https://www.flickr.com/photos/28686013@N05/albums/72157677624944767

A lot of the pictures came from John Williams and I have added some of my own and others that I have been supplied. I have a few more to add from its days on C&UR, W&LLR, STR (rare!) and F&WHR.

Please contact Jonathan if you have further images to share.

North Wales main line 22/4/19

Never mind Bank Holidays, the Valley Nuclear Electric flasks ran today with Nos. 68034/88009 in charge. Nos. 66519/538 top and tailed an Engineers' train to Holyhead. On the downside the MANWAG was substituted by a unit on 22/4/19.

Easter Cab rides 19/4/19

Palmerston gave footplate rides at Blaenau Ffestiniog between 11:00 and 16:00 as part of the 'Good Friday Easter Fun Day!' in the town. Hugh Napier will be giving footplate rides in Caernarfon station between 10:30 and 16:00 Saturday-Monday. Another loco will operate at Porthmadog between 1030 and 1600 on the same days from the end of platform 1.

This westerly view (19/4/19) shows Hugh Napier heading to Caernarfon for the free cab rides due Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday. 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 mainline news 18/4/19

The MANWAG has been substituted with a unit today 18/4/19. Rumours have started that TfW is looking at short HST rakes to substitute for the Manchester loco-hauled diagram and possibly some Cardiff - Holyhead workings going over to shortened 2+4 HSTs until the end of 2020 as with Scotrail and Great Western. In the longer term TfW plan loco hauled Mk4 coaches on the Holyhead-Cardiff workings as they come off lease with LNER's East Coast operations.

North Wales mainline 17/4/19

No.67029, the DB silver liveried example, hauled the MANWAG on 17/4/19. Meanwhile Nos.88005/6 hauled 3 empty flasks to Valley Nuclear Electric siding on 17/4/19.

North Wales main line news 16/4/19

No. 67029 is on the MANWAG today (16/4/19). Yesterday (15/4/19) Nos. 68003/16 hauled the Valley Nuclear flasks with traffic continuing well beyond the time suggested for the final trains on this duty defuelling Wylfa Nuclear Power station.

Castell Caernarfon returns 16/4/19

Martin Kressman reports: Castell Caernarfon has returned to Dinas after a visit to Boston Lodge for attention, once again waiting overhaul. The bonnets were sent to Boston Lodge separately and have had a good makeover in PW Dept green (rather than the maroon previously carried-Ed)

Waunfawr station 16/4/19

This northerly view (16/4/19) shows the new fireplace under construction in the waiting room of Waunfawr station. Work is in progress with the battens for the wainscoting wooden panels and floor screeding. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Stuart McNair (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Blanche 15/4/19

This northerly view (15/4/19) shows Blanche hauling a single DZ with the tanks from No.87, presumably going to Boston Lodge for a fast repair/repaint. The boiler cladding sheets are already at Boston Lodge for a repaint. This loco was used as Dinas has need of Vale of Ffestiniog as a rescue loco so it is currently outstabled there (see 13/4/19). 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.

Dinas diesels 13/4/19

This northerly view (13/4/19) shows the two powerful diesels currently stabled at Dinas. Vale of Ffestiniog seems to have taken up residence during the continued long term repair of Castell Caernarfon and can rescue or substitute if a Garratt fails. No.9 is the resident PW loco. 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 Canon EOS 1300D digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Boston Lodge works 13/4/19

This Boston Lodge view (13/4/19) shows the boilers of Lilla and Welsh Pony. Welsh Pony is now receiving volunteer work to complete it. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Mark Bishop and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This Boston Lodge view (13/4/19) shows the boilers of Welsh Pony and Lilla. Welsh Pony is now receiving volunteer work to complete it. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Mark Bishop and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This Boston Lodge view (13/4/19) shows the new WHR Observation car Gwyrfai. After experience with Glaslyn the curved end glass window only curves in one plane. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Mark Bishop and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Special Train 13/4/19

This westerly view (13/4/19) shows Britomart and Moelwyn being prepared at Boston Lodge at 1111 to haul a special train to Coed-y-bleiddiau on the FR. The National Railway Heritage Award was presented to The Landmark Trust in recognition of their superb restoration of Coed-y-Bleiddiau cottage. Moelwyn went on the back at Tan-y-Bwlch so that the train could return to Porthmadog without propelling. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Mark Bishop and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Boston Lodge progress 13/4/19

This southerly view (13/4/19) shows the Blacksmiths shop under restoration at Boston Lodge by local building contractor Berwyn Parry. The arched doorways once had tracks leading into them to allow wagon repairs. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Mark Bishop and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (13/4/19) shows the alterations to the Carriage Shed. A Garratt loco can now haul a WHR train through the shed and run round. The made ground to the right will become the new Carriage Shed built on compacted fill behind the new sea sheet piled seawall. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Mark Bishop and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This westerly view (13/4/19) shows Pen Cob Junction at Boston Lodge. The existing yard points have still not been connected to the new headshunt despite all the work over Winter. The track in the centre should lead to the new headshunt and the two points on the right hand side removed. None of the tracks on the left of the view that will lead to the new Carriage shed are yet in use. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Mark Bishop and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This easterly view (13/4/19) shows the Loco Shed has received attention with new rood and wall cladding though the original battered doors have been retained. The new Garratt shed will be built over the ash pit road to the right. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Mark Bishop and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This westerly view (13/4/19) shows the Loco Shed has received attention with new rood and wall cladding. The new Garratt shed will be built over the ash pit road visible in the foreground. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Mark Bishop and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (13/4/19) shows Glan-y-mor Yard headshunt with the three new points that will lead off into the new 3 road Carriage shed in the made ground on the left of the view. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Mark Bishop and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (13/4/19) shows Glan-y-mor Yard with the foundations in place for the seaward side supports for the new Carriage shed in the made ground now it has compacted for over a year. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Mark Bishop and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (13/4/19) shows the south end of the existing Carriage Shed with some cladding still to complete. On the right is the cab of the Chinese C2 loco project, with the its project shed behind. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Mark Bishop and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

WHRS East Anglian Group Meeting 18/4/19

Stephen Sullivan advises: The next meeting is on Thursday 18/4/19 at the Six Bells, Fulbourn, near Cambridge at 8pm.  Peter Miles, the Chairman of the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway, will be speaking to us about the present and the future of the L&BR.

Waunfawr station progress 13/4/19

This northerly view (13/4/19) shows the externally complete Waunfawr station building. The doorway floor steps need completing and the interior still needs a lot of work though plastering appears complete. The Snowdonian is stabled in the station. 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 Canon EOS 1300D digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

The Snowdonian 13/4/19

Glorious weather greeted The Snowdonian on 13/4/19 however the train ran into a few problems on route. The train was hauled by Linda and Blanche to Blaenau Ffestiniog but on its return to Porthmadog it was held for a while at Tan-y-bwlch while the Fire Brigade dealt with a fire between there and Minffordd. Now running well over an hour late, Lyn (facing south) and Lyd, both resplendent in SR livery, took over at Boston Lodge and made a spirited attempt at the 1 in 40 through the Beddgelert Forest.

This westerly view (13/4/19) shows Lyd and Lyn being prepared at Boston Lodge at 1058 to take over The Snowdonian when it arrived back from Blaenau Ffestiniog. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Mark Bishop and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This easterly view (13/4/19) shows Lyn and Lyd being prepared at Boston Lodge at 1059 to take over The Snowdonian when it arrived back from Blaenau Ffestiniog. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Mark Bishop and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (13/4/19) shows Lyn and Lyd working hard on the 1 in 40 at Hafod Ruffydd Crossing in the Beddgelert Forest, well over an hour late at 1354. 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 Canon EOS 1300D digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (13/4/19) shows Lyn and Lyd drifting downhill at Castell Cidwm bridge, well over an hour late at 1426. 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 Canon EOS 1300D digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

The train arrived at Waunfawr, where food was to be taken, nearly two hours late. It seems the Snowdonia Parc had a following booking with a rather young and vocal coach party so the food was brought down to the train by volunteers and passengers ate on the train while the train waited in the station. No.143 passed on a service train heading to Porthmadog.

This southerly view (13/4/19) shows Lyn and Lyd waiting at Waunfawr station, nearly 2 hours late at 1442. 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 Canon EOS 1300D digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Eventually the decision was taken to run round here and return to Porthmadog rather than visit Caernarfon station and Dinas Works as the service train, hauled by No.138, had caught up and was being held at a red flag at station limits just outside Waunfawr shunt limit. Unfortunately, even though The Snowdonian was held here over an hour the opportunity was not taken to move Lyn to the front of the train for the return journey. The locos ran round the train which was then shunted into the southbound platform and the delayed service train was allowed to proceed to Caernarfon.

This northerly view (13/4/19) shows Lyd and Lyn having shunted around their train at 1611 and ready to propel the train back under the main road bridge before entering the southbound platform. 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 Canon EOS 1300D digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (13/4/19) shows Lyd and Lyn returning to Porthmadog approaching Betws Garmon road bridge. 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 northerly view (13/4/19) shows Lyd and Lyn returning to Porthmadog approaching Plas-y-nant Halt. 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 northerly view (13/4/19) shows Lyd and Lyn returning south, passing Castell Cidwm at 1645. Despite having stood in Waunfawr for 2 hours the opportunity had not been taken to place Lyn on the front of the train.. 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 Canon EOS 1300D digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (13/4/19) shows Lyd and Lyn passing Castell Cidwm at 1646 with Snowdon still showing a little snow in the gullies. 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 Canon EOS 1300D digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (13/4/19) shows Lyd and Lyn returning south, just south of Castell Cidwm at Caeau Gwynion. 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 Canon EOS 1300D digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

The train paused for a while at Snowdon Ranger Halt before proceeding to Rhyd Ddu.

This easterly view (13/4/19) shows Lyd and Lyn returning south, just south of Snowdon Ranger with a snowclad Snowdon in the background. 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 Canon EOS 1300D digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (13/4/19) shows Lyd and Lyn returning south, having left Rhyd Ddu. 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 Canon EOS 1300D digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (13/4/19) shows Lyd and Lyn returning south, passing Pont Cae'r Gors at 1716. 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 Canon EOS 1300D digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (13/4/19) shows Lyd and Lyn returning south, threading the Aberglaslyn Pass. 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 Canon EOS 1300D digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (13/4/19) shows Lyd and Lyn returning south, passing Ynysfor level Crossing at 1754. 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 Canon EOS 1300D digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

After a brief stop at Pont Croesor the train arrived back at Porthmadog around 1830.

This westerly view (13/4/19) shows Lyd and Lyn returning to Porthmadog approaching Plas-y-nant Halt. 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 96

A55 average speed camera

For those travelling to the F&WHR by car in the absence of train services on the Conwy Valley line, be aware that average speed cameras have been installed at the top of the Rhuallt Hill on the A55.

Cambrian Class 37 No.97302 named 12/4/19

Class 37 No.97302 was named Ffestiniog and Welsh highland Railway and the Welsh equivalent on the other side at a ceremony at Minffordd on 12/4/19. The loco had been spruced up and is almost exclusively kept for PW duty on the Cambrian Coast. As such the name is unlikely to reach a wider audience. It remains an unfortunate fact that the Cambrian is banned from Railtours without this loco or one of the other 97/3s on the front and that does not appeal to railtour organisers. NR reneged on a promise to provide a mobile unit that could have allowed visiting traction and the short lived WCR summer dated Cambrian Coast Express steam excursions to visit the line without impediment after ERTMS signalling was introduced. The F&WHR used to see many excursions arriving via this route so has lost custom due to NR's failure to keep its promises.

See Daily Post report.

This westerly view (12/4/19) shows 97302 being named Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway being named at Minffordd. It is hauling the General Manager's Saloon and top and tailed with a second somewhat less clean Class 97/3 (No.97304). Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Mark Bishop and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (12/4/19) shows 97302 Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway resting at Porthmadog after being named at Minffordd. It is hauling the General Manager's Saloon and top and tailed with a second somewhat less clean NR loco No.9734. 0The train was moved to Porthmadog to allows the following TfW service to pass before returning to Shrewsbury. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Mark Bishop and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Ready for The Snowdonian 12/4/19

This northerly view (12/4/19) shows Lyn and Lyd being warmed up for use on The Snowdonian on 13/14/19. The locos are shunting outside the Heritage Carriage Shed at Boston Lodge. This image is copyright Keith Holland and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.rmed against the snowy background of a snowclad Snowdon. There had been a heavy snowfall in the area on 3/4/19 which reached down to 200m. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). Lyn and Lyd will haul the W

After The Snowdonian Lyn will haul two special trains on Sunday 14/4/19 and will use Observation Carr. No.152, Super-Barn No.120 and 'Snapper Bar' Carr.14. A standard Ffestiniog Railway On-Train Buffet service will be provided during the journey. The morning departure leaves Porthmadog at 09:40 arriving Rhyd Ddu at 10:45. Following the passing of two WHR service trains, the special departs Rhyd Ddu at 12:05 and arrives back in Porthmadog at 13:05. The afternoon train leaves Porthmadog at 15:00, arriving Rhyd Ddu at 16:15. The return leg leaves Rhyd Ddu at 16:45 with an arrival into Porthmadog at 17:45. The loco will then return to Devon.

Tickets are no on sale. Fares: First Class - £40 (includes seat reservation) Third Class - £25 (Child £12.50). Please phone Porthmadog Booking Office - 01766 516024 - to purchase tickets.

Moving Pictures No.30 10/4/19

Click on the YouTube link to watch 29 mins 22 seconds of video covering the movement De Winton coffee pot loco Watkin from Penrhyn Castle to the new Caernarfon Station where it was displayed in the rotunda. This YouTube was published on 10/4/19 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 5-10/4/19

The Valley Nuclear Flask traffic is continuing daily with Nos.68002/16 on the duty on 10/4/19. On 12/4/19 it was Nos. 88005/6. Meanwhile No.67022 was on the Cardiff WAG on 10/4/19. The Snowdon Panorama Excursion was top and tailed by Nos.68003/34 on 6/4/19. No.67014 turned up on 5/4/19 to work the MANWAG after fears a unit had been substituted.

RAIB report of Penrhyn accident 10/4/19

The RAIB has published a Safety Digest of the Penrhyn Level Crossing accident of 6/1/19 involving a PW train which had a braking problem and crashed into the level crossing gates. Fortunately no one was hurt in the incident. See RAIB website.

B&FRH Trust 10/4/19

The newly formed Bala and Ffestiniog Railway Heritage Trust, which aims to open the line from Blaenau Ffestiniog to Trawsfynydd, received bad news on 9/4/19 with resignation of its recently appointed Chairman Raymond Reed with effect from Sunday 14/4/19. Shane Berry is to take over the role as Interim chairman until the next AGM and will be releasing a press release about the way forwards for the new society soon.

F&WHR to move Blaenau Terminus?

The F&WHR's chairman John Prideaux has floated the idea of moving the FR's Blaenau Terminus to a new location nearer the A470 where genuine cross platform interchange might occur in a new £1million station. He has also mentioned the oft proposed Llechwedd Quarry branch. TfW are negotiating with the F&WHR about an improved terminus at Blaenau Ffestiniog, with the FR giving up its second platform face in favour of NR. This would require excavation to achieve a deeper alignment for NR to match the existing platform level id on the existing site. Other options include a new terminus near the original LNWR site curving onto reclaimed land alongside the A470 ( a site originally proposed by the building Back to Blaenau Plan) which would free the existing site for the BF&T Railway. See Daily Post story.

Meanwhile it seems that NR will take until the summer to restore the Conwy Valley line. Hopefully it will be rebuilt more robustly with adequate culverts to allow floodwater to pass under the line rather than through it this time! On 3/4/19 NR issued a statement saying the line will be reopened to Llanwrst in early summer in time for the National Eisteddfod and to Blaenau later in the summer. A public meeting was held on 10/4/19 in Llanwrst to explain the plans. Bustitution continues in the meantime. See NR website.

Special Train 7/4/19

Taliesin and Merddin Emrys hauled a special train on 7/4/19 from Porthmadog to Caernarfon and back with Taliesin piloting on the return journey.

Lyn on test on WHR 7/4/19

This northerly view (7/4/19) shows Lyn on test at Rhyd Ddu. The loco performed against the snowy background of a snowclad Snowdon. There had been a heavy snowfall in the area on 3/4/19 which reached down to 200m. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). Lyn and Lyd will haul the WHR section of The Snowdonian on 13/4/19. This image is copyright Keith Holland and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Vale of Ffestiniog 4/4/19

With only two Garratts available and no Castell Caernarfon, the WHR is being run on a knife edge and Vale of Ffestiniog is the only available loco that can haul the heavy WHR trains.

This southerly view (4/4/19) shows Vale of Ffestiniog hauling the 1415 ex-Porthmadog approaching Castell Cidwm bridge with the snow and mist covered Snowdon in the background. 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.

Lyn arrives 1/4/19

This northerly view (1/4/19) shows Lyn being delivered to Minffordd by low loader from the L&BR. Lyn and Lyd will double head The Snowdonian on 13/4/19 on the WHR section. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Stuart McNair (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Boston Lodge news

The new Boston Lodge Carriage shed with raised roof fits Garratt locos. The Garratts also fit the new Glan-y-mor headshunt. See the F&WHR Inside Motion page for images.

Pen-y-Mount (F&WHR) 1/4/19

The continuing rapprochement between the F&WHR and WHHR has seen a start of work on a new halt on the F&WHR at Pen-y-Mount which will allow cross platform interchange between the two railways. It is unclear when the halt will be opened. It is lightly built with a temporary wooden sleeper platform edge rather than the normal concrete kerb edging at other WHR stations. Access is available from the WHHR by a gate next to the Pen-y-Mount station building and via the public footpath from Cae Pawb that runs along the side of line and crosses the line south of the station.

This northerly view (1/4/19) shows Taliesin working a PW train at Pen-y-Mount with the new Exchange platform (platform 3) under construction. Pen-y-Mount Exchange will become the largest station in the Porthmadog area with three platform faces! Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Andrew Goodwin (WHHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.