WHR
News Archive Page
2006
V4.12 updated 1/4/07
Newly archived sections are placed at the start of this page. This page contains archived news from 2006.
Click here for archived news from 2005
Click here for archived news from 2004
Click here for archived news from 2003
Click here for archived news from 2002 and earlier
Xmas snow video
This clip shows No.143 charging up the Coed Helen bank on 31/12/00 in a rare snow scene and is Copyright 2006 by B.W.Hughes. This 27s clip does not represent the quality of the DVD! Click image when page has finished loading!
Snow scenes!
Winter often brings snow to Snowdonia but, since 2000, it has been rare to find it at lower levels around the railway. Snow can be found as late as March, but only on the tops of the mountains when the Easter services begin. After the Xmas running during the period 26/12/06 to 1/1/07, there are two weeks of passenger services to from 10-25/2/07. Most days are steam hauled but there are no services on Mondays and Fridays and diesels on Wednesdays, the first Saturday and the final Sunday. Any contributions of snow scenes to this website are welcome. Weather links are provided below along with a selection of previous snow images.
This clip shows No.143 going on shed at Dinas on 31/12/00 in a rare snow scene and is Copyright 2006 by B.W.Hughes. This 25s clip does not represent the quality of the DVD! Click image when page has finished loading!
This clip shows No.143 at Cae'r Moel on 31/12/00 in a rare snow scene and is Copyright 2006 by B.W.Hughes. This 28s clip does not represent the quality of the DVD! Click image when page has finished loading!
This northerly image (2000?) at Caernarfon shows No.143 about to depart. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Phil wheeler, courtesy Richard Dungan. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (26/12/04) at Ffridd Isaf curve shows No.138 with Castell Caernarfon inside leaving Rhyd Ddu with the snow covered summit of Y Garn (633m) visible behind. This was the best your webmaster got during the Winter of 2004/5 as snow rarely made it down to the railway! Maybe global warming? This image is used on the Phase 3 DVDs produced by your webmaster at no, cost for the WHRS. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B.W.Hughes and was taken on a Concord 3340z (3.1 Mega pixel) digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.
This southerly view (31/12/00) at Waunfawr shows No.143 paused for attention to the points while running round. Some of the problems of operating in the snow are illustrated. The point blades must be cleared of snow otherwise they will not close properly. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B.W.Hughes. Slide scanned at 200 dpi using Olympus ES10 and iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology.
This northerly view (31/12/00) at the north end of Dinas shows No.143 arriving with the final Up train of the day. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B.W.Hughes. Slide scanned at 200 dpi using Olympus ES10 and iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology.
This southerly view (31/12/00) at Dinas shows No.143 arriving with the final Down train of the day. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B.W.Hughes. Slide scanned at 200 dpi using Olympus ES10 and iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology.
This northerly view (4/3/01) was taken by the volunteer track gang from LC23 as they started their weekend of work. No.143 was at the limit of Waunfawr headshunt. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stan Owen. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.
The heavy snowfalls in Snowdonia from 25/2/04 caused widespread disruption and there was even snow on the beach at Llandudno! Traffic during the half term holiday week was sparse as a result and trains were suspended on 26/2/04 as conditions were so severe. There was a bigger turnout for the weekend though with the weather clearing and blue skies everywhere illuminating a snowbound landscape.
It is a pity the WHR was unable to turn out a steam loco as No.143 had recently been steam tested. The diagrammed loco Caernarfon Castle hauled the trains on 28/2/04 and was photographed extensively by Ben Fisher. The six coach rake included the Pullman and the Open coach, which was visited by some hardy photographers who were well wrapped up!
This northerly view (28/2/04) shows Castell Caernarfon approaching Snowdon Ranger on the second train of the day. It is rare for snow to persist for long at the railway's altitude even though the peaks are often covered. 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 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.
This southerly view (28/2/04) shows Castell Caernarfon approaching Cae Hywel l/c on the first train of the day. 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 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.
This southerly view (28/2/04) shows an impressive snowscape from the platform at Snowdon Ranger with the Snowdon massif to the left and the Glan-yr-afon slate tips all covered in snow. 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 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.
This website will be updated throughout the Winter with snow shots as news/images become available. If snow falls, your webmaster will be off to North Wales to record trains in the snow!
This northerly view (25/12/04) shows Dinas Station with an Xmas morning snowfall. The snow on the platforms had all melted by the afternoon. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Cliff Garnett and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (4/3/06) shows the Summit Cutting level with the snowclad mountains north of Snowdon visible behind. This will be a good spot for images of trains in the snow now track has been laid. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy Kim Winter and was taken on an Olympus Camedia C-1400XL 1.4 million Pixels Progressive CCD 3 x Progressive. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
With trains operating during the Winter school holidays, here are some useful resources to check if there is snow at the WHR(C). First Hydro has four webcams in the Llanberis valley. If the one pointed at Llanberis shows snow, this would give a good indication of snow in the Gwyrfai valley as they are around the same height. However, it should be noted that snow cover generally decreases from east to west.
Other useful resources include the A55 webcams. The Bangor webcam can be helpful though it is nearer sea level than the WHR(C).
You will need to create an account and log in. These views refresh every five minutes rather than every minute as in previous years, giving time for them to be shut off if an incident occurs.
The WHR(P) webcam would show the rare sea level snow cover at Porthmadog.
http://www.webcam.whr.co.uk/gelertsfarm/
The Meteorological Office provides a useful animated radar weather map covering the last 6 hours that shows the rain/snow coming into Britain.
The main Meteorological Office website also has a Wales page that shows the predicted weather for the Porthmadog area for the next five days.
http://www.met-office.gov.uk/weather/europe/uk/wales.html
No. 87 report 27/12/06
Paul Lewin (FR General Manager) reports that the number plates and works plates for the new Garratt No.87 arrived at Boston Lodge on 27/12/06. Martin Coombs has taken a lot of time to create replicas from photographs as opposed to making new plates to the standard pattern. The centres of the number plates are currently red with the outer ring in green. They are professionally polished very tidy castings.
The front tank is now almost complete and painted in photographic grey. The boiler has been stripped of all but the last few tubes and superheater flues. The FR is hoping for a full inspection with the boiler insurers in January. Work continues on the first power unit and a pallet of new piston castings have arrived at Boston Lodge. The pattern for the original style chimney is also complete along with the drawings for the front end drafting arrangements. Paul Lewin is hoping that this loco will be hauling trains on the first day of the completed WHR in 2009.
This northerly view shows an impression of how No.87 might look if left in photographer's grey for a period. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy Dave Waldren. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
Progress at LC112
James Cyf. is making progress establishing its base at LC112 on the bend of the B4410 Llanfrothen road. They have made the ramp up onto the trackbed and will be continuing north rapidly, clearing trackbed mud and hardening the surface for the delivery of the bridges by this route through the site of Croesor Junction to the Afon Dylif (UB199) and Nanmor sites (UB196) in the Spring.
This northerly view (23/12/06) shows the formation north of LC112 with Jones base to the right. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B.W.Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
The scope of the work is to complete the track bed ready for WHR volunteers to lay track. It includes a new embankment at Croesor Junction to ease the very tight curve radius between Ch.28700 and Ch.28900 from the old PBSSR built WHR alignment onto the Croesor Tramway alignment. The ballasting may be omitted if the Ospreys return earlier than expected this Spring.
Eryri at Traeth Mawr
The WHR(P) has kindly provided photos showing No.60 Eryri working to Traeth Mawr loop last Summer. The loco was hauling the works train and tamping was underway on the Traeth Mawr loop. A heavy loco had been requested to bed in the track with repeated light engine runs once tamping was completed later that day. Given HMRI approval the WHR(P) hopes to open the 900m extension by Easter.
This northerly view (5/8/06) shows Cnicht forming a backdrop as Polish LYd2 diesel No. 60 Eryri moves the tamper into position at Traeth Mawr Loop. The loco is seen running around from the top of a van. Beyond this point, the embankment has been levelled out for a few hundred yards, making the exact course of the line hard to discern. Pont Croesor lies 1.5 km (about 1 mile) to the north. The northerly lineside public footpath continues to LC118 at Ch.32300 before diverging towards Prenteg. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy WHR(P) copyright Geoff Jenkins and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
The end of the WHR(P) Extension between LC119 and UB217 (Ch.32660) will need to be built up as the latter is to become a cattle creep. The lineside public footpath continues north for a few hundred metres to UB216 at Ch.32300 before diverging to the northwest towards Prenteg. The Pont Croesor loop site begins at Ch.31400 and finishes at LC114, crossing the B4410 at Pont Croesor itself. WHRCL work will get underway on this section in Winter 2007/8 under the control of Arup Rail.
5001 arrives at Rhyd Ddu
Tamper runner No.5001 has arrived at Rhyd Ddu and is stabled outside the tamper shed. The tamper is in the shed and is fitted with chains. 2007 will see a major campaign to get both the vertical and horizontal alignments correct and tamp the rails into the ballast on the 5km of Phase 4 completed so far.
This easterly view (23/12/06) shows the tamper running truck No.5001 stabled outside the tamper shed at Rhyd Ddu. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B.W.Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
Xmas Crossword 2006
Winner of the 2006 Xmas Crossword Competition was
Andrew Thomas
with runners up
John Savage
Mark Etheridge
John Heys
John Sreeves
John Mottram
Andrew wins a railway mug.
Rolling stock update 21/12/06
No.87 is being assembled at Boston Lodge. Already one power bogie is nearing completion. In the carriage shed the woodwork of one coach (No.2043) is near completion, while a second (No.2044) is not far behind. The third coach (No.2045) has just entered the Carriage Works and woodwork is just starting. All three coaches are due to enter traffic on the WHR at Easter.
This view (21/12/06) inside Boston Lodge Carriage Works shows the completed superstructure of No.2045 starting to receive wooden panelling. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Bruce Brayne and was taken on a Sony DSC-W5 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
This view (21/12/06) inside Boston Lodge Carriage Works shows No.2044 nearing completion. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Bruce Brayne and was taken on a Sony DSC-W5 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
This view (21/12/06) inside Boston Lodge Carriage Works shows No.2043 nearing completion. This is the most advanced coach and may be the first to emerge from the works in the Spring. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Bruce Brayne and was taken on a Sony DSC-W5 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
This view (21/12/06) inside Boston Lodge Carriage Works shows No.87's front tank nearing completion. It is unknown if this photographic grey livery is the final colour scheme but the completed power bogie has also had grey paint applied. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Bruce Brayne and was taken on a Sony DSC-W5 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
This view (21/12/06) inside Boston Lodge shows the first of No.87's power bogies nearing completion. Some grey paint applied to match the tank. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Bruce Brayne and was taken on a Sony DSC-W5 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
Progress report 23/12/06
Ballast has still not been laid across LC82 as UB158 is still under construction. On 23/12/06, the southeast wingwall was complete but attention had shifted to rebuilding the southwest wingwall.
This southerly view (23/12/06) shows work on one wingwall of UB158 complete but the trackbed had been excavated to allow work to proceed on the southwest wingwall. These concrete structures are likely to be clad in local stone. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B.W.Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
Further on at Ch.21400, the water pipe is complete and a retaining wall constructed. Ballasting of the gap between Ch.21430 and Ch.21490 (left while work was underway) has been finished. Ex-SAR sleepers are stockpiled for use on this section (rather than the Indian sleepers) due to the continuous sharp 60m radius reverse curves.
This northerly view (23/12/06) shows work on the farmer's water supply complete and the 60m gap in the ballast bed filled. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B.W.Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
The first visit to the final part of the lower S curve has revealed long sections of rusted 2" water pipe alongside the track that presumably fed the Beddgelert water tank from an intake near UB164.
This westerly view (23/12/06) shows the final part of the Lower S curve. The contractors found a trackside water main that probably fed the Beddgelert stabling point water tank. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B.W.Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
A public footpath from the Oberon Wood housing estate has been surfaced and fenced off across the Beddgelert Station site, crossing the line near the former stabling point and Goods Shed. The aqueduct can be inspected from this footpath. Beddgelert Station is surrounded by public footpaths and will no doubt attract attention during the continuing construction phase. The loco inspection pit has been fenced off and large piles of waste and tree roots have been made on the site prior to removal. Tree surgeons were at work in the cutting north of Goat Tunnel on 21/12/06 and a large stump appeared to have been removed from the lip of the south approach cutting.
This southerly view (23/12/06) shows the aqueduct stored alongside the now fenced public footpath across the station site. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B.W.Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
This southerly view (23/12/06) shows the Head of Steel alongside the Beddgelert Forest Campsite at Ch.20112. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B.W.Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
Cambrian Crossing signal cabin plans
The WHR Heritage Group has developed plans for a replica signal cabin to be placed adjacent to the Cambrian Crossing. Plans have been worked up from original photographs. The sectional wooden building will be 2.75m long along the Cambrian coast line side by 2.3m and will sit in the north west corner of the crossing on a concrete base. The newly formed WHR Association has promised £4000 towards the cost. Consideration is also being given to replica wooden gates across the WHR and a wooden fence along the northwest side of the formation towards the site of Porthmadog New (1929).
This northerly view (1923/4) shows the Cambrian Crossing and its signal box. The rodding emerging from the box shows it controlled several signals/trap points. Click on the image to enlarge. This image was taken by K. Anita and is courtesy David Allan and the Welsh Highland Heritage Group. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
Pen-y-Mount crossing rebuilt
WHR(P) volunteers completed the concrete approach pans either side of Pen-y-Mount crossing (LC121) on 18/12/06. The WHR(P) is still on course to open the Extension on 25/3/07, given HMRI approval.
Tracklaying plans 2007/8
Some 5 km of track was constructed in 2006, mostly in the second half of the year. This was despite the learning curve with the new track, the hold up at Pont Cae'r Gors, the difficulties experienced with the sharp bends on this section and the need to gauge widen these. Beddgelert at Ch.22300 is just 2km ahead of the current Head of Steel. If it is passed in the Spring, the straighter sections after there will permit a more rapid advance of the Head of Steel, which might well be beyond Ch.25000 by the end of 2007, maybe even beyond Nantmor and down on to the straight level section of the former Glaslyn estuary (The Traeth).
The programme would involve the laying of no more than 100m or 5/6 panels, each weekend, discounting the points, loop and siding at Beddgelert Station and the Pont Croesor loop. This rate of progress has often been doubled during track weekends in 2006. Progress on the long straight sections across the Traeth south of Nantmor will be swift and 2008 should see the route linked up at Traeth Mawr with the WHR Extension as well as the link up with the separate CTRL section and the Harbour Station.
Construction progress
Work is nearing completion on the southern abutment wingwall of UB158, the first Nant Cwmcloch stream bridge.
This southerly view (16/12/06) shows the retaining wall of UB158 over the Nant Cwmcloch nearing completion. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy/copyright Ben Fisher and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
Work at Beddgelert Station has seen the continued build up of the access road from the Pont Alun bridleway. The former aqueduct trough has been recovered and is now lying in the station. By 16/12/06, loose slabs had been removed from the Goat Tunnel north portal and considerable shotcrete had been sprayed to stabilise the rock both on the portal and the approach cutting.
This southerly view (16/12/06) shows the shotcreting work done on the north portal of Goat tunnel and its approach cutting.. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy/copyright Ben Fisher and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
Some of the ex-Croesor rails laid by the '64 Co. remain, pushed to the side of the cutting. The origin of these rails is as follows. In the Summer of 1973 junior members of the '64 Co. lifted most of the T-bulb rails from the section of the Croesor Tramway between Croesor village and the power station. Some were laid on rough sleepers on the start of a line into Goat Tunnel. These were recovered and placed on the concrete base of the station building during initial clearance in 2005. Other rails in the cutting are thought to be heavier rails from the Cowlyd Reservoir tramway. A couple of wagons were also stored on the Beddgelert station site. The project was abandoned later that same year when the Beddgelert Siding was purchased and the wagons were moved to Porthmadog.
Meanwhile down at LC112, work has started strengthening and widening the trackbed with slate waste ready to transport the Afon Dylif and Nanmor trusses to their respective sites later in the Winter. James Cyf. are working north from their base next to LC112 and are already some way towards the site of Ynysfor Halt at LC110.
Appeal progress
Andy Savage reports that the WHR rolling Stock Appeal has raised a total of £230,000 towards, new carriages (3 under construction), supporting the rebuild of No.140, a new high powered passenger/rescue diesel and carriage sheds to house all of the rolling stock. Next Summer, a start is to be made on a new siding on the seaward side of the Boston Lodge Carriage Shed. As always there are multiplier effects from grants and other donations that mean that for every pound donated, the WHR can spend between twice and four times as much, and that is after the 28% that that Gift Aid adds on top of contributor's actual cash donations. Another hundred bronze subscriptions would be worth over £150k to the appeal, maybe half a million pounds of expenditure, all for only £6 a week!
KM posts planned
Andy Savage has organised a train for two days in February to install the long awaited kilometre posts on the WHR. Volunteers will be working their way up the line planting the posts as they go on 22-3/2/07.
Tracklaying progress 17/12/06
The Rest of the World Gang laid 9 panels on the relatively straight section of trackbed south from Beddgelert Forest Campsite Halt over the weekend of 16-7/12/06. The Head of Steel is now at Ch.20112 and this represents over 5km of track laid since the start of tracklaying on 30/12/05.
This northerly view (17/12/06) shows Upnor Castle standing in the platform of Beddgelert Forest Campsite Halt with the Phase 4 PW train. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy/copyright Tim Evans and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
This view (30/12/05) at Rhyd Ddu shows the first rail pulled onto the new Phase 4 sleepers just south of Ch.15000, the starting point for Phase 4. There is a slight bend in the formation south of Ch.15000, not shown on the TWO plans. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B.W.Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
Gasworks siding
It has been decided to have a siding on the old Gasworks site at Porthmadog, at the north end of the Central Car Park. The siding will be for a turnover loco for the WHR at Galas/peak times, avoiding the need to shunt and run round at Harbour Station. The method of working will see a loco attached/detached from the rear of the train in the Central Car Park area to reduce movements across the busy Britannia Bridge. The shunting in the Central Car Park area will no doubt attract visitors to the railway. The siding will also prove a useful transhipment point for out of gauge loads going to Boston Lodge that cannot pass Rhiw Plas bridge via Minffordd Yard.
Cross Town Rail Link programme latest
The latest programme for the CTRL is as follows. Tenders are about to be let with work due to start in February next year and be completed by early July, to avoid the peak tourist season. The intention is to complete the section from Harbour Station, adjacent to Spooners Bar to the Cambrian Crossing as well as the widening of The Cob necessary for the proposed changes to Harbour Station platforms and track. The four contracts are as follows.
The Snowdon Street Crossing features a junction with a lane along the Gorseddau Tramway route. The lane is to be made one way, away from the Snowdon Street. The second WHR tramway section extends to UB220 over Y Cyt. Wigwag flashing lights are proposed similar to the FR crossing at Tan-y-grisiau. Conventional tracklaying between the two tramway sections (Ch.34400 to Ch.34800 approx.) will be carried out by the volunteer tracklaying gangs, which will make a pleasant change for them next Summer/Autumn compared to the rigours of the heights above Beddgelert!
An order has already been placed for the new point (shown as right hand in the latest diagram) for the WHR junction with the FR, out on The Cob. The relaying of the Harbour Station will be one of the last jobs, now scheduled for Autumn/Winter 2007/8.
Festive Upnor Castle
Upnor Castle was adorned with holly for the North Wales Track Gang's final (rather wet) weekend of the year.
This northerly view (10/12/06) shows Upnor Castle on the Phase 4 PW train just north of Beddgelert Forest Halt. Despite the rain, the loco looks a little festive adorned with holly. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B.W.Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
Tuesday Gang Report 12/12/06
The Tuesday Gang were active on 12/12/06 removing the remaining stub of Plas-y-nant loop, which has now been cut back to the point itself. This right hand point will be removed during another Tuesday Gang on 16/1/07, while the railway is shut down, and will allow a better alignment off the bridge and into the platform.
Summer 2007 timetable review
The public service kicks off at Easter on 25/3/07 (following the Supporters' Day special service the previous day). The timetable continues with a daily service running until 31/10/06, rather than missing days in the early and late season as last year. Yield management requires six different train service patterns this year!
Mondays and Fridays are judged the lightest days with holiday makers travelling to the area on those days. The purple timetable shows two diesel hauled services, which also applies to some Wednesdays in April, May and October. The pink timetable is the two service steam version running in the same paths on Tuesdays and Thursdays off peak, over mid-week Easter and the lighter trafficked second week of the October Half Term Holiday.
The green timetable offers two train sets and four services, two diesel hauled. This operates at Easter, most off peak weekends and the third week of October when most local schools have their Half Term Holiday. The blue timetable is the all steam version and operates on four weekends from 30/6/06 and three busier Fridays. A yellow timetable adds the 0925 diesel hauled run from Dinas to Rhyd Ddu, that exchanges locos by the Loco Shed on the return journey. This timetable operates at peak weekends and some peak Mondays and Fridays.
This year there are 27 days of peak red timetable service, two for the Sunday and Monday Easter Bank Holiday, five from Sunday 27/5/07 over the Spring Bank Holiday week, and the remainder from 31/7/07 to 29/8/07 during the main school holiday period. The peak service sees six trains a day with the early diesel service forming a 0910 from Caernarfon this year.
The WHR Summer 2007 Timetable is now available online.
Click on this link for the WHR summer 2007 timetable
PBSSR bridge revealed
Winter came late this year and the trees were not finally bare until late November. The loss of leaves did however reveal the remains of a PBSSR bridge adjacent to the WHR on the lower part of the Lower S curve.
This easterly view (26/11/06) shows the PBSSR bridge abutments adjacent to LC87 at Ch.21950 in the reverse curve of the Lower S curve. The fencing in the background is where the lower WHR is being constructed in a cutting immediately behind the PBSSR route. As the PBSSR climbed at 1 in 23 out of Beddgelert Station, the WHR, climbing at 1 in 40, got steadily lower in comparison. This view is from Ch.21000 approx. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B.W.Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
Team Wylfa report 12/12/06
Team Wylfa had their last Tuesday evening session for the year on 12/12/06. A small group of volunteers got one of No.140's vacuum brake reservoirs (de-scaled last week) painted in red oxide. They then set to work on the boiler. After making up a rope ladder to go inside the barrel from the steam dome aperture, access was relatively easy. Even the largest volunteer was able to get inside and shovel the scale into buckets that were then hauled out and passed down to a third volunteer for tipping out. Team Wylfa filled an empty oil drum with scale but there is probably the same amount to come off the inside of the barrel as there is quite a layer of hard scale to shift. That will have to wait until January. A needle gun will be required.
Expert opinion suggests that the boiler does not look too bad from inside. There is some pitting at the steam/water interface but nothing that would condemn it. The stays between outer and inner firebox wrappers look to be in good condition with hardly any wastage. Between the Garratt Team and Team Wylfa, it is intended to have No.140's boiler ready for the boiler inspector at the end of January. Meanwhile in the Loco Shed, the Garratt Team have been busy on the boiler cradle. It is now mostly cleaned off and it should be painted soon.
Tracklaying plans-a message from Paul Bradshaw
"It is an appropriate moment to look at what has been achieved so far.
Thanks to the efforts of all of you who have joined our track laying gangs over
the past year the head of steel has now reached the Beddgelert Forest Campsite
Halt. Last weekend it reached just short of Ch.20,000, some 25% of the track to be
laid on Phase 4.
We will have a short break over Christmas and the New Year and
our regular weekend working parties will start again with the Black Hand Gang on
January 6 & 7. The first Rest Of The World Gang weekend in 2007 will be January
13/14. This usual fortnightly pattern will continue on through 2007.
Thanks to the splendid efforts of all those who joined us in October our track
laying week advanced the Head of Steel by a substantial amount with an average
of more than 100 metres of track being laid each day. Those of you who
worked with us that week seem to have enjoyed yourselves so much that you have
been asking when the next will be. So we are planning another week! This will start on Saturday 21st
April, a regular ROWG weekend, and run through until the following Black Hand
Gang weekend, April 27 & 29. We shall be happy to see you for the
whole or any part of that period.
Booking for the week is open now. Contact me if you plan to join us or
need more information."
Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda
Paul Bradshaw,
Tracklaying Volunteers Co-ordinator
Welsh Highland Railway Construction Limited
Reply to:
Email:
paul.bradshaw@highrail.co.uk
Post:
Dinas, Llanwnda, Caernarfon Gwynedd LL54 5UP
Phone:
01766 770034
Fax:
0870 162 3924
UB165
The partially collapsed south abutment of UB165 over the Pont Alun bridleway has been cleared and will be rebuilt as part of the current Hughes contract. The Pont Alun house, at the entrance to the bridleway, has recently been renamed from Pont Alyn. The farmer's bridge across Nant Cwmcloch, near UB164, has also been completed.
This southerly view (10/12/06) shows the demolished abutment of UB165 that had previously been partially removed by persons unknown. The Beddgelert Station construction site access is on the left immediately behind the embankment. An excavator can be seen on the top of the embankment. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B.W.Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
This southerly view (10/12/06) shows the completed farmer's bridge across the Nant Cwmcloch. The bridge is a mitigation measure as previously the farmer had been using a bridge on the trackbed. The excavator in the distance is on the trackbed in the middle of the Lower S Curve. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B.W.Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
K1 improvements
Over the weekend of 9-10/12/06 the K1 Group's December working party tackled several small jobs on K1, including some cosmetic work. Changes were made to the vacuum ejector and the injectors. A lot of attention was given to improving the general oiling and greasing of the least accessible parts of K1 and making the process speedier in the future by changing the nipples. The operation and adjustment of the reversing rod between front and rear engines was investigated. This was part of the ongoing checks to fine tune the valve event timings to improve the running of the engine.
Goat Cutting excavation
Good progress has been made with the excavation of Goat Cutting, which now appears to be almost cleared. The heavy rain of the weekend did however lead to flooding. Drainage work will be the next priority with the cutting draining through Goat Tunnel.
These views (10/12/06) show the cleared Goat Cutting in the pouring rain! The first view shows the view north from the footbridge. The second view shows the south view from the footbridge with the trackbed looking more like a canal! It is unclear whether the pile of material blocking the cutting is a landslide brought down by the heavy rain or the limit of the clearance. In the distance the former reservoir outflow is flooding the cutting. Click on the images to enlarge. These images are copyright B.W.Hughes and were taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Images post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (10/12/06) shows Goat Cutting as seen from the former Goat Hotel reservoir. The incessant downpour had led to some flooding in the cutting. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B.W.Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
Construction progress report 10/12/06
Ballast has extended to within 10m of UB158 but is held up by the replacement wingwall alongside the Afon Cwmcloch, due to be completed by Xmas.
This southerly view (10/12/06) shows the drystone wingwall of UB158 being replaced by reinforced concrete. The incessant downpour had led to the Afon Cwmcloch showing its full force. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B.W.Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
The Beddgelert Station contract is going well with the access track constructed right up to the old water tower. It now seems that the construction access will not share the formation with the railway as enough room was found across UB166 and to the west of the alignment. The farmer's midden still requires removal. Work on clearance of Goat Cutting on the northern approaches to Goat Tunnel is nearing completion and the cherry picker is still at work in Goat Tunnel South Cutting.
This northerly view (10/12/06) shows the construction access complete over UB166, the final Afon Cwmcloch bridge, with the trackbed to the right. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B.W.Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (10/12/06) shows the old water tower at Beddgelert Station. The new access for construction has reached this point. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B.W.Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
This southerly view (10/12/06) shows the north portal of Goat Tunnel. The incessant downpour had led to the stream from the old Goat Hotel reservoir filling the cutting with water. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B.W.Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (10/12/06) shows the Goat Tunnel approach cutting now cleared. The incessant downpour had led to the old Goat Hotel reservoir flooding the cutting. An aqueduct used to carry this across the cutting. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B.W.Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
This southerly view (10/12/06) shows the cherry picker at the south approach to Goat Tunnel. Blue French drainage pipe is being installed. The route of the former PBSSR, 'bridge to nowhere', can be seen going straight on to the left of the cherry picker, while the later WHR route curves sharply to the right. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B.W.Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (10/12/06) shows the James Cyf. compound established just north of LC112, on the east side of the alignment. The route follows the fence line on a raised embankment. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B.W.Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
Tracklaying report 10/12/06
The North Wales Gang tracklaying reached the platform of Beddgelert Forest Halt with the Head of Steel at Ch.19950 this weekend, some 10m onto the platform. This represents some 25% of the track for Phase 4. There is a clear run of 1 km with very slight bends from there down to the Afon Cwmcloch bridge at Ch. 21100 and tracklaying should be swift, possibly approaching the Lower S bend early in the New Year if 10 lengths per weekend can be achieved.
These views (10/12/06) show the Head of Steel at the end of the day's tracklaying in the pouring rain! The first view shows the track alongside the platform looking south and the second view shows the north view of the Head of Steel. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B.W.Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
No.140 progress
The Garratt Working Weekend team were busy working on No.140 and No.138 on the 18-19/11/06. The vacuum tanks on No.140 were removed. Other work carried out that weekend included, removal of the Vac Pans, freeing off all the brake gear on the boiler unit, freeing off all the rocking grate gear and removing the rocking grate steam cylinder. Volunteers also crewed the trains that weekend and made alterations to the burn on No.138 so that it would steam better on the fuel oil which thickens in the colder Winter weather.
This is the third winter that the team has worked and they have 3 more weekends planned for January, February and March in 2007. The Team is made up mainly of drivers, fireman and trainee fireman of the WHR & FR who have enjoyed the WHR all year and want to put something back in the Winter. This year they have been joined by another time served toolmaker to help with machining components.
Last year for instance volunteers removed the tubes from No.140 and made repairs to the other two Garratts. The Team is led by Andie Shaw who is a driver on both railways and full time Loco Engineer. They number anything from 4 to 10 people a weekend which is manageable. The depth of skill they have is considerable but it is time they are short of.
Beddgelert Station works start
Work finally got underway in the first week of December on the Beddgelert Station contract with contractor William Hughes clearing Goat Cutting, the northern approaches to Goat Tunnel, behind the Oberon Wood housing estate. This is being dug out, hardened up and drained. The contractor has deployed significant resources on site. The Goat Tunnel and the rock cuttings at both ends require significant works that are well underway.
This northerly view (5/12/06) shows the contractor clearing the very wet north approach cutting that leads to Goat Tunnel. GCC replaced the deck of the footbridge a few years ago. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy John Ewing/copyright Yvonne Ainsworth Nikon Coolpix 4300 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
The first actual site work was the completion of the construction road access ramp onto site from Pont Alyn lane, achieved by the first week of December. Rebuilding the bridges at north end of Beddgelert Station, UB166/8 is an early job, with work on removal of the remains of the partially demolished south abutment of the Pont Alun bridleway bridge (UB165) and cutting back adjacent embankment already almost complete. As part of that work Hughes will not yet ballast the last curve on Section 6 between UB164 and UB165 as the trackbed will be useful as a route for plant to access the northern abutment of UB165 for remedial works.
Work is also going on to remove soft soil from where the formation is being widened on the west side of the Beddgelert station site between UB167 and UB168. This has now been dug out and a hard surface is being created that will act as part of the plant and material access route onto the site before the area is filled and the new formation level created. This first phase of the Beddgelert Station contract creates the site formation with associated drainage and trackbed. Subsequent contracts will follow later for the platform and station building. The priority is to get the westerly trackbed through the site so volunteers can proceed unimpeded when in early 2007 they are ready to push south from the station with tracklaying.
Ynysfor-Afon Nanmor contract awarded
Contractor J H James, who recently finished the contract between Ty'n-y-coed and Nant Cwmcloch, has being awarded the contract to build the line from LC112 on the B4410 northwards to the north side of the Afon Nanmor river bridge (UB196). This contract includes working in liaison with bridge builder Williams of Caernarfon in respect of providing a route for installation of the two near finished river bridges, planned for installation this Winter. James has been moving onto site this week. The first job is creating a base camp on small parcel of farm land next to LC112 that will include the ramp up to the trackbed for the bridge trusses on their route to river sites. It is hoped the trackbed will be in a good enough state to allow the bridges to be transported along it and installed across the two rivers in January or February of 2007. This is the first of the sections managed by Arup Rail consulting engineers.
John Ewing appointed Resident Director
Following John Ewing's retirement, he is now spending much of his time at Dinas further strengthening the manpower resources at WHRCL. His help is very much appreciated and he will be dedicating his time to Phase 4 as WHRC Ltd Resident Director, in overall charge of strategic direction and planning.
Team Wylfa report 5/12/06
Tuesday night (5/12/06) was a very productive night with 5 volunteers hard at work. The Garratt Working Weekend team (see above) had dropped the two vacuum tanks off No.140's boiler cradle (currently on a DZ flat in the Loco Shed) and Team Wylfa were tasked with collecting and transporting them to the Clip Shed Workshop where volunteers set to de-scaling and power wire brushing them. From initially very dubious looking vacuum reservoirs, by the end of the evening, two shiny tanks were ready for painting. This will be done next Tuesday evening.
Volunteers also transported the spare big 230V/110V transformer wired up last week to the Goods Shed ready for No.140's boiler work and had a further look at the boiler. Getting inside the barrel is not going to be as easy as initially thought and the ladder they were going to use will fit in, but will not allow anyone to get through the dome aperture with it in place! Volunteers have a plan and should be inside shovelling out the accumulated scale next Tuesday.
Team Wylfa also tackled several other jobs. One of No.140's sand boxes got another coat of paint. Three RRM wheels which had been cluttering up one of the benches got new bearings fitted and put away and a new 110V extension lead was made up for use with the newly commissioned wall mounted transformer and power tools used on the far end benches.
Tracklaying and construction progress to 3/12/06
The Rest of the World gang was realigning track over the weekend with no addition to the Head of Steel. However, sleepers were laid out to the Beddgelert Forest Halt as far as Ch.19950. Meanwhile, down on the Beddgelert Station contract, the access ramp between UB165 and UB166, the final Nant Cwmcloch bridge, was nearing completion. Rockwork had started on the southern approach to Goat Tunnel using a 'cherry-picker' hydraulic platform, with access being gained along the trackbed from Bryn-y-felin. No further work is being done on this section of trackbed while vehicles are using it to gain access to the Goat Tunnel works.
This southerly view (26/11/06) shows the trackbed completed to full width over UB169 with LC88, the Cemetery Crossing, in the background. The trackbed from Bryn-y-felin is currently being used for access for the Goat Tunnel rock works contract. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B.W.Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (26/11/06) shows the track laid over UB150 with Dolgarrog on the bridge. Rail is being cut for the sharp curve south of LC77 that will have staggered rails. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B.W.Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
Double headers
Double headed operation continued for a second weekend with No.138 supported by Castell Caernarfon inside on 2/12/06. The latter was being taken as an insurance policy as the oil currently being used is getting a bit thick in the colder weather. It has been thinned, however its effectiveness has yet to be evaluated. No.138 hauled the train alone on 3/12/06.
This southerly view (2/12/06) at Caernarfon shows double headed operation with No.138 and the Funkey on the last weekend before the Santa Trains. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Laurence Armstrong and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
UB158 remedial works
This southerly view (2/12/06) shows the southeast wing wall of UB158 removed as it appeared to be constructed of un-mortared random boulders. This may be rebuilt in reinforced concrete with a local stone cladding over the next few weeks. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Laurence Armstrong and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
Deepest Cutting?
This southerly view (26/11/06) shows the completed 'Cutting Mawr' at Ch.21350. This may be the deepest cutting on the railway at around 10m deep. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B.W.Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
For a further 16 new images of this little visited section see the updated Beddgelert Area page.
PW Institution working weekend
This northerly view (26/11/06) shows senior figures from the Permanent Way Institution on a working weekend at the WHR. Track has just been laid across LC77 and there is a large pile of sleepers to the left. Wearing their badges of office from left to right Andrew Savage (President), Phil Bull (VP England), Bob Gardiner (VP Scotland), Fred Howes (VP Wales) and Andy Franklin (Past VP Wales). Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy Andrew Savage and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
Team Wylfa report 28/11/06
Team Wylfa had a busy night on Tuesday 28/11/06 with 5 volunteers hard at work including another new recruit ex-Black Hand Gang. Volunteers finally got the large 230/110V transformer 'plumbed' in. It now works at the press of a switch with no more need for trailing leads and 110V is permanently on tap in the Clip Shed workshop. Most of Tuesday's work was carried out under cover in the Clip Shed workshop. The first of No. 140's sand boxes was primed and work continued beating another back to shape and preparing it for painting.
Team Wylfa also wired up another of the ex-Historic House Hotels donated transformers for use in the Goods Shed. This was the one they sorted out as a good one last week after finding a couple with a low internal resistance due to damp storage conditions. This will give volunteers the 110V lighting and power tools they need for cleaning up No.140's boiler, which is sitting on a DZ flat outside the roller shutter door on the fuel road. Although it was the intention to make a start, on-and-off heavy rain showers precluded that plan. However, volunteers have had a good look at the task and reckon they have most of what they need to do it to hand.
Cambrian Crossing
Balfour Beatty are still present working on the buried oil cooled electricity main that runs alongside the Cambrian Coast Line. A recent view of the crossing from the north shows that a fairly sharp curve is necessary south of the crossing as the alignment itself curves to the east.
This easterly view (26/11/06) shows the completed Cambrian Crossing, LC122, from the adjacent NR crossing. Work is ongoing on the right on the buried electricity mains cable, just outside NR boundaries. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B.W.Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
This southerly view (26/11/06) shows the completed Cambrian Crossing, LC122, with transition panels stored on the trackbed beyond. It is apparent there will be a significant curve for the railway to pass east of the concrete remains of the water tower visible in the distance. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B.W.Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
Bryn-y-felin and Aberglaslyn Pass
Work on the deck of Bryn-y-felin bridge is complete but temporary vehicle ramps and protection of the wooden deck will be required before contractors' vehicles can access the route south of there to build the trackbed in the Aberglaslyn Pass. The contract will be let soon. Fencing is complete south of this point and the trackbed has been fenced off with temporary barriers at LC90, just south of the bridge. Work continues on the water main diversion in the Aberglaslyn Pass with only one set of traffic lights on 26/11/06. However, the road to Nantmor is closed from Pont Aberglaslyn and there is another set of traffic lights much further south on the A498 because of a retaining wall collapse.
This easterly view (26/11/06) shows the completed Bryn-y-felin bridge, with fencing also complete beyond. Temporary barriers have been erected at LC90, just beyond the bridge, with signs to dissuade the public from using the trackbed as it will soon be a construction site. The new water main will cross the trackbed in the foreground. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B.W.Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
Double heading
Sunday 26/11/06 saw services hauled by double headed motive power with No.138 on the front and Castell Caernarfon 'inside'. Traffic was light despite the excellent light and clear Winter views after the storms of the previous days.
WHR(P) extension plans
There is a big push on over the next month to finish the WHR(P)'s 900m northwards extension along the WHR to Traeth Mawr loop. On the weekend of 25-6/11/06, gorse was cleared and burned. It is hoped to complete the level crossings to WHRCL approved designs and have the Railway Inspectorate in during January, allowing time for a snagging list to be complete in time for the provisional opening date in March. As a result, the three level crossings involved are being reconstructed again.
The plans for the upcoming weekends are as follows:
Weekend 2-3/12/06:
At Cynfal (LC120), the footpath requires digging up then the new kissing gate,
with shortening the wall, fencing and concreting. If timbers are available, volunteers can
install the cattle guards either side of the level crossing. At Pen-y-Mount (LC121), the
footpath diversion needs to be finalised and preparations made for trackside
fences. If sufficient volunteers turn up, there are snagging jobs to do at Farm
Yard Farm Crossing (LC119).
Weekend 16-17/12/06 plus Monday 18/12/06 and Tuesday 19/12/06:
LC120 at Penmount Lane, immediately north of Pen-y-Mount Halt, needs to be finished.
This will involve machine work digging out a big hole to be filled with
concrete, putting in shuttering and then backfilling the hole with about 15m3
of concrete. The first load is scheduled to arrive at 8.30 am on the Monday
morning - so volunteers have got to be ready! Monday will be spent concreting.
Tuesday will involve removing the shuttering and preparing the road for
re-opening. If possible, the machines could be used to do some preparatory work
on the road at Cynfal sometime this weekend.
Week between Xmas and New Year:
Volunteers will be installing Cynfal Crossing (LC120), concreting in gate posts,
hanging gates, building post & rail fences and digging up another recently installed
kissing gate. Volunteers will also be doing LC121 at Penmount Lane, putting in
road timbers, cattle guards, finishing fences and taking out the footpath
diversion.
Cemetery Crossing/Oberon Wood
Contractor William Hughes is making good progress in the area of Cemetery Crossing (LC88) and has reached the northern end of the contract at the approach cutting to the south of Goat Tunnel (Ch.22700), working from its Bryn-y-felin base. The trackbed has been widened to full width and drainage work is in hand.
This northerly view (26/11/06) shows the formation cleared, widened and hardened with slate waste at Ch.22650, Parc Bach Curve in Oberon Wood with Goat Tunnel cutting in the background. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B.W.Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
This southerly view (26/11/06) shows the formation cleared, widened and hardened with slate waste at Ch.22650, Parc Bach Curve in Oberon Wood, with the curves for Cemetery Crossing LC88 in the background. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B.W.Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (26/11/06) shows the formation cleared, widened and hardened with slate waste at Cemetery Crossing, LC88 at Ch.22800. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B.W.Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
This southerly view (26/11/06) shows the formation cleared, widened and hardened with slate waste at Ch.22800, looking south from Cemetery Crossing. Some work is needed to build up the levels on this section, which is a little undulating. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B.W.Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
Ballast laid through 'Cutting Mawr'
Ballast has finally been laid through the deep cutting at the north end of the lower S-curve, 'Cutting Mawr'. Sleepers have also been placed ready on the formation. There is a gap in the ballast between UB157 across LC82 and UB158, from Ch.21030 to Ch.21198. In this section the trackside chainage markers match the TWO plans. Ballast is again interrupted at the south end of the deep cutting where the farmer's water supply is being piped. This gap is from Ch.21430 to Ch.21490.
This northerly view (26/11/06) shows the limit of ballast laid south of UB159 at Ch.21198. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B.W.Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
This southerly view (26/11/06) shows the ballast laid south from Ch.21300 with 'Cutting Mawr' in the distance. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B.W.Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (26/11/06) shows the work in hand to pipe the farmer's water supply at the south end of Cutting Mawr. Concrete drainage troughs have also been provided on the uphill side of the cutting. The ballast can just be seen in the distance and netting pinned to the rock face to retain any loose material. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B.W.Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
Tracklaying progress to 26/11/06
The North Wales track gang had laid track to a point 45m south of LC77, reaching Ch.19845, by the close of play on 26/11/06. A half rail was required for the staggered joints through the curve just south of LC77. Track is now being laid alongside the Beddgelert Forest Campsite, currently closed until Xmas. Progress was delayed by the need to relay or lay both level crossings and an early finish at 4pm because of early Winter sunsets. By Xmas, track should reach Beddgelert Forest Campsite Halt at Ch.20000 and the straight section south of there. There is over 1km of ballast ahead of the track gangs towards Nant Cwmcloch.
This southerly view (26/11/06) shows the track laid south of LC76 with LC77 in the distance across UB150. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B.W.Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
James contract nearly completed
UB156 has been completed and ballasted. Ballast and sleepers have been laid out all the way to UB157 at Ch.21030, just short of Nant Cwmcloch. This will complete James Cyf.'s current contract from UB156 to LC82 at Ch.21100, apart from the snagging list.
This northerly view (26/11/06) shows the ballast laid up to UB157, where work was underway rebuilding the culvert again. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B.W.Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
This southerly view (18/11/06) shows the completed UB156 with ballast and sleepers laid out south towards Nant Cwmcloch. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy/copyright Stephen Walker and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
WHR Volunteers'/Staff Xmas party
On Friday 1/12/06 there will be an Xmas Party for WHR volunteers and staff, hosted by the WHRS North Wales Group. This is for volunteers constructing the Welsh Highland Railway, those who run the Railway, the staff of the Construction Company, and the staff who run the Railway. The party begins at 7.00pm in the Goods Shed at Dinas. Hot food will be provided (curry or stew), real ale, lager, wine and music. Beer has been donated by the Celtic Slate Company. Those attending may bring a partner of their own choice. Tickets cost £5 per head and names and payment must be made in advance by Wednesday 29/11/06 to Heidi Evans at the Dinas Construction Office, or Dafydd Thomas (see Contacts page). Cheques payable to "Welsh Highland Railway Society - North Wales Group".
Team Wylfa Report 21/11/06
Three volunteers effectively completed carriage inspection work for this year on 21/11/06. With only 17 running days left, the carriages are due a major inspection between now and Christmas by Boston Lodge's C&W staff. Team Wylfa can now concentrate fully on No.140's components again. No.140's boiler is now parked on a DZ flat outside the roller shutter door of the Goods Shed. Team Wylfa's next challenge is to clean it up ready for the boiler inspector. They will be assessing what is required in the way of power tools, lighting and access.
This northerly view (26/11/06) shows No.140's boiler outside the Goods Shed on wagon 2005. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B.W.Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
Volunteers carried on with No.140's sand boxes and checked out the ex-Historic House Hotel donated 230V/110V transformers needed for a good 110V supply in the Goods Shed to run angle grinders and lights for the boiler work. The first transformer checked had got damp with standing and failed a test so another couple were tested to find a good one. It just needs a physical clean and fitting a supply cable, which is already made up, next Tuesday and then PAT tested before finding a semi-permanent home in the Goods Shed.
KMX tamper news
The KMX tamper and its match wagon are now inside the Goods Shed waiting for fitting of the side chains between tamper and wagon. They are already mounted on the match wagon so all it needs are eye bolts and short chains fitting to the tamper's buffer beams both ends.
Loco news
On 21/11/06 No.143 had been shunted out to the Loco Shed headshunt to await the return from Boston Lodge of its overhauled front power bogie. No.138 is now inside over the pit road and No.140's boiler cradle has been shunted in on a DZ flat to the back of the other road and K1 just fits with a few inches to spare ahead of it up to the roller shutter door. Work has now started on No.140's boiler cradle.
Down at Boston Lodge, Merddin Emrys was taken in at the end of October for conversion to coal firing. It is hoped this famous WHR test loco will be available for next year's FR Summer Timetable and should be in a good condition in 2009 to make at least a token run on the WHR, when it reopens throughout, reprising its part in the 1924 WHR bridge tests.
Cambrian Crossing works
Work has continued on the Cambrian Crossing area with MANWEB digging a deep trench on the south side of the route outside the NR boundary fence for the power cables.
This easterly view (18/11/06) shows the excavation of a deep trench to carry MANWEB power cables. The crossing can be seen in the top left of the picture. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy/copyright Andrew Goodwin and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
WHR(P) volunteers are planning to clear the area immediately north of the crossing where volunteer caravans have impinged a little on the trackbed over the years. A new caravan electrical cabinet is now largely complete. The old cabinet now needs de-wiring and removing before Caravan 5 can be moved. The old cabinet was blocking the caravan from being moved away from the formation of the CTRL.
This southerly view (10/8/06) shows the trackbed just south of Ch.34100, with the Cambrian Crossing by the trees. This area was cleared earlier this year for surveys for the CTRL revealing the WHR(P)'s volunteers' caravans. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B.W.Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
Plas-y-nant siding removal
The siding at Plas-y-nant is to be removed in December. The formation here was built as a 200m passing loop but only the north end point was installed. The components of the south end point languished at the trackside for some years, never fitted. On 5/7/06 the siding was shortened. It now sees little use so the north end point can be used elsewhere on Phase 4. The possibility remains of installing a loop at the site in the future to recover from late running and the subsidence will have to be dealt with at some stage.
Tracklaying progress to 19/11/06
The Rest Of The World track gang laid 8 panels of track, advancing the Head of Steel by some 144m, just 20m short of LC76, at Ch.19700 (TWO) approximately. They also laid further sleepers out over UB150. The level crossing requires further work to correct the alignment, which will be carried out over the coming week. Next weekend should see the North Wales track gang across UB150 and LC77, laying track alongside the campsite and approaching the platform of Beddgelert Forest Campsite Halt.
This northerly view (19/11/06) shows Dolgarrog at carrying sleepers to the railhead at UB148, approaching Beddgelert Forest boundary. The built up of a ballast shoulder can be seen from the mid-week permanent staff. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy/copyright Tim Evans and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (19/11/06) shows the Head of Steel at Ch.19700 approx. (TWO), just north of LC76, approaching Beddgelert Forest Campsite. The built up slate fines at the level crossing need realigning. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy/copyright Tim Evans and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
This southerly view (19/11/06) shows sleepers laid out across UB150 with LC77 beyond. The Beddgelert Forest Campsite Halt is some 300m away, just around the corner. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy/copyright Tim Evans and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
Traeth Mawr Extension news
Just a small number of jobs now remain before the WHR(P)'s 900m extension northwards from Pen-y-Mount to the temporary loop at Traeth Mawr is ready to open. The main task is the completion of two remaining level crossings, one of which is now half complete. On Saturday 17/11/06, two volunteers worked hard in a four foot deep hole at LC120 Cynfal Crossing. Their task was a slightly unusual one of undoing some of the work volunteers did at the start of the extension project. In order to put the cattle-proof fencing in for Cynfal Crossing, one of the fence straining posts put in four years ago had to come out. In the end it took them most of the day to smash the original concrete foundations! By the end of Saturday, there were fence posts going in all sorts of directions. By the end of Sunday, they had fence rails on them as well, and the crossing is about half complete. Other members of the team removed around six foot of stone wall. Some of the larger stones took four people to lift. The two largest stones were left in place as too heavy for human power alone.
The gang also did a lot of planning for future
working parties; a major amount of work on LC121, Penmount Crossing, is
scheduled for the weekend of 16-17/12/06, including laying an enormous amount of
concrete on the roadway either side. A final push is being planned for December to
get as much of the work done as possible on the second crossing at Pen-y-Mount,
just north of the current WHR(P) terminus. WHR(P) volunteers will be doing
extension work on 2-3/12/06, 16-17/12/06 and throughout Christmas, including
Christmas Day (with a break for turkey in the afternoon!). If volunteers would
like to join them, contact Mark Holden, the volunteer co-ordinator - http://www.whr.
Final opening plans, including inspection and details are still being worked out
between the WHR(P) and FfR management (whose railway it is north of the current
WHR(P) terminus at Pen-y-Mount).
Details are expected soon.
Nant Cwmcloch works
Concrete trenching has been laid through the deep cutting at Ch.21400, Cutting Mawr. This is required prior to ballasting through this cutting. The formwork and reinforcing for the deck of the farmer's mitigation bridge across the Nant Cwmcloch, just east of UB164, has been completed and will be cast this week.
WHR(P)'s Pen-y-Mount Junction proposals
Pen-y-Mount will change over the next few
years as it is to become a junction station between the two railways and negotiations are
ongoing on the exact way in which the WHR(P) will interface with the WHR(C). The
final details are subject to modification in the light of
any changes in the WHRL's relationship with the FR, HMRI agreement and
operational/
The new junction station is planned to have a number of functions:
The atmosphere of a small WHR halt is planned to continue, though facilities will be expanded, sympathetically, as and when necessary. The operational interface between the WHR(C) and the WHR(P) will be partly administered from Pen-y-Mount, as tokens could be exchanged there, and phone calls to Harbour Control will be made for access to the main line. Tickets can also be sold from the ticket office there, when manned.
Phase I – already in the planning process – is a platform alongside the Cross-Town-Link, from the north side of the station building, north to the junction point. This platform would be about 82m long and 2.5m wide, long enough for about 6 WHR(C) coaches. The new platform would provide access onto the current WHR(P) platform, while retaining a substantially separate provision, to reinforce the impression of "entering a 1920s world" when accessing the WHR(P) platform. The new arrangements would also preserve the public access to the station from PenMount Lane. The specifications for the WHR(C) platforms differ slightly from those allowable by the WHR(P)'s Light Railway Order.
Completion of this phase would allow passengers from Porthmadog (Harbour) or Caernarfon to change to a WHR(P) heritage shuttle to WHR(P) station on Tremadog Road and to the museum shed tour at Gelert's Farm, and, of course, would also allow passengers who have joined the system at Porthmadog WHR(P) to change to go north or south from Pen-y-Mount, on the combined ticket system already in operation. The existence of this new platform will not, of course, preclude WHR(P) trains from joining the main line at Pen-y-Mount for heritage runs to Pont Croesor, Beddgelert, Caernarfon and even Porthmadog (Harbour), and neither will it prevent the WHR(C) trains from using the WHR(P) line to access Porthmadog WHR(P) station. Both rights are enshrined in the 1998 Agreement between the FR and the WHRL.
Phase II would provide a third platform, to the west of the present
loop (a siding would need to be re-situated)
Depending on a number of factors, as described above, Pen-y-Mount could become an important passenger interchange, or could be a very active rail junction with occasional passenger transfer. The WHR(P)'s plan is designed to be as flexible as possible, both to take advantage of any possible variation on traffic flows, and to cater for the future, whatever it may bring for the WHR(P) or the FR.
Team Wylfa report 14/11/06
A team of four attacked the 'E' Set's last two carriages on the evening of 14/11/06 for the usual checks and oiling up. This completes the 'E' Set for now and no checks are now due until the end of the month. With two volunteers going down each side, it was a quick job which left more time to then continue work on No.140's cylinder lube oil tanks and sand boxes. There was old paint and rust flying everywhere. At the end of the evening, the remaining ones are almost ready for painting.
On the same evening a quick refurbishment of a spare RRM was started as a further two have been taken up to the Head of Steel and the FR is looking for a pair of refurbished ones for their Winter relaying programme. There is only one overhauled spare at the moment. By the end of the evening, the one chosen had all wheels out and two had been fitted with new bearings with the other two on the bench. Hopefully this can all be completed next Tuesday.
KMX and runner to be linked
Preparations are underway to link the KMX tamper to its running truck No.5001. The KMX has been brought down to Dinas for fittings to be made.
This northerly view (15/11/06) shows the KMX tamper at Dinas with the running truck No.5001 adjacent so the chains and hooks can be attached as the wagon does not have a continuous brake. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy/copyright Ian Harthill/WHRCL and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
Tracklaying progress to 14/11/06
The North Wales Track Gang has advanced the Head of Steel to the vicinity of the Beddgelert Forest boundary, just short of LC75 at Ch.19540 (as on TWA map). Three lengths were laid on Sunday due to reduced daylight hours. Progress was limited by inclement weather, the need align a previous curve and the shortage of sleepers (the next pile is at UB150, some 200m ahead). WHR staff were prompt to ballast the section on 14/11/06. By the end of November, track is likely to reach the area of UB150/Beddgelert Forest Halt.
This view (12/11/06) at Ch.19500 (on TWA map), just north of LC75, shows Dolgarrog near the Head of Steel in a patch of sunshine on what was generally a cloudy wet weekend. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy/ copyright Andrew Thomas and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
This view (14/11/06) at LC75 shows Upnor Castle ballasting the track laid at the weekend and the Head of Steel. The sleepers reach forward to LC75. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy/ copyright Alastair Stewart and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
This view (14/11/06) at LC75 shows the Head of Steel, just short of LC75 with the Beddgelert Forest boundary visible in the background. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy/copyright Alastair Stewart and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
Nant Cwmcloch works
Ballasting south from UB156 at Ty'n-y-coed is expected to get underway this week. There are one or two drainage snags to be fixed. The mitigation farmer's bridge over the Nant Cwmcloch, just east/downhill of UB164, is nearing completion. Both abutments were cast by 10/11/06 and the temporary pipe bridge had been removed.
K1 freight charter
The timetable south of Waunfawr was suspended on both Saturday and Sunday 11-12/11/06 so that K1 could run a freight charter on this section of route. The train ran with three B wagons and the SAR brake van, making several run pasts at Ffridd Isaf curve. The weather was unhelpful but improved for the action on Sunday. The train ran past Summit Cutting later to provide photo opportunities at Pitt's Head Cutting and Pont Cae'r Gors, making this only the second steam loco to visit Phase 4! K1's problems seem to have been cured with no hot boxes noted. The new sanders (ex-BR Class 08 shunter) worked a treat and the injectors now seem to be operating as expected too. The loco may be used for the Winter service between Xmas and New Year if it maintains its run of luck! The K1 Supporters Group will assist in the conversion to coal firing this Winter as well as adding the headlamp and other minor tasks.
Martin Crease, the charter organiser, has uploaded images from the two days on his Fotopic website http://www.martincreese.fotopic.net/ps36111824.html
This view (12/11/04) near Ffridd Isaf shows K1 on its short freight charter rake, reversing to run through Rhyd Ddu station. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy/ copyright Colin Lea and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (12/11/06) shows K1 at work reversing up the deep cutting at Pont Cae'r Gors at midday during the Photo Charter. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy/copyright Owen Duncan and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
Beddgelert Station works start
The contractor, William Hughes, has started work on the construction access ramp onto the west side of the trackbed between UB165 and UB166, the lowest Nant Cwmcloch bridge. Following approval of the SNPA last Wednesday, rock work on the Goat Tunnel and approach cuttings should start this week. The siding at Beddgelert Station is likely to be an early objective, when track reaches this location in the Spring, tracklayers could store some of their construction rolling stock there, obviating the long ride from Rhyd Ddu. Maybe Dolgarrog's shed could move there. However, Rhyd Ddu will remain the main base. The work base at Bryn-y-felin could also become a delivery point for ballast, leading to some productivity gain.
Cambrian Catch Points
The Cambrian Crossing will include catch points on the narrow gauge. These catch points will be operated by electric motor actuators that will function as part of a sequence of events initiated for the crossing the of the mainline by a WHR train. To cross the mainline, FR Control will first telephone Network Rail Control to check with them that nothing is on its way that would be delayed by a WHR train using the crossing. With that authorisation, the WHR signaller at the crossing can press the button that will first turn signal lights on the mainline to red located at both the nearby Network Rail road crossings (Porthmadog Station and Traeth Mawr, the northerly extension of Snowdon Street). That is then followed by the setting of the narrow gauge catch points for the WHR and turning the narrow gauge signals to green authorising the WHR train to proceed.
Once the WHR train is over the crossing and clear of the mainline, track circuits will automatically reverse everything back to reopen NR. The WHRCL is currently considering how best to house the crossing equipment (comprising little more than the crossing initiation button, Network Rail & FR phone and a desk - but not the electrical control equipment which will be in a location box on NR territory). The WHR Heritage Group have proposed, and offered to help build, a replica of the original box to serve that purpose - which would be very neat solution. At busy times a signaller might be based in the signal box but otherwise, the train crew could actuate the controls or a member of staff could come over from Harbour Station.
The catch points use the standard WHR - S30kg type rail and are currently being manufactured by a contractor in South Wales along with new points for the WHR junction at Harbour Station. Once the catch points are delivered to Porthmadog they will be installed and the rest of the equipment connected up so the Cambrian installation can be fully completed ready for WHR use.
This easterly view (Easter 1956) shows Will Jones (nearest) digging out the WHR Junction points at Harbour Station. The nearer point must lead to the Goods Shed...now Spooner's Bar. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Mike Schumann and was taken on a Kodak box camera. Negative scanned by John Dobson. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
The WHRCL is grateful to David Bateman for having provided the expertise to see the Cambrian project through from inception some years back to completion in very much the same way as John Sreeves has looked after WHR bridges - both providing a substantial professional volunteer contribution toward the successful completion of Welsh Highland Railway.
Completing UB182
John Sreeves (WHRCL bridge engineer) has explained how the Nantmor road bridge UB182 bridge will be completed, following its craning into place on 29/10/06.
'At the moment the bridge has simply been placed on the base plates with large 20mm thick metal shims placed underneath each base plate. The bridge is 9mm out of level in cross fall and the north end is 20mm too low. Furthermore, only 3 base plates are making contact. The bridge will be jacked up using four jacks to true it up for level both longitudinally and transversely. The jacks are placed under the end trimmer beam. This is a substantial 300mm x 100mm x 46mm channel section which is partly embedded in concrete and designed to take the full weight of the bridge through concentrated point supports. As these are hydraulic jacks, there is a risk that the jacks will drop if oil leaks around the seals, and the jacks might get stolen if left there. So the jacks have to be pumped up a bit more, packing pieces inserted under the end trimmer and the jacks removed.
Then the base plates are manually lifted up into contact and engage with a socket on the underside of the main beams. Before this is done, the contact areas are liberally greased with fishplate grease, and a piece of conveyor belt rubber inserted to take up any lack of planarity. The rubber will also accommodate rotation under live load. The base plates are set in the correct longitudinal position with reference to the bridge temperature on the day, to allow for subsequent thermal expansion or contraction. The temporary 20mm metal shims are taken out and plastic wedges inserted underneath to support the base plates. The holding down bolts will be grouted into enlarged holes, but not tightened. Next a wooden box is formed around each base plate, and grout poured in, embedding the plastic wedges with special care taken to exclude all air bubbles.
When the grout has hardened, the jacks are re-inserted to lift the bridge up, temporary packing removed, and the bridged lowered down so that all load is taken through the permanent bearings. At this point the plastic squashes and full load transfer takes place through the grout. As the grout shrinks over a long period of time, the plastic wedges squash down even more. The nuts on the holding down bolts (actually stainless steel threaded rods) are then tightened. If permanent metal wedges or shims were to be used, the grout would shrink away leaving a hard spot and possible initiation of corrosion.'
John adds, 'The bearing job is now complete. However further significant works will be needed to construct concrete ballast containment walls at the deck ends, and to extend the walkways off the bridge onto terra firma. The south side embankment will need building up slightly, where years of erosion have taken their toll.'
Beddgelert Station contract
Progress has been made in the allocation of contracts for the major work at Beddgelert Station. As previously advised on this website work is to be allocated in sections so that the contractors do not get in each others way on this restricted site. Advance works have included the diversion of electricity pole route which was on the trackbed at the north end of the station site. This has now been replaced by an underground cable as at Pont Cae'r Gors. The cable has been laid over UB166, the final Nant Cwmcloch bridge, on the west side of the bridge and alongside the missing UB167, where embankment widening will take place. Construction of the site access from the Pont Alyn bridleway could only proceed once the cable diversion was finished. Gorse and scrub clearance mentioned previously has included the site for the station building at the south end of Beddgelert Station.
By 5/11/06, the pole route was gone and additional work on the cables crossing UB166 had been undertaken, including concreting in to protect the cables from construction work. Some clearance work had taken place on the western embankment between UB165 and UB166, including the recent cutting down of the tree which had been growing on top of UB166. It is hoped that the roots have not penetrated the arch structure and there is no evidence of that from the soffit of the bridge.
The first of several contracts to be placed is the construction of the site access, which has been let to William Hughes Civil Engineering Ltd., the contractor who has worked so well on the Nant Cwmcloch contract and made such a fast start on the Goat Tunnel to Bryn-y-felin contract. The second contract covers the Goat Tunnel at the south of the station site and approach cuttings. This shallow tunnel will require scaling of loose slabs, rock bolting and concreting of the roof, which in one location appears to be through to the overlying boulder clay. The formation on the curve next to the 'Bridge to Nowhere' is too narrow at the moment and will be widened to the standard 3.3m.
This view (21/7/04) inside Goat Tunnel shows a conical cavity in the roof with brown boulder clay visible in the top left. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Mike Schumann and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (21/7/04) inside Goat Tunnel shows the current state of the tunnel with the sharp right hand bend at the north end into Goat Cutting. Telephone insulators are visible in the roof. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Mike Schumann and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.
The third contract will be for the bridge works at the north end of Beddgelert station. UB165, the Pont Alyn bridleway bridge, needs a new southern abutment and a replacement for the missing deck. UB166 needs minor works only such as repointing. UB167, the public footpath underbridge, needs widening and a replacement for the missing deck. This work is programmed to be complete before track appears around the Lower S curve so tracklaying can continue through the station.
As soon as the bridges are completed and the tunnel finished, a single track formation will be provided along the west side of the formation where the platform will ultimately be, to become the southbound track. This will enable volunteers to complete the track through the construction site and carry on laying track southwards while the station construction continues with platform, northbound track, station building, access from the Beddgelert car park, water tower, siding etc. When the siding is constructed it will become a useful base to cut down the long run from Rhyd Ddu. The construction access road will share the formation with the railway for a short distance at the north end over UB166/7. This short section of track will probably have to be relaid later as the weight of the lorries may move the track and ballast.
UB150 rebuild
The WHRCL is considering rebuilding UB150, the large embankment/bridge just north of the Beddgelert Forest campsite, once tracklaying has passed that point. Engineers were concerned that the concrete box culvert built in WHR days was in a similar state those at UB131/133 that also required replacing. With tracklaying likely to reach the bridge by the end of November, the probable sequence of events (if an early decision is made) is to move lots of rail over the bridge for the continued tracklaying through Beddgelert Campsite and south of there, stockpiling the rail in the two foot with a couple of RRM's. Over a period of three of four weeks, the embankment can be excavated down to the bridge and remedial concrete works progressed. The embankment will then be reconstructed and the track relaid on top of the bridge. The date for this work has not yet been finalised but it will be before the railway is opened.
Pont Croesor contract
The contract for constructing the rail deck of UB212, the main multi-span Afon Glaslyn bridge at Pont Croesor, has been let to the same contractor who has produced the Nantmor road bridge and three river bridges, D.J. Williams and Son of Brunswick Ironworks, Peblig Mill, Caernarfon. Manufacture is not planned to start until 2007 but the contractors have already ordered the steel girders for the job as they may take some time to deliver.
Team Wylfa report 31/10 and 7/11/06
Last week, the 'E' Set was out on 'Ghost Train' duties so Team Wylfa helped do a bit of 'haunting' when it came through Dinas - flashing the platform lights off and on then rattling the windows in the dark, which got the kids going! It was the set volunteers were due to undertake checks on so they concentrated on work on No.140's components in the workshop instead. On 7/11/06, Team Wylfa had a bit of catching up to do so volunteers concentrated on carriage checks on the 'E' Set for the majority of the evening. They did get some useful work done on No.140's lube oil tanks and sand boxes towards the end. Team Wylfa has recruited a new member for the team - another colleague from Wylfa Power Station. He was mightily impressed when he saw the scale of things.
K1 news
K1 was noted warmed up and gently simmering on 7/11/06 in preparation for special duties in the near future (including, it is