WHR

Rhyd Ddu Opening Page

V3.1 updated 14/2/04

 

Rhyd Ddu opening

The WHR opened to Rhyd Ddu on 18/7/03. The first train of the day was Caernarfon Castle which operated light engine on a proving run. The second train was the 1030 'Special' for invited guests who had contributed to the project (though not your webmaster!). Take up was less than expected (perhaps short notice) so the FR offered seats  to the public on this first run at a £5 supplement. The day started damp and cloudy but was warm and sunny by the time the special arrived at Rhyd Ddu.

 

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This southerly view (18/8/03) shows Caernarfon Castle doing the proving run in the path of the first diesel hauled departure from Caernarfon. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B W Hughes taken on Samsung Digimax 230 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.

 

The train was followed by a troop of photographers from Waunfawr to Rhyd Ddu. Following arrival at 11.30, the passengers detrained and the train reversed out. It then returned at speed, bursting through a banner across the line in the platform for all to photograph to universal cheering and clapping.

Two small groups of protestors waved banners at Castell Cidwm and Glan-yr-afon. Outside broadcast TV cameras covered the opening in detail. The second train at 1150 was packed and various delays led to the last train running an hour late (still packed). It also ran an hour late the second day and was still packed. This proves the preparedness of people to travel on an evening 1730 departure! On the third day it was 30 minutes late and again over an hour late on Thursday due to No.143 experiencing brake problems and being substituted at Dinas by No. 138. 

Many people are joining/leaving the train at Rhyd Ddu and the last train is noticeably empty on leaving Rhyd Ddu. Rhyd Ddu car park (and its northern extension alongside the station entrance) have been almost full every day.

The trains runs at up to 20mph on the long straight section from Tan-y-ffordd to Tros-y-gol. There is a 'Stop & Proceed with caution' order at Snowdon Ranger level crossing (at least for few weeks). By the third day, people were beginning to use the halt (inform guard/stick hand out!).

Passengers were very appreciative of the spectacular views on offer and the open coaches were very popular despite cool weather. Some came back a second time! Coach parties have increased in number and have run to Rhyd Ddu. 

Hot drinks were running out on the buffet. There is clearly a need for an ice cream van or something similar at Rhyd Ddu. The Cwellyn Arms is sometimes able to offer all-day food (but phone to check!). When the weather is clear, their beer garden offers an excellent view of both the final 5 minutes of the WHR's climb to Rhyd Ddu and the Snowdon Mountain Railway's approach to the summit.

 

Completing the Rhyd Ddu loop

The weekend of 16-17/8 saw a large volunteer force completing the loop at Rhyd Ddu so that a diesel pilot was not required. All the test trains had been completed by Saturday night. Progress was so good that Sunday was used to complete the pw siding to the same length as the headshunt although no buffer stops were fitted as the intention is to press on to Beddgelert and Porthmadog!

 

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This southerly view (17/8/03) shows Dolgarrog arriving with its FR wagon in tow from last minute pw work down the line. Taxi-2 is the first loco to use the new run round connection while Harold is stabled in the pw siding. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B W Hughes taken on Samsung Digimax 230 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.

 

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This northerly view (17/8/03) shows Taxi-2 shunting back into the pw siding whilst Dolgarrog waits on the arrival line. In the future, when longer trains are run, the platform will be extended to the south through this location and the points and siding will be repositioned. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B W Hughes taken on Samsung Digimax 230 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.

 

There was a good crowd of volunteers, some who had come in response to the appeal on this website. The WHLR has been commissioned by the Fr to maintain Phase 3. There is some completion work to do involving ballast and super-elevation.

 

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This northerly view (17/8/03) shows volunteers at the headshunt surrounding Roland Doyle WHLR manager (yellow jacket) celebrating the end of Phase 3 with arms extending pointing to Phase 4 and Porthmadog. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B W Hughes taken on Samsung Digimax 230 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.

 

The connecting track was left un-ballasted and additional work in required here to level and tamp the loop. The same evening additional signs had to be erected at Waunfawr and digital images sent to HMRI to prove compliance with their list of requirements. Conway Castle was left stabled against the stop block at Waunfawr, Upnor Castle and the pw train was in the Plas-y-nant loop and the other three locos were locked in the Rhyd Ddu pw siding.

 

WHR on TV/video

S4C (and S4C Digital) featured the latest update to the WHR story on 8/9/03 at 2030 called 'For the Love of Steam-III'. The earlier two programmes will also be screened FTLOS-I (covering South Africa and Caernarfon-Dinas) at 1350 on 6/9/03 and FTLOS-II (covering Dinas-Waunfawr) at 1345 on 7/9/03. Helen Williams-Ellis of Beca Films has directed all three films. It is anticipated the video will be much longer than the half hour broadcast.

 

Tests 15/8/03

On Friday 15/8/03, No. 138 set out from Dinas at 0700 with a dry run before the final HMRI test train. It departed from Dinas a second time at 0900, picking up the Inspector at Waunfawr. The day was warm and sunny but with some cloud. I caught up with the train at Salem at 0930 as, fortunately for me, the inspector was checking every level crossing.

 

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This southerly view (15/8/03) shows No.138 at Plas-y-nant with its six coach rake returning to Dinas after the final HMRI test. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B W Hughes taken on Samsung Digimax 230 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.

 

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This southerly view (15/8/03) shows No.138 (plus Conway Castle to assist with the run-round) with the final HMRI test train tackling the steep gradient south from Castell Cidwm. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B W Hughes taken on Samsung Digimax 230 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.

 

Once the gradient was met on the approach to Plas-y-nant and south from at Castell Cidwm, the restarts offered some interesting slipping action which added to an unexplained squeak from the front right piston. The train finally arrived at Rhyd Ddu around midday.

After arrival in the platform the train reversed out of the station and No.138 detached and ran forwards into the incomplete run round loop. Conway Castle, which had been coupled inside No.138, hauled the train back into the platform. No. 138 then shunted out and coupled onto the north end for the return run.

 

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This northerly view (15/8/03) shows No.138 shunting into the run round loop at Rhyd Ddu while Conway Castle hauls the rake back into the station. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B W Hughes taken on Samsung Digimax 230 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.

 

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This northerly view (15/8/03) shows Conway Castle hauling the final HMRI test train back into the Rhyd Ddu station after the train had shunted out to release No.138. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B W Hughes taken on Samsung Digimax 230 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.

 

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This southerly view (15/8/03) shows No.138 shunting back onto the inspection train in Rhyd Ddu platform. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B W Hughes taken on Samsung Digimax 230 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.

 

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This southerly view (15/8/03) shows No.138 passing Snowdon Ranger Halt with the return working of the inspection train. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B W Hughes taken on Samsung Digimax 230 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.

 

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This westerly view (15/8/03) shows No.138 (plus Conway Castle at rear) with the final HMRI inspection train returning through Salem. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B W Hughes taken on Samsung Digimax 230 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.

 

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This northerly view (15/8/03) shows No.138 (plus Conway Castle at rear) with the final HMRI inspection train rounding the curves at Tros-y-gol. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B W Hughes taken on Samsung Digimax 230 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.

 

The pw gang had just started on the south end point for the future works train siding and the loop was due to be completed this weekend by volunteers in advance of services. Sleepers were laid out by Team Wylfa on the evening of 14/8/03.

 

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This southerly view (15/8/03) shows the pw team laying the point in the run round loop for the pw siding. About three lengths of rail need to be connected between this and the already positioned headshunt point in the distance. The isolated section of track in the distance to the right of the headshunt will form the pw siding. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B W Hughes taken on Samsung Digimax 230 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.

 

The Inspector returned to Waunfawr by car whilst the train made a non-stop run back to the station. At Waunfawr, Conway Castle uncoupled from the rear and returned to pw duties to the south. The test train waited for the service train to arrive at 1250 before departing for Dinas.

 

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This southerly view (15/8/03) shows No.138 (plus Conway Castle at the rear) with the final HMRI test train having returned to Waunfawr. This scene will be commonplace from 18/8/03 as northbound trains wait to cross southbound trains at Waunfawr. Some trains will continue to pass at Dinas. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B W Hughes taken on Samsung Digimax 230 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.

 

Tests 12/8/03

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This southerly view (12/8/03) shows No.143 with its six coach rake ready to leave Rhyd Ddu on the return working of the double headed Garratt test. No.138 was left on the rear of the train. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.

 

The long waited for double headed Garratt hauled test to Rhyd Ddu happened on the evening of 12/8/03. The train left Dinas at 1815 arriving at Rhyd Ddu at 2005. Garratt No. 143 led No.138 with both FR coaches, a saloon, two opens and No.23. The six coach rake left Waunfawr at 1900 and, after a brief stop at Snowdon Ranger, worked to Glan-yr-afon Viaduct.

 

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This southerly view from the train (12/8/03) shows Nos.143/138 hauling the double headed Garratt test through LC47 between Castell Cidwm and Snowdon Ranger. Although the train was quite light for this amount of power, the acceleration from the speed restrictions, coupled with the fierce 3-mile climb to the summit of the Nant-y-Betws Pass, is said to have been quite 'musical'. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Ian Butters taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.

 

Testing of the viaduct involved detaching the coaches just north of the viaduct and running the pair of Garratt onto the viaduct for both static deflection tests and dynamic tests at line speed. With the viaduct passing its test, the train proceeded to Rhyd Ddu. Following arrival in the platform at Rhyd Ddu, the train was shunted out and No. 143 detached. This loco ran into the run round loop (still incomplete). No. 138 then hauled the rake into platform and No.143 coupled onto the front of the return working, which was top and tailed to Dinas.

 

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This northerly view (11/8/03) shows Nos.143/138, having detached from their train just north of the viaduct, standing on the viaduct for a deflection test.. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Ian Butters taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.

 

Test trains

Caernarfon Castle hauled the first 6 carriage test train to Rhyd Ddu departing Dinas at 06.30 on 11/8/03. At Waunfawr Conway Castle was attached to the rear of the train to be used for the return journey as the run round at Rhyd Ddu is still incomplete. There are up to 20 PSRs and TSRs (permanent and temporary speed restrictions) and as the speed warning signs were not yet erected, Pete Gray also joined the train at Waunfawr to provide advice as to the location of speed limits.

 

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This northerly view (11/8/03) shows Caernarfon Castle with saloons edging its way carefully through the platform at Snowdon Ranger Halt on clearance tests with WHLR manager Roland Doyle officiating. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Anthony Siddall taken on a Kodak DC240 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.

 

The train was taken slowly through the platform at Snowdon Ranger Halt and Rhyd Ddu while Rowland Doyle checked the clearances between the carriages and the platform edge. Both platforms were given the all clear.

 

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This northerly view (11/8/03) shows Caernarfon Castle with saloons edging its way carefully through Rhyd Ddu platform on clearance tests with WHLR manager Roland Doyle officiating. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Anthony Siddall taken on a Kodak DC240 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.

 

The journey time is taking about 30 minutes because of the TSRs but as the track is further tamped during this week, it is hoped the raise the speed limits of some of the TSRs in order to achieve the time table time of 25 minutes. The train arrived back at Dinas just before 09.30 after dropping off Conway Castle at Waunfawr followed by Caernarfon Castle having to run round the train.

 

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This southerly view (11/8/03) shows Conway Castle with saloons at the north end of Rhyd Ddu station near LC64 leading the return trip to Dinas. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.

 

Progress to 9/8/03

During the course of the week all the bent rails in the Salem curves from LC35 to LC38 have been replaced and the track ballasted and tamped. Attention now switches to the section from Plas-y-nant to Snowdon Ranger where some final aligning, ballasting and tamping are necessary. Some three lengths of rail are also needed to complete the loop at Rhyd Ddu by joining the run-round to the headshunt point but it is not essential to complete this for the opening of the line.

Dolgarrog was involved with gauge widening duties at Salem on 8/8 and Harold was parked at Rhyd Ddu. Level crossing work is now concentrated on the Salem section as it is important that all are finished by the final HMRI visit on 15/8/03. Whistle boards went up on 7/8/03 and a set of some 20 permanent speed limit signs (5-25 mph) is being constructed at Dinas. In contrast to earlier painted signboards, these are welded steel lettering (as used by BR) to be painted yellow for high visibility.

 

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This westerly view (29/7/03) shows Upnor Castle at Plas-y-nant loading the ballast wagons. The footpath (visible foreground) to the future halt is now controlled by a locked gate next to the line (left). This is sure to be a photographic vantage point when the line opens. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B W Hughes taken on Samsung Digimax 230 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.

 

It has been decided that Caernarfon Castle and the Pullman car will primarily form the 28 'running in' trains. The special workings started on Saturday evening 9/8/03 and also ran on Sunday evening. Meanwhile, Conway Castle apparently returned to Dinas on 9/8 for attention to a fuel tank leak. It was back in action on 11/8/03 on test trains. Clearance runs with modern stock/Garratt may be towards the end of the week followed by the Garratt hauled special by Friday.

The WHLR is beginning to lay off staff as the work comes to a close and some volunteers who have been on long term pw duties have now left the project. Some staff will be retained to form the nucleus of a full time pw gang.

 

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This easterly view (8/8/03) shows the track gang at Plas-y-nant on the occasion of the departure back to Dinas of Alf (centre), a volunteer who has put in several weeks with them. Some are off to new jobs this week as the track nears completion. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B W Hughes taken on Samsung Digimax 230 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.

 

For several weeks now the Goods Shed has been used for storage, preparation and disposal of the loco for the first/last train of the day. This allows the Dinas to Waunfawr section to be used by pw trains or tests trains for an extra hour each end of the day. Completion/maintenance of the wagon fleet has had a lower priority as a result.

 

Volunteer Appeal for bolt tighteners 6/8/03

Team Wylfa have been brought out of retirement and will be working again Thursday evening (7/8/03) out on the track. The priority is tightening track clips. If you can come and wield a spanner (or even drive the Geismar motorised bolt tightener) then please come and join us. If you cannot manage an evening but have time spare during the day, please call Jan Woods at Dinas (see below) for an update and she will tell you where the track gang are working.

It is crucial to get all the hundreds (thousands?) of clips tightened so we can open to the public and start earning some revenue. Even an odd hour volunteering would probably see a track panel's worth tightened and bring us nearer opening.

There will be a 'Team Wylfa' notice on the Waunfawr Station notice board at the footbridge entrance from about 18:45 telling you where we will be. Summon our attention from the road first and DO NOT walk along the track to meet us unless we direct you as there will be a works train in section.

Jan Woods has also made an appeal (6/8/03) for additional volunteers who would be happy to clear ballast and tighten bolts over the next two weeks. These would be welcome at any time, even if only for a few hours.

Contact Jan Woods at Dinas for information on volunteering: Phone 01286 830200 (office hours), fax 01286 830630, or email

jan@welsh-highland.demon.co.uk

 

WHR Rhyd Ddu Public Opening Date

Official statement

The visit of HRH Prince Charles on 30/7/03 to the Welsh Highland Railway was a great honour for us all and a most enjoyable day that we will never forget. With that satisfactorily behind us, we have now reviewed when best to open the Railway to Rhyd Ddu to public train services. That has been a difficult decision, balancing the finishing work we have yet to do against what jobs might be left until the winter closure period. Our engineers have thoroughly reviewed the remaining tasks and in their considerations had to take into account the need to finish grant funded work sooner rather than later.

 

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This northerly view (29/7/03) shows Prince with Royal Test train stabled in Rhyd Ddu platform. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B W Hughes taken on Samsung Digimax 230 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.

 

With all this in mind, a completion programme has been compiled for the work and statutory approvals process. Assuming HMRI are able to complete their evaluation of the Railway and satisfactorily conclude the approvals process within the proposed time frame, we will open the extension to Rhyd Ddu to the public on Monday 18th August. That is about a week after we had hoped, but we believe opening can realistically be achieved by that date.

 

Royal Inauguration 30/7/03

All went as planned with Prince Charles, wearing special red gloves and a new cotton overall, driving Prince from Snowdon Ranger to Rhyd Ddu. The rain kept off unlike the two previous days. Bunting, crowds and flags greeted the Prince at all the stations. Prince broke through a Welsh flag at Rhyd Ddu and Prince Charles was welcomed by the Llan Rug brass band. He unveiled a slate plaque to commemorate the event before he left. Although Conway Castle was used for shunt release, Prince returned to Dinas without the double heading seen the previous day.

 

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This northerly view (30/7/03) shows Prince being driven by Prince Charles, arriving at Rhyd Ddu and breaking through the Welsh flag. The loco is bedecked with headboard with the addition of flags since the previous two runs. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Chris Price taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.

 

Diary 28-9/7/03

28/7/03

Having dropped the caravan back in Northamptonshire I made the 200 mile trek back to Dinas and saw Prince being prepared for a clearance run. The loco duly left at 1705 and I made my way to Waunfawr to await its departure on the extension (in pouring rain!). When confirmation was received from FR control and assurance that the pw team locos were locked in sidings, Prince set off slowly up the Nant-y-Betws Pass.

Ballasting had been completed earlier in the day on the Rhyd Ddu approaches but a section north of Snowdon Ranger still required attention. Guard rails had been added to Glan-yr-afon Viaduct outside of the running rails. Both Prince and No.138, the latter hidden in Dinas Goods Shed carried cast headboards.

 

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This northerly view (28/7/03) shows Prince, having detached from its train, stabled at the south end of Rhyd Ddu station to have water pumped from a bowser. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B W Hughes taken on Samsung Digimax 230 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.

 

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This northerly view (28/7/03) shows Prince being replenished with water pumped from a bowser at the south end of Rhyd Ddu station. The driver reported the 3 mile climb up the Nant-y-Betws Pass was a hard task for the loco even with three coaches and it was essential to take water. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B W Hughes taken on Samsung Digimax 230 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.

 

Due to there being no run-round loop or shunt engine at Rhyd Ddu, once Prince was watered from a pump and bowser, the train was propelled back down the Pass. The use of Prince and heritage stock was determined by the incomplete levelling of the track. The older coaches had more travel in their suspension than the modern stock.

 

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This westerly view (28/7/03) shows Prince propelling its rake back to Waunfawr at LC35 at Salem. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B W Hughes taken on Samsung Digimax 230 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.

 

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This westerly view (28/7/03) shows Prince with coaches Nos.24/23/10 alongside the swollen Afon Gwyrfai at Tros-y-gol propelling the rake back to Waunfawr to run around. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B W Hughes taken on Samsung Digimax 230 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.

 

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This northerly view (28/7/03) shows Prince propelling its rake back to Waunfawr at LC24, just south of Waunfawr. Note the professional looking ballast shoulders the new ballast regulator Daffodil has formed on this section. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B W Hughes taken on Samsung Digimax 230 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.

 

29/7/03

Guard rails were added to Plas-y-nant bridge outside of the running rails. Until 1400, there were extensive pw operations with ballast and tamping of the northern approaches to Snowdon Ranger halt.

 

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This southerly view (29/7/03) shows Dolgarrog at Plas-y-nant propelling FR wagon 92. All three small diesels were in intensive use on trackwork/level crossings etc. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B W Hughes taken on Samsung Digimax 230 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.

 

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This northerly view (29/7/03) shows the two pw trains with Upnor Castle and Conway Castle just north of Snowdon Ranger returning to Plas-y-nant to clear the line for the practice run for the Royal Train. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B W Hughes taken on Samsung Digimax 230 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.

 

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This southerly view (29/7/03) shows Upnor Castle at Plas-y-nant propelling a ballast wagon into the siding. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B W Hughes taken on Samsung Digimax 230 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.

 

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This southerly view (?/7/03) shows the tamper working through OB71 (Castell Cidwm). It is quite a tight fit as this item of rolling stock is outside of the normal gauge limits. The track can be seen screwed down to the concrete with screed to level the metal sleeper plates and provide support. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Marcus Ingram taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.

 

When these were finished, all the pw stock was sidelined at Plas-y-nant except for Conway Castle, which hurried south light engine to stable in Rhyd Ddu loop (currently a siding). Finally, Prince was noted stabled in the Down road at Waunfawr ready for a practice run with a royal representative on board.

 

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This northerly view (29/7/03) shows Prince with coaches Nos.24/23/10 waiting for the right of way at Waunfawr with No.143 arriving behind with the afternoon train. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B W Hughes taken on Samsung Digimax 230 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.

 

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This northerly view (29/7/03) shows Prince being watered at Waunfawr for the climb ahead. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B W Hughes taken on Samsung Digimax 230 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.

 

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This westerly view (29/7/03) shows Prince with coaches Nos.24/23/10 north of OB71 (Castell Cidwm). Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B W Hughes taken on Samsung Digimax 230 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.

 

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This westerly view (29/7/03) shows Prince with coaches Nos.24/23/10 north of OB71 (Castell Cidwm). Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B W Hughes taken on Samsung Digimax 230 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.

 

The train stopped briefly at OB71 and near Caeau Gwynion, where a football sized rock was found placed on the line! There was a further pause at Snowdon Ranger where Prince Charles was to take the controls the following day.

 

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This northerly view (29?/7/03) shows Prince working hard pulling into Snowdon Ranger. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Marcus Ingram taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.

 

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This northerly view (29/7/03) shows Prince with coaches Nos.24/23/10 pausing at Snowdon Ranger halt. Driver Tony Williams chats with newly qualified fireman Rob Bishop (17) from London. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B W Hughes taken on Samsung Digimax 230 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.

 

The sound of the train whistle echoing in the valley was thrilling as the short 1920s style train worked hard climbing to Rhyd Ddu.

 

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This easterly view (29?/7/03) shows Prince with Royal Test train approaching Rhyd Ddu. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Marcus Ingram taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.

 

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This northerly view (29/7/03) shows Prince with Royal Test train arriving at Rhyd Ddu. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B W Hughes taken on Samsung Digimax 230 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.

 

While Prince was watered, Conway Castle shunted the rake around the corner past LC55. Prince then worked to LC55 then back into the loop/siding. Conway Castle propelled the coaches back into the platform and Prince joined the front of the train.

 

Test_BWH29-7-03H.JPG (37977 bytes)

This southerly view (29/7/03) shows Conway Castle hauling the train out of the station to shunt release. Prince, having detached from its train, is visible in the distance stabled at the south end of Rhyd Ddu station to receive water pumped from a bowser. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B W Hughes taken on Samsung Digimax 230 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.

 

Test_BWH29-7-03G.JPG (60086 bytes)

This northerly view (29/7/03) shows Prince, arriving in the run-round track having shunted back over the level crossing behind the loco. Also visible in the background beyond the level crossing is Conway Castle with the rake. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B W Hughes taken on Samsung Digimax 230 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.

 

P1.JPG (71598 bytes)

This southerly view (29/7/03) shows Prince with Conway Castle and coaches Nos.24/23/10 leaving Rhyd Ddu for Dinas. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B W Hughes taken on Samsung Digimax 230 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.

 

Test_BWH29-7-03F.JPG (48080 bytes)

This easterly view (29/7/03) shows Prince and Conway Castle immediately south of Waunfawr returning the practice run to Dinas. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B W Hughes taken on Samsung Digimax 230 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.

 

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Page Version 3.1 Dated 14/2/04