Welsh Highland Railway
Stop Press Page
V4.1486
News (updated 8/2/10)
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Star Picture
This southerly view (17/5/09) shows K1 between T2 and T3 with smoke still emerging from T4 in the background. The rear of the train is still threading T3. The photographer had climbed high on rocky ledges above T2 on the National Trust's open access land to get this amazing shot! Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
Welcome to Version 4 of this website, launched on September 8 2004 with news about work on Phase 4 of the WHR scheme. In addition to this Stop Press page and a Phase 1/2 page, there are 9 location pages, covering the Phase 3 works between Waunfawr and Rhyd Ddu. There are a further 9 pages covering Phase 4, the full route through Beddgelert, the Aberglaslyn Pass and on to Porthmadog, including the Traeth Mawr to Pen-y-Mount works recently constructed by the WHR(P) with three regularly updated map links for this area by Laurence Armstrong.
Finally, there are pages covering 'Phase 5', Views from the Line, the history of the abandoned PBSSR works around Beddgelert, Archived News and a Contacts page for volunteers. Another page covers the current operation of the WHR(P) southwest from Pen-y-Mount.
The above OS map shows the route through the Aberglaslyn Pass and Beddgelert. Click on the image to enlarge. Image produced from the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map service. Image reproduced with kind permission of Ordnance Survey and Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland.
Click here to use the free OS Get-a-map service.
Route section pages
Listed below are links to pages featuring progress on different sections of the line or archive views. Jump ahead to News section or follow the section links from page to page. Please note that access to the links below was restored on 2/9/04 at the new website www.isengard.co.uk
Phase 4 pages
Rhyd Ddu to Pont Cae'r Gors (updated 29/6/06)
Pont Cae'r Gors to Hafod Ruffydd Halt (new 8/10/06)
Hafod Ruffydd Halt to Beddgelert Forest Halt (updated 4/12/06)
Beddgelert Forest Halt to Beddgelert Station (updated 1/7/07)
Beddgelert Station Area (updated 30/6/07)
Beddgelert Station to Bryn-y-felin (updated 1/7/07)
Aberglaslyn Pass (updated 2/7/07)
Nantmor to Pont Croesor (updated 16/7/07)
Pont Croesor to Pen-y-Mount (updated 1/4/07)
WHR (Porthmadog) (updated 1/4/07)
Porthmadog Cross Town Link (updated 1/4/07)
Other pages
'Phase 5' 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 31/1/10)
Snow Scenes (updated 29/12/08)
Rolling Stock News Page (updated 28/12/04)
Phase 4 News Page (updated 3/3/05)
Volunteer Contact details page (updated 28/11/09)
Phase 2 and 3 page list (updated 27/8/08)
Access to Phase 2 pages is currently being progressed.
If you would like an automated announcement of site updates, email me at the NEW (2005) address below replacing the letters 'dot' in 'dotnet' with a full stop
isengard@tescodotnet
This has been introduced as an anti-spam feature.
Disclaimer
There has never been any intent by myself to suggest that the views on these pages represent the views, opinions or policy of the FR, the WHRCL or the WHRS.
I am happy to confirm that this is an INDEPENDENT web news service.
Stop Press!!
New construction images/text will be posted on a regular basis.
New text in RED!
Phase 2 DVD released
Following many requests, your webmaster's Hi8 (stereo) Phase 2 analogue camcorder footage has been captured with a digitiser and edited to make a 2 hour DVD. All footage is from the year 2000, including:-
Click here for the Clip List.
The previous Phase 3 VHS video has been edited from original material onto DVD. Both Phase 2 and Phase 3 DVDs come in library boxes with smart illustrated inserts and a clip list (no commentary). The DVDs themselves are attractively labelled with a snowy alpine railway scene at Rhyd Ddu. The DVDs can be provided in any format (+R/-R/+RW/-RW) and the DVDs are not regionalised. Special orders for NTSC versions could be considered if the technology proves workable. All monies raised from the sale of these DVDs will go to the WHRS to support Phase 4. Contact the WHR/FR Shop. Limited numbers of copies of both DVDs will be on sale at WHRS events.
Phase 3 Video Offer
A new video offer for Phase 3 was launched at Easter 2004. The last video generated over £1,000 all of which was donated to the WHRS and the new video sold out at Super Power 2004, raising over £400 for Phase 4 funds.
The new video shows the construction, works trains, Royal test trains and the opening to Rhyd Ddu. The video is over 1.5 hours long covering the period 2000-2003. It also includes a few Gala clips and a 'chase the train' sequence at Llwyn-y-bedw. The special Xmas Edition now contains K1 in action footage and the 2005 Gala and the delivery of K1 to Dinas.
Phase 2 is also available in DVD format mastered from digitised analogue footage.
Phase 3 is now available in DVD format mastered from VHS tape for better reproduction!
Click here for Phase 3 Construction video Clip List
Sept 2007-Aug 2008 Edition of Phase 4 DVD
A new edition appeared at Garratt 50 including scenes from SuperPower 2007 through Palmerston at Beddgelert, the Supporters' Specials in the Aberglaslyn Pass to the final stages of linking up at Traeth Mawr. The DVD is an hour long. John Wooden sold them from his shop and also his on-line shop with all money raised going directly to the WHRS for Phase 4 funds. Following the review to be published in the Winter 2009 TSR, more copies will be produced over Xmas.
Click here for FR on-line shop
Click here for the latest YouTube Clip or on the box below
Click on the YouTube box above to watch 1 min of video of Prince crossing Bryn-y-felin bridge on 27/10/08 working a photo-charter. The quality of the YouTube clip does not represent the quality of the DVD. This video was taken by Barrie Hughes on a JVC Everio GZ-MG21EK camcorder.
Click here for Laurence Armstrong's latest WHR North map dated 5/11/07
Click here for Laurence Armstrong's latest WHR Middle map dated 26/8/08
Click here for Laurence Armstrong's latest WHR South map dated 28/2/09
Click here for Mike Schumann's Phase 4 TWA maps courtesy of Steve Harris
Click here for John Sreeves Gradient profile courtesy of Steve Harris
Click here for Chainages and OS Map References
Rest of the World Gang report 7/2/10
Steve Broomfield reports: Today (7/2/10) we picked up the works train at Rhyd Ddu. From there we travelled north, picking up 'spare' concrete blocks, left over from earlier ballast wall construction. We then built three further ballast walls, in accordance with Fred Howes' listed requirements, and also sorted out a couple of minor track alignment problems. All this work was carried out between Glan-yr-afon and Castell Cidwm. The turnout of volunteers this weekend (3 on Saturday, 4 on Sunday) has been particularly disappointing, especially in view of the excellent weather conditions.
This northerly view (7/2/10) shows Upnor Castle passing Glan-yr-afon. In future years this location is an obvious place for restoration by the WHHG with some sidings and wagons and rebuilding of the quarry office/halt in NWNGR style. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy Steve Broomfield and was taken on a Panasonic Lumix DSC-FS3 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
These northerly views (both 7/2/10) show the placement of ballast retaining blocks at locations north from Bron-y-fedw Isaf. Click on the images to enlarge. These images are copyright Steve Broomfield and were taken on a Panasonic Lumix DSC-FS3 digital camera. Images post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
Rest of the World Gang report 6/2/10
Paul Bradshaw reports: On a bright sunny day, which makes you realise how splendid it can be to be working on the WHR at this time of the year, a small but enthusiastic group of volunteers from ROWG installed two cable access chambers for the Up and Down home stop boards at Cae Pawb crossing on Saturday 6/2/10.
This easterly view (6/2/10) shows the cable access chamber for the Cae Pawb signals. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy Steve Broomfield and was taken on a Panasonic Lumix DSC-FS3 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
Steve Broomfield adds: As there were only three of us, activity was limited to installing access points to the cable ducts to the south and north of Cae Pawb crossing. After digging down to the ducting, we cut into the existing pipework and concreted in pre-formed plastic boxes for subsequent access. These are to feed electrical supply to the 'ladybird' signals, to be installed (later) at the two locations.
Team Wylfa report 2/2/10
Clive Briscoe reports: There was small team of 2 (again!) on the evening of 2/2/10. Still, it was very productive with some more of No.134's seized cylinder block studs successfully removed and the threads restored. There are very few left to do now.
Tuesday Gang report 2/2/10
Tony Baker reports: Today (2/2/10) we completed the fitting of corral rails to LC105, the site of Hafod Garregog Halt or Ynys Ferlas, whichever you prefer. Both names seem to be used for this location. Eighteen posts were concreted in last week. Another smaller party were fitting anti-trespass grids at Hafod-y-llyn. The weather was showery but nowhere like as bad as had been predicted.
This easterly view (2/2/10) shows work underway at LC105, Hafod Garregog level crossing. The Tuesday Gang has finished the corral fencing. The site of the halt is visible behind the corral and the steel posts which held the name-board are still visible. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy Tony Baker and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
Sponsors Train rescheduled to 30/10/10
Andy Savage has written to Sponsors advising them of the necessity putting the Sponsors’ Special back from 27/3/10 to 30/10/10 this year (the public timetable finishes on 29/10/10). The main reason for this is that the Porthmadog Bypass works may be blocking the WHR just south of Pen-y-Mount, though the lack of availability of sufficient motive power would have been an issue as something special was hoped for. By October Network Rail should have the ERTMS system fully up and running on the Cambrian , so it is hoped to go across Cae Pawb Crossing all the way to Llyn Bach. There will be a good break for everyone in Beddgelert and it is intended to offer something really different on the return from Beddgelert to Caernarfon that should be worth the wait.
Some may have already booked accommodation for the 27/3/10 and will be welcome to tour the WHR fully during that day. Tours of Dinas and Boston Lodge can be arranged for sponsors and there is a public service. If there is enough demand Andy will arrange a session to meet Paul Lewin and himself, plus others, where they will talk over plans for the 2010 season and for future WHR projects.
Dinas in the snow 31/1/10
Snow fell over a large area of North Wales on the final weekend of January. Both Porthmadog and Dinas had a smattering but it soon disappeared.
This southerly view (31/1/10) shows snow lying at Dinas. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy Marcus Ingram and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
North Wales Track Gang report 31-1-10
Dafydd Thomas reports: Over the weekend of 30-31/1/10 we had a good turn out of volunteers which enabled two jobs to be tackled, namely:-
We had a mixture of snow, frozen ground and sunshine to contend with.
This view (30/1/10) shows work underway fitting the catch point motor on the north side of Cae Pawb Crossing. The North Wales Track Gang goes to considerable lengths to ensure a level finish. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy Jim Comerford and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
These northerly and southerly views (both 31/1/10) show the fitting of the point motor to the north catch point at Cae Pawb Crossing in snowy conditions. Click on the images to enlarge. These images are copyright Jim Comerford and were taken on a digital camera. Images post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
Lyd tour delay
Replica L&BR loco Lyd will be launched at the FR's Quirks and Curiosities Gala 30/4/10-3/5/10. Following running-in over the Summer, the loco will now visit the L&BR later than expected during the L&BR's September Gala. This may allow the loco to appear at the WHR's SuperPower Gala 11-12/9/10.
Porthmadog Bypass start 29/1/10
Transport Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones marked the start of construction of the Porthmadog Bypass on 29/1/10 by planting a tree in one of the landscape areas in the development. Work on the viaduct over the WHR and WHHR, just south of Pen-y-Mount, is scheduled to be completed this year before the WHR opens to Porthmadog. Work on the bridge under the FR, just east of Minffordd will be undertaken next Winter and the road opened in 2011. See BBC website.
The final road improvement to affect the WHR will be a A487 Caernarfon Bypass from the north end of the existing Pen-y-Groes bypass south of Llanwnda to the west end of Y Felinheli Bypass east of Caernarfon. This is likely to cross the WHR just north of Bontnewydd Halt. Planning has started for this section of the A487.
Team Wylfa report 26/1/10
Clive Briscoe reports: We worked on No.134 again on Tuesday evening (26/1/10). The main task was to continue running taps through the various sized cylinder block stud holes to clean them out after previous stud removal. Doesn't sound much of a job, but the 7/8" BSW ones for the cylinder cover studs did need some 'grunt' and helped warm us up in the cold shed! There only remain about 8 various sized sheared studs to remove between the two cylinder blocks and clean the threads out - most have been pilot drilled ready for this final assault.
The valve chests and cylinders were given a quick clean out. There was quite a lot of carbonised cylinder oil deposited in the valve chests. Some was up to 3/4" thick and required a hammer and chisel to carefully break out. Most is now out and both cylinders and valve chests are looking good. We'll continue with a final clean out and oil the machined surfaces in the next week or two.
The last remaining steam cleaned driving wheelset in the shed (there's still one outside) got a final wire brush and a coat of red oxide primer.
The Sunday No.134 working party (24/1/10) had finally got the rear drawbar out - with the aid of a gas axe the burn the pin out. Also the front SAR style coupler was removed without resorting to the gas axe. The wasted frame in way of the firebox on the LHS has now been built up and ground back smooth, the RHS remains to be so treated.
These Dinas shed views (both 26/1/10) show the left hand cylinder stud removal and the right hand cylinder with studs out. Click on the images to enlarge. These images are copyright Clive Briscoe and were taken on a digital camera. Images post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
Tuesday Gang report 26/1/10
Tony Baker reports: Today (26/1/10) we worked at LC105, the crossing to the Osprey caravan, at the site of the former Hafod Garregog Halt. The job was to concrete in the posts for the corral rails. Some 12 corner posts and 6 intermediate posts were installed. Next week when the concrete has set we will fit the rails themselves. The bottom rail forms the base of the anti trespass grids.
This view (26/1/10) shows work underway at LC105, Hafod Garregog level crossing. The Tuesday Gang goes to considerable lengths to ensure a level finish. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy Tony Baker and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
Working Week report 25/1/10
Dr. Simon Melhuish reports: We worked on the other rail, north from the Hafod-y-llyn Isaf farm crossing (LC103), chasing the rail gaps until the start of the big curve round into the long straight. There we introduced a stagger. At the end of the day we were within a few lengths of the end of the curve. I bashed rocks near Pont Ynys Ferlas (the Afon Nanmor Bridge).
These southerly and northerly views (both 25/1/10) show the results of rock bashing just north of the Afon Nanmor bridge after an hour's bashing with a 14lb hammer! Click on the images to enlarge. These images are copyright Dr. Simon Melhuish and were taken on a digital camera. Images post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
Working Week report 24/1/10
Dr. Simon Melhuish reports: We worked north from Hafod-y-llyn Isaf, re-gapping the rail on the west side. We got to the end of our previous re-gapping exercise, south from Hafod-y-llyn, so it worked out just right again. We also slewed the alignment in places to make the curves just a little sweeter. Around the crossing by Mr. Parry's farm we moved a lot of ballast to improve the approach for vehicles.
These northerly and southerly views (both 24/1/10) show LC100 and Upnor Castle with the works train, just north of the crossing. Click on the images to enlarge. These images are copyright Dr. Simon Melhuish and were taken on a digital camera. Images post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
This view (24/1/10) shows marks of the rock close to the Afon Nanmor bridge which requires trimming to ease the structure gauge to acceptable limits. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy Dr. Simon Melhuish and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
NG15 report 23-4/1/10
It took some effort to remove the rear draw bar over the weekend of 23-4/1/10. It seems No.134 had sustained a very heavy collision to the rear at some point in its career and some plate-work is also bent. By the end of Sunday the rear draw-bar had yielded using the 'gas axe' on its pin. More work took place on horn guides, removal of cylinder studs and the painting of some of the wheelsets. It has been decided to replace the drain cock valves in stainless steel.
See NG15 Page for a full report.
Working Week report 23/1/10
Andrew Thomas reports: The Rest of the World Gang were back to Hafod-y-llyn Isaf for the never-ending challenge of making a 21st Century railway fit neatly onto the course of a 20th Century one built on the cheap. We now have an inviting looking straight stretching into the distance across the Nanmor bridge and a series of curves that look good for 20mph. Due to the realignment, we're still chasing gaps headed north towards the loop at Hafod-y-llyn to gain the extra rail we now need to join the railway up again. Due to weeks of surveying, levelling and relaying in this area, it's hard to find a foot of rail or a sleeper that doesn't have some strange and arcane chalk mark on it.
These northerly and two southerly views (all 23/1/10) show the completion of work on Hafod-y-llyn Isaf curve. The first view shows Upnor Castle on the PW train. The second view shows the gang slewing the curve and the third view shows the finished 20mph curve. Click on the images to enlarge. These images are copyright Andrew Thomas and were taken on a digital camera. Images post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
Summit Sign 22/1/10
Dafydd Thomas reports: On 22/1/10 the North Wales Track Gang (BHG) completed mixing and pouring concrete into the base of the Summit Sign. However the sign itself was not put up, its legs need to be installed and this will happen later. Paul Bradshaw and the ROTWG are starting a week long working party on Saturday. They aim to complete the work on the track at Hafod y Llyn Isaf.
This southerly view (22/1/10) shows the complete concrete base for the Summit Sign in Summit Cutting between Pitt's Head and Pont Cae'r Gors. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy Peter Roughley and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
2010 timetable review
The 2010 timetable was published in January with services extended by 3 miles to a new loop at Pont Croesor in May. Services commence on Saturday 27/3/10 and continue until Friday 29/10/10 (Half Term Holiday but without the final weekend!). Trains operate almost every day except some Mondays and Fridays in April, May and October judged as days that holidaymakers travel to/from North Wales. Workings to/from Caernarfon at the start and end of the day are not shown for the second year in succession as they are deemed ECS workings, which do not carry passengers. The 1705 evening train (Red and Yellow timetables) will not stop at Bontnewydd Halt. This train may become a 'Food on the Move' service on certain days in the peak.
There are six different timetables with evidence of yield management heavily at work. The timetable looks like a rainbow in places e.g. there is a different timetable for every Monday in July. All trains are shown running to Pont Croesor with a footnote saying services should extend south from Hafod-y-llyn on Thursday 27/5/10. Until then, trains will return directly to Beddgelert after running round and wait time there. Surprisingly, Hafod-y-llyn Halt will be closed after the extension is opened. The Tuesday Gang has only recently built the platform there!
Train running times are either 2 hours or 2 hours 15 mins to Pont Croesor with sectional times improved after the major trackwork over the Winter closure. Round trips are between 4 hours 10 mins and 4 hours 40 mins and, despite the length of the route, can still be achieved with two train sets. Beddgelert is reached in 1 hour 30mins or 1 hour 50 mins and 20 mins (15 mins on some of the last trains) is allowed at Pont Croesor for running around and a toilet break. Some 25/30 mins are allowed for the Beddgelert-Pont Croesor running times. All trains pass at Rhyd Ddu except for the early train in the RED timetable that passes at Waunfawr.
The Purple timetable consists of one train a day, the 1100 from Caernarfon. This runs on off peak Mondays and Fridays, including some in July! The Lilac timetable shows two trains a day at 1000 and 1210. The second is planned to be diesel hauled, though may be steam hauled when locos/crews are available. This timetable runs at off peak weekends and some off peak midweek days. The Green and Blue timetables add a 1440 departure and run at 'shoulder' weekends and some off peak midweek days. The Yellow timetable adds a 1705 diesel hauled evening run. The train operates at Bank Holiday shoulders and 'travel to holiday' days in July and August. It gets back to Caernarfon at 2115, so in the early and late season part of the journey will be in the dark. The Red timetable adds an 0800 Dinas-Beddgelert (Only) diesel service that is designed to pick up campers etc. who are looking for a day out in Caernarfon. It departs Beddgelert at 0930.
Team Wylfa report 19/1/10
Clive Briscoe reports: We finally made it back
to Dinas. Well, just 2 of us on the evening of 19/1/10. We worked on No.134
- removal of the remaining seized studs in the cylinders is still the No.1
priority. Several of the few remaining cylinder cover studs were pilot drilled
ready for extraction and one of the small valve chest drain flange studs was
successfully extracted. Also, most of the fore end footplating studs that were
drilled before Christmas were successfully collapsed and removed.
Another working weekend on No.134 is planned by the No.134
Group this weekend. Prior notice of attendance to Andie Shaw is required - see
the
NG15
website for contact details.
Cae Pawb crossing equipment base complete 18/1/10
The signal cabin will go where the old one was (as close to the position as can be determined – it will look the same anyway) but the relays will be in the cabinets on the new base. This is because there is precious little room in the cabin itself and installation and maintenance will be easier if the kit is on WHR land. Once the cabin is built, the control panel for the signals and trap points will be moved into it from one of the location cabinets.
This southerly view (18/1/10) shows the complete concrete base for the location cabinets in the north east corner of Cae Pawb crossing. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy Ray Jarvis and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
ERTMS commissioning
It is looking increasingly likely that the Cambrian ERTMS commissioning date will be in March, rather than the February Half Term date previously announced.
Summit Sign 18/1/10
Dafydd Thomas reports: Today, members of the Black Hand Gang were at work at the line's summit, between Pitt's Head and Pont Cae'r Gors (Summit Cutting) completing putting concrete in the base for the summit sign, which has been commissioned by the Society's North Wales Group. Hopefully the sign will be installed by the end of the week.
North Wales Track Gang report 16-17/1/10
Dafydd Thomas reports: Over the weekend 16-17/1/10 the North Wales Track Gang (Black Hand Gang) were in action again at two locations. A small group were assisting Roland Doyle at Cae Pawb to continue with the work of installing the mechanism for the catch points on the southern approach to the flat crossing with Network Rail. The rest of the gang were continuing with the realignment of the track curve between Hafod-y-llyn Isaf farm crossing (LC103) and Pont Ynys Ferlas (LC196). Once track around the curve had been aligned to the correct curvature that had been calculated using the Hallade system, the track panels were connected back to the rest of the track. Two panels remain to be done as well as correction of expansion gaps at rail joints north of LC103.
This view (16/1/10) shows the workings of the point motor for the southern catchpoint motor unit. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy Jim Comerford and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
This southerly view (16/1/10) shows the point motor and detector fitted in place. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy Jim Comerford and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
These westerly, northerly and westerly views (all 17/1/10) show the fitting of the point motor and detector at Cae Pawb NR Crossing South. The first view shows the interior of a point motor. The second view shows the point motor and detector in position and the third view shows the western point motor. Click on the images to enlarge. These images are copyright Steve Broomfield and were taken on a Panasonic Lumix DSC-FS3 digital camera. Images post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
WHR trackwork programme 2009 - 2010
Paul Bradshaw reports: Weekend dates for the next few months are:
| January | 30-31/1/10 | ||||
| February | 6-7/2/10 | 13-14/2/10 | 20-21/2/10 | 27-28/2/10 | |
| March | 6-7/3/10 | 13-14/3/10 | 20-21/3/10 | 27-28/3/10 |
Thereafter the same fortnightly pattern will continue.
The weekend from 20-21/2/10 will be extended to make a long weekend from Friday 19/2/10 to Monday 22/2/10. We also expect to run a long weekend around the ROWG weekend of 17-18/4/10 (i.e. from Friday 16/4/10 to Monday 19/4/10).
There will be working “weeks” in January and March. The one in January will start on the ROWG weekend of 23-24/1/10 and run through until the following BHG weekend of 30-31/1/10. That in March will start on the ROWG weekend of 6-7/3/10 and run through to the following BHG weekend of 13-14/3/10.
We also expect to run a “week” starting on 1-2/5/10 (a Bank Holiday and an ROWG weekend) running though to 8-9/5/10.
If you plan to join us at a weekend please contact the appropriate organiser. If you are interested in weekday working or have any queries about track work volunteering, please contact Paul Bradshaw.
Tuesday Gang work parties continue to operate pretty well every Tuesday. In December they will be working on Tuesdays 8/12/09, 15/12/09 and 22/12/09 but not 29/12/09. Normal operations start again on 5/1/10. Contact Tony Baker for details.
The P-Way Track Gang can often do with help on week days. If you would like to join them contact Tom (Alun Tomlinson).
See Contacts page for all organisers.
Gradient graph
John Hopkins has contributed this image of the gradient profile of the WHR. It makes clear how much of a mountain we have climbed and how steep the drop through Beddgelert is. Maybe most of all, it reveals the challenge facing northbound trains after they stop at Beddgelert!
This image is courtesy/copyright John Hopkins and is derived from data courtesy John Sreeves with additional work by Michael Bentley.
Events 2009/10
| 27/3/10 | Easter Opening |
| 1/5/10 | WHHG Special to Tryfan Junction |
| 30/4-3/5/10 | Lyd launch (on FR) |
| 7-9/5/10 | Beer Festival |
| 27/5/10 | Pont Croesor Halt Opening |
| 11-12/9/10 | Super Power |
| Autumn 2010 | Porthmadog Opening? |
Site development
If you have suggestions for development of this site, please contact me by email at the address at the top of the page.
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Maps & Plans and links
Click here for Steve Harris' full list of Historical Maps and Gradient Profiles
Much material can be purchased from Steve Harris who is the WHRS' Mail Order officer.
Click here for the Mail Order web page
Click here for the Official WHR website
Click here for Official WHR(P) site
Click here for FR Company websites
Version 4.1486 updated 8/2/10