The stopblock at Tan-y-bwlch on the Down line was in place all day perhaps indicating the spoilt ballast removal had been completed. The PW train had been left on site at Whistling Curve all night it seemed. No works trains were noted today.

Free parking!

Gwynedd Council has made its car parks free between 9-26/12/23 after 11am. This includes the Llyn Bach car park where many park for the F&WHR.

Main Line trains 1-7/12/23

Class 150s are back on the Blaenau branch where they perform better than modern DMUs as regards wheel slip apparently. In fact TfW are putting back some of the December timetable improvements because of the large number of modern DMUs which are receiving tyre turning after wheel slip incidents.

Nos.33207/33029 hauled The Chester Christmas Crompton as 1Z33 Eastleigh - Chester with 47826 at the rear on 09/12/23. The train was routed via Severn Tunnel, The Marches Line and Wrexham and arrived on time! Return was via Crewe, Shrewsbury to regain the outbound route after a 3 hour stay in Chester.

Alternative Santas and Festive specials

The Llangollen Railway ran Santa Specials last weekend with Class 26 No.26010 (D5310) and a pannier tank steam loco S7754 top and tailing the train. The final run will be on 20/12/23. There will also be Mincepie Specials 28-30/12/23. See Llangollen website for full details/booking.

The Welsh Highland Heritage Railway is offering 3 Santa Specials a day on 16-17/12/23 but no Xmas-New Year trains.

F&WHR 8/12/23

Friday was forecast to be a day of sunny periods and showers with temperatures of 9C to 10C. Snow had disappeared from The Rhinogs with the milder conditions. There may be PW trains, with the WMWP underway. No passenger trains were due to run today though preparations for the Santa's Grotto in Porthmadog station on Saturday and Sunday will be underway and if not, early on Saturday morning. On Saturday and Sunday Santa Specials run from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu, twice a day. However, the Met Office has issued a storm warning as 70 mph winds are forecast to hit the coast on Saturday and ease down slowly overnight into Sunday.

The stopblock at Tan-y-bwlch on the Down line was in place all day perhaps indicating the spoilt ballast removal had been completed. The PW train had been left on site at Whistling Curve all night it seemed. At 08:37 Vale of Ffestiniog was noted propelling Mess Car No.1111 towards the relay site. The train returned at 15:25 and entered Minffordd yard.

Linda and Lilla Santa weekend 9-10/12/23

Hunslet locos LILLA and LINDA will be in Harbour Station this weekend.
✅ LILLA will be draped in Christmas finery, at the front of Santa's Magical Christmas Carriage train (curly roofed Van No.1). The decorations mean the loco will not be in steam, but will look fantastic in photographs of your visit to the station to see Santa. Lilla visited the station on 29/11/23 when it was delivered from Dinas possibly to be decorated for the Santa Grotto event.
✅ LINDA will be bustling up and down the station sidings, providing footplate rides to anyone who wants to join the driver and fireman on board the loco. There is lots of room and a couple of seats in the tender help to keep little ones safe as they enjoy the fun.
☕ Spooner's Café and the Gift shop are open as well (there is even hot mulled wine on sale on the platform), so you can have a great time while you are joining the Christmas celebrations in Harbour Station.
If you want to bring your family to see Santa, but have not booked a visit to the Grotto already, just ask at the Booking Office and staff will fit you in as soon as they can - there are spaces available 'on the day'!
----------------------------------------
ℹ Whenever possible, visits to see Santa should be booked in advance - please BOOK EARLY to avoid disappointment. Go to festrail.co.uk/christmas/ for further information (about ALL the F&WHR Christmas activities) and to book your tickets. Santa is available 09:30 to 16:20.

YouTube of completion of Barmouth Bridge 6/12/23

Click on the YouTube link to watch 2 minutes 17 seconds of video showing the completion of restoration of Barmouth Bridge. This video is courtesy construction company Griffiths. This video was published on 6/12/23. It is best viewed at 1080p with Chrome.

Volunteering on Winter Tasks

✳The F&WHR has enjoyed a busy year, welcoming thousands of visitors to ride on the trains through the majestic North Wales landscape. However, with the exception of Christmas & New Year trains, our passenger services have finished until the 23rd of March 2024. You may think this means a quiet and restful period of relaxation here on the railways, but it is quite the opposite!
✳ Instead, this signals the start of an extensive ‘Winter Works’ programme, where our Staff and Volunteers will work side by side to tackle an array of tasks - including the replacement of sleepers on the track bed, providing carriages with some much needed ‘TLC’ in the Carriage Works, organising material in our archives and much more.
✳The start of our 2024 season may seem far away, but - as always - it will arrive sooner than thought. Completing all of these winter tasks in time is a challenge that the railway can only manage with help from Volunteers.
✳There is a wide variety of reasons why Volunteers join us as part of the wider F&WHR family - a sense of belonging, community and wellbeing are among the most common. It is also a great opportunity to put your existing experience to good use or pick up some brand new skills! There is something special about being ‘Part of the Team’, working to get the railway we all love in tip-top shape for the start of a new season.
✳ If this sounds of interest, head over to the new Volunteers page on the F&WHR website, which details ‘What is going on and When’ this Winter: festrail.co.uk/volunteering
✳ Take a look and see which activities/dates suit you best, then email the F&WHR at: volunteer@ffwhr.com . The volunteer coordinator will then get back to you with further information about the choice(s) you have made.
✳ The Volunteers page will be updated on a regular basis so keep a look out for all the latest information.
✳ Let the vital ‘Winter Works’ commence!

F&WHR 6/12/23

Wednesday was forecast to be a day of light cloud with temperatures of 4C to 6C and rain in the evening. A little snow remained on The Rhinogs above 500m. There may be PW trains, with the WMWP underway. No passenger trains were due to run today. Next Saturday and Sunday Santa Specials run from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu, twice a day. The stopblock at Tan-y-bwlch on the Down line has been removed this morning.

At 08:54 Vale of Ffestiniog was noted propelling a heavy PW train out of Minffordd consisting of BZ1423 and two others along with the Romanian ballast wagon all loaded with ballast. Mess car No.1111 was attached to the rear after an unusual overnight stay in the yard by the Funkey. At 09:44 a surprising movement occurred when Bill, the former Shotton Steelworks stockyard loco and now Dinas Loco Shed pilot, was observed on a coal transfer duty, preparing for the Santa season. This was probably the first time the loco had ventured up the FR after arriving at Boston Lodge on Sunday 3/12/23 on a stock transfer. The loco arrived at Minffordd wrong line from Porthmadog propelling slate wagons Nos.7/398/86 and hauling B1806 empty coal wagon. the train reversed into the yard at 09:50.

This westerly view (6/12/23) shows Bill arriving at Minffordd with mixed works train carrying coal. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera.

Bill emerged from Minffordd Yard at 13:49 with a long mixed freight consisting of a cable drum wagon No.191, five small 4 wheel wagons, some filled with pallets for fire lighting, Nos.90/85/94/92/97, four bogie wagons of which two were filled with coal, another small FR 4 wheel wagon and B1806 filled with coal. At 14:05 Bill departed Minffordd loop towards Boston Lodge. The stopblock was back at Tan-y-bwlch by 16:30.

F&WHR 5/12/23

Tuesday was forecast to be a day of sunny periods with temperatures of 2C to 7C. A little snow remained on The Rhinogs above 600m. There may be PW trains, with the WMWP underway. No passenger trains were due to run today. Next Saturday and Sunday Santa Specials run from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu, twice a day. The stopblock at Tan-y-bwlch on the Down line has been removed this morning.

Vale of Ffestiniog was noted shunting at Pen Cob Junction at 13:10 and headed for Minffordd. The loco arrived light engine wrong line in the loop at 13:19 and reversed into the yard some 3 minutes later. Upnor Castle's return to the worksite was not noted but the loco must have gone up there about midday as it returned with the PW train to Minffordd Yard passing through Minffordd at 15:23 to close the day's activities. The stopblock was back in position on the Down line at Tan-y-bwlch at 16:30.

Baldwin No.608 news 3/12/23

The F&WHR's Baldwin No.608 was dragged out of the Carriage shed at Dinas to drain its tanks and boiler as a precaution against Winter weather on Sunday before being shunted back into the shed for safe-keeping.

Free Boston Lodge ‘Behind the Scenes: Capital Works’ Tours

▪ Ever wondered what goes on at the F&WHR's historic Boston Lodge workshops?
▪ Well wonder no more, as there are a series of ‘Behind the Scenes: Capital Works’ tours taking place over the coming months!
12 December 2023: 10:00
16 January 2024: 13:00
29 January 2024: 13:00
13 February 2024: 10:00
28 February 2024: 13:00
11 March 2024: 13:00
27 March 2024: 10:00
The F&WHR's experienced Heritage Project Manager will take visitors on a fascinating tour around Boston Lodge explaining progress to date on the restoration work of both listed and new buildings. It is an opportunity to find out more about how the site is being developed for the future whilst preserving the past.
▪ Here are some recent reviews of these tours:
“It was a great experience full of detail about the past, present, and future of this heritage site.”
“Loved the pictures to help visualise. The guide was brilliant”
“It was brilliant and very interesting”
“We really enjoyed it, the guide’s knowledge and delivery was terrific”
ℹ These tours are FREE, but must be booked.
If you want to join a 'Behind the Scenes: Capital Works' tour, please email James Kindberg jkindberg@ffwhr.com and specify which date you are interested in.

F&WHR 4/12/23

Monday was forecast to be an overcast day with temperatures of 4C to 6C. The snow on the Rhinogs has melted. There may be PW trains, with the WMWP underway. No passenger trains were due to run today. Next Saturday and Sunday Santa Specials run from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu, twice a day. The stopblock at Tan-y-bwlch on the Down line has been removed.

At 08:49 Upnor Castle propelled BZ1423 loaded with plastic sleepers out of Minffordd yard with a small FR wagon, the PW container and the Mess Coach No.1111 towards the relay site. This was followed at 09:06 by Moel-yr-hydd propelling two small FR wagons and Van No.51 to the east. Upnor Castle led the PW train back into the yard at 16:01 but the blue diesel and its rake was not noted returning. The Tan-y-bwlch stop block was back on the Down line by the end of the afternoon.

Santa's Grotto at Porthmadog

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

On 9-10, 16-17, 22-23/12/23 bring the family to see Santa in his spectacularly decorated Christmas Grotto in Harbour Station. Enjoy the festive decorations around the station - and have a footplate ride on a steam engine as well. Pre-COVID FR Santa Special trains ran to Beddgelert in 2017/18.

CHRISTMAS GIFTS
The F&WHR can help with your present list. The station shops are opening every day until further notice, offering a wide range of souvenirs, railway items, books and DVDs - which are also available 24/7, from the online shop @ festrail.co.uk/shop
SEASONAL SNOWDONIA SPECIALS *
Shrug off any Post-Christmas Blues with a scenic trip into Snowdonia. The Steam Trains will be running daily from 28th December to 1/1/24 inclusive.
▪ Ffestiniog Railway - Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog
▪ Welsh Highland Railway - Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu
Tickets are NOW ON SALE
* Tickets must be booked in advance - please BOOK EARLY to avoid disappointment. Go to festrail.co.uk/christmas/ for further information and to book your tickets.

F&WHR 3/12/23

Sunday was forecast to be a day of light cloud with temperatures of 3C to 5C. The Rhinogs have a dusting of snow above 300m. There may be PW trains, with the WMWP underway. The WHR is looking quite rusty with no trains in recent weeks. Eight Minffordd Shuttle trains were scheduled to operate on Sunday from Porthmadog to Minffordd (or vice versa!) between 10:00 and 16:00 in connection with the Portmerion Christmas Arts & Crafts Fair. Next Saturday and Sunday Santa Specials run from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu, running twice a day. There was no sign of any works trains on the FR today.

At 12:12 a diesel, surprisingly Bill, arrived in the WHR platform with coach No.102 as the Minffordd Shuttle approached across The Cob. The move may have been the first full transit of the WHR by Bill which is normally depot pilot at Dinas. The loco is alleged to have a high speed in top gear though its suspension may make the ride somewhat uncomfortable for the driver. The arrival caused difficulty for the signaller as the shuttle would normally occupy the WHR platform. Instead, the shuttle was directed into the FR platform. Bill then left with the coach at 12:18 for the Carriage Works and the shuttle departed on time. The shuttle was back again at 13:00 but this time in the WHR platform as normal.

This easterly view (3/12/23) shows LINDA arriving in Porthmadog on the Minffordd Shuttle but diverted into the FR platform because of transfer working from the WHR visible in the WHR platform with Bill taking coach 102 from Dinas to Boston Lodge. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a web camera.

The final shuttle run came at 16:00 arriving at Minffordd at 16:10 to collect those returning from the fair. The final departure from Minffordd came at 16:21 and the shuttle arrived at Porthmadog at about 16:30, disgorging a fair number of passengers. By 16:40 the ECS had departed to Boston Lodge to close the day's activities. There was still snow on the Rhinogs.

Barmouth Bridge reopens early 2/12/23

Barmouth Bridge was reopened on Saturday 2/12/23 with trains replacing the bustitution of recent months over the full length of the Cambrian coast line between Machynlleth and Pwllheli. The beams over the top of the bowstring girders that supported a temporary crane remain. Work continues to remove the temporary scaffolding around the legs of the support columns. Click on the link to watch the X/Twitter feed video of 158823 crossing the bridge on Saturday morning.

Still looking for elves!

As Santa’s visit draws near, the WHR Society still needs help to make sure the trains are in first class condition for him and the excited families soon to be passengers!
The railway is looking for anyone who can help prepare the trains between turns at Caernarfon on any of the following dates:
- Saturday 9/12/23
- Sunday 10/12/23
- Saturday 16/12/23
- Sunday 17/12/23
- Friday 22/12/23
- Saturday 23/12/23
No prior experience needed - brush and mop training can be provided! If you can help in any way on the dates above, please get in touch with Head Elf Jo Charles (email jcharles@crhe.uk)

F&WHR 2/12/23

Saturday was forecast to be a day with occasional wintry showers and temperatures of 2C to 4C. There had been a hard frost and snow/hail showers earlier leaving the Rhinogs and even platforms at Porthmadog at 09:00 with a dusting. Snow blocked the A470 Crimea Pass near Blaenau Ffestiniog, cutting the main North Wales-South Wales Trunk Road. There may be PW trains, with the WMWP underway. The WHR is looking quite rusty with no trains in recent weeks. Eight Minffordd Shuttle trains were scheduled to operate on Saturday and Sunday from Porthmadog to Minffordd (or vice versa!) between 10:00 and 16:00 in connection with the Portmerion Christmas Arts & Crafts Fair. Next Saturday and Sunday Santa Specials run from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu starting twice a day. At 09:32 the new blue diesel Moel-yr-hydd was noted emerging from Minffordd Yard propelling a works train with two small FR wagons and brakevan No.51 towards the east. This loco is normally allocated for S&T works.

The shuttle kept to time and after lunch set off on its penultimate trip at 15:00. Meanwhile the Works Train passed through Minffordd at 15:11 returning to the yard with the loco having run round somewhere. The shuttle was back at 15:33 and ready for the final trip at 16:00 as dusk fell. the final train arrived back at 16:30 in the WHR platform with about 20 passengers. The train departed for Boston Lodge ECS at 16:34 to close the day's activities.

Santa sell out

The F&WHR Santa Specials have sold very well this year and are almost sold out weeks in advance with a few seats left on just one train!

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

F&WHR 1/12/23

Friday was forecast to be a sunny day with temperatures of -1C to 4C and a hard frost initially. There may be PW trains, with the WMWP underway. The WHR is looking quite rusty with no trains in recent weeks. Eight shuttle trains were scheduled to operate on Friday from Porthmadog to Minffordd between 10:00 and 16:00 in connection with the Portmerion Christmas Arts & Crafts Fair. The service continues with the same 8 trains on Saturday and Sunday and Santa Special from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu starting twice a day next weekend. At 09:23 the new blue diesel Moel-yr-hydd was noted emerging from Minffordd Yard hauling a works train with brakevan No.51 on the rear towards the relay site.

This westerly view (1/12/23) shows Moel-y-hydd departing Minffordd with a works train. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera.

Blanche and Linda arrived at 09:46 with a four coach set for the Minffordd Shuttle from the Mountain Spirit set including the Observation Car. Blanche uncoupled and ran round leaving Linda on the rear to top and tail the shuttle. There were several passengers and the condensation in the freezing air made for good photographic opportunities! The train takes 10 minutes to get to Minffordd and departed at 10:30 allowing a second departure from Porthmadog at 11:00. This train returned after a 10 minute break and arrived back in Porthmadog at 11:30 for the 11:45 departure. The 13:31 departure had passengers sitting in the tender as did the 15:00, all departing in strong but chilly sunshine! The last train arrived at Minffordd at 16:09 and appeared very lightly loaded. the final return train departed Minffordd at 16:20.

Moel-yr-hydd worked through Minffordd onto the Mineral Line at 16:27 with the returning works train from the east to close the day's activities. The loco had run round the train possibility at Rhiw Goch loop. At Tan-y-bwlch the red stop block was back on the Down line.

Winter 2023-4

The 1/12/23 marks the start of Meteorological Winter and the weather has entered a cold snap with snow on the upper reaches of Snowdon and ice on the Afon Glaslyn. The cold crisp air caused much condensation today. Santa Trains start from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu next weekend twice a day.

This northerly view (1/12/23) shows BLANCHE and LINDA arrive at Porthmadog with the ECS for the Minffordd Shuttle. The cold crisp air led to much condensation. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera.

C2 taster video

A video has been published on YouTube showing a narrow gauge railway in Southern China that operates C2 type 0-8-0 locos on a 12 mile mountainous route similar to the F&WHR. The railway is called Jiayang Coal Railway although the coal mines it was originally built to serve are now closed and it now caters for local passengers and tourists. The railway operates four trains a day for school children to access school, locals to visit the markets and tourists. It has several intermediate stations on the steeply graded curvaceous route.

See BBC Report or the more detailed Chinese Railways report (with subtitles) which references the struggle to keep the railway open in the modern era. This YouTube published by Look at China 4 weeks ago.

F&WHR 30/11/23

This easterly view (30/11/23) shows LINDA arriving in Porthmadog light engine on test. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a web camera.

This westerly view (30/11/23) shows Linda hauling recently acquired Moel-yr-hydd wrong line into Minffordd loop on a running in turn. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a web camera.

Linda emerged from Minffordd yard at 13:09 and reversed towards Boston Lodge at 13:17. At 15:30 Linda was noted arriving back at Porthmadog light engine in the WHR platform before heading off on a running in turn towards Minffordd. Up at Tan-y-bwlch the red stop board was back up on the Down line and nothing was noted moving in the afternoon.

An unusual movement was noted at 15:35 with the Mess Car No.1111 was noted gravitating out of the Minffordd Loop and onto the Mineral Line. The loco that had propelled it down from Whistling Curve remained in the loop. Linda arrived at Minffordd home signal at 15:43 while Vale of Ffestiniog emerged from the loop at 15:46 and coupled up to it. The pair then reversed at 15:50 back towards Boston Lodge. The pair came to a stop at Pen Cob Junction at 15:55 and reversed into the depot to close the day's activities.

F&WHR 29/11/23

Wednesday was forecast to be a day with a sunny morning but rain later and temperatures of 2-7C. There may be PW trains, with the WMWP underway. The WHR is looking quite rusty with no trains in recent weeks. No passenger trains were scheduled to operate on Wednesday.

Upnor Castle arrived back in the FR platform at 15:20. The loco coupled up to Lilla and at 15:27 the pair were stopped near the signalbox. The two light engines departed at 15:35 for Boston Lodge. The final movement came at 16:02 when the KMX departed Minffordd towards Boston Lodge to close the day's activities.

Linda and Lilla update

Paul Lewin (General Manager) advises: LINDA and LILLA both passed their steam test on Tuesday 28/11/23. However, LINDA still needs various adjustments completing and post-overhaul running-in to take place.
LINDA may be out on the line on Thursday to build up some running mileage. It may also make an appearance on the rear of Minffordd shuttle trains this weekend. There is also a possibility that the loco could also be used for footplate rides on one or more of the Santa Grotto dates in December.
During LINDA's overhaul, the tender was rebuilt with new steel plate inserts and so has been repainted. As a result the paintwork on the loco itself now looks rather shabby by comparison, so plans are in place to repaint it over the Xmas/New Year period. In light of all the above, LINDA will not make its official return to traffic until sometime in the Spring - although the date and details for this have yet to be finalised.

F&WHR 28/11/23

Tuesday was forecast to be a day of sunny morning with rain later and temperatures of 2-7C. There may be PW trains, with the WMWP underway. The WHR is looking quite rusty with no trains in recent weeks. No passenger trains were scheduled to operate on Tuesday.

At 11:26 the Funkey re-entered Minffordd Yard from the east with the empty Romanian ballast wagon and at 12:00 emerged propelling a full Romanian ballast wagon towards Tan-y-bwlch.

This westerly view (28/11/23) shows Vale of Ffestiniog propelling the fully loaded Romanian ballast wagon towards Whistling Curve departing Minffordd Yard at 12:00. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a web camera.

The Funkey arrived back at Minffordd at 15:22 with the empty ballast wagon but left the BZs at the relay site.

More about Portmerion Food and Craft Fair 1-3/12/23

Blanche and Hugh Napier will again be providing the top and tail shuttle haulage. Leave your car in Porthmadog and catch the F&WHR shuttle train running between Harbour Station and Minffordd, allowing you to combine a trip on the train with a visit to Portmeirion* - although, if you prefer, you can just come along for the train ride!
Shuttle tickets will be £2.00 for adults and free for children.
* Entry to the Food & Craft Fair not included.
Note: Portmeirion Village is a 1¼ mile (2km) walk from Minffordd Station.
TRAIN TIMES:
▪ from Harbour Station 10:00, 11:00, 11:45 12:30, 13:30, 14:15, 15:00, 16:00.
▪ from Minffordd Station 10:20, 11:20, 12:05 12:50, 13:50, 14:35, 15:20, 16:20.

and don’t forget - Harbour Station Gift Shop will also be open and you can combine your seasonal shopping fun with a tasty treat and drinks from Spooner’s Café-Bar!
Of course, if you don't want to catch the train in Porthmadog, you can always take a trip from Minffordd to Porthmadog and return. There is limited parking at Minffordd Station, but there is plenty of kerbside parking available on the nearby Business Park!
ℹ More information on ALL of our Christmas activities @ festrail.co.uk/Christmas.

F&WHR 27/11/23

Monday was forecast to be a day of sunny periods and showers with temperatures of 4-10C. There may be PW trains, with the WMWP underway. The WHR is looking quite rusty with no trains in recent weeks. No passenger trains were scheduled to operate on Monday.

Upnor Castle emerged from Minffordd Yard at 09:09 propelling BZ1423 and another, filled with topping ballast. The loco was hauling the Mess Car No.1111. Harlech Castle remained shut down at Tan-y-bwlch in the Up platform at 09:30 but was working by midday. With work nearing a conclusion on the Whistling Curve relay the KMX tamper arrived in the WHR platform at Porthmadog by 11:30.

This easterly view (27/11/23) shows the KMX tamper liner arriving in Porthmadog from the Dinas direction. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a web camera.

The KMX departed at about 11:45 heading for Minffordd where it arrived wrong line at 11:59. The KMX then reversed into the yard at 12:03.

This westerly view (27/11/23) shows the KMX tamper liner arriving at Minffordd propelling its tool trolley. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a web camera.

At 15:03 Upnor Castle reversed through Minffordd into the yard propelling the Mess car and dragging one empty BZ wagon. Steam was being raised at 15:15 at Boston Lodge but there was no further movement so it was probably  Linda and Lilla which passed their steam test today.

The F&WHR is providing an intensive service of 8 trains a day from Porthmadog with departures between 10:00 and 16:00 on all three days. This event seems to be much larger than the event at the Gweithdy at Minffordd last weekend. See Portmerion website for full details. Full details of F&WHR train services can be found here with tickets priced at £2 and children free. The Llyn Bach car park will be complimentary for the weekend and visitors are encouraged to use this facility as parking at Portmerion will be very limited.

Winter comes early?

The Met Office is forecasting a cold snap this week in North Wales with wintery showers and a possibility of snow on the mountains towards the end of the week. Last year there was snow during one weekend of the Santa Specials but none over the Xmas Holiday trains period from 28/12-1/1/23. Shuttle trains will be running next Friday-Sunday between Porthmadog and Minffordd in connection with another Xmas Fair at the Gweithdy Minffordd but snow at sea level is quite rare at Porthmadog.

This easterly view (10/12/17) shows the Caernarfon-Rhyd Ddu Santa Special rounding Ffridd Isaf curve in snowy conditions. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

WHR lineside clearance 26/11/23

This southerly view (26/11/23) shows Caernarfon Castle on a lineside clearance train just south of the Glan-yr-afon Viaduct. The General Manager accompanied the volunteers to cut the trackside bushes back. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright WHR Society and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Work focussed on a section of the line between Snowdon Ranger and Rhyd Ddu with some of the most spectacular views on the railway. By clearing the lineside, this makes sure that branches do not scratch and damage the F&WHR's unique fleet of engines and carriages, and opens up the views so passengers can admire the incredible scenery they travel to see.
What better persuasion to volunteer and join a working party than breathtaking views like these? Everyone is welcome to join and help the F&WHR keep the dream alive - no previous experience is necessary!
The next lineside working party with the General Manager takes place on the 13-14/1/24. Anyone interested in joining is encouraged to get in touch with the WHR Society or the GM directly.

F&WHR 26/11/23

Sunday was forecast to be a day of sunny periods with temperatures of 8C all day with drizzle at times. There may be PW trains, with the WMWP underway. The WHR is looking quite rusty with no trains in recent weeks. Minffordd shuttles were due Sunday from 10:00 until 15:00 in association with the Gwynedd Artisans Xmas Fair at the Minffordd Gweithdy. No PW trains were noted today and Harlech Castle remained shut down at Tan-y-bwlch in the Up platform.

The Minffordd shuttle turned up at 09:44. After the usual shunt, Blanche was placed at the front and several people on the platform took advantage of sitting in the Observation Car at no extra cost. The train departed at 10:00 as booked and arrived at Minffordd at 10:10. The train was back at 10:41 with one gentleman receiving a footplate ride. The train departed at 11:00 with three on Hugh Napier's footplate again. The train left again at 12:00 and 13:00 with good loadings. At 12:40 Upnor Castle emerged from Minffordd Yard light engine and 3 minutes later reversed towards Boston Lodge.

The shuttle train ran again at 14:00 and 15:00. Whilst in the Down platform at Minffordd the train was passed by Upnor Castle which propelled a restored heritage 2 ton coal wagon wrong line into the loop. The final shuttle departure from Minffordd was delayed until 15:35 as a result and arrived at Porthmadog at 15:45. Upnor Castle hauled the wagon into Minffordd yard at 15:36. For the next several minutes the webcams recorded two youths in hoodies repeatedly running across the road and placing items in the eastbound carriageway and causing vehicles to brake and swerve. Eventually they caught the bus to Porthmadog. The shuttle train was disposed to the depot at about 16:00 to close the day's activities.

F&WHR 25/11/23

Saturday was forecast to be a day of sunny periods with temperatures of 4-6C with a week long cold snap forecast. There may be PW trains, with the WMWP underway. The WHR is looking quite rusty with no trains in recent weeks. Steam was being raised at Boston Lodge at 09:00 for the Minffordd shuttles due today from 10:00 until 15:00 and Sunday too in association with the Gwynedd Artisans Xmas Fair at the Minffordd Gweithdy. The signaller opened the box at 09:15 ready for the ECS trains to arrive. No PW trains were noted today and Harlech Castle remained shut down at Tan-y-bwlch in the Up platform.

When the final working arrived back at 15:40, the locos shunted round and Blanche was on the rear for the return to Boston Lodge at 15:55 to close the day's activities.

Barmouth Bridge progress

With just a week or so left until the re-opening of the Barmouth Bridge the footpath is being fitted on projecting steel supports on the east side. The main bowstring girders have been jacked out to the proper structure gauge and the deck constructed with rails re-laid. The two small steel spans at the Toll House end were removed by 25/10/23 and replaced by 10/11/23. New track was subsequently laid around this curve with check rails. The blue overhead crane tracks on top of the bowstring bridge girders were removed during the week of 20-24 November. It is intended to reopen rail services on 4/12/23.

F&WHR 24/11/23

Friday was forecast to be a day of sunny periods with temperatures of 0-9C. There may be PW trains, with the WMWP underway. The WHR is looking quite rusty with no trains in recent weeks. The signaller went on shift at 09:00 for the first time in a few weeks as there are Minffordd shuttles due Friday to Sunday in association with the Xmas Fair at the Minffordd Gweithdy.

Blanche and Hugh Napier were due to top and tail the shuttle set starting at midday, The shuttle arrived in the WHR platform at 11:35 with Hugh Napier and Blanche on the front hauling three coaches from the Mountain Spirit rake with Observation Car No.152 on the rear followed by Saloons Nos.103/124. The two locos uncoupled and pulled into the Britannia Bridge approach and Blanche, which was inside, shunted to the front while Hugh Napier re-coupled to the rear.

This easterly view (24/11/23) shows Hugh Napier and Blanche arriving in Porthmadog with the Minffordd Shuttle in association with Gwynedd Artisans Christmas Fair at the Minffordd Gweithdy. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a web camera.

This westerly view (24/11/23) shows Blanche crossing The Cob with Hugh Napier on the rear of the Minffordd Shuttle. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera.

This westerly view (24/11/23) shows Blanche arriving in Porthmadog with Hugh Napier on the rear of the Minffordd Shuttle arriving at Minffordd. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a web camera.

The shuttle train arrived at Minffordd on time  at 12:10 and departed at 12:31, arriving back at Porthmadog in the WHR platform at 12:42. The train departed at 13:01 on the second of its four booked trips. The sun caught the shuttle on the third of its four trips departing Porthmadog at 14:00 and the final run came at 15:00.

At 15:22 the PW train returned through Minffordd and ran direct to the yard ahead of the 15:30 shuttle arrival.

The final shuttle arrived back at 15:40 in the WHR platform and the locos uncoupled and Blanche ran to coal and water while Hugh Napier ran round the train. By 15:55 Blanche was on the west end of the train and it was signalled to return to Boston Lodge led by Hugh Napier. The train departed at 15:57 to close the day's activities.

Up at Tan-y-bwlch Harlech Castle was shut down and parked by the Stop board on the Down platform by 16:00.

Main Line news 24/11/23

The stone train ran to Penmaenmawr on 24/11/23 with Colas No.70817 hauling the Land Recovery/Colas to Stoke on Trent.

The FO Aberystwyth-Chirk Kronospan log train did not run on Friday 24/11/23.

F&WHR 23/11/23

Thursday was forecast to be a day of sunny periods and showers with temperatures of 8-13C. No public trains were booked to operate on Thursday. There may be PW trains, with the WMWP underway. The WHR is looking quite rusty with no trains in recent weeks.

Upnor Castle propelled the :PW train out of Minffordd Yard at 0853 with BZ1423 full of plastic sleepers. Harlech Castle propelled two empty DZ wagons from Tan-y-bwlch towards the Whistling Curve relay site to collect spend ballast at 12:17. Upnor Castle returned with a few sleepers spare passing through Minffordd at 15:30 to enter the yard to complete the day's activities.

Moving Pictures YouTube No.85 22/11/23

Click on the YouTube link to watch 32 minutes 25 seconds of coverage of loco refurbishments at Boston Lodge during the Autumn. This video was published on 23/11/23. It is best viewed at 1080p with Chrome. This video was produced by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional Betamax 4k camcorder.

F&WHR 22/11/23

Wednesday was forecast to be an overcast day with some drizzle at times and temperatures of 11-12C. No public trains were booked to operate on Wednesday. There may be PW trains, with the WMWP underway. The WHR is looking quite rusty with no trains in recent weeks. Vale of Ffestiniog was noted shunting Boston Lodge shortly after 08:00.

Upnor Castle emerged from Minffordd yard at 08:42 propelling Mess Car No.1111 towards the Whistling Curve relay site. The loco was back at 12:57 returning the Mess car and an empty BZ wagon to the yard for refilling with ballast. At 13:24 the loco reappeared propelling a BZ wagon of ballast out of the yard towards Tan-y-bwlch. At 15:43 Upnor Castle passed through Minffordd returning to the yard with the two empty BZ wagons used for ballast. Meanwhile, the DZ wagons were back in place on the Up line with the Stop board at Tan-y-bwlch.

Santa Trains booking fast

This advert (22/11/23) shows the current availability of places on the WHR Santa Trains from Caernarfon. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR.

This year's Santa Specials run from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu return twice a day on
9-10, 16-17 and 22-23 December. Seats are filling fast, with First Class 'GOLD' tickets having Sold Out already! At the present moment, there are seats available on five of the morning (10:00) Santa Trains - but only two of the afternoon (13:40) Santa Trains have any space remaining. However, please note, several of the Santa Trains have only a limited number of seats remaining - so please don't delay making a booking, as the trains could sell out quickly. Click on festrail.co.uk/christmas to book your tickets - and to find out further information on all F&WHR Christmas activities this festive season!

Special offers at Warley Model show this weekend

It is just a few days now until the fantastic Warley Model Railway Club & Exhibition takes place. If you are visiting the show, come along and see the F&WHR at Stand E74 for the latest news, views and some special offers on books and models.
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HARBOUR STATION BUILDINGS:
from 'Scenecraft by Bachmann'
for 'OO' or 'OO9' scale layouts
▪ Booking Office - Red or Green versions £45.00 (£46.95 RRP)
▪ Main Hall - Red or Green versions £70.00 (£71.95 RRP)
▪ Gents & Office - Red or Green versions £45.00 (£46.95 RRP)
 

*Buildings Bundle’ of all three models: £150.00 (£165.85 RRP)
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BOOKS:
▪ ‘Fairlie Locomotives of North Wales’ £15.00 (previously £17.50)
▪ ‘Garratts & Kalaharis of the Welsh Highland Railway’ £20.00 (previously £35.00)
▪ ‘Railway to Adventure’ £27.99 (previously £29.95)
▪ ‘The 40-Mile Railway’ £13.00 (previously £30.00)
▪ ‘Ffestiniog Finery’ £25.00 (previously £40.00)
▪ ‘I Tried to Run a Little Railway’ £30.00 (previously £45.00)
▪ ‘16mm Scale Guide Ffestiniog’ £4.00 (previously £5.00)

F&WHR 21/11/23

Tuesday was forecast to be an overcast day with some drizzle and temperatures of 9-12C. No public trains were booked to operate on Tuesday. There may be PW trains, with the WMWP underway. Despite the adverse weather of Monday it seems Visit Wales did manage to film some decent shots of the FR to use in their holiday promotional campaign for 2024.

Vale of Ffestiniog was busy shunting Boston Lodge loco shed at 08:45. At 08:43 Upnor Castle emerged from Minffordd yard propelling the PW train with a BZ 1423 containing plastic sleepers and the Mess Car No.1111 on the rear. Up at Tan-y-bwlch the spoil wagons were removed shortly after 09:00 with Harlech Castle in action. The spoil train was back at Tan-y-bwlch at 13:40.