Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway

Stop Press Page

 

V4.5250

 

News (16/6/25)

You are visitor No.

to this website

Modern images updated from 4/6/25

Archive images updated from 16/4/01

Click here for new images

Click here for latest news

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 1/5/25)

Archived Timetables and Events 2024 (updated 2/1/25)

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

Snow Scenes (updated 17/12/23)

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

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

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

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

Video list (new 9/11/15)

Access to Phase 2 pages is currently being progressed.

 

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

Isengard@talktalkdotnet

This has been introduced as an anti-spam feature.

Disclaimer

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

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

 

Stop Press!!

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

New text in RED!

 

WHR timetables

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

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

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

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

Click here for John Sreeves Gradient profile courtesy of WHRS

Click here for Chainages and OS Map References

Timetables and Events

F&WHR timetables 2025

Click on this link to view the full timetables for the F&WHR in pdf form.

 

North Wales Railtours 2025

Date Railtour Name From-To Promoter Loco
1/3/25 The Mancunian Manchester Victoria - Holyhead/Llandudno connection PU Stockport RTC Steam pool
29/3/25 The Heart of Wales Explorer Eastleigh-Llandrindod Wells-Shrewsbury (REV) PU stations to Severn Tunnel Junction PR 2xWCR 37 diesel
5/4/25 The Snowdonian Euston-Holyhead PU stations to Rugby includes optional travel on full length FR/WHR either clockwise or anticlockwise on The Snowdonian special train with coach links to either Caernarfon or Blaenau Ffestiniog. UKR WCR Diesel

47 or 57

5/4/25 The Lakelander Llandudno Junction PU stations to Preston, Carlisle (2 hours) and return via Cumbrian Coast Saphos Trains Steam pool from Preston
3/5/25 North Wales Coast Express Birmingham New Street-Llandudno Victorian Extravaganza REV Nuneaton, PU stations to Crewe VT Steam to Chester/Diesel
8/6/25 PTG Charter Return journeys on WHR and FR from Porthmadog PTG F&WHR steam
10/9/25 Snowdonia Statesman Cardiff PU stations to Birmingham New Street for Betws-y-coed or Blaenau Ffestiniog ST Saphos Trains
10/10/25 Snowdonia Statesman Durham PU stations to Rochdale for Betws-y-coed or Blaenau Ffestiniog ST Saphos Trains

 

PU        Picks up/sets down

RTC     Railway Touring Co.

PR        Pathfinder Railtours

UKR    UK Railtours

VT        Vintage Trains

PTG      PTG Tours

ST        Saphos Trains

 

F&WHR Special Events 2025

Shown below is an early version of the F&WHR Special 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 still hold tickets for from the aborted launch in 2023. At the moment there are tentative plans 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. Nevertheless a series of Goodbye to Russell runs will be held at Easter from Porthmadog Harbour station up the WHR and it seems likely that No.590 will be back in time. As last year, it seems the Snowdonian Limited has been dropped from the schedule and so far there is just the single run of The Snowdonian planned in the April.

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 many other heritage railways. There are no winter services for coach operators either which used to be a common feature on the WHR pre-COVID with short trains to Hafod-y-llyn Isaf. There are a few 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/RAIL 200 'Whistle Off'
15/2/25-23/2/25 Half Term Holiday NO SERVICE currently planned
27/2/25-1/3/25 Model Railway Exhibition, Caernarfon Station. Unadvertised Velinheli cab rides. No WHR service trains currently planned.
7-9/3/25 Photo charters on WHR NG15 No.134, K1, Russell, Vale of Ffestiniog at Rhyd Ddu/Aberglaslyn
29/3/25 Start of 2025 Season
21-23/3/25 Free Boston Lodge depot tours with shuttle trains
5/4/25 UK RailTours clockwise and anticlockwise tour of the F&WHR
5/4/25 Russell Special Porthmadog Harbour to Beddgelert 11:25-15:00
12/4/25 Russell Special Porthmadog Harbour to Beddgelert 10:55-13:30
18/4/25 Russell Special Porthmadog Harbour to Caernarfon 11:10
19/4/25 Russell final trip on WHHR before withdrawal for 10 year boiler repair
18-21/4/25 Lilla cab rides at Caernarfon, small loco cab rides at Porthmadog.
26-27/4/25 The Snowdonian with Prince and K1/NG16 and NG16/No.134 pairings, cameo appearances by Merddin Emrys/Prince in green retro livery and possibly Baldwin  No.590
1/5/25 Private event at Boston Lodge to celebrate completion of the Boston Lodge Interpretation Project with special train
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 in Caernarfon)
17-18/5/25 Model Railway Workshop (Gweithdy Minffordd with possible shuttle trains?)
6-8/6/25 Rail Ale at Snowdonia Parc Waunfawr (with connecting shuttles)
19/6/25 Mary Ann evening re-enactment of First Train across The Cob
20-22/6/25 FR Soc. 70th Anniversary (standard WHR service likely) Platinum Jubilee with RAIL 200 events
22/6/25 200 wheel Cavalcade on The Cob to celebrate Rail 200 and Vale of Ffestiniog special to Blaenau Ffestiniog
13/9/25-14/9/25 WHR Society AGM 13/9/24. There will be an intensive timetable including heavy freight with NG15 and NG16 haulage.
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.

 

News Section

Timetable w/c 14/6/25

May be an image of chess and text 

Click on advert to enlarge. This advert is copyright F&WHR.

 

Loco roster w/c 17/6/25

Steam continues on the WHR and the FR but diesel substitution could be reinstated according to weather conditions. A second drench train is now available. For full details click the loco captions.

 

F&WHR 16/6/25

The Met Office forecast for Monnday 16/6/25 was for a day of strong sunshine and temperatures of 14-18C. Sunset was at 21:44. Temperatures might stabilise at 25-29C by the end of the month with more mixed weather. There were two FR trains today and just one on the WHR.

At 09:45 Prince arrived in the WHR platform with the ECS for the 10:10 Works Shuttle. Merddin Emrys hauled the ECS for the 10:40 Mountain Spirit into the FR platform at 09:55.

FR PLATINUM JUBILEE WEEKEND: FREE 'PARK & RIDE' SERVICE!

 

May be a graphic of map and text

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

 

The F&WHR is pleased to once again have an agreement with CPD Porthmadog to use the car park at the football ground for a 'Park & Ride' service for visitors to the Platinum Jubilee event - and we encourage as many as possible to take advantage of this service. Polite Request: Please park on the hard-standing - not on the training pitch itself! The football ground is clearly sign-posted off the Porthmadog Bypass - Post Code LL49 9PP or what3words ///kilowatt.duck.couch
A frequent bus service will run every 30 minutes* on a clockwise loop - stopping at Minffordd Station, Boston Lodge Halt, Harbour Station and TfW's Cambrian Coast station (WHHR across the road from the WHHR!). Please check the notes on the map for the location of the bus stops in use for this service.
Harbour Stn (dep) - xx.00 and xx.30
Cambrian Station - xx.03 and xx.33
Football Club - xx.08 and xx.38
Minffordd Stn - xx.12 and xx.42
Boston Lodge - xx.13 and xx.43
Harbour Stn (arr) - xx.20 and xx.50
The first bus from the football ground is timed to leave at 08:38 - while the last bus to the football ground leaves Harbour Station at 19:00. There are a couple of breaks in service around the middle of the day so that the bus driver can have a necessary 'personal needs' break. These are clearly shown on the timetable...ℹ Full details of timings for this (and of all the trains) are included in the Event Guide which can be ordered along with your tickets @ festrail.co.uk/fr70 or by phoning the Booking Office on 01766 516024 2️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ For more information about 'Railway 200', visit the official website: railway200.co.uk

 

F&WHR 15/6/25

The Met Office forecast for Sunday 15/6/25 was for a day of sunny periods giving way to thunderstorms and temperatures of 13-24C. Sunset was at 21:26. Temperatures might stabilise at 25-29C by the end of the month with more mixed weather. There were two FR trains today and just one on the WHR.

At 09:50 Merddin Emrys turned up in the WHR platform with the two coach E\CS for the Works Shuttle. The train left as soon as the Mountain Prince cleared the section. James Spooner arrived in the FR platform with the ECS for the 10:20 Mountain Spirit. The rear three coaches were propelled to the seawall siding and the Obs returned to its train.

 

F&WHR 14/6/25

The Met Office forecast for Saturday 14/6/25 was for a day of sunny periods giving way to thunderstorms and temperatures of 12-17C. Sunset was at 21:43. Thunderstorms were predicted from midday to midnight. Temperatures might stabilise at about 18-22C by the end of next week with more mixed weather. There were three FR trains today and two on the WHR. David Lloyd George, Welsh Pony and Prince have all had steam tests and will be available for the FR Jubilee Event.

 

F&WHR 13/6/25

The Met Office forecast for Friday 13/6/25 was for a day of sunny periods giving way to thunderstorms and temperatures of 13-19C. Sunset was at 21:41. Thunderstorms are predicted from 14:00-23:00. Temperatures might stabilise at about 19-21C by the middle of next week with more mixed weather. There were only two FR trains today and NONE on the WHR.

James Spooner arrived on the ECS for the Mountain Spirit at 09:50. At 17:25 a double Fairlie took the ECS from the Woodland Wanderer back across The Cob.

 

Moving Pictures YouTube No.107

This YouTube covers the preparations for the FR Jubilee Event 19-22/6/25. On 7-8/6/25 many items of rolling stock were moved into position ready for the Gala.

 

Click on the YouTube link to watch 19 mins 32 seconds of preparation for the FR Jubilee next weekend. Video taken by John Wooden on a professional 4K Betamax camcorder.

 

F&WHR 12/6/25

The Met Office forecast for Thursday 12/6/25 was for a day of heavy rain giving way to thunderstorms and temperatures of 15-22C. Sunset was at 21:41. Thunderstorms are predicted from 14:00-23:00. Temperatures might stabilise at about 19-21C by the middle of next week with more mixed weather.

First in today was NG16 No.13 0 in the WHR platform at 09:35 with the ECS Harbourmaster. Next up was Merddin Emrys hauling the ECS for the Mountain Spirit which arrived at 09:55. At 10:30 James Spooner hauled the ECS for the 11:10 Woodland Wanderer into the WHR platform.

 

F&WHR 11/6/25

The Met Office forecast for Wednesday 11/6/25 was for a day of sunny periods and temperatures of 15-22C. Sunset was at 21:40. Temperatures might stabilise at about19-20C next week with more mixed weather.

First in today was an NG16 which appeared to have a Fairlie and Palmerston attached to the rear in the WHR platform at 09:45. After these two had fuelled and watered they returned to Boston Lodge to haul their ECS trains into Porthmadog.

 

F&WHR 10/6/25

The Met Office forecast for Tuesday 10/6/25 was for a day of sunny periods and temperatures of 15-22C. Sunset was at 21:40. Temperatures might rise a little and stabilise at about19-20C next week with more mixed weather. Consequently the short wet period and the second drench train has allowed the FR to reintroduce steam haulage. There were 5 FR trains due today but only the two through trains on the WHR.

James Spooner was on the Mountain Spirit.

 

No.134 on first public BeerFest shuttle YouTube 7/6/25

Click on the YouTube box to expand showing the first public trip by No.134 on the Waunfawr BeerFest shuttles. This YouTube video lasts 21 minutes 37 seconds taken by John Wooden on a 4Kprofessional Betamax camcorder.

 

No.134 was prepared for duty on the Waunfawr BeerFest shuttle and collected the coaching stock while waiting for the Snowdonia Star to pass. The NG15 made an impressive start from Caernarfon and travelled at line speed up the steep Coed Helen bank. The two Funkeys were noted passing on The HarbourMaster at Dinas. Bill was depot pilot. The train stopped briefly at Tryfan Junction and showed no signs of slipping on the very steep restart from there. Over the weekend the loco made 6 shuttle runs from Caernarfon to Waunfawr with no need for top-n-tailing as staff gaining valuable experience running round. Vale of Ffestiniog returned to Boston Lodge on the Monday.

 

F&WHR 9/6/25

The Met Office forecast for Monday 9/6/25 was for a day with increasing sunny periods and temperatures of 13-16C. Sunset was at 21:40. Temperatures might rise slightly to 22C by midweek next week with more mixed weather. Consequently the short wet period and the second drench train has allowed the FR to reintroduce steam haulage. There were 2 FR trains due today but only one on the WHR.

Taliesin hauled the morning Works Shuttle and a Fairlie was on the Mountain Spirit.

 

F&WHR 8/6/25

The Met Office forecast for Sunday 8/6/25, a day with showers and sunny periods and temperatures of 9-18C. Sunset was at 21:40. Temperatures might rise slightly to 21C by midweek next week with more mixed weather. Consequently the short wet period and the second drench train has allowed the FR to reintroduce steam haulage. There were 2 FR trains due today but NO trains on the WHR.

Merddin Emrys arrived with an ECS move at 09:30. This short train left for Dinas at 09:34. Linda arrived in the WHR platform at 09:40 with the ECS for the Works Shuttle. This two coach vintage set included the 'curly roofed van'. James Spooner arrived with the ECS for the 10:40 Mountain Spirit at about 10:00. Unusually, the Fairlie removed the Obs to the seawall siding and left it there.

 

WHR events at Diamond Jubilee

Recently released info on the midsummer gala shows one or two nice WHR trips (evening trip to Beddgelert with Welsh Pony, for example) but these are very few relative to FR ones! See timetables for 19-20/6/25 and 21-22/6/25.

 

F&WHR 7/6/25

The Met Office forecast for Saturday 7/6/25 was for an improving day with showers and sunny periods and temperatures of 8-15C. Sunset was at 21:38. Temperatures might rise slightly to 23C by midweek next week with more mixed weather. Consequently the short wet period and the second drench train has allowed the FR to reintroduce steam haulage. There were 2 FR trains due today and NO trains on the WHR.

No.143 was on  the 10:05 Harbourmaster and, as it departed, James Spooner shunted 3 coaches to the seawall siding before returning the Obs. to the Mountain Spirit in the FR platform. At 10:35 Taliesin brought the ECS Woodland Wanderer into the WHR platform but the run round had to wait the departure of the 10:40 Mountain Spirit.

 

F&WHR 6/6/25

The Met Office forecast for Friday 6/6/25 was for a day with showers and sunny periods with temperatures of 9-16C. Sunset was at 21:37. Temperatures might rise slightly to 23C by midweek next week with more mixed weather. Consequently the short wet period and the second drench train has allowed the FR to reintroduce steam haulage. There were 2 FR trains due today and NO trains on the WHR. The Works Shuttle ran today.

Merddin Emrys returned with the Mountain Spirit at 13:54 into the WHR platform. The loco uncoupled immediately and ran to the yard to refuel. Taliesin arrived with the ECS for the 14:40 Woodland Wanderer at 14:09. The loco ran round shortly afterwards. A light engine came from the depot to take the ECS Mountain Spirit back to the depot.

 

F&WHR 5/6/25

The Met Office forecast for Thursday 5/6/25 was for a day with showers and sunny periods with temperatures of 9-17C. Sunset was at 21:36. Temperatures might rise slightly to 21C by midweek next week with more mixed weather. Consequently the short wet period and the second drench train has allowed the FR to reintroduce steam haulage. There were 5 FR trains due today and two through trains on the WHR.

The first three departures were predictably hauled by a Garratt and double Fairlies. Meanwhile up at Tan-y-bwlch Harlech Castle was standing in the loop on a train of empty B wagons probably destined for Minffordd Yard. At 14:00, Linda was shunting the seawall siding, No.150 was on the return working of the Snowdonia Star indicating the two Garratts had swopped duties at  Beddgelert recently. Merddin Emrys hauled the 14:20 Mountain Spirit. James Spooner hauled the Woodland Wanderer out of the seawall siding and propelled the rake back into the FR platform. Linda collected its rake from the yard and propelled back into the FR platform before departing at 15:15.

 

F&WHR 4/6/25

The Met Office forecast for Wednesday 4/6/25 was for a day with sunny periods with temperatures of 11-16C. Sunset was at 21:35. Temperatures might rise slightly to 17C by midweek next week with more mixed weather. Consequently the short wet period and the second drench train has allowed the FR to reintroduce steam haulage. There were 4 FR trains due today and three WHR trains.

The second drench train was operating today with Upnor Castle and was noted at 12:12 entering the WHR platform from Beddgelert. No.130 was noted next on the Aberglaslyn. The loco ran round 30 minutes later and set off on time on the afternoon trip. Moelwyn was stabled in the seawall sining now repainted in green from the former greay livery. James Spooner arrived in the WHR platforn with the return working of the Mountain Spirit and the loco shunted to the refuelling point. Linda shunted the coal wagons in the fuelling point and Taliesin appeared on a light engine duty in the yard while Moelwyn took the 14:05 Works Shuttle across The Cob.

 

Moelwyn repaint

This westerly view (4/6/25) shows Moelwyn No.11 released from its recent repaint. This photo is coyright F&WHR taken on a digital camera.

 

James Spooner returned to its train at 14:30, departing 5 minutes later, as Linda shunted the yard light engine. At 14:50 Taliesin departed with the ECS for the Woodland Wanderer back to the depot. Finally Linda shunted its rake back to the FR platform at 14:55.

 

This northererly view (28/5/25) shows Upnor Castle  on the second drench train at Dinas. This photo is coyright Keith Holland taken on a digital camera.

 

F&WHR 3/6/25

The Met Office forecast for Tuesday 3/6/25 was for a day with sunny periods with temperatures of 8-16C. Sunset was at 21:34. Temperatures might remain very stable at 15-16C by next week with more mixed weather. Consequently the short wet period has allowed the FR to reintroduce steam haulage. There were 5 FR trains due today and just two through WHR trains.

No.150 hauled in the 10:05 towards Caernarfon. This seemed to be for the 10:05 Harbourmaster working. Merddin Emrys turned up next at 09:45 in the FR platform with the ECS for the Mountain Spirit. The loco ran round and shunted the rear thre coaches to the sea wall siding before returning with the Obs.James Spooner was last with the ECS for the Woodland Wanderer at 10:30 into the WHR platform.

No.143 hauled the Snowdonia Star and was noted departing the WHR platform on time at 14:05. Merddin Emrys was stabled in the FR platform ready for the afternoon Mountain Spirit. between 14:00-15:00 there was considerable shunting in the yard  with the Fairlie and Linda until the Woodland Wanderer departed. Linda finally extracted the Quarryman for its return journey to Blaenau Ffestiniog.

 

Boston Lodge at the Platinum Jubilee weekend


Click on the YouTube box to expand. YouTube video lasts 11 minutes 53 seconds taken by John Wooden on a 4Kprofessional Betamax camccorder.

Boston Lodge will be a hub of activity and entertainment over the Platinum Jubilee Weekend, with plenty of interest to see and a great place to socialise with friends. Join Matt Ellis and Stephen Greig for a walk around Boston Lodge as they explain 'what will be happening' and 'where' across the site. Click the link below for a video round-up of what you can expect to see and enjoy over the weekend...

https://youtu.be/T-BU51-woXs

ℹ Tickets and further details for the event weekend are available here: festrail.co.uk/fr70

2⃣00⃣ For more information about 'Railway 200', visit the official website: railway200.co.uk

F&WHR 2/6/25

The Met Office forecast for Monday 2/6/25 was for a day with sunny periods with temperatures of 9-17C. Sunset was at 21:32. Temperatures might remain very stable at 15-16C by next week with more mixed weather. Consequently the short wet period has allowed the FR to reintroduce steam haulage. There were 2 FR trains due today and just the one WHR train.

The final afternnon ECS saw Taliesin taking the Woodland Wanderer back to the depot at 17:15. Palmerston No.4 had disposed of the 3 coach Works Shuttle shortly before. The addition of a four wheeler apparently for the first time is probably a response to greater take up of this service.

 

F&WHR 1/6/25

The Met Office forecast for Sunday 1/6/25 was for a day with sunny periods with temperatures of 9-17C. Sunset was at 21:32. Temperatures might remain very stable at 15-16C by next week with more mixed weather.Consequently the short wet period has allowed the FR to reintroduce steam haulage. There were 2 FR trains due today and just the one WHR train.

 

F&WHR 31/5/25

The Met Office forecast for Saturday 31/5/25 was for a day with sunny periods with temperatures of 9-17C. Sunset is at 21:31. Temperatures might change to 15-17C by next week with more mixed weather. Consequently the short wet period has allowed the FR to reintroduce steam haulage. There were 5 FR trains due today and just the two through WHR trains.

At 09:40 the Garratt turned up with the ECS for the Harbourmaster. The Fairlie was next with the ECS for the Mountain Spirit. Finally Taliesin turned up with the ECS for the Woodland Wanderer. The loco collected a spare coach from the seawall siding to add to the rake.

 

No.134 on Waunfawr Beer Festival shuttles!

May be an image of text that says "CWRW AR Y CLEDRAU SNOWDONIA PARC, WAUNFAWR MEHEFIN 6° 6t-8 8 th ed fed JUNE CWRW GO IAWN SEIDR BWYD CERDDORIAETH FYW Sganiwch fi..! INFO scan me..! REAL ALES CIDER FOOD LIVE MUSIC 10:15 TRENAU GWYL £10 FESTIVAL TRAINS Dydd Gwener Friday 12:05 14:00 15:55 17:50 19:45• 21:40 Dydd Sadwrn Saturday 11:10 ・12:40・ 13:30 ・14:15 15:55 17:50 19:45 Dydd Sul• Sunday 10:40• 12:55 15:10 Trên olaf yn ôli Gaernarfon Last Dydd Gwener Sadwrn Friday 22:40 21:40 back to Caernarfon Dydd Sul Sunday 16:20"

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

 

It is just a few days away from this year's CWRW AR Y CLEDRAU real-ale event, being hosted by the Snowdonia Parc in Waunfawr. As usual the F&WHR will be providing a shuttle service between Caernarfon and Waunfawr - but this year's shuttles promise a ground-breaking event that you won't want to miss.
Yes - NG15 No.134 will finally be making its first appearance in public service..!
This magnificent loco will be working three trains from Caernarfon on both Saturday and Sunday. Funkey Vale of Ffestiniog will be working all other shuttle trains - but will also work with the NG15 to top'n'tail No.134's final train on Saturday.
Shuttle tickets are just £10 and valid all day - no need to book in advance, just turn up and pay on the day.
Entry to CWRW AR Y CLEDRAU at the Snowdonia Parc is FREE between 11.00 and 15:00 on Friday and Saturday - with a £10 festival ticket required after 15:00. (You can buy a two-day ticket for £15). There is no charge for entry on Sunday.
Festival tickets are available @ https://bit.ly/CAYC-25
Timetables for the shuttle trains are included below, which also show the loco in use on each service. So don't miss out - come along and join in the fun at Waunfawr - and be among the first to travel behind the Welsh Highland Railway's newest addition to its working steam fleet!

 

May be a graphic of floor plan, blueprint and text that says "RHEILFFORDD HIGHLAND Caernarfon 5101 Dinas Funkey CWRW 1030 11O 1240 Waunfawr 1330 1125 1045 Rhyd Ddu 1415 1255 RAIL-ALE Funkey 1345 1140 1115 Funkey 1430 1555 1310 SATURDAY 1750 1400 1610 1445 2140 1805 1225 CODES 2000 1625 1515 me:e 2155 1820 2015 1540 NG/G16 t 1625 Porthmadog No.134+ =Top'n'Tailed with 1005 chrertasnd FESTIVAL SHUTTLE Service 1045 Ddu NG/GI6 Funkey* 1115 405 1015 1140 Funkey 1445 1235 1325 1210 Funkey* WHR SERVICE TRAIN Shuctle Tickets 1515 1455 1250 1340 1540 1305 1655 1355 1850 1005 2045 1710 2240 1905 1620 2255 1920 WHR SERVICE TRAIN Shuttle Tickets VALID 2310"

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

 

F&WHR 30/5/25

The Met Office forecast for Friday 30/5/25 was for an improving day with sunny periods later with temperatures of 13-17C. Sunset is at 21:29. Temperatures might change to 16-17C by next week with more mixed weather. Consequently the short wet period has allowed the FR to reintroduce steam haulage. There were 4 FR trains due today and just one WHR train. The Woodland Wanderer has substituted for the Victorian rake.

 

No.134 in loaded test to Beddgelert 27/5/25

The 27/5/25 was the day nominated for a loaded test run to Beddgelert without a second loco in support. This could provide a challenging test with the sharply curved 1 in 40 section in the Beddgelert Forest. The first job was to collect the two spare coaches from the Carriage Shed. The loco ran round the two coaches and propelled them into the loop at Caernarfon while No.130 approached with the service train. No.134 shunted the two coaches onto the rear to form a 9 coach test train and set off, leaving No.130 in steam at Caernarfon 'just in case'!

The train accelerated up the steep gradient of St. Helenn's Bank and had to slow for the 5mph PSR at Hendy Crossing. The loco gives a very satisfying beat as it accelerates or when maintaining a constant speed on a gradient. The only significant slowing was on the steep approach to Tryfan Junction and the only slip on the Snowdon Ranger level crossing.

Meanwhile on Monday 26/5/25 Paul Lewin (GM) caught sight of No.134 testing the loading gauge in the FR station yard at Porthmadog. This included the FR platform and some of the sidings that the loco will use to refuel/rewater. See TikTok video.

 

Click on the YouTube box to watch 26 minutes 36 seconds of video of showing No.134's loaded test run to Beddgelert gauging run between Caernarfon and Beddgelert Garratt siding. This video was published on 27/5/25. This video is copyright F&WHR and was taken by John Wooden on a professional betamax 4K camcorder.

 

F&WHR 29/5/25

The Met Office forecast for Thursday 29/5/25 was for an overcast day with rain later with temperatures of 13-16C. Sunset is at 21:28 . Temperatures might drop to 16-17C by next week with more mixed weather. Consequently the short wet period has allowed the FR to reintroduce steam haulage. There were 5 FR trains due today and the two through WHR trains. The Woodland Wanderer has substituted for the Victorian rake.

No.130 was first to arrive at 09:30 today with the ECS for the Harbourmaster. Merddin Emrys departed with the 11:10 to Tan-y-bwlch. No.70 arrived with the Snowdonia Star at aout 12:30 and the loco went to refuel in the yard. Linda was shunting the Quarryman clear of the FR platform to await the finaal arrival.

 

Locals Discount extended to end of June and SY20

LOCAL RESIDENTS OFFER - NOW INCLUDING SY20..!Machynlleth Area. Our LOCALS’ DISCOUNT scheme continues to be very popular. So we have decided to make it available throughout June 2nd-30th inclusive - (excluding 20th-22nd June) - and on all of our train services!

We are offering a 50% discount on STANDARD CLASS tickets (for the whole family) to local residents with their primary address in postcode areas LL22 to LL78 inclusive - and those living in SY20..!

This discount will be available on the following trains:

▪️ WOODLAND WANDERER (Porthmadog to Tan-y-Bwlch return)

▪️ MOUNTAIN SPIRIT (Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog return)

▪️ THE QUARRYMAN (Blaenau Ffestiniog to Porthmadog return)

▪️ THE ABERGLASLYN (Porthmadog to Beddgelert return)

▪️ THE HARBOURMASTER (Porthmadog to Caernarfon return)

▪️ GELERT EXPLORER (Caernarfon to Beddgelert return)

▪️ SNOWDONIA STAR (Caernarfon to Porthmadog return)

 The voucher code is: LOCALSJUNE50
This code will work for Standard Class tickets ONLY, during the period stated above.

ℹ Discount offer is for tickets only and does not include Guidebooks or Food & Drink.

 This code can be used to apply the discount when making bookings online, on the phone, at our Booking Office counters or on the trains, via the Guard. PLEASE NOTE: Customers must bring proof of residency (e.g. Driver's License) on the day of travel to show at the check-in desk.

More details and online tickets @ festrail.co.uk/trains - we look forward to welcoming you here..!

 

F&WHR 28/5/25

The Met Office forecast for Wednesday 28/5/25 was for an overcast day with rain later with temperatures of 11-17C. Sunset is at 21:27 with sunny periods. Temperatures might drop to the 16-17C by the weekend with more mixed weather and over the week ahead. Consequently the short wet period has allowed the FR to reintroduce steam haulage. There were 5 FR trains due today and the three WHR trains. The Woodland Wanderer has substituted for the Victorian rake.

Taliesin hauled the Works Shuttle back to Porthmadog arriving back in the FR platform at 12:20. Linda arrived in the FR platform at 12:48. The ECS Works Shuttle departed from the yard at 12:50 hauled by Taliesin. Linda shunted the Quarryman rake into the sidings at 13:00. No.87 pulled into the WHR plaform with the Aberglaslyn. The Garratt ran to the FR yard to refuel at 13:12. Merddin Emrys arrived at 12:24 in the FR platform with the Quarryman. Linda shunted the yard as No.87 ran round. James Spooner arrived with the Mountain Spirit at 13:55 in the WHR platform. The two Fairlies swopped duties.

 

Diesels not invited

TESTING, TESTING - THE SIMPLEX IS GO..! ✅
We're pleased to report that there was no 'Rapid Unscheduled Disassembly' here at the F&WHR when 'The Simplex' ('Mary Ann') recently had a run out from Boston Lodge...
The occasion was a test run to ensure that everything was running smoothly (well, as smoothly as possible with this historic loco) ahead of its appearance at the FR Platinum Jubilee Weekend, where it will 'get the show on the road' by re-enacting the first passenger services run by the re-opened Ffestiniog Railway in 1955.
During the loco's visit to Harbour Station it was possible to compare frontline internal combustion motive power from 1955 and 2025, due to the 'steam ban' in place that day..!
Here's a selection of photos as an appetiser to the main event in June - when you can ride in the First Train Re-enactment on the evening of Thursday, 19th June. (Tickets are still available for just £3.50 on top of your event rover.)
▶️ If the photos aren't enough to tempt you - enjoy the sights and sounds of this pioneering loco on test in this video from the 'Moving Pictures' team - https://youtu.be/bx3PGH8xbx0
🔶 NOTE: The '200 Wheels on the Cob' Cavalcade does not include members of the F&WHR internal combustion fleet, so the railway have included the footer detail on these photos in recognition of their contribution to the F&WHR over the years. As with the steam loco graphics, this does not include every i/c loco, but is a representative sample. How many do you recognise - and what is your favourite..?
ℹ️ Tickets and further details for the event weekend are now available here: festrail.co.uk/fr70
2️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ For more information about 'Railway 200', visit the official website: railway200.co.uk.

 

F&WHR 27/5/25

The Met Office forecast for Tuesday 27/5/25 was for an overcast day with rain later with temperatures of 9-14C. Sunset is at 21:26 with overcast and showers into the evening. Temperatures might drop to the 15C by the weekend with more mixed weather then resuming 15-17C over the week ahead. Consequently the short wet period has allowed the FR to reintroduce steam haulage. There were 5 FR trains due today and the two through WHR trains. The Woodland Wanderer has substituted for the Victorian rake.

A tree was blown down in the woods and cut power to The Tan-y-bwlch Tea Shop. Scottish Power engineers fixed the problem around midday but it was too late to reopen Tan-y-bwlch cafe.

No.134 hauled a loaded test run in the evening and was successful with a 9 coach rake to presumably Rhyd Ddu. See Facebook video courtesy Rob Holland. A much harder test will be Hafod-y-llyn to Rhyd Ddu hauling 9 coaches up the 1 in 40 through the Beddgelert Forest including a restart at Beddgelert.

 

F&WHR 26/5/25

The Met Office forecast for Monday 26/5/25 was for an overcast day with rain later with temperatures of 9-14C. Sunset is at 21:24 with overcast and showers all day. Temperatures might drop to the 15C by the weekend with more mixed weather then resuming 19C by next weekend. Consequently the short wet period has allowed the FR to reintroduce steam haulage. There were 4 FR trains due today and one Beddgelert Explorer WHR trains. The Woodland Wanderer has substituted for the Victorian rake.

Taliesin arrived on the ECS 2 coach Works Shuttle into the WHR platform at 09:40 and ran round minutes later. James Spooner hauled the ECS Mountain Spirit into the FR plaform at 09:54. The Fairlie ran round as Taliesin departed. Merddin Emrys arrived 10:35 with the ECS for the Woodland Wanderer. At 11:02 Blanche arrived with the Vintage train on an unadvertised special in the FR platform, departing at 11:12. Blanche ran round at 11:15.

 

F&WHR 25/5/25

The Met Office forecast for Sunday 25/5/25 was for an overcast day with rain later with temperatures of 8-17C. Sunset is at 21:23 with overcast and rain overnight. Temperatures might drop to the 15C by the weekend with more mixed weather then resuming 17C by midweek with frequent showers until Tuesday. Consequently the short wet period has allowed the FR to reintroduce steam haulage. There were 4 FR trains due today in addition to the Works Shuttle and the three Beddgelert WHR trains. The Woodland Wanderer has substituted for the Victorian rake.

 

Cavalcade Footplate Passes up for Sale!

The build up to the F&WHR's highly anticipated RAILWAY 200: FR PLATINUM JUBILEE WEEKEND feat. 200 Wheels on the Cob (20-22/6/25) continues with another special announcement! A selection of Footplate Passes for the 200 Wheels on the Cob Cavalcade are now available to buy on the F&WHR website - including BLANCHE, NG/G16 Garratts and NG15 No.134!
This follows our Auction on the 4/5/25, when a number of items, including footplate passes went under the hammer. Over £2,000 was raised at the auction, with a number of Footplate Passes selling to some happy bidders.
Despite this, a number of passes did not sell - so the F&WHR thought "why not give our supporters another chance to buy them on a first come, first served basis?"

ℹ So that's what the railway has done - head over to the F&WHR Event webpage, click on the 'Book Tickets' link and select Sunday, 22/6/25 in the calendar, to buy your Cavalcade Footplate Pass: festrail.co.uk/fr70
⚠ Please note; Participants must have a 1-day or 3-day Rover ticket, wear stout footwear, appropriate clothing and be mobile. MINIMUM AGE: 16yrs old.

 

F&WHR 24/5/25

The Met Office forecast for Saturday 24/5/25 was for an overcast day with rain later with temperatures of 10-16C. Sunset is at 21:22 with overcast and rain overnight. Temperatures might drop to the 15C by the weekend with more mixed weather then resuming 17C by midweek with frequent showers until Tuesday. Consequently the short wet period has allowed the FR to reintroduce steam haulage. There were 5 FR trains due today and the two through WHR trains. The Woodland Wanderer has substituted for the Victorian rake.

First today was the Garratt for the 10:05 Harbourmaster. James Spooner was in the FR platform for the 10:40 Mountain Spirit. Merddin Emrys arrived in the WHR platform with the ECS for the Woodland Wanderer at 10:10 and the loco ran to the yard to refuel before departing on time. Criccieth Castle arrived with the Quarryman at 12:45.

 

Local residents offer continued until 1/6/25 on Gelert Explorer

The Half Price Offer for local residents will allow them to make the most of the summer Half Term Break and enjoy a spectacular train ride into the heart of Snowdonia- for half-price!
Between the 24/5/25 and 1/6/25 inclusive, the F&WHR are offering a 50% discount on tickets for the Gelert Explorer service (Caernarfon to Beddgelert return) for the whole family. This discount is available to local residents with their primary address in the postcode areas: LL22 - LL78 inclusive.
The voucher code is: LOCALS50
This code will work for Standard Class tickets on Gelert Explorer services ONLY, during the period stated above.
ℹ Discount offer is for tickets only and does not include Guidebooks or Food & Drink.
This code can be used to apply the discount when making bookings online, on the phone, at our Booking Office counters or on the trains, via the Guard.
PLEASE NOTE: Customers must bring proof of residency (e.g. Driver’s Licence) on the day of travel to show at the check-in desk.
More details and online tickets @https://www.festrail.co.uk/gelert-explorer - the F&WHR look forward to welcoming you here!

 

F&WHR 23/5/25

The Met Office forecast for Friday 23/5/25 was for a day of day long sunshine with temperatures of 11-16C. Sunset is at 21:20 with overcast and rain overnight. Temperatures might drop to the 15C by the weekend with more mixed weather then resuming 18C by midweek with frequent showers. The Met Office confirm that Spring has been the sunniest and driest on record! Consequently the FR has substituted diesel hauled services in place of steam to minimise lineside fires. There were just 2 FR trains due today and no WHR trains.

Upnor Castle ran round round the Works Shuttle in the WHR platform at 10:00 and departed at 10:10 immediately after the ECS for the 10:40 Mountain Spirit arrived behind the Funkey. At 10:20 the four coaches at the head of the train were shunted to the seawall siding and the Obs returned to the rake. Departure came on time at 10:40. Upnor Castle returnd at 12:15 and ran round in the FR platform at 12:23. The Funkey arrived back in the WHR platform at 13:52 then ran round to dispose of the ECS.

 

NG15 gauged to Boston Lodge 19/5/25

No.134 (with No.130 propelling) made its way to Nantmor which was the previous limit of gauging on 19/5/25. Progress was slower stopping at every level crossing to remove the anti-trespass grids after Nantmor.The loco crept around the tight chicane alongside Llyn Bach and the tighest curve onto Britannia Bridge tramway with no problems. After waiting for a path across The Cob the two locos separated at Pen Cob Junction and No.134 fitted nicely into the Garratt siding between the Loco Shed and the Small Loco Shed. It is proposed to launch the loco at the WHRSoc AGM in September to allow further small snagging jobs to be dealt with but if there is a problem with motive power the loco may appear earlier on revenue earning trains.

 

Click on the YouTube box to watch 16 minutes 46 seconds of video of showing No.134's gauging run between Nantmor and Boston Lodge Garratt siding. This video was published on 22/5/25. This video is copyright F&WHR and was taken by John Wooden on a professional betamax 4K camcorder.

 

F&WHR 22/5/25

The Met Office forecast for Thursday 22/5/25 was for day long sunshine with temperatures of 5-19C. Sunset is at 21:19. Temperatures might drop to the 15C by the weekend with more mixed weather then resuming 18C by midweek. The Met Office confirm that Spring has been the sunniest and driest on record! Consequently the FR has substituted diesel hauled services in place of steam to minimise lineside fires. There were 5 FR trains due today and just two WHR trains.

The Garratt pulled into the WHR platform at 09:30 with the ECS for the 10:05 Harbourmaster. Vale of Ffestiniog arrived at 10:00 into the FR platform with the ECS for the 10:40 Mountain Spirit. Run round followed at 10:10. At 10:22 Upnor Castle arrived with theECS for the 11:10 Victorian train.

 

Second drench train being assembled

Paul Lewin, F&GWR General Manager said his railways were investing in two water-spraying trains to keep steam engines running safely. Only the Welsh Highland’s train is ready, meaning the Ffestiniog is among the operations forced to resort to diesels.

 

Take a Trip on the Gelert Explorer

The fantastic weather North Wales has been experiencing lately has led to a rare situation where the F&WHR fleet of heritage diesels have taken over frontline duties from the steam locomotives. However, no matter the motive power, the breath-taking scenery of Eryri / Snowdonia is as incredibly beautiful as ever.
Making the most of the opportunity to photograph diesels out 'in the wild', the photos followed Caernarfon Castle on the Gelert Explorer service from Caernarfon to Beddgelert and back, capturing a sequence of photos of the train and the landscape it passes through.
Built in South Africa in 1967, Caernarfon Castle looks stunning in green and looks right at home in North Wales - a far cry from its days working for the Consolidated Diamond Mines of Namibia, then for the Pretoria Portland Cement Ltd, working over a twelve mile branch from the South African Railways Avontuur line...
So, have a look at a photographic trip into the heart of Eryri - the 39 pictures are great, but rest assured the real thing is even better. Why not come along and see for yourselves!
--------------------------------------
ℹ Full details of the F&WHR 2025 services and online booking information can be found on our ‘Train Services’ page @ https://www.festrail.co.uk/trains/

 

F&WHR 21/5/25

The Met Office forecast for Wednesday 21/5/25 was for a day of day long sunshine with temperatures of 5-20C. Sunset is at 21:17. Temperatures might drop to the 15C by next week with more mixed weather. The Met Office confirm that Spring has been the sunniest and driest on record! Consequently the FR has substituted diesel hauled services in place of steam to minimise lineside fires. There were 5 FR trains due today and just two WHR trains.

The first loco out was Harlech Castle on the drench train. This departed Porthmadog towards Dinas at 09:35. Next was the Garratt arriving with the ECS for the 10:20 Aberglaslyn in the WHR platform. Merddin Emrys hauled the ECS Works shuttle into the FR platform at 09:55, the first steamhauled shuttle for a while. The Funkey was next to arrive on the Mountain Spirit in the FR platform after which the Works Shuttle shunted to the far end of the platform to load the train, setting out at 10:00.

 

F&WHR 20/5/25

The Met Office forecast for Tuesday 20/5/25 was for a day of sunny periods with temperatures of 8-19C. Sunset is at 21:16. Temperatures might drop to the 15C by next week with more mixed weather. The Met Office confirm that Spring has been the sunniest and driest on record! Consequently the FR has substituted diesel hauled services in place of steam to minimise lineside fires. There were 5 FR trains due today and just two WHR trains.

The first train was the Harbourmaster which arrived at 09:30 in the WHR platform with a Garratt on the front. The Funkey arrived next in the FR platform with the Mountain Spirit at 10:05. Criccieth Castle was shunting the Quarryman into the sidings at 13:00 before returnng light to the depot. The Snowdonia Star arrived at 13:30 when Criccieth Castle reappeared in the yard from the depot. No.143 completed the run round at 14:00 as Vale of Festiniog arrived back in the FR platform at 14:00.

 

F&WHR 19/5/25

The Met Office forecast for Monday 19/5/25 was for a day of sunny periods with temperatures of 9-18C. Sunset is at 21:14. Temperatures might drop to the 16C by next weekend with more mixed weather. The Met Office confirm that Spring has been the sunniest and driest on record! Consequently the FR has substituted diesel hauled services in place of steam. In addition to Works Shuttles there were 2 FR trains due today and just one WHR train.

In the absence of a signaller Criccieth Castle on the coal trainhad to stop at the king point on The Cob at 09:20 while the second man went forward to open the box and set the points. The train eventually pulled into the yard at about 09:30. The loco shunted the yard at 09:40. Harlech Castle arrived next with the drench tran for the WHR, passing through at 09:48. Upnor Castle arrived with the 2 coach ECS for the Works Shuttle at 09:55 in the WHR platform. Run round came promptly but the loco was held in the loop as Vale of Ffestiniog arrived with the ECS for the Mountain Spirit. At 10:13 the shuttle departed and the Funkey ran round ready for the 10:40 departure. The Funkey shunted the end four coaches into the seawall siding and brought the Obs back to its train.

Given the crowds on the platform a miscalculation had been made and the Funkey was send back with the Obs to bring back all four coaches. This caused the train to be over 20 minutes late departing. Finally Criccieth Castle emerged from the yard at 11:15 with the coal wagons and a brakevan and departed 5 minutes later.

 

F&WHR 18/5/25

The Met Office forecast for Sunday 18/5/25 was for a day of unbroken sunshine with temperatures of 9-22C. Sunset is at 21:13. Temperatures might stay in the low 20s all week with strong sunshine but dropping back to 17C by next weekend. The Met Office confirm that Spring has been the sunniest and driest on record! In addition to Works Shuttles and Cab Rides there were 2 FR trains due today and just one WHR train. Volunteers were tidying the planters on the platform today.

Steam shunting was taking place around midday at Harbour Station, probably Hugh Napier on cab rides. The Works Shuttle retuurned at 12:20 with Upnor Castle returning the two coach rake to the FR platform. The loco ran round at 12:27 and at 12:34 departed with the ECS for the depot. At 13:20 Upnor Castle was back in the FR platform with the ECS for the Victorian. The Hibberd ran round at 13:25 while Hugh Napier emerged briefly from the yard. The Mountain Spirit was back by 14:20 and the loco ran round in the WHR platform before departing with the ECS at 14:30.

 

F&WHR 17/5/25

The Met Office forecast for Saturday 17/5/25 was for a day of unbroken sunshine with temperatures of 9-22C. Sunset is at 21:11. Temperatures might stay in the low 20s all week with strong sunshine but dropping back to 17C by next weekend. The Met Office confirm that Spring has been the sunniest and driest on record! The first train was Caernarfon Castle with the drench train, departing the WHR platform at 09:00 and heading for Caernarfon. There were 4 FR trains due today and the two through WHR trains.

The signaller arrived at 08:40 to open the box. The first service was the ECS for the 10:05 Harbourmaster hauled by a Garratt arriving at 09:28 in the WHR platform.

 

F&WHR 16/5/25

The Met Office forecast for Friday 16/5/25 was for a day of unbroken sunshine with temperatures of 7-22C. Sunset is at 21:10. Temperatures might stay in the low 20s all week with strong sunshine but dropping back to 17C by next Friday. The signaller arrived at 09:20 to open the box. In addtion to the Works Shuttles, there were just 2 FR trains due today and no WHR trains!

The Simplex Maryanne was noted out on a test train in advance of the Jubilee Gala in the afternoon.

 

F&WHR 15/5/25

The Met Office forecast for Thursday 15/5/25 was for a day of sunny periods with temperatures of 7-21C. Sunset is at 21:08. Temperatures might stay in the low 20s all week with strong sunshine. At 10:05 the Garratt was present for the 10:05 Harbourmaster in the WHR platform. The Victorian arrived five minutes later into the WHR platform and Upnor Castle ran round. The Funkey was already present with the 10:40 Mountain Spirit in the FR platform at about 10:00.

Several volunteers and staff were working on the 3 manual points nearest the signalbox today.

 

F&WHR 14/5/25

The Met Office forecast for Wednesday 14/5/25 was for a day of sunny periods with temperatures of 8-23C. Sunset is at 21:07. Temperatures might stay in the low 20s all week with strong sunshine. At 10:00 the Garratt was present ECS for the 10:40 Aberglaslyn in theWHR platform. The Works Shuttle departed at the same time as The Aberglaslyn. The Funkey hauled the ECS for the 10:40 Mountain Spirit into the FR platform at about 10:20, running round at 10:35.

At 10:40 Upnor Castle turned up with The Victorian but run round had to wait the departure of the Funkey at 10:44. A PW team was working in the yard  and had to consult with the signaller at various times who in turn needed an orange vest rather than normal clothing. It seems that the seawall siding and the yard sidings could do with motorised points, at least at the signalbox end of the yard, to save signallers/loco crew time and reduce danger. The points at the water tank end of the yard are best left under local control of the train crew as they out of sight of the signaller. The signalbox has a recovered LT panel which interlocks the Britannia Bridge, the WHR loop, The King and Queen points on The Cob and the FR Yard crossover/headshunt.

No.130 arrived with the return working of The Aberglaslyn at 13:05 and Criccieth Castle advanced the rake to the FR starter with the 7 coach Mountain Spirit 2 minutes later before propelling its rake into the yard. This was followed by the Garratt which needed fuel and water. Upnor Castle returned The Victorian to the FR platform at 13:25 and ran round. The Garratt returned to its train at 13:35. The Funkey arrived back in theWHR platform at 13:55 and ran to the seawall siding where the water tank wagon was removed.at 14:10. Criccieth Castle removed one coach and shunted it to the seawall siding. The loco brought three coaches back to strengthen the rake. The ECS departed at 14:35.

 

F&WHR 13/5/25

The Met Office forecast for Tuesday 13/5/25 was for a day of sunny periods with temperatures of 11-25C. Sunset is at 21:05. Temperatures might stay in the low 20s all week with strong sunshine. At 09:40 the Garratt arrived with the ECS for the 10:05 Harbourmaster in theWHR platform. The Funkey hauled the ECS for the 10:40 Mountain Spirit into the FR platform at about 10:00, running round at 10:04.

 

Nimbies block L&B plans

On 10/5/25 Rail Advent reported that Exmoor National Park Authority reversed its previous 2 decisions to support the extension of the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway to Blackmore Gate/Wistlandpound Reservoir. The railway had been unable to find the funds for the whole length and so applied for permission a shorter extension to Parracombe. Residents of the small village seem to have objected to the scheme. Acess to the proposed halt and run round loop via Cricketfield Lane has been ienfied as private by some residents. The railway appears stuck in a rut with no funding available since BREXIT deprived the UK of regional development funds from the EU.

 

Friday 20/6/25 service diagram

Services are concentrated on the FR on Friday 20/5/25 with just two through trains on the WHR!

 

May be an image of floor plan, blueprint and text

Click on advert to enlarge. This advert is copyright F&WHR.

 

F&WHR 12/5/25

The Met Office forecast for Monday 12/5/25 was for a day of sunny periods with temperatures of 10-23C and thunderstorms after lunch. Sunset at 21:03. Temperatures might rise from 19 to 25C by Tuesday with strong sunshine. Upnor Castle hauled the 2 coach Works Shuttle rake arriving the WHR platform with the ECS at 09:50 and running round. At 10:02 the Funkey arrived with the ECS for the 10:40 Mountain Spirit into the FR platform and running round at 10:04.

At 14:00 Upnor Castle was back with the The Victorian into the FR platform. The Funkey was shunting the yard and returned 3 coaches to the rake from the seawall siding. The ECS left for the depot at 14:25 leaving the 14:50 the sole occupant of the station.

 

F&WHR 11/5/25

The Met Office forecast for Sunday 11/5/25 was for a day of sunny periods with temperatures of 10-23C and sunset at 21:02. Temperatures might rise from 19 to 25C by Tuesday with strong sunshine. Upnor Castle hauled the 2 coach Works Shuttle rake arriving the WHR platform at 09:48. At 09:57 the Funkey arrived with the ECS for the Mountain Spirit into the FR platform.

This was followed by Upnor Castle which ran round at the same time as the Funkey. Upnor Castle hauled the Works Shuttle rake departing the WHR platform at 10:10. The Funkey extracted four coaches from the seawall siding at 10:15 and added them to the rear of the rake. Vale of Ffestiniog hauled the Mountain Spirit again today departing the FR platform at 10:40.

Upnor Castle returned to the FR platform at 11:05 propelling a single B wagon full of volunteers.

 

F&WHR 10/5/25

The Met Office forecast for Saturday 10/5/25 was for a day of sunny periods with temperatures of 10-21C and sunset at 21:00. Temperatures might rise from 19 to 22C by Tuesday with strong sunshine. The Garratt hauled Harbourmaster was first up, departing at 10:05 from the WHR platform. At 10:00 the Funkey arrived with the ECS for the 10:40 Mountain Spirit. This was followed by the Funkey which ran round to the back to extract some coaches to the seawall siding and shorten the rake. The loco returned to the front of the train with the OBS. The Funkey hauled the Mountain Spirit again today departing the FR platform at 10:40 and Upnor Castle hauled the Victorian rake with the curly roofed van on the rear departing the WHR platform at 11:10.

 

F&WHR 9/5/25

The Met Office forecast for Friday 9/5/25 was for a day of sunny periods with temperatures of 8-17C due to variable wind and sunset at 20:58. Temperatures might rise from 19 to 22C by Tuesday with strong sunshine. The two coach 10:10 Works Shuttle arrived ECS in the WHR platform at 09:45 and Upnor Castle ran round to the back to extract three coaches to the seawall siding and shorten the rake. The loco returned to the front of the train. At 09:55 the Funkey arrived with the ECS for the Mountain Spirit. The Funkey hauled the Mountain Spirit again today departing the FR platform at 10:40.

Victorian Train departed on tme for Tan-y-bwlch.Upnor Castle spent midday shunting the yard.At 13:54 Vale of Ffestiniog turned up in the WHR platform with the return working of the Mountain Spirit. The loco detached and ran round immediately before departing ECS for the depot at 14:05. The 14:50 Victorian Train departed on time for Tan-y-bwlch hauled by Upnor Castle.

 

Moving Pictures No.107 9/5/25

Click on the YouTube box to watch 27 minutes 23 seconds of video of showing Russell's final hours in steam and some other news. This video was published on 9/5/25. This video is copyright F&WHR and was taken by John Wooden on a professional betamax 4K camcorder.

 

F&WHR 8/5/25

The Met Office forecast for Thursday 8/5/25 was for a day of sunny periods with temperatures of 6-17C due to a cold NE wind and sunset at 20:57. Temperatures might rise from 19 to 22C by Sunday with strong sunshine. The Harbourmaster ECS arrived at 09:30 and the loco ran to the back to extract three coaches to the seawall siding and shorten the rake. The loco returned to the front of the train. At 09:55 the Funkey arrived with the ECS for the Mountain Spirit.,/font>

 

New loco promised!

The General Manager will reveal a new loco project in the September|WHRSoc. AGM. Members will have their own aspirations but in the past the F&WHR has aspired to have a new rescue loco and also to experiment with other types of power than diesel (eg hydrogen/reprocessed vegetable fat/battery). A re-engined/regauged ex-SAR GM Class 91 might do it.

However if we are talking about 'nice to have vanity locos' choose from this list:

  • Moel Tryfan replica
  • NG15 No.133
  • NG16 No.140

Moel Tryfan would fill in a gap made when the ex-NWNGR/WHR loco was scrapped by the early FR preservationists in 1955. As with Taliesin, the loco could be built 10% larger to provide additional power and additional cab space as these days drivers would be larger than the original drivers!

No.133 would provide a powerful loco if tests of No.134 prove satisfactory (it has not yet got passed Nantmor!). Recent experience sourcing parts and with engineering of sister loco No.134 would help speed the build.

No.140 parts exist around Dinas works and under other members of the working fleet. Puttting it all togther might reduce availability of the other NG16s.

 

F&WHR 7/5/25

The Met Office forecast for Wednesday 7/5/25 was for a day of sunshine with temperatures of 8-17C due to a cold NE wind and sunset at 20:53. Temperatures might rise from 15 to 19C over the weekend. The Aberglaslyn ran today and was steam hauled in contrast to the FR which is still suffering from excessive fire risk.

 

May be an image of train and railway

This southerly view (5/25) shows Harlech Castle working with the drench train to reduce the chance of lineside fires. Click on the image to enlarge, Click again to enlarge fully. This image is copyright Chris Hughes courtesy F&WHR and taken on a digital camera.

 

F&WHR 6/5/25

The Met Office forecast for Tuesday 6/5/25 was for a day of sunshine with temperatures of 7-17C due to a cold NE wind and sunset at 20:55. Temperatures might rise to 21C over the Bank Holiday weekend. Small blue ex-Mines Hunslet Moel-yr-hydd was first today, passing through the WHR loop at 09:45 hauling a short S&T rake. At 09:55 a Garratt arrived with the ECS for the Harbourmaster into the WHR platform. Five minutes later Merddin Emrys hauled the ECS 10:40 Mountain Spirit rake in the FR platform and promptly ran round. At 10:30 Upnor Castle hauled the ECS for the Victorian into the WHR platform and ran round a minute later. The replica curly roofed van No.1 was on the rear.

 

F&WHR 6/5/25

The Met Office forecast for Tuesday 6/5/25 was for a day of sunshine with temperatures of 8-17C due to a cold NE wind and sunset at 20:53. Temperatures might rise from 15 to 19C over the Bank Holiday week. Small blue ex-Mines Hunslet Moel-yr-hydd was first today, passing through the WHR loop at 09:45 hauling a short S&T rake. At 09:55 a Garratt arrived with the ECS for the Harbourmaster into the WHR platform. Five minutes later Merddin Emrys hauled the ECS 10:40 Mountain Spirit rake in the FR platform and promptly ran round. At 10:30 Upnor Castle hauled the ECS for the Victorian into the WHR platform and ran round a minute later. The replica curly roofed van No.1 was on the rear.

At 12:00 Moel-yr-Hydd returned through the WHR platform propelling the weed killer rake/greasers train. It ran round and departed by 12:10.

No.130 was present in the WHR platform at 13:30. Criccieth Castle departed the yard with an ECS rake heading east. The greasers seemed to be working on the points in the station yard.

The Funkey returned from the East at 13:55 into the FR platform followed by Upnor Castle light engine. The loco took the Obs from the rear of the rake and collected two saloons from the seawall. The three coaches were added to the rear.

At 14:53 Criccieth Castle arrived with the six coach The Quarryman. The loco ran round 5 minutes later and departed ECS at 15:29.

 

F&WHR 5/5/25

The Met Office forecast for Monday 5/5/25 was for a day of sunny periods with temperatures of 4-14C due to a cold NE wind and sunset at 20:51. Temperatures might rise from 15 to 19C over the Bank Holiday week. Vale of Ffestiniog pulled into the FR platform at 10:00 with the ECS for the 10 coach Mountain Spirit. It ran round at 10:05 to shunt 3 coaches off the rear to the station sidings to match the load to the bookings. Taliesin pulled in with the ECS for the 2 coach 10:10 Works Shuttle into the WHR platform at the same time. The shuttle left 10 minutes late as the Funkey returned the rear OBS to the rake. Upnor Castle arrived at 10:35 with the ECS for the 5 coach 11:10 Woodland Wanderer in the WHR platform. Run round was immediate but had to wait for the Funkey to depart. The Hibberd left on time at 11:10.

 

Taliesin returned with the Works Shuttle at 12:25 into the FR platform and returned to the depot light engine at 12:45. Upnor Castle returned with the Woodland Wanderer at 13:21 into the FR platform. Run round came 5 minutes later ready for the 14:20 Works Visit.

 

FR hosts Young Carers

Conwy Valley & North Wales Coast Community Railway Partnership recently supported the Young Carers group and gave them a day out on the FR.
"It was really fun and my first ever young carers trip. I got to experience something brand new!"
We recently supported WCD Young Carers on an unforgettable day out, travelling on the Conwy Valley Line to join the Ffestiniog Railway at Blaenau Ffestiniog, stopping at Spooners in Porthmadog for a spot of lunch.
For young carers, having access to experiences like this is often limited, and the F&WHR's support has meant that this group of young people have experienced a unique day out, which they otherwise would not have been able to do.
We would like to say a massive thank you to Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways and Spooner's for your support. Some great feedback from the young people:
"Amazing and so much fun!""I had a great time looking out the window and took some amazing photos""My favorite trains are steam trains and I loved looking out the windows!"

 

Moelwyn goes green

First WW diesel Moelwyn (No.11) has been repainted by volunteers into a green livery ready for Railway 2000.

 

 May be an image of train, railway and text

This northerly view (5/25) shows Moelwyn painted by the same team that turned Prince and Merddin Emrys out in green. Click on the image to enlarge, Click again to enlarge fully. This image is copyright F&WHR and taken on a digital camera.

 

F&WHR 4/5/25

The Met Office forecast for Sunday 4/5/25 was for a day of solid sunshine with temperatures of 3-16C and sunset at 20:50. Temperatures might rise from 15 to 19C over the Bank Holiday week. No.130 was ready in the WHR platform at 10:00 with the ECS for The Aberglaslyn and Vale of Ffestiniog was running round the Mountain Spirit in the FR platform. At 10:39 Upnor Castle arrived with its 4 coach set. The Hibberd shunted an additional 3 coaches from the seawall siding after the Funkey departed at 10:42 and brought 1 coach over to strengthen 11:10 Woodland Wanderer rake.

At 13:45 Upnor Castle was back shunting the FR platform as station pilot. Britomart and Sybile top and tailed a two coach rake that was shunting to the end of the FR platform. Vale of Ffestiniog pulled into the WHR platform at 13:53 with the return working of the Mountain Spirit. The Funkey started its ran round at 13:59 and the two coach rake departed at 14:02. Upnor Castle was next to run round at 14:05, swopping duties with the Funkey and removing a coach to the seawall siding. The Hibberd then pulled a 5 coach rake out to form a long rake in the WHR platform and then returned to yard pilot duties as the Funkey coupled to the long rake to form the late 14:20 Mountain Spirit. At the end of the day, the Funkey was noted departing with the ECS to the depot at about 17:00.

 

F&WHR 3/5/25

The Met Office forecast for Saturday 3/5/25 was for a day of solid sunshine with temperatures of 6-16C and sunset at 20:48. Temperatures might drop to 15C by Bank Holiday Monday. The Garratt pulled in at 09:40 with the ECS for the Harbourmaster. after the loco crew gave some attention to the king point. Two small light engines arrived in the yard light engine at 09:58, possibly Felinheli and Chaloner. The Works Shuttle arrived with two small steam locos with cabs top and taling the two coaches at 10:05, possibly Britomart and Sybil. Vale of Ffestiniog arrived at 10:17 with the ECS for the Mountain Spirit. The Funkey ran round by10:25 in the FR platform.

A large crowd turned up for a special 6 coach double headed working FR AGM special to Beddgelert with Lyd and Caernarfon Castle with Lyd piloting and carrying a single white disc. The train departed to the  north at 11:00 as Upnor Castle arrived with the 4 coach ECS Woodland Wanderer rake for Tan-y-bwlch. At Beddgelert the pair ran round and passed Harlech Castle on the water bowser wagon.

A number of steam turns were substituted with diesel duties today.

 

This easterly view (3/5/25) shows Lyd leading K1 onto the WHR with the FR AGM special for the Friends of FR weekend. Click on the image to enlarge, Click again to enlarge fully. This image is copyright F&WHR and taken on a digital camera.

 

FF&WHR 2/5/25

The Met Office forecast for Friday 2/5/25 was for a day of solid sunshine with temperatures of 6-17C and sunset at 20:46. Temperatures might drop to 14C by Bank Holiday Monday. Criccieth Castle was running round the 10:40 Mountain Spirit rake in the FR platform. The rear two coaches were shunted to the seawall siding then the Obs. was replaced back on the rake thus cutting one saloon out of the rake in order to match bookings to train length and save money on fuel. Criccieth Castle was back by 14:00 and ran round 5 minutes later. The train departed at 14:10.

At the end of the afternoon Criccieth Castle returned to Porthmadog with its 4 coach rake Woodland Wanderer at 17:04 into the FR platform. Run round came 2 minutes later and the loco shunted the seawall siding to assemble a rake of four modern saloons stored there. Finally the ECS was removed to the depot at 17:35.

 

F&WHR 1/5/25

The Met Office forecast for Thursday 1/5/25 was for a day of solid sunshine with temperatures of 8-23C and sunset at 20:45. Temperatures might drop to 13 by Monday. There are special trains todayvo on the FR for the celebration of completion of the Boston Lodge Interpretation Project. At 0925 James Spooner turned up with a heritage rake with 3 bugboxes on the rear of 3 bogies and the curly roofed van in the FR platform. At 09:35 a Garratt turned up in the WHR plaform with the ECS for the 10 Harbourmaster. The loco ran round at 09:40 and departed at 10:09, a few minutes late. Meanwhile up at Tan-y-bwlch Criccieth Castle arrive with the Gravity Train at 9:30 and promptly ran round departing at 09:47

Vale of Ffestiniog turned up with the ECS rake for the 10:40 Mountain Spirit into the FR platform and ran round by 10:35. Upnor Castle turned up with the 4 coach ECS for the 11:10 Woodland Wanderer in the WHR platform at 10:40 and ran round immediately. Taliesin hauled a 3 coach rake out of the yard at 10:55 and reversed into the FR platform, departing at 11:46. Upnor Castle departed at about 12:00 and arrived in Tan-y-bwlch at 12:28, running round at 12:47and departing an hour later. The return working of the Snowdonia Star was noted in the WHR platform shortly before Upnor Castle arrived back in Porthmadog at about 14:15 and immediately ran round in the WHR platform. At 14:40 Taliesin and James Spooner Top and Tailed the Heritage rake back from the Works Special into Porthmadog station yard.

Boston Lodge Completion celebration 1/5/25

Click on the YouTube box to watch 16 minutes 05seconds of video of showing NLHF staff and F&WHR staff celebrating the completion of the Boston Lodge Interpretation Project completion.on 1/5/25, This video was published on 2/5/25. This video is copyright F&WHR and was taken by John Wooden on a professional betamax 4K camcorder.

 

Guests were taken by Victorian train to Rhiw Goch hauled by James Spooner where a gravity train rolled by. Criccieth Castle had joined at the other end of the special rake after taking the gravity train to Tan-y-bwlch. Speaking to the assembled guests at Boston Lodge Small Loco Shed FR Co. Chairman Dr. John Prideaux mentioned several achievements.

  • £5.5 million raised including volunnteer contributions
  • 100 new volunteers
  • 200 Work Experience places from schools
  • 1000 Boston Lodge Tours

The project started 5 years ago. See ITV report. Click here for a full account of the procedings.

 

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.

 

[Sign My Guestbook] [View My Guestbook] Powered by E-Guestbooks Server.

 

Maps & Plans and links

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

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

Click here for the Mail Order web page

Click here for the Official WHR website

Click here for Official WHHR site

Click here for FR Company websites

Click here for Welsh Highland Heritage Group

 

V4.5250 updated 16/6/25