Upon arrival at Beddgelert, passengers can explore the village, walk beside the river and learn more about the legend of Gelert, the faithful hound of Prince Llewellyn. There are numerous shops, cafés and pubs - and the ice cream parlour in the centre of the village is not to be missed. Click on festrail.co.uk/trains for further details and online booking. The F&WHR look forward to welcoming all to ‘Y Stesion’.

FR traffic 21/5/21

Four trains were booked to run on Friday, with the late addition of the 10:00 as the other three were fully booked, so only two locos required in steam. Weather was pretty poor in Porthmadog and it was hoped that the storm had not brought down trees across the line. Upnor Castle went up the track early to check it was clear and to perform the duty of the Dduallt shunt loco. The Planet's cab provides a little more protection from the weather than the exposed cab of Moelwyn.

The 10:00 departed on time from the WHR platform unusually with Prince in charge. This waited for a PW train to arrive from Dduallt with Harlech Castle, the Mess car and the cherry picker which had presumably been used on line clearance duties. The PW train left at 10:57 for Minffordd Yard passing Minffordd at 11:29. Prince arrived back from Dduallt at 11:22 and arrived back at Porthmadog at 12:52 in plenty of time for the 13:40.

Steam was being raised at 10:30 at Boston Lodge for the 11:05 and then Welsh Pony departed at 10:35. The loco arrived at 10:41 and left on time after shunting its rake to the platform, passing Minffordd with the B set at 11:14.

At the end of the day Welsh Pony shunted the B set back into the sidings at 1802 having run round the rake. The loco set off light engine for Boston Lodge at 18:06 to draw the stormy day's activities to a close.   

NG15 No.134 update 15-16/5/21

Lilla shunted No.134's tender out of the Good's Shed so as volunteers could steam clean it in the open. Whilst it had spent a good few years under cover it was in the Carriage Shed where unfortunately quite a few birds nest in the roof space and had duly left signs of their presence all over the tender body! The tender body rests on the rolling chassis of No.133's tender. Volunteers started to tidy up the axle boxes for No.134's tender underframe and the intention is to get the tank onto No.134's as soon as possible. The axle boxes had unfortunately spent an unplanned long period outside due to the pandemic hitting so volunteers have a number of seized nuts on studs to attend to! There are still a few to finish off next time then the axle boxes will be available for the paid staff to refurbish the journals, fit new seals and machine the horns.

It was still a bit of an 'admin' weekend with volunteers tracking down various components and moving them into a more logical location ready to go to wherever they are needed to be worked on. This involved getting the tender wheels into a B-wagon ready to be taken to Boston Lodge on the next departmental movement between the two depots. Whilst the tender wheels have been worked on before, they still need their flange profiles tweaking a small amount. The tender vacuum cylinder is also going to Boston Lodge as it has been some time since it was overhauled. Even though the cylinder has not been used it was decided to have it checked out and give it a brand new sealing ring then the cylinder should be good few years service.

For a full report and images see the NG15 No.134 website.

WHR news 15/5/21

No.130 hauled the Gelert Explorer on Saturday 15/5/21 and was said to be running well. The headlights on the loco work now so the loco can be used in the evenings in future.

FR traffic 20/5/21

The five trains booked for Thursday 20/5/21 were completely sold out in advance with the late addition of a 10:00 service. Up to five Mountain Prince trains can be run each day. Two of the three Friday trains and one of the two Saturday trains are already fully booked so a Saturday 10:00 service was added shortly after 11am Thursday showing the FR reacting to demand.

Prince left on time on the 11:05 with the B set passing Minffordd at 11:16 in overcast windy weather! Welsh Pony was already at Tan-y-Bwlch with the 10:00 on the A set at 11:49 having returned from Dduallt when Prince arrived in the rain. Blanche arrived with the C set on the 12:25 at 13:09 with unsurprisingly no one in the Zoo car (four wheel Obs No.1) considering the rain! Moelwyn was coupled to the rear at 13:12. Swift work saw the train depart for Dduallt at 13:15 allowing Welsh Pony to run round at 13:18.

A storm set in later with 70mph wind, driving rain and trees were brought down blocking roads in the area. All the trains appeared to get back safely but Porthmadog looked pretty stormy at 18:00.

North Wales main line 14-20/5/21

The Tories launch of 'Great British Railways' (why not simply call it British Rail and have done with it?) is to be welcomed as a late adoption of Liberal Democrat/Labour policies of the last 30 years. The country has yet to see the details of how the UK Government will replace what they admit is the 'broken franchise system' that they forced on the country back in the 1990s leading to the highest fares in Europe. Since then WalesRail (aka TfW) has recently become nationalised and ScotRail is following suit.

DB liveried Class No.67010 was out on the North Wales Coast driver training between Crewe and Holyhead for this Autumn's loco hauled reintroduction.

On 14/5/21 Europhoenix liveried No.37800 Cassiopeia was on driver training duties. It seems that ROG and going to be in charge of the TfW Class 197 trial runs on the North Wale Coast.

As expected the Penmaenmawr-Crewe Basford Hall Virtual Quarry stone trains did NOT commence on 17/5/21 timetable change. Although the sidings have been cleared recently and the huge stone hopper refurbished several months ago some trackwork may be required to return the sidings to use after an extended period OOU. The paths are 06:44 and 16:53 off Penmaenmawr and two return paths 07:53 (08:53 MO) and 18:44 from Basford Hall. RealTime Trains shows train headcodes 'obfuscated' for most freight operators for some strange reason. As the actual headcodes are showing (6K51/6K17 outbound and 6D61/6D17 return empties) and GBRf is the only operator giving this information at the moment it is likely GBRf is the operator. They operate stone trains on several routes including out of Wellingborough Yard. GBRf crews are passed for the route to Holyhead as they still operate path retaining runs to Valley Nuclear Electric sidings.

Class 37 No.37612 visited Blaenau Ffestiniog around 1 pm on 20/5/21 on an NR test train on a Bangor-Crewe run.

This easterly view (19/5/21) shows Statesman Rail's The Snowdonia Statesman arriving at Blaenau Ffestiniog from Hull with the train made up in mock Pullman livery. Rail Blue large logo liveried 47593 top and tailed the excursion. Prince and Palmerston had brought an ECS rake of 10 bogies up from Porthmadog to give the passengers a trip to Tan-y-bwlch and back. Click on the image to expand. This image is copyright Chris Parry (F&WHR) and was taken on a  digital camera and post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Trains may run more slowly than previous years to conserve fuel and reduce costs with lighter traffic during the pandemic.

FR traffic 19/5/21

Only two trains were provided on 19/5/21 and both were sold out days in advance. Blanche was on the 10:00 service train. A second train departed Porthmadog at around 11:05 appearing to be the ECS for the Snowdonia Statesman that was booked to arrived at Blaenau Ffestiniog form Hull at midday hauled by 47805 top and tailed with 47593. The FR train was formed as a double length train with the saloon coaches from the B and C sets hauled by Palmerston and Prince possibly directly from the yard as Welsh Pony was noted shunting in the FR platform at 11:09 with a DZ wagon with some panels removed.

After running round at 11:20 Welsh Pony shunted the DZ to the Harbour Station coaling point and collected two empty B coal wagons. At 11:40 this departmental working left for Minffordd Yard to refill the coal wagons and at 11:50 was noted arriving wrong line at Minffordd and shunting back into the yard.

This westerly view (16/5/21) at 11:52 shows Welsh Pony arriving at Minffordd to shunt the empty B coal wagons to the yard and refill them. Click on the image to expand. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a webcam and post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Meanwhile the special continued to Blaenau Ffestiniog ECS passing Tan-y-bwlch at 11:45 where the 10:00 service train with Blanche was waiting. Once clear this allowed Moelwyn to s 's train by 12:09 and exchange places with Blanche. The return working of the 10:00 then set off for Porthmadog a few minutes later where it was to form the 13:40. The 14:20 arrived in Tan-y-bwlch at 14:20 with Moelwyn on the back already and departed at 13:40. The station was already occupied by the special working which had to run round before Moelwyn returned from Dduallt. Palmerston and Prince shunted the special down to the western shunt limit and back up into the eastbound platform at 14:46 leaving the westbound platform free for the return working of the 13:40 which arrived back at 14:54. At 15:07 Blanche pulled forward to let the excursionists take photos before the excursion left for Blaenau Ffestiniog at 15:17. Blanche ran round at 15:34 and departed for Porthmadog at 16:05 leaving the platform clear for the ECS working ex Blaenau Ffestiniog which arrived there at 16:53.

This easterly view (19/5/21) shows Prince and Palmerston arriving at Blaenau Ffestiniog to meet the excursion. The tracks look very rusty as current services are limited to Porthmadog-Dduallt. Click on the image to expand. This image is copyright Chris Parry (F&WHR) and was taken on a webcam and post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This easterly view (19/5/21) at 17:28 shows Palmerston and Prince arriving back at Porthmadog ECS with the 10 coach special use for the excursion. Click on the image to expand. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a webcam and post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Blanche shunted its rake into the yard at Porthmadog at 17:02 with the light engine heading back to Boston Lodge at 17:06.  This left the line clear for the ECS from the excursion to arrive and be shunted which passed Minffordd at 17:20 arriving in Porthmadog at 17:28. The rakes needed to be shunted ready for the three trains on Thursday however the two locos returned directly to Boston Lodge by 17:55 leaving the shunt for the following day's locos.

Further changes to webcams

Access to the FR webcams is now via Railcam using YouTube's player and functionality has been lost again. There appears to be no ability to roll back time other than the standard 15 second rewind and pinching on an iPad to select and magnify does not lock that view area as it did with the previous player.

Llangollen crane issue resolved

There is some great news about the Llangollen Railway's historic Cowans Sheldon crane. The owner of Sandbach Commercial Dismantlers who won the Cowans Crane in the auction last week has met with several LR Trust representatives on site. He has very kindly agreed to keep the crane in one piece and on the railway for the foreseeable future. The Railway also has the option to buy it back over an extended period, including offsetting the value raised from supplying day-to-day scrap materials to SCD. The urgent priority obviously remains on raising funds for the re-opening of the railway later this year (and both the Rolling Stock and Full Steam Ahead appeals are still open), but there will be a specific fundraising programme to support the crane.

FR traffic 17/5/21

Spooners reopened for inside service today. The 3 train service on Tuesday is showing as sold out as is the two train service on Wednesday. As the FR has the ability to run 5 Mountain Prince trains it is surprising that no others have been added to the timetable.

Blanche appeared to have brought the A set back from maintenance today directly to the FR platform and ran round it by 10:24. The train left on time at 11:05. Film crews were back on the platform taking advantage of the brighter weather. The orange army were maintaining the track in the station. The train passed Minffordd at 11:15 where it stops for token exchange and arrived at Tan-y-bwlch at 11:48 in sunshine. Blanche received some help from the rear from Moelwyn as it departed at 11:55.

By 12:30 the train had returned to Tan-y-bwlch and at 12:35 Moelwyn ran round with Blanche following to the eastern shunt limit to exchange places. Work appeared to be underway on the station building.  Down at Porthmadog Prince turned up to shunt the rake from the seawall siding at 13:07 and the rake was in the platform a few minutes later. It passed Blanche at Minffordd at 13:50 and arrived back at 14:05. Blanche ran round at 14:25 and was coupled up for the 15:00 by 14:28 and left on time.

This westerly view (16/5/21) at 12:35 shows Moelwyn running round to the rear of the train to exchange positions with Blanche on the return working of the 11:05. Blanche ran round shortly afterwards. Click on the image to expand. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a webcam and post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

At 14:22 Moelwyn ran to the west end of Tan-y-bwlch ready for the 13:40 which arrived at 14:24. Some people ask to get off at Tan-y-bwlch and use the facilities, foregoing the trip to Dduallt. The train left at 14:36 with Moelwyn on the rear.

By the end of the day the F&WHR had added a 12:25 on Tuesday, which requires 3 engines in steam, as the other three trains were fully booked. However the two trains on Wednesday are also fully booked but additional services cannot be run as there is a special working in association with the Snowdonia Statesman railtour arriving at Blaenau Ffestiniog.

Webcam changes

The FR's webcams have changed and are showing Railcam logos. The Inside Motion links have lost their roll back functionality and display as a regular YouTube stream which can be viewed as full screen but not selectively pinched to make larger sizes on an iPad for example. Free membership of Webcam can restore that lost functionality via the Railcam website but makes it a little slower to switch between the three FR webcams.

FR traffic 16/5/21

The 11:05 is sold out right through to 22/5/21. The two trains on Wednesday 19/5/21 are already sold out but there are no signs of enhancing the service on this day as the potential is there to operate 5 trains in the Mountain Prince timetable. The day started off cloudy but dry at Porthmadog. Prince left Boston Lodge at 10:23 to refuel and water at Porthmadog at 10:28 before shunting the rake to the platform. At 12:25 Moelwyn led Prince's train back into Tan-y-bwlch from Dduallt and by 12:43 the locos had changed places. At 12:25 Upnor Castle was stabled rather unusually in the seawall siding at Porthmadog and was still there early afternoon but had goner by 16:00. Blanche arrived light engine from Boston Lodge at 13:03 for the 13:40 departure. Meanwhile Prince left Tan-y-bwlch at 13:31. Blanche departed Porthmadog on time at 13:40 and passed Prince at Minffordd at 13:50. Prince resumed its journey at 13:55 arriving at Porthmadog at 14:05 in plenty of time for the deep clean team to prepare the rake for the 15:00. It had run round at 14:16. Blanche arrived at Tan-y-bwlch at 14:24.

Prince arrived at Tan-y-bwlch at 15:44 and departed for Dduallt at 15:53 once Moelwyn was attached to the rear. This allowed Blanche to run round at 15:59. Departure came at 16:10 leaving the platform free for Prince to return from Dduallt at 16:23. Blanche arrived back at Porthmadog at 16:46 and ran round at 16:55. The loco shunted the stock to the sidings at 17:00 and departed light engine for Boston Lodge at 17:05 after being held at the signalbox for several minutes as Moelwyn arrived at Pen Cob light from Tan-y-bwlch at 17:07 and shunted into the depot. With the line finally clear at 17:12 Blanche departed for the depot, somewhat later than usual.

Prince departed Tan-y-bwlch at 17:15 with the return working of the 15:00, passing Minffordd at 17:41 and arriving at Porthmadog at 17:50. The loco propelled the rake out at 18:04 in an unusual move all the way across The Cob to the Carriage Sheds, presumably for planned maintenance.

This easterly view (16/5/21) shows Prince propelling the return working of the 15:00 out of the platform and across The Cob at 18:05 presumably for servicing at Boston Lodge. Click on the image to expand. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a webcam and post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Llangollen latest

The Llangollen Trust says they are on track to reopen the line late July or early August following the auction of the bankrupt Company's assets on 12/5/21 and have acquired essential plant and the accessible coach M4858 from the auction. Two friendly bidders acquired two more of the 9 Mk1's up for sale which will therefore stay on the railway. The railway now has at least two full length rakes of coaches, however it has lost the RMB to the Spa Valley Railway. One concern is the Cowans 50 tonne crane which a scrap merchant purchased for £35,000 to be cut up on site. This working crane, the ex-Laira breakdown crane, is fully operational and a campaign has been launched to buy it back from the scrap merchant. For more details and a link to donations see Llangollen Trust's Press Release.

To reopen the line some additional work is needed on the Dee Bridge and in Berwyn Tunnel. Meanwhile the waiting room at Corwen station is under construction on the new island platform and the token signalling system has been tested which will eventually allow a second train to follow between Carrog and Corwen. The signal box itself is nearing completion externally.

FR traffic 15/5/21

Saturday dawned a bit rainy and dull in Porthmadog but with all three trains fully booked, it appeared too late to add an extra 12:25, which would have required a third engine in steam. The 11:05 is already fully booked for the next three days but the FR can add an extra on Wednesday as the only two trains currently advertised, the 10:00 and 13:40 are already fully booked. These only require one loco in steam however. With the Prime Minister admitting he has let Indian variant into the country and its rapid growth, a potential fourth wave of COVID is possible. Many visitors may be seeking to have a quick holiday before the possibility of further lockdowns materialises.

Prince left Boston Lodge at 10:30, arrived at Porthmadog Harbour Station at 10:38 and by 10:45 it had shunted the A set into the platform. The train departed on time. Up at Tan-y-bwlch, no attempt had been made to restore the short lived awning blown down in the gales over a week ago. Work was underway on the wall of the small station building opposite the signal box. Moelwyn shunted to the westbound platform at 11:10and 11:42 moved to the west end in order to allow a quick coupling to the rear of the arrival of the 11:05 from Porthmadog which came at 11:48. Departure for Dduallt came at 11:55 with some assistance from the diesel loco. Moelwyn arrived back at 12:23 with Prince on the rear and passengers had their hour break. Prince arrived back at Porthmadog at 14:08 in plenty of time for the Zoono Gang to clean the train before the 15:00 working.

This westerly view (15/5/21) shows Prince arriving on the 15:00 while Palmerston awaits a run round at 15:46. The locos sport different coloured Mountain Prince headboards. Click on the image to expand. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a webcam and post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Palmerston left Boston Lodge at 12:10 and arrived to shunt the yard at 12:19. The rake was shunted into the platform at 12:48 and the loco crew took their lunch break with the sun coming out. Up at Tan-y-bwlch the locos had swopped places by 12:55. Palmerston passed Prince at Minffordd at about 13.55 as the former made its way to Tan-y-bwlch. About 20 people gathered to watch the spectacle of Prince departing on time at 15:01 on its second turn of the day. Meanwhile Moelwyn arrived back at Tan-y-bwlch at 15:00 with Palmerston on the rear for an hour's break for passengers. Prince passed Minffordd at 15:13 and arrived at Tan-y-bwlch at 14:46. Moelwyn was connected to the rear by 15:49 and the rake set off for Dduallt at 15:52 allowing Palmerston to run round at 15:57 and couple to the west end at 16:05. There was some difficulty obtaining a vacuum and the train did not leave until 16:18, the second time a brakes problem has delayed a service in the same week. Palmerston's departure cleared the platform just in time for the 15:00 to arrive back from Dduallt at 16:26 for the customary hour break (often shortened to 45 mins on the last train of the day). Prince had uncoupled and moved over to the water tower by 16:34.

Down at Porthmadog Palmerston was shunting its rake into the seawall siding at 16:56 then ran light engine to Boston Lodge at 16:59, back on schedule despite the late start from Tan-y-bwlch. Prince departed at 17:14 and passed Minffordd at 17:36. Arrival at Porthmadog came at 17:44 and run round at 17:51. The rake was shunted to the yard at 17:57 and the loco departed light engine to Boston Lodge at 18:00 bringing activities to a close for the day.

At the end of the day, next Wednesday's peculiar timetable with only two FR trains, which are already sold out, has not seen any additional trains added.

Spooners indoor dining reopens 27/5/21

Following WAG advice Spooners will reopen services for indoor locals and visitors from 12:00 until 22:00 drinks only table service. The take away food option will continue to be offered from 09:00 to 16:00 as the F&WHR is still building its catering team despite advertising for staff some weeks ago. This is also true of other catering outlets where foreign workers have gone home due to BREXIT issues and UK workers don't wish to take on insecure basic wage jobs. No mention is made about the De Winton Cafe at Caernarfon in the announcement.

TfW advises timetable changes from 16/5/21

Transport for Wales has advised that there will be timetable changes from Sunday 16/5/21, mostly for North Wales.

FR traffic 14/5/21

Only two trains were advertised today and so only one engine was required in steam. Blanche was the rostered traction and departed on time at 11:05. Blanche had run round at Tan-y-bwlch by 13:17 and departed by 13:39, passing Minffordd at 13:58 and arriving at Porthmadog at 14:07 for the Zoono squad to clean before the 15:00 departure. Moelwyn was stabled at Tan-y-bwlch waiting for the 15:00.

Moel Hebog was in the WHR platform at Porthmadog with a S&T cherrypicker train during the lunch break and shunted to the east end of the platform at 13:15 where the FR/WHR starter signal received some attention. Preparation may be underway for the Glaslyn Venturer including getting the track/signals ready and driver training as services commence on 30/5/21. Meanwhile Blanche ran round at 14:31 after coaling and watering for its 15:00 service.

It was all go at 14:52 with Moelwyn running round the S&T train and Upnor Castle bring the C set back from maintenance at Boston Lodge. Blanche left on time with the 15:00 with over 20 bystanders watching the proceedings. Once clear of the shunt limit, Upnor Castle, having run round, shunted the rake into the yard. Meanwhile Moel Hebog with the cherrypicker attended the advance starter/shunt signal halfway along the platform departing at 15:57. It arrived at Minffordd at 16:09 and shunted into the yard. Upnor Castle emerged for the yard at 15:10 and took instructions from the signalbox. Blanche passed Minffordd at 15:13 and having cleared the section, this allowed Upnor Castle to set off light engine for Boston Lodge at 15:16.

This easterly view (13/5/21) shows Moel Hebog on the cherrypicker rake in the WHR platform at 14:57. Blanche is preparing for the 15:00 in the FR platform and Upnor Castle has just returned the C set to the yard from planned maintenance. Click on the image to expand. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a webcam and post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Blanche arrived Tan-y-bwlch and after Moelwyn was coupled to the rear, the train left for Dduallt at 15:50 and arrived back at 16:19. Blanche ran round at 16:27 while Moelwyn went light engine to Boston Lodge. The train was back in Porthmadog by 15:50 and Blanche ran round at 17:55. At 17:58 the rake was shunted to the yard and Blanche departed light for Boston Lodge at 18:03.

In the week ahead the standard three trains 11:05/13:40/15:00 operate most days except Wednesday when so far a 10:00 and 13:40 are booked to run. This was likely to be revised as there were only 3 compartments left across the two trains by the end of Friday. Thursday, Friday and Sunday are currently showing as back to the usual 3 trains and the 13:40 had been reinstated for Saturday by the end of Friday. The popular 11:05 is sold out Saturday and some other days next week.

Llangollen auction 12/5/21

Over 60 bidders came to 'pick over the bones' of the Llangollen Railway with the Mk1 coaches being in greatest demand. The auctioneer suggested over £1 million could be raised. It was surprising that railways from Cornwall, Norfolk and the North came to buy the coaches. The Llangollen Trust itself hoped to buy some of the rolling stock and equipment. See BBC News story.

North Wales main line 14/5/21

No.37800 was said to be making several Chester-Holyhead runs on 14/5/21, presumably for driver training.

The Autumn introduction of loco hauled Mk4 trains will sadly not feature Shotton station, a vital interchange with the Borderlands Line.

FR traffic 13/5/21

At 1000 the Harbour Station platform seats were receiving attention with new seating planks being provided for some. There was 1 compartment left on the 11:05 but the 13:40 was fully booked as was the 15:00 and tomorrow's 11:05 tomorrow (one of only two trains operating Friday-Sunday on the FR). Yesterday's film crew appeared to be working on the platform throughout the morning.

The day kicked off with Blanche emerging from Boston Lodge at 10:20 and running into the yard to collect the A set. The rake was shunted under the platform canopy by 10:37 and departed on time at 11:05 in dull weather. The train arrived at 11:48 and Moelwyn was waiting at the west end to be coupled to the rear. This was achieved in short order at 1152 and the train set off for Dduallt at 11:54. Some people had chosen to sit in the Open coach No.37 rather than the brake No.113. The train arrived back at 12:21 for an hour break. Light rain was falling. At 12:26 Blanche detached and ran round as the rain set in. The train left for Porthmadog at 13:28 passing the 13:40 at Minffordd at 13:55 and arriving at Porthmadog at 14:05 in plenty of time for the Zoono Squad to prepare the coaches for the 15:00.

Meanwhile down at Porthmadog, Welsh Pony had arrived early at about 12:50 and shunted the C under the platform canopy by 13:00 ready for the 13:40. The platform has become a spectator sport area with a least a dozen watching or photographing the departure. The train left on time and passed Minffordd at 13:50 and arrived at Tan-y-bwlch at 14:28. Moelwyn coupled up to the rear at 14:30 and the train left for Dduallt at 14:33 arriving back at 15:03 for an hour's break.

Blanche left Porthmadog on time on the 15:00 in wet conditions, passing Minffordd at 15:12. The train arrived at 15:41 and Moelwyn was coupled up by 15:45. The train left for Dduallt at 15:48. Meanwhile Welsh Pony ran round by 16:15 and departed for Porthmadog at 16:19 passing Minffordd at 16:49 and arriving at Porthmadog at 16:58. Moelwyn had arrived back on the 15:00 at 16:31 after a longer than normal trip to Dduallt. Blanche ran round at 16:41 and hung round by the footbridge at 17:00 before coupling up at 17:28 and departing for Porthmadog at 17:34.

Welsh Pony had not run round by 17:25 even after being signalled for a long period and diesel assistance was called for from Boston Lodge. Moelwyn, having recently arrived light engine from Tan-y-bwlch off the 15:00 service, arrived in the FR platform at 17:35. There may have been a problem with vacuum brakes as a further long signalled shunt did not occur until 17:45. There was a risk that if the rake was not moved the returning 15:00 would have to run into the WHR platform. Moelwyn emerged at from the platform at 16:58 with its wheel's spinning dragging the failed rake. The diesel managed to propel the rake into the yard at 18:01 and the rake was placed in the seawall siding.

This easterly view (13/5/21) shows Moelwyn coming to the rescue at 17:33. It appeared that the brakes of the 13:40 rake were binding as the loco struggled to extract the rake from blocking the platform. Click on the image to expand. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a webcam and post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Blanche arrived back at 18:05 in the FR platform which had been cleared with minutes to spare! The return working of the 15:00 had possibly been held for a few minutes at Minffordd. Moelwyn emerged from the yard light engine and took instruction from the signalbox. At 18:09 it was shunted into the FR platform while the yard points were set for Welsh Pony to shunt out. At 18:14 Moelwyn coupled to the rear of Welsh Pony and the pair set of light engine for Boston Lodge at 18:16. Once beyond the shunt limit, Blanche was signalled to run round and shunt its rake to the yard. The rake was shunted at 18:22. At 18:26 Blanche left light engine for Boston Lodge bringing the day's activities to a close.

The FR has today increased its offering to three trains on Saturday and Sunday with the addition of the 13:40 but Friday still only has 2 trains despite one being fully booked already.

Set Composition

Trains run in fixed formation sets with compartment numbers as last year. Additional open coaches may be added when weather improves. Compartment Nos. range from 1-24 but Open coaches are not designated.

Open coach No.39 soon to fleet 14/5/21

This Boston Lodge view (14/5/21) shows No.39 hauled out into the sun for some finishing touches. The coach may join the B set in coming weeks offering a pleasant experience in the hopefully warmer Late Spring Bank holiday soon to come. Click on the image to expand. This image is copyright Glenn Williams (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

FR traffic 12/5/21

All three trains today are sold out leading to the suggestion that additional trains might soon be introduced on an ad hoc basis as up to 5 trains a day can be run in the Mountain Prince timetable. The 11:00 and 13:40 are sold out on Thursday too. The decision to reduce the service to just 2 trains on Friday-Sunday most be questionable in the circumstances.

The action kicked off at 9:30 when steam was noted being raised and a diesel shunted out onto The Cob and set back towards the Old Loco Shed. Blanche eventually left Boston Lodge at 10:23 and made its way across The Cob to shunt Harbour Station Yard. The rake was shunted under the canopy at 10:37 as the weather was wet and windy and departed on time at 11:05. Moelwyn was waiting the arrival at Tan-y-bwlch which came at 11:50, was coupled up by 11:53 and departed for Dduallt at 11:56. The train was back by 12:24 for passengers to have an hour break and arrived back at Porthmadog at about 14:00.

Meanwhile, after the 13:40 from Porthmadog with Welsh Pony had cleared Minffordd loop, the KMX tamper and running truck emerged from Minffordd Yard at 14:05 and appeared to head towards Tan-y-bwlch. Blanche arrived back at Porthmadog at 14:11 to form the 15:00 service after Zoono cleaning. At Tan-y-bwlch a video/drone team was setting up to record the arrival of the 13:40. The train arrived at 14:28, Moelwyn coupled to the rear and it left for Dduallt a few minutes later arriving back at 15:01. Down in Porthmadog the sun had come out and Blanche departed on the 15:00 arriving at Tan-y-bwlch at 15:49. Moelwyn was connected to the rear at 15:52 and the train left for Dduallt at 15:54 allowing Welsh Pony to water and run round on the 13:40 at 16:00.

This westerly view (12/5/21) shows the KMX tamper/liner departing Minffordd Yard at 12:05. It appeared to head towards Tan-y-bwlch. Click on the image to expand. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a webcam and post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Later in the afternoon one loco, presumably Welsh Pony, entered Boston Lodge at 17:25, a little later than usual. Blanche passed Minffordd at 17:39 on the return working of the 15:00. The train arrived back at Harbour Station at 17:48 and pulled under the platform canopy. The loco ran round at 17:54 and shunted the rake to the yard at 17:58. Blanche left for Boston Lodge at 18:04 bringing the day to a close.

Compartments are only available on the 15:00 on Thursday. The timetable still shows only two trains from Friday-Sunday (11:05 and 15:00) and the 11:00 has only one compartment left on Friday. There are plenty of compartments left on the Gelert Explorer Thursday and Saturday.

Insidemotion webcams site overwhelmed!

The F&WHR's FR webcams (there is still no WHR Dinas webcam!) were recently moved to an alternative 'Insidemotion' website probably to prevent bandwidth being used blocking ticket sales. Now the 'Insidemotion' website itself is being overwhelmed with the website frequently showing almost 100 webcam viewers and sometimes the message 'Resource Limit Is Reached' is displayed so the webcams are inaccessible.

Welsh Hospitality to reopen from 17/5/21

One of the first acts of Mark Drakeford, WAG's First Minister after Labour were re-elected last Thursday has been to confirm the re-opening of Welsh Tourism including indoor restaurants from 17/5/21. WAG is offering a package of financial support. Businesses will be able submit applications by the end of the May and they will receive between £2,500 and £25,000 depending on their circumstances. Funding will be calculated based on the size of the business and the type of restrictions they are under. This support is in addition to the Welsh Government’s £610m non-domestic rates relief which will mean more than 70,000 retail, leisure and hospitality businesses pay no rates in 2021-22.

An announcement might be expected shortly from the F&WHR about opening the Spooners, De Winton Cafe and the Tan-y-bwlch cafe to inside dining. The existing F&WHR timetable continues until 23/7/21 and is being reviewed in the light of current demand and the anticipation of a UK-wide staycation this summer as many traditional foreign holidays are closed by COVID.

Expansion of F&WHR services?

So far the only expansion of F&WHR services known is the proposed Glaslyn Adventurer which runs twice daily Porthmadog to Beddgelert from the Bank Holiday Monday 31/5/21 with trains running TWThO generally. An enquiry about all F&WHR trains in early July found that many are booking up quite heavily in advance with only a few compartments left two months in advance of travel. Many preserved railways have advised a return to a more normal timetable in mid-May with the relaxation of COVID regulations. The F&WHR is still considering its options from 23/7/21 when the current timetable ends.

Portillo on the FR broadcast 13/5/21

Another episode of Great Railway Journeys will be shown on BBC2 on 13/5/21 at 18:30. Michel Portillo recounts his journey from Blaenau to Barmouth with footage of the FR. The programme is available on BBC iPlayer for the following 30 days.

No.87 Gelert Explorer 6/5/21

The 6/5/21 was a sunny day with a lot of snow on the top of the mountains. Snowdon had a good covering. No. 87 was allocated for this day and No.130 was rostered on 11/5/21 possibly for the first time since its appearance on 30/4/21 following a problem with No.87. For additional images see F&WHR Facebook page.

This northerly view (6/5/21) shows No.87 with the Gelert Explorer headboard waiting for the 11:00 departure from Caernarfon. This service runs TThSO at present but could be extended to additional days if traffic grows and appears to be preferring No.87 at the moment. Click on the image to expand . This image is courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera and post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

FR traffic 11/5/21

On 11/5/21, the 11:05 and 13:40 were fully booked but there were seats available on the 15:00. The Gelert Explorer had the unusual message 'Call to book' showing in the last 20 minutes before departure which may be the usual response close to departure time. Blanche was shunting the C set with Coaches Nos.23/21/17 and the two brakes Nos.11/12 into the platform at 10:43 for the 11:05. As usual recently the rake was shunted under the platform canopy, departing at 11:06. Blanche passed Minffordd at 11:16 and Moelwyn was already waiting at Tan-y-bwlch to attach to the rear when it arrived at 11:44. The train had departed for Dduallt within 10 minutes. The train has arrived back from Dduallt by 12:50 and Moelwyn and Blanche had changed ends. There were showers at Tan-y-bwlch as the train left for Porthmadog at 13:30.

Meanwhile, down at Porthmadog Palmerston had propelled the rake for the 13:40 under the platform canopy, leaving at 13:42., passing Minffordd at 13:51.

Plas-y-nant works 8-9/5/21

The North Wales Track Gang was working at Plas-y-nant over the weekend of 8-9/5/21 with Vale of Ffestiniog in support. With the No.87 operating on the Saturday, the PW train retreated to Rhyd Ddu, while the volunteers continued their task re-installing the footpath crossing to Plas-y-nant Halt.

This northerly view (6/5/21) shows Vale of Ffestiniog at Rhyd Ddu presumably to allow No.87 on Gelert Explorer to pass. Click on the image to expand. This image is copyright Tom Waldren and was taken on a digital camera and post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (6/5/21) shows No.87 approaching Plas-y-nant bridge with the return working of the Gelert Explorer. Click on the image to expand. This image is copyright Tom Waldren and was taken on a digital camera and post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Fence repair 6/5/21

It is over 20 years since the WHR fencing was installed and the fencing is being renewed in places such as Castell Cidwm where there is a lot of cattle in neighbouring fields.

This southerly view (6/5/21) shows No.87 passing the Infrastructure Gang replacing fence posts at Castle Cidwm with the Gelert Explorer. Snowdon shows a good covering of late Spring snow after recent storms. Click on the image to expand. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera and post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Welsh COVID rules to change 17/5/21

With Labour re-elected to govern WAG Mark Drakeford, the First Minister, has confirmed there will be a review of COVID on Friday 13/5/21, possibly leading to further relaxation of COVID regulations from 17/5/21. As COVID rates in Wales have fallen to a low level, it is widely expected that indoor dining might be allowed in Spooners and the De Winton Cafe and potentially on trains too. Despite this there has been a small outbreak in a holiday camp at Black Rock Sands, just outside Porthmadog. Labour has promised an additional £200 million to assist businesses affected by COVID and some of this may come the F&WHR's way and possibly help the bankrupt Llangollen Railway too.

Llangollen auction latest

Labour made election promises to help the Llangollen Railway which this week is seeing an auction of the part of the rolling stock owned by the Company including 9 Mk1 coaches. It has been made clear that the shunter up for sale is the Company's hybrid private built 08 'Davy' built for ICI and named after chemist Sir Humphrey Davy. The bidding closes on 12/5/21 at 2pm. Supporters hope that the Llangollen Trust will be able to secure some of the rolling stock. Click here for auction catalogue which includes 9 BR MkI coaches. It is not clear how many coaches are left in the Trust's ownership to run a service but the railway also has a considerable number of privately owned DMUs and the Diesel Group has its privately owned operational Class 08/26/47 locos and Wirral Council's Class 03. There is a Class 31 on an extended visit to the railway but long term Llangollen resident Foxcote Manor is away at the West Somerset Railway and signed up there for the next few years.

Historic railway bridge concern continues

John Sreeves writes: You may be aware that Highways England is proposing to demolish or infill hundreds of redundant railway structures throughout the country (including Wales and Scotland); an act of desecration finishing off what Beeching started. A campaign to prevent this happening is gathering support where many railway routes could be reopened or repurposed for leisure activities. The attached document highlights examples where some bridges are under immediate threat; others will follow. All bridges in HRE ownership are recognisable by a stencilled black and white panel painted on the parapet or abutment, showing the former line reference and bridge number. Constant vigilance is needed, as HRE are using underhand tactics to get their way. By declaring ‘permitted development rights’ or ‘emergency powers’ they are able to circumvent the planning system. In many instances, people only get to know about it when the bulldozers turn up on site. Some of the bridges do indeed need remedial work, or have weight restrictions, but not to the extent to justify demolition. Please keep a watchful eye for any railway infrastructure in your area that may be under threat, thereby prejudicing reuse of the former railway route.

For further details see HRE Securing its Potential leaflet.

FR traffic 10/5/21

Both the 11:05 and 13:40 were sold out today but there were compartments left on the 15:00. Blanche shunted the A Set into the platform under the awning at 10:45 as it was a blustery day with passing showers. Moelwyn was at Tan-y-bwlch. Blanche was back from Dduallt and had exchanged places with Moelwyn by 12:35. At 13:07 Palmerston arrived and shunted the C set from the seawall sidings and shunted it under the platform awning, departing on the 13:40.

At 17:48 Blanche was running round to shunt its 15:00 service back to the yard. The rake had unloaded under the platform awning again. The loco left light for the depot at 17:57 bringing the day's activities to a close.

The 11:05 was fully booked for Tuesday and Wednesday and the 13:40 only had one compartment left.

Penmaenmawr stone paths from 17/5/21

The diagrams for the new Penmaenmawr stone trains are now available on RealTime Trains. The Jumbo empty westbound working 6D17 leaves Crewe Basford Hall at 18:44 and arrives Penmaenmawr at 20:46. The two loaded eastbound workings are 6K61 Penmaenmawr dep 06:44, arriving Crewe Basford Hall 08:43 and 6K17 Penmaenmawr dep 16:53 arriving Crewe Basford Hall arr 19:20. It is not known exactly when the trains will start as driver training has not yet occurred.

Clearance work is also underway at Llandudno Junction Yard for a future freight flow of slate waste from Penrhyn Quarry which will be loaded in the yard from lorries.

On 6/5/21 No.67015 hauling a Mk4 coaches test ran from Cardiff to Holyhead and back. This was a test train to determine timings and fuel consumption under various load conditions. The paths for loco hauled service begin 13/9/21 according to RealTime Trains. Users of this route currently have to change at Shrewsbury (Sunday there are some through trains).

FR traffic 9/5/21

Sunday was a day full of excitement on the FR due apparently to a failure on the 13:40. Initially things went well with David Lloyd George on the 11:05 arriving back from Dduallt at 12:20 carrying the Mountain Prince headboard, unlike the previous day. Moelwyn was back on the pilot duty. There were still compartments available on the 13:40 and 15:00. The locos had changed ends at Tan-y-bwlch by 12:47. The double Fairlie returned to Porthmadog on time presumably passing Welsh Pony at Minffordd on the 13:40. However, running round its rake at 14:20 the double Fairlie left Porthmadog light engine for Minffordd. It stopped to deliver packages near the Minffordd signal, presumably to effect a repair of Welsh Pony, then staff opened the location cabinet to set the route into the westbound platform at Minffordd at 14:36. This may have been connection with the late running of the 13:20 which had not arrived in Tan-y-bwlch by 14:40. As the Fairlie was to be the train engine for the 15:00, another loco was rapidly steamed at Boston Lodge. Welsh Pony emerged from Minffordd Yard siding at 14:54 presumably having been replaced by the Fairlie on the late 14:20 at Minffordd. It then appeared to run back light engine to Boston Lodge.

Palmerston emerged from Boston Lodge at 15:05 and departed at 15:15, just 15 minutes down. David Lloyd George arrived at Tan-y-bwlch at 15:08, some 40 minutes late after recovering the failure, and had gone to Dduallt within 10 minutes. Moelwyn arrived back at 15:35 with the Fairlie on the rear. Palmerston arrived at 16:04 with the B set and Moelwyn coupled to the rear at 16:08. The rake set off for Dduallt at 16:13 freeing the platform for the Fairlie to run round at 16:17 and depart for Porthmadog at 16:37. Moelwyn returned with the late running 15:00 at 16:44.

This westerly view (8/5/21) shows David Lloyd George carrying the correct headboard for the first time, finishing its turn a little early at 17:25 after being pressed into service to take the 13:40 forwards from Minffordd after Welsh Pony experienced a problem. Originally it had been booked for the 15:00, which was taken over by Palmerston, rapidly turned out from Boston Lodge. Click on the image to expand. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a webcam and post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Meanwhile at 17:25 David Lloyd George ran round after watering at Porthmadog and shunted its rake to the yard, departing light engine for the depot at 17:34. At the same time Palmerston was watering, running round at Tan-y-bwlch. It departed for Porthmadog at 17:37 passing Minffordd at 18:03, arriving at Porthmadog at 18:13 and pulling forward under the platform awning as did most trains this week. After watering Palmerston ran round at 18:29 and propelled the rake into the yard. The day's activities came to and end when the loco headed light engine back to the depot at 18:40.

The Mountain Prince 11:05 is sold out for the next three days but both the afternoon trains have compartments free all week. The Gelert Explorer has free compartments but only runs TThSO in the week ahead.

FR traffic 8/5/21

The day kicked off wet and windy yet both the 11:05 and 12:40 were fully booked with compartments still available on the 15:00. Welsh Pony came across from Boston Lodge at 10:35 and shunted the seawall siding before drawing the A set out at 10:50 and propelling it right under the platform awning to protect the passengers from the weather. The 11:05 left at 11:06 and illustrated the unusual section event caused by wind over the signalbox and relay cabin where the wind from the sea generates a lower pressure on the leeward side which sucks smoke up to the roof ridge before propelling it north towards Traeth Mawr.

The train passed Minffordd at 11:17 and Upnor Castle was already waiting at 11:20 having taken over the Dduallt shunt duty from Moelwyn for the weekend The train arrived at Tan-y-bwlch at 11:52 in pouring rain and Upnor Castle connected to the rear at 11:57. The train departed for Dduallt at 12:04 with assistance from the diesel. The train arrived back from Dduallt about 12:35 pilotted by Upnor Castle. There was good condensation in the damp air but fortunately the rain had stopped. Welsh Pony detached at 12:42 and went to water. Upnor Castle shunted to the rear at 12:47 and immediately afterwards Welsh Pony ran round to the front of the train. Welsh Pony departed at 13:31.

This westerly view (8/5/21) shows Welsh Pony running round its rake at Tan-y-bwlch at 12:47 just after Upnor Castle had exchanged placed with it. Click on the image to expand. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a webcam and post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

The 14:20 was a surprise on Saturday as double Fairlie David Lloyd George was turned out for the 13:40. After arriving and pausing in the platform for a while, it shunted the rake into the platform under the awning at 13:35. The double Fairlie departed with the 5 bogie C set with no Open coach at 13:41 crossing Welsh Pony at Minffordd at 16:58. The loco carried a special headboard celebrating the Chief Mechanical Engineers 60th birthday. Welsh Pony arrived at Porthmadog at 14:08 and again pulled forward under the awning.

This westerly view (8/5/21) shows David Lloyd George passing Minffordd at 13:53 carrying the a headboard celebrating the CME's 60th Birthday. Click on the image to expand. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a webcam and post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

David Lloyd George arrived at Tan-y-bwlch by 14:30 and Upnor Castle was coupled to the rear by 14:33. The train left for Dduallt at 14:35 and arrived back at 15:05. Meanwhile down at Porthmadog Welsh Pony left on time on the 15:00 and arrived at Tan-y-bwlch at 15:44. With the Planet coupled to the rear, the train had left for Dduallt within 10 minutes and arriving back about 30 minutes later.

This westerly view (8/5/21) shows Welsh Pony arriving at Tan-y-bwlch at 15:44 passing David Lloyd George carrying the a headboard celebrating the CME's 60th Birthday. Click on the image to expand. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a webcam and post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

David Lloyd George ran round at 16:05 and departed for Porthmadog at 16:17 passing Minffordd at 16:43. This left the platform free for Upnor Castle to arrive at 16:20 piloting the return of the 15:00 return working. The Fairlie pulled into Porthmadog at 16:52 and, as is the new style of operation, disappeared under the platform awning. After watering the Fairlie ran round at 17:12 and shunted the rake to the seawall siding at 17:18 before leaving light engine for Boston Lodge at 17:20.

At 16:23 Welsh Pony detached and after exchanging places with Upnor Castle, watered and ran round to couple to the west end of the rake by 17:15. The train departed for Porthmadog at 17:20, passing Minffordd at 17:46 and arriving at Porthmadog at 17:56 this time pulling up a little short as the rain had ceased. Welsh Pony ran round at 18:09 and moved the rake to the sidings. The loco left light engine for Boston Lodge at 18:18.

There is no WHR service on Sundays for some reason but there are three FR services tomorrow with the 11:05 sold out as usual.

FR traffic 7/5/21

Vale of Ffestiniog was in the WHR platform with a Mess car, a flat wagon and a B wagon from at least 10:30 while steam was being raised at Boston Lodge for the 11:05. The Funkey left for Dinas just before Blanche arrived a little late at 10:48. Blanche ran through the FR platform, collected its train (including WHR coach No.23 but no Open) which was positioned under the platform awning because of the rain. It set off on time and passed Minffordd 11:16.

This easterly view (7/5/21) shows Vale of Ffestiniog ready to depart with a short works train towards Dinas at 10:21. The loco may have been used to shunt the 11:05 in Harbour Station under the awning earlier as the train engine was late and it was raining. Click on the image to expand. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a webcam and post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

The train arrived at Tan-y-bwlch at 11:46 where Moelwyn had been waiting since before 10:30. The diesel was coupled up at 10:49 and the train set off for Dduallt at 11:55 and was back within half an hour. By 13:15 the locos had swopped ends and departed at 13:30 for Porthmadog to become the 15:00 passing .

Meanwhile down at Porthmadog Welsh Pony was propelling the rake for the 13:40 under the awning at 13:15 even though it had stopped raining. The loco left on time at 13:40 with the A Set with Open coach No.37 on the rear. The train passed Minffordd at 13:50 passing Blanche at Rhiw Goch. Welsh Pony reached Tan-y-bwlch by 14:25 and after a trip to Dduallt it arrived back at 14:59. Blanche ran round in Porthmadog at 14:39 while another engine, presumably Prince or Palmerston, was noted in steam at Boston Lodge. Meanwhile Blanche departed Porthmadog at 15:03 for Dduallt.

At 15:58 Welsh Pony ran round at Tan-y-bwlch after Blanche had departed for Dduallt. The England departed for Porthmadog at 16:10 passing Minffordd at 16:42 and arriving at Porthmadog at 16:50 and pulling forward towards the awning. Moelwyn returned at 16:20 with Blanche on the rear. Blanche ran round at 16:54, watering on the way.

Meanwhile Welsh Pony propelled the rake out and then dragged the rake back into the sidings before running round. The loco emerged at 17:06 and paused at the signalbox until 17:10 when it left light engine for Boston Lodge. Blanche left Tan-y-bwlch at 17:13 and passed Minffordd at 17:36. The train arrived at Porthmadog at 1745 pulling right forwards to the awning. Blanche ran round at 17:52. The loco left light engine for Boston Lodge at 18:03.

Saturday 8/5/21 shows the 11:05 Mountain Prince fully booked again but there is no problem with compartments on the two later trains. There are plenty of compartments available on the Gelert Explorer too.

Open Coach No.39 ready to join fleet

FR Open coach No.39 will soon be ready to rejoin the fleet after some hard work by the Coachworks team. With better Summer weather approaching, it is likely the open Coach will be added to the B set to provide more choice.

This Boston Lodge view (5/5/21) shows No.39 hauled out into the sun for some finishing touches. Click on the image to expand. This image is copyright Glenn Williams (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

FR traffic 6/5/21

The Porthmadog signalman arrived by bicycle at 09:45 and stored his cycle in the signalbox before opening he box for traffic.
The day was to see sunshine and showers and there was snow overnight even in Porthmadog with a light covering on the Rhinogs. At the start of the day both the 11:05 and 12:25 were fully booked with seats only available on the 15:00. The 11:05
was also sold out for the Thursday with an identical pattern of three trains operating.
Prince arrived at Harbour station at 10:38 to draw out the A-set which was shunted into the platform by 10:46 ready for the 11:05, which departed on time. The 11:05 was sold out and the 12:25 had one compartment left. The 15:00 as usual was less popular as it arrives back at nearly 6pm. Prince passed Minffordd at 11:16 and arrived at Tan-y-bwlch at 11:52 with Moelwyn coupling to the rear at 11:54 and the train departing for Dduallt at 11:59. Moelwyn arrived back from Dduallt at 12:27 with Prince on the rear.

Welsh Pony hauled the second train with the B set containing NWNGR coach No.24 departing Porthmadog on time at 12:25 and passing Minffordd at 12:36. The train arrived at Tan-y-bwlch at 13:13 and Moelwyn coupled onto the rear at 13:16. The train departed at 13:21 for Dduallt allowing Prince to detach and water at 13:23. Prince departed for Porthmadog at 13:38.

Moelwyn pilotted Welsh Pony's train into Tan-y-bwlch at 13:51. Prince arrived back at Porthmadog at 14:12 with the Zoono squad ready to prepare it for the 15:00 departure, the last of the day. Moelwyn and Welsh Pony had exchanged places by 14:15 and the train departed for Porthmadog by 14:55 leaving the diesel at Tan-y-bwlch.

Prince departed Porthmadog on its second trip on the 15:00 arriving at Tan-y-bwlch at 15:44. Moelwyn was attached to the rear at 15:48 and the train departed for Dduallt at 15:53. All was over for the day by 18:00.

Friday sees a change in the timetable with the 11:05, 13:40 and 15:00 running which requires two locos in steam. The 11:05 is already sold out for Friday 7/5/21. This pattern persists until 13/5/21 though may be changed at short notice according to demand. While there are three trains this Sunday on the FR there is no Sunday service on the WHR. The WHR's Gelert Explorer is TThSO until 29/5/21. Three dates are already sold out 18/20/27 May suggesting there is suppressed demand.

If the WHR trains regularly sell out the F&WHR could run a short train out of Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu or Waunfawr for people who want a shorter trip comparable to the FR offering. This could even operate on the same day as the Gelert Explorer using the spare modern FR coaches or on days it does not run. However, from 1/6/21 the Glaslyn Adventurer will run TWThO and exceptionally on Bank Holiday Monday 31/5/21 twice a day from Porthmadog to Beddgelert at 10:15 and 13:40 carefully missing the dwell time of the Gelert Explorer at Beddgelert on days when they both run.

SMR cuts steam services

The Snowdon Mountain Railway has decided to withdraw its Heritage Steam Service for the 2021 season. They will be dedicating all available timetable capacity to the Traditional Diesel Service which will operate throughout the season from 22/5/21 (subject to weather) and in line with the prevailing Government restrictions. The impact on SMR operations is detailed on their website and during the booking process. Passengers who have already booked onto the Heritage Steam Experience will be contacted via email over the coming days. Hafod Eryri, the Summit Visitor Centre, will remain closed during the 2021 season and further details are available on the Summit Visitor Centre page. Trains will operate to Clogwyn with a half hour layover there and will not reach the summit. There are no facilities at Clogwyn. The half hour layover does not allow time for a walk to the summit and back.

Criccieth Castle repaint 5/5/20

Criccieth Castle is in Boston Lodge paint shop for a much needed repaint. There may be minor alterations to the paint scheme but the main features will remain as now.

Moving Pictures No.50 4/5/21

Click on the YouTube window to watch 23 mins 53 seconds of video covering the F&WHR including the first day of the FR's train service in miserable weather and No.130 on the Members' Special of 30/5/21 again in mostly dull weather. This YouTube was published on 4/5/21 and was taken by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a 4K digital camcorder. It is best watched in 1080p HD in Google Chrome browser as only 720p HD available on Windows. Alternatively click on the YouTube link.

FR traffic 5/5/21