The 40 km dream July 1998

Episode 19

Your webmaster was back in North Wales probably on a filial visit to Buckley in late June/early July. The possible weekends were 20/6, 27/6 or 4/7. The latter is most likely as I tried to visit my father once a month and 4-5/7/1998 was a month since the previous visit. An inspection of old receipts and my bank statements might be helpful but any help is welcome if you recall seeing me around the WHR. The weather was much better than the previous month.

This northerly archive view (4-5/7/98? more likely than either of the two earlier weekends) showsNo.138 taking water in the siding at Caernarfon on a much better day as seen from the road at the start of Lon Eifion. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Centon DF300 SLR camera and scanned using a Minolta DiMage Scan Dual III AF2940. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly archive view (4-5/7/98? more likely than likely either of the two earlier weekends) shows No.138 showing its green livery to better effect in the sunshine whilst taking water in the siding at Caernarfon as seen from the road. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Centon DF300 SLR camera and scanned using a Minolta DiMage Scan Dual III AF2940. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly archive view (4-5/7/98? more likely than either of the two earlier weekends) shows No.138 running round, presumably after your webmaster had taken a ride on the train. The new grey temporary ticket office can be seen on the left. The old red one was retired to Dinas. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (if available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Centon DF300 SLR camera and scanned using a Minolta DiMage Scan Dual III AF2940. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Local opposition to the WHR had been growing during the TWO Inquiry that ended in January. Local farmers had organised themselves into a group called Gwarchod (The Guardians) after the closure of the Inquiry and were permitted to make a late objection. In particular, a resident English farmer, Eleanor Harper of Clogwyn-y-gwin, had argued strongly against the railway at the January Inquiry and your webmaster was there to hear her complaints about pollution by steam and diesel locos running close to her farm near Glan-yr-afon. She had also reputedly pressured the SNPA to change its policy towards the WHR which put it at odds with the newly formed Gwynedd Council's Structure Plan of 1993 which supported the WHR restoration. Now, without any consultation with locals, the SNPA preferred to create a footpath/cycleway along the WHR trackbed and refuse permission for the restoration of the railway (29/4/98).

A write-in campaign by WHR supporters (including your webmaster) meant that the SNPA plan now had to be subject to Public Inquiry. This third Inquiry into the WHR started on 14/7/98 and saw three members of Gwarchod represented. The Inquiry lasted 3 days. The objectors were largely overwhelmed by the 5000 letters of support from the community and WHR Society members and friends. Nevertheless the outcome of both the TWO and SNPA Inquiry were awaited with some worry. It was anticipated that the SNPA Inquiry could delay the outcome of the TWO Inquiry into early 1999 and delay the impinge on Phase 2 works and certainly make the achievement of Phase 3 for thee Millennium more difficult. Even worse, a letter from a Nantmor resident dated as far back as September 1997 had come to the TWO Inspector's attention concerning the stability of rocks above the WHR in the Aberglaslyn Pass after a recent rock fall. This also ended up being considered by the TWO Inspector.

The 40 km dream June 1998

Episode 18

With the Public Inquiry over planning continued for Phase 2 while an outcome was eagerly anticipated. The Millennium Commission Grant covered £4.3 million, roughly half the cost of getting to Rhyd Ddu for the Millennium depending on the outcome of the T&WO. Discussions with the WHR(P) were ongoing and lineside landowners.

This southerly archive view (5-7?/6/98) shows No.138 arriving at Caernarfon on a rather dull Half Term day as seen from the Segontium Terrace footbridge. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Centon DF300 SLR camera and scanned using a Minolta DiMage Scan Dual III AF2940. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly archive view (5-7?/6/98) shows No.138 arriving at Caernarfon on a rather dull Half Term day as seen from the Segontium Terrace footbridge. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Centon DF300 SLR camera and scanned using a Minolta DiMage Scan Dual III AF2940. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly archive view (5-7?/6/98) shows No.138 arriving at Caernarfon on a rather dull Half Term day as seen from the Segontium Terrace footbridge. The loco prepares to detach and run round. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Centon DF300 SLR camera and scanned using a Minolta DiMage Scan Dual III AF2940. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly archive view (5-7?/6/98) shows No.138 at Caernarfon in its initial dark green livery as seen from the Segontium Terrace footbridge. The loco prepares to detach and run round. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Centon DF300 SLR camera and scanned using a Minolta DiMage Scan Dual III AF2940. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly archive view (5-7?/6/98) shows No.138 at Caernarfon on a rather dull Half Term day as seen from the Segontium Terrace footbridge. The loco prepares to detach and run round while passengers exit the train. It seems there were relatively few passengers given it was probably the Whit Monday week Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Centon DF300 SLR camera and scanned using a Minolta DiMage Scan Dual III AF2940. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly archive view (5-7?/6/98) shows No.138 running round at Caernarfon on a rather dull Half Term day as seen from the Segontium Terrace footbridge. The rudimentary toilet facilities can be seen. The steel ticket office formed from a container type structure was adjacent to the left having been moved from a point adjacent to the buffer stop. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Centon DF300 SLR camera and scanned using a Minolta DiMage Scan Dual III AF2940. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly archive view (5-7?/6/98) shows No.138 taking water in the short lived siding at Caernarfon. The shunting of the loco into and out of the siding provided interest for passengers but staff obviously thought it a nuisance and eventually the water piper was extended over the run round and the siding removed. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Centon DF300 SLR camera and scanned using a Minolta DiMage Scan Dual III AF2940. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

The 40km Dream Episode 17

May 1998

Funding for the new Carriage Shed in the North Yard had been agreed. This was to be a two road shed in anticipation of extra rakes when operations were extended onto the WHR proper with a run round exit at the north end that connected into the existing headshunt. Bay No.2 track was being laid. Lamp posts were to be reduced by 3' and vintage lanterns installed. Platforms were to be surfaced in tarmac and yellow edge warnings applied. Holes for the uprights for four additional station running in boards were preformed in the platform surface in anticipation of longer rakes in the future. It had been decided that the railway would be styled as the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway. A generous donor had come forth to pay for the sympathetic rebuild of the original WHR station building at Dinas.

As regards operational detail, water would be taken on the first trip at Dinas with a top up for the 1 pm departure and again on the last trip to Caernarfon. the original boiler on No.138 was Ketel No.7114 of 1968 whilst that on No.143 was Ketel No.7017 of 1951. Wagons Nos.1412/23 were back in service on their bogies.

A museum piece loco had been bought for £500 after the Gloddfa Ganol closure in 1997 to be a talking point plinthed at Dinas. It was Llanfair of 1895, a De Winton 3' gauge vertical boilered 'coffeepot' loco. It has two vertical pistons and Stephenson's Link motion. The 5 tonne loco was built at Caernarfon and used at the Penmaenmawr Quarries and named after the local village of Llanfairfechan.

Alterations had been agreed at Caernarfon with conversion of the Cross Town Railway tunnel to road use and a roundabout at the entrance. This would allow the station to be extended to the north in the summer. The alignment at the south end could be straightened too and a large station sign erected on the cutting wall.

Your webmaster was back in North Wales at Dinas later in the Spring either the weekend of 25/4/98, the Bank Holiday weekend from 2/5/98 or 9/5/98 but most likely the Bank Holiday. Help would be welcome identifying this date. One clue is that scaffolding is being erected to work on the roof of the station building.

Work on the Goods shed had seen considerable improvement with a 'snowcemed' walls, a new concrete floor and a new entrance door. It was hoped to offer a tea bar, a loco display, a heritage display and a display of construction progress. Some of these features eventually transferred to the waiting room in the rebuilt station building waiting room. The tea bar was not ready in time for the new season so a mobile snack van was stationed next to the Goods Shed.  

This northerly view (25/4/98-9/5/98) shows No.138 emerging from a cloud of steam at Caernarfon on the first train of the day as seen from St Helen's Road. The watering siding white painted buffer stop is visible in this view. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was scanned from a slide taken on a Sigma SA300 camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (25/4/98-9/5/98) shows No.138 emerging from a cloud of steam as it departs Caernarfon on the first train of the day as seen from St Helen's Road and the start of Lon Eifion. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was scanned from a slide taken on a Sigma SA300 camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

During April and May the Dinas station building was rebuilt. Close liaison with the WHHG produced matching imperial-sized yellow bricks. The corners adjacent to the platform were rebuilt with new bricks and the best of those recovered were used to complete the rear of the building. A local company Glyn Jones and Sons, completed the job. The WHHG also made a sizeable donation to purchase replacement heritage guttering. Mike Schumann sponsored the special slate ridge tiles to complete the heritage appearance of the project.

This northerly view (25/4/98-9/5/98) shows No.138 uncouples to run round on possibly the first arrival from Caernarfon with the sun in the east as seen from Ty'n Llan Road bridge. Work is nearing completion on the rebuilding of the Dinas station building and scaffolding is up to give access to the roof. The No.2 road in bay platform is now fully laid but the point joining it to the yard is yet to be laid. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was scanned from a slide taken on a Sigma SA300 camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (25/4/98-9/5/98) shows No.138 running round on possibly the first arrival from Caernarfon as seen from Ty'n Llan Road bridge. Three of the six lamp posts on the future southbound platform have been fitted with their period lanterns. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was scanned from a slide taken on a Sigma SA300 camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (25/4/98-9/5/98) shows No.138 starting from Dinas on possibly the second Caernarfon train with the sun in the east. Sleepers have been laid for the No.1 track in the bay platform. Work appears well underway on the station building and a temporary toilet block is visible on the north side. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was scanned from a slide taken on a Sigma SA300 camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (25/4/98-9/5/98) shows No.138 starting from Dinas in a cloud of steam. Lanterns have been fitted to the lamp posts in what was to become the future northbound platform. The skull and crossbones sign refers to the fact these locos once operated under overhead wires at their SAR terminus. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was scanned from a slide taken on a Sigma SA300 camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (25/4/98-9/5/98) shows No.134 stabled near the Goods Shed for inspection that morning. It was hoped that once No.143 was available the restoration teams could switch to this loco. Nearby on the right the underframes of an Isle of Man coach that was purchased for possible reuse are lying on the ground. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was scanned from a slide taken on a Sigma SA300 camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (25/4/98-9/5/98) shows No.133 stabled in the North Yard headshunt with No.138 passing on a morning service from Caernarfon as seen from Lon Eifion. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was scanned from a slide taken on a Sigma SA300 camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (25/4/98-9/5/98) shows No.138 starting from Dinas on a midday service as viewed from Lon Eifion with the area designated for the new Carriage shed cleared on the left alongside the North Yard headshunt. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was scanned from a slide taken on a Sigma SA300 camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (25/4/98-9/5/98) shows No.138 arriving at Caernarfon as seen from the Segontium Terrace footbridge. The red water tank is just visible above the watering siding. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was scanned from a slide taken on a Sigma SA300 camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (25/4/98-9/5/98) shows passengers getting off No.138 after arriving at Caernarfon as seen from the Segontium Terrace footbridge. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was scanned from a slide taken on a Sigma SA300 camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (25/4/98-9/5/98) shows the new station sign prominently against No.138 recently arrived at Caernarfon from the steps of Segontium Terrace footbridge. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was scanned from a slide taken on a Sigma SA300 camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (25/4/98-9/5/98) shows the new station temporary Portacabin ticket office at Caernarfon with No.138 recently arrived at Caernarfon and running round in the headshunt from the steps of Segontium Terrace footbridge. This was the first of 3 temporary station buildings. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was scanned from a slide taken on a Sigma SA300 camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (25/4/98-9/5/98) shows the new station sign prominently against No.138 running round at Caernarfon from the steps of Segontium Terrace footbridge. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was scanned from a slide taken on a Sigma SA300 camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

For the rest of the visit your webmaster decided to look at the WHR trackbed to see a 'before' view, with construction unlikely to start until 1999.

This easterly view (25/4/98-9/5/98) shows the former station site at Bryngwyn from the former level crossing on the Dinas-Bryngwyn lane. The site was in private ownership of the white house to the right but the incline can be seen rising from the motorboat, passing to the left of the church towards Drumhead near the left slate tip. It was not planned to restore this route but a question mark lay over what should be done with the land. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was scanned from a slide taken on a Sigma SA300 camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (25/4/98-9/5/98) shows the site of Waunfawr station with the original station building still in existence. The former station master's house had some time previously been converted into the Snowdonia Parc pub and two tracks ran between the station building and the boundary fence with the pub. Building work was underway at the pub under new management with a play area nearer the bridge and a new toilet block in the caravan field to the left of the station building. The former yard is to the left of the station building and used to house a coal siding. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was scanned from a slide taken on a Sigma SA300 camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (25/4/98-9/5/98) shows the reputed site of Salem Halt with the railway on a shelf on the far side of the Afon Gwyrfai. The trackbed is very curvaceous at this location. The river opens up here into a small lake and a local resident has a boat with a canopy that sometimes takes to the river. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was scanned from a slide taken on a Sigma SA300 camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (25/4/98-9/5/98) shows the site of Plas-y-nant Halt where a passing loop was proposed and initially a siding was provided. Later, with the railway becoming more prominent in the news, a local resident took umbrage at the reopening of the railway and tipped a large pile of rubbish on the trackbed at this location. The prominent rock buttress on the right is Castell Cidwm (never really a castle). Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was scanned from a slide taken on a Sigma SA300 camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Work on the shed started on 16/4/98 with trial pits dug to determine the soil structure and plan appropriate foundations. No pit was envisaged and no concrete floor. A pit was excavated outside the Loco Shed for an oil separator that will catch oil from the wheel drop pit sump and prevent ground contamination.. Your webmaster visited the railway at Easter which initially was a bit dull. Any help with dates would be appreciated. Next to the interceptor pit is the concrete base for the Atlas Copco mains powered air compressor that helps start up the steam locos fires. The concrete base has been designed to take the weight of a water tower sufficient for filling locos at the start of the day. The compressor was due to receive a plywood protective shed.

This southerly view (8-11/4/98) shows No.138 setting back onto the at Caernarfon in the late afternoon as seen from the platform. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was scanned from a slide taken on a Sigma SA300 camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (8-11/4/98) shows No.138 crossing the Seiont Viaduct in the late afternoon as viewed from the Open Coach. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was scanned from a slide taken on a Sigma SA300 camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (8-11/4/98) shows No.138 setting back onto the Loco Shed at Dinas at the end of the day. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was scanned from a slide taken on a Sigma SA300 camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (8-11/4/98) shows Castell Caernarfon in the depot headshunt at Dinas. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was scanned from a slide taken on a Sigma SA300 camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (12/4/98) shows heavy snow on the Horseshoe Pass from the days before Global Warming on the way home at the end of Easter. An Open Top tour bus is running Easter trips from Llangollen to the top of the pass for the hardy few! Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was scanned from a slide taken on a Sigma SA300 camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Snow persisted for a week and was still present when Hertford Rail tours brought National Power liveried No.59205 L Keith McNair to the Trawsfynydd branch the following weekend on the Roman Nose railtour. The new Funkey was polished up and posed alongside its big brother in Blaenau Ffestiniog station on 18/4/98.

This northerly view (18/4/98) shows Vale of Ffestiniog in its National Power livery posed in platform 2 alongside No.59205 L Keith McNair in the same livery. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was scanned from a slide taken on a Sigma SA300 camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (18/4/98) shows Vale of Ffestiniog in its National Power livery posed in platform 2 alongside No.59205 L Keith McNair in the same livery. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was scanned from a slide taken on a Sigma SA300 camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (18/4/98) from the FR's headshunt shows Vale of Ffestiniog in its National Power livery posed in platform 2 alongside No.59205 L Keith McNair in the same livery. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was scanned from a slide taken on a Sigma SA300 camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (18/4/98) shows No.138 running round at Caernarfon in late afternoon sunshine. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was scanned from a slide taken on a Sigma SA300 camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (18/4/98) shows Upnor Castle with No.133 at Dinas. The loco had just arrived there from Pickering. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was scanned from a slide taken on a Sigma SA300 camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

The 40km Dream Episode 15

March 1998

After the closure of the Inquiry into the LRO, the FR was urging supporters to write to the Snowdonia National Park Authority to protest about their decision to withdraw support from the WHR project. Originally the SNPA gave their full support in the Draft Local Plan as the rebuilt railway could provide a public transport function and keep cars out of the Snowdonia National Park, an environmentally sensitive area by providing a regular local service of several trains a day to rival local bus services. The line could be used for transporting timber from Beddgelert Forest from a new siding at Hafod Ruffydd keeping large articulated vehicles off the inadequate local roads. In November the SNPA made a U-turn, overturning the advice of its officers, and excluded the WHR from the Local Plan.

Mike Hart, the FR Chairman, appealed to supporters to write into the SNPA to indicate the level of support and get the WHR reinstated in the Local Plan. 'We know many people want to see the WHR rebuilt. If they can just spend a few minutes to write to the Local Plan Inquiry Inspector, he can judge the wide level of support against the three objections to the WHR. Letters had to arrive by 10/4/98. Your webmaster was one of those who wrote in supporting the rebuilding of the WHR.

Some deliveries to the WHR had gone to the WHR(P) at Gelert's Farm by accident so the FR took out adverts in the local press directing local suppliers to Dinas for the WHR(C) and the WHLR (Dinas). Unfortunately timetable materials prepared for the WHR had gone to print before the agreement to characterise the WHR as the WHR(C) as it is based in Caernarfon and the WHR(P) as that based in Porthmadog Gelert's Farm. Preparations were being made for the Easter season of this the first full year of WHR operations which were due to begin on 4/4/98 in time for the school Easter holiday break (Easter weekend 10-13/4/98). Consideration is being given to Santa Specials, Xmas Holiday trains and February Half Term Holiday trains over Winter 1998-1999.

Engineering solutions/quotes for the underpinning of bridges on Phase 2 from Dinas to Waunfawr were being sought as well as solutions to the major landslip just east of Tryfan Junction. All the WHR are much too small for the Garratt/Funkey loading gauge. Some thought was also given to potential rockfalls in the Aberglaslyn Pass and insurance liability of persons using Bryn-y-felin bridge and the Aberglaslyn Tunnels permitted path. It was deemed essential that Phase 2 Dinas-Waunfawr, which was already funded, was ready to go the moment a positive decision to allow the LRO to go ahead was received from the Minister.

After a further inspection, on 19/3/98 the HMRI gave full and permanent approval to the FR to operate Caernarfon-Dinas following the temporary permission granted October 1997. The only change required was that structures are numbered for maintenance records rather than named as in the past. Cast plates have been ordered to be fixed to every structure. As the railway is built to modern metric measures a kilometre based 'chainage' is being used for all underbridges and overbridges based on 20km 'zero' at Caernarfon station footbridge. This will avoid duplication with FR mileposts out of Porthmadog if these also change to metric measures in future.

This Boston Lodge archive view (21/2/98) shows the newly rebuild Funkey Vale of Ffestiniog resplendent in National Power livery. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was scanned from a slide taken on a Sigma SA300 camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This Boston Lodge archive view (21/2/98) shows the naming ceremony for newly rebuild Funkey Vale of Ffestiniog resplendent in National Power livery. The loco was named by Linda Fairney, wife of Professor Fairney, the recently retired chairman of The Year of Engineering Success NP Executives and local councillors in attendance. Maybe the stage should have been on the sunny side of the loco that afternoon? Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was scanned from a slide taken on a Sigma SA300 camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This Boston Lodge archive view (21/2/98) shows Vale of Ffestiniog shunting off Boston Lodge for a run up the FR. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was scanned from a slide taken on a Sigma SA300 camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This Boston Lodge archive view (21/2/98) shows Vale of Ffestiniog waiting at Pen Cob Junction for the path. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was scanned from a slide taken on a Sigma SA300 camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This Boston Lodge archive view (21/2/98) shows Earl of Merioneth passing light as the new diesel prepared to enter the running line at Pen Cob Junction. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was scanned from a slide taken on a Sigma SA300 camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This Tan-y-bwlch archive view (21/2/98) shows Vale of Ffestiniog arriving on the inaugural train carrying guests from the hand over ceremony. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was scanned from a slide taken on a Sigma SA300 camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This Tan-y-bwlch archive view (21/2/98) shows Vale of Ffestiniog running round the special train. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was scanned from a slide taken on a Sigma SA300 camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This Tan-y-bwlch archive view (21/2/98) shows Vale of Ffestiniog running round the special train. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was scanned from a slide taken on a Sigma SA300 camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This Porthmadog Harbour archive view (21/2/98) shows Vale of Ffestiniog arrived on the special train. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was scanned from a slide taken on a Sigma SA300 camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This Porthmadog Harbour archive view (21/2/98) shows Vale of Ffestiniog running round the special train. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was scanned from a slide taken on a Sigma SA300 camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This Porthmadog Harbour archive view (21/2/98) shows Vale of Ffestiniog preparing to depart Porthmadog. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was scanned from a slide taken on a Sigma SA300 camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly archive view (21/2/98) shows Castell Caernarfon stabled outside the Loco Shed at Dinas with trackwork now complete. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was scanned from a slide taken on a Sigma SA300 camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Your webmaster went back to Dinas a week later with his father on one of their regular visits to view progress.

This southerly archive view (27/2/98) shows Vale of Ffestiniog with No.138 outside the Loco Shed and the rake of carriages stabled in the short lived South Yard siding as seen from Lon Eifion. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was scanned from a slide taken on a Sigma SA300 camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This internal view of Dinas Loco Shed (27/2/98) shows No.143's boiler on ambulance bogies and the Gullick & Dobson tamper. The stair and office accommodation (since removed for the shed expansion) can be seen behind the loco. Each road could accommodate one Garratt initially before the shed expansion. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was scanned from a slide taken on a Sigma SA300 camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This internal view of Dinas Loco Shed (27/2/98) shows No.143's boiler, dome and chimney painted in aluminium paint on ambulance bogies and the Gullick & Dobson tamper on the newly completed pit. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was scanned from a slide taken on a Sigma SA300 camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This internal view of Dinas Loco Shed (27/2/98) shows No.143's boiler, dome and chimney painted in aluminium paint on ambulance bogies and the Gullick & Dobson tamper on the newly completed pit. The base support frame and lids for the Caernarfon water tank are being assembled on the right hand road as seen from the office stairs. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was scanned from a slide taken on a Sigma SA300 camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view of Dinas Loco Shed (27/2/98) shows No.138 and Castell Caernarfon outside the Loco Shed. The Garratt had been dragged out to allow work to proceed on the Caernarfon water tank in dry conditions. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was scanned from a slide taken on a Sigma SA300 camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This easterly view (27/2/98) shows a wagon and buffer stop in the depot headshunt with the overgrown cutting leading to the A487 overbridge in the background. In Phase 2 it would be necessary to lower the ground level in this area to provide adequate clearance for Garratts/Funkey loading gauge under the road bridge. This would require gabions to the left of the wagon. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was scanned from a slide taken on a Sigma SA300 camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (27/2/98) shows the five coach rake in the temporary carriage siding in south Yard. In Phase 2 it would be necessary to lower the ground level in this area and to remove the siding. The coaches were later stored in the North Yard Carriage shed when completed some time later. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was scanned from a slide taken on a Sigma SA300 camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (27/2/98) shows the No.138 dragged out of Loco Shed by Castell Caernarfon. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was scanned from a slide taken on a Sigma SA300 camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (27/2/98) shows the No.138 dragged out of Loco Shed by Castell Caernarfon. In the background is the short lived coach siding. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was scanned from a slide taken on a Sigma SA300 camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (27/2/98) shows a view of a snowclad Snowdon from Dinas in the days when we used to get snow in the Winter!. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was scanned from a slide taken on a Sigma SA300 camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.