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The 40km Dream Phase 1 (Updated 12/2/21)

The 40km Dream Phase 2 (Updated 1/4/21)

'Phase 6' page (new 2/4/06)

Views from the Line Page (updated 26/2/05)

PBSSR Works Historical Page (updated 25/3/05)

Rhyd Ddu Opening Page (New 14/2/04)

Archived News Page (updated 2/1/25)

Part 3 How they work (28 minutes 58 seconds)

Square's Last Stand (10 minutes 7 seconds)

Click on the YouTube links to watch video covering the history and mechanical principles of double Fairlie locomotives. This video was published on 6/1/25 and is best viewed at 1080p with Chrome. These videos were produced by John Wooden (F&WHR) using 4K footage from a professional Betamax camcorder and a quadcopter drone.

F&WHR 3/1/25

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Friday was for sunny periods and showers and a temperature 2-6C but feeling much colder with a chilly northerly breeze. Sunset is at 16:13 and a yellow weather warnings is out for Saturday and Sunday with sleet and snow forecast even at sea level until late Sunday evening. Temperatures have fallen back today and snow was visible on the Rhinogs and is forecast on the mountains at the weekend. Snowdon is likely to get a covering of snow from today with snowfall likely until Sunday. The damage to the F&WHR telecoms system by Storm Darragh must have been severe as Minffordd/Tan-y-Bwlch webcams were out of action for a 26th day. While the passenger service has now stopped leaving an empty 3 month gap in the timetable until 29/3/25, occasional works trains and stock transfers are still likely. The platform saw a number of tourists exercising today posing the question could the F&WHR extend its service for another 2/3 days as some other heritage railways do as schools don't go back until Monday.

Merddin Emrys Goes Green 7/1/25

The new year signals the start of the F&WHR's 70th Anniversary celebrations (since the recommencement of passenger trains on the Ffestiniog Railway, under the new regime) and the railway has a special announcement about locomotive liveries. Merddin Emrys will appear in green in 2025 along with Prince! These were some of the original locos restored by the new FR with the double Fairlie appearing in 1961. Previously double Fairlie Livingston Thompson (carrying the name Taliesin) was in traffic. The new Single Fairlie Taliesin appeared in 1999 as a replica of the single Fairlie withdrawn in the 1930s.

This westerly view (?/1/25) shows Merddin Emrys resplendent in its new lined green livery reprising images from more than 60 years ago. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR taken on a digital camera.

Back in 1955 when services first ran under the new administration it was the initiative of the railway's volunteers that made things possible and now in 2025, staff can continue to say the same again.
Over the Christmas and New Year holidays a team of devoted F&WHR volunteers have painted the flagship double Fairlie, Merddin Emrys, in a green similar to that carried in the 1950's and 60's by double Fairlie Taliesin (Livingston Thomas).
Thanks to this tremendous team effort, the railway will now be able to celebrate this important anniversary in style as both Merddin Emrys and Prince will carry this green livery. David Lloyd George and Palmerston will continue in the red liveries reflecting the 1990's whilst Welsh Pony and James Spooner will continue to sport their ornately lined plum livery of recent times.
The first opportunity to see Merddin Emrys and Prince in their new liveries is likely to be as part of the annual Snowdonian service in April 2025. Single Fairlie Taliesin may appear from refurbishment during the course of the year but there has been no confirmation about its livery.
Thanks to this effort the railway will be able to celebrate both the Railway 200 and its 70th Anniversary celebrations in style. For more images see Facebook page.

School Easter holidays

The main English school Easter holidays are from 7-17/4/25, the two weeks before the Easter Bank Holiday weekend. In Wales the holidays are different being 14-25/4/25, with a week either side of the Easter Bank Holiday weekend. The F&WHR opens its new season on 29/4/25, just a few days before the main surge of English holidaymakers might arrive in North Wales.

Caernarfon Water Tank maintenance

With the last Christmas Cwellyn steam loco using the Caernarfon tank on 1/1/24, the tank was drained for annual maintenance at the end of the day. See Facebook video courtesy Paul Lewin (F&WHR GM).

Aberystwyth logs 2025

After the resurgence of traffic on 14/12/24 and 21/12/24, enthusiasts will be looking forward to seeing Class 37s on the Cambrian Coast in 2025 on Saturdays. Here is a YouTube showing the pair working hard with the heavy load at various locations in Mid Wales with thanks to John Rawlings who found it.

F&WHR 2/1/25

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Thursday was for sunny periods and showers and a temperature -3-5C but feeling much colder with a chilly northerly breeze. Sunset is at 16:12 and a yellow weather warnings is out for Saturday and Sunday with sleet and snow forecast even at sea level. until 11:00 and 15:00 for wind. Temperatures have fallen back today and snow is forecast on the mountains later in the week. Snowdon is likely to get a covering of snow from today with snowfall likely until Sunday. The damage to the F&WHR telecoms system by Storm Darragh must have been severe as Minffordd/Tan-y-Bwlch webcams were out of action for a 25th day. While the passenger service has now stopped leaving an empty 3 month gap in the timetable until 29/3/25, works trains and stock transfers are still likely. The platform saw a number of tourists exercising today posing the question could the F&WHR extend its service for another 2/3 days as some other heritage railways do as schools don't go back until Monday.

Loco Liveries

It is a new year and as the railway looks forward to celebrating the 70th anniversary of the recommencement of passenger trains on the Ffestiniog Railway under the new regime, staff have been giving some thought to locomotive liveries.
The image of Prince in what was to become the standard FR green is one that endures. Over the Christmas period our dedicated volunteers have been working to recreate the livery that Prince will once again carry. Here you can see the detail of the crest that will adorn the side of the tender.
Look out in the coming days for updates when the railway will showcase more of their work!

KS4415 progress 2024

At Boston Lodge, and in people's home workshops, even over the Christmas period, the Kerr Stuart diesel restoration is still inching slowly forward. Nothing stops the KS4415 team, not even pigs in blankets!
At the FR Co.'s main works the team has finally gathered all the riveting equipment and have done a few test pieces. They are confident in the method and will be permanently fixing the bodywork together very soon. While that was going on the clutch mechanism was stripped and assessed for what repairs will be required. On the McLaren engine volunteers attempted to fit the cylinder liners into the block, but the MDB4 had other ideas. The clamping arrangements to seal the bottoms of the liners are old; a cracked one had already been replaced, and then another broke as we tried to install them. This has brought assembling the engine to an abrupt halt while we work out what to do next. The answer will probably be to have a pattern made and some new parts cast. Not the finish to '24 we were hoping for, but that's how it goes in the 100 year old diesel restoration game. On the plus side the new heater is a "roaring" success, and the team had a very productive meeting with a rep from a lapping company about the injection parts - more on that at a later date.

For images see KS4415 Facebook page.

Off site in Sheffield the patterns for the governor dead-weights have been progressed and are nearly ready to go to the foundry. In Manchester the cylinder rocker cover castings are being machined, and more drawings are being produced. In Wales the engine push rods are being worked on. Many thanks to the volunteers who put time in whenever and wherever they can without necessarily coming to the railway.
As another year's progress is chalked up the inevitable questions like "When will it be finished?" and "Why is it taking so long?" will be asked. If the team knew what they were getting themselves into they probably wouldn't have ever started, or they may have gone down a different route. But they didn't, and here they are. It's probably fair to say the end is in sight, but how to get there isn't immediately obvious. If anyone knows how to finish this off quickly please let us know!
All that's left to say is Happy New Year to all our supporters, and please stick with us into 2025. If the festive spirit hasn't left you yet and you're feeling generous please follow the link to make a donation
https://cafdonate.cafonline.org/26512

Happy New Year!

Your webmaster would like to wish all readers a Happy New Year.

F&WHR 1/1/25

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Wednesday was for an overcast morning with sunny periods and showers later a temperature 0-8C. Sunset is at 16:11 an yellow weather warnings are out for rain until 11:00 and 15:00 for wind.. Temperatures have fallen back today and snow is forecast on the mountains later in the week. Snowdon is likely to get a dusting of snow from the New Year. The damage to the F&WHR telecoms system by Storm Darragh must have been severe as Minffordd/Tan-y-Bwlch webcams were out of action for a 24th day. Inspection trains may be run to check both railways are clear.

No.143 was on the final day's Christmas Cwellyn and whistled at Rhyd Ddu. Blanche  and Linda were on the final day's Christmas Mountain Spirit and whistled whilst descending the Dduallt spiral. Hugh Napier and Palmerston were on a stock transfer to Glan-y-pwll Carriage shed and whistled in Porthmadog station.

Russell Specials at Easter

The WHHR's Russell is approaching its 10 year boiler withdrawal date on 19/4/25. A series of 3 special trains will be run in association with the F&WHR. It is a pity that Baldwin No.590 is not back from restitution of a hot box issue at the VoR as enthusiasts who paid for a ride behind this loco during WHR100 in 2023 are still waiting. Also the possibility of reconstructions such as two trains at Beddgelert in the 'frontier' days will not be possible until both locos are simultaneously available.

The special Russell hauled trains are as follows:

Porthmadog Harbour to Beddgelert:
Saturday 5/4/25
1125 dep)
1500 arrive back
Saturday 12/4/25
1055 dep)
1330 arrive back
Porthmadog Harbour to Caernarfon (Good Friday)
Friday 18/4/25
1110 dep)
16:00? arrive back

WHHR

Last chance to ride behind Russell on the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway will be Saturday 19/4/25.
Booking information will be available shortly.

Rail 200

It is official, the Railway 200 celebrations have begun..!
Earlier today, a selection of F&WHR locomotives sounded their whistles as part of the nationwide initiative to mark the start of rail's 200th anniversary.
This marks the start of what promises to be a busy year of celebrations and here at the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways staff will be playing their part by hosting a special event on the 20-22/6/25: RAILWAY 200: FR PLATINUM JUBILEE WEEKEND featuring 200 Wheels on the Cob.

Click on advert to enlarge. Advert copyright F&WHR.

Come along to the F&WHR as staff celebrate two momentous landmarks - the 200th anniversary of the birth of the modern railway (part of the national Railway 200 celebrations) and also the 70th anniversary of the recommencement of passenger trains on the Ffestiniog Railway, under the new regime.
The main highlight of the weekend will undoubtedly be the 200 Wheels on the Cob spectacle, which will take place on Sunday, 22/6/25. This will be a cavalcade of F&WHR engines throughout the years, lining up in formation across the iconic Cob embankment.
Plans for the weekend are still being finalised and further information will be uploaded on the dedicated event webpage over the coming weeks: https://www.festrail.co.uk/events/
Tickets for the event weekend are now available to buy with 3-Day and 1-Day rovers available.
For more information about Railway 200, visit the official website.

Click here for the Facebook video showing the Whistle event today.

You webmaster can confirm other preserved railways joined in as No.40106 Atlantic Conveyor whistled as it crossed the SVR's Victoria Bridge just north of Bewdley.

F&WHR 31/12/24

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Tuesday was for an overcast day with a temperature 5-11C and sunset is at 16:10. Temperatures remain mild today but with heavy rain setting in this afternoon. Snow is forecast on the mountains later in the week. The Christmas Cwellyn/Mountain Spirit trains still have a slim chance of running in the snow on New Year's Day around Rhyd Ddu. The current mild temperatures are likely to drop back to 5C MAX (with night frosts) and Snowdon is likely to get a dusting of snow from the New Year. A YELLOW warning for Porthmadog for heavy rain has been issued from 18:00 today for 24 hours. The damage to the F&WHR telecoms system by Storm Darragh must have been severe as Minffordd/Tan-y-Bwlch webcams were out of action for a 23rd day.

The two Ladies arrived in the FR platform at 09:40 on the Christmas Mountain Spirit and 5 minutes later the pair had run round with Linda, as usual, on the front. There is a possibility the large WHR water tank wagon  stored by the fuelling point is being used to top up steam locos until such time as the new tank erected in the autumn is plumbed in.

F&WHR 30/12/24

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Monday was for an overcast day with a temperature 9-10C and sunset is at 16:09. Temperatures remain mild for the Christmas season with snow forecast on the mountains later in the week. The Christmas Cwellyn/Mountain Spirit trains started this weekend and still have a chance of running in the snow 28/12/24-1/1/25. The current mild temperatures are likely to drop back to 4C MAX by next week with Snowdon getting a dusting of snow from the New Year. A YELLOW warning for both WIND and RAIN has been raised for Porthmadog on 1/1/25.

Monday was a repeat of the weekend's activities. Linda and Blanche ran round at 09:45 and departed on time. There were signs of steam shunting at Boston Lodge around midday, perhaps in association with the 'How a Steam Loco Works' workshop? Vale of Ffestiniog came across The Cob light engine at 12:30 with steam shunting continuing outside the Carriage Shed. The Christmas Mountain Spirit at 12:45 and the Ladies ran round at 13:15 after refuelling and topping up with water. Vale of Ffestiniog eased out of the yard a minute later with two coaches, one being Observation Car No.102 and departed ECS for the depot. The passenger train departed at 13:30 as booked.

More storms!

The cold snap starting Tuesday 31/12/24 is likely to bring a storm with heavy rain and gusts of more than 60mph to North Wales at midday. The cold snap will continue for several days with temperatures dropping to 4C MAX and frosts by night. Yellow warnings for wind and rain are in place. See Daily Post story.

Rail 200 Whistle Up 1/1/25!

Click on the advert to enlarge. Advert copyright F&WHR.

PLEASE NOTE: The F&WHR will be live-streaming on Facebook from around 11:50, so 'tune in' online to hear the GM's introduction to the event, before the actual ceremonial 'whistle-up'.

F&WHR 29/12/24

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Sunday was for an overcast day after a bright start with a temperature 8-10C and sunset is at 16:08. Temperatures remain mild for the Christmas season with no snow forecast this year (not even on the mountains). The Christmas Cwellyn/Mountain Spirit trains started this weekend and still have a chance of running in the snow 28/12/24-1/1/25 though the medium range forecast says it is unlikely there will be any snow during these five days, predicting changeable windy mild weather instead. The current mild temperatures are likely to drop back to 5C MAX (and night frosts) with Snowdon getting a dusting of snow from the New Year. The damage to the F&WHR telecoms system by Storm Darragh must have been severe as Minffordd/Tan-y-Bwlch webcams were out of action for 3 weeks now. The signaller switched on Porthmadog signalbox at 09:00 and steam was being raised at Boston Lodge.

In a repeat of Saturday Blanche and Linda arrived at around 09:45 in the FR platform, ran round ad coupled within 5 minutes ready for the 10:00 Christmas Mountain Spirit. Linda was now on the front again as yesterday. Deceptively, smoke from the Barracks area of Boston Lodge is probably from a stove and not a loco since the building was restored during the autumn.

This westerly view (29/12/24) shows Linda with Blanche hauling the Christmas Mountain Spirit departing Porthmadog for Blaenau Ffestiniog in the sunshine. The misty weather made the day quite gloomy so the loco headlight was on at times. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR taken on a digital camera.

Vale of Ffestiniog was noted propelling a mixed works train with a B wagon of fuel into the fuelling point at 12:25. Blanche and Linda arrived back at 12:51. Blanche ran round at 13:07. Linda coupled to the front at 13:27 and the train left on time a few minutes later. Vale of Ffestiniog was noted departing light engine at 14:45 for Boston Lodge. A considerable group of people exited the platform. This may have been a group from a Works Tour who caught the Boston Lodge shuttle back to the station. In which case thee Funkey was propelling the shuttle rake back to the depot as previously. In fact there are still places available on the 13:30 How a Steam Loco Works workshop on 30/12/24. See Boston Lodge Steam Workshop to book.

The Christmas Mountain Spirit arrived back at about 16:20 and Blanche ran round at 16:30. Linda followed at 16:35. The ECS departed at 16:37 to close the day's activities. 

Loco Roster 28/12/24-1/1/25

Fans of the F&WHR's Penrhyn Ladies - BLANCHE and LINDA - are in for a treat at the moment, as they are rostered to work together twice a day on the
Christmas Mountain Spirit from Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog and return.
Departing at 10:00 and 13:30 every day from 28/12/24 to 1/1/25 inclusive (or at 11:40 if you want to make a round-trip starting from Blaenau Ffestiniog) these trains are a great way to shake off the post-Christmas Blues.
So why not come along and enjoy a day-out on the Ffestiniog Railway this holiday period. Tickets are available in Standard and First Class carriages, simply head to festrail.co.uk/trains to book your tickets online.
------------------------------
Meanwhile, on the Welsh Highland Railway, the Christmas Cwellyn service from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu and return also runs twice a day at 10:45 and 13:45 until 1/1/25 - and they will also be hauled by a green loco, but this time it's the much larger NG/G16 Garratt No.143.
Again, tickets are available in Standard and First Class carriages, go to festrail.co.uk/trains to book your tickets online.

F&WHR 28/12/24

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Saturday was for a misty day with a temperature 5-8C and sunset is at 16:07. Temperatures remain mild for Christmas season with no snow this year (not even on the mountains). The Christmas Cwellyn/Mountain Spirit trains start today and still have a chance of snow. The damage to the F&WHR telecoms system by Storm Darragh must have been severe as Minffordd/Tan-y-Bwlch webcams were out of action for a 20th day.

Blanche and Linda brought an 8 coach rake over The Cob at 09:45 arriving in the FR platform at 09:51 ready for the 10:00 Christmas Mountain Spirit. The locos ran round 5 minutes later so that Linda was on the front on the outward journey to Blaenau Ffestiniog. Another loco was noted in steam at Boston Lodge. Departure came at 10:05 with the Observation Car on the rear. A crowd of 20 or more bystanders photographed or watched the departure in very misty conditions.

This westerly view (28/12/24) shows Linda with Blanche hauling the Christmas Mountain Spirit departing Porthmadog for Blaenau Ffestiniog. The misty weather made the day quite gloomy so the loco headlight was on at times. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR taken on a digital camera.

Further shunting was visible at Boston Lodge and by 11:00 an eight coach rake appeared in the WHR platform hauled by Palmerston and Criccieth Castle and the locos ran round. This was the annual Cold Turkey Special to thank volunteers of the F&WHR, WHHR, W&LR and TR for their work over Xmas. It departed at 11:30 for Blaenau Ffestiniog. Meanwhile Blanche and Linda were back by about 13:00 and detached to refuel and water before running round at 13:33. The train eventually left at 13:47, over quarter of an hour late with a crowd of over 20 onlookers. By 15:30 the Cold Turkey Special returned to the WHR platform. The train departed for the depot at 15:40 but left the rearmost saloon in the WHR platform. Consumables were moved from the saloon to store in Harbour Station.

This westerly view (28/12/24) shows Palmerston with Criccieth Castle hauling the Cold Turkey Special departing Porthmadog for Blaenau Ffestiniog. The misty weather made the day quite gloomy so the loco headlight was on at times. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR taken on a digital camera.

Blanche and Linda arrived back in the misty gloom with headlights blazing at 16:40. Five minutes later the pair shunted the yard. Linda emerged first at 16:51 and shunted to collect the single saloon in the WHR platform. At 16:55 the coach was shunted onto the rear of the Christmas Mountain Spirit rake. Blanche then coupled to the front and the ECS rake departed at17:07 for the depot. Meanwhile up at Caernarfon No.143 hauled the two Christmas Cwellyn trains to Rhyd Ddu (possibly supported by Caernarfon Castle inside).

2025 Calendars on Sale!

The F&WHR shop has reduced the price of its 2025 calendars now that the Christmas rush is over. To take advantage of this offer check out the online shop and save £2 on the previous price.

Click on the advert to enlarge. Image copyright F&WHR.

Rail 200 Whistle-Up 1/1/25

The F&WHR is organising some events to celebrate Rail 200, the 200th Anniversary of the first public railway which is generally accepted to be the Stockton & Darlington railway. The first event is planned to be a noisy enthusiastic celebration of steam with several locos whistling together at 12:00 on 1/1/25 at Porthmadog.

Passengers on the morning Christmas Mountain Spirit that day will hear the train locomotives LINDA and BLANCHE sound their whistles as the train passes round the iconic spiral at Dduallt. In Porthmadog, HUGH NAPIER and PALMERSTON will be in steam - and at least one of them will be in Harbour Station for you to witness and photograph the occasion. At the same time the F&WHR will be live-streaming to Facebook from Rhyd Ddu with Paul Lewin (F&WHR GM) and NG/G16 No.143, which will be the loco working the Christmas Cwellyn train from Caernarfon that day.

F&WHR 27/12/24

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Friday was for a misty day with a temperature 6-8C and sunset is at 16:06. Temperatures remain mild for Christmas season with no snow this year (not even on the mountains). The Christmas Cwellyn/Mountain Spirit trains start on Saturday and still have a chance of running in the snow 28/12/24-1/1/25 though the medium range forecast says it is unlikely there will be any snow during these five days, predicting changeable windy mild weather instead. The current mild temperatures are likely to drop back to 5C on 1/1/25 with Snowdon getting a dusting of snow.

Works trains were anticipated clearing up the debris from Storm Darragh over the next few weeks. The WHR remains blocked by several large pine trees that have been uprooted and fallen across the line in the Beddgelert Forest so no coal trains can run from Dinas to Porthmadog over the Christmas season. If coal is needed it will have to come via Minffordd Yard. The Minffordd/Tan-y-Bwlch webcams were out of action for a 19th day. It seems the railway was closed down for Xmas and the rakes needed for the trains 28/12/24-1/1/25 will be sorted on Friday 27/12/24 if shunting is required.

Steam was noted being raised at 11:15 at Boston Lodge. A number of families were walking the platform in the afternoon sunshine presumably looking for train services but none were due to run though in previous years services had operated on 27/12 and even Boxing Day. As such services are largely staffed by volunteers, maybe it is the difficulty in recruiting them that has led to the cut back to just 5 days of operation. Steam shunting continues at 13:15 but no train came across The Cob.

Snow forecast

Long range forecasts suggest there might be snow fall in early January with up to a foot falling widely across North Wales. Unfortunately the Xmas services finish on 1/1/25 and other than works trains and coal trains there is unlikely to be any movement on the F&WHR. For full story click Daily Post link. Other supercomputer models give different results.

F&WHR 26/12/24

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Thursday was for a misty day with a temperature 8-10C and sunset is at 16:05. Temperatures remain mild for Christmas season with no snow this year (not even on the mountains). The Christmas Cwellyn/Mountain Spirit trains start next weekend and still have a chance of running in the snow 28/12/24-1/1/25. The long range forecast says it is unlikely there will be any snow during these five days, predicting changeable windy mild weather instead though temperatures are likely to drop back  to 5C on 1/1/25. Works trains were anticipated clearing up the debris from Storm Darragh. The WHR remains blocked by several large pine trees that have been uprooted and fallen across the line in the Beddgelert Forest so no coal trains will run from Dinas to Porthmadog over the Christmas period. If coal is needed it will have to come via Minffordd Yard. The Minffordd/Tan-y-Bwlch webcams were out of action for a 18th day. It seems the railway is closed down for Xmas today and the rakes will be sorted on Friday 27/12/24 for the trains 28/12/24-1/1/25.

North Wales Coast remains the Cinderella line

Nothing further has been heard of electrification of the North Wales Coast Line, not even discontinuous electrification as now proposed for East-West Rail Oxford-Cambridge (see latest East-West Rail consultation report). Now it is reported that Cardiff has a new through service to Edinburgh courtesy of Cross Country since 16/12.24 (see NR Press Release). There was an NR launch event at Cardiff Central on 16/12/24. Meanwhile Cardiff has just its one daily loco-hauled service to North Wales to Holyhead and Holyhead/Llandudno have lost all their loco-hauled interregional trains to Birmingham International and Manchester Airport while Cardiff/Swansea have an intensive service to Manchester.

Holyhead Port continues to suffer from the damage left by Storm Darragh when it is believed two ships damaged a linkspan causing it to collapse (see Daily Post report). There are fears the port could be closed until Easter. Traffic has been rerouted to alternative ports leading to reduced flows on the A55 which also serves the WHR for tourists arriving from the North West conurbation. Love them or hate them, 15/12/24 timetable change saw the end of the Voyagers in North Wales. in other news, loco hauled trains on the North and West route via Shrewsbury can now operate at line speed in common with Class 197 DMUs.

The Northern Belle hauled by Nos.57315/601 was held at Llanfair PG on return from Holyhead for almost 2 hours on 12/12/24 when a lorry, no doubt affected by Storm Darragh, swerved and struck Britannia Bridge. A bridge inspection followed but how exactly the rail deck which lies below the road deck could be impacted by the lorry is not explained. A case of over-caution by NR? 

Happy Xmas!

Your webmaster would like to wish all readers a Happy Xmas.

F&WHR 25/12/24

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Wednesday was for an overcast day with a temperature 9-11C and sunset is at 16:04. Temperatures remain mild for Christmas with no snow this year. The rakes may be sorted by Friday for the Christmas Cwellyn/Mountain Spirit trains which start next weekend and still have a chance of running in the snow 28/12/24-1/1/25. The long range forecast says it is unlikely, predicting changeable windy mild weather instead e.g. 28/12/24 10C maximum and overcast. Works trains were anticipated clearing up the debris from Storm Darragh. The WHR remains blocked by several large pine trees that have been uprooted and fallen across the line in the Beddgelert Forest so no coal trains will run from Dinas to Porthmadog over the Christmas period. The Minffordd/Tan-y-Bwlch webcams were out of action for a 17th day. It seems the railway is closed down for Xmas today and the rakes will be sorted on Friday 27/12/24 for the trains 28/12/24-1/1/25.

Click on the YouTube link to watch 7 minutes 49 seconds of video covering the first Santa Special on 11/12/22 which operated in the snow for the first time in several years. This video was published on 25/12/22 and is best viewed at 1080p with Chrome. This video was produced by Barrie Hughes, taken on a Panasonic HDC 5D700 camcorder and edited on NCH VideoPad.

F&WHR 24/12/24

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Tuesday was for an overcast day with a temperature 10-12C. Sunset is a little later at 16:04 as the Winter Solstice is passed. Temperatures remain mild for Christmas with no snow this year. The rakes may be sorted by Friday for the Christmas Cwellyn/Mountain Spirit trains which start next weekend and still have a chance of running in the snow 28/12/24-1/1/25. The long range forecast says it is unlikely, predicting changeable windy mild weather instead e.g. 28/12/24 10C maximum and overcast. Works trains were anticipated clearing up the debris from Storm Darragh. The WHR remains blocked by several large pine trees that have been uprooted and fallen across the line in the Beddgelert Forest so no coal trains will run from Dinas to Porthmadog over the Christmas period. The Minffordd/Tan-y-Bwlch webcams were out of action for a 16th day. It is possible the railway will close down for Xmas today and the rakes will be sorted on 27/12/24 for the trains 28/12/24-1/1/25.

GM's 2025 Events and Review of 2024

Click on the YouTube link to watch 14 minutes 47 seconds of video presented by Paul Lewin (F&WHR GM) looking forward to 2025's events and reviewing those of 2024. This video is copyright F&WHR and was published on 23/12/24. It is best viewed at 1080p with Chrome and was videod on a 4K camcorder by John Wooden (F&WHR).

Caernarfon's Santa Special trains

Santa Specials operated for 3 weekends before Xmas with the Saturday 7/12/24 lost because of Storm Darragh. Caernarfon Castle supported No.130 or No.143 on all 9 trains to provide additional adhesion. All trains were fully booked showing the WHR could have operated on additional days/weekends like other heritage railways who offered Santa Specials. In particular the 23/12/24 could have been an additional day as the FR was open that day and offering Santa's Grotto/cab rides and Elf Expresses that day while the WHR was silent and shut down. Work on replacing the northern loop point was completed in the mid week between Santa Specials leaving work on the new track to the new Carriage Shed from the southern loop point area until later.

Tom Waldren has kindly offered some photos:

This northerly view (mid 8/12/24) shows No.130  making a rare appearance and Caernarfon Castle preparing for the afternoon Santa Special. Click on image to enlarge and click again to enlarge to full size where available. Click on image to enlarge and click again to enlarge to full size where applicable. Credit Tom Waldren.

This northerly view (mid December 2024) shows No.143 taking water at Caernarfon while Caernarfon Castle takes its place inside to provide extra adhesion for the Santa Special. Click on image to enlarge and click again to enlarge to full size where available. Click on image to enlarge and click again to enlarge to full size where applicable. Credit Tom Waldren.

This northerly view (22/12/24) shows No.9 being used for track inspection at Caernarfon prior to the final day of Santa Specials after another windy night. Click on image to enlarge and click again to enlarge to full size where applicable. Credit Tom Waldren.

This westerly view (22/12/24) shows No.9 approaching Waunfawr on the line inspection train. Click on image to enlarge and click again to enlarge to full size where applicable. Credit Tom Waldren.

This northerly view (22/12/24) shows No.9 at Waunfawr on the line inspection train. Click on image to enlarge and click again to enlarge to full size where applicable. Credit Tom Waldren.

Dinas trackworks

Very few views of the Dinas trackworks have been contributed. Can the photographer of the image below please contact me so that due credit can be given for this photo. More photos of the Dinas trackworks would be gratefully received.

This northerly view (mid December 2024) shows No.143 and Caernarfon Castle departing Dinas on the Santa Special. Little work has been done on the new Carriage Shed access line since the points were fitted off the main route. The train is coming through Dinas wrong line as the trailable loop points at the north end of the loop need to be set to direct trains into the RH running loop. Click on image to enlarge and click again to enlarge to full size where applicable.

F&WHR 23/12/24

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Monday was for a deteriorating day with drizzle in the morning becoming heavy rain later in the afternoon with temperatures of a consistent 10C. Sunset is a little later at 16:03 as the Winter Solstice is passed. The north-westerly wind will increase to gusts of 60mph with a yellow warning  until 21:00 Sunday so line inspections might be required before trains are run this weekend. Temperatures remain mild for this weekend so it seems the Santa Specials will miss the snow this year. The Christmas Cwellyn/Mountain Spirit trains still have a chance of running in the snow 28/12/24-1/1/25 but the long range forecast says it is unlikely, predicting changeable windy mild weather instead e.g. 28/12/24 10C maximum and overcast. Works trains were anticipated clearing up the debris from Storm Darragh. The WHR remains blocked by several large pine trees that have been uprooted and fallen across the line in the Beddgelert Forest so no coal trains will run from Dinas to Porthmadog over the Christmas period. The Minffordd/Tan-y-Bwlch webcams were out of action for a 15th day.

Palmerston came across The Cob early today with the ECS and stopped at the king point at 09:40 for a brief inspection before arriving at 09:43 in the WHR platform. Palmerston started its run round at 09:47 after Blanche shunted Lilla to the FR platform off the rear of the ECS. Blanche took its first cab ride at 09:55 and its tender cab will give welcome shelter from the forecast rain. Palmerston returned at 10:50 and again at 12:55 as the weather turned murky. The next arrival was at 13:58 with the weather affecting the normal half hour journeys. The final shuttle departure was at 15:16 and the ECS departed at 17:56. Blanche continued to offer cab rides in the FR platform. The last cab rides were offered at about 17:00 and then Blanche collected Lilla and departed with the Santa's Grotto rake at 17:24 to mark the end of the Santa season on the FR.

Moving Pictures No.102 (23/12/24)

Click on the YouTube link to watch 18 minutes 31 seconds of video covering Dinas infrastructure changes and the delivery of Una to Boston Lodge. This video is copyright F&WHR and was published on 23/12/24. It is best viewed at 1080p with Chrome and was videod on a 4K camcorder by John Wooden (F&WHR).

F&WHR 22/12/24

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Sunday was for an improving day with heavy rain at first and sunny periods and showers in the afternoon with temperatures of 2 to 12C. Sunset is a little later at 16:02 as the Winter Solstice is passed. The north-westerly wind will increase to gusts of 60mph with a yellow warning  until 21:00 Sunday so line inspections might be required before trains are run this weekend. Temperatures remain mild for this weekend so it seems the Santa Specials will miss the snow this year. The Christmas Cwellyn/Mountain Spirit trains still have a chance of running in the snow 28/12/24-1/1/25 but the long range forecast says it is unlikely, predicting changeable windy mild weather instead e.g. 28/12/24 10C maximum and overcast. Works trains were anticipated clearing up the debris from Storm Darragh. The WHR remains blocked by several large pine trees that have been uprooted and fallen across the line in the Beddgelert Forest so no coal trains will run from Dinas to Porthmadog over the Christmas period. The Minffordd/Tan-y-Bwlch webcams were out of action for a 15th day.

Palmerston arrived with the ECS shuttle at 09:44 and Blanche and Lilla on the rear immediately shunted to the FR platform. Palmerston then ran round in the WHR platform to depart with the 10:15 shuttle. Palmerston hauled six Elf Express shuttles between 10:16 and 15:15 before returning with the ECS to the depot just before 16:00. Blanche and Lilla followed light engine after Santa's Grotto duties until about 17:00. Monday is the final day of the Porthmadog service but for unknown reasons the WHR is not scheduled to run a Santa Special tomorrow despite the FR being open and the WHR having lost Saturday 7/12/24 to Storm Darragh. Some people have 'hopped on' the shuttle at Minffordd proving 'hop on-hop off' fares are available from the guard. There are views of Palmerston at Porthmadog and a Minffordd on the Friends of the F&WHR Facebook page. Click here and here for images.

F&WHR 21/12/24

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Saturday was for an improving day with sunny periods in the afternoon and temperatures of 3 to 8C. Sunset is a little later at 16:02 as the Winter Solstice is passed now. The westerly wind will increase to gusts of 60mph by evening so line inspections might be required before trains are run this weekend. Temperatures remain mild for this weekend so it seems the Santa Specials will miss the snow this year. The Christmas Cwellyn/Mountain Spirit trains still have a chance of running in the snow 28/12/24-1/1/25 but the long range forecast says it is unlikely, predicting changeable windy mild weather instead. Works trains were anticipated clearing up the debris from Storm Darragh. The WHR remains blocked by several large pine trees that have been uprooted and fallen across the line in the Beddgelert Forest so no coal trains will run from Dinas to Porthmadog over the Christmas period. The Minffordd/Tan-y-Bwlch webcams were out of action for a 14th day.

This easterly view (21/12/24) shows Palmerston with the Elf Express ready to run round at 10:51 after the first shuttle of the day. The overcast weather made the day quite gloomy so the loco headlight was on to improve visibility at public crossings. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR taken on a webcam.

Philip Clark notes that an S&T team of 3 lads in orange with a ladder fitted a shiny new semaphore signal arm to the platform signal missing the arm on Friday ready for the weekend's passenger services. Palmerston was noted arriving in the WHR platform with the ECS Elf Express before 10:00. Blanche was on the other end and shunted to the FR platform with Lilla. Blanche's cab provided protection for the families taking the cab ride in the drizzly conditions with the first noted at 10:05. The Elf Express returned from its first shuttle at 10:50 and soon settled into its 00:15 departures. At the end of the day the final Elf Express returned at 15:45. Palmerston ran round and departed with the ECS for the depot at 15:54 while Blanche continued to provide cab rides in the gathering gloom. Blanche eventually departed with Lyd light engine for the depot around 17:00.

This easterly view (21/12/24) shows the ECS Elf Express ready to run round at 15:54 as Blanche continued to offer cab rides. The overcast weather made the tender cab more welcoming to the public than Linda's cab. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR taken on a webcam.

Quarry Hunslet to be restored at Boston Lodge

One of the National Slate Museum's (Llanberis) most treasured objects - Una the quarry engine - has been relocated this week in order to start a major refurbishment project as part of its redevelopment programme. The loco closely resembles Britomart. Staff from the F&WHR in Porthmadog have collected UNA from the Museum and will repair and fully refurbish her so the can return to the Museum when they reopen in 2026. UNA was built in 1905 by the Hunslet company of Leeds and worked at Pen-yr-Orsedd until about 1960, being used mainly to haul wagons of rubble inside the Quarry.
Acquired by the Museum in 1977 she has been a main attraction for many years - being steamed up and down the museum yard! Sadly she failed her safety tests a few years ago and has had to remain out of action since then - much to the disappointment of staff and visitors. Museum staff are so excited that UNA is finally being restored to full glory but also that the work is being done by F&WHR at their newly developed engineering works at Boston Lodge. The Railway, like the Museum, is part of Llechi Cymru - Wales Slate the World Heritage Site for the Slate Landscape of North West Wales - an important collaboration that brings a part of the story of slate full circle.
Did you know that UNA was dark green when she first came to the Museum? Following quite a bit of research it was found that, according to the company's records, she was originally painted in the deep red livery of the Midland Railway. In 2005 - to celebrate her centenary, she was restored to the original colour!
For photos see Festrail Facebook page :
📸Archive photo of UNA (Copyright Cyngor Gwynedd)
📸Dark Green UNA at the Museum in the 1990s
📸Dark Red UNA at the Museum after her Centenary in 2005
📸Internal parts of UNA on their way for restoration
📸On the move to Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways
The National Slate Museum redevelopment project is funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund - Cymru via Cyngor Gwynedd and the Llewyrchorllechi project, Welsh Government and other funders.

Final Yule logs of 2024

The final 6C56 of the year, the 10:56 SO Aberystwyth-Chirk log train of 2024 ran on 21/12/24 and has a SO path until 17/5/25.

Click on the YouTube link to watch 2 minutes 14 seconds of video covering the Class 37s hauling the Aberystwyth-Chirk logs on 21/12/24 with 97304 Tal-y-llyn and HNRC (Colas hire) 37405. The train is captured on the steep bank approaching Talerddig at MP 62 and again near Carno at MP52. This video is copyright H18-PDW Photography and was .published on 21/12/24. It is best viewed at 1080p with Chrome and was videod on a camcorder by  H18-PDW Photography.

F&WHR 20/12/24

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Friday was for an improving day with heavy rain at first and sunny periods in the afternoon with temperatures of 7 to 10C. Sunset is a little later at 16:02 as the Winter Solstice is passed. The wind will drops from gusts of 50mph to calmer weather in the afternoon but line inspections might be required before trains are run this weekend. Temperatures remain mild for this weekend so it seems the Santa Specials will miss the snow this year. The Christmas Cwellyn/Mountain Spirit trains still have a chance of running in the snow 28/12/24-1/1/25 but the long range forecast says it is unlikely, predicting changeable windy mild weather instead. Works trains were anticipated clearing up the debris from Storm Darragh. The WHR remains blocked by several large pine trees that have been uprooted and fallen across the line in the Beddgelert Forest so no coal trains will run from Dinas to Porthmadog over the Christmas period. The Minffordd/Tan-y-Bwlch webcams were out of action for a 13th day. One of the signal arms on the platform seems to be missing but the aspect is still working,

It seems the F&WHR has not taken up the suggestion of running Santa Specials on 23/12/24 to make up for income lost when the first Saturday's Santa Specials were cancelled by damage caused by Storm Darragh. The FR will be running trains on 23/12/24 so it is not immediately apparent why the WHR could not be open on that day.

Local residents discount at Xmas!

Click on the advert to enlarge. Advert copyright F&WHR.

On Sunday and Monday the 29-30/12/24 the FF&WHR is offering a 50% discount for the whole family, on any of our train services, to local residents with their primary address in any postcode area from LL22 to LL78 (inclusive).
 Trains from Porthmadog:
▪ CHRISTMAS MOUNTAIN SPIRIT
▪ Departing at 10:00 and 13:30
▪ [Standard and Gold]
 Trains from Blaenau Ffestiniog:
▪ CHRISTMAS MOUNTAIN SPIRIT
▪ Departing at 11:40
▪ [Standard]
 Trains from Caernarfon:
▪ CHRISTMAS CWELLYN
▪ Departing at 10:45 and 13:45
▪ [Standard and Gold]
 The voucher code is: LOCALSXMAS
This code will only work on these specified train services on the 29th and 30th of December 2024
ℹ Discount offer is for tickets only and does not include Guidebooks or Food & Drink.
 This code can be used to apply the discount when making bookings online, on the phone, at our Booking Office counters or on the trains, via the Guard.
 PLEASE NOTE: Customers must bring proof of residency (e.g. Driver’s License) on the day of travel to show at the check-in desk.

Christmas Mountain Spirit

Click on the advert to enlarge. Advert copyright F&WHR.

On the Ffestiniog Railway the Christmas Mountain Spirit services run between Porthmadog and Blaenau Ffestiniog - and passengers can start their journey from either station. Sit back and relax as you enjoy a festive journey through the beautiful landscapes of Snowdonia National Park, with popular sights including the towering slate tips in Blaenau Ffestiniog, the spiral at Dduallt and the Moelwyn tunnel near Llyn Ystradau. See timetable above.

▪ Trains run twice a day from Porthmadog (these trains provide a once a day return possible from Blaenau Ffestiniog) between 28/12/24 and 1/1/25 inclusive. Seats available in Standard and First Class - so passengers can treat themselves to a journey in one of the luxurious Pullman carriage to make the day even more special!

ℹ For more information and to book tickets, visit festrail.co.uk/christmas

Spooners Xmas opening

Spooner's opening hours change over Christmas. Spooners will be closed from 6/1/25-3/2/25 inclusive.

Click on the advert to enlarge. Advert copyright F&WHR.

F&WHR 19/12/24

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Thursday was for a day of sunny periods with showers later and temperatures of 5 to 7C. Sunset is at 16:01 as we pass the Winter Solstice. The wind will drops from gusts of 5mph to calmer weather this afternoon persistent heavy rain forecast but line inspections might be required before trains are run this weekend. Temperatures remain mild for next weekend so it seems the Santa Specials will miss the snow this year. The Christmas Cwellyn/Mountain Spirit trains still have a chance of running in the snow 28/12/24-1/1/25 but the long range forecast says it is unlikely, predicting changeable windy mild weather instead. Works trains were anticipated clearing up the debris from Storm Darragh. The WHR remains blocked by several large pine trees that have been uprooted and fallen across the line in the Beddgelert Forest so no coal trains will run from Dinas to Porthmadog over the Christmas period. The Minffordd/Tan-y-Bwlch webcams were out of action for a 12th day. One of the signal arms on the platform seems to be missing but the aspect is still working

Criccieth Castle was noted in the WHR platform with a short works train ar 14:30. The loco ran round and shunted the two flat wagons to the FR yard. The WHR water wagon was added to the rake at 14:45 from the seawall siding and the rake propelled back into the seawall siding at 15:00. The diesel emerged from the sidings at 15:15 and departed light engine for the depot at 15:30.

Christmas Cwellyn

Click on the advert to enlarge. Advert copyright F&WHR.

The Christmas Cwellyn launches on Saturday 28/12/24 with just 5 days of service twice a day until 1/1/25. In pre-COVID days there used to be seven days of operation over the school Xmas Holidays, kicking off on Boxing Day as many other heritage railways do. Travel to the F&WHR from the great conurbations is likely to be eased by the closure of Holyhead as a port until at least 15/1/25 following damage to the linkspan presumably caused by ferries experiencing difficulty docking during Storm Darragh. See BBC report. The long term solution as global warming makes storms more likely is surely to have a Channel Tunnel between Holyhead and Dublin. When the UK was in the EU this would have attracted grant support under the Trans Europe Network programme as a vital link.

The Christmas Cwellyn operates between Caernarfon and Rhyd Ddu. This is a full length train hauled by a Garratt loco unlike the summer Cwellyn. At seat service will be offered from the buffet. Although not advertised as such, it is likely this train runs with a 'hop on-hop off' carriage. It is possible to make a return journey starting at Rhyd Ddu at about midday. Enquire with the booking office for the availability of fares other than Caernarfon-Rhyd Ddu return tickets.

ℹ For more information and to book your tickets, visit festrail.co.uk/christmas. See timetable above.

F&WHR 18/12/24

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Wednesday was for a day of sunny periods and showers with temperatures of 4 to 12C. The wind warning is in place until 09:00 northerly wind will build up this afternoon with persistent heavy rain forecast which might require line inspections before trains are run this weekend. Temperatures remain mild for next weekend so it seems the Santa Specials will miss the snow this year. The Christmas Cwellyn/Mountain Spirit trains still have a chance of running in the snow 28/12/24-1/1/25 but the long range forecast suggests it is unlikely. Works trains were anticipated clearing up the debris from Storm Darragh. The WHR remains blocked by several large pine trees that have been uprooted and fallen across the line in the Beddgelert Forest so no coal trains will run from Dinas to Porthmadog over the Christmas period. The Minffordd/Tan-y-Bwlch webcams were out of action for an 11th day. One of the signal arms on the platform seems to be missing but the aspect is still working.

Xmas Workshops still have vacancies

There are still opportunities to visit Boston Lodge on 28 and 30/12/24 for the How a Steam Engine Works Workshop. Scan the QR code for more details or visit the website.

Click on the advert to enlarge. Advert copyright F&WHR.

F&WHR 17/12/24

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Tuesday was for a day of sunny periods and showers with temperatures of 11 to 12C. A southerly wind warning is in place overnight with gusts up to 60mph which might require line inspections tomorrow. Temperatures remain mild for next weekend. While the Santa Specials will seemingly miss the snow this year the Christmas Cwellyn/Mountain Spirit trains still have a chance of running in the snow 28/12/24-1/1/25. Works trains were anticipated clearing up the debris from Storm Darragh. The WHR remains blocked by several large pine trees that have been uprooted and fallen across the line in the Beddgelert Forest so no coal trains will run from Dinas to Porthmadog over the Christmas period. The Minffordd/Tan-y-Bwlch webcams were out of action for an tenth day. One of the signals on the platform seems to have lost its arm but the light is still working.

Upnor Castle has been busy with the new lineside management/tool wagon No.5004 between Plas Halt and Tyler's Curve on the FR. See Facebook Festrail webpage for images.