We meet at the Six Bells Pub, 9 High Street, Fulbourn, Cambridge CB21 5DH. We meet up any time after 6-6.30pm and an evening meal is available in the restaurant or bar. Prices are reasonable. The meetings are usually held in the Function Rooms, accessed from the car park at the rear of the pub, and start around 8pm with a halfway break for coffee (£1.20 per person). We finish around 10pm. There is a charge of £2 per meeting for Group members, £3 for non-members.

Fulbourn is easily accessible from the A14/M11 corridors and is served by Stagecoach bus Citi 1 (This bus runs every 30 minutes until 23.36, via Cambridge railway station where it arrives at 00.05). Car parking can be busy but there is space available on Church Lane, a 3-5 minute walk to the pub. You are most welcome to join us.

Waunfawr Station building handed over 5/6/19

Waunfawr station building has been completed and handed over. It will be opened officially on Friday 14/6/19 on the same day as Caernarfon station building. The temporary wooden facilities at the north end will be removed in due course and reused at other locations.

This northerly view 5/6/19) shows the completed Waunfawr station building. The station has been finished to a high standard in NWNGR/WHR period style similar to Dinas. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

War Department Hunslet special to Beddgelert 16/6/19

Hunslet No.1215 missed the Hunslet Gala last year but has arrived early this year. It will be used on a fund raising trip round trip to Beddgelert ahead of the 'Past Present and Future' Gala on 21-23/6/19 with a round-trip through the Aberglaslyn Pass on Sunday 16/6/19. The locomotive is visiting the F&WHR by kind permission of the War Office Locomotive Trust. One hundred and fifty-five locomotives were built by Hunslet for the war effort in a period of just over three years making them one of the most numerous narrow gauge types. After the war they saw further service all over the world. A few of the locomotives were used in the UK, none of which survived. Following the repatriation of locomotive No.1215 from Australia, the War Office Locomotive Trust team have painstakingly rebuilt the locomotive including building a new boiler.

The trains run from Porthmadog at 11:15 and 15:00 with returns at 12:45 and 16:25 respectively. Tickets for these special trains are available from the Porthmadog Booking Office - in person or by phone on 01766 516024...Adults £25.00 ... Children £12.50 but there will be limited seating on these trains so it is best to book early.

North Wales News 6/6/19

No.45690 Leander worked an excursion to Holyhead on 6/6/19. Nos. 88004/8 hauled the Valley Nuclear Flasks on 5/6/19.

Chirk GVR station 4/6/19

Good progress with the Glyn Valley Tramway at Chirk has cleared most of the double track station site. See Glyn Valley Railway Trust Facebook page for images.

'Past Present and Future' Gala timetables

These are now available at the F&WHR website. Click on Friday 21/6/19 to Sunday 23/6/19 timetables to view. Locos are not yet shown allocated to trains but Russell joining the train at Pen-y-mount is shown. the event is focussed on the section between Boston Lodge and Beddgelert with four heritage rakes. Perhaps surprisingly only the standard two return trips will operate beyond Beddgelert to Caernarfon.

No.130 update 2/6/19

The crinoline supports for the boiler cladding have now been added to No.130. In recent weeks the two bogies had been painted and lubrication pipework was nearing completion. See No.130 Facebook page for full details.

North Wales main line news 31/5/19

Nos. 68003/13 hauled the Valley Nuclear flasks on 31/5/19 and Nos. 88003/5 performed the duty on 28/5/19. Speculation is growing that short HSTs sets removed from stock recently disposed by GWR may be used to supplement overcrowded TfW services until delayed new stock arrives. No.67014, still in the defunct Wrexham and Shropshire silver/grey livery, hauled the MANWAG on 27-30/5/19 and has been regular on the duty recently. On 23/5/19 Colas liveried Nos.67023/7 hauled an NR rake to Holyhead and back while LSL ran a driver trainer with No.47810 running as two tone green D1924 Crewe Diesel Depot to Holyhead. Loco Services Ltd. now own the former Crewe Diesel Depot site and provide traction for Saphos Trains excursions. Saphos Trains have branched out to cover a large part of the UK including Kent and there do not appear to be any further North Wales tours planned this year.

Castell Caernarfon moved to Boston Lodge 23-24/5/19

With the FR's Funkey Vale of Ffestiniog sidelined after the run through at Beddgelert on 3/5/19, the urgent need for a main line diesel capable of rescuing a train has meant that work has restarted in earnest on Castell Caernarfon, which has been under repair in Dinas Works since at least April 2017. After being lifted back onto its bogies on 23/5/19 the loco was hauled to Boston Lodge, presumably for completion, on 24/5/19.

Vale of Ffestiniog was inspected on 22/5/19 but it appears it has proved impossible to recreate the fault that caused the Beddgelert run-through on 3/5/19. It is thought it might be a tolerance issue with the loco controls.

This northerly view 23/5/19) shows Castell Caernarfon's bogies being prepared for reinsertion at Dinas Works as seen from a passing train. In the background is the sheet bender being used to form now boiler sheet plating for No.130. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Philip Clark and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view 23/5/19) shows Castell Caernarfon being lowered  onto its bogies in preparation for a move to Boston Lodge. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Dai Jones and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (23/5/19) shows Castell Caernarfon being lowered  onto its bogies in preparation for a move to Boston Lodge. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Dai Jones and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (24/5/19) shows Castell Caernarfon being towed by Upnor Castle to Boston Lodge ready for departure wrong line from Dinas. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Dai Jones and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (24/5/19) shows Castell Caernarfon being towed by Upnor Castle waiting for the Up train to pass at Dinas. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Dai Jones and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (24/5/19) shows Upnor Castle arriving at Waunfawr hauling Castell Caernarfon. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Dai Jones and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (24/5/19) shows Castell Caernarfon being towed by Upnor Castle waiting for the Down train to pass at Waunfawr. The loco was sandwiched between two B wagons with B1806 also carrying coal. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Dai Jones and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

8 million visitors 20/5/19

Two regular readers emailed noting the 8 millionth visit to this website has been passed.

Tony Ellis     8,000,001

David Bargh 8,000,002

One average over there are over 1,000 visits a day to the website, many from the same loyal band of followers, even though the website is updated less frequently these days.

Wrexham-Liverpool service reopened 20/5/19

The Chester to Liverpool service was launched on 20/5/19 via the reopened Halton Curve. Some trains run through to Wrexham. the reopened curve will allow reintroduction of direct Liverpool-North Wales services in the future. See Daily Post story.

North Wales main line 20/5/19

Nos.68003/16 hauled the Valley Nuclear Electric Flasks on 20/5/19. Meanwhile 67010 hauled the 0536 Holyhead Cardiff WAG Express on the same day.

Beer Festival postscript 19/5/19

This southerly view (19/5/19) shows Harlech Castle in FR PW livery with Upnor Castle on the RailAle shuttle in the bay at Dinas. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Keith Holland and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (19/5/19) shows Upnor Castle and Harlech Castle returning the RailAle shuttle to Porthmadog near Betws Garmon with Mynydd Eilio in the background. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Tim Evans and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Russell goes to Beddgelert YouTube 18/5/19

Russell's test train to Beddgelert ran with no problems on 18/5/19 in preparation for the Gala 21-23/6/19. The four coach rake included the Gladstone coach, the Buffet Car and the VoR van. The train set back to the new Pen-y-Mount WHR platform after crossing over from the WHHR. The loco hauled the rake with ease up the 1 in 40 Nantmor Incline and the adjustments made allowed the loco to pass around the sharp Bryn-y-felin Curve at reduced speed. As the test train ran during an evening possession a drone was allowed to approach the train closely and follow the test.

Click on the YouTube link to watch 11 mins 22 seconds of video covering the evening test train of Russell going to Beddgelert after modifications. This YouTube was published on 23/5/19 and was taken by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional 4K camcorder. It is best watched in 2160p 4K HD in Google Chrome browser as only 720p HD available on Windows. Alternatively click on YouTube link.

Russell Heritage Gala test 18/5/19

Russell made an evening test trip from the WHHR to Beddgelert during the evening of 18/5/19 as a final test in advance of the 'Past Present and Future Gala on 21-23/6/19.

This southerly view (18/5/19) shows Russell out on a secret evening trip with WHHR rake as a final test before the June Gala. The train is seen negotiating the Aberglaslyn Pass. 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 southerly view (18/5/19) shows Russell with its WHHR rake approaching the Bryn-y-felin bridge in the Aberglaslyn Pass. 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 easterly view (18/5/19) shows Russell with its WHHR rake crossing the Bryn-y-felin bridge in the Aberglaslyn Pass on its way to Beddgelert. 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.

Beer Festival shuttle 17/5/19

This southerly view (17/5/19) shows Harlech Castle and Upnor Castle departing the bay platform at Dinas station on the first day of the Beer Festival in dull weather. The locos are diagrammed to haul frequent shuttles between Waunfawr and Caernarfon during the Beer Festival Weekend. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Dai Jones and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (17/5/19) shows Upnor Castle and Harlech Castle arriving at Caernarfon station on the first day of the Beer Festival in dull weather. The locos are diagrammed to haul frequent shuttles between Waunfawr and Caernarfon during the Beer Festival Weekend. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Dai Jones and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Ashbury's No.21 test 15/5/19

Team X gave Ashbury's coach No.21 a test run on 15/5/19. The replica project has seen the coach emerge in the style of the original Ashbury's Tourist Third class of 1897 scrapped in 1962. After it has a little more bodywork it might hopefully appear at the WHR Heritage Gala over the weekend of 21-23/6/19.

This southerly view (15/5/19) shows coach No.21 emerging into the daylight at Boston Lodger hauled by Criccieth Castle Boston Lodge after six years of volunteer work. The coach is on its own bogies but some bodywork remains to be done. 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.

Ben departs Dinas for Boston Lodge 14/5/19

Ben was noted missing from Dinas on 14/5/19 and has been transferred to Boston Lodge, presumably to be restored to running order. This is the second of the two Shotton Steel Works stockyard shunters acquired that arrived at Dinas 18/2/10. With an increased requirement for PW/works shunters Ben may join the fleet quite soon as Castell Caernarfon still languishes in pieces at Dinas. The Hunslet 2'6" loco is No.9262 of 1985 and was originally destined to be Boston Lodge Works shunter.

This northerly view (15/5/19) shows Ben (No.2) at Boston lodge having arrived on a flat wagon from Dinas as it is has yet to be regauged. Paintwork has deteriorated during the 9 years it has been stored on the bank by the Carriage Shed at Dinas. 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.

North Wales Main Line news 3-17/5/19

Wylfa Nuclear Power Station's traffic continues well after the proposed March deadline for the end of traffic. Nos. 68004/34 hauled the Valley Nuclear Electric flask traffic on 17/5/19. On 8/5/19 the train was hauled by Nos.68004/17 while Nos. 88005/6 hauled the train on 3/5/19. It seems that the Class 88 can handle the light weight loads despite their lower power when operating in diesel mode.

Chaloner and Hugh Napier footplate rides at Caernarfon 11/5/19

This southerly view (11/5/19) shows Hugh Napier (driven by the General Manager, Paul Lewin) and Chaloner arriving at Caernarfon station. The locos offered footplate rides during the Caernarfon Food Festival. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Dai Jones and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (11/5/19) shows Hugh Napier (driven by the General Manager, Paul Lewin) and Chaloner arriving at Caernarfon station. The locos offered footplate rides during the Caernarfon Food Festival. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Dai Jones and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Dinas notes 10/5/19

As the additional service for the food festival originates from Porthmadog it is highly likely that it will be hauled by an FR engine or pair of engines (photos welcome). The Garratts will be needed for the service trains. Vale of Ffestiniog certainly will not be used as it is out of service (in the Heritage Carriage shed at Boston Lodge) whilst under investigation following its excursion on 16/4/19. This means that there are therefore no Funkeys available as Castell Caernarfon is still in pieces in the carriage shed.

Hugh Napier and Chaloner were being prepared in the Carriage Shed ready for giving footplate rides at Caernarfon Station on 11/5/19.

Garratt No.130 now has both engines underneath the boiler on its frame. There is still a great deal of work required to get it finished and so it is unlikely to haul the Snowdonian Limited on 15/6/19. This train will have 6/7 Carriages only providing limited seating of 100. First Class Observation Car, Third Class and Third Class Observation Car will be included plus if possible historic carriage No.14 as a Club Car serving Real Ale.

No.87 boiler returns 10/5/19

The repaired boiler for No.87 arrived back at Dinas on 10/5/19 after a fast track 10 year overhaul. It was being lifted onto its cradle with one power bogie under the cradle. An accommodation bogie supported the other end. The other power bogie is in the Carriage Shed.

This northerly view (10/5/19) shows No.87's boiler being lifted from the transport after return from Israel Newton's Cromford Works. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Dai Jones and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (10/5/19) shows No.87's boiler being lifted from the transport at Dinas Yard after return from Israel Newton's Cromford Works. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Dai Jones and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This westerly view (10/5/19) shows No.87's boiler being lowered into its frames in Dinas yard. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Dai Jones and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This westerly view (10/5/19) shows No.87's boiler being lowered into its frames in Dinas yard with an accommodation bogie at the north end. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Dai Jones and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Caernarfon Food Festival 11/5/19

The additional service 0940 ex Porthmadog and 1705 return from Caernarfon may be hauled by FR locos/Vale of Ffestiniog on 11/5/19 during the Caernarfon food Festival. There will be cooking demonstrations in the station exhibition space and either Hugh Napier and/or Chaloner will be giving footplate rides.

Beer Festival 17-19/5/19

The timetables have now been released for the Beer Festival from Friday/Sunday 17-19 May. The Friday and Saturday timetables see regular diesel hauled shuttles between Caernarfon and Waunfawr in addition to the two daily return services to Porthmadog. The service train will also form a steam operated shuttle service at lunchtime between turns and four return shuttles in the evening until the 2520 from Waunfawr. All stock will have on train toilets.

Sunday sees a similar service with the event finishing at 1625 with no evening shuttles. See Beer Festival website for full timetable details,

No.130 for Snowdonian Limited 15/6/19?

The F&WHR Snowdonian website has suggested that new NG16 Garratt No.130 might be used on 'The Snowdonian Limited' if it has been completed and run in by the time of the event on 15/6/19. The train will attempt a non-stop journey between Porthmadog and Caernarfon and features a 'hog roast' and optional Friday night meal at Spooners and visit to Boston Lodge. Reports from Dinas suggest this is unlikely given the slow progress with the loco.

Russell to haul Beddgelert shuttles 21-23/6/19

Russell will be allowed to haul trains to Beddgelert in contradiction to previous statements that it will only be allowed to go to Hafod-y-llyn. The loco was tested to Beddgelert earlier this year. Russell will come on at Pen-y-Mount and double head several shuttles to Beddgelert with Prince. The loco has not been tested on the sharp Britannia Bridge curve (the sharpest on the WHR) so will not run from Porthmadog Harbour station. It is possible Pen-y-Mount's new exchange platform (P3) will be open for the event but strangely no pedestrian access will be permitted at Pen-y-Mount despite there being footpath access.

On Friday 21/6/19 Baldwin No.590 lookalike No.608 will run two trip from Porthmadog to Beddgelert with the 1920s Vintage set. Palmerston will also haul a Colonel Stephens set twice during the day. WD Hunslet No.1215 will also haul three shuttles between Porthmadog and Pont Croesor with Moelwyn. Whilst at Beddgelert, Russell will haul 2 shuttles to Pont Croesor.

Saturday and Sunday will see an enhanced service. Saturday sees three Porthmadog-Beddgelert trips with the Baldwin and No.1215 paired with Palmerston operating seven shuttles, five between Porthmadog and Boston Lodge and two to Pont Croesor. Russell and Prince will repeat their Friday duties. On Sunday there will be a further three trips Porthmadog-Beddgelert with the Baldwin, followed by and Chaloner and Palmerston on one trip from Porthmadog to Pont Croesor. Russell and Prince will haul three shuttles from Beddgelert to Pont Croesor. WD Hunslet No.1215 will also haul five Vintage shuttles paired with Moelwyn, three to Pont Croesor and two to Boston Lodge. The WD Hunslet will also haul a Porthmadog-Pont Croesor trip alone. Palmerston and Moelwyn will also haul two shuttles Porthmadog to Boston Lodge with the Colonel Stephens rake.

It is likely that Russell and the Baldwin will be at Beddgelert at the same time allowing historical tableau to the re-enacted near the heritage water tower.

Russell has still to climb through Beddgelert Forest and traverse the section between Beddgelert and Waunfawr as well as the short section from Pen-y-Mount to Porthmadog Harbour. Waunfawr to Caernarfon was achieved very early in the history of the new WHR during SuperPower, 16-17/9/2000 when it ran with Taliesin between Caernarfon and Waunfawr. Enthusiasts hope that with the continuing rapprochement of the two railway companies the loco will soon be allowed to run the whole length of the line.

Hugh Napier and Britomart will be operating on the WHHR with the FR's bugbox rake (as well as the WHHR's Gelert) and it is possible cross platform interchange might be allowed at the new Pen-y-Mount Exchange platform. See F&WHR event website for full details.

Moving Pictures No.31 5/5/19

Click on the YouTube link to watch 26 mins 29 seconds of video covering the naming of No.97302 Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway. There is also extensive coverage of The Snowdonian hauled by L&BR loco Lyn, including lineside views. This YouTube was published on 5/5/19 and was taken by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional 4K camcorder. It is best watched in 2160p 4K HD in Google Chrome browser as only 720p HD available on Windows. Alternatively click on YouTube link.

Mainline news 4/5/19

Tornado hauled a special along North Wales coast today.

Bank Holiday weekend specials 4/5/19

Merddin Emrys and Taliesin will haul the 1050 from Porthmadog and the 1420 return today. Special trains are operating too on both railways.

RAIB investigates runaway 3/5/19

The RAIB is investigating a WHR runaway on the 1 in 40 just north of Beddgelert on 16/4/19 when Vale of Ffestiniog, operating as a light engine, ran through the Cwmcloch crossings and Beddgelert station at 0915. The loco passed the red starter signal and entered the next section without a token. The loco was unable to reduce its speed below 10mph for the 1.25 miles of the runaway and came to a stop where the track levelled out 0.6 miles after the station beyond Cemetery Crossing. There were no injuries but the loco was subsequently sidelined for investigation.

See RAIB website for full details.

Conwy Valley reopening meeting 2/5/19

Network Rail held a meeting in Blaenau Ffestiniog on 2/5/19 to discuss progress with restoration of the rail link closed (yet again!) during floods on 16/3/19. They confirm the route will be reopened to Llanwrst in time for the National Eisteddfod 3-10/8/19 with the rest of the line to Blaenau Ffestiniog being reopened later in the Summer. The reason for the extended closure is because significant works have been included incorporating flood culverts so these regular closures do not happen again given the likely increase in storms predicted by global warming models. A bustitution is currently operating. See NR website.