F&WHR 4/3/25

The Met Office forecast for Tuesday 4/3/25 was for a day of sunny periods with temperatures of 6-9C with sunset at 18:01. The forecast suggests the weather will become a little warmer in the week ahead with a Spring-like maximum of 11-16C MAX by Sunday and no frosts. It looks like the snow on Snowdon summit has all gone (see webcam view as viewed from The Lodge Dinorwig 6 miles away to the NNW) and there is no sign of it being replenished.

Some of the F&WHR webcams have now been out of action for an unprecedented extended period of approaching 3 months though it is suggested they will return by the end of the month after an IT upgrade! The problem is that the small IT volunteer team has had to deal with many issues since Storm Darragh on 6/12/24 and the webcams are obviously not the highest priority.

This image (1/3/25) shows Vale of Ffestiniog in the sunshine at Harbour Station on a short works train for lineside clearance perhaps returning from the WHR in the late afternoon. Click on the image to enlarge. Image copyright Dave Laister.

Vale of Ffestiniog was in the WHR platform at some stage over the weekend with tin cars Nos.112/113, the new green platform/stores vehicle No.5004 and the well wagon No.62 with the chipper for lineside clearance. It is pity the webcams were not working. in the seawall siding were B1835 and large water tank wagon No.64. Welsh Pony was noted shunting two B wagons and a DZ along with FR Mess Car No.1111 at Minffordd. Up at Glan-y-pwll crossing Simplex  Dolgarrog (ex-Llyn Cowlyd Tramway) emerged from the depot and propelled FR Wagon No.97 towards Blaenau /Ffestiniog station with some volunteers. Later Welsh Pony was noted shunting B wagons in the coal sidings at the Harbour Station refuelling point.

This image (2/3/25) shows Welsh Pony at Harbour Station on a coal delivery from Minffordd Yard. Click on the image to enlarge. Image copyright Dave Laister. 

SuperPower replacement

The F&WHR is planning an event on 13-14/9/25 to replace SuperPower. Details of the event will be published as soon as they are to hand.

F&WHR 3/3/25

The Met Office forecast for Sunday 2/3/25 was for a sunny day with temperatures of 2-10C with sunset at 17:59. The forecast suggests the weather will become a little warmer in the week ahead with a maximum of 9-15C MAX by Sunday and no frosts after last weekend. It looks like the snow on Snowdon summit has retreated to the very top 100m (see webcam view as viewed from The Lodge Dinorwig 6 miles away to the NNW) and there is no sign of it being replenished.

Some of the F&WHR webcams have now been out of action for an unprecedented extended period of approaching 3 months!

F&WHR 2/3/25

The Met Office forecast for Sunday 2/3/25 was for an  overcast day with temperatures of 5-9C with sunset at 17:57. The forecast suggests the weather will become a little warmer in the week ahead with a maximum of 9-15C MAX by Thursday and no frosts after the weekend. It looks like the snow on Snowdon summit has retreated to the very top 100m (see webcam view as viewed from The Lodge Dinorwig 6 miles away to the NNW) and there is no sign of it being replenished.

Today was the final day of the free Model Railway Exhibition in Caernarfon Station and it is likely that Velinheli will be returning to Boston Lodge after it cab ride duties, possibly on Monday morning.

Welsh Pony was present at Porthmadog Harbour Station while the Boat Race was on. It had appeared with B1146 in grey undercoat and the FR's Mess wagon No.1111.

Original Mountaineer Project progress 2/3/25

Northern Heritage Engineering is working on reproducing an England engine from the Victorian era, with original parallel side tanks rather than the saddle tanks style fitted to the existing England Engines. They have recently completed the bottom end and images are available here. To make a PayPal donation click here.

Lein Amlwch Rhosgoch clearance

A working party on Lein Amlwch has cleared the pointwork for the Rhosgoch Siding at the north end of the line. The concrete sleepers were found to be in good condition. They also cleared flytipping from an adjacent overbridge.

Click this link for several photos showing progress.

The Rhosgoch site was the former tank farm for the Amlwch floating supertanker crude oil terminal. The tanks acted as a buffer store for oil which was then pumped to Stanlow along dual 1m diameter pipes along the River Wheeler Valley and via Mold from 1974 before the pipeline closed in 1990 following a change in oil deliveries to the Tranmere Terminal in the Mersey Estuary. The delivery of pipes by train to Rhyd-y-mwyn had been one of the last traffics on the stub of the Mold & Denbigh Jn. Railway in the late 1970s.

The tanks have since been demolished and the site transferred to the Amlwch Freeport project. As such it could again be used with new sidings laid down. If Wylfa B or any SMR project is authorised for the Wylfa site then building materials could be brought in by rail as the sidings are only a few kilometres across the fields by haul road from Wylfa. Previous proposals however suggested bringing in material by sea.

Lein Amlwch itself could develop a depot on the sidings at Rhosgoch though the sidings are a little out of the way at the north end of the line and have poor road access. The former yard at Amlwch has been developed so Rhosgoch is the nearest location to the end of the line where siding space is available.

F&WHR 1/3/25

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Saturday 1/3/25 (St. David's Day) was for a day of sunny periods and showers and temperatures of 3-9C with sunset at 17:55. The forecast suggests the weather will become a little warmer in the week ahead with a maximum of 9-12C MAX and no frosts after the weekend. It looks like the snow on Snowdon summit has retreated to the top 100m (see webcam view as viewed from The Lodge Dinorwig 6 miles away to the NNW) and there is no sign of it being replenished.

The Tan-y-bwlch teashop will be open weekends from today though there are no passenger trains until the end of March.

Taliesin is back!
Here at F&WHR staff are looking forwards to restarting the train services on the 29/3/25.
Staff are very busy making sure everything is ready for the new season, including infrastructure work on the stations, hiring new staff and preparing the steam engines!
Preparation of the locomotives has included annual boiler tests on several locos at Boston Lodge workshops including Taliesin which has just been reassembled after a heavy overhaul. It is all very exciting stuff and staff are eagerly counting down the days to the new season!

This image (1/3/25) shows Taliesin in the sunshine at Boston Lodge. The brass dome will be repalced when steam testing is complete. Click on the image to enlarge. Image courtesy F&WHR.

F&WHR 28/2/25

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Friday was for a day of sunny periods and showers and temperatures of 0-9C with sunset at 17:53. The forecast suggests the weather will become a little warmer in the week ahead with a maximum of 9-13C MAX and no frosts after the weekend. It looks like all the snow on Snowdon summit has melted away (see webcam view as viewed from The Lodge Dinorwig 6 miles away to the NNW) and there is no sign of it being replenished.

Steam at Caernarfon

The free model railway event at Caernarfon Station for the Half Term Holiday Weekend (28/2-2/3/25) in the end featured an unadvertised steam loco on the WHR presumably giving cab rides.

The Mini Steam Exhibition is in full flow here at Y Stesion! It has been great welcoming so many visitors, who have marvelled at the model layouts and enjoyed the train rides on offer out on the platform. If you have not yet visited make sure you come and see the exhibition. The exhibition will take place between 09:00 - 16:00, with a variety of Model Railway Layouts on show for visitors to admire and face painting activities too.
Visitors can also take a ride on the special platform train; Southern L1 Class 5" gauge, built c.1970s, whilst our little red engine; Velinheli, will also be around for Footplate Rides. There are various stalls and stands including a second hand book stall, Cafe De Winton and the shop is also open during the exhibition. It is good that the WHR put something on in Half Term as many of the other heritage railways are offering full services during the holiday week.

This image (28/2/25) shows Velinhehi shunting in the sunshine at Caernarfon Station. Also in view is the 'ride on' platform railway. Click on the image to enlarge. Image courtesy F&WHR.

200 Wheels on The Cob event
The build up to the F&WHR's highly anticipated RAILWAY 200: FR PLATINUM JUBILEE WEEKEND featuring 200 Wheels on the Cob (20-22/6/25) continues with an update from the Operations Manager; Matt Ellis!
In the video below, Matt provides the details for the highly anticipated 200 Wheels on the Cob cavalcade, which takes place on Sunday, 22/6/25.
Tickets and further details for the event weekend are now available here: https://www.festrail.co.uk/events/
For more information about Railway 200, visit the official website.

Click on the Facebook link to watch 3 minutes of Facebook video outlining what will happen during this event.

F&WHR 27/2/25

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Thursday was for a mixed day with sunny periods and showers and temperatures of 1-10C with sunset at 17:51. The forecast suggests the weather will become a little warmer in the week ahead with a maximum of 9-11C MAX and no frosts after the weekend. It looks like all the snow on Snowdon summit has melted away (see webcam view as viewed from The Lodge Dinorwig 6 miles away to the NNW) and there is no sign of it being replenished.

It seems Velinheli might have made a light engine trip to Dinas in preparation for an unadvertised cab ride service at Caernarfon Station at the free Model Railway Exhibition Friday-Sunday 28/2/25-2/3/25.  

F&WHR 26/2/25

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Wednesday was for a mixed day with sunny periods in the afternoon after an overcast start and temperatures of 3-9C with sunset at 17:49. The forecast suggests the weather will become a little colder in the week ahead with a maximum of 9-10C and chilly mornings until the weekend. It looks like all the snow on Snowdon summit has melted away (see webcam view as viewed from The Lodge Dinorwig 6 miles away to the NNW) and there is no sign of it being replenished.

Porthmadog Boat Race 2/3/25

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

On Sunday 2/3/25 sea rowers from Porthmadog's MYC rowing club will be racing against the Ffestiniog Railway's Spooner's Boat operating on wind power! The race will start at 10:00, twenty rowers in four rowing boats aim to beat the railway's 'sailors' in a straight race, the length of the Cob. Starting from Boston Lodge, the winner will be the first to reach the finish, in line with the Premier Inn. Spectators are welcome!

No.134 at Waunfawr 16/2/25

Several photographs were taken at Waunfawr while No.134 was running round on its test run on Sunday 16/2/24. Click on the Facebook link to review images.

F&WHR 25/2/25

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Tuesday was for an improving day with sunny periods in the afternoon and temperatures of 4-9C with sunset at 17:48. The forecast suggests the weather will become a little colder in the week ahead with a maximum of 10C and chilly mornings. It looks like all the snow on Snowdon summit has melted away (see webcam view as viewed from The Lodge Dinorwig 6 miles away to the NNW). The SMR PW teams have been out near the summit restoring the track ready for the Spring reopening. Trains will run to Clogwin from 29/3/25 but trains to the summit normally start in May (trains for the Summit will restart on 15/5/25).

Palmerston on test 24/2/25

Palmerston was noted on test on 23/2/25 hauling a rake of four wheelers to Blaenau Ffestiniog and carrying an unusual green headboard. See Friends of F&WHR Facebook page.

Main Line news 23/2/25

No.67014 with its Mk4 rake was provided for the 06:29 Holyhead -Cardiff on Saturday, normally a DMU working at weekends, as a larger train with more seats was required for the Rugby International at Cardiff.

New fully accessible footbridges to the beach are planned for Prestatyn Campsite area after a series of incidents and two deaths. The work must be completed before the proposed 90mph Llandudno-Liverpool services are re-introduced in 2026. See NR website for full details.

F&WHR 24/2/25

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Monday was for a day of sunny periods with temperatures of 4-11C. Sunset is at 17:46 and the weather is forecast to become a little colder in the week ahead with a maximum of 9C and chilly mornings. Trees have been brought down and some roads blocked. Ferries have been cancelled and there has been some disruption to train services which will take some time to sort out. It looks like all the snow on Snowdon summit has melted away (see webcam view as viewed from The Lodge Dinorwig 6 miles away to the NNW). The SMR PW teams have been out near the summit restoring the track ready for the Spring reopening. Trains will run to Clogwin from 29/3/25 but trains to the summit normally start in May (trains for the Summit will restart on 15/5/25).

It is possible today's storm may require another inspection train on Monday if further trees have been brought down across the line. Flood alerts have been issued for the Glaslyn and Dwyryd valleys for Monday.

KS4415 report 23/2/25

The fuel tank filler lid has returned from Cast Iron Welding Services (Coalville) after they completed the repair. The lid was broken where it hinges and it had been brazed back together but that repair had also come apart again. Welding cast iron is specialist work, and CIWS have done several jobs for the KS4415 project now, all with excellent results. The lid has been repaired so it is back in one piece, and built up to add strength. When volunteers get round to working on the fuel tank they will finish this filler lid off with a new hinge pin and some dressing off of the welded area.
Volunteers have also acquired a burner and oil reservoir of the correct type for the prototypical restored lamps, so they really are ready to go when the time comes. Click here to view images.

F&WHR 23/2/25

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Sunday was for a day of rain with temperatures of 8-11C. Sunset is at 17:44 and the weather is forecast to become a little colder next week with a maximum of 9-10C for the week ahead after a weather warning out for strong 70 mph MAX wind gusts on Sunday 06:00-18:00 as the north Atlantic weather another winter storm into North Wales. Trees have been brought down and some roads blocked. Ferries have been cancelled and there has been some disruption to train services. It looks like all the snow on Snowdon summit has melted away (see webcam view as viewed from The Lodge Dinorwig 6 miles away to the NNW). The SMR PW teams have been out near the summit restoring the track ready for the Spring reopening. Trains will run to Clogwin from 29/3/25 but trains to the summit normally start in May (15/5/25).

It is possible today's storm may require another inspection train on Monday if further trees have been brought down across the line. Flood alerts have been issued for the Glaslyn and Dwyryd valleys for Monday.

Aber Log train runs again 22/2/25

The Aberystwyth-Chirk log train ran again on Saturday and a videographer caught it at Glan Dyfi and the Talerddig bank. The 10 wagon train was hauled by Class 37s Nos.97302 Ffestiniog and WHR/37406, the latter in orange Colas Swietelsky livery. The train departed at 0940 and arrived on time at Chirk at 17:10 after reversing at Chester as usual. Unusually the train was hauled throughout by the two Class 37s. Normally they are exchanged for a Class 56 at Coleham as the Class 97 is often needed on the Cambrian for weekend PW duties. No.37406 led on the return from Chester. To view click on this YouTube link.

F&WHR 22/2/25

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Saturday was for sunny periods with temperatures of 8-12C. Sunset is at 17:42 and the weather is forecast to become a little colder next week with a maximum of 9-11C for the week ahead after a weather warning out for strong 60 mph MAX wind gusts on Sunday 06:00-18:00 as the north Atlantic weather threatens to push yet another winter storm into North Wales. It looks like all the snow on Snowdon summit has melted away (see webcam view as viewed from The Lodge Dinorwig 6 miles away to the NNW). The SMR PW teams have been out near the summit restoring the track ready for the Spring reopening. Trains will run to Clogwin from 29/3/25 but trains to the summit normally start in May (15/5/25).

Russell Beddgelert tickets still available

Join the WHHR staff for a journey back in time to the 1920's when the Welsh Highland Railway was the life blood of local rural transport. With thanks to the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways the WHHR is running four special trains from Porthmadog Harbour station to Beddgelert on Saturday 5/4/25 and 12/4/25, with a morning and afternoon train each day.
Russell, the 1906 built flagship steam locomotive, a survivor of the original WHR, will be hauling a train of the WHHR's vintage carriages through the glorious Welsh countryside.

The rake will consist of:

The historic Gladstone car No.8 built in 1891 by the Metropolitan Carriage and Wagon Co. Ltd. of Birmingham, was recovered by the WHHR in 1989 and rebuilt to its original form. This carriage has a central glazed interior section and two external end balcony areas.

The historic Buffet car No.10 built in 1893 by the Ashbury Carriage & Iron Company, it became the first narrow gauge buffet car when converted in 1927. Recovered by the WHHR in 1987. Fully restored and entered service in spring 2009.

Open Toastrack carriage No.42 is a rebuild of an original WHR carriage design, as was built in August 1923 by Robert Hudson Ltd of Leeds, to a design of WW1 military carriage used in the 600mm gauge trench railways. It was one of six commissioned by Colonel Stephens for the Welsh Highland Railway. When delivered these carriages were painted in light grey undercoat and two, at least, ran in this colour until 1934.

Ashbury Carriage and Iron Company replica No.9 was built between 2007 and 2010 by WHR Ltd and Stanegate Restorations & Replicas Ltd.

No.8 Replica of NWNGR Pickering Brake carriage from 1907. Replica built at Boston Lodge and completed May 2021.

Tickets
Adult £45
Child £12.50
are available from this link.

F&WHR 21/2/25

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Friday was for a day of showers at first but sunny periods later with temperatures of 8-13C. Sunset is at 17:40 and the weather is forecast to become a little colder next week with a maximum of 8-11C for the week ahead after a weather warning out for strong 60 mph MAX winds on Friday 08:00-15:00 as the north Atlantic weather threatens to push winter storms into North Wales. The few snow pockets that still exist on Snowdon summit are forecast to fade (see webcam view as viewed from The Lodge Dinorwig 6 miles away to the NNW) to be replaced by fog for the rest of the week. The mountain peaks are forecast to have no snowfall so lying snow is likely to be gone by next week.

Heart of Wales line services restored

The HoWL was set to go down to 4 trains a day but a funding agreement between the Labour Senedd and Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds has seen funds released to maintain services on the line. Ms. Dodds represents the Mid & West Wales constituency in the Senedd and David Chadwick, represents the MP for Brecon and Radnor and Cwm Tawe constituency, both of whom have campaigned to support retaining services on the HoWL. See local newspaper report

'Slow TV' advertising opportunity

It might be a good publicity coup for the WHR to have a 'proving run' of No 134, which after all is the line's most handsome loco, from Caernarfon through to Porthmadog, and have it shown, suitably edited, on the BBC's 'Slow TV' series. The Severn Valley Railway has already done this.

F&WHR 20/2/25

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Thursday was for a day of showers at first but sunny periods later with temperatures of 10-13C. Sunset is at 17:38 and the weather is forecast to become a little colder next week with a maximum of 8-13C for the week ahead after a weather warning out for strong 60 mph MAX winds on Friday 08:00-15:00 as the north Atlantic weather threatens to push winter storms into North Wales. The few snow pockets that still exist on Snowdon summit are forecast to fade (see webcam view as viewed from The Lodge Dinorwig 6 miles away to the NNW) to be replaced by fog for the rest of the week. The mountain peaks are forecast to have freezing fog but no snowfall so lying snow is likely to be gone by next week.

Although through transfer stock working operated on the WHR last Friday the line in the Beddgelert Forest area still needs more work before it is fit for passenger trains to pass.

More news about NG15 No.120

Maddie Dolby of the NG15 No.120 Group (ex WHHR) has published a website for the Darnall Locomotive and Railway Heritage  Trust at https://darnall.org.uk/ which has pretty full details on Matheran Light Railway MLR 740, NG15 120 and 91-016 (a big SAR diesel). The two carriages are at Boston Lodge for a rebuild. The notes say 120 will follow 740 for a full rebuild.

A 3rd carriage, ex FR Barn No.100, has been added to their stock list. The DLRHT has in stock a pair of spare SAR bogies which will be transferred to the Ffestiniog Railway this week. When convenient No.100’s chassis will be lifted onto these, releasing the FR owned pair under it currently for further use. Eventually a new or rebuilt pair of FR pattern bogies will be built/acquired for No.100 once the new body is built. The trust is currently awaiting a quote from Boston Lodge for a replacement body. It will then join the Carriage Works queue. It is currently expected that work will begin after Natal Government Railways carriage NG29, although that is not yet certain.

F&WHR 19/2/25

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Wednesday was for a day of sunny periods with temperatures of 10-11C and rainy in the evening. Sunset is at 17:36 and the weather is forecast to become sunnier and a little warmer next week with a maximum of 9-13C for the week ahead with a weather warning out for strong winds on Friday 08:00-15:00 as the north Atlantic weather threatens to push winter storms into North Wales. The few snow pockets that still exist on Snowdon summit are forecast to fade (see webcam view as viewed from The Lodge Dinorwig 6 miles away to the NNW) to be replaced by fog for the rest of the week. The mountain peaks are forecast to have freezing fog but no snowfall so lying snow is likely to be gone by next week.

Following last winter's work on Blaenau Ffestiniog station platform work has begun on renewing the station canopy under Phase 2 of the refurbishment scheme. See photos on Facebook page for more details.

TRAWS Group criticises TfW Bangor-Afonwen report

TRAWS Link Cymru (TLC)'s chairman Dylan Wilson-Lewis has criticised the report for recommending Light Rail which rules out both through trains, Excursion traffic, once very common on the route, and freight traffic, now becoming more regular with the Aberystwyth logs train. The chairman pointed out the advantages of interoperability with trains from e.g. Pwllheli to Manchester Airport and the saving of not having to construct a new Tram Train fleet for this short 43.7km (28 miles) section of rail route. Unless the Tram Train was heavy rail compliant and upgraded with the Cambrian's ERTMS all passengers would have to change trains at Afonwen to go to Pwllheli or Barmouth from the Bangor and Caernarfon. He also criticised the lack of ambition seen in the report with no analysis of economic regeneration or reorganising bus feeder services from Gwynedd villages to call at the railheads at Caernarfon/Bangor and Pwllheli.

See report in Nation Cymru.

F&WHR 18/2/25

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Tuesday was for a day of sunny periods with temperatures of 4-9C. Sunset is at 17:34 and the weather is forecast to become sunnier and a little warmer next week with a maximum of 9-13C for the week ahead with no sign of any weather warnings though intense depressions in the north Atlantic threaten to push winter storms into North Wales. The few snow pockets that still exist on Snowdon summit are forecast to fade (see webcam view as viewed from The Lodge Dinorwig 6 miles away to the NNW) to be replaced by fog for the rest of the week. The mountain peaks are forecast to have freezing fog but no snowfall so lying snow is likely to be gone by next week.

The Snowdonian final call

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

If you enjoyed the sight and sound of our latest locomotive in yesterday's video of NG15 No.134, and want to be among the first passengers to travel behind it, there are a limited number of seats remaining on The Snowdonian special in April...
SATURDAY, 26/4/25:
The F&WHR's annual opportunity for you to savour 80 miles of travel over the entire length of the F&WHR in one day, featuring a wide selection of F&WHR motive power:
▪ JAMES SPOONER and WELSH PONY on the FR
▪ Combinations of an NG/G16 with K1 and an NG/G16 with NG15 KALAHARI No.134 on the WHR.
▪ There will also be cameo appearances from newly-repainted retro green liveried MERDDIN EMRYS and PRINCE along the way.
▪ Light breakfast served in Spooner's, Porthmadog.
▪ Buffet lunch at the Snowdonia Parc Brewpub at Waunfawr.
▪ Tea and sweet treats on board the train in the afternoon.
▪ Refreshments available throughout the day.
SUNDAY, 27/4/25:
The F&WHR has arranged a number of inclusive tours of Boston Lodge in connection with The Snowdonian- with travel by shuttle train across the Cob for an opportunity to see the latest NLHF-funded developments around the site.
FIRST CLASS - SOLD OUT
Inclusive fare for STANDARD CLASS - £260 *
(A percentage of the ticket price will go to the Sustainability Projects to ensure the future of the F&WHR)
* An optional evening meal will be served in Spooner's on Friday 25/4/25, which must be booked in advance with your ticket(s)
ℹ For more information and details of how to book your tickets, visit https://www.festrail.co.uk/the-snowdonian-3/

NG15 No.134 Facebook videos 16/2/25

A number of impressive videos covering Kalahari's test runs in February have been released on the NG15 No.134 Facebook page.

F&WHR 17/2/25

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Monday was for a sunny day with temperatures of 4-8C. Sunset is at 17:32 and the weather is forecast to become sunnier and a little warmer next week with a maximum of 9-12C for the week ahead with no sign of any weather warnings though intense depressions in the north Atlantic threaten to push winter storms into North Wales. The few snow pockets that still exist on Snowdon summit are forecast to fade (see webcam view as viewed from The Lodge Dinorwig 6 miles away to the NNW) to be replaced by fog for the rest of the week. The mountain peaks are forecast to have freezing fog but no snowfall so lying snow is likely to be gone by next week.

No.134 test run to Waunfawr 16/2/24

On Sunday 16/2/25 the NG15 was coaled up in the North Yard by the Loadall and then extracted two coaches from the Carriage Shed and shunted them onto the main rake in the other road in the shed. No.134 then ran round the rake in yard (the northbound platform line still being OOU). The rake was then taken down to Caernarfon where it ran round again before setting off for Dinas. There was a short wait at Dinas for the Lineside Maintenance train to clear the section before proceeding to Waunfawr. The train stopped at Tryfan Junction where the loco's axleboxes were checked to see if any hot boxes were developing. The restart on the steep gradient here was impressive with the loco accelerating away very quickly with no sign of wheelslip.

Click on the YouTube box to watch 11 mins 28 seconds of video featuring No.134's loaded  test run from Caernarfon to Waunfawr on 16/2/25. The loco carried the light blue Cymdeithas Rheilffordd Eryri headboard. This video was published on 16/2/25 and is copyright F&WHR. Video taken by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional 4K betamax camcorder.

Tan-y-bwlch tearoom reopens from 1/3/25

The F&WHR are delighted to let you know that staff will be back behind the counter, and busy in the kitchen, every Saturday and Sunday from 1/3/25. Staff open at 10:00 and close at 15:30 - with Hot Food served from 10:30 until 14:00 while Hot/Cold drinks, cakes and confectionery will be available until closing time a list of tasty treats and satisfying snacks available that day. Of course, there will be a couple of traditional Welsh dishes served on opening weekend, in honour of St. David's Day!
Don't forget, the Tea Room is open to all - you can arrive on foot, by car/cycle/motorbike or by train (once services to Tan-y-Bwlch resume at the end of March). Make the most of a visit to the woodland walks in Coedydd Maentwrog and enjoy a welcome break and refreshments with the F&WHR.

F&WHR 16/2/25

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Sunday was for an overcast day with drizzle and temperatures of 3-7C. Sunset is at 17:30 and the weather is forecast to become sunnier and a little warmer next week with a maximum of 8-13C for the week ahead with no sign of any weather warnings though intense depressions in the north Atlantic threaten to push winter storms into North Wales. The few snow pockets on Snowdon summit are forecast to fade (see webcam view as viewed from The Lodge Dinorwig 6 miles away to the NNW) to be replaced by fog for the rest of the week. The mountain peaks are forecast to have freezing fog but no snowfall so lying snow is likely to be gone by next week. At Dinas it appears that the northbound easterly platform road is still OOU.

Up at Dinas the NG15 team had another test run between Caernarfon and Waunfawr after additional work on the loco this weekend. With the return of a maintenance rake to Dinas there were apparently sufficiently many coaches for an 10 coach test train. Kalahari is reputed to have hauled the train up the 1 in 40 with no problems and restarted from Tryfan Junction Halt with no slipping with impressive acceleration. It seems likely that the NG15 will continue these Sunday afternoon tests until the start of the season and they will eventually be extended to the sharply curved and steeply graded Beddgelert Forest area since the loco has recently been confirmed for at least part of The Snowdonian on 26/4/25 (see below).

The Snowdonian will feature NG15 haulage! (26/4/25)

James Spooner and Welsh Pony have been confirmed for the FR leg of The Snowdonian on Saturday 26/4/25. Travel on the WHR will feature combinations of K1 with an NG16 and an NG16 with new NG15 Kalahari. There will also be cameo appearances of Merddin Emrys and Prince in the retro 1950/60s green livery though no doubt some would prefer a cameo at Beddgelert of Russell and FR based Baldwin No.608 while Russell has time left on its ticket.

Standard Class tickets cost £260 (First Class sold out). Light breakfast will be served at Spooners. A buffet lunch is provided at the Snowdonia Parc Brewpub, Waunfawr. Tea and sweet treats will be served on board in the afternoon. On Sunday 27/4/25 a number of inclusive tours of Boston Lodge Works will be available throughout the day to suit individual passengers with a shuttle train provided across The Cob. To book phone 01766 516024.

KS4415 progress

After the week long riveting exercise, in mid February attention switched back to the power unit MDB4 of the prototype diesel trialled on the WHR in 1928-9. Four period handles were made for the bonnet doors. The engine push rods were examined but need an accurate length determining before finishing. More work was done on the cylinder liner clamps and governor deadweights. A full set of engine rocker covers has been machined by a volunteer in Manchester with a home workshop. Complex Tooling Solutions (Rhyl) has developed a CNC programme for the machine tools to cut the complex shaped parts designed in CAD for the fuel pump. Donations are gratefully received towards the cost of completing KS4415 by its centenary in 2029. Click this link to donate. For images see KS4415 Facebook page.

GVT progress 15/2/25

NR and their fencing contractor QTS have been replacing the original Glyn Valley Tramway fencing between the two railways for some 500m south of Chirk station. Access was gained from the B4500 Castle Road railway bridge and it appears the contractor laid geotextile on the GVT trackbed to prevent churning it into mud as the construction vehicles. This will help the GVT lay track towards the sharp bend into the Ceiriog Valley at Castle Bridge if they choose to extend their track this season. The fencing appears to be 1.5m green palisade security fencing, reduced in size by mutual agreement. Taller palisade security fencing is used by NR in urban areas when trespass on NR lines is frequent (hardly the case in rural Chirk). For images click on this link.

Donations will be gratefully received as the GVT prepare to lay the foundations for their station building at Chirk. For more information please contact Andrew Christie on mobile 07753958266. The GVT Trust is hoping to attend more events in 2025 and would like donations of railwayana/railway books for sale on their stall.

Llangollen traction changes

A new build loco project which for many years was based at Llangollen will be visiting the railway this year. No.6880 Betton Grange will visit for the 11-13/4/25 Branch Line Gala, the first steam loco to visit since the 2019. It is over 25 years since the project was started to build the 81st member of the Grange Class. A railwayana coach raised funds for the project from the bay at Carrog. The loco will return to the NNR after the gala. Steam enthusiasts had hoped Foxcote Manor might return but the loco is in the middle of a 5 year hire at WSR until 2026 and is believed to have failed with extensive boiler repairs required and disassembled for examination at Tyseley.

Recently overhauled Class 14 diesel hydraulic trip loco D9525 will also be coming to stay at the line for a minimum of 12 months from the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway. The only time a Class 14 has previously visited was D9521 in 2010 though D9500/2 were both stored on the LR unusable for a time. This loco will be used during the April Branch Line Gala alongside Betton Grange, DMUs and steam/diesel fleet as part of the line's Fiftieth Anniversary as a preserved line. Diesel enthusiasts will be hoping the line could invite Class 24/25/37/40s at some stage as more representative of North Wales workings. Currently the LR operated Class 26/31/47. Recently a number of Class 37s have been made available for purchase from industrial users and preservation organisations but it is not known if the LR is looking for one.

F&WHR 15/2/25

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Saturday was for an overcast day with drizzle and temperatures of 5-9C. Sunset is at 17:28 and the weather is forecast to become sunnier and a little warmer next week with a maximum of 7-13C for the week ahead with no sign of any weather warnings. The few snow pockets on Snowdon summit are forecast to fade (see webcam view as viewed from The Lodge Dinorwig 6 miles away to the NNW) to be replaced by fog for the rest of the week. The mountain peaks are forecast to have freezing fog but no snowfall so lying snow is likely to be gone by next week.

Journey into the Past trains 2019

In 2019, just before the dawn of COVID, the F&WHR tried an experimental service out of Dinas in the holiday period known as Journey to the Past with period WHR rolling stock and a train host to recount the history of the service for a small premium fare. This operated for several Sundays in August and September and was subsidised by the WHRS. The service was usually hauled by Prince with a couple of vintage coaches. At this time there seemed to be much more emphasis on the historical WHR with a Past, Present, Future Gala at the WHR and a photo charter in November with both Russell and the FR based Baldwin No.608. With three small engines newly available this season it should be possible to run the JITP trains again this year.

This southerly view (22/9/19) shows Prince waiting at Dinas whilst passengers were given a talk in the Goods Shed. WHHG staff accompanied each coach giving a commentary about points of interest. 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.

With the failure of No.590 before the Centenary celebrations 2 years ago it has proved impossible for those wanting to photo the original pair together. Maybe the FR could turn No.608 out on one of the occasions Russell is passing through Beddgelert in its final workings in April before withdrawal for its 10 year boiler refurbishment. Many members would welcome another WHR event this year as there are 3 FR events but only one WHR event (the Spring Beer Festival at Waunfawr) and no September SuperPower planned as yet! 

F&WHR 14/2/25

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Friday was for an overcast day with drizzle and temperatures of 1-7C. Sunset is at 17:27 and the weather is forecast to become sunnier and a little warmer next week with a maximum of 7-13C for the week ahead with no sign of any weather warnings. The few snow pockets on Snowdon summit are forecast to fade (see webcam view as viewed from The Lodge Dinorwig 6 miles away to the NNW) to be replaced by fog for the rest of the week. The mountain peaks are forecast to have freezing fog but no snowfall so lying snow is likely to be gone by next week.

None of the webcams were available today, which is a pity as Welsh Pony was on a test run with freight to Minffordd. Also No.143 brought carriage stock from Dinas for attention at Boston Lodge. See Facebook video. No.87, which has been shedded at Boston Lodge over winter, waited in the station through line for No.143 to arrive and then went home for steam tests etc. with some carriages that have received attention in the Carriage Works. Apparently there is a major IT upgrade going on and the webcams will be back prior to the start of the new season.

Moving Pictures No.103 14/2/25

The small engines Prince, Taliesin and Welsh Pony will all be available for Easter.

Click on the YouTube box to watch 30 mins 30 seconds of video featuring a loco report by John Whalley (F&WHR). This video was published on 14/2/25 and is copyright F&WHR. Video taken by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional 4K betamax camcorder.

North Wales forecast to receive dose of snow 15-16/2/25

North Wales was predicted to receive a dose of snow and freezing rain this weekend.

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Friday was for an overcast day with drizzle and temperatures of 1-7C. Sunset is at 17:27 and the weather is forecast to become sunnier and a little warmer next week with a maximum of 7-13C for the week ahead with no sign of any weather warnings. The few snow pockets on Snowdon summit are forecast to fade (see webcam view as viewed from The Lodge Dinorwig 6 miles away to the NNW) to be replaced by fog for the rest of the week. The mountain peaks are forecast to have freezing fog but no snowfall so lying snow is likely to be gone by next week.

None of the webcams were available today, which is a pity as Welsh Pony was on a test run with freight to Minffordd. Also No.143 brought carriage stock from Dinas for attention at Boston Lodge. See Facebook video. Also No.87, which has been shedded at Boston Lodge over winter, went home for steam tests etc with some carriages that have received attention in the Carriage Works. Apparently there is a major IT upgrade going on and the webcams will be back prior to the start of the new season.

F&WHR 13/2/25

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Thursday was for an overcast day with temperatures of 2-8C. Sunset is at 17:25 and the weather is forecast to remain much the same as far as next week with morning frosts until Thursday and a maximum of 6-11C for the week ahead with no sign of any weather warnings. Snow pockets are forecast to fade on Snowdon summit (see webcam view as viewed from The Lodge Dinorwig 6 miles away to the NNW) to be replaced by fog for the rest of the week. The mountain peaks are forecast to have freezing fog but no snowfall so any lying snow is likely to be gone by next week.

None of the webcams were available today. Apparently there is a major IT upgrade going on and the webcams will be back prior to the start of the new season. The WHR is now clear which means stock movements may be arranged between Dinas and Boston Lodge from 14/2/25 so it is a pity the webcams are not active.

Diesel delight (22/6/25)

The photograph shows B-B VALE OF FFESTINIOG approaching Tan-y-Bwlch Station, with the 11:35 ex-Porthmadog service to Blaenau Ffestiniog and return, on Monday 7/5/01. The loco carried the National Power livery from 1997-2008 sponsored by National Power/Innogy who operated a fleet of Class 59/2s out of Ferrybridge Power Station until 1995. The Class 59s were the first US built locos to regularly run on NR. The loco currently carries a dull two tone green livery reminiscent of early BR diesel locos. Photo by Roger Dimmick (F&WHR) courtesy F&WHR.

The build up to the F&WHR'S highly anticipated RAILWAY 200: FR PLATINUM JUBILEE WEEKEND featuring ‘200 Wheels on the Cob’ (20-22/6/25) continues with another highlight reveal.

SUNDAY: VALE OF FFESTINIOG, built in 1967 by C.H.Funkey in South Africa, will be hauling a nine-carriage passenger train to Blaenau Ffestiniog and back - providing plenty of seats for all the diesel enthusiasts to enjoy!
ℹ Tickets and further details for the event weekend are now available here: festrail.co.uk/fr70

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

Dinas 18/1/25

This image shows Dinas maintenance shed (18/1/25). NG15 No.134 working party in progress on the left, while the other shed road is filled with NG/G16 Garratts undergoing winter maintenance. There could be as many as 3 Garratts available this year. Click on the image to enlarge. Image courtesy F&WHR.

F&WHR 12/2/25

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Wednesday was for an overcast day with temperatures of 2-8C. Sunset is at 17:23 and the weather is forecast to remain much the same as far as next week with morning frosts until Thursday and a maximum of 6/11C for the week ahead with no sign of any weather warnings. Snow pockets are forecast to fade on Snowdon summit (see webcam view as viewed from The Lodge Dinorwig 6 miles away to the NNW) to be replaced by fog for the rest of the week. The mountain peaks are forecast to have freezing fog but no snowfall so any lying snow is likely to be gone by next week.

None of the webcams were available today. Apparently there is a major IT upgrade going on and the webcams will be back prior to the start of the new season.

Llangollen Railway Half Term service (from 15/2/25)

The Llangollen Railway has joined the TR, BLR and Llanberis Lake Railway in offering a service in the February Half Term Holiday, leaving the F&WHR as an exception in North Wales (the SMR always starts late in season due to weather conditions high on Snowdon). The LR will offer a DMU train service over 10 days of the two weeks of Half Term Holiday from 15/2/25. In effect the LR has gone back to its pre-COVID policy of offering February Half Term Holiday trains and the question must be asked what do the commercial departments of these four North Wales railways know that the F&WHR does not understand? Click here for Llangollen timetable and booking.

TfW Bangor-Afonwen rail route study released 12/2/25

TfW released Transport Consultancy AtkinsRealis UK Ltd. report 'North to South-West Wales Rail Feasibility Study' on 12/2/25. This section covers reopening Bangor to a triangular junction at Afonwen, some 43.7km. A previous report covered the closed rail link between Aberystwyth and Carmarthen and this report states a new report for that section is required presumably pushing the Tram-Train concept again. Although seeming to be detailed, the report admits to not examining the area in depth but uses ground level photographs, aerial photography and mapping to identify challenges. Land ownership is not identified leading to questions about whether the many accommodation crossings (almost two per kilometre on average) are still required. Nevertheless over 33% of the route, which closely follows the BR route, is defined as having Minimal Impact with 85% Minimal or Moderate intervention issues and 15% of the route High or Very High intervention issues (NOT 25% as the report claims!).

This image shows the rail route between Bangor and Afonwen with the original stations that might be reopened as part of any restoration of the former BR route. It is likely there would be additional stations such as Parc Menai, where new development has occurred and Y Felinheli. A triangle is proposed at Afon Wen to allow direct running to Pwllheli from where trains can  reverse and run forwards onto the Cambrian Coast to Porthmadog which was a destination of local services from Bangor in BR days.

A decision about Tram-Trains or heavy rail must await a timing analysis as the service may be run as an extension of the Cambrian Coast route. The report states:' A number of stations have also been indicatively proposed along the route see Section 4.5. Therefore it is recommended that a timetable study is prepared for the overall West Wales North-South route in due course, to confirm whether the achievable line speeds in Tram mode are acceptable or whether alternative heavy rail interventions are required in order to allow the operation of the vehicles in Train mode at higher speeds for some of the route.' Though TfW's concerns about the Tram-Trains low speed is clear in this report a heavy rail option has not been investigated. The route might be used by Tram-Trains with lower speed (but higher acceleration) suitable for bus stop type halts or heavy rail with the original BR stations (the report recommends Tram Trains Class 398). Building a Tram-Train railway might preclude freight being added in later years. We have already seen how marginal freight flows have materialised on the Cambrian with the Aberystwyth-Chirk weekly log train. Keeping lorries off roads is a TfW priority.

Fortunately the original Carnarvonshire Railway (sic) was built with a double track land take and bridge structures so the problems about accommodating the WHR and Lon Eifion as well as standard gauge in various pinch points are not as restrictive as might be expected. Nevertheless all three cannot be fitted in without new alignments in a few locations. The question of how seriously we should take the report remains to be seen as TfW is currently spending most of its transport budget on South Wales e.g. Cardiff-Manchester loco hauled trains and Cardiff Valleys Tram-Trains. Also, despite the 220 pages of description, maps, tables and plans, the report does contain spelling errors and maths errors which questions the level of scrutiny and seriousness since the first draft was presented in December 2023.

The reinstated line would operate from the Down bay at Bangor NR station and follow the route to Caernarfon crossing the A5 on a new high level bridge and passing through at least one of the former Vaynol Tunnels. It seems viaducts would be required over roundabouts at both ends of the Y Felinheli Bypass. There are difficulties in Caernarfon and it is likely that the Morrison's garage would go to allow the railway to access the former station site, now Balaclava Car Park. The road tunnel under Y Maes, Caernarfon must revert to rail usage and the recommendation is to single St Helens road and run the railway in parallel with the WHR along the road! There has been no discussion of risk assessment of using the WHR as a gauntleted 3 rail standard gauge/narrow gauge route which seems to be a potential solution for an hourly or half hourly service given the very low level of service on the WHR. The report simply states that OPRAF would not allow it!

Despite the requests by WHR engineers, it is believed the A487 overbridge north of Bontnewydd does not allow sufficient clearance for the NR loading gauge. At Bontnewydd Viaduct a parallel new viaduct is envisaged on the west side to carry the new railway if the standard gauge and narrow gauge alignments cannot be combined.

See this link for the Daily Post summary.

To read the full 220 page report click here.

F&WHR 11/2/25

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Tuesday was for an overcast day with temperatures of 3-7C. Sunset is at 17:21 and the weather is forecast to remain much the same as far as next weekend with morning frosts and a maximum of 6/10C for the week ahead with no sign of any weather warnings. Snow pockets are forecast to remain on Snowdon summit (see webcam view as viewed from The Lodge Dinorwig 6 miles away to the NNW) to be replaced by fog for the rest of the week. The mountain peaks are forecast to have freezing fog but no snowfall so any lying snow is likely to persist into next week.

None of the webcams were available today. Apparently there is a major IT upgrade going on and the webcams will be back prior to the start of the new season.

F&WHR Seasonal Jobs Fair 12/2/25

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

The F&WHR is looking forward to hosting this upcoming Jobs Fair on the 12/2/25 at 'Y Stesion' in Caernarfon..!
Come along and meet the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways' team and find out more about the opportunities for seasonal work we can offer you.
We are looking to recruit a number of people for seasonal positions including:
▪ On-Train Stewards
▪ Food & Beverage Assistants
▪ Kitchen and Food Preparation Assistants
▪ Retail Assistants
▫ and other 'front of house' roles
The railways also have a limited number of permanent positions available.

F&WHR 10/2/25

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Monday was for an overcast day with temperatures of 3-6C. Sunset is at 17:19 and the weather is forecast to remain much the same as far as next weekend with morning frosts and a maximum of 6/8C for the week ahead with no sign of any weather warnings. Snow pockets are forecast to remain on Snowdon summit (see webcam view as viewed from The Lodge Dinorwig 6 miles away to the NNW) to be replaced by fog for the rest of the week. The mountain peaks are forecast to have freezing fog but no snowfall so any lying snow is likely to persist into next week.

None of the webcams were available today. Apparently there is a major IT upgrade going on and the webcams will be back prior to the start of the new season.

No.134's loaded test runs 1/2/25
On Saturday 1/2/25 NG15 No.134 Kalahari successfully hauled its first train since restoration. The loco hauled a train of 8 WHR Super Saloons on two test runs between Caernarfon and Dinas, including a standing start from Bontnewydd.
The engine gave an impressive performance, effortlessly pulling away on the 1 in 40 gradient with the train. There were a few objectives behind the test run:
Check recent work carried out on the loco.
Test performance whilst under load.
Check functionality of the recently-completed steam sanders.
Measure performance of the spark arrestor.
Kalahari was particularly sure-footed which gave little opportunity to test the effectiveness of the sanders, so the engine will be run under load again in more adverse weather conditions to give a better chance to test them.
The spark arrestor performed well under the load with only a few sparks emitted under induced wheelslip for the purposes of testing spark emission. Further combinations of coal and ovoids will be used in future trials to check performance with the fuel burned on the railway.
Testing will continue whilst the stock and line are available ahead of the start of the 2025 season ( 29/3/25).

Click on the link to watch 3 mins 55s of Facebook video of the test run.

Caernarfon Station hosts
It is 2025 and the F&WHR busy making plans and goals for the new season of trains which starts on the 29/3/25!
Part of the railway's goals for next season is to increase the number of passengers starting their journeys from Caernarfon Station.
Staff need to increase its visibility and make visitors aware that there is a fantastic steam railway attraction operating out of a dazzling modern building in Caernarfon, that they simply must visit!
Step forward our team of Caernarfon Station Hosts!
These hosts will help us with an array of day-to-day tasks around the station such as welcoming visitors, answering questions and checking-in passengers.
Staff will also be asking the team of hosts to get out into Caernarfon town itself, chatting to passers-by about the incredible journey options at the Welsh Highland Railway and directing them down to the station itself.
If you like meeting and talking to new people, this is the role for you!
Find out more or register your interest here: https://www.festrail.co.uk/become-a-caernarfon-station.../

F&WHR 9/2/25

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for 17:17 and the weather is forecast to become colder with morning frosts and a maximum of 6/9C for the week ahead with no sign of any weather warnings. Snow pockets are forecast to remain on Snowdon summit (see webcam view as viewed from The Lodge Dinorwig 6 miles away to the NNW) to be replaced by fog for the rest of the week. The mountain peaks are forecast to have freezing fog but no snowfall so any lying snow is likely to persist into next week.

None of the webcams were available today. Apparently there is a major IT upgrade going on and the webcams will be back prior to the start of the new season.

Russell's History

Chris Manger has provided some context to the Russell story.

'In June 1937 Goronwy Roberts drove RUSSELL for the last time into Dinas. The manager said the line is closing and you do not have a job. Don't forget to lubricate the moving parts before you go home. He might have added.... "By the way, you will next drive RUSSELL on 18th April 1987 at the WHHR and on 30th April 1988 you will travel on the FR on a train hauled by RUSSELL."

RUSSELL is the Houdini loco of the preservation era. If the BLC had not wanted to save 'Secudus' they would not have been offered RUSSELL which at the time was broken and could have been scrapped. The October 1941 Railway Magazine said of RUSSELL. "Dinas loco shed has a gaping hole in the roof. Underneath, open to the weather stands RUSSELL. The valve gear is going rusty with exposure to the weather." No other loco has ever had so many escapes from the breakers than RUSSELL.

F&WHR 8/2/25

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Saturday was for an overcast day with temperatures of 4-7C. Sunset is at 17:15 and the weather is forecast to become colder with morning frosts and a maximum of 6/9C for the week ahead with no sign of any weather warnings. Snow pockets are forecast to remain on Snowdon summit (see webcam view as viewed from The Lodge Dinorwig 6 miles away to the NNW) to be replaced by fog for the rest of the week. The mountain peaks are forecast to have freezing fog but no snowfall so any lying snow is likely to persist into next week.

None of the webcams were available today. Apparently there is a major IT upgrade going on and the webcams will be back prior to the start of the new season.

Free model railway show 27/2-1/3/25

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

The half term holiday will see some railway activity at Caernarfon if not at Porthmadog! The free Mini Steam Exhibition will cater to those holidaymakers who wander down to the station 27/2-1/3/25 during the school Half Term holiday week. However it seems there will be no cab rides on the WHR. The rides referred to are a ride-upon miniature railway on the Caernarfon platform. Other heritage railways, including others in North Wales, are re-entering the February Half Term market post COVID unlike the F&WHR. The Tal-y-llyn (from 20/2/25), Bala Lake (from 15/2/25) and Llanberis Lake (from 16/2/25) are providing a good service in the holiday weeks whereas the F&WHR marketing has taken a more pessimistic view of the amount of traffic likely to return in the February Half Term post COVID.
The exhibition will take place between 09:00 - 16:00 on all three days, with a variety of Model Railway Layouts on show for visitors to admire! Visitors can also take a ride on the special 'platform train'; Southern L1 Class 5" gauge, built c.1970s
There will be various stalls and stands including a second hand book stall. Cafe De Winton and the station gift shop will also be open during the exhibition.

F&WHR 7/2/25

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Friday was for an overcast day with temperatures of 2-7C. Sunset is at 17:13 and the weather is forecast to become colder with morning frosts and a maximum of 6/9C from Friday with no sign of any weather warnings. Snow pockets are forecast to remain on Snowdon summit (see webcam view as viewed from The Lodge Dinorwig 6 miles away to the NNW) to be replaced by fog for the rest of the week. The mountain peaks are forecast to have no snowfall but any lying snow is likely to persist into next week. Some weather models are predicting blizzards and a wall of snow as temperatures drop at the start of February.

None of the webcams were available today. Apparently there is a major IT upgrade going on and the webcams will be back prior to the start of the new season.

North Wales snow forecast

Purple indicates the heaviest snowfall this weekend. The weather is coming from the east with a bitter wind-chill. Image courtesy Daily Post

F&WHR 6/2/25

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Thursday was for an improving day and temperatures of 1-9C. Sunset is at 17:11 and the weather is forecast to become colder with morning frosts and a maximum of 6/7C from Friday with no sign of any weather warnings. Snow pockets are forecast to remain on Snowdon summit (see webcam view as viewed from The Lodge Dinorwig 6 miles away to the NNW) to be replaced by fog for the rest of the week. The mountain peaks are forecast to have no snowfall but any lying snow is likely to persist into next week. Some weather models are predicting blizzards and a wall of snow as temperatures drop at the start of February.

None of the webcams were available today.

WHR storm damage finally cleared

Thanks to the tremendous efforts from the lineside team with contributions from both staff and volunteers, the Rhyd Ddu to Beddgelert section is once again passable to trains! However, there is still much work required in order to get the railway up and running for passenger services. If you would like to come along and assist, please feel free to get in contact with us via volunteer@ffwhr.com. The next lineside working party is the 15-16/2/25 with a further lineside working party planned for the weekend 15-16/3/25.

This weather map illustrates in purple the heaviest snowfall anticipated on 10/2/25, Image courtesy Daily Post.