Welsh Highland Railway
Stop Press Page
V4.1299
News (updated 3/7/09)
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Images updated from 30/6/09
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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 Pages (updated 1/7/09)
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 22/4/09)
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.
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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.
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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
Team Wylfa report 30/6/09
Clive Briscoe reports: Carriages and yet more carriages was the call last night (30/6/09). The usual checking and oiling up routines on a very sultry, sticky evening with the scale of the task only broken up by hiss and clank of No.143 as she shunted the late train back into the shed, fuelled up and returned to the Loco Shed. And of course the beautiful sunsets you get at Dinas. We welcomed our German team mate Ulrich back last night, he will be with us for the next two weeks.
A note to any prospective helpers - we will NOT be at Dinas next Tuesday 7/7/09 but WILL be there the following evening, on WEDNESDAY 8/7/09.
Tuesday Gang 30/6/09
Tony Baker reports: The Tuesday Gang covered three activities on Tuesday 30/6/09. Two volunteers were on fire watch at Pont Cae'r Gors, four at Beddgelert continued with the anti-sheep fencing on top of the west wall. We have now reached the stage where the first of the wires was threaded through the stanchions. Ironically there has been no sign of any sheep in the field since we started this job. A further five continued with the construction of Hafod-y-llyn 'Parkway' as we have named it.
So far, four 10 tonne lorry loads of quarry waste have been dropped off here. The ditch behind required piping first, then the quarry waste carefully placed on top of the pipes so as not to break them. Finally, large quantities of loco ash were spread over the quarry waste. There is no truth in the rumour that the company only came up with this project because they had accumulated large quantities of loco ash which they did not know what to do with! The platform is long enough to hold 2 carriages and has been placed in the correct position on the loop so that the Service Car is one of the two. Tuesday was very hot and muggy and each calling train brought us very welcome ice cold water. Bird lovers may be interested to know that we had a visit from a low flying Hen Harrier. Next week, weather permitting, should see the conclusion of this project.
These northerly views (both 30/6/09) show work in progress at Hafod-y-llyn on unloading loco ash to provide a short platform for emergency use. Click on the images to enlarge. These images are copyright Tony Baker and were taken on a digital camera. Images post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
These northerly and easterly views (both 30/6/09) show work in progress at Beddgelert on providing sheep proof wire through stanchions cemented into the wall along the west side of the station. If the station is sheep-proof, it will be possible to replant the flower beds and see them flourish. The presence of a full time station master might also discourage sheep! 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.
Beddgelert Station master wanted
The Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways are looking for a Station Master/Ticket Seller at Beddgelert Station. This fulltime position is for the High Summer period from 18/7/09 until 13/9/09.
The applicant will have to:
look after all aspects of service at Beddgelert Station
sell tickets and give information
check cleaning of toilet blocks and order supplies in conjunction with
cleaner
clean platform, buildings and steps
liaise with Marketing Department regarding timetable posters
ensure village information points have timetables and relevant literature
assist trolley crews with water tanks
Also included is Meillionen (Forest Campsite) Halt:
regular check of information at campsite and halt
ensure timetables are available
day-to-day liaison with campsite staff in case of problems
clean platform and shelter
Required skills:
good knowledge of the WHR or the ability to acquire it quickly
be able to work alone, be self motivated and organised
accuracy with cash, ticket sales and accounting
ability to talk to the public
ability to deal with problems
ideally a driver with own vehicle
Send your request for an application form to ingrid.dejongh@festrail.co.uk
For more information contact the Commercial Department on 01766 516072 or
516023.
Rest of the World Gang 29/6/09
Steve Broomfield reports: Activity today consisted of jim-crowing a poor rail joint in the vicinity of Plas Bodaden Farm. This involved undoing the SA fittings on one and a half panels of track (one side only), in order to do the jim-crowing and generate 'acceptable' gaps. There were only three of us today, so the time taken was more than we had expected. In addition, several of the SA fittings proved particularly obstinate.
This southerly view (29/6/09) shows the Rest of the World Gang working on PW at Plas Bodaden on a day when no public trains were running. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Steve Broomfield and was taken on a Panasonic Lumix DSC-FS3 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
Rest of the World Gang 28/6/09
Andrew Thomas reports: The Rest of the World Gang spent Sunday 28/6/09 removing, cleaning, greasing and replacing fishplates between Aspinalls and Waunfawr. It was hot, humid and midge infested. We rescued several small frogs found living behind said fishplates.
This northerly view (28/6/09) shows No.143 near Aspinall's Curve on the 1000 ex-Caernarfon. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Andrew Thomas and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (28/6/09) shows No.87 near Aspinall's Curve on the 1135 ex-Caernarfon. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Andrew Thomas and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (28/6/09) shows No.143 at the site of the landslip on the 1430 ex-Caernarfon. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Andrew Thomas and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
This southerly view (28/6/09) shows the Observation Car on the rear of the same train passing the site of the landslip. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Andrew Thomas and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
Castell Caernarfon progress 27/6/09
The reassembly of Castell Caernarfon was underway on 27/6/09 and it is hoped to have the loco back in action in the first week of July. The loco was shunted back into the Goods Shed. The loco is likely to double head with Vale of Ffestiniog until run in.
This northerly view (27/6/09) shows the work underway to complete Castell Caernarfon outside Dinas Goods shed. Vale of Ffestiniog is the depot shunter and the comparison of heights shows just how much the FR Funkey was cut down to fit the FR's restrictive loading gauge. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Ben Fisher and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
Friday freight 26/6/09
Ben Rosen drove the Friday pw train to Hafod-y-llyn on 26/6/09 assisted by Will High. They dropped off the water carrier wagon at Rhyd Ddu and then proceeded to drop loco ash from another wagon at Hafod-y-llyn to make up the platform.
It is surprising that the FR management has persisted with the no trains on 'Mondays and Fridays in June' timetable despite the presence of people turning up at Caernarfon 'on spec' having heard of the attractions of the extended run through the Aberglaslyn Pass. Trains have been reportedly heavily laden trains on other days, though traditionally, Mondays and Fridays have been lighter, seen as travelling days for holidaymakers to reach or return from North Wales. The Monday/Friday timetable gaps continue into July and daily services do not commence until Tuesday 7/7/09. One advantage of the 'days off' however is the freedom to run PW operations.
Fire Duty 27/6/09
Volunteers with tracksafe credentials have been positioned at Summit Cutting on 'Fire Duty' recently following a third fire on 14/6/09 reported by Steam Railway, this time following the passage of No.143. Volunteer Dave Waldren managed to put out the trackside fire on that occasion with a spade.
These northerly and southerly views (both 27/6/09) show No.143 breasting the summit on the 1000 from Caernarfon. The second view includes a patch of scorched grass from a recent fire. 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.
This southerly view (27/6/09) shows the Observation Car on the rear of the same train. The scorched fence posts can be seen on the right from previous fires, a common sight in BR steam days. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Andrew Thomas and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
These northerly views (both 27/6/09) show No.87 approaching the summit on the 1135 from Caernarfon, still carrying the Aberglaslyn headboard. 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.
NG15 No.134 appeal
An appeal is to be launched on 3/8/09 in Caernarfon to raise funds towards the restoration of NG15 No.134. Sister loco No.133 will be displayed in the town centre to attract attention to the fundraising campaign that will continue throughout August when most visitors come to Caernarfon. Steam Railway reports that the 27 day campaign hopes to raise £1,000,000.
Meurig Williams of Brunswick Ironworks, the Caernarfon-based company which has provided bridges, water towers etc. for the WHR, is behind the appeal. He has agreed to build the new superstructure for the loco's tender and the appeal will hopefully provide the necessary funds for the steelwork. Mr. Williams has also obtained sponsorship for the movement of sister loco No.133 to Caernarfon town square (Y Maes). A series of fund raising events is planned. No.134's restoration is likely to cost £250,000 and any money raised over that would go towards the completion of Beddgelert station building.
Bits & Pieces
The decision to delay opening of the Porthmadog Extension until Easter 2010 might allow Russell's attendance, assuming it is completed in time by the WHHR. Merddin Emrys is in good condition too on the FR (despite a few problems with priming and the superheater) and that will permit 4 locos that originally used the route to be present at the Opening Gala in 2010.
Race the Train will take place on 22/7/09 with the special train leaving Caernarfon at 1930.
Halloween Trains may operate in the Autumn.
Lyd is receiving attention from a full time fitter at Boston Lodge and the completed boiler is back in the frames and lagged, clad and installed. No.87 needs some attention to valve events but otherwise is receiving praise. No.138 is likely to remain as an oil burner because of lack of time to convert to coal. Oil prices are at a record low and further coal conversion is unlikely. Cinders have also been an issue at Summit Cutting! The boiler is at Boston Lodge for smokebox repairs along with the old cab and new tank which may emerge in a new colour! No.143 continues to clank and leak water from the tank.
A new Railway Letter stamp was issued on 21/5/09 to mark the opening of the WHR through the Aberglaslyn Pass. The 25p stamp features No.143 at Caernarfon. A first day cover was planned for late May at £5 and a block of 9 stamps at £2.25 per sheet.
Water wagon
As previously mentioned, a B wagon has been adapted to carry water containers to help deal with the fires that have taken place at Summit Cutting. The ideal place to stable the wagon would be in Rhyd Ddu yard along with a diesel loco such as Upnor Castle. Assuming a driver was available, the railway could then mount a fast response to support the Fire Brigade with additional water in any location where water might be in short supply.
This northerly view (14/6/09) shows the newly completed water wagon carrying about 4000 litres of water in 4 IBCs. The load of 4 tonnes is connected to an engine driven pump. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Dave Waldren and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
Team Wylfa report 22/6/09
Clive Briscoe reports: It was the same old story but having a much better turnout on the evening of 22/6/09. The F Set was all checked and oiled up by 10pm, an 'early' finish for a change! There will be an evening special on Friday 24/7/09 - a second Team Wylfa special. The first was to celebrate our first year of existence in 2004 and each year since I have been nagged by some who came and enjoyed themselves, 'Are you doing another train this year?' but could not get sufficient numbers to justify. With the opening to Beddgelert and beyond, the asking became a torrent so I gave in.
'Y Fforiwr Glaslyn (Glaslyn Explorer)' will leave Caernarfon for Hafod-y-llyn at 1700 and I already have a full train of Wylfa and Trawsfynydd Nuclear Power Station staff, friends and families. The train will be crewed by volunteers from Team Wylfa and friends, the driver being an ex-Wylfa 'reactor driver' (now a Team Leader at Trawsfynydd).
Tuesday Gang report 22/6/09
Tony Baker reports: The gang again split up and carried out drain clearance outside the PW at Dinas, progressed the installation of stanchions to the rear wall at Beddgelert and progressed the construction of Hafod-y-llyn platform.
This northerly view (22/6/09) shows the 1135 ex-Caernarfon arriving at the partly constructed temporary halt at Hafod-y-llyn. No. 87 had 9 fully loaded carriages and there was just time for the Tuesday Gang to get liquid refreshments from the Buffet Car before it set off back to Beddgelert. The sound it made climbing Nantmor incline with 9 on was terrific. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
North Wales Track Gang report 21/6/09
Dafydd Thomas reports: Over the weekend 20-21/6/09 the North Wales / Black Hand Gang further extended the siding at Pont Croesor to the south by another 5 panels of track (2 on Sunday), all on South African sleepers. We also removed the check rails at Pont Ynys Ferlas (Afon Nanmor), deemed not necessary by HMRI. A second gang was working on the new station shelter/staff accommodation at Beddgelert station where they completed the roof of the building.
This northerly view (21/6/09) shows the North Wales Track Gang extending Pont Croesor siding on the site of the future loop. The loose rail was later fitted. Three more full panels are needed to complete the job. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Steve Broomfield and was taken on a Panasonic Lumix DSC-FS3 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
Pont Croesor siding extended 20/6/09
The North Wales Track Gang was busy extending the Pont Croesor siding to the south on 20/6/09. Three more panels were added on 20/6/09.
This northerly view (20/6/09) shows the North Wales Track Gang extending the siding at Pont Croesor. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
This southerly view (20/6/09) shows the North Wales Track Gang extending the siding at Pont Croesor. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
New coaches in use 20/6/09
The newly delivered FR coaches Nos.119/120 were put into traffic on Saturday 20/6/09, the day after they arrived. Nine coach rakes are now possible in regular service.
Coach No.119 delivered 19/6/09
Coach No.119 and Lilla were loaded up at Minffordd Yard on 19/6/09. The coach was delivered to Dinas and will be used almost immediately to strengthen trains. Lilla was included in the load as it was en route to Tyseley for an event there over the weekend of 27-28/6/09.
This northerly view (19/6/09) shows the Loco-Motion moving coach No.119 to Dinas. Lilla was off to Tyseley Open Day . Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Howard Wilson and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
Castell Caernarfon reassembly 19/6/09
The former rail gantry was used to lift the power unit and gearbox into the chassis of Castell Caernarfon at Dinas on 19/6/09, the day after the components were delivered.
This southerly view (19/6/09) shows Castell Caernarfon's power unit being placed in the loco's chassis. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Alasdair Stewart (WHRCL) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
This southerly view (19/6/09) shows Castell Caernarfon's under the Dinas rail gantry. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Alasdair Stewart (WHRCL) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
New coaches arrive at Dinas 19/6/09
Two FR coaches, Nos.119/120 were delivered to Dinas by lorry on 19/6/09 to increase the length of the standard rakes in response to high passenger loadings. The coaches were delivered by road as it was easier than organising a path through the CTRL.
This southerly view (19/6/09) shows coach No.120 being delivered to Dinas to supplement the coach fleet. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Alasdair Stewart (WHRCL) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
Castell Caernarfon parts return 18/6/09
Castell Caernarfon's Funkey power unit returned to Dinas on 18/6/09 along with a couple of coach bogies. The repair of the loco had Boston Lodge had been awaiting parts from India. When the loco is reassembled, it is anticipated it will run double headed with Vale of Ffestiniog on test for a while on the late afternoon train until it is run in.
This southerly view (18/6/09) shows Castell Caernarfon's power unit being unloaded under the Dinas rail gantry. Two coach bogies were also delivered on the same lorry. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Alasdair Stewart (WHRCL) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
Team Wylfa report 16/6/09
Clive Briscoe reports: A somewhat depleted team (two of us!) somehow managed to achieve the objective - E Set checked and oiled in its entirety.
There have been some recent concerns about the freight/works stock that do not get as regular checking as perhaps they might. 'Wagon Doc', Marcus, can't get down as much these days and Team Wylfa simply haven't the resources either to be checking these as well. As above, we are more than fully stretched just to keep up with the carriage stock during the main running season. However, what we do have is the knowledge and tools for the job. Are there any individuals out there who might be prepared to form a two or three man team to spend say a regular day per month - weekday or weekend - going around the DZs, Bs, construction wagons etc. checking/oiling up and keeping the records? (Which with the amount they are used, should be more than adequate to keep them in tip-top running order). The running gear is virtually identical to the carriages in most cases so we can train you up and get you authorised by Boston Lodge. Contact me in the first instance (see Contacts page).
Tuesday Gang report 16/6/09
Tony Baker reports: On 15/6/09 the Tuesday Gang was split between Beddgelert and Hafod-y-llyn. At Hafod-y-llyn the temporary platform was progressed. First the drainage ditch behind was piped and then a ton of slate waste was laid on top as a first stage to constructing the platform. More slate waste will be laid and finally topped off with loco ash. Normally, no one will alight here, so ash will not be carried into carriages by feet. The Beddgelert gang dug a pit under the water tower for the installation of a water meter and also progressed the installation of stanchions in the wall at the rear of the station onto which a wire fence will be installed. Hopefully this will make the station sheep proof.
This northerly view (16/6/09) shows the Tuesday Gang installing stanchions in the wall at the north end of Beddgelert Station. The wiring will hopefully keep out the sheep that have decimated the flowerbeds. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
Tracklaying programme 2009
Paul Bradshaw reports: First I want to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to everyone who has taken part in our track laying activities. We started track laying in earnest on Phase 4 in the early Spring of 2006. By the Autumn of 2008 we almost had a through railway connecting Rhyd Ddu to Harbour Station. It will not be long before the gaps are linked up.
The next couple of months will be critical to getting Phase 4 ready for opening at Easter. Your assistance is most important so I hope you will be able to spare the time to join one of our work parties.
There is still a lot to do before we have a railway fit for passenger trains. So this is no time to rest on our laurels. We have work to do. A lot of it. Volunteer assistance is crucial to achieving our time table for opening Phase 4 to passenger trains. Trains will run from Rhyd Ddu to Beddgelert starting Easter 2009. From July 2009 you will be able to travel through from Caernarfon to Harbour Station.
We have a full programme of working parties to achieve our target dates. So please come and join us. Our work sites can be anywhere on Phase 4 so you may well get the opportunity to see parts of the route you have not visited before.
Tuesday Gang working parties continue to operate pretty well every Tuesday. Contact Tony Baker for details.
....and after Easter 2009
In case you are wondering, and quite a lot of you are, there will continue to be a need for volunteer support not only for Phase 4 but also for the rest of the WHR after the public train service starts. We will continue to run working parties for track related work after the hand over to the FR. You can expect the basic arrangements to be not dissimilar to the current ones. Planning for this is ongoing so do not expect a detailed announcement just yet.
Other dates
The dates for weekend working parties for the remainder of 2008 and start of 2009 are:
| July | 4-5/7/09 | 11-12/5/09 | 18-19/7/09 | 25-26/7/09 |
North Wales Track Gang RED.
Rest of the World Track Gang BLACK
Contact me if you have any queries. And if you reply to this email, I hope it is to tell me which weekends you will be joining us. I would ask you, please, not to reply to this email address unless it is to book your dates for working on Phase 4 or if you have a question about doing so. In box fills up quickly enough as it is.
Paul Bradshaw, Tracklaying Volunteers Co-ordinator, Welsh Highland Railway Construction Limited.
Contact details can be found on the Contacts page
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
| 12-13/9/08 | AGM Specials |
| 5-6/12/09 | Santa Specials |
| 12-13/12/09 | Santa Specials |
| 19-20/12/09 | Santa Specials |
| Easter 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.
Comments
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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 4.1299 updated 3/7/09