basing a WHR Gala out of Porthmadog and moving the WHR locos and rolling stock to Boston Lodge for a few days? Tracks have already been plain-lined through Dinas station so operation to Caernarfon would still be possible.
Advert copyright F&WHR.
The F&WHR may still add a SuperPower event as they note: 'We still have decisions to make on a number of other activities (and a lot of planning to complete). Other events may be added to our calendar - sometimes at short notice. Further details will be published as plans are finalised, on Facebook and our website 'Events' page - festrail.co.uk/events'
December Railtours
10/12/24 Edinburgh Christmas Pullman Holyhead and station to Preston-Edinburgh Loco Services Blue Pullman
14/12/24 Christmas Cracker Wolverhampton Stafford Crewe-Blaenau Ffestiniog 40012/45116 InterCity
The Statesman rake, frequently used for North Wales railtours, is stopped for most of 2025 for maintenance.
North Wales mainline 7-11/11/24
No.66652 in DB livery was on the Dee Marsh-Margam steel train on 7/11/24
No.66777 Annette was noted on a light engine move from Pen-y-ffordd Cement Works to Bardon Hill (via Dee Marsh reverse) presumably after dropping cement empties at Padeswood Sidings.
No.70802 hauled the 13:56 Penmaenmawr-Longport stone train on 11/11/24.
Britannic Explorer Cambrian Coast Specials from 21/7/25
Belmont has launched a series of 7 new extended railtours for 2025 which will feature the Cambrian Coast Line as part of their itinerary with a luxury dining/sleeper set over 3 days from 21/7/25. The train runs from Paddington to Haverford West, then via the Central Wales line to Shrewsbury. The next leg features the Cambrian Coast Line to Porthmadog where the train stables overnight. Return to Paddington is via a final night at Moreton-in-the-Marsh. Tuesdays will see the train run from Haverfordwest to Porthmadog (this would be so much easier if the TRAWS route was reopened from Carmarthen to Aberystwyth!) and Wednesdays, Porthmadog to Moreton-in-the-Marsh. The inclusive price is £5,800 but suites are available up to £14,000. See Belmond website for full details and booking.
The 9 coach train will be hauled by a Class 97/3 (Class37) on the Cambrian, possibly double headed in view of the challenging gradients. Dates are as follows:
21/7/254/8/25
25/8/25
15/9/25
29/9/25
20/10/25
10/11/25
F&WHR 13/11/24
The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Wednesday was for a day of sunny periods becoming overcast later with temperatures of 6-13C and sunset at 16:24. The F&WHR appears largely shut down this week except for works trains and even they seem quiet today. Only the Porthmadog webcam was active from the morning. The points in Porthmadog Yard received some maintenance from the PW team in the morning and smoke was briefly noted coming from the chimney at Boston Lodge for the first time, possibly testing the heating.
Work continued on removing the Porthmadog water tank and the new tank was delivered.
This northerly view (13/11/24) shows the water tank delivered from Brunswick's Caernarfon Works. Work continues to disassemble and remove the old tank. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR taken on a digital camera.
No train movements were noted today but maintenance work was noted on Harbour Station points.
Arctic weather is forecast to sweep in from the north at the weekend. Some forecasters suggest an accumulation of snow but it is too early for the Santa Specials which do not start until 7/12/24.
The Met Office suggest a 'wall of snow' is unlikely but temperatures will certainly dip towards freezing point from Sunday. The numbers are suggested depth of lying snow in centimetres..
As snow is in the news again the Snow Scenes page has been revamped and attempts will be made to restore the links to all the snow scenes and video links.
F&WHR 12/11/24
The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Tuesday was for a day of chilly sunny periods with temperatures of 1-13C and sunset at 16:25. The F&WHR appears largely shut down this week except for works trains and even they seem quiet today. Only the Porthmadog webcam was active from the morning.
Criccieth Castle hauled 4 coaches into the WHR platform at about 10:45 before running round. The train shunted into the FR platform at 10:50. Observation Car No.100 Dwyryd was on the end of the rake and Brake Van No.10 in the middle of the set. At 13:00 Criccieth Castle shunted one of the saloons to the WHR platform having run round the rake in the FR platform earlier. The diesel then ran round the coach via the WHR loop at 13:05. This was then propelled back across The Cob to Boston Lodge at 13:13. It appears that the rake left in the FR platform is to be the Santa's Grotto set brought over a few weeks early to allow volunteers to decorate it.
This easterly view (12/11/24) shows Criccieth Castle shunting ECS in the WHR platform. Theses saloons may have been going for winter maintenance in the Boston Lodge Carriage works. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR taken on a webcam.
Porthmadog's new water tower platform
This westerly view (12/11/24) shows Brunswick Ironworks delivering galvanised steel members to form the platform for the new Porthmadog water tower. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR taken on a digital camera.
This westerly view (12/11/24) shows the completed platform and walkways for the new Porthmadog water tower. The steelwork is likely to be painted black to match the rest of the structure. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR taken on a digital comers.
F&WHR 11/11/24
The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Monday was for a day of sunny periods with temperatures of 3-14C and sunset at 16:27. The F&WHR appears largely shut down this week except for works trains. There seemed to be some activity at Tan-y-bwlch. All three webcams were active from the morning.
Harlech Castle was present in the WHR platform at 09:15 and set off for the WHR at about 09:30 propelling two wagons of slate waste and slate fines, possibly for upgrading a level crossing. The train returned at 11:55 and at 12:00 the loco left the rear wagon in the platform and shunted the other into the WHR loop line. before returning to the wagon in the platform. Harlech Castle coupled up and shunted the wagon to the WHR loop line thus reversing the order of the two wagons before departing a few minutes later presumably for the WHR. Given the travel and work time of 2.5 hours for the round trip, the worksite is likely to be between Porthmadog and Beddgelert.
This easterly view (11/11/24) shows Harlech Castle ready to propel two wagons up the WHR on PW duties. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR taken on a webcam.
Christmas Cwellyn now bookable
The Christmas Cwellyn runs twice a day from 28/12/24-1/1/25 with trains at 10:45 and 13:45 and a round trip of up to 2 hours 40 minutes. Caernarfon station will be open to buy refreshments for the journey and afterwards for gifts/mementoes. To book click on this link. Catering is not being provided on the train unlike the FR's Mountain Spirit. It does not seem possible to book a Rhyd Ddu-Caernarfon return ticket for those staying in the Beddgelert area though a similar Blaenau Ffestiniog-Porthmadog return is offered on the FR Mountain Spirit (see below). Passengers seeking hop on-hop off fares or a return journey from Rhyd Ddu at 12:15 are advised to phone the Booking Office to check if such fares are available.
More details on FR Xmas offerings
Unlike last year, the FR will be offering trains this Xmas with Christmas Mountain Spirit services on the same 5 days as the WHR Christmas Cwellyn trains 28/12/24-1/1/25. Food may be purchased from Spooners before the journey and mementoes at the end of the day. There are two trains from Porthmadog at 10:00 and 13:30 but passengers may join the morning train at Blaenau Ffestiniog at 11:40 to make a return journey from there. The round trip takes 2 hours and 50 minutes and cold food and beverages (including alcohol) are available on the train, unlike the WHR. Toilets are available on the train.
CHRISTMAS IN PORTHMADOG...
Santa's Christmas Carriage Grotto
- plus shuttle trains to Minffordd and footplate rides on a steam locomotive in
Harbour Station:
7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd December. This includes an extra day
on the Monday of Xmas Week compared to the WHR.
Fuller details about the Porthmadog cab rides and Minffordd shuttles on these dates are awaited.
Christmas Mountain Spirit Trains
Scenic train ride from Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog and return or vice versa:
28th, 29th, 30th, 31st December - 1st January
CHRISTMAS GIFTS.
*The F&WHR online shop has a wide range of souvenirs, models, books & DVDs.
*The gift shop is open on the days when steam trains are running.
ℹ MORE INFORMATION...
...on all of F&WHR Christmas/New Year activities can be found on the
Steaming into Christmas webpage,
F&WHR 10/11/24
The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Sunday was for an overcast drizzly day with temperatures of 5-16C and sunset at 16:30. The F&WHR appears largely shut down this week. There seemed to be some increasing activity at Tan-y-bwlch. All three webcams were active from the morning.
The identical short works train as yesterday was present at Tan-y-bwlch at 09:05 but had left towards Dduallt by 09:09 presumably hauled by Harlech Castle
Unlike previous years there was no passenger train to carry a poppy for Remembrance Day today so a member of staff represented the F&WHR at the wreath laying at Porthmadog War Memorial.
FR coach No.19
FR coach No.19 was released from Boston Lodge coachworks into traffic on 9/11/24. The coach had been in the works for almost 6 months but had taken a lower priority compared to tasks like the Curly Roofed Van (now subject to a Bachmann model. The coachworks team will now focus on winter maintenance of the coach fleet.
F&WHR 9/11/24
The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Saturday was for an overcast day with temperatures of 8-16C and sunset at 16:30. The F&WHR appears largely shut down this week. There seemed to be some increasing activity at Tan-y-bwlch. All three webcams were active from the morning.
There was an early works train hauled by Harlech Castle which arrived at Tan-y-bwlch by 09:15. The rake consisted of FR Mess Coach No.1111, new platform/tool van/Lineside Maintenance Vehicle No.5004 and a DZ wagon with lineside clearance equipment. The train left towards Dduallt at 09:18 with several staff and volunteers aboard. Meanwhile staff were working on the station house and large amounts of internal wall cladding were being taken inside. Harlech Castle arrived back at Tan-y-bwlch at 15:50 with its short works train. This set off for Minffordd Yard at 15:57, arriving at Minffordd at 16:31.
This westerly view (9/11/24) shows Harlech Castle departing Tan-y-bwlch with a works train towards Dduallt. The wagon behind the Mess Car is the new tool store/platform wagon. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR taken on a webcam.
Spooner's new menu 8/11/24
With the changing of the seasons comes a change to Spooner's menu.
The restaurant is still open from 09:00 every day, with hot food available until
20:00 - so why not come along and enjoy a tasty treat and drinks at Spooner's...
You can download a copy of the new menu here:
https://bit.ly/MENU_24-11
Final Boston Lodge Works Courses of the Year
▪How Do Steam Locomotives Work Boston
Lodge Course
▪28th and 30th December
If you are looking for that extra special gift or experience, do not miss out on
the opportunity to join one of the F&WHR's popular 'Hands-On' activities at
Boston Lodge...
NOTE: Limited spaces remaining - so, if you are interested in booking a place as
a gift or for yourself, do not delay.
▪️ 28th December - One space remaining
▪️ 30th December - Six places available
Much more than a short footplate ride up and down the station platform, these
three-hour workshops give a chance (in a small group) to learn more about how a
steam loco works. Two of our friendly loco drivers/fitters with in-depth
experience of building, maintaining and driving locos will take you through the
way a steam engine works.
Participants will get to help prepare a steam loco, see it in action behind the
scenes (at our historic Boston Lodge workshops), receive information on How it
Works and then have a go at firing and driving in the yard - or under cover in
our large carriage shed if the weather is uncooperative..!
It is all very friendly and relaxed - an ideal experience if you are looking for
something a little different. This makes an ideal gift for anyone with even a
passing interest in locos, heritage, engineering or simply the challenge of
driving an unusual vehicle.
Do not just take the F&WHR's word for it, read what past visitors have to say!
✅ "definitely a tick off the bucket list. A great privilege to have such
access. Will re-comment"
✅ "A really wonderful experience fulfilling childhood fantasies. The
driver and fireman were fab and fun."
✅ "Driver experience just what the doctor ordered. Great."
✅ "A great experience and very informative"
For more information and to book your place in the group, head to
Steam Workshop Information and Booking
KS4415 lamps
Further to the information about the pioneer diesel's cab lamp bracket, there are now two prototypical lamps manufactured by Linley Engineering of Birmingham to go on the loco that have recently been restored. Paint was removed and the lamp housing de-rusted electrolytically after some minor structural repairs. The reflective front bezel was etched and electroplated with nickel and polished to restore its highly reflective surface. Some rust pinholes were soldered up to ensure the lamps were waterproof and the bezels soldered back onto the front. Finally the lamps were repainted with grey primer and a gloss black top coat. See Facebook Festrail page for images detailing restoration of the lamps.
F&WHR 8/11/24
The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Friday was for a day of occasional sunny periods with temperatures of 5-15C and sunset at 16:32. The F&WHR appears largely shut down this week. There seemed to be some increasing activity at Tan-y-bwlch, possibly renovating the former stationmaster's house. All three webcams were active from the morning.
At 10:00 Upnor Castle hauled a short works train consisting of three B wagons for coal and other materials out of the FR platform with Criccieth Castle on the rear after shunting in the yard earlier. The train made for Minffordd and arrived wrong line about 10 minutes later before setting back down the mineral line for the yard at 10:22. At 10:30 blue liveried S&T loco Moel-yr-hydd (still without nameplate) emerged from the Mineral Line with a short two wagon wiring train and WHR Mess Car No.111.
This westerly view (8/11/24) shows Moel-yr-hydd arriving wrong line with a 3 vehicle works train at Minffordd that would be shunted into the yard later. The two wagons are carrying cable for a relay job. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR taken on a webcam.
At 12:25 Criccieth Castle arrived at Porthmadog yard with3 B wagons full of coal from Minffordd Yard for the refuelling point ready for the Christmas season trains. The loco ran round at 12:30 to propel the wagons into the refuelling siding.
Moving Pictures No.100 8/11/24
Click on the YouTube link to watch 51 minutes 26 seconds of a special bumper edition of Moving Pictures which features No.134's trip to Rhyd Ddu and out-takes from over the years! This video is copyright F&WHR and was published on 8/11/24. It is best viewed at 1080p with Chrome and was videod on a 4K camcorder by John Wooden (F&WHR).
The index to all 100 editions of Moving Pictures has been published at Moving Pictures Index.
F&WHR 7/11/24
The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Thursday was for a day of sunny periods with temperatures of 6-18C and sunset at 16:33. The F&WHR appears largely shut down this week. There seemed to be some daily activity at Tan-y-bwlch, possibly renovating the former stationmaster's house. All three webcams were active from the morning.
Harlech Castle turned up with a short works train at 12:05 into the WHR platform, the first time to loco has been seen in quite a while. Staff spent some time examining the running gear on the new platform/tool van included. At 12:35 the loco detached and ran forward to the WHR starter signal. At 12:40 the loco ran round via the WHR loop leaving WHR Mess coach No.111, the new platform wagon/tool van and FR Mess Wagon No.1111. The works train left for Minffordd Yard at 13:00. The train arrived at Minffordd Mineral Line junction at 13:10 and progressed into the loop wrong line, before setting back into the yard at 13:23.
This westerly view (7/11/24) shows Harlech Castle arriving wrong line with a 3 vehicle works train at Minffordd that would be shunted into the yard later. The second vehicle is the new platform/tool van. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR taken on a webcam.
GVT Chirk station progress 7/11/24
Further progress has been made with the foundation for the station building. The trackbed south of the station road bridge has been ballasted and an area created for a rolling stock shed on the north (NR) side of the trackbed.
This northerly view (7/11/24) shows the site of Chirk Glyn Valley Tramway station. The bricks that formed the floor and foundation have been removed to be replaced with modern materials. However the original bricks will be reused as part of the walls in the background is Chirk Kronospan Factory which receives wood trains several times a week and until recently a log train from Aberystwyth. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright Meryl Lloyd taken on a iPhone camera.
This southerly view (7/11/24) shows the site of Chirk Glyn Valley Tramway depot on the south side of Station Avenue bridge. The area where the rails are stacked is proposed for a siding and rolling stock shed. In the distance the route bends sharply to the right and descends steeply in woodland alongside the B4500 to Pont Faen where the GVT intends to build a run round loop on the opposite side of the road to the popular fish hatchery. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright Meryl Lloyd taken on a iPhone camera.
KS4415 update 6/11/24
KS4415, the experimental diesel used on the F&WHR in 1928/9, has received some work recently. Volunteers found some lamp brackets that looked quite close to the original design. Some spacers were made and the rear lamp bracket fitted to the loco. See images on Facebook for more information.
Political bias on Central Wales?
It seems Labour controlled Welsh Assembly is making moves to cut TfW services on the Central Wales Shrewsbury-Swansea line, copying closure by stealth attempts by the infamous Dr. Beeching in the 1960s! This could be seen to be political sour grapes after the Liberal Democrats gained the Welsh Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe constituency that covers the vast majority of the route. The line currently has a very poor service level with inconvenient train times. The Labour authority has suggested bustitution. Liberal Democrats are organising protest meetings. See Powys County Times report for full details.
F&WHR 6/11/24
The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Wednesday was for an overcast morning with sunny periods later and temperatures of 8-18C and sunset at 16:35. The F&WHR appears shut down this week but the signaller opened the box at 09:15 anticipating some movements later in the day. There seemed to be some daily activity at Tan-y-bwlch, possibly renovating the former stationmaster's house. All three webcams were active from the morning.
Criccieth Castle came over from Boston Lodge with a 5 coach ECS rake of saloons arriving in the yard at 10:18. There were quite a few holidaymakers wandering round the station throughout the morning. At 11:57 the diesel shunted the rake into the FR platform having run round earlier. The rake contained saloons from The Quarryman rake. The train departed at 12:23 and returned to Boston Lodge New Carriage Shed. More holidaymakers were noted on the platform in the afternoon.
This easterly view (6/11/24) shows Criccieth Castle shunting ECS. This was the first movement in several days in Porthmadog Harbour station. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR taken on a webcam..
Spooner's updated opening hours
Following the end of autumn train services on the F&WHR, there will be a few changes to Spooner's opening hours, as follows:
CAFE: Open Daily
Counter service from 09:00-16:00 - serving drinks, sandwiches, cakes etc.
♨Hot food from the kitchen available every day.
Breakfast served 09:00-12:00
Light Bites served 12:00-16:00
Main Menu served 12:00-20:00
BAR: Open from 12:00 every day
Sunday to Thursday - 12:00-22:00
Friday and Saturday - 12:00-23:00
Last orders - 30 minutes before closing.
Video A Year in the Life of the F&WHR - 2024
Out now on Blu-ray and DVD.
Another stunning round-up of the past year's activities on the F&WHR - filmed
with more cameras than ever..! This would make an ideal Xmas present for a F&WHR supporter.
It has been shot with unparalleled access to the railways and on this disk you
will see action on both railways' routes - featuring the F&WHR's regular service trains,
as well as the various special events, and including 'behind the scenes'
footage.
Please Note: This is a largely narrative-free production, but includes some
informative on screen captions and interviews with staff.
There is only limited use of music - mainly the sound is from the railway itself
and the environment it exists in.
Click on the advert to enlarge. Advert copyright F&WHR.
Click on the YouTube link to watch 4 minutes 16 seconds of preview video showing the best of the F&WHR 2024 This video is copyright F&WHR and was published on 16/10/24. It is best viewed at 1080p with Chrome and was videod on a 4K camcorder by John Wooden (F&WHR).
Running Time: Approx. 2 Hours 13 Minutes
Format: PAL 16:9
DVD - £20
https://festrail.mybigcommerce.com/year-in-the-life-2024.../
Blu-ray - £25
https://festrail.mybigcommerce.com/year-in-the-life-2024.../
F&WHR 5/11/24
The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Tuesday was for an overcast day with temperatures of 10-16C and sunset at 16:37. The F&WHR appears shut down this week with hardly a sign of any movements. However there seemed to be some activity at Tan-y-bwlch. The Porthmadog webcam was offline all day and the remaining two webcams went offline for a short time after midday with a possible widespread IT fault.
RAIB interim report on Talerddig collision 5/11/24
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch issued an interim report about the Talerddig Collision on 5/11/24. The report has identified that the sand hose delivery system that assists braking was blocked on the westbound unit that ran through the loop. Some of the areas to be investigated are TfW's policies relating to low wheel/rail adhesion and how it managed the risk of low adhesion on the Cambrian line and the processes used to assess and control the risk of overrun on the Cambrian line. The only physical solution is to install catch points/sand drags at high risk locations such as this. Catch points are already used at Cae Pawb (Cambrian Crossing) to prevent WHR trains crossing the Cambrian without authorisation from Machynlleth Powerbox. See RAIB Interim Report.
Santa Special tickets now on sale
Tickets for the Caernarfon Santa Special trains, Magical Carriage Grotto and Seasonal Snowdonia Special trains are now on sale. The F&WHR popular Santa Special trains run between Caernarfon and Rhyd Ddu, with Santa and his Elves on-board, greeting passengers, handing out gifts and singing Christmas carols! The Magical Carriage Grotto will once again be hosted at Porthmadog Harbour Station, specially prepared by the team of hard working Elves! The F&WHR will also be running a series of Seasonal Snowdonia Specials on the WHR over 5 days between the 28/12/24 - 1/1/25 inclusive, so there will be plenty of opportunities to shake off those Post-Christmas blues! This is a further reduction on recent years when such trains ran for 7 days starting on Boxing Day (FR Only).
This northerly view (12/23) shows No.143 on a Santa Special carrying the special headboard. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR taken on a digital camera..
If you cannot wait until December, there will be two Christmas Markets in
Caernarfon on the 16/11/24, the Food Festival market takes place in
Caernarfon station and other venues around the town, while Y Galeri also has its own
market. There are no special trains to this event.
If these dates do not suit, or you are too far away, you can always visit the
web shop; www.festshop.co.uk
which has a large selection of both local and railway interest gifts.
The WHR Santa Trains are the highlight of the festive calendar, as the F&WHR welcomes
Santa and his Elves on board the trains between Caernarfon and Rhyd Ddu. They
sometimes run in the snow but snow cannot be guaranteed! The Santa Trains sets off from Caernarfon Station, where passengers collect their
complimentary Christmas Hamper, full of tasty treats to enjoy on the train!
Once on board, sherry will be served to the adults, then get ready to enjoy the
fantastic scenery of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park and look out for Santa and
his Elves who will be passing through the train with gifts for all the
well-behaved children! When the train arrives at Rhyd-Ddu station, there will be an
opportunity for photo opportunities with Santa and his Elves before the return
journey to Caernarfon.
This southerly view (12/23) shows Lilla on a Santa's Grotto display. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR taken on a digital camera..
The Santa Trains are perfect for getting your Christmas festivities started so make sure you book your tickets for an exciting and fun journey through Snowdonia National Park. The final weekend of trains tends to book up early. The Caernarfon Station Gift Shop will be open on your return, so that you can purchase a memento of your day or perhaps a festive gift! The popular Santa Train services, which run from Caernarfon - Rhyd Ddu, will take place on the 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st and 22nd of December 2024. Total journey time will be approx. 2hr 40min and run at 10:00 and at 13:40.
Station | Time | Time |
Dinas ECS dep) | 09:15 | |
Caernarfon ECS arr) | 09:30 | |
Caernarfon dep) | 10:00 | 13:40 |
Rhyd Ddu arr) | 11:05 | 14:45 |
Rhyd Ddu dep) | 11:35 | 15:15 |
Caernarfon arr) | 12:40 | 16:20 |
Caernarfon ECS dep) | 16:30 | |
Dinas ECS arr) | 16:45 |
The F&WHR are offering both Standard and Gold seating options: Standard Adults/children £26:50, Babies (0-2 includes present) £4.95. However, all Gold Tickets are already sold out!! Please note: Tickets should be booked in advance so the Elves can organise your present/s. Tickets for the WHR Santa Trains can be booked online or by calling the Booking Office Santa Hotline; 01766 516070.
Alco Mountaineer report November 2024
The mountaineer Team reports :After the skip
wagon parts have now been moved from the workshop a bit of rearranging was in
order before the team started work. The old tanks have been moved to make
working on them easier and the large oil tank has been stored in their place.
Along with all the other plate work which we hope over this winter will be sent
for shot blasting and join the cab in the painting stage.
The old tanks will have some explorative surgery to aid the design of the new
tanks, the outer faces will be preserved and the tank in better condition will
be left alone. They are being painted black for now just for protection for when
they go into storage.
The boiler has had another coat of paint, this is special heat proof paint and
has been used on boilers for the last few years with good results. A further
update on the boiler is that the team has asked Boston Lodge to order the super
heater flues and boiler tubes so that when there is space in Boston Lodge all
the parts needed will be to hand. The plates required to be welded onto the
boiler barrel for the diaphragm plates are the only items left to design with
regards to the main boiler work.
Gwion has been busy while on placement in his spare time making the CAD drawings
for the new water tanks and the spark arrestor. Following on from the front
buffer beam, the rear coupling and buffer beam have been removed to examine the
design for the new drag boxes. The rear pony truck mount has also been
dismantled to investigate moving it onto the rear frame stretcher, for which a
very simple design can be mocked up next working party.
The cab mock-up is now being dismantled to allow work to be carried out to make
the coal firing modifications and allow the cladding to be sent off for shot
blasting. Along with the rest of the cab mock up the fittings have now been
released to be cleaned up in citric acid. This process will take a while but
will make them look like new.
Please visit the Appeal Page and Shop to help progress the restoration of the
Mountaineer. Please find the Alco
Appeal
Page on the Ffestiniog Railway Society web site.
The Alco Group have their 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. For images see
Mountaineer Facebook page.
F&WHR 4/11/24
The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Monday was for an overcast day with temperatures of 7-15C and sunset at 16:39. The F&WHR appears shut down this week with hardly a sign of any movements. However there seemed to be some activity at Tan-y-bwlch. The Porthmadog webcam was offline all day.
Gowrie update 18/10/24
Not everyone's favourite NWNGR loco (compared to Moel Tryfan) but Gowrie is making good progress as a private replica project away from the F&WHR. The Gowrie Group's September update contains many photos as well as text giving details of construction of the tank and cab sheeting. With the bunker previously returned shot blasted and primed on 3/9/24 and the side tanks similarly returned on 18/10/24, these components have been trial fitted to the carrier frame and the loco is beginning to look like the future Gowrie.Some additional plans are to fit dummy rivets to replicate the appearance of a riveted tanks, a non-prototypical sliding cab roof for ventilation and vacuum braking so that the loco can run on the F&WHR with vacuum braked rolling stock as well as air braking for the WHHR. Good progress has also been made with the trailing bogie. The remaining major components of the boiler and 3 axle power bogie are yet to be started though the 3 driving wheelsets are complete.
C2/KS4415 project hiatus?After several months of consistent progress reports about the Chinese C2 loco and the Kerr Stuart pioneer diesel loco No.4415, there has been a noticeable absence of any report from the volunteer teams since August. That is not to say there has been no progress but team members may have been too busy to broadcast their progress on the web. Supporters are looking forward to hearing progress with these two important projects before the end of the year.
There is also an absence of news from the Mountaineer 1863 Project which seeks to recreate the original England loco Mountaineer with pannier tanks rather than the later saddle tank version. In this case there has been no update for over 6 months.
F&WHR 3/11/24
The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Sunday was for an overcast day with temperatures of 8-15C and sunset at 16:41. The F&WHR appears shut down for the weekend with hardly a sign of any movements.
At 13:00 Velinheli turned up in the WHR platform before shunting to the yard at 13:05. The loco had a brakevan (possibly No.7) in tow. The train departed at 14:30 after the loco ran round the brakevan and headed for Minffordd which it passed at 14:39.
This easterly view (3/11/24) shows Velinheli probably on a test run, arriving in the FR platform. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR taken on a webcam..
Carriage Works new machine shop 3/11/24
The Carriage Works team have been busy, along with assistance from volunteers and other Boston Lodge staff, moving a lot of their equipment to a new Machine Shop. After around three weeks of hard work by a lot of people the new machine shop is all but ready to go into use. Just a few minor jobs to complete on Monday. Staff are waiting on the contractor to finish and commission the new extractor. The rip saw also needs attention. The team have worked hard to see this project to this stage. Click here for Facebook images. The train was not noted at Tan-y-bwlch in the following hour so may have turned back earlier.
F&WHR 2/11/24
The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Saturday was for an overcast day with temperatures of 9-16C and sunset at 16:42. It is perhaps a little surprising that there is no public train service today, Saturday 2/11/24, given it is the school Half Term Holiday weekend and other heritage railways in North Wales are offering services. A number of family groups of potential passengers were noted present on the platform before the usual 10:10-11:10 departure sequence and seemed confused why there were no trains.
Stock transfer to sort out rakes and for winter maintenance and test trains (e.g.NG15 No.134 needs to be tested to Porthmadog/Boston Lodge) are possible. PW trains are also likely for the Winter Major Works Programme. However it seemed the railway was shut down on Saturday with no movements visible anywhere and not even a wisp of steam at Boston Lodge! Potential passengers visited the platform all day and appeared confused by the absence of any trains on a School Half Term holiday Weekend!!
No.134 tested to Rhyd Ddu 28/10/24!
No.134 has reached Rhyd Ddu hauling Caernarfon Castle as a load earlier this week. Several photographs are available on the Facebook Festrail website.
Adrian Strachan reports (2/11/24): Firstly, apologies to our followers for
the lack of updates during the very busy period up to the launch of No.134
to Members & guests at the WHR's Superpower event in September - we were simply
too busy making it happen! Nevertheless as per all the coverage elsewhere, the
loco was able to appear at the event and provide footplate rides over that
weekend for many visitors, while starting to accumulate some light engine
mileage. We were delighted to receive so much positive feedback on the standard
of the overhaul and everyone seems to agree that we have ended up with a very
smart and powerful looking engine indeed.
Into August we were focused on the pipework, hoses and drawbar installations,
plus many other small jobs to bring us to the point of test running, along with
final paint touches to the initial SAR black scheme we have opted for. In the
middle of the month a successful visit of the boiler inspector for the visual,
hydraulic and steam tests signified the start of a 10-year insurance certificate
for No.134. We were then able to plan some first days in steam
prior to the Superpower event to check the loco's operation and clearances
around Dinas station & yard.
Following Superpower we continued to accumulate some more light engine mileage
and conducted gauging trials between Caernarfon and Waunfawr. Some very minor
infrastructure issues were addressed with platforms and crossings, and we can
now pass the section comfortably - with certainly much more than regular FR
clearances!
We took time at the October working parties to continue completion jobs, and
address any minor snagging issues which had come up from the early runs,
culminating in extending our gauging adventure to Rhyd Ddu on Monday 28/10/24 (a
day on which there were no conflicting WHR service-Ed). Again some
minor clearance issues were resolved, and on this run we also took the Funkey
diesel Caernarfon Castle along to provide some trailing load for
No.134 to haul at higher consistent speeds up to Waunfawr. The
engine ran well but, despite a valve exam the previous week, it wasn't sounding as
it should at the start of the run. Having thoroughly checked the piston valves
we suspected the overhauled Bypass valves weren't seating properly, so during
our lunch stop at Snowdon Ranger we isolated them. On departure things sounded
very much improved and on return to Dinas we dismantled the 4 valves and
amended the machined clearances. A final run back up the 1 in 40 out of Dinas
(as per the video clip (where-Ed?)) reassured us that all is now well!
During November we are in a period where the Infrastructure departments winter
work plan, and the remodelling of Dinas North Yard, will affect access to the
mainline and coaching stock for load tests. We will continue working on the
(slightly smaller..!) list of outstanding jobs, plus the 2 remaining major items
to complete - steam sanding and spark arrestor, at our working parties. More on
these later.
North Wales Mainline Railway 18-28/10/24
On 28/10/24 No.70811 hauled 4D61, the Bradwell (Longport)-Penmaenmawr empties to collect stone. Various Rail Head Treatment Trains ran, most in top and tail formation e.g. Colas liveried Nos. 56090/113 top and tailed the North Wales Coast run. On Monday 21/10/24 No.66792 Collaboration had hauled the train after a loco shortage at Colas. On the 14/10/24 No.70814 hauled the train on what seems to be becoming a regular Monday duty. On 19/10/24 Nos.37405/56090 were found at Chester between two top and tail snow ploughs. It is many years since there was sufficient snow fall to justify using such heavy snow clearing power on the railways of North Wales, possibly due to global warming. On the 18/10/24 Genesse & Wyoming liveried No.66419 Lionesses Roar was on 6D14 the Ashburys (Manchester) to Llandudno Junction slate waste working.
F&WHR 1/11/24
The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Friday was for an overcast day with temperatures of 7-16C. Friday's train service was for 2 trains in all (two Woodland Wanderer services). There were NO WHR trains. Now the clocks have gone back, the late afternoon Woodland Wanderer due back at 17:00 will be coming back after sunset which was 16:46 at Porthmadog today.
Criccieth Castle was present in the WHR platform at 09:40 with coach No.124. The short train set off for Dinas at 09:44. This may be the first of several coaches due to receive attention over the planned Winter Maintenance period.
Up at Dinas work started on the Dinas loop on 31/10/24 as part of the Dinas Carriage Shed project. The southern loop point was removed and vegetation cleared in that area. It is still possible to run round trains in the yard. These initial works must be due for completion by the start of the Santa Trains on 7/12/24.
This drone view (east at top) (late October 24) shows the south loop point at Dinas plain-lined onto the easterly platform. Excavation is visible removing vegetation where the new tracks will lead into the new Carriage shed. This cuts across the disused sloping access to the platform from the overbridge. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright Dave Thurlow (F&WHR) taken on a dronecam..
Linda was videoed taking three coaches south through Waunfawr and in the Aberglaslyn Pass during the morning (saloons Nos.2040/2044 and Service Car No.2010), possibly a delivery to the Boston Lodge coachworks for Winter maintenance. See Martin Ellis' short Facebook video Waunfawr and Facebook Video Aberglaslyn.
Merddin Emrys arrived with the ECS for the 11:10 Woodland Wanderer additional service at 10:54 into the FR platform comprised of 10 bogies largely based on The Quarryman. The loco ran round at 11:04 and the train departed on time. Vale of Ffestiniog was noted light engine shunting in the WHR platform at 13:25. Merddin Emrys pulled into the FR platform at 13:34 with the returning Woodland Wanderer forming the 14:50 final train of the season. Two minutes later the Funkey headed back across The Cob to the depot light engine. Another loco was noted in steam at Boston Lodge. Merddin Emrys was noted shunting coal wagons in the yard at 14:05. The Fairlie ran round at 14:20.
Criccieth Castle came back from Dinas at about 15:50 with a single coach which it delivered to Boston Lodge. Merddin Emrys returned at about 17:00, just after sunset, and the loco detached to refuel and top up with water. After running round the loco departed with the ECS at 17:20 with a small group on onlookers watching the final train of the season.
This easterly view (1/11/24) shows Merddin Emrys taking the final train of the season ECS back to Boston Lodge. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR taken on a webcam..
Porthmadog station Winter opening
With the last train of the Autumn
season running 1/11/24, there will be a few changes to opening hours around the
railway over the coming weeks.
The first alteration of note is the closure of the Booking Office over November
weekends.
In fact, this also marks the closure of the Harbour Station Booking Office as we
currently know it, as it will be the focus of a rebuilding exercise over the
winter to upgrade and improve its facilities. As a result, the Booking Office
staff will be working from temporary accommodation in a portable building in
Harbour Station's car park while this work is carried out.
Harbour Station's shop will continue to open every day - for casual visitors and
'in person', phone or online shoppers.
Spooner's Café-Bar will continue to open daily - although there will be a change
to their opening hours and a winter menu variation coming soon. We'll update
that when it happens.
--------------------------------
⚠ PLEASE NOTE:
⚠ Harbour Station will be closed completely on Monday 4th November while work is
carried out to improve the electrical supply to the building.
⚠ The Booking Office, Shop, Spooner's - and our offices - will not be open or
able to accept any phone calls. Normal service will be resumed on Tuesday
5/11/24.
Tan-y-bwlch tea room Winter closure 2/11/24
The last of the Autumn's trains on the F&WHR ran today - so, as the season draws to a close, the Tan-y-bwlch tea room will also be closing its doors for a Winter break from Saturday 2/11/24 until next Spring - although there is no specific re-opening date yet. Staff will add a Facebook post with those details as soon as they are available. Staff would like to thank customers for their support during the past year - and wish them all the very best for Christmas and the New Year. The F&WHR look forward to welcoming you back to Tan-y-Bwlch in 2025!
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 websiteClick here for Official WHHR site
Click here for FR Company websites
Click here for Welsh Highland Heritage Group
V4.5056 updated 3/12/24