Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway

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News (26/4/24)

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Star Picture

No.590 safely tucked away at Gelert's Farm depot WHHR after loaded test trains between the FR and Beddgelert. It was intended the loco would feature in a launch event at the WHHR and in the WHR100 event at the end of June but the loco developed a hot box after several days of testing. This image is courtesy WHHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Welcome to Version 4 of this website, launched on 8/9/04 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 WHHR 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 WHHR 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)

WHHR (Porthmadog) (updated 1/4/07)

Porthmadog Cross Town Link (updated1/4/07)

Caernarfon Cross Town Link  (updated 10/10/10)

Other pages

Phase 1 images (Updated 8/9/23)

Railtours 2023 (Updated 15/12/23)

Click on the timetable to enlarge. Copyright F&WHR.

F&WHR 26/4/24

Friday 26/4/24 was a chilly day at Porthmadog with temperatures of 5-11C and light cloud. Temperatures are expected to rise next week after a bout of unseasonably cold Spring weather which has seen temperatures comparable with Christmas! The established pattern of services is for a single train, the 10:40 Mountain Spirit, on Fridays. All three webcams were working today.

David Lloyd George arrived at 10:10 with the ECS for the 10:40 Mountain Spirit. By 09:34 a diesel, possibly Upnor Castle, was in the WHR platform with two coaches, possibly No.23 and brake No.10, likely to have run round from Boston Lodge as a NLHF shuttle to Boston Lodge Halt was booked today. DLG departed on time for Blaenau Ffestiniog. The diesel left with the short rake at 10:54 and was originally booked for Moelwyn. DLG returned on time at about 13:55 and the ECS departed for the depot about half an hour later to close the day's activities.

F&WHR 25/4/24

Thursday 25/4/24 was a chilly day at Porthmadog with temperatures of 3-10C and light cloud. Thursday had the usual seven train service repeat of Tuesday with five FR trains (both Mountain Spirit/The Victorian trains and The Quarryman from Blaenau Ffestiniog) plus the two through trains on the WHR. The Tan-y-bwlch webcam was not available again for the third day running but resumed live feed in the afternoon.

No.87 arrived with the ECS for the 10:05 The Harbourmaster at about 09:15. The ECS 10:40 Mountain Spirit arrived with David Lloyd George as The Harbourmaster departed. Run round was complete by 10:20 as shunting at Boston Lodge saw the ECS for The Victorian being prepared. James Spooner propelled the rake into the FR platform at 10:48.

No.130 was on the Snowdonia Star and had some attention to its motion when it ran round at 13:35. James Spooner positioned itself in the yard ready for the Fairlie swop at 13:52 as the Mountain Spirit crossed The Cob. DLG arrived at 13:56 and James Spooner immediately shunted to the rear ready for the 14:20 departure. DLG emerged from the yard at 14:24 to shunt The Victorian rake once the Mountain Spirit had gone. The rake was shunted into the platform at 14:32 and departed on time.

James Spooner, with its cab roof complete, arrived back at 17:28 with the last return of the day, the afternoon Mountain Spirit. Run round occurred by 17:40 and the ECS departed for the depot at 17:43 to close the day's activities.

The Snowdonian at Waunfawr 20/4/24

This southerly view (20/4/24) shows James Spooner and Merddin Emrys waiting in the platform at Waunfawr while passengers enjoy a buffet lunch. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright Tom Waldren and was taken on a phone camera.

Alco Mountaineer April report

The team returned to Glan-y-pwll for another working party, in rather unseasonably liquid sunshine. With the removal of the boiler from the frames this opened up two areas of work. The boiler needed the bosses and covers removing prior to contractors coming in to survey the boiler. The plate that fixes the boiler to the frames had to be detached from the foundation ring. The nuts required some force to get them undone but this was completed without breaking any studs. For photos of progress see Facebook Festrail page.
Work on the frames continued following on from previous cleaning efforts now that the boiler is out of the way. They have been degreased and pressure washed revealing paint and previous paint pen marks from the last overhaul. The rear of the chassis is now very clean, with the front having been coated in much more stubborn oil and dust mix require a bit more attention with scrapers next time. Further work continued with the development of the ash pan design and the proposed modifications with coal firing with the use of wood mock ups. There was also a lot of discussion on finalising design ideas for several modifications.
Lastly the connecting rods and piston heads were split from the crosshead. These have also been removed to allow the cylinder bores to be measured. These components have now been safely stored. The bores look quite good but may require some work to bring them back to round, there was no corrosion nor any marks on the bores so these are likely to be in good condition. The hand brake screw was finally removed but a small change will need to be made to this to prevent the build up of grease that was stopping it from being unscrewed. Work started on removing the piston valves and the steam brake cylinder but a few issues arose requiring advice and special tools so these were left until next time. Due to all the pressure washing the axle boxes were drained ready for fresh clean oil to be added next time.
Members of the Ffestiniog Railway Society will have the chance to come and see the team in action on the Saturday during our May working party. There are many ways to support the project and get involved.
Please find our Mountaineer Appeal page on the Ffestiniog Railway Society web site.
The Alco Team has its own website, where they have a selection of items for you to purchase to support the project.
https://www.alco1265.org.uk/
Finally if you would like to get involved please contact pbooth@ffwhr.com for more information on how you can do this.

F&WHR 24/4/24

Wednesday 24/4/24 was an improving day at Porthmadog with temperatures of 4-12C and sunshine later. Wednesday has the usual six train service with four trains from Porthmadog (both Mountain Spirit/The Aberglaslyn trains) and The Quarryman from Blaenau Ffestiniog plus one train from Caernarfon, The Gelert Explorer. The Tan-y-bwlch webcam was not available again for the second day running.

The first train was the ECS for the 10:15 The Aberglaslyn which arrived at 09:55 behind No.87. At 10:17 James Spooner (less cab roof) shunted the saloon from next to the rear of the rake to the seawall siding. Fuel can be saved on days when traffic is lighter  by reducing the weight of the train. No.143, on the Gelert Explorer, swopped duties at Beddgelert with No.87 and hauled the afternoon's The Aberglaslyn. Blanche left Porthmadog with the return working of The Quarryman at 15:27. For images see Robert Purcell's 28 images on Friends of the F&WHR Facebook page.

The Snowdonian 2024 and the RLR Blaenau Trip 19-20-4-24

Click on the YouTube link to watch 1hour 4 minutes 28 seconds of video showing the RLR locos visit to Blaenau Ffestiniog on 19/4/24 and The Snowdonian on 20/4/24. This video is copyright F&WHR and was published on 24/4/24. It is best viewed at 1080p with Chrome and was videod on a 4K camcorder by John Wooden (F&WHR).

F&WHR 23/4/24

Tuesday 23/4/24 was an improving day at Porthmadog with temperatures of 4-13C and sunshine later. Tuesday has the usual seven train service with five F&WHR trains (both Mountain Spirit/The Victorian trains and The Quarryman from Blaenau Ffestiniog) plus the two WHR through trains. The Tan-y-bwlch webcam was not available again this morning.

The Snowdonia Star had arrived by 12:30 and the loco had departed to refuel and water. At 13:08 Linda ran round The Quarryman and shunted the rake to the yard to clear the platform for subsequent FR arrivals. No.87 ran round the Snowdonia Star at 13:15 in the WHR platform ready for the 14:05 return service. The ECS The Harbourmaster left for the depot at 16:33. David Lloyd George arrived back with The Victorian at 17:00 into the FR platform. At 17:35 James Spooner arrived back with the Mountain Spirit in the FR platform. The loco ran round by 17:53 and departed with the ECS at 17:56 to close the day's activities.

Lilla, Linda and Blanche 20/4/24

This westerly view (19/4/24) shows Lilla, carrying The Snowdonian headboard, piloting Linda and Blanche away from Porthmadog on the first leg of the special working in sunny Spring weather. Lilla was removed at Minffordd rather than Tan-y-bwlch as booked due to a restriction on locos without spark arrestors operating in woodland in fine dry weather. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR taken on a webcam.

RLR locos at Tan-y-grisiau 19/4/24

Gary Brindle took some video of an unannounced visit by the two Richmond Light Railway locos to Blaenau Ffestiniog late on Friday afternoon. They are seen negotiating the trailable sprung point. Fortunately the light weight CHUQUITANTA managed to push through. See Gary Brindles' video.

No.134 Kalahari report April 2024

Welcome to the latest update of our efforts to return No.134 to steam here in North Wales. Our March & April working parties were well supported, with some volunteer time in between and support from the permanent staff on key items.
As the days grew longer so did the copper pipework, as Laurence’s handiwork spread from the piston and valve chest lubrication, through the front truck to the steam chest pressure and gauge glass drains. Soon the pipework will creep down to the steam operated drain cocks too, which were recently fitted and look very smart with their low profile design allowing maximum ground clearance beneath No.134’s large cylinders.
During the dark days of the early months the machinists at Dinas made all new bronze fittings for the large feed pipework and volunteers plan to fit these to the shaped pipes in May with skilled help from Boston Lodge. The permanent staff also installed the Group's two mechanical lubricator drives, which are driven from the expansion links for constant stroke and are easily accessible. In this area volunteers also introduced a split in the running plates to allow handy sections above the valve gear to be removed for access without disturbing the lubricators or pipework in future. The four bypass valves which sit atop the piston valve chests had their overhaul completed, so were refitted along with modified steam pipe covers alongside the smokebox.
A recent ergonomic challenge has been the design and fabrication of the bracket to support the vacuum ejector and steam brake valve, which must hold these heavy items securely in a location for unhindered access and easy operation, while clearing other items in the restricted cab space such as adjacent opening side and front windows and pipework. This is now completed and volunteers are moving on to pipework for the ejector and steam brake too.
During March the Cab Roof had some final straightening works completed and received the attention of the painters to both its underside and top. The April working party saw volunteers finally able to bring the tender back into the workshop and position it behind the loco. Volunteers promptly lifted the roof on top - where it will hang out until it is ready to finally be mounted on the loco. The Reverser stand was connected to the reach rod for the first time and the gear was wound through its range on dead centres to check the eccentric rod lengths. Some modifications were required on the Ashpan door due to a slight clash on operation with the repaired rear truck pivot stretcher. The last of the vacuum pipework on the tender was completed and all the pipework underneath painted.
Finally, after several failed attempts due to its complexity, volunteers were happy to receive the combined Blastpipe, Blower and Ejector Exhaust Casting, which is fully machined and ready for installation  in May along with the spark arrestor plates. That has been a journey! For photos see Friends of F&WHR Facebook page.
Whilst the amount of work remaining is rapidly diminishing, what is left requires plenty of expensive brass and copper! Every penny helps, so if you are able to, please donate via this button or choose something from the Sales Department.

F&WHR 22/4/24

Monday 22/4/24 was an overcast day at Porthmadog with temperatures of 7-13C. Monday had two F&WHR trains (both Mountain Spirit trains on the FR but no WHR trains). At 10:10 James Spooner arrived with the ECS for the Mountain Spirit. The train returned at 13:53 ready for the second trip.

Loco Roster w/c 20/4/24

The locos associated with the running of 'The Snowdonian' special and associated extra workings have already been dealt with.
Over the coming week the F&WHR will have SEVEN steam locos working scheduled passenger trains on the F&WHR.
On the Ffestiniog Railway: James Spooner and David Lloyd George will again be working out of Porthmadog - with Lyd or Linda in charge of trains starting from Blaenau Ffestiniog.
Services on the Welsh Highland Railway will be covered by all three available NG/G16s - Nos. 87/130/143:
• No.87 will start the week working from Porthmadog.
• No.143 will start the week working from Caernarfon.
• On Wednesday the two locos will swap trains at Beddgelert and finish at the other end of the railway.
• On Thursday No.130 will work from Caernarfon, while No.143 works from Porthmadog.

Finally - there is also a diesel-hauled train, with Moelwyn working an NLHF special on Friday.
So, that brings us to a grand total of TWELVE steam locos and ONE diesel running on timetabled or private services this week.
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NOTE: This information is provided in good faith, solely as a guide, but could be subject to change at any time.

Chris Parry's The Snowdonian collection

Chris Parry has published his photos of The Snowdonian on Flickr, covering a wider range than your webmaster whose electric wheelchair ran out of charge at Beddgelert! Luckily a photographer helped your webmaster get back to the car park.

F&WHR 21/4/24

Sunday 21/4/24 was an overcast day at Porthmadog with temperatures of 7-12C tending to be brighter later. Sunday had two F&WHR trains (the 10:40 Mountain Spirit trains and the 11:30 Gelert Explorer). The final train of The Snowdonian weekend was the 10:00 Boston Lodge shuttle on Sunday morning.

Blanche returned with the short 3 coach shuttle train from Boston Lodge at 12:29 into the FR platform. The loco ran round at 12.43 after fuelling and watering and departed with the ECS at 12:50.

This easterly view (21/4/24) shows Blanche with ECS Boston Lodge shuttle returning to the depot at 12:50. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR taken on a webcam.

No.87 was noted leaving Beddgelert on time with the return Gelert Explorer and departing Rhyd Ddu at 15:02. Rhyd Ddu yard contained the two ex-SAR ballast wagons Nos.4021/2.

This southerly view (21/4/24) shows No.87 with the return Gelert Explorer departing Rhyd Ddu. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright B W Hughes and was taken on an iPhone camera.

Loco guests trip to Beddgelert

The F&WHR currently has two Decauville locos visiting from their home base on the Richmond Light Railway in Kent. On Saturday they went out on a trip to Beddgelert, so that they could be seen by passengers on The Snowdonian special. Here are some photos of Chuquitanta and Lily arriving back in Porthmadog after their run out on the Welsh Highland Railway.

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CHUQUITANTA
Decauville 0-4-0T (Works No.36/1885)
This Couillet built engine is the oldest surviving operational Decauville in the world, originally supplied to the Rodriguez sugar cane plantation, Peru. Acquired for full restoration by the Richmond Light Railway in 2004
LILY
Decauville 0-4-0T (Works No.648/1912)
A ‘Type 3’ Decauville, which is the youngest of its type currently in operation, originally delivered new to the Thessaly Railway, Volos in Greece. Acquired by the Richmond Light Railway in 2023.

F&WHR 20/4/24

Saturday 20/4/24 was an initially bright day at Porthmadog with temperatures of 4-12C but becoming overcast at midday before brightening up towards the late afternoon. Saturday had three FR trains (two The Victorian trains and The Quarryman) and the two through trains on the WHR. Access had been restored to the Minffordd and Tan-y-bwlch webcams in time for The Snowdonian. In addition to the regular service trains, there were a number of extra workings on Saturday 20/4/24, in association with the Snowdonian weekend. Three further locos will be in steam - resident Hunslet Lilla which will assist The Snowdonian, along with visiting locos Chuquitanta and Lily from the Richmond Light Railway which will make an appearance at Beddgelert. Finally, Lyd will assist The Snowdonian on its return from Caernarfon.

First up was The Snowdonian, departing Porthmadog at 08:45. The train was triple headed to Minffordd where Lilla was detached from the front of Linda and Blanche. Originally it had been planned to detach Lilla at Tan-y-bwlch but, as it has no spark arrestor, it was decided not to risk running the loco through the woods above Minffordd.

This westerly view (20/4/24) shows Lilla arriving at Minffordd with The Snowdonian at 08:57. Lilla was removed at Minffordd as it has no spark arrestor for the wooded section nearer to Tan-y-bwlch. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright B W Hughes and was taken on a Canon EOS 2000D camera.

Linda and Blanche continued to Tan-y-bwlch where they arrived at 09:35.

This westerly view (20/4/24) shows Linda and Blanche arriving at Tan-y-bwlch with The Snowdonian at 09:35. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright B W Hughes and was taken on a Canon EOS 2000D camera.

Linda and Blanche arrived at Blaenau Ffestiniog at 10:20 and ran round via platform 2. The point blade required a kick to ensure registration.

This northerly view (20/4/24) shows Linda and Blanche arriving at Blaenau Ffestiniog with The Snowdonian at 10:20 and Linda commencing its run round. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright B W Hughes and was taken on a Canon EOS 2000D camera.

This northerly view (20/4/24) shows Blanche running round at Blaenau Ffestiniog with The Snowdonian at 10:20 while Linda is in platform 2. Use of this little used platform for run round was because the rake was too long for the loop in Platform 1. Linda was on the front again on the journey back to Pen Cob Junction. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright B W Hughes and was taken on a Canon EOS 2000D camera.

The train returned to Porthmadog and exchanged locos at Pen Cob Junction with James Spooner piloting Merddin Emrys. With careful coordination by the signaller, the train was able to run through Porthmadog and across Britannia Bridge non-stop.

This easterly view (20/4/24) shows James Spooner with Merddin Emrys running through Porthmadog with The Snowdonian at 12:00 non-stop. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright B W Hughes and was taken on a Canon EOS 2000D camera.

This northerly view (20/4/24) shows Lily with Chuquitanta (a loco imported from Peru) ar 12:46. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright B W Hughes and was taken on a Canon EOS 2000D camera.

This southerly view (20/4/24) shows James Spooner with Merddin Emrys at 12:49 after locos had watered. There was a little slipping as the train restarted. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright B W Hughes and was taken on a Canon EOS 2000D camera.

Some 'inconvenience' was caused to passengers on the train and those visiting the station when it was discovered that the toilets were locked. If it is now policy to lock the toilets 'out of hours', surely they should be unlocked by the guard on the first train and locked again by the guard on the last train? Passengers at least had to use of the train's toilets but queues formed for these.

This southerly view (20/4/24) shows Chuquitanta (a loco imported from Peru) and Lily  from the Richmond Light Railway at 12:56. The locos left for Porthmadog shortly afterwards. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright B W Hughes and was taken on a Canon EOS 2000D camera.

The Snowdonian called at Waunfawr for participants to take a buffet lunch followed by a comfort break at Caernarfon. The train eventually arrived back at Porthmadog about 20 minutes late at 18:37 with Lyd unexpectedly piloting James Spooner and Merddin Emrys. Five minutes later the three locos detached and ran to the yard to refuel and water. Lyd was released from the yard at 18:55 and went back to the depot light engine. The two Fairlies returned to the train about 10 minutes later and departed with the ECS at 19:14.

In addition to The Snowdonian, normal services saw a coal delivery with the Snowdonia Star hauled by No.87. The return working was supported to Waunfawr by Lyd. The Harbourmaster was hauled by No.143. The Quarryman was hauled to Porthmadog by Lyd and back by its more typical Linda. David Lloyd George hauled The Victorian.

The Snowdonian II

The Snowdonian arrived back in Porthmadog at 18:35 - just 10 minutes shy of a 10 hour day, covering eighty miles of the F&WHR, eighty miles of beautiful North Wales scenery, with food, drink and convivial company along the way.
If you would like to experience this very special train - and the associated 'behind the scenes' tours, evening meal and breakfast in Spooner's Café-Bar, lunch at the Snowdonia Parc Brew-pub in Waunfawr and food and refreshments on the train - the F&WHR are doing it all again in September. Watch out for details of The Snowdonian II running on Saturday, 21/9/24 - the F&WHR will post more information as soon as it is available.
Thanks must go to all the footplate crews, on-train staff, signallers, controllers, Booking Office staff etc who make this train possible - and, of course, to all those who came along and rode the train. Please come back again!

Cae Pawb incident 10/4/24 clarified

The rumour mill has suggested there was an incident at Cae Pawb just after 10:00 on 10/4/24 with The Aberglaslyn however this is NOT being investigated by the Office of Road and Rail or RAIB. This website is happy to include the F&WHR Management's clarification of the situation.

• The Cambrian train was already delayed, and delayed further by a problem with the level crossing in Porthmadog which required it to stand between Porthmadog Station and Cae Pawb
• As the Cambrian train was delayed, a release could not be obtained from Machynlleth Signalling Centre to open the F&WHR panel controlling the crossing at Cae Pawb
• As the panel was not open, the WHR train approached an unlit signal which should have been treated as a danger signal
• The WHR train braked but passed the extinguished signal by a few metres
• There was no obstruction of the flat crossing
• There was no triggering of ERTMS
• The incident was reported the same day to both RAIB and ORR as required by legislation
• Neither RAIB nor ORR are investigating
• Network Rail at Machynlleth were also contacted

The northbound The Aberglaslyn is said to have slightly overrun the signal protecting Cae Pawb. Normally WHR trains would be timetabled to cross after a Cambrian train had traversed the crossing. The crossing is protected by a double catch point derailer on both north and south narrow gauge approaches. Real time trains showed the Class 158 picked up an additional 12 minutes of delay in the Porthmadog area.

F&WHR 19/4/24

Friday 19/4/24 was an initially overcast day at Porthmadog with temperatures of 3-13C. Friday had a single 10:40 Mountain Spirit which appears to be coming a regular Friday feature. Access was restored to the Minffordd and Tan-y-bwlch webcams yesterday after 3 weeks of blank screens. In addition to the regular service trains, there will be a number of extra workings on Friday 19/4/24, in association with the Snowdonian weekend. Three further locos will be in steam on Friday - resident Hunslet Lilla, along with visiting locos Chuquitanta and Lily from the Richmond Light Railway.

At 09:45 steam shunting was visible at Boston Lodge. James Spooner arrived at 09:51 with the ECS for the 10:40 Mountain Spirit. The train left on time and steam shunting was visible at Boston Lodge. Spooner's Café-Bar was closed from 17:00 this Friday (19/4/24) as they were catering for a large Private function during the evening who were attending The Snowdonian event.

Lilla returned at 16:30 with Nos.10/23/16. While Spooners had advertised it was to shut at 17:00, the management took it upon themselves to close at 16:30 except for ticket The Snowdonian ticket holders and annoyed several customers who decamped to The Australia, which benefitted from their custom instead. Lily arrived at 16:58 to coal and water and Lilla departed with its shuttle at 17:04 in strong sunshine.

This easterly view (19/4/24) shows Lilla arriving with the Boston Lodge shuttle at 16:30 into the FR platform this time. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR and was taken on a web camera.

This southerly view (19/4/24) shows Lilla running round the Boston Lodge shuttle. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR and was taken on a web camera.

This easterly view (19/4/24) shows Lily arriving light engine at 16:58 to refuel and water. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR and was taken on a web camera.

The Snowdonian

Approximate timings for The Snowdonian on Friday 20/4/24 are as follows. All times have now been confirmed.

Porthmadog dep 08:45

Blaenau Ffestiniog arr 10:00 (comfort break)

Blaenau Ffestiniog dep 10:30

Pen Cob Junction arr 11:40 (loco swop)

Boston Lodge dep 11:55

Beddgelert arr 12:40 (watering stop)

Beddgelert dep 12:50

Waunfawr arr 13:30 (buffet lunch)

Waunfawr dep 14:55

Caernarfon arr  15:35 (comfort break)

Caernarfon dep 16:00

Waunfawr arr 16:30 (Lyd added)

Waunfawr dep 16:35

Porthmadog arr 18:10

Lilla, Linda, Blanche will haul the first leg of FR section as far as Tan -y-bwlch. Lilla will leave the train there and run into the ‘down’ line as it continues to Blaenau Ffestiniog.
The popular combination of Hunslet Ladies, Linda and Blanche, complete the FR leg welcoming Linda’s return from a lengthy overhaul and complete repaint though it has been used on The Quarryman since the start of the new season..
At Boston Lodge, a locomotive swap sees new 2023 Fairlie, James Spooner and 1879 Fairlie, Merddin Emrys double head to Caernarfon and back to Porthmadog. This will be the first time James Spooner will have been on the Welsh Highland Railway so it will be an unusual chance to see the oldest and newest Double Fairlie locomotives working together.

In a positioning move, Lyd double headed on the return Snowdonia Star which was additionally hauling two coal wagons up the 1 in 40, so that Lyd could double head the Fairlies on The Snowdonian on the way back from Waunfawr.

Other locomotive appearances:

Lilla is likely to be hauling the shuttles to Boston Lodge.

19/4/24 14:00

19/4/24 17:00

21/4/24 10:00

At Boston Lodge, and possibly later on, on show at Harbour station, the F&WHR will welcome two visiting locomotives – Decauville 0-4-0Ts CHUQUITANTA (Works No.36/1885) and LILY (Works No.648/1912) courtesy of Jeremy Martin and the Richmond Light Railway team. There is also a chance to see the visitors making a cameo appearance at Beddgelert Station on Saturday as The Snowdonian passes.

F&WHR 18/4/24

Thursday 18/4/24 was an overcast day with showers later at Porthmadog with temperatures of 9-10C. Thursday was a repeat of Tuesday's 7 F&WHR trains today with both Mountain Spirit, The Victorian trains and The Quarryman on the FR and the two through trains on the WHR. Access was restored to the Minffordd and Tan-y-bwlch webcams today after 3 weeks of blank screens.

Lyd arrived light engine in the FR platform at 12:09, probably on test. Last year Lyd was allocated to The Cwellyn out of Dinas so was outstabled there. This may happen again. Last year The Cwellyn appears for the Whitsun school holiday week in last week of May and four weeks of the August peak school summer holidays.

No.87 arrived on the Snowdonia Star at 12:26 into the WHR platform. A few minutes later the loco detached and ran to the fuelling/watering point. Lyd shunted the yard at 12:47. Linda arrived with The Quarryman at 12:52 after which Lyd shunted onto the rear of The Quarryman. The rake was shunted to the yard at 12:59 to clear the FR platform for subsequent arrivals.

This easterly view (18/4/24) shows Lyd arriving light engine in the yard at Porthmadog. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR and was taken on a web camera.

No.87 returned to its rake and ran round at 13:17 with James Spooner arriving with The Victorian at 13:21.

This easterly view (18/4/24) shows No.87 getting ready for the 14:05 departure on the return Snowdonia Star while James Spooner, with open cab roof, arrives on The Victorian rake at Porthmadog. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR and was taken on a web camera.

James Spooner ran round and shunted its rake to the yard clearing the FR platform for the return Mountain Spirit. The Fairlie then detached and ran through the FR platform to the fuelling point. Linda emerged from the yard at 13:43 with two empty B wagons which were shunted onto the rear of the Snowdonia Star to transfer to Dinas. It can now be said that this is a regular mixed train working as this is the third week of operation. Linda remained attached while David Lloyd George arrived on the return working of the Mountain Spirit at 14:00. Linda then shunted back to the depot while James Spooner made the Fairlie swop and departed at 14:22 with the Mountain Spirit. DLG then shunted onto The Victorian and moved it to the platform ready for the 14:50, which departed on time. This left Lyd to shunt the 15:25 The Quarryman departure back to the platform having taken over the duty from Linda.

First locos in Small Loco Shed

The fan of tracks outside the new Small Loco Shed was finally connected to the tracks set in concrete inside the shed recently and the first locos have now been shunted inside the shed. Nesta, from the BLR on FR flat wagon No.192, was shunted inside on a flat wagon along with Hugh Napier propelled in by depot diesel pilot Moel-y-Gest using a reach wagon. See video here.

F&WHR 17/4/24

Wednesday 17/4/24 was a day of sunny periods and showers at Porthmadog with temperatures of 2-9C. There are 6 F&WHR trains today with both Mountain Spirit trains and The Quarryman on the FR and the two The Aberglaslyn trains and the Gelert Explorer on the WHR. It is now 3 weeks since access was lost to the Minffordd and Tan-y-bwlch webcams and there must be questions now about whether they will ever be restored.

First up was the Garratt on The Aberglaslyn followed by James Spooner on the 10:40 Mountain Spirit which departed on time. Linda arrived at 12:55 on The Quarryman and No.130 at 12:56 on The Aberglaslyn. Linda had shunted its rake back to the FR platform after 15:00 but some problem caused Linda to be uncoupled from 15:13 to 15:20. The train left on time five minutes later. At 16:19 a double Fairlie left Boston Lodge heading light engine towards Minffordd. No.130 turned up with the return working of The Aberglaslyn at 16:25. A double Fairlie, possibly Merddin Emrys, arrived in Porthmadog light engine at 16:30, possibly on test prior to sue on the WHR leg of The Snowdonian on 20/4/24. Five minutes later the Garratt left with the ECS for the depot.

James Spooner arrived back at 17:45 with the Mountain Spirit and commenced the run round after fuelling and watering. At 18:00 the loco left with the ECS for the depot to conclude the day's activities.

WHHR driver experience 21/4/24

The WHHR is offering the chance to drive a 2ft gauge steam engine or diesel locomotive along their entire line. On Sunday 21/4/24 you could do this and realise a life long dream. There are several slots available throughout the day where you will have one to one tuition on how to drive our steam or diesel engines including the chance to drive from Porthmadog to Pen-Y-Mount and return. The railway will be using Gelert, a 1953 built Bagnall steam engine. or Glaslyn their 1952 built Ruston diesel locomotive to fulfil these sessions.
Sessions will run from 10.45am at 15 minute intervals, bookable in advance at bookings@whr.co.uk
or turn up and wait on a first come first served basis (pre-booked time slots will take precedent over waiting participants).
Each 15 minute session cost £45 for steam or £25 for diesel and will include driving instruction and a round trip with your hand on the regulator/throttle.
The shop at the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway will also be open all day for all your book and model needs.
Caffi Russell's Café will also be open all Day serving Breakfast from 9am until 11am, lunch 12pm until 3pm.
Drinks and Home Made Cakes served throughout the day.
(Persons must be 18 yrs old or over, must be wearing suitable clothing and footwear. Contact for further details)

F&WHR 16/4/24

Tuesday 16/4/24 was a day of sunny periods and strong winds at Porthmadog with temperatures of 4-12C and sunny latest in the day. There are 7 F&WHR trains today with both Mountain Spirit trains, both The Victorian trains and The Quarryman on the FR and the two through trains on the WHR. It is now 20 days since access was lost to the Minffordd and Tan-y-bwlch webcams and there must be questions now about whether they will ever be restored.

The ECS for the 10:05 The Harbourmaster arrived in the WHR platform at 09:35 behind No.130, leaving at 10:08. David Lloyd George arrived at 09:58 into the FR platform and ran round at 10:10, departing at 10:44, a few minutes late. In the meantime the ECS for The Victorian arrived in the yard and at 10:50 James Spooner, having run round, shunted The Victorian from the yard into the FR platform for the 11:10 departure, which came at 11:12. Loadings appeared quite light.

No.143 arrived at 12:25 on the Snowdonia Star and unusually this train proceeded to Boston Lodge several minutes later so the loco crew could have lunch. Linda arrived 12:58 with The Quarryman and after Linda ran round, the rake was shunted to the yard to clear the FR platform for further arrivals. James Spooner arrived at 13:03 with The Victorian rake, ran round and shunted it to the yard at 13:32 as Linda returned from refuelling. James Spooner then left to refuel at 13:40 as No.143 returned with the ECS for the return working of the Snowdonia Star. DLG arrived at 13:53 with the return working of the Mountain Spirit.

James Spooner arrived back at 17:30 in pouring rain so it was surprising footplate staff had the roof open. The loco ran round at 17:44 and departed with the ECS 5 minutes later for the depot to close the day's activities.

Rakes

Some coaches have been designated for short 'hop on-hop off', journeys and others for 'dog free' travel for those possibly allergic to dog hair.

Snowdonia Star rake based at Dinas

2152 Gwyrfai

2010

2043 (Short journeys)

2044

2045

2040 (Dog free)

2091 (Toilet/Guards)

2060 (Romanian)

2021 (semi-open)

106 (FR coach on loan)

The Quarryman rake based at Glan-y-pwll

101

114 (Dog free)

113

112

103

100 Dwyryd (Observation)

The Victorian based at Boston Lodge

10 (4 wheeler)

2 (4 wheeler First)

5 (4 wheeler Third)

15 (bowsider)

18 (bowsider)

19 (bowsider)

Van No.1 (curly roofed van)

F&WHR 15/4/24

Monday 15/4/24 was a day of sunny periods and strong winds at Porthmadog with temperatures of 8C and some showers late in the day. There are just 2 F&WHR trains today with both Mountain Spirit trains on the FR but nothing on the WHR from Caernarfon. It is now 19 days since access was lost to the Minffordd and Tan-y-bwlch webcams and there must be questions now about whether they will ever be restored.

Upnor Castle arrived light engine at 09:00 to shunt the yard and after a stop for 10m minutes by the signalbox it disappeared into the yard, presumably shunting coal wagons. James Spooner arrived at 10:02 with the ECS for the 10:40 Mountain Spirit which ran round by 10:11. The afternoon working returned to Porthmadog at 17:32. The loco ran round at 17:47 and departed with the ECS at 17:51 to close the day's activities.

F&WHR 14/4/24

Sunday 14/4/24 was a day of sunny periods at Porthmadog with temperatures of 6-10C with some showers late in the day. This is the final weekend of the school Easter holidays (those that started on Good Friday) and many holidaymakers have already gone home. So there are just 2 F&WHR trains today, with the morning Mountain Spirit train and the Gelert Explorer from Caernarfon. It is now 18 days since access was lost to the Minffordd and Tan-y-bwlch webcams and there must be questions now about whether they will ever be restored.

At 09:50 James Spooner hauled the ECS for the 10:40 Mountain Spirit into the FR platform. The loco ran round at 10:00 and departed on time. There was a good crowd visiting the platform in the sunshine to look at the loco, which had its cab roof removed. The train came back about 14:00 and was soon disposed to the depot as there was no afternoon service. At 15:00 Vale of Ffestiniog was noted shunting the new Carriage Shed at Boston Lodge to close the day's activities.

Webmaster's holiday

Your webmaster will be on holiday in Porthmadog for the next week so this may lead to the website being updated less often and notifications not being made. Normal service will resume on 23/4/24.

Service patterns

Sunday, Monday and Friday have much reduced service patterns with just one FR train a day on Fridays. Tuesdays and Thursday have the maximum 7 trains including two through trains on the WHR which also appear on Saturdays. The Aberglaslyn appears WO for the next two weeks and the Gelert Explorer SuWO. The Quarryman runs SuMFX. The Victorian runs STuThO for the next two weeks and has replaced the Woodland Wanderer. So it seems the post-Easter service levels are very similar to those of the Easter Holiday peak service.

The Cwellyn might appear at Late Spring Bank Holiday (Whitsun school Holiday week from 27/5/24) as it did last year after people arriving at Caernarfon expressed dissatisfaction with just one train a day on most days. On days when The Harbourmaster /Snowdonia Star run it is possible to take a hop on/hop off afternoon return working from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu if not fully booked, where the trains cross. Any delays on the A55 driving to Caernarfon would mean there are no alternative services on most days for people who miss their trains.

F&WHR 13/4/24

Saturday 13/4/24 was forecast to be an overcast rainy day at Porthmadog with temperatures of 5-13C with some sunshine late in the day. This is the final weekend of the school Easter holidays (those that started on Good Friday) and many holidaymakers have already gone home. So there are just 5 F&WHR trains today, with 3 on the FR, the two Mountain Spirit trains and The Quarryman. There are also the two through trains on the WHR. It is now 17 days since access was lost to the Minffordd and Tan-y-bwlch webcams and there must be questions now about whether they will ever be restored.

No.130 departed on time at 10:05 on The Harbourmaster as the ECS for the Mountain Spirit approached through the murk across The Cob. James Spooner arrived with the rake in the FR platform at 10:10, run round by 10:20 and departed on time as the murk lifted. No.143 arrived with the Snowdonia Star at 12:25 but with two B wagons full of coal attached to the front for the fuelling point. At 12:33 the loco shunted the wagons to the refuelling point. Linda, with canvas cab sheet, arrived at 13:00 with The Quarryman and the loco ran round at 13:14 to shunt the rake clear of the FR platform for the return of the Mountain Spirit. No.143 ran round by 14:00 and departed on time 5 minutes later. Blanche shunted its rake back to the FR platform after the afternoon Mountain Spirit departed and left on time at 15:25. See Chris Parry's Facebook post for 12 images of the return journey of Blanche from Caernarfon.

This easterly view (13/4/24) shows No.143 propelling two loaded coal wagons into the yard having detached them from the Snowdonia Star. The wagons had gone up to Dinas empty on Thursday 11/4/24 attached to the rear of the Snowdonia Star. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR and was taken on a web camera.

No.130 arrived back at 16:35, about 10 minutes late. The ECS set off for the depot promptly at 16:41. James Spooner arrived back with the afternoon Mountain Spirit at 17:39 as the sun came out. The loco went to refuel and water before running round at 17:57. The ECS departed for the depot at 18:01 to close the day's activities.

Moving Pictures No.91 12/4/24

Click on the YouTube link to watch 15 minutes 52 seconds of video showing the initial train services with snow on Snowdon and Hunslet races in Caernarfon. This video is copyright F&WHR and was published on 12/4/24. It is best viewed at 1080p with Chrome and was videod on a 4K camcorder by John Wooden (F&WHR).

Loco roster w/c 13/4/24

Over the coming week the F&WHR will have five steam locos working passenger trains on the F&WHR. On the FR: James Spooner and David Lloyd George will again be working out of Porthmadog - with Linda in charge of trains starting from Blaenau Ffestiniog.
Services on the WHR will be covered by NG/G16s Nos.130 /143:
• No.130 will start the week working from Porthmadog.
• No.143 will start the week working from Caernarfon.
• On Wednesday 17/4/24 the two locos will swap trains at Beddgelert and work from the other end of the railway for the rest of the week.
In addition to the regular service trains, there will be a number of extra workings on Friday 19/4/24, in association with the Snowdonian weekend. Three further locos will be in steam on that day - resident Hunslet Lilla, along with visiting locos Chuquitanta and Lily from the Richmond Light Railway.
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NOTE: This information is provided in good faith, solely as a guide, but could be subject to change at any time.

Garratt views 11/4/24

This northerly view (11/4/24) shows No.130 preparing to depart the little used Meillionen Halt in the former Beddgelert Forest campsite, now home to a very small number of millionaires' log cabins, on the returning The Harbourmaster. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera.

Other Garratt views from 11/4/24 can be found on the Facebook Festrail page.

Local Discount half price offer 22/4/24-22/5/24

The F&WHR is reviving its popular North Wales residents discount which will apply for a month from Monday 22/4/24 excepting the May Bank Holiday Weekend 4-6/5/24. The ‘LOCALS’ DISCOUNT OFFER’ will be offering a 50% discount for the whole family, on specific train services, to local residents with their primary address in the postcode areas LL22-LL78 inclusive. This covers the area Abergele, Betws-y-Coed, Bala, Dolgellau, Aberdyfi and all areas of Gwynedd and Anglesey, essentially covering people within an hour or so drive of Porthmadog or Caernarfon.

This discount will be valid on the following services from Porthmadog:
• 14:50 - THE VICTORIAN
• 14:20 - MOUNTAIN SPIRIT [Standard and Gold]
• 13:40 - THE ABERGLASLYN [Standard and Gold]

This discount will be valid on the following services from Caernarfon:
• 11:30 - GELERT EXPLORER [Standard & Gold]
• 10:10 - SNOWDONIA STAR [Standard & Gold]

🎫 Use voucher code SPRING50 to receive the discount when buying tickets online, by phone, at one of our Booking Offices or from the Guard on a train.
🆔 Customers must bring proof of residency (e.g. Driver’s Licence) on the day of travel to show at the check-in desk.
ℹ️ PLEASE NOTE: the Discount offer is for tickets only and does not include Guidebooks, shop items or Food & Drink. The code will only work on the specified train services between 22/4/24-22/5/24 inclusive (excluding 4-6/5/24).
For more details and online tickets click on www.festrail.co.uk/trains.

Click on the postcode map to enlarge. Click again to enlarge to full size.

F&WHR 12/4/24

Friday 12/4/24 was forecast to be an overcast day at Porthmadog with temperatures of 10-12C. This is the final weekend of the school Easter holidays (those that start on Good Friday) and many holidaymakers have already gone home. So there is just 1 F&WHR train today, the 10:40 Mountain Spirit. The signaller opened the box at 09:12 and a train was noted started out from Boston Lodge shortly afterwards. Blanche was rostered for a private train to/from Caernarfon today, while Hugh Napier and Britomart will be running light-engine from Dinas to Porthmadog following their return from Beamish Museum. It is now 16 days since access was lost to the Minffordd and Tan-y-bwlch webcams and there must be questions now about whether they will ever be restored.

Blanche turned up with a 3 coach special train in the WHR platform at 09:30 on which a number of Boston Lodge staff were travelling. The coaches involved were part of the rear of the Woodland Wanderer set, Nos.11/12 and a third bogie coach, possibly No.17. Steam was being raised at Boston Lodge for the one public train of the day at the same time. James Spooner pulled in with the ECS for the 10:40 Mountain Spirit at 09:55. The Fairlie ran round as Blanche departed at 10:05 in the path of The Harbourmaster with the Mountain Spirit departing on time.

This easterly view (12/4/24) shows Blanche preparing to depart with the 10:05 Staff Special while James Spooner arrives on the ECS for the only public train of the day, the 10:40 Mountain Spirit. This is a repeat working so may have become a weekly duty. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR and was taken on a web camera.

The Mountain Spirit had arrived back by 14:30 and the rake was standing in the FR platform as James Spooner ran round. It was only making one trip today so the ECS departed for the depot at 14:37. Blanche returned at 15:20 and went directly to the depot with its 3 coach rake to close the day's activities.

TfW timetable review annoys locals

TfW has given its proposals for Welsh Rail Services and they will not please users of the Cambrian Lines. The proposed hourly service to Aberystwyth is delayed until 2026 and there are cutbacks on the Cambrian Coast. Mainline enhancements are focussed on South Wales again and there is no sign of reinstatement of Holyhead/Llandudno-Manchester/Birmingham International loco hauled trains. The only good news for North Wales is that the Liverpool to Chester DMU service is to be extended to Llandudno from 2026, subject to agreement with Network Rail and work completed to level crossings. Another deferred service is Cardiff-Liverpool via Shrewsbury. This one has been delayed by the amount of NR upgrades required, possibly the re-dualling of the single line between Wrexham and Rossett. Some cynics are suggesting a more appropriate name for TfW is TfSW as it concentrates so much on South Wales services to the detriment of North Wales, which currently has just the one loco hauled train to Holyhead to Cardiff.

The review opened on 10/4/24 and closes on 13/5/24 and the public can make comments until then. See Cambrian News views on the Cambrian Coast cuts. To see the review and feedback form click here.

F&WHR 11/4/24

Thursday 11/4/24 was forecast to be an overcast day at Porthmadog with temperatures of 10-13C and misty at first. Thursday is only half way through many school Easter holidays (those that start on Good Friday) so there are 7 F&WHR trains today, with five on the FR including two Mountain Spirit and two The Victorian services and The Quarryman from Blaenau Ffestiniog. There are also the two through WHR trains. It is now 15 days since access was lost to the Minffordd and Tan-y-bwlch webcams and there must be questions now about whether they will ever be restored.

First up today was No.130 which arrived with the ECS for the 10:05 The Harbourmaster at 09:43 in thick fog and LED headlights blazing. David Lloyd George turned up with the ECS for the 10:40 Mountain Spirit as the Garratt left on time. James Spooner arrived with the ECS for the 11:!0 The Victorian rake into the FR yard shortly before the Mountain Spirit departed on time as the fog cleared. James Spooner ran round at 10:49 and shunted its rake to the platform before departing on time. At 12:42 the Snowdonia Star arrived behind No.143, some 18 minutes late. This may have bee3n due to flooding which was said to be inches below the sleepers just south of Plas-y-nant where subsidence continues to occur. The loco shunted off to fuel and water in the yard 2 minutes later. Linda arrived with The Quarryman at 13:03. Weather problems had forced footplate staff to erect a canvass backsheet in the absence of the demountable cab backsheet the loco can have fitted to the tender. Linda ran round at 13:10 to shunt the rake clear of the FR platform at 13:15 for the arrival of The Victorian. James Spooner arrived back with The Victorian at 13:25.

At 13:28 No.143 coupled to two B wagons and attached them to the rear of its rake allowing James Spooner to run round a few minutes later and remove its rake to the yard, clearing the FR platform for the arrival of the Mountain Spirit. No.143 then ran round at 13:42 ready for the 14:05 return working of the Snowdonia Star which left on time. DLG arrived on The Mountain Spirit at 13:56 while Linda was running round its rake in the yard. James Spooner swopped to the Mountain Spirit which departed on time at 14:20 watched by a school visit in hi-vis yellow jackets. At 14:30 DLG shunted The Victorian rake back to the platform for the 14:50 departure. Once the train had left, Linda started shunting The Quarryman back to the platform for the 15:25 return working.

This easterly view (11/4/24) shows No.143 removing two B wagons with coal from the yard and attaching them to the rear of the Snowdonia Star for transit to Dinas in a mixed train. This is a repeat working so may have become a weekly duty. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR and was taken on a web camera.

F&WHR 10/4/24

Wednesday 10/4/24 was forecast to be an overcast drizzly day at Porthmadog with temperatures of 10-11C. Wednesday is only half way through many school Easter holidays (those that start on Good Friday) so there are 6 F&WHR trains today, with three on the FR including two Mountain Spirit services and The Quarryman from Blaenau Ffestiniog. There are also three on the WHR with two Aberglaslyn services out of Porthmadog but just one train out of Caernarfon (the Gelert Explorer).

Both the Tan-y-bwlch and Minffordd webcams were out of action yet again today for an unprecedented two weeks running and there must now be a question as to whether these services will ever be fully restored. There must be a major IT problem at Porthmadog with the telephone booking system also experiencing problems earlier in the season as well as the ongoing webcam problems!

First up today was No.87 which arrived on the ECS for the 10:15 The Aberglaslyn at 09:40 followed by David Lloyd George on the ECS for the 10:40 which arrived at 09:55. At 10:15 DLG shunted the B wagons so that coal was available close to the loco refuelling point as the Garratt departed for Beddgelert on time. The loco ran round its train by about 10:30 coupled up and departed on time.

This southerly view (10/4/24) shows David Lloyd George shunting coal wagons in the refuelling sidings before departing with the morning Mountain Spirit working. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright Mark Bishop and was taken on a phone camera.

Linda arrived at 12:55 with The Quarryman. No.130 was on the afternoon The Aberglaslyn noted departing at 13:47, having swopped with the Gelert Explorer at Beddgelert. The afternoon became a little foggy at Porthmadog as Linda ran round The Quarryman at 15:10 and was shunted to the FR platform ready for the 15:25 return service. No.130 returned at 17:27, over an hour late! The loco may have had to assist the Gelert Explorer which was due to leave Beddgelert shortly after The Aberglaslyn arrived at 14:20. DLG arrived at 17:42 with the Mountain Spirit allowing the ECS from The Aberglaslyn to be signalled to the depot and departure came at 17:43. The ECS for the Mountain Spirit left shortly after to close the day's activities.

Storm Peirrick hits transport links

High tide again on the morning of 10/4/24 saw stormy weather hit coastal North Wales. Train services were disrupted west of Machynlleth with an isolated service running north of Morfa Mawddach and the Conwy Valley closed again. The A5 was blocked for a while at the Gobowen roundabout with an overturned lorry caught by a gust of wind.

F&WHR 9/4/24

Tuesday 9/4/24 was forecast to be a windy overcast chilly day at Porthmadog but with sunny periods later and temperatures of 6-11C. Tuesday is only half way through many school Easter holidays (those that start on Good Friday) so there are 7 F&WHR trains today, with five on the FR including two Mountain Spirit services, the two The Victorian trains and The Quarryman from Blaenau Ffestiniog. There are two through services on the WHR. The two new The Victorian trains utilise the Woodland Wanderer path and will run on Tuesday and Thursday this week featuring newly restored Victorian coaches. Both the Tan-y-bwlch and Minffordd webcams were out of action yet again today for the thirteen day running. There must be a big IT problem at Porthmadog with the telephone booking system also experiencing problems earlier in the season as well as the ongoing webcam problems!

No.87 arrived with the ECS for the 10:05 The Harbourmaster at 09:22. At 09:30 steam was being raised for the 10:40 Mountain Spirit which pulled into the FR platform at 10:05 behind David Lloyd George as The Harbourmaster departed. The new 11:10 The Victorian service was being prepared at Boston Lodge as DLG ran round at 10:20. The High Spring Tide passed at 09:41 along with the lower than expected gusts of wind so there was no spray across The Cob. The Victorian arrived at 10:35 and rather than being directed into the vacant WHR platform, as is usual for the Woodland Wanderer, it was signalled into the yard! This may have been because the Fairlie needed to fuel and water. The rake was noted being shunted out to the signalbox at 10:48 and back into the FR platform a minute later. This shunt seemed to be unnecessary had the rake been signalled into the WHR platform? The rake consisted of the curly roofed van ) Van No.1), three bogies and three 4-wheelers on the rear (including Nos.2/5). James Spooner ran round at 10:59 and the train departed on time after Vale of Ffestiniog arrived in the yard at 11:09 with an additional bogie coach, possibly No.100. The Funkey shunted the yard at 11:15 and again at 11:50 with the weather improving before departing for the depot shortly afterwards.

Linda arrived on The Quarryman shortly after 12:50 as the sun came out and No.143 arrived at 12:55 with the Snowdonia Star, with No.138 noted at Dinas. At 12:59 the Garratt ran to the yard to refuel and water and at 13:05 Linda was running round in the yard and possibly added coach Observation Car No.100 to The Quarryman rake where it normally belongs. Linda shunted The Quarryman rake to the yard to clear the FR platform for the next arrival and the Garratt then ran round its train at 13:15. At 16:03 Linda departed the FR platform with the return working of The Quarryman. The Victorian arrived back in the FR platform at 17:45 some 45 minutes late on its first run in the hands of James Spooner, having swopped Fairlies at lunchtime with the Mountain Spirit. The ECS departed at 18:00. DLG arrived back at 18:24, almost half an hour late. DLG ran round at 18:41 after refuelling and watering and departed with the ECS at 18:45 to close the day's activities.

This southerly view (9/4/24) shows James Spooner refuelling after returning with the late The Victorian in the late afternoon sunshine. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright Mark Bishop and was taken on a phone camera.

Rodding?

No progress has been made with the rodding of ground frames at Beddgelert or Pen-y-Mount. In Pen-y-Mount's case it is ridiculous that a signalbox has been provided for the location but that the junction is not rodded into a frame there. Instead its takes about 10 minutes for staff from both railways to simultaneously unlock several pairs of padlocks which prevent accidental run-throughs of WHHR  trains onto the WHR main line. Rhyd Ddu could also do with a ground frame for the yard and also the Waunfawr siding if it is ever installed.

F&WHR 8/4/24

Monday 8/4/24 was forecast to be an overcast day with rain later at Porthmadog and temperatures of 6-13C. Monday is only half way through many school Easter holidays (those that start on Good Friday) so it is a surprise that there are only 3 F&WHR trains today, with two Mountain Spirit services and one Gelert Explorer from Caernarfon. The two new The Victorian trains following in the Woodland Wanderer path will run on Tuesday and Thursday this week featuring newly restored Victorian coaches. Both the Tan-y-bwlch and Minffordd webcams were out of action yet again today for the twelfth day running. There must be a big IT problem at Porthmadog with the telephone booking system also experiencing problems earlier in the season as well as the ongoing webcam problems!

The first train today was the ECS for the 10:40 Mountain Spirit which was hauled into the FR platform by James Spooner at 10:00. Run round came at 10:11 and departure was on time. The afternoon train was due back by 17:35 and arrived back behind James Spooner at 17:36. The loco ran round at 17:46 and the ECS departed for the depot at 17:51 to close the day's activities.

F&WHR 7/4/24

Sunday 7/4/24 was forecast to be an overcast day of stormy weather with rain later at Porthmadog and temperatures of 9-12C. Wind gusts of up to 50mph are expected until later in the day. Sunday is only half way through school Easter holidays so it is a surprise that there are only 2 F&WHR trains today with one Mountain Spirit and one Gelert Explorer from Caernarfon. The two new The Victorian trains following the Woodland Wanderer path will run on Tuesday and Thursday next week featuring newly restored Victorian coaches. Both the Tan-y-bwlch and Minffordd webcams were out of action yet again today for the eleventh day running. There must be a big IT problem at Porthmadog with the telephone booking system also experiencing problems earlier in the season as well as the ongoing webcam problems!

Given the stormy conditions it is possible an early test train was run to see if there were ant tress down blocking the line. James Spooner arrived in the FR platform at 10:15 with the ECS for the 10:40 Mountain Spirit, running round by 10:25. The train departed on time with strong winds blowing across The Cob. There were about 20 people on the station around midday but no train services for them. The storm was clearly keeping people away but its possible that only offering one train a day discourages visitors who consult the timetable before visiting.

This southerly view (7/4/24) shows James Spooner running round the single Mountain Spirit working at midday. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright Mark Bishop and was taken on a phone camera.

Mainline news

Even though TfW strengthened Cambrian Coast trains to four cars, some of these workings were full and standing over Easter Holidays. A video has emerged of the double headed Cambrian coast Express from Reading. The Blue & Grey Mk2 rake looked pristine and brought back many memories of the BR era to linesiders. See video of the train passing Newtown.

The Aberystwyth logs did not operate on Friday 5/4/24 or even the 10:40 SO reserve path. Maybe there is a bird nesting season in the Spring when trees are not cut down.

F&WHR 6/4/24

Saturday 6/4/24 was forecast to be a day of mild but stormy weather with sunny periods at Porthmadog and temperatures of 9-16C. Wind gusts of up to 50mph are expected until late on Sunday. Saturday is only half way through school Easter holidays and there are only 5 F&WHR trains today with three departures from Porthmadog, including two Mountain Spirit workings. There are also the two through trains on the WHR and The Quarryman from Blaenau Ffestiniog. The two new The Victorian trains following in the Woodland Wanderer path will run on Tuesday and Thursday next week featuring newly restored Victorian coaches. Both the Tan-y-bwlch and Minffordd webcams were out of action yet again today for the tenth day running. There must be a big IT problem at Porthmadog with the telephone booking system also experiencing problems earlier in the week as well as the ongoing webcam problems!

First up was No.87 on The Harbourmaster, having arrived ECS by 09:50. This remains a full length rake with two FR coaches on the rear behind the Open coach. The train departed on time shortly after the ECS for the 10:40 Mountain Spirit arrived behind James Spooner. The new Fairlie ran round at 10:22 after fuelling and watering and departed on time. The Snowdonia Star arrived at 12:27 behind No.143 with its 7 coach rake. The loco detached and ran to the yard to refuel and water. Linda arrived with The Quarryman at about 12:50 and No.143 returned to its train and completed its run round at 13:00. Linda ran round and returned to its train at 13:12 before shunting its rake to the yard at 13:15 to make space for the returning Mountain Spirit.

F&WHR 5/4/24

Friday 5/4/24 was forecast to be a day of light cloud at Porthmadog and temperatures of 12-13C. Friday sees a major cut back in services despite it being only half way through school Easter holidays. There are only 3 F&WHR trains today with only two departures from Porthmadog being two Mountain Spirit workings. There is just the Gelert Explorer from Caernarfon. Both the Tan-y-bwlch and Minffordd webcams were out of action yet again today for the ninth day running. There must be a big IT problem at Porthmadog with the telephone booking system also experiencing problems earlier in the week as well as the ongoing webcam problems!

The Woodland Wanderer disappears from the timetable for the week ahead but The Victorian appears on Tuesday and Thursday with a similar diagram. Altogether there are fewer services next week with only one train planned for Friday 12/4/24, though the peak Tuesdays and Thursdays continue to see 7 trains a day. with fewer trains today the signal box was opened at 9:30 with steam being raised at Boston Lodge for the 10:40 Mountain Spirit.

First today was Harlech Castle with a lineside clearance train consisting of two wagons carrying the shredder and the Mess Coach No.1111. This departed for the WHR at 09:37. Blanche and Lyd arrived double headed on the returning Mountain Spirit on time at 17:39. The pair ran round each other after refuelling at 17:55 ran round the train. The ECS left at 18:00 to close the day's activities as the signaller closed up the box.

NLHF Boston Lodge report 4/4/24

Click on the YouTube link to watch 8 minutes 15 seconds of video showing NLHF progress at Boston Lodge, particularly with the small Loco Shed which will soon be connected to the fan of new points and tracks outside the shed. This video is copyright F&WHR and was published on 4/4/24. It is best viewed at 1080p with Chrome and was videod on a 4K camcorder by John Wooden (F&WHR).

Hunslets visit Beamish museum 6-7/4/24

Britomart and Hugh Napier have travelled from Dinas to the Beamish Museum (near Newcastle-upon-Tyne) for the Beamish Steam Gala 'Wheels of Industry' event on 6-7/4/24. They will return by Friday 24/4/24. For full details see Beamish Museum.

Loco roster w/c 6/4/24

Over the coming week the F&WHR will again have a total of eight steam locos in action - five working passenger trains, with a further three also in steam. On the Ffestiniog Railway: James Spooner and David Lloyd George will be working out of Porthmadog - with Linda in charge of trains starting from Blaenau Ffestiniog. The two Fairlies often swop duties at midday when both Mountain Spirit and Woodland Wander/The Victorian are hauled by Fairlies.
Services on the Welsh Highland Railway will be covered by NG/G16s Nos.87/143:
• No.87 will start the week working from Porthmadog.
• No.143 will start the week working from Caernarfon.
• On Wednesday the two locos will swap trains at Beddgelert and work from the other end of the railway for the rest of the week.
In addition, on Friday 12/4/24, Blanche will be in charge of a private train to/from Caernarfon, while Hugh Napier and Britomart will be running light-engine from Dinas to Porthmadog following their return from Beamish Museum.
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NOTE: This information is provided in good faith, solely as a guide, but could be subject to change at any time.

F&WHR 4/4/24

Thursday 4/4/24 was forecast to be a day of sunny periods at Porthmadog and temperatures of 10-11C with showers at the end of the afternoon. Thursday sees a repeat of Tuesday's service with no less than 5 departures from Porthmadog including two Mountain Spirit workings and two Woodland Wanderer trains. There are the two through trains on the WHR and also The Quarryman from Blaenau Ffestiniog. Both the Tan-y-bwlch and Minffordd webcams were out of action yet again today for the eighth day running. There must be a big IT problem at Porthmadog with the telephone booking system also experiencing problems earlier in the week as well as the ongoing webcam problems!

The Garratt was first up with the ECS for the 10:05 The Harbourmaster which had arrived by 09:40. This left on time as David Lloyd George arrived with the ECS for the 10:40 Mountain Spirit. The ECS for the Woodland Wanderer arrived at 10:35 behind James Spooner, which started its run round 3 minutes later. DLG departed a few minutes late. Vale of Ffestiniog turned up about 10:50 in the yard possibly having made a coal wagon delivery and departed light engine for Boston Lodge at 10:58. The Woodland Wanderer departed on time at about 11:10. Linda propelled The Quarryman rake into the FR platform at 15:03 and left a few minutes late at 15:28.

At the end of the afternoon the Garratt was back on The Harbourmaster by 16:55. All three webcams were off line at 17:00 on Thursday and the Minffordd and Tan-y-bwlch webcams had been off line for 8 days. There seem to be major IT issues at the F&WHR Porthmadog with the Porthmadog webcam becoming intermittent after 17:00. At 17:39 James Spooner arrived back in the rain with the afternoon Mountain Spirit to close the day's activities.

Storm Kathleen to hit this weekend

Half way through the two week school Easter Holiday, the Met Office has warned of Storm Kathleen which will bring 70mph winds, transient snow and heavy rain to North Wales on Saturday and Sunday. Storm Nelson brought snowfall to some parts of North Wales a week ago. A yellow weather warning has been issued for Storm Kathleen.

Bala Lake Railway resubmits planning application

Refused last year over environmental concerns about visitors increasing sewage levels in the River Dee, the BLR resubmitted its planning application for its Bala Town Extension on 27/3/24. Much of the new alignment is in the hands of the railway or has been prepared for them by Welsh Water as part of flood defences alongside Bala Lake. The SNPA will soon publish a link on their planning website and then the BLR would like supporters to write in any comments of support that they can for the scheme. The revised planning application has been very thoroughly researched and addresses the environmental concerns that caused the previous application to be denied.

Railtours 4-5/4/24

Double headed Class 97s are expected hauling the Cambrian Coast Express on 4/4/24 from Reading to Pwllheli. On 5/4/24 the Midland Blue Pullman was expected on the North Wales Coastal Pullman from Plymouth to Llandudno.

Cambrian Coast loses a diesel

Cambrian Coast loco No.97301 has been taken to Colwick for component recovery. This loco has not operated for some time. It leaves the Cambrian dangerously short of a loco for PW, the Aberystwyth logs and excursion workings. Will NR replace it with one of the Class 37s being offered for sale by GBRf?

Spooner's new menu 8/4/24

Spooners is having a major expansion of its hot food offering for the Spring. From 8/4/24 Spooners will be open for hot meals with breakfast from 09:00-11:30 and main meals from 12:00 until 21:00 seven days a week. There will be over 10 main courses as well as starters, sharers, pizzas and burgers, sides and sweets.

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

F&WHR 3/4/24

Wednesday 3/4/24 was forecast to be a cold foggy overcast day at Porthmadog and temperatures of 8-10C. Wednesday sees no less than 6 departures from Porthmadog including two Mountain Spirit workings and two Woodland Wanderer trains and two The Aberglaslyn trains. There is just the one Gelert Explorer departure from Caernarfon (hauled by No.87) and also The Quarryman from Blaenau Ffestiniog. Both the Tan-y-bwlch and Minffordd webcams were out of action yet again today for the seventh day running. There must be a big IT problem at Porthmadog with the telephone booking system also experiencing problems earlier in the week as well as the ongoing webcam problems!

No.130 pulled into the WHR platform at about 09:50 with headlight blazing in the fog with the ECS for the 10:15 The Aberglaslyn. James Spooner arrived with the ECS for the 10:40 Mountain Spirit at 10:10 as the fog lifted slightly. No.130 departed on time and James Spooner ran round at 10:20. David Lloyd George arrived with the ECS for the 11:10 Woodland Wanderer at10:43. The loco ran round immediately as the fog cleared and the Mountain Spirit departed. The Woodland Wanderer left on time. More steam was being raised at Boston Lodge at midday.

At the end of the afternoon DLG arrived in the WHR platform at 17:40. The loco ran to the fuelling point a minute later as James Spooner departed with the ECS Woodland Wanderer. DLG completed its run round at 18:07. At 18:11 the ECS left for the depot to close the day's activities.

Dinas 30-31/3/24

This northerly view (31/3/24) shows Caernarfon Castle stabled in the bay at Dinas. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright Tom Waldren and was taken on a phone camera.

This northerly view (30/3/24) shows Hugh Napier in the loop at Dinas while offering footplate rides. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright Tom Waldren and was taken on a phone camera.

This westerly view (30/3/24) shows No.130 preparing to haul the ECS Snowdonia Star towards Caernarfon after loading with coal. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright Tom Waldren and was taken on a phone camera.

This northerly view (30/3/24) shows Caernarfon Castle running round in the headshunt along the back of the station building at Caernarfon. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright Tom Waldren and was taken on a phone camera.

WHHR Easter news

This Gelert's Farm view (30/3/24?) shows Gelert's broken spring. The broken spring and copies of the spring diagrams were delivered to a company in the West Midlands on 2/3/24 and the WHHR hope to receive a replacement next week. This image is copyright Andrew Goodwin (WHHR).

This Porthmadog terminus view (2/4/24) shows Glaslyn substituting for Gelert after its broken spring. This image is copyright Andrew Goodwin (WHHR).

This Gelert's Farm view (30/3/24?) shows Gelert passing the depot before it broke its spring. This image is copyright Andrew Goodwin (WHHR).

F&WHR 2/4/24

Tuesday 2/4/22 was forecast to be a day of sunny periods at Porthmadog and temperatures of 9-12C. Tuesday sees no less than 5 departures from Porthmadog including two Mountain Spirit workings and two Woodland Wanderers and but just two through trains on the WHR. There is also The Quarryman from Blaenau Ffestiniog. Both the Tan-y-bwlch and Minffordd webcams were out of action yet again today for the sixth day running.

At 09:55 No.130 was standing in the WHR platform with 10:05 The Harbourmaster which left on time. David Lloyd George arrived at 10:03 with the ECS for the 10:40 Mountain Spirit. The Fairlie ran round at 10:20 as steam was being raised for the Woodland Wanderer at Boston Lodge. At 10:30 James Spooner (with cab roof installed) arrived in the WHR platform with the ECS for the 11:10 Woodland Wanderer. The Fairlie ran round a few minutes later just before the Mountain Spirit departed on time.

Harlech Castle arrived with the cherrypicker rake at 11:07 into the FR platform just before the Woodland Wanderer. departed on time. The diesel ran round at 11:17 and departed at 11:24 to attend to the trident signal on The Cob which also gave trouble last week. The Snowdonia Star arrived by 12:35 and Harlech Castle propelled its PW rake into the yard to clear the line for the three lunchtime FR arrivals. No.143 then ran to the yard to refuel and water. Blanche arrived at 12:56 with The Quarryman into the FR platform. The loco ran round at 13:00 and, unusually, took the rake to Boston Lodge at 13:05.

No.87 hauled two coal wagons out of the yard at 13:13 and shunted them onto the rear of the Snowdonia Star before completing the run round. James Spooner arrived back with the Woodland Wanderer at 13:22 and ran round to shunt the rake clear of the FR platform to the seawall siding with the Mountain Spirit arriving later. The Fairlie ran back through the FR platform at 13:34 to refuel and water. DLG arrived back with the Mountain Prince at 13:57 into the FR platform. James Spooner ran round and coupled up to the Mountain Spirit completing the Fairlie swop. The train left on time at 14:20. At 14:35 the ECS for the 15:25 The Quarryman was reversed into the station yard from Boston Lodge, another unusual move. DLG left on time with the Woodland Wanderer.

At 15:00  Harlech Castle emerged from the yard with the cherrypicker rake and reversed into the FR platform with Van No.51 on the rear to attend to the platform signals. Meanwhile Blanche came over from Boston Lodge with the ECS for The Quarryman in the WHR platform at 15:10. Run round came at 15:15 and departure came on time at 15:26. In the meantime the diesel detached from the S&T rake and shunted back and forth to test the signals.

This easterly view 2/4/24) shows Blanche running round The Quarryman while Harlech Castle is in charge of the S&T train in the FR platform. Due to congestion in the station area earlier in the afternoon with the S&T rake as well as passenger services, The Quarryman has been unusually stabled at Boston Lodge during its layover. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR and was taken on a web camera.

Open coach No.39 was added to the Woodland Wanderer set over Easter as the weather was warm and sunny at Porthmadog. However on Wednesday 2/4/24 the weather turned to drizzle by the time the Woodland Wanderer returned at 17:11 (11 minutes late) and no one was sitting in the open coach understandably! DLG ran round at 17:21 and departed with the ECS at 17:25. The Mountain Spirit arrived back at 18:20, some 25 minutes late. The loco went to refuel and water before running round. The ECS departed at 18:38 to close the day's activities.

Glaslyn Ospreys return

The Glaslyn Osprey Centre at Pont Croesor re-opened 25/3/24 and the current pair of Ospreys, Elen and Aran, arrived over the next few days. The pair are already repairing the nest and catching fish. Visitors may arrive by buying a ticket to Pont Croesor. See Glaslyn Ospreys website for full details.

F&WHR 1/4/24

Easter Monday 1/4/24 was forecast to be a day of sunny periods at Porthmadog and temperatures of 6-10C, with settled weather much as yesterday. Monday sees a duplicate of Sunday's trains with no less than 6 departures from Porthmadog including two Mountain Spirit workings and two Woodland Wanderers and The Aberglaslyn but just one Gelert Explorer from Caernarfon. Both the Tan-y-bwlch and Minffordd webcams were out of action yet again today for the fifth day running.

James Spooner arrived back at 14:02 with Mountain Spirit and David Lloyd George shunted out of the yard to couple to the :22.front at 14:05. James Spooner shunted to the yard to refuel and water at 14:10 while DLG departed with the Mountain Spirit at 14.22. James Spooner ran round the Woodland Wanderer in the FR platform at 14:35. DLG returned in the late afternoon sunshine with the Mountain Spirit and was noted departing with the ECS for the depot at 18:04 to close the day's activities.