F&WHR 26/5/22

Thursday was forecast to be a cloudy day at Porthmadog with improving weather and a maximum temperatures of 16C. There was ONE departure from Caernarfon (the Gelert Explorer) and FOUR from Porthmadog (two Woodland Wanderer trains and one Mountain Spirit and the Glaslyn Venturer reappears today). Both Woodland Wanderer trains were sold out but with no attempt to add additional services.

No.130 was on the Glaslyn Venturer departing at 10:15, David Lloyd George was on the 19:30 Mountain Spirit and Blanche on the 10:55 Woodland Wanderer. Blanche departed Porthmadog with the ECS at 16:20 to end the day's activities.

40th Anniversary Headboards 25/5/22

Tuesday, 25/5/82 was the day that the Ffestiniog Railway first ran passenger trains into the newly-built Central Station in Blaenau Ffestiniog - restoring the link between the slate quarrying town and Porthmadog. Wednesday's Mountain Spirit service to Blaenau Ffestiniog carried a replica of one of the historic headboards to commemorate this special date in Ffestiniog Railway history. A special train was also run from Blaenau Ffestiniog on this day, in conjunction with the Snowdonia Statesman railtour from Swindon to Blaenau Ffestiniog. The special was hauled by Prince and Blanche - with Prince carrying the original headboard from the first FR passenger train to Blaenau Ffestiniog on 25/5/82.

The headboard carried by David Lloyd George on the morning's Mountain Spirit service is a replica of the headboard used for the opening of the new station at Tan-y-grisiau on 24/6/78. It was also carried on the first passenger train to Blaenau Ffestiniog, but only in the Down direction from Blaenau Ffestiniog to Porthmadog. This impressive headboard was always a favourite in the FR collection, but due to its age and condition it has not been used on a train for many years. This replica has been created from a photograph of the original and so includes all the wear and tear of a headboard that has seen service on many trains over the years. However, as the sign-writing on the original had deteriorated badly, Glenn Williams decided to repaint the lettering to its pristine state.

This westerly view (25/5/22) shows David Lloyd George carrying the replica headboard Blaenau Ffestiniog Here we Come used on the Tan-y-grisiau opening special 24/6/78.  Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This westerly view (24/6/78) shows Merddin Emrys carrying the original headboard Blaenau Ffestiniog Here we Come used on the Tan-y-grisiau opening special 24/6/78.The train is in the headshunt at Tan-y-grisiau as seen from the footbridge just to the east. The weather was not helpful! Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was scanned from a slide taken on a Zenith 500E SLR camera. Image scanned by Minolta DiMAGE Scan Dual III AF-2840, post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

F&WHR 25/5/22

Wednesday was forecast to have a sunny periods at Porthmadog with maximum temperatures of 15C . There was ONE departure from Caernarfon (The Gelert Explorer) and TWO from Porthmadog (one Mountain Spirit and one Glaslyn Venturer). Both Woodland Wanderer trains were cancelled today and may be running a special train as the standard and spare rake from the seawall siding were reformed into a larger rake after some shunting yesterday afternoon (see story below).

No.130 turned up with the ECS for the Glaslyn Venturer by 09:15 into the WHR platform. At 09:50 David Lloyd George arrived into the FR platform with the ECS for the Mountain Spirit. Harlech Castle and the Mess coach arrived in Tan-y-bwlch at 10:36 from the Blaenau Ffestiniog direction. They waited in the loop for the 10:30 Mountain Spirit to pass. This arrived at 10:10 carrying the Blaenau Ffestiniog Here We Come headboard to celebrate the reopening to Blaenau Ffestiniog on 25/5/82.

This westerly view (25/5/22) shows David Lloyd George carrying a headboard Blaenau Ffestiniog Here we Come to celebrate 40 years since the opening on this day in 1982.  Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This westerly view (25/5/22) shows David Lloyd George carrying a replica of the Blaenau Ffestiniog Here We Come headboard to celebrate 40 years since the reopening . Harlech Castle waits in the loop with the FR's Mess Car after going up the line earlier in the day. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Harlech Castle departed at 11:14 and possibly held up the Special which had to wait at the Home signal at Minffordd. Prince and Blanche passed Minffordd at 11:45 with an ECS carrying a headboard bound for Blaenau Ffestiniog to give a ride to those on the main line special arriving at Blaenau at midday..

This westerly view (25/5/22) shows Prince carrying a headboard Dinas-Porthmadog 1832-1982 to celebrate 190 years since the opening. Prince and Blanche double headed the doubled up Woodland Wanderer set to give passengers of the Snowdonia Statesman a ride from Blaenau Ffestiniog to Tan-y-bwlch and back. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This westerly view (25/5/22) shows Prince carrying a headboard Dinas-Porthmadog 1832-1982 to celebrate 190 years since the opening . Harlech Castle may have delayed this train which was forced to wait for several minutes at the Home signal. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

On the main line Class 47s Nos.47805/501 hauled the Snowdonia Statesman to Blaenau Ffestiniog from Swindon due to arrive 12:55 and depart at 16:05 for the return journey giving about 3 hours for a ride on the FR presumably in the FR stock sent there during the morning. The special passed through Tan-y-bwlch at 12:11 and the Mountain Spirit returned through Tan-y-bwlch at 13:07. Later the special worked into Tan-y-bwlch at 14:03 and the locos ran round before propelling the rake out the shunt limit at 14:37 and drawing forward into the eastbound platform at 14:47. The excursionists had over an hour for lunch in the cafe before departure for Blaenau at 15:15 and their return excursion. This passed through Minffordd at 17:07 and arrived in Harbour station at 17.16 to shunt the rakes to reform the two Woodland Wanderer rakes for tomorrow's services.

This westerly view (25/5/22) shows Prince and Blanche hauling the ECS ready for the trip back to Blaenau Ffestiniog. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

At 17:29 Prince was busy adding the leading Open coach to the east end of the rake, splitting the long rake into two shorter Woodland Wanderer sets and shunting the spare set back into the yard before departing for Boston Lodge. Finally at 17:33 Blanche shunted the second half into the seawall siding to collect the Observation coach for the standard Woodland Wanderer set and then departed for Boston Lodge with the ECS as the final movement of the day.

Website maintenance 24/5/22

This website was offline for a time yesterday due to TSOHost maintenance. However it was back working in the evening and updated later. If anyone still gets a maintenance page just hit F5 to refresh your cache.

F&WHR 24/5/22

Tuesday was forecast to have sunny periods at Porthmadog with maximum temperatures of 14C . There was ONE departure from Caernarfon (The Gelert Explorer) and FOUR from Porthmadog (two Woodland Wanderer, one Mountain Spirit and one Glaslyn Venturer trains). The 10:55 Woodland Wanderer was sold out by 09:40.

At 09:20 there was shunting at Boston Lodge as the Garratt was prepared to haul the ECS to Porthmadog for the 10:15 Glaslyn Venturer. No.130 was in the WHR platform by 09:40. Criccieth Castle shunted the yard with two B wagons from the coaling stage at 09:50 and coupled up to the FR Mess car in the seawall siding. David Lloyd George arrived at 10:03 with the ECS for the 10:30 Mountain Spirit. This gave a brief slot for Criccieth Castle to depart to Minffordd Yard before the ECS for the Woodland Wanderer was due to cross The Cob. Following this the Fairlie ran round at 10:10. Criccieth Castle shunted its rake back into Minffordd Yard at 10:23. Prince arrived with the ECS for the Woodland Wanderer unusually late at 10:35 into the WHR platform presumably delaying the 10:30 Mountain Spirit which was still in the FR platform but departed a minute or two later. Prince then ran round at 10:39 and was soon ready for the 10:55 departure which left on time.

This westerly view (24/5/22) shows Criccieth Castle propelling its rake of coal wagons and the FR PW Mess car into Minffordd Yard. Usually, Harlech Castle is used for works trains. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is courtesy F&WHR and is courtesy of the F&WHR web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

At 16:21 Criccieth Castle turned up at Porthmadog to shunt the ECS of the 13:55 Woodland Wanderer at about 16:10 shortly after the train had arrived back. Prince departed light engine at 16:26 while Criccieth Castle continued the shunt leaving the rear Observation coach in the yard whilst shunting the rest to the seawall siding. Normally all rakes go straight back to Carriage Shed at night. The train was coupled to the spare rake in the seawall siding and the long rake dragged out to be shunted back into the FR platform, now with an Open coach in the centre of the train. The lead Open coach was removed and shunted to the yard at 16:43. The rake departed ECS for the Carriage sheds at 16:51 leaving a couple of coaches in the station. All this may be in preparation for a special train tomorrow as both the Woodland Wanderer workings are cancelled. 

F&WHR 23/5/22

Monday was forecast to be a cloudy day at Porthmadog but a little brighter in the afternoon with maximum temperatures of 14C. There were NO departures from Caernarfon and THREE from Porthmadog (two Woodland Wanderer trains and the morning Mountain Spirit). All trains were bookable at 0800 but it seems the work on the telephone system was continuing as the webcams were not active until 10:46. The service pattern this week looks a little different with no Woodland Wanderer trains on Wednesday. Furthermore The Harbourmaster and Snowdonia Star will operate additionally on Friday 27/5/22. During the morning work was underway on the signalbox with ladders obstructing the FR tracks and the FR's Mess car was parked in the seawall siding.

David Lloyd George hauled the 10:30 Mountain Spirit arriving at Tan-y-bwlch at 11:10 followed by Blanche arriving on the Woodland Wanderer at 11:36. With the steps cleared away from the signalbox Blanche pulled into the FR platform at Porthmadog on its return at 13:10. After taking on coal and water, Blanche ran round at 13:34 ready for the 13:55 departure. Meanwhile, at 13:38 David Lloyd George pulled into the WHR platform with the returning morning working of the Mountain Spirit. Once the 13:55 Woodland Wanderer had departed The Fairlie returned from the yard at 14:00 and departed ECS for the depot at 14:11.

Train services w/c 23/5/22

Tan-y-bwlch cafe upgrade 23/5/22

Hot food was not available at Tan-y-bwlch Cafe as a new cooker was being installed on Monday. Sandwiches, cakes etc. were still available along with hot and cold drinks.

North Wales main line 23/5/22

Class 67 No.60076 Dunbar hauled 24 loaded wagons from Penmaenmawr to Tuebrook on 23/5/22 on its WSSuX diagram booked to depart Penmaenmawr Sidings at 11:49.

Plans announced for Trawsfynydd modular reactor 20/5/22

The future re-use of the Trawsfynydd nuclear reactor site, currently being decommissioned for a small modular reactor (SMR) installation has been confirmed. The government announced at the weekend that the Nuclear Decommissioning Agency and Cwmni Egino (a WAG development agency company) have agreed to develop plans for the Trawsfynydd site. It is uncertain if this will mean reinstating the Blaenau Ffestiniog-Trawsfynydd branch line. A large nuclear power station is also being considered for Wylfa B to provide carbon dioxide free energy and energy security considering the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Cwmni Egino will now engage with other interested parties (and presumably Rolls Royce who are designing the SMR) and announce its plans within a year. If a single SMR is built here it will supply at most 300MW according to RR plans compared to 470MW when both reactors were working at Trawsfynydd. The NDA own additional land at Trawsfynydd alongside the existing reactor site and so the SMR facilities could be built without interfering with the decommissioning process which is said to take up to 100 years as it is the lead project of this type. Trawsfynydd was opened in April 1965 and closed in 1991. It is uncertain if the construction or operation of the power station will require the reopening of the Trawsfynydd branch but at the very least it could be used to bring in concrete and aggregate to reduce such traffic on inadequate local roads. See Daily Post story. 

Boston Lodge Carriage shed upgrade 19/5/22

This Boston Lodge view (19/5/22) shows a safety fence erected alongside the inspection pit in the old carriage shed at Boston Lodge. This was completed by ROWG volunteers during their working party last week. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

F&WHR 22/5/22

Sunday was forecast to have rainy periods at Porthmadog but clearing up in the afternoon with maximum temperatures of 14C. There was ONE departure from Caernarfon (The Gelert Explorer) and THREE from Porthmadog (two Woodland Wanderer trains and one Mountain Spirit). At 8am the two Woodland Wanderer services were unusually showing 'Call to book' on Fareharbor and the Mountain Spirit was showing fully booked possibly for the first time. It still seems that the F&WHR is slow to add the extra services they have paths for, assuming crews are available. It might have been possible to add the 12:45 Woodland Wanderer and the 14:30 second run of the Mountain Spirit to earn income from the unexpected number of passengers seeking to ride the railways. Furthermore, it might be difficult to phone and book as the F&WHR is having maintenance to its phone system on Sunday (see story below).

F&WHR Phone problems

Due to planned engineering works by the telecoms provider, the F&WHR's landline phone service will be severely limited on Sunday 22/5/22. Calls to the main railway number (01766 516000), the Booking Office (01766 516024), Spooner's (01766 516032) and the Shop (01766 516034) will be diverted to mobile phones. However, where possible please avoid calling the railway on Sunday, as fewer staff will be able to answer calls. This will affect the availability of webcams too.

Cambrian Coast Express 13-20/5/22

Pathfinder's Cambrian Coast Express railtour from Bristol ran on 20/5/22 following the earlier train from Oxford on 13/5/22. Two further railtours are planned on 12/8/22 from Cardiff and 9/9/22 from Oxford. shortly after that the Barmouth Bridge will be closed again for upgrade to the steelwork at the north end

During 2022, Network Rail will replace the metallic spans of the viaduct and the associated track. They will also be upgrading the track at the north and south end of the viaduct in 2022. The bridge will be closed from Sunday 11/9/22 to Sunday 11/12/22.

This westerly view (13/5/22) shows 97903/4 hauling the first of 4 Pathfinder Railtour's Cambrian Coast Express trains over the Afon Dysynni Viaduct north of Tywyn. It is the requirement that no visiting locos can traverse the ERTMS system west of Shrewsbury without Class 97 on the front that has led to a dearth of railtours on the Cambrian since the introduction of the system. Local councillors were 'asleep at the wheel' when NR consulted about the ERTMS the system. They do no seem to have realised the loss to local trade of the once busy excursion traffic, let alone WCR's nascent steam operations. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Max Birchenough and was take on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (13/5/22) shows 97302 Festiniog and Welsh highland Railway and 97303 Dave Berry  hauling the first of 4 Pathfinder Railtour's Cambrian Coast Express trains over the new Bont Briwet with Llandecwyn Halt in the background at 13:30. The viewpoint is the old Cooke's ICI explosive works, now a country park. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright John Rawlings and was take on a Canon digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This westerly view (13/5/22) shows 97903/2 hauling the first of 4 Pathfinder Railtour's Cambrian Coast Express trains over the Porthmadog level crossing on the return journey at 16:54. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright John Rawlings and was take on a Canon digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

On 20/5/22, 97303 was back doing its normal duties returning a tamper to Cardiff-Maindee depot.

This westerly view (20/5/22) shows 97303 Dave Berry hauling the tamper back to Cardiff as it is not fitted with ERTMS as seen from Y Garth, the Llandecwyn hillock at 09:09 passing Penrhyndeudraeth. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright John Rawlings and was take on a Canon digital camera . Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This westerly view (20/5/22) shows 97303 Dave Berry hauling the tamper back to Cardiff crossing the Briwet Bridge at 09:10 as seen from Y Garth, the Llandecwyn hillock. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright John Rawlings and was take on a Canon digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This easterly view (20/5/22) shows 97302 and 97304 Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway hauling the Cambrian Coast Express at 13:44 crossing the Afon Glaslyn Viaduct, Traeth Mawr. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright John Rawlings and was take on a dronecam. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

North Wales Main Line 19-21/5/22

On 19/5/22 WCR's 47812 in light blue and 47813 top and tailed an excursion on the Northern Belle Stoke-on-Trent to Holyhead.

LSL held a private railtour to Blaenau Ffestiniog and Llandudno on 20/5/22 with 37688 Great Rocks hauling three coaches while NR's unlikely liveried 43290 hauled the NR inspection train.

On 21/5/22 a LSL test train rain to Llandudno and back to Crewe hauled by 37521 as D6817 in green livery and 37688 Great Rocks in grey livery.

F&WHR 21/5/22

Saturday was forecast to have a sunny periods at Porthmadog in the afternoon with maximum temperatures of 14C. There was ONE departure from Caernarfon (The Snowdonia Star through train) and FOUR from Porthmadog (two Woodland Wanderer trains, one Mountain Spirit and one Glaslyn Venturer).

The Harbourmaster departed at 0940 with No.130 in charge. Merddin Emrys departed at 10:30 on the Mountain Spirit whilst Prince waited in the WHR loop to run round the Woodland Wanderer in the WHR platform. After the Mountain Spirit departed Prince completed its run round and departed on time.

F&WHR 20/5/22

Friday was forecast to be a cloudy at Porthmadog with a rainy afternoon and maximum temperatures of 14C. There were NO departures from Caernarfon (The Gelert Explorer) and TWO from Porthmadog (two Woodland Wanderer trains). The 10:55 was already Sold Out by 08:00.

Merddin Emrys started the day on the 10:55 but Prince had already gone up light engine before to deal with loco ash wagons at Dduallt, passing Tan-y-bwlch at 10:38. All the action seemed to focus on Tan-y-bwlch today with Lyd on a test train using the Glaslyn Explorer rake and passing through Tan-y-bwlch at 12:37. heading east. Lyd was back at 13:59 and Merddin Emrys arrived at 14:35 on the 13:55 Woodland Wanderer. The trains swopped locos by simply taking Merddin Emrys off the front and attaching it to the rear of the test train which departed at 15:16 for Blaenau Ffestiniog. Similarly Lyd came off the test train and coupled to the rear of the Woodland Wanderer to take it back to Porthmadog, departing at 15:31.

At 15:50 Prince arrived with some B wagons and a brakevan from Dduallt and departed towards Boston Lodge at 15:59. the final train of the day was Merddin Emrys returning with the test train departing Tan-y-bwlch at 16:43 to end the day.

F&WHR 19/5/22

Thursday was forecast to have a sunny periods at Porthmadog with maximum temperatures of 14C. There was ONE departure from Caernarfon (The Gelert Explorer) and FOUR from Porthmadog (two Woodland Wanderer trains, one Mountain Spirit and one Glaslyn Venturer trains). For the second day running both the Woodland Wanderer trains were showing as Sold Out at the start of the day but with no response from the F&WHR to activate the spare set e.g. the 12:45 path. Maybe the intention is to encourage people onto the more expensive Mountain Spirit which till had room?

No.130 left for Beddgelert on time at 10:15 in sunshine while Blanche approached across The Cob and Merddin Emrys waited in the FR platform with the 10:30 Mountain Spirit. Blanche arrived in the WHR platform by 10:23 with the ECS for the 10:55. The signals for the 10:30 Mountain Spirit were already set so the run round had to wait for The Cob to be cleared past the Shunt Limit. The train left a few minutes late and Blanche was coupled up by 10:40 ready for the 10:55 Woodland Wanderer which left on time.

After Blanche departed on the 13:55, the ECS for the Mountain Spirit waited in the WHR platform for Merddin Emrys to be fuelled and watered. The loco coupled up by 14:10 and the ECS departed for Boston Lodge Carriage Shed few minutes later. Blanche apparently suffered problems on the way to Tan-y-bwlch arriving at 15:06, over half an hour late. the train left Tan-y-bwlch at 16:04, some 25 minutes late.

Harlech Castle came through the WHR platform light engine from the north at 16:13 and was rapidly given the path across The Cob as the returning Woodland Wanderer was late. Blanche arrived back in the FR platform at Porthmadog at 16:41 about half an hour late. It appeared that the FR's PW mess car was in the seawall siding. Blanche ran round at 16:53 and departed with the ECS to Boston Lodge at 16:58 to close the day. 

Volunteers requested for The Beyer Bash

The Marketing Department is still looking for help during this weekend's 'Beyer Bash' at the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway. We have been invited to have an outdoor stand at Welshpool (Raven Square), alongside Beyer Garratt K1, to promote the F&WHR and the Statfold Barn Railway. The Marketing Dept. will set up their marquee Thursday, taking literature, etc. ready for the weekend. We will also arrange for collection at the end of the weekend. However, we still need ONE OR TWO VOLUNTEERS on FRIDAY OR SATURDAY (20-21/5/22) to help us man the stand, chat about the loco and hand out literature. If anybody fancies a day out at ‘The Beyer Bash’, please get in touch by email to volunteer@ffwhr.com.

Model Railway Workshop update 21-22/5/22

Unfortunately, John Wooden has had to withdraw from this weekend's Model Railway Workshop event at Minffordd Station Gweithdy this weekend, so visitors will be unable to see his new layout under construction. However, we have been fortunate to recruit Paul Martin of EDM Models in his place, who will be demonstrating the process of constructing etched brass locomotive kits. Thank are due to Footplate of Kidderminster for providing sponsorship for the weekend's workshop.

No.9 out and about 14/5/22

Dinas PW shunter No.9 was out on PW duty just north of Rhyd Ddu on 14/5/22. It is rare to see this loco out of Dinas but Vale of Ffestiniog, the normal loco requested for PW duties, must have been unavailable. Although the loco looks tall, it has previously covered the whole route from Dinas to Boston Lodge and back so will fit through all the tunnels.

This southerly view (14/5/22) shows No.9 with the SAR brakevan and Mess Car just north of Ffridd Isaf curve on PW duties. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Gary Brindle and was take on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

South Wales Metro overspend may impact TfW North Wales projects

A projected overspend on the South Wales Metro project to electrify the Valley Lines is eating up TfW budget. Concerns are growing amongst North Wales residents about this delaying the projects already announced in North Wales such as additional stations, redoubling the remainder of the Wrexham-Chester route and expanding the loco hauled services in North Wales. The Class 67 hauled trains are due to be strengthened by one coach in the Autumn but there are now doubts as to whether the Holyhead -Manchester loco hauled 'crowd-buster' will be reinstated. See Wales Online story.

Main Line news 13-18/5/22

The Cambrian Coast Express ran on 13/5/22, a sunny day which provided lots of photo opportunities for photographers. Any contributions are welcome! ERTMS fitted Class 97s Nos.98302/3 provided the haulage on the Cambrian though passengers had to detrain at Shrewsbury for an hour while they coupled up! This was thought to be because the through platforms are so busy. With 3 through platforms this is difficult to understand. The Pathfinder Excursion is set to run again on 20/5/22 starting from Bristol.

The Aberystwyth log train trial ran again on 18/5/22 departing from Aberystwyth run round loop 3 minutes early at 15:52. This continues to be an STP but if Kronospan determine the trial is successful it might become a regular weekly operation. this time the Class 97s remained with the train to its destination and to avoid reversal at Wrexham the train ran via Crewe and Chester to Chirk.

Colas livery 60076 Dunbar hauled the Penmaenmawr-Tuebrook stone on 16/4/22.

F&WHR 18/5/22

Wednesday was forecast to have a sunny periods at Porthmadog with maximum temperatures of 16C but rain in the evening. There was ONE departure from Caernarfon (The Gelert Explorer) and THREE from Porthmadog (two Woodland Wanderer, one Mountain Spirit). As both Woodland Wanderer trains were unusually showing as 'Sold Out' by 07:30 on the day there was the opportunity to add at least a third Woodland Wanderer (the 12:45 path) if a crew could be found at short notice. The Glaslyn Venturer returns on Thursday.

Merddin Emrys was running round at 10:13 having brought the ECS for the 10:30 Mountain Spirit into the FR platform. Blanche hauled the ECS for 10:55 Woodland Wanderer into the WHR platform at 10:18. Blanche was again early enough to complete the run round before The Cob was required by the 10:30 Mountain Spirit departure.

At 13:55 the second run of the Woodland Wanderer departed Porthmadog while the ECS from the Mountain Spirit waited in the WHR platform for a path across The Cob. Merddin Emrys rejoined the rake at 14:00 before disposing the rake to the depot departing at 14:10. Blanche arrived back in sunshine at 16:11, ran round quickly and, as the final movement of the day, left on the ECS at 16:21.

HRA meets WAG over coal mine issue 17/5/22

Members of the HRA, including F&WHR General Manager Paul Lewin, had a meeting with Senedd members on 17/5/22 to talk about coal and press the economic and cultural value of Heritage Railways to Wales and the wider UK. The hope is that WAG will allow the development of a small steam coal extraction site sufficient for the HRA to supply steam railways, traction engines, steam tug boats etc. while experiments continue to produce and test viable alternatives.

F&WHR 17/5/22

Tuesday was forecast to have sunny periods at Porthmadog with maximum temperatures of 19C with a rainy evening. There was ONE departure from Caernarfon (The Gelert Explorer) and FOUR from Porthmadog (two Woodland Wanderer, one Mountain Spirit and one Glaslyn Venturer trains).

No.130 was a surprise today on the 10:15 Glaslyn Venturer which was standing in the WHR platform at 09:50 which must mean No.87 is working the Gelert Explorer from Caernarfon. The loco swop occurred on Sunday. The ECS for the Mountain Spirit arrived into the FR platform at 09:51 behind Merddin Emrys which ran round and coupled up at 09:56. Blanche arrived with the ECS for the 10:55 Woodland Wanderer and was running round at 10:23. Unusually, the run round was completed by 10:27 just before the Mountain Spirit departed on time.

The weather became wet in the late afternoon as Blanche departed Tan-y-bwlch with the return working of the 13:55 Woodland Wanderer at 15:30. The Porthmadog signalbox was shut down by 16:25 after the ECS had been dispatched to Boston Lodge to finish the day's train services.

Model Railway Workshop

This weekend 21-22/5/22 a model railway workshop is taking place in the Gweithdy at Minffordd Station, LL48 6HF (car parking available). There will be layouts, demonstrations and stalls. Visitors are invited to come and chat about model making and pick up some tips.

OPENING TIMES:

▪️  Saturday, 21st May : 11:00-17:00

▪️  Sunday, 22nd May : 10:00-16:00

ENTRY:

▪️  £3.00

LAYOUTS - OPERATING:

▪️  Vintage Hornby Dublo Three-Rail - George Brown

▪️  Pentrefelin (3mm scale) - Dave Roberts

▪️  Ddraig Gwarel (009) - Colwyn Bay Model Railway Society

▪️  Poldeen (N gauge) - Robert Shrives

LAYOUTS - UNDER CONSTRUCTION:

▪️  Challow Road (O gauge) - Paul Towers

DEMONSTRATIONS:

▪️  Carriage building - Paul Holmes       

▪️  Resin casting - Phil Traxson       

▪️  Wagon building - Martin Jones 

▪️  Track building - David Johns

SALES:

▪️ Nick’s Railway Stuff - Pre-loved model railway rolling stock, accessories and books.

Llangollen mixed traction week from 18/5/22

The week ahead shows mixed traction at the railway, with plenty of motive power to sample. Wednesday 18/5/22 and Thursday 19/5/22 will see the interesting Class 108/104 hybrid DMU in use. Friday 20/5/22 and 21/5/22 sees steam back-in-business, with GWR 0-6-2T No.5619 doing the honours. Then on Sunday 22/5/22 diesel loco-haulage is back with BRCW Sulzer Type 2 No.5310.

On 16/5/22 the Class 08 was out on PW duties collecting concrete sleepers from Deeside Loop where a point has been plain lined turning the loop into a siding for the time being. Another trip is needed to complete the job.

Class 03 No.03162 which recently passed into Llangollen Railway ownership received a steam clean of its underside over the weekend, the first attention it has received in a long time.

Class 31 No.31271 Stratford 1840-2001 hauled services on 14-15/5/22.

Steam operation is planned for the Platinum Jubilee weekend, with GWR 0-6-2T No.5619 at work on the 3-5/6/22, alongside 08195 on the Berwyn Shunter Shuttle and Driver-for-a-Fiver at Llangollen between Shuttle trips. Corwen station will also be open to visitors from 10-4pm to see progress on the new station, which is approaching completion. A ballast train will be on static display. See Unofficial Llangollen website for full details of timetable and images/videos of trains.

F&WHR 16/5/22

Monday was forecast to have rainy periods at Porthmadog with maximum temperatures of 15C. There were NO departures from Caernarfon and TWO from Porthmadog (two Woodland Wanderer trains).

At 09:58 Blanche was noted departing Boston Lodge with the ECS for the 10:55 Woodland Wanderer arriving in the FR platform at 10:03. The train departed on time but the afternoon train was already sold out by 11:00 suggesting an extra train could have been planned. While it is good that the F&WHR is running full trains, with only two on Mondays potential passengers may be disappointed when they turn up at Porthmadog. This is the kind of thing that happens at the Brecon Mountain Railway.

Blanche ran round at Porthmadog at 13:45 ready for the 13:55 Woodland Wanderer which left on time. Scaffolding was erected in front of the Porthmadog webcam from 13:50 for an hour while a workman attended to a problem with Spooners. The final train of the day arrived back shortly after 4pm as the weather closed in. The ECS was disposed to Boston Lodge shortly afterwards.

North Wales main line

Class 60 No.60076 was on the 6F22 the 11:49 Penmaenmawr stone train on Monday. This train now operates 4 days a week WSSuX.

Provision of units on the Borderlands line has become problematical in the absence of the promised but long delayed Class 230s. The frequent cancellations will affect public perception of reliability of these services.

There have been rumours of removal of the Class 67s from the Holyhead-Cardiff route. If TfW was to concentrate the fleet in South Wales on its proposed Swansea-Manchester route this would cause uproar on the North Wales Coast. There is already a feeling that TfW gives more preference to South Wales than North Wales services. Already people feel aggrieved that the Holyhead-Manchester and before them Holyhead Birmingham loco hauled services have been withdrawn.

Rail Ale tickets on sale for 10-11/6/22

To control numbers in the current COVID risk assessments the F&WHR is running a ticket only RailAle this year. Tickets were available from 16/5/22 and cost £20 for Friday or Saturday and £25 for both. Entry includes the commemorative Beer Glass and 5 beers or 4 ciders. The event takes place at Dinas. See RailAle website for full details. and can be booked via the FareHarbor system with seven diesel shuttles from Caernarfon, mostly to/from Waunfawr and travel from Porthmadog on The Harbourmaster. It seems that the loco from The Harbourmaster will also make two lunch time shuttle runs between Caernarfon and Dinas. The booking system contains five different shuttle tickets including separate Friday and Saturday £5 Caernarfon-Dinas and Waunfawr-Dinas tickets and separate £5 tickets to come back. The fifth ticket is a £15 Friday and Saturday ticket between Caernarfon and Waunfawr. These appear to be Rover tickets and might be available from intermediate halts at Bontnewydd and Tryfan Junction for WHRS members on request. The diesel haulage of the Festival Shuttle could be Criccieth Castle or Vale of Ffestiniog. It is likely the NG16 haulage will be No.87 as that is the usual loco based at Porthmadog. It is possible The Harbourmaster rake might be used for the midday shuttles. Exceptionally The Harbourmaster will call at all intermediate stations on both days (and possibly halts for WHRS members only). None of the trains have a refreshment service but there will be live music and variety of refreshments available at Dinas provided by outside caterers.

The Harbourmaster prices have been reduced for those buying RailAle entry. Prices from Porthmadog are given with standard prices in brackets but there re no reduced fares indicated for Beddgelert/Meillionen, possibly an oversight. WHRS Members may be allowed free travel on The Harbourmaster as normal. Using The Harbourmaster gives over two and a half hours at Dinas.

Table for £90 (£110)

Bay for 3 £135 (£165)

Additional adults £45 (£55)

Child £3

Solo return £45 (£55)

Welsh Government to hear appeal for British steam coal

WAG has agreed to meet the HRA to discuss the issue of steam coal for heritage railways following the closure of the last supplier at Ffos-y-fran and given the ban on Russian coal following their invasion of Ukraine. A new supply of Welsh steam coal could bridge the gap in the medium term until sustainable alternative fuel experiments determine a suitable fuel. Steam railways are vital to the Welsh tourist economy and if trains are unable to run it could hit the Welsh economy as well as similar operations across the UK. The proposed Whitehaven deep mine in Cumbria might not provide a suitable steam coal whereas Welsh reserves are well known and easily accessible. No date has yet been set for the meeting.

Corris No.10 to steam in September?

If the current Appeal is successful, the new build Hughes Falcon 0-4-2ST No.10 will be steamed at Keef's soon. Keef's Charity Open Day on 24/9/22 could be the first opportunity to see the loco prior to it entering service in 2023. The loco is needed to replace the existing loco which is due to go out of service in a couple of years for its 10 year overhaul. The Falcon loco is based on the TR's example but with a taller cab as the average height of people is taller than the average in Victorian times. For a short period the Corris Railway will have two locos in steam before No.7 which entered service in 2005 goes into the works for its 10 year boiler overhaul. For full details of the new Corris loco see Corris website.

Meanwhile the Corris Extension to Coedwig South loop, replacing a section of formation taken by the A487 widening, is making progress. The railway is benefitting from the arisings from the A487 Dyfi Bridge Bypass road scheme. See Corris Extension page for latest images dated 22/4/22. The eventual aim is to extend south to Pont Ifans, then Esgairgeiliog, the Forestry car park at Tan-y-coed and finally to Pantperthog for the popular Alternative Technology Centre. The trackbed south of there to Machynlleth still exists alongside the A487 but the Millennium foot bridge has replaced the washed away railway bridge across the Afon Dyfi. The terminus station building in Machynlleth Industrial estate still exists but it would be very expensive to reach this location and provide a link for tourists arriving by TfW trains.

L&BR buying 3 sections of trackbed

Exmoor Associates, a Community Interest Company, are buying three sections of the L&BR trackbed to make a continuous length of 2 miles of trackbed in ownership of the L&BR in association with land already owned. They are appealing for help with the purchase. The F&WHR's Lyd is frequently loaned to the L&BR for Galas as the loco is of the type that operated on the line. The larger Baldwin No.762 Lyn also visited the WHR SuperPower 2018 and on The Snowdonian in 2019. The L&BR is busy planning to extend initially from its small operational length at Woody Bay towards Wistlandpound Reservoir for which it has planning permission but then continuing south from there to Barnstaple Pilton Yard. The sections being purchased are south of Wistlandpound Reservoir where a small deviation is needed around the dam, a situation reminiscent of the FR's Deviation to get around Llyn Ystradau which was flooded while the FR was closed.

As the current purchases will exhaust Exmoor Associates funds supporters are requested to buy shares in Exmoor Associates or make a donation to the Yeo Valley Trust, specifying the money be used for the L&BR trackbed purchase. The Trust can claim Gift Aid of 25% if the donor is a UK taxpayer and signs the Gift Aid form.

F&WHR services w/c 16/5/22

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

F&WHR 15/5/22

Sunday was forecast to have sunny periods at Porthmadog with maximum temperatures of 20C. There was ONE departure from Caernarfon (The Gelert Explorer) and FOUR from Porthmadog (two Woodland Wanderer trains, one Mountain Spirit and one Harbourmaster through train).

No.87 was on the 10:15 Glaslyn Venturer and Merddin Emrys hauled the 10:30 Mountain Spirit. No.87 swopped with No.130 on Sunday after completing its duties. It will remain at Boston Lodge for a few weeks.

This easterly view (15/5/22) shows the unlikely scene of No.87 heading for Dinas light engine at 13:45 at Pen-y-Mount after completing the morning Glaslyn Venturer duty The loco was being exchanged for No.130 which was to be based at Boston Lodge for the next few weeks. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright John Rawlings and was taken on a quadcopter digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Blanche hauled the 10:55 Woodland Wanderer and the 13:55 At 16:20 Blanche returned the ECS from the 13:55 Woodland Wanderer back to Boston Lodge to finish the day.

BLR celebrates 50th Anniversary

The Bala Lake Railway celebrated 50 years (30/4/-2/5/22) since it started services on the former BR Ruabon-Barmouth branch alongside Bala Lake, closed by BR on 18/1/65 following flood damage to the line. The 2' gauge railway expanded from its initial base at Llanuwchllyn northwards to the site of the original Bala station by the Dee Bridge. The railway has purchased the final piece of land allowing it to extend into its proposed town centre terminus. A decision on the planning application is due this summer.

F&WHR 14/5/22

Saturday was forecast to have a sunny periods at Porthmadog with maximum temperatures of 15C. There was ONE departure from Caernarfon (The Snowdonia Star through train) and FOUR from Porthmadog (two Woodland Wanderer trains, one Mountain Spirit and one Glaslyn Venturer).

This westerly view (14/5/22) shows a general view of Boston Lodge with the new Carriage Shed in the foreground with solar panels to reduce electricity consumption.. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright John Rawlings and was taken on a quadcopter digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (14/5/22) shows No.130 heading to Caernarfon departing Porthmadog with the new Premier Inn dominating the foreground. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright John Rawlings and was taken on a quadcopter digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This westerly view (14/5/22) shows Merddin Emrys heading through Penrhyndeudraeth with the morning Mountain Spirit. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright John Rawlings and was taken on a quadcopter digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Rail Ale event appeal 10-11/6/22

Rail Ale returns to the WHR over the weekend of 10-11-/6/22 after two years absence due to COVID restrictions. It is the most profitable event on both the WHR and the FfR producing useful income for the Company, which all helps to keep the show going. The WHRS need volunteer help as the festival requires a large number of volunteers in order to work well and of course avoids the need to have to pay for persons to help. Help is also needed on two previous days to set up the festival in advance as well as to pack it all away on the Monday, 13/6/22. If you can help we'd really like to see at Dinas but firstly contact Graham Hoyland by email.

Llangollen Railway Corwen terminus nears completion 9/5/22

The Llangollen's Railways extension to the new Corwen central terminus is nearing completion following a ballast drop and a visit by the tamper on 9/5/22. For images see Unofficial Llangollen Facebook page.

During the Platinum Jubilee Weekend, from the 3-5/6/22, the railway will be operating tours of the Corwen Station site, the public will also be able to see a static ballast wagon set within the station. The station will be open between 10am and 4pm with no need to book with easy car parking at the Corwen Central car park with toilets available. By popular demand, the Berwyn Shuttle and Driver for a Fiver are also returning for the Bank Holiday weekend. Tickets for these specials can be booked on the day at Llangollen Station.

K1 at the W&LR 22-25/5/22

Clair Britton writes:

The Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway are celebrating the 120th birthday of their original locomotives - ‘The Earl’ and ‘The Countess’ - with a ‘Beyer Bash’ weekend which is taking place on 20-22/5/22. They have several Beyer locomotives visiting - including Gorton Works Shunter No.1827, Steam Tram No.47 from Crich, Isle of Man Railway’s Fenella and our own Garratt K1.

We have just been invited to have an outdoor stand at Welshpool, alongside the visiting locos, to promote the F&WHR and the Statfold Barn Railway. K1 will be on a length of track prepared for it, but will not be in steam due to the complexities of getting it on and off the lorry.

That same weekend on 21-22/5/22, we are holding our own small event in Minffordd Gweithdy - a Model Railway Workshop - and so we are in need of a bit of help to cover both events.

🟣  WLLR: 'BEYER BASH'

The Marketing Dept. will set up their marquee on Thursday, taking literature, etc ready for the weekend. We will also arrange for collection at the end of the weekend. What we need is two/three people each day who will make sure ‘K1’ is clean (it will have been cleaned well before it leaves Dinas on the Wednesday) and to man the stand, chat If anybody fancies a day out at ‘The Beyer Bash’, please get in by email to volunteer@ffwhr.com

🟣  MODEL RAILWAY WORKSHOP:

There is a small entry charge for visitors. Can anybody help out on the door please..?

Saturday ... (EDIT: Volunteer found)

Sunday - 10:00-16:00

Again, please get in touch by email to volunteer@ffwhr.com. Thanks in anticipation.

F&WHR 13/5/22

Friday was forecast to have a sunny periods at Porthmadog with maximum temperatures of 13C after a dull start. There were NO departures from Caernarfon (The Gelert Explorer) and TWO from Porthmadog (two Woodland Wanderer trains). The Cob still has a road closure with a trench across the road by the old Toll House at Boston Lodge but the footpath/cycleway is still open. On Saturday The Harbourmaster and Snowdonia Star will run in addition to the FR trains.

Prince departed on the lightly loaded morning train at 10:55 and was running round at 13:30 for the 13:55 working which was sold out. At 16:15 Prince was running round in Harbour station before departing ECS as the last movement of the day at 16:21.

Early morning weedkilling train 12/5/22

This easterly view (12/5/22) shows Criccieth Castle with the Weedkilling train running through the WHR loop line having done the platform line a few minutes before. At 07:45 the train worked through the FR platform. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is courtesy Philip Clark and F&WHR and was captured from the F&WHR web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Wylfa B moves a step closer 13/5/22

Maybe Friday 13th is an inauspicious day to launch the Future Nuclear Enabling Fund but UK Government ministers visited Anglesey on Friday to promote the Fund given initially £120m by the government to get New Nuclear started. Ministers said the Wylfa site had everything going for it and that three nations were interested in building new nuclear power stations in the UK. This could bring nuclear waste traffic back to Valley 'Nuclear Electric' siding. The Government has an ambitious project to build up to 8 nuclear reactors by 2020 to improve energy independence in the face of Russian aggression. Cynics might wonder why there have been no nuclear power stations built in the 14 years the Tories have been in power! See Daily Post story.

Llangollen Class 03 donated to railway 15/4/22

Wirral Council has donated 03162 to the Llangollen Railway. The loco has been at the railway on load for the last 33 years arriving in working condition from Chester Depot in green livery as D2162 and named Birkenhead North Depot 1875-1985. The shunter was used on PW trains and in Galas. In 2003 it was repainted in BR blue but still carries the painted on name. OOU since helping with the Corwen East extension in 2014, the loco will be restored subject to an appeal, by 2025. See The National for an illustrated story of 03162.

This easterly view (March 1996) shows 03162 stabled with a ballast wagon midweek preparing for the opening of Carrog station on 2/4/96. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

North Wales main line

From Monday 16/5/22 Avanti will be restoring some train services to London cut because of decrease in traffic caused by Covid/staff absences. There will be 9 Avanti services along the North Wales Coast, two of which will be diagrammed as double Voyagers with 10 coaches. There will be four Holyhead-Euston trains, three Holyhead-Crewe trains, a Bangor-Crewe train and a Chester-Euston train. A further increase in train services is planned for September. News is still awaited about TfW's increases to services to add loco hauled trains to the Holyhead-Cardiff route and remove inappropriate DMUs from this very long journey. while some of the Mk4 fleet will be used on Swansea-Manchester workings, there has been little mention of restoring the Holyhead-Manchester Airport/Birmingham International Airport services to loco haulage.

F&WHR 12/5/22

Thursday was forecast to have a sunny periods at Porthmadog with maximum temperatures of 13C after a dull start. There was ONE departure from Caernarfon (The Gelert Explorer) and FOUR from Porthmadog (two Woodland Wanderer trains, one Mountain Spirit and one Glaslyn Venturer trains). The Cob still has a road closure with a trench across the road by the old Toll House at Boston Lodge.

No.87 arrived in the WHR platform at 09:37 with the ECS for the 10:15 Glaslyn Venturer. The train departed on time while Merddin Emrys waited in the FR platform with the 10:30 Mountain Spirit and Prince waited at the home signal with the ECS for the 10:55 Woodland Wanderer. As usual, Prince waited to complete its run round until after Merddin Emrys left at 10:30 and departed on time at 10:55.

No.87 returned at 13:01 and departed ECS shortly afterwards as the platform was needed by the returning Mountain Spirit. Prince departed on the 13:55 Woodland Wanderer on time while Merddin Emrys was shunting in the yard. The Fairlie coupled up to the ECS Mountain Spirit at 14:05 soon after Prince had cleared the section and departed for Boston Lodge at 14:08. Prince was being disposed on shed at 16:30 to complete the day's activities.

James Spooner progress 11/5/22

Good progress is being made with the F&WHR's new Fairlie James Spooner. The loco was on view in the 'Wet Shed' during a Boston Lodge Tour for FR Society members. The latest news on the loco is that its four sandpots are currently in the Paint Shop. The distinctive design is completely different to the more familiar cylindrical sandpots normally associated with FR locomotives.

May Carriage works report

The roof of the 1970's part of the Carriage Works is being renewed so that is restricting progress. Work is underway on projects for three new coaches for the TR for delivery next year. The next Garratt No.143 needs to be refurbished needs painting soon before the roof work. The green water tank is back at Dinas in Dinas Deep Brunswick Green, different to the GWR Green carried previously. Various panels are being repainted and the coal bunker is at Boston Lodge for a heavy repaint. Boiler cladding sheets will be done next then sent back to Dinas to allow the loco to be completed later this year. 

A monthly volunteer project is making steady progress to create a replica NWNGR Ashbury brake. The timber framework is complete and a start has been made on the panelling. Another weekly volunteer project is FR Coach No.101 which will be due in the Paint Shop soon. No.10 van and porthole bug box No.12 are both in progress and will soon be finished and go into store for special events. Bowside FR Carriage No.18 is also having a full repaint. There is no news about progress with the WHR's Bodysgallen.

F&WHR 11/5/22

Wednesday was forecast to have a sunny periods at Porthmadog with maximum temperatures of 14C after a dull start. There was ONE departure from Caernarfon (The Gelert Explorer) and THREE from Porthmadog (two Woodland Wanderer, one Mountain Spirit). The Cob still has a road closure.

Merddin Emrys was on the 10:30 Mountain Spirit and Prince hauled the 10:55 Woodland Wanderer. By 16:25 Prince was being disposed at Boston Lodge as the final movement of the day.

Train services w/c 9/5/22

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

Moving Images No.64 11/5/22

Click on the YouTube link to watch 24 minute 51 seconds of video covering visiting locos and the boat race which took place over the FR society AGM weekend. Not only but also Carriage Works roundup with Glenn Williams. This video was published on 11/5/22 and is best viewed at 1080p with Chrome. This video was produced by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional 4K Betamax camcorder.

F&WHR 10/5/22

Tuesday was forecast to have a sunny afternoon at Porthmadog with maximum temperatures of 14C after a dull start. There was ONE departure from Caernarfon (The Gelert Explorer) and FOUR from Porthmadog (two Woodland Wanderer, one Mountain Spirit and one Glaslyn Venturer trains). The Cob still has a road closure.

No.87 arrived with the ECS for the 10:15 Glaslyn Venturer at 09:30. Merddin Emrys had already run round the 10:30 Mountain Spirit by the time the Glaslyn Venturer left. Prince was able to complete its run round after the Mountain Spirit left the FR platform and was ready to depart on the 10:55 Woodland Wanderer by 10:40 in the WHR platform.

At 13:30 Prince was running round in the FR platform ready for the 13:55 Woodland Wanderer. Merddin Emrys ran round in the WHR platform after arriving at about 13:40. The loco ran to the yard shortly afterwards to be serviced while Prince departed on the 13:55 Woodland Wanderer. Once clear of station limits the Fairlie ran round to return the ECS Mountain Spirit to Boston Lodge, departing at 14:19. Prince arrived back at 16:05 into the FR platform with running round completed promptly by 16:10. The ECS left to close the day at 16:13.

Mainline news

Class 66 No.66796 hauled 24 loaded box wagons on the Penmaenmawr-Tuebrook working on Tuesday 10/5/22. There is still no word about the new freight flow of slate waste from Llandudno Junction yard that the sidings have been restored cheaply with wooden sleepers.

Caernarfon food festival 14/5/22

The F&WHR is sponsoring the Caernarfon Food Festival this year on Saturday 14/5/22. No additional services are being provided on the WHR unlike previous years though it is possible to visit during The Harbourmaster midday break.

NR Inspection coach on tour 11/5/22

NR's inspection coach Caroline is believed to be on its first private railtour on 11/5/22, the first time it has been available for private hire and carry a headboard for 30 years! The coach was recently used on a trip to Porthmadog and F&WHR staff were invited. This trip is a circular journey from Derby to Derby via Litchfield curve, Stoke on Trent, Middlewich, Altrincham, Edale and Toton. The train will be formed of 37418 and 975025 Caroline. See https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U79452/2022-05-11/detailed for further details.

Road closure

The Cob is closed until Friday 13/5/22, except for access to Boston Lodge, for the provision of metered services.

Click on the image to enlarge. this image is courtesy F&WHR.

F&WHR 9/5/22

Monday F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

F&WHR 8/5/22

Sunday was forecast to be a sunny at Porthmadog with maximum temperatures of 16C. There was ONE departure from Caernarfon (The Gelert Explorer) and FOUR from Porthmadog (two Woodland Wanderer trains, one Mountain Spirit and one Glaslyn Venturer) plus an excursion.

No.87 was on the 10:14 Glaslyn Venturer and Merddin Emrys on the 10:30 Mountain spirit. Prince hauled the 10:55 Woodland Wanderer for a change. No.87 was back by 13:00. Once the train had left ECS for the depot, Merddin Emrys arrived in the WHR platform about 13:40 and the loco ran round at 13:45. At 16:21 Prince departed Porthmadog with the ECS from the final Woodland Wanderer to complete the day's activities.

NLHF April update

An update has been released about progress with the National Lottery Heritage Fund Boston Lodge project. Works at Boston Lodge have reached the tender stage but 'ridiculous increases in construction costs' may impact the scope of the project. See NLHF link for further details.

F&WHR 7/5/22

Saturday was forecast to have sunny at Porthmadog with maximum temperatures of a warmer 17C. There was ONE departure from Caernarfon (The Snowdonia Star)  and FOUR from Porthmadog (two Woodland Wanderer trains, one Mountain Spirit and The Harbourmaster).

The ECS for The Harbourmaster pulled into the WHR platform at 08:48 hauled by No.87 with a very full coal bunker, over an hour in advance of its 10:00 departure time. the motley rake looks incongruous compared to the WHR rake. It has the lower profile FR Super Barn coaches, taller WHR coaches and the extra tall Romanian coach No.2060. By 10:05 the WHR train had gone and Merddin Emrys had run round the 10:30 Mountain Spirit rake in the FR platform. Blanche had arrived with the ECS for the 10:55 Woodland Wanderer a few minutes later and began its run round at 10:13. Today the loco was able to complete the run round and couple up at 10:18 in the absence of a 10:15 Glaslyn Venturer service. no.130 arrived with The Snowdonia Star shortly around 12:10 and the loco detached and ran to the yard to water at 12:20 before returning to Caernarfon departing about 2 hours later.

New railway museum on Anglesey

Tacla Taid museum at Newborough on Anglesey has become a railway museum with the delivery of the last rolling stock from the clearout of Octel Amlwch factory site. The final one of the three shunters formerly used at Octel was a Hunslet 0-4-0DM loco and was accompanied by a Bromine tanker and a flat wagon. The other two locos and some other rolling stock previously went to the Anglesey Central Railway at Llanerch-y-medd in Central Anglesey after storage in the sidings at Anglesey Aluminium. The ACR (aka Lein Amlwch) are busy restoring the line for a potential tourist route, although it has also been placed on the 'Rolling Back Beeching' list by the local Tory MP. Tacla Taid have laid a short length of track and hope to restore the loco to operational use in the future. See Daily Post story.

Caernarfon bypass speed trap

The Bank Holiday weekend saw 65 drivers caught by the Police exceeding the 60mph limit on the Caernarfon Bypass, used by many to visit the WHR. With only one train a day from Caernarfon, there is no alternative if you miss a booked train. Some sections of the bypass have lower speed limits approaching roundabouts. It is thought that the alternating 3 lane nature of the road encourages some drivers to exceed the speed limit to pass slow vehicles as they approach the end of a three lane section. There have been several accidents on the road including one on the opening day in February.

Main Line news

More PW work is taking place at Rhyl this weekend. Locos No.56078 and Nos.70806/12 were present.

F&WHR 6/5/22

Friday was forecast to have rain in the afternoon at Porthmadog with maximum temperatures of 12C. There were NO departures from Caernarfon  and THREE from Porthmadog (two Woodland Wanderer trains and one Mountain Spirit).

The first train of the day was the 10:30 Mountain Spirit which arrived ECS in the FR platform and had run round by 10:10. Blanche arrived with the ECS for the 10:55 Woodland Wanderer at 10:16. Run round was completed at 10:21 as there was no Glaslyn Venturer today.

Five Quarry Hunslets 30/4/22

This easterly view (30/4/22) shows Hugh Napier, Erin, Sybil, Britomart and Lilla steaming out of Porthmadog station. Three of these were used on shuttles during the FR AGM weekend. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Bodysgallen refurbishment

First Class Pullman saloon No.2115 Bodysgallen is currently at Boston Lodge awaiting refurbishment. The WHRS is looking for help to fund the expensive work needed to bring this coach up to standard. There has been a big demand for first class travel and it is possible a second Pullman saloon may be constructed once Bodysgallen has been restored to use.

Cambrian Railways plans expansion

The Cambrian Heritage Railway at Oswestry has had a successful start to the season and now operates trains regularly from Oswestry south to Weston Wharf. The railway does not have the right to cross the A5 to the north or the A483 to the south of Weston Wharf even though both level crossings still exist. This is a legacy of the Highway Agency building both bypass roads on the cheap and not building railway bridges as the branch had just one stone train a day. It is hoped to improve the disconnected Llynclys to Pen-y-garreg line so that services may be resumed next year. The way north is currently subject to the ongoing feasibility study of the Community Rail Project to Gobowen.

Most likely is infrastructure consolidation to be undertaken at Oswestry, centred mainly on the completion of the middle road and the reinstating of the down-line and associated platform. This would require a point being installed 50m or so north of the Coney Green Crossing. Once the line is in place, it would allow access by heavy equipment to construct the platform. At the moment, the middle road terminates some 200m south of the Medical Crossing and, historically, rejoins the main up-line some 100m north of the crossing. The status of the Medical Crossing is open to question as it was built without regard to due process.

F&WHR 5/5/22

Thursday was forecast to have sunny periods at Porthmadog with maximum temperatures of 13C. There was ONE departure from Caernarfon (the Gelert Explorer) and FOUR from Porthmadog (two Woodland Wanderer trains and one Mountain Spirit and the Glaslyn Venturer reappears today).

By 09:45 No.87 had appeared in the WHR platform with the rake for the 10:15 Glaslyn Venturer. Only the morning run was scheduled today. At 10:07 Merddin Emrys arrived with the ECS for the 10:30 Mountain Spirit. Blanche made its way over The Cob to the trident signal as No.87 prepared to leave at 10:15. The Fairlie completed the run round as the ECS for the Woodland Wanderer pulled into the recently vacated WHR platform at 10:20 and immediately commenced its run round.

Merddin Emrys was back by 13:50, just before Blanche left for its afternoon Woodland Wanderer working. After fuelling and watering the Fairlie emerged from the yard to take the ECS back to Boston Lodge at 14:10. Blanche returned at 16:12 with the afternoon Woodland Wanderer and was soon disposed to the depot as the final movement of the day.

F&WHR 4/5/22

Wednesday was forecast to be an improving day with a sunny afternoon at Porthmadog with maximum temperatures of 14C. Wednesday trains were a repeat of Tuesday's. There was ONE departure from Caernarfon (the Gelert Explorer) and THREE from Porthmadog (two Woodland Wanderer trains and one Mountain Spirit). The Glaslyn Venturer reappears on Thursday.

Merddin Emrys departed with the 10:30 Mountain Spirit after Blanche ran round the 10:55 Woodland Wanderer. On days when there is a Glaslyn Venturer departing at 10:15 it is difficult and therefore rare for the Woodland Wanderer loco to arrive and complete the run round in the WHR platform before the Mountain Spirit requires The Cob token.

Early FR film discovered on YouTube

A film showing the very early days on the FR in 1957 has been published on YouTube. Click here to view. this video shows how Prince was used to wrench tree stumps out of cuttings and volunteers generally restoring  and operating the railway.

Spooners update 29/4/22

Spooners is currently unable to provide meals, without explanation, a loss to the many customers who enjoy their themed nights and weekend meals. Apparently the pub closed at 6pm on 30/4/22 due to lack of staff. Large wooden benches have been provided to replace the light weight metal chairs previously used in the patio area that got broken.. The F&WHR announcement is as follows.

SPRING AT SPOONER’S

🔵  Picture the scene… the sun is shining, trains are steaming and visitors are enjoying a coffee on our new Outdoor Terrace benches.

🔵  That’s the idyllic scene here at Spooner’s this Friday..!

🔵  We’re open daily this Spring and looking forward to a busy season ahead.

🔵  A selection of hot drinks, cakes and confectionery will be available from our Café, while our Bar will be serving a range of beers, ciders, local cask ales and non-alcoholic refreshments.

🔵  We are unable to serve meals at the present moment; however, a small range of sandwiches are available on most days.

🔵  So, as the evenings get brighter, why not come down and say “Hello” - we look forward to welcoming you..!

F&WHR 3/5/22

Tuesday was forecast to be a bright but cloudy day at Porthmadog with maximum temperatures of 13C. Tuesday trains were much reduced. There was ONE departure from Caernarfon (the Gelert Explorer) and THREE from Porthmadog (two Woodland Wanderer trains and one Mountain Spirit).

At 09:32 Criccieth Castle was noted taking the AGM Weekend shuttle coaches to Glan-y-pwll shed passing through Tan-y-bwlch. David Lloyd George followed, passing through Tan-y-bwlch at 11:06 with the 10:30 Mountain Spirit whilst Criccieth Castle waited for the token to return to Minffordd Yard. In the event it waited for the 10:55 Woodland Wanderer to arrive before departing light engine. Criccieth Castle was shunting loaded coal B wagons into the refuelling point at Porthmadog Harbour station at 13:50. Blanche departed on the 13:55 Woodland Wanderer on time. At 14:11 the ECS rake from the 10:30 Mountain Spirit in the WHR platform left for the Carriage Shed. Criccieth Castle emerged from the yard at 14:15 awaiting a light engine path back to the depot and departed at 14:21. Blanche arrived back in sunshine with the afternoon Woodland Wanderer at 16:11 and the rake was promptly disposed to the Carriage Shed ECS at 16:20 to close the day's activities.

Tan-y-bwlch station cafe still open despite roadsigns! 3-4/5/22

Message from F&WHR

'PLEASE IGNORE THE ROAD SIGNS:

We are open as normal..! Strange request, but access to the Tea Room at Tan-y-Bwlch Station is NOT affected by the roadworks taking place on the B4410 between Garreg/Llanfrothen and the Oakley Arms, Maentwrog. There is a sign for vehicles approaching from the A487 that states the road to Garreg is closed from 2nd-4th May. However, the work is taking place beyond the station and Tea-Room - so, if you want to visit us, just drive past the sign. Anyone wanting to visit us via Garreg / Llanfrothen will have to travel through Penrhyndeudraeth. So, don't be put off by the sign - WE ARE OPEN everyday and look forward to seeing you here for some tasty treats, drinks and snacks..!'

Images from 1/5/22

This northerly view (1/5/22) shows Elin's footplate and controls at Minffordd at midday on the shuttle arrival. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Melvyn Hughes and was taken on a Google Pixel 3a XL phone camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (1/5/22) shows Elin at Minffordd at midday on the shuttle arrival. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Melvyn Hughes and was taken on a Google Pixel 3a XL phone camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (1/5/22) shows Britomart at Minffordd at midday on the rear of the shuttle after arrival. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Melvyn Hughes and was taken on a Google Pixel 3a XL phone camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Change of web platform

The TSOHost web platform was changed at their request on 1/5/22 and this may lead to the website being unavailable for a short while as the new DNS percolates through the servers around the world. The website has been tested and is available on EE's 4G network and was available via TalkTalk broadband  tested on 2/5/22 at 16:35.

F&WHR 2/5/22

Bank Holiday Monday was forecast to be a bright but cloudy day at Porthmadog with maximum temperatures of 14C. There was ONE departure from Caernarfon (the Gelert Explorer) and EIGHT from Porthmadog (five Woodland Wanderer trains, two Mountain Spirit trains and one Glaslyn Venturer) plus SIX FRS/WHRS Members' Shuttles (2 to Pont Croesor and 4 to Minffordd). This is the first time the FR has operated all five Woodland Wanderer paths.

Today was the first run of the 09:45 Woodland Wanderer, hauled by Prince, which departed the FR platform after No.87 had arrived ECS in the WHR platform for the 10:15 departure. After the departure of No.87 on the Glaslyn Venturer at 10:15 the station became a hive of activity with Britomart and its shuttle rake with Sybil on the rear moving to the WHR platform for the 10:50 departure and Blanche reversing its rake into the FR platform for the 10:55 Woodland Wanderer. Meanwhile Elin shunted to the seawall siding.

Sybil was back with the Pont Croesor shuttle at 11:35. Five minutes later Erin arrived back from Boston Lodge with the rake of 8 skips. Sybil departed for Minffordd a little later with Britomart on the rear. Erin did a demo shunt in the station yard with 2 skips at 11:53 that extended to more than half an hour to the delight of the audience.

Towards the end of the day David Lloyd George returned at 17:35 with the afternoon Mountain Spirit into the WHR platform. The loco uncoupled promptly. Once the final Woodland Wanderer had arrived back with Prince the Fairlie took the ECS back to Boston Lodge departing about 18:05. The final movement of the FR AGM Weekend came at 18:17 when Prince took the ECS of the Woodland Wanderer back to Boston Lodge.

Videos from 1/5/22

Click on the YouTube link to watch 1 minute 14 seconds of video covering Elin shunting Harbour Station in the rain just before midday on 1/5/22. This video was published on 2/5/22 and is best viewed at 1080p with Chrome. This video is copyright Melvyn Hughes taken on a Google Pixel 3a XL phone camera.

Click on the YouTube link to watch 21 seconds of video covering the live steam Model Railway Exhibition at Minffordd at midday on 1/5/22. This video was published on 2/5/22 and is best viewed at 1080p with Chrome. This video is copyright Melvyn Hughes taken on a Google Pixel 3a XL phone camera.

Meillionen Halt

The F&WHR has confirmed it will stop to pick up/set down at Meillionen/Beddgelert Forest Campsite Halt which will be a boon for those who holiday in the Beddgelert Forest campsite/cabin accommodation. Initially it is the northbound Harbourmaster that will call there on public services but Society members can use all stations and halts subject to space being available. However, the Fareharbor booking website does not have a Meillionen page. Those passengers who wish to join the train probably have to use the Beddgelert page.

Beddgelert Station update

With Beddgelert station now established as a 1936 style frontier station under the F&WHR's current operating plans, more shelter is being provided, more picnic style tables and a new temporary booking office and refreshment facility. It may be 18 months to 2 years before a permanent station building is completed on the concrete slab provided when the line was opened. The F&WHR has appointed Rob Chambers as architect to design the new station building.

F&WHR 1/5/22

Sunday was forecast was for cloudy weather with rain on and off and a chilly 11C maximum temperature. There was ONE departure from Caernarfon (the Gelert Explorer) and FIVE from Porthmadog (two Woodland Wanderer trains, two Mountain Spirit trains and one Glaslyn Venturer plus SIX FRS/WHRS Members' Shuttles (2 to Pont Croesor and 4 to Minffordd).

At 09:45 No.87 was in the WHR platform with the 10:15 Glaslyn Venturer while Britomart arrived with the shuttle into the yard with Erin on the rear. David Lloyd George arrived at 10:02 into the FR platform with the ECS for the 10:30 Mountain Spirit.

At 10:00 the Boat Race was staged with Spooner's sail powered 'boat' wagon making its way across The Cob in a race with rowers from the local rowing club (see story here). It looks like Spooner's boat may have just won!

This easterly view (30/4/22) shows Spooner's boat running into the Harbour Station yard at about 10mph near the signalbox aided by a stiff breeze from the south west and beating the rowers who can be seen in the bay to the right of the signalbox. No.87 is ready to depart with the Glaslyn Venturer in the WHR platform and the rake for the Mountain Spirit stands in the FR platform. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from the F&WHR web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

The Glaslyn Venturer and Mountain Spirit left on time and at 10:40 Blanche was shunting the 10:55 Woodland Wanderer out of the yard to the WHR. Sybil came over The Cob light engine at 10:50 allowing Blanche to depart a little late at 10:58 on the Woodland Wanderer. The skips left for Boston Lodge at 11:12 and arrived back at 11:50 after the Pont Croesor shuttle had arrived back a little early at 11:35. There was space available on the Minffordd shuttle so members of the public standing with little soaked-through children watching on the platform were invited for a free ride to Minffordd and back and to see the Model Railway exhibition there. That probably made another lifelong rail enthusiast!

Click on the YouTube link to watch 1 minute 24 seconds of video covering the FR AGM with Sybil hauling 8 skips to Boston Lodge at 11:00. This video was published on 1/5/22 and is best viewed at 1080p with Chrome. This video is copyright Melvyn Hughes taken on a Google Pixel 3a XL phone camera.

Additional F&WHR events

Additional 2022 event s have now been confirmed by the F&WHR, shown below in blue. On the basis of what has happened in previous years here is a speculative attempt to predict what other events (marked with a question mark) the F&WHR might offer in 2022, subject to COVID restrictions. This will be updated as hard information is received and dates confirmed.

More Cambrian Coast Expresses excursions

After the disappointment last season when a careless lorry driver hit Machynlleth station road bridge with his tipper up leading to cancellation of excursions, there are four from Pathfinder this year! The excursions will be hauled by NR's yellow Class 37s (aka Class 97) from Shrewsbury to Pwllheli.

Very few railtours will visit North Wales in the early part of the year with COVID suppressing the market.

Locos listed with an S prefix are steam engines, otherwise diesel locos.

Loco: TBA=To be announced

pu=pick up locations e.g.. NWC = principle stations on North Wales Coast

Promoters:

Branch Line Society

InterCity

Pathfinder

Midland Pullman

Northern Belle

Pathfinder

Saphos Trains

Statesman Rail

Steam Dreams

West Coast Railways

Vintage Trains

Trackwork Volunteering 2022

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 2022 is fortnightly for the North Wales Track Gang in RED but details are still awaited for the ROWG in BLACK:

^ 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@ffwhr.com