As seen on the Phase 4 DVD, the rear engine tends to slip on starting. This may be because the sanders are not yet effective. It is the intention to enlarge the steam nozzles to improve delivery of sand. Another possibility is because the pressure in the pipe that runs between the two engine units has been found to be lower than anticipated. This may be because the simpling valve that switches between simple and compound operation when starting is not operating properly or the valve events in the two power bogies need some attention. It is the intention to test the simpling valve when steam is next raised.

As previously mentioned, the injectors are still an issue. Although both are now working, it is difficult to make fine adjustments to the flow rate. This is partly because of the noisy cab environment due to oil firing and the problem may be eased if the proposal to revert to coal (see below) is carried through. The possibility of modern injectors is being looked into although the pipe work will be very difficult and could change the appearance of the engine, a situation the restorers have been keen to avoid so far.

• 1 x Crossing unit supplied assembled 2 x 30ft panels 113lb/yd rail assembled to Standard Gauge for use one each side of the crossing unit on the Network Rail line
• 2 x 30ft panels 113lb/yd rail assembled to Narrow Gauge for use one each side of crossing on WHR line (and which take the track just beyond Network Rail boundary onto WHR land)
• 2 x 30ft panels 80lb/yd rail assembled to Narrow Gauge which are used as a transition panel from 113 lb/yard rail down to connect onto WHR normal 60lb/yd (S30) rail
• Various other small parts.

A bus will depart from Platform 5 bus stop at Llandudno Junction Station hourly on the half hour from 09.30 to 12.30. It will be most helpful if intending passengers could e-mail the organiser at snowdonexperience@btinternet.com to let him know on which bus they intend to travel. He wants to avoid a possible situation of more passengers than there are seats available. Return times from Caernarfon are at 15.00, 16.30 and 18.00 hrs to Llandudno Junction.

A connecting chartered bus will meet the specified trains at Llandudno Junction and convey the passengers to the WHR station at Caernarfon. The fare will be paid separately on the bus. This will be at a cost of £5.00 per adult (£3.00 per child) each way and it has the advantage of taking you straight from Llandudno Junction station to the station in Caernarfon without the worry of finding bus stops or stations or finding your own way across the town centre. It is essential, though, that anyone intending to make use of the linking bus service gives prior notice by emailing snowdonexperience@btinternet.com to book their seat on the bus.

There are scheduled public transport bus services - but they nearly all either do not provide a connection or they leave insufficient time for most people to be able to cross Caernarfon from the bus terminus to the WHR station. Hence the reason for the chartered bus provision. For those travelling on the Snowdon Experience Tour, there will be a special Day Rover fare available between Caernarfon and Rhyd Ddu of £11.00 per adult upon production of the Snowdon Experience chartered link-bus ticket.

If anyone would like to sponsor in retrospect then click on this link, which will still be open for a few days more.

If all goes well, volunteers may complete the heavy duty wall bracket and mount one of the ex-Historic House Hotels (Bodysgallen) donated heavy duty 230V/110V transformers above the workbenches on the evening of 21/9/06 too. This would be a real boon. Volunteers also have a couple of needs - 2-off 3-Phase, 6A (though probably 16A is lowest capacity from the manufacturers catalogues) lockable isolators. These are for the pillar drill and the small Boxford lathe. As there is limited capacity in the distribution board, a 6A (or 16A if lowest capacity in catalogue) 3-Phase changeover switch will be required so volunteers can choose to run either the drill or the lathe off the same feed. Already, the conduit is in and wires pulled for the drill so the job just needs the isolator.

This southerly view (10/9/06) at Ty'n-y-coed shows the bridge deck removed from UB156. Beyond, the trackbed is cleared and James Cyf.'s work is underway on culverts. William Hughes contractors will then rebuild the bridge. 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 (10/9/06) shows the bridge deck complete at UB158. Beyond, the trackbed is cleared and William Hughes contractors are working on the lower S curve as the trackbed curves 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 at Ch.21450 shows the cherry-picker at work during the scaling and bolting of the cutting. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Mike Jenkins and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

This westerly view (10/9/06) at LC84 (Ch.21500) shows the years of debris in the deep rock cutting has now been excavated. The cutting will require new drainage channels. 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 easterly view (10/9/06) at LC84 (Ch.21500) shows the formation complete as the trackbed curves around to the north. An alternative farm access road (right) has been provided from the Bryn Alyn bridleway along the east side of the foot of the embankment to LC84. 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 at Ch.21600 shows the trackbed complete at the end of the first part of the lower S curve, which is on a high embankment at this location. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Mike Jenkins and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

This westerly view (10/9/06) at UB164 (Ch.21850) shows the construction (on a Sunday!) of the base slab reinforcing mesh. The stream was being pumped around the 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 northerly view (10/9/06) at LC86 (Ch.21850) shows the cutting has now been excavated and surveyed. 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 (10/9/06) at UB165 (Ch.22120) shows the clearance of the trackbed north of the missing bridge. 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 on Super Power Caernarfon shuttles

On 7/9/06, it was confirmed that K1 would be hauling the Caernarfon shuttles between 1055 and 1655 on both Saturday and Sunday. It is hoped this will attract large numbers to the event. Sunny dry weather is also forecast! Hopefully the loco will be available in the Autumn/Winter to haul shorter passenger trains to Rhyd Ddu with the aim of attracting passenger traffic to the shoulder of the tourist season to see this new loco in operation.

Following its successful Inaugural Supporters' Trip with 5 carriages to Rhyd Ddu on Friday 8/9/06, the loco was made available for the Caernarfon-Waunfawr shuttle on Saturday and Sunday. It started late due to the need to refuel. K1 took over from Castell Caernarfon at Dinas and departed on its first public working at 1140 towards Waunfawr. Strangely, the train was not full, though many took advantage of sitting behind it in the FR's toast-rack coach No.39! K1 was adorned with Welsh and Tasmanian flags for the weekend. Another first was the shunting of the NGG16s onto Phase 4 whilst exchanging wagons.

This northerly view (9/9/06) shows K1 having arrived at Waunfawr on its first public working, though the train consisting of coaches 1001 (not for public use), 16 and 39 was not full! 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.

Palmerston remains for another week!

Following its photographic exploits between Rhyd Ddu and Pont Cae'r Gors, Palmerston is to remain for a further week to assist in tracklaying on Saturday 16/9/06, presumably operating to the Head of Steel near the site of Hafod Ruffydd Halt. Following its use on Phase 4 the loco will return to Dinas in the late afternoon for transfer back to the FR on 17/9/06.

Palmerston made repeated runs between Rhyd Ddu and Pont Cae'r Gors with a B wagon and a flat wagon and Mike Hart's Simplex on the rear. The loco did not venture south of LC70, which is in regular use by contractors James Cyf. A special working after 5pm on the Saturday evening saw the loco go light engine to Pont Cae'r Gors.

These views of Palmerston (9/9/06) show it shunting on phase 4 from Rhyd Ddu to Pont Cae'r Gors. The first view is in Rhyd Ddu yard. The second view is near LC67. The third view is at Pitt's Head Cutting. The fourth view is at the limit of shunt at Pont Cae'r Gors. 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.

Porthmadog Bypass plans approved

The Welsh Assembly has confirmed that work is programmed to start on the Porthmadog Bypass in April 2010. At the western end, the more southerly route (shown as red dashes on the plans below) has been chosen which will impact less on the site of Pen-y-Mount Halt. The route crosses the WHR(P) and WHR(C) on a flyover and runs from a new roundabout west of Tremadog to at a new roundabout east of Bron-y-garth Hospital between Minffordd and Penrhyndeudraeth. Work will take about 18 months to complete.

These plans are copied from the WAG Porthmadog Bypass leaflet. The WHR(P) Pen-y-Mount station should be a little further to the north, nearer the level crossing. The works also entail the movement of Network Rail's tracks a few metres to the south near Minffordd Quarry! Click on either image to enlarge. Original scanned at 200dpi using HP psc1215. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

K1 receives HMRI approval

It has been advised that K1 received approval from the HMRI inspector on 5/9/06. The loco is now awaiting the arrival of paperwork before it can go out on the line single headed hauling passenger trains. However, the loco is definitely going to haul the Inaugural Train on Friday afternoon for the K1 Supporter's Group. It may be able to do more or less on public trains at Super Power depending on the arrival of the documentation from HMRI. The loco had been out on test south of Dinas on 4/9/06 in preparation for its shunt testing with two wagons for the HMRI in North Yard the following day. The loco had hauled the complete F-set from Caernarfon to Dinas on 4/9/06.

Porthmadog Cross Town Rail Link Construction

One of the challenging aspects of the WHR project is the Porthmadog Cross-Town Rail Link. At the moment the project is still in the design stage. The most advanced element is the flat crossing on the Network Rail line. The fabrication of the crossing itself is due to commence in September, with installation to be carried out by contractor Carillion during a week long blockade of the Cambrian coast line at the end of October.

Spooner's customers need not fear - the latter item does include a new beer store and the new store will go up before the old one comes down!

Trackbed progress to 3/9/06

Contractor William Hughes has made excellent progress in the four weeks they have been on site that compares favourably with both Phasey and James Cyf. They have created a work base adjacent to the trackbed close to UB164, the middle of the three Afon Cwmcloch bridges on the lower S curve. By 20/8/06 rapid progress had been made with scraping the trackbed south towards the deep rock cutting at Ch.21400 and creating a replacement farm track on the eastern side lower down the hill. The new access track runs to accommodation crossing LC83 and has freed up the trackbed for rapid consolidation. By 3/9/06, the section south of UB164 appeared ready for ballasting as far as Ch.21700. The original UB164 was completely demolished by the start of September. This included the abutments as well as the deck, as they were found to be unsound. After the concrete on UB158 had cured, work proceeded south from there from 4/9/06 towards the deep rock cutting at Ch.21400, on which work has already started from the other end.

This southerly view (3/9/06) shows UB158 across the Afon Cwmcloch, the uppermost of the three bridges across this river on the lower S curve, completed in under 4 weeks by the new contractor William Hughes. A few days later work was in progress on the formation immediately south of the bridge. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Ben Fisher and was captured on a digital camera. Image post processed using Iphoto+4 and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (3/9/06) shows the trackbed south of UB164 has been finished for some hundreds of metres in just four weeks. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Ben Fisher and was captured on a digital camera. Image post processed using Iphoto+4 and displayed at 96dpi.

Tracklaying progress to 5/9/06

The Tuesday Gang had 8 volunteers on 5/9/06. They had to divide their efforts between moving up all the rails deposited in the 2ft (so that they would not be in the way of the tamping) and laying some track. Volunteers actually laid 3 pre-curved, wide sleepered, staggered jointed rails advancing the leading rail to Ch.17595, practically onto UB132. The technique is to lay two outside rails, measure the 9 metre point (half the length of a rail) on the first rail and check that point with end of the inside rail. If the inside rail is leading by 4 inches then it is cut back, otherwise the staggered joints would gradually close together. All this makes track laying on the curve a slow process, but fortunately the way ahead is now almost straight to the upper S curve.

There are now only 2 pre-curved rails left in the 'two foot' at Rhyd Ddu but more at Dinas. All the tight curve rails are going away for pre-curving. As a load of curved rails arrives back at Dinas, the lorry is loaded with more straight stock rail to go away on the return load. All of this requires a great deal of logistical preparation to ensure the required radius and then getting the rails out to site the right way round!

This northerly view (5/9/06), taken just south of UB131, shows the Head of Steel advancing with staggered joints on this sharp curve. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was captured on a Canon IXUS55 digital camera. Image post processed using Iphoto+4 and displayed at 96dpi.

Tracklaying progress to 3/9/06

Despite the atrocious rain on Saturday, several lengths of staggered rail were laid with the track now on top of UB131. The leading rail is at Ch.17559. The rain led to heavy flooding at Pont Croesor.

This southerly view (3/9/06) shows the missing Pont Croesor with the floodwaters of the Afon Glaslyn within a metre of the road deck. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Jim Comerford and was captured on a phone camera. Image post processed using Iphoto+4 and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (3/9/06) shows the embankment north of Pont Croesor with the floodwaters covering the fields. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Jim Comerford and was captured on a phone camera. Image post processed using Iphoto+4 and displayed at 96dpi.

Super Power latest

Commemorative Rhyd Ddu 1881-2006 Rover Tickets and mugs will be sold for Super Power 2006 on 9-10/9/06, this coming weekend. Additional attractions at Dinas will see 16mm live steam Garratts and a stand for the Air Ambulance. 'Drive a diesel' with Conway Castle will include two wagons this year. Palmerston will run light engine to Rhyd Ddu, departing Dinas at 0835 on Saturday (0820 Sunday), departing Rhyd Ddu for the return journey at 1840 on both days. Whilst up at Rhyd Ddu, Palmerston will be hauling SAR wagons (one with a water tank), top and tailed with Mike Hart's Simplex, to simulate 1922 WHR construction trains. Wagons from Rhyd Ddu yard will be shunted off and on all service trains. The rail carrier bolster set will come down on a service train at 1350 on Saturday, be loaded Sunday morning at Dinas and return to Rhyd Ddu on a service train, being attached to the 1310 Dinas to Caernarfon.

WHR(P) Phase 4 progress 3/9/06

Torrential rain washed out all hope of Phase 4 Extension work on Saturday, but the tamper was in constant motion for most of Sunday, with the result that the Extension is almost completely tamped, except for the section between the two level crossings (immediately north of Pen-y-Mount), which still needs further attention, including a bit of slewing. This was an extra weekend, plugged in to keep the momentum up, so most of the work was done by just three people. The lengthy list of snags still has plenty of items on it, which need to be worked through in the next few weeks.

K1 report 1/9/06

Repairs and modifications are progressing well and the loco is scheduled to run some test trains this coming week in readiness for a possible appearance at Super Power. On 1/9/06 fitting staff were preparing to refit the repaired crosshead.

Team Wylfa report 1/9/06

A reduced Team Wylfa checked and serviced the two bike wagons this week.

Porthmadog plans

More details of changes to Porthmadog Harbour Station to accommodate the WHR have emerged, correct to 10/3/2006. The WHR platform will start immediately east of Cob Records store and will be a minimum length of 152m over platform ends to handle a 12 coach train. There will be an overlap of 20m before a crossover to the Cob 'main line' that leads into the FR's platform. Beyond the crossover there is planned to be space for a headshunt for one loco. Terminating WHR trains will arrive, unload passengers, pull out onto The Cob and then shunt back into an extended and repositioned Siding No.6 so the loco can run round its train. This requires slight widening of The Cob from the station to beyond the existing headshunt. Siding No.6 will be at least 137m long between fouling points to allow the WHR loco to run round its 12 coach train.

In a new development, it is also the current intention to have a loco stabling siding in the area held in reserve for a possible loop at Llyn Bach (the main Porthmadog Central Car Park next to the closed Coop). In order to minimise train movements across the busy main road on the Britannia Bridge on 'High Days and Holidays', the southbound train would stop at Llyn Bach and the turnover loco could emerge from the siding and couple onto the rear. This would obviate the need for a run round movement in the Harbour Station. Assuming the WHR has spare NG16s, this arrangement could also be a good advert for people arriving in Porthmadog car park! The released engine could detach and water before running to the Llyn Bach holding siding after the northbound train had cleared the section to Pont Croesor loop. The siding could also be used as a road/rail transfer point.

Super Power preparations

Mike Hart's WD Light Railway WW1 Simplex (No. 435/3663 built 1917) is being moved to Dinas on 5/9/06 in readiness to work 'top & tail' with Palmerston on Phase 4 demonstration trains. Palmerston arrived 1/9/06 and was stored in the Goods Shed. It is hoped that the train will operate from immediately north of Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting to Rhyd Ddu, offering photo opportunities of the coal-fired loco working hard ascending the 1 in 40 grade with some ex-SAR wagons at Pont Cae'r Gors as well as in Pitt's Head Cutting. A special bus is available to Rover ticket holders (free) and anyone else who wishes to use it for a fee. The bus will meet all trains and then the Palmerston shunt will occur a few minutes after photographers are in position. Preparations are also being made to add wagons or shunt them off mixed service trains at Rhyd Ddu.

It is hoped that K1 will be able to do more than shunt in the North Yard this year, despite its recent failure! If repairs are completed in time and tests are satisfactory, the Inaugural Supporters' trip for those that have contributed to K1's rebuild is planned for Friday 8/9/06. It is scheduled to leave Caernarfon mid-afternoon for a round trip to Rhyd Ddu.

UB156 progress

Contractor William Hughes has started work on the new bridge for UB156 at Ty'n-y-coed. The sleeper deck of the old bridge and the steel girders were removed by mid-August and formwork was to be erected for the new structure. James Cyf. cannot complete the ballasting work from LC79 at Ty'n-y-coed to LC82 at Nant Cwmcloch until this bridge is finished as access will be required along the trackbed from the Pont Alyn construction base.

Latest Beddgelert Station plans

With a contract due to be let for Beddgelert station soon, the final plans given below (but subject to change) were awaiting approval by the SNPA in September. Beddgelert Station is one of the most important locations on the WHR and it is anticipated that passengers travelling to this very popular village destination by train from both directions will be a significant part of future traffic patterns. Construction of the new station requires a sensitive approach to the location and the railway's neighbours. In the 1920s and 1930s the station evolved to become a border between WHR operations and FR operations with trains running round and reversing here in both directions. As the railway is graded at 1 in 40 through the station, modern regulations prohibit these shunting manoeuvres, so trains from Porthmadog will probably continue to Rhyd Ddu to terminate instead. Trains will however cross at Beddgelert so it has a large island platform.

The SNPA granted permission in July 2006 for a temporary construction access from the north end of the station, just west of UB165, where the route crosses over the Pont Alyn bridleway/private road. The aim is to keep construction traffic out of the village centre and use of this access will be subject to strict guidelines, as is the current use of the bridleway for access to the Nant Cwmcloch construction base used by the two contractors James Cyf. and Hughes constructing the sections immediately north of Beddgelert station. The WHR TWO includes a clause forbidding construction traffic to access the site by the original station entrance at the south end, which is now within the Oberon Wood housing estate. WHRCL construction staff, contractors and volunteer tracklayers are required not to use this entrance.

The main station building will be at the south end of the site, where the coal siding once was. Details for the station building were the subject of a lengthy planning approval process which has been resolved, keeping the station's visual impact as seen from the village as low as possible within the limits of operational requirements. The water tank is also being located in a secluded spot, just north of UB167, on the west side of the station, largely screened by surrounding trees. Water will be piped to a separate water column at the north end of the island platform at Ch.22200. The tank will be of the Braithwaite type, assembled using recovered panels, the best of which were sorted at Dinas in Spring 2006. In August these were awaiting transport for de-rusting and re-galvanising. It will be a 2x4 panel tank as at Rhyd Ddu giving a capacity of about 8m³. An adequate water supply is a necessity here for trains heading north before the four miles of 1 in 40 facing drivers through the Beddgelert Forest and it is believed a 1 inch main will be allowed.

This southerly view (22/2/06) shows the missing UB167 at the north end of Beddgelert Station with the trees chopped down. Widening of the formation will occur to the right (west) and platform and double track will extend over this bridge. A new stabling siding will diverge here and the new water tower will be to the right. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B.W.Hughes and was captured on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Iphoto+4 and displayed at 96dpi.

As previously announced, there will be a stabling siding on the west side, the south end of which will terminate over the original loco pit, which still survives as does the original concrete tower for the small water tank. The WHR Heritage Group intend to restore the tank and it would be useful for topping up smaller locos like Russell, if removed from double heading trains here during Gala events. The siding is long enough to stable, for example, a short heritage train.

The contract for the station also includes UB165 over the Pont Alyn bridleway. This requires the south abutment to be rebuilt as it has collapsed, as well as a new deck. Minor alterations are also to be made to the public footpath that passes under the line at UB167. When all work at the station is complete, the temporary plant access road from Pont Alyn can be removed and the embankment and trackbed restored between UB165 and UB166 to allow tracklayers to access the station from the north.

Construction of Beddgelert Station is expected to start in Autumn 2006 and the intention is to complete it over Winter 2006-7 before the main tourist season. Under the WHR's agreements with the SNPA, Rhyd Ddu is the only temporary terminus that will be allowed within the National Park. Beddgelert Station is therefore due to open to the public at the same time as the rest of Phase 4 in 2009. However works trains will become a familiar sight once track laying reaches Beddgelert from the north. It is also hoped that next year's Easter Supporter's Special will be given special permission to travel on Phase 4 as far as Beddgelert.

Welsh Highland Railways Association formed

The Welsh Highland Railway Ltd., The Welsh Highland Railway Society, and The Welsh Highland Railway Heritage Group are jointly pleased to announce the launch of an Association of all three bodies. In a statement the chairmen of the three founding organisations said: “We believe that it is vital at this critical time to promote the interests of the two Welsh Highland Railways and their allied heritage by focussing attention on the requirements of the railways, including their volunteer members, through the combined efforts of an Association”. The Association (WHRA) will aim to promote greater understanding and co-operation with all interested parties at this pivotal moment in the railways’ long history. Major developments are currently in progress, which not only include the reopening of the remainder of the line by 2009, but also a new combined WHR/FR museum initiative. The agreed objective of the Association is:-

David Allan, chairman of the Welsh Highland Heritage Group concluded, “The Heritage Group is a small but vital cog in the complex Welsh Highland Story. Our objective is to ensure that the remaining infrastructure as well as the ethos of the original Welsh Highland play a significant role in the railway’s future and are not consigned to some fading memory of its past. We believe that the WHRA is the ideal body to help promote that ambition.

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Tuesday Gang progress to 29/8/06

Seven volunteers laid two lengths of pre-curved, staggered jointed, 610mm gauge rail to Ch.17476 on the sharp curve leading onto UB131. Some redistribution of ballast was necessary as the track has been slightly realigned on the lead in to UB131 to ease the curve. FR 'Internal users' wagon No.96 is proving very useful for spot ballasting. The staggered joints and wide gauge continue to about Ch.17650 from where the alignment is fairly straight until the upper S bend is reached.

This westerly view (22/8/06) shows the Head of Steel for the start of tracklaying by the Tuesday Gang on 29/8/06. 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 (27/8/06) shows the recently re-rolled curved rails on the rail stack at Dinas. There is sufficient here for the sharp curve over UB131. 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.

It has been decided that if a curve requiring gauge widening (i.e. 100m radius or less) is followed by a short straight of no more than two lengths then there will not be a transition back to 597mm but the wide gauge will continue into the next curve. This is what has been done at Ch.17300 and into the approaches to UB131.

This westerly view (22/8/06) shows the short gauge widened section with bolted ex-SAR sleepers near Ch.17300. 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 news 23/8/06

Team Wylfa are still continuing the mundane routine of carriage inspections and oiling up work. It is interesting to note that as the trains go past, there is a distinct quietness about them these days with no squeaks and squeals like there used to be, which means less wear and tear occurring. Volunteers have managed to do one or two small other jobs, for instance they have almost got the pillar drill (that came from the Llandudno school that closed down a couple of years ago) up and running in the Clip Shed workshop. It is now bolted down to the floor and initial electrical checks have revealed only a small mechanical fault in the starter switch which should be easy to rectify. It will be a boon having that up and running. Volunteers will turn their attention to the small lathe that came from the same source before too long.

Team Wylfa has also started to refurbish some high pressure sodium floodlights that have been donated by Porthmadog Demolition. Basically they are sound but need the outer cases rubbing down to bare metal and repainting with heat resistant black paint. One will go on the gable end of the Goods Shed to replace the 'dead' one on a pole at the Caernarfon end. Another will be placed on the gable end of the Clip Shed and another is proposed to go on the gantry crane. The yard will then be fully lit for loading rail in the depths of Winter.

Progress to 28/8/06

Track was laid to Ch.17440 by the Tuesday Gang with gauge widening and use of staggered joints in the sharp curve approaching UB131. Ballasting was extended to the site of Hafod Ruffydd Halt and joined up with the ballast bed south of the halt. This gives about 1km of available completed formation for the tracklayers to tackle! However, there was no tracklaying over the weekend of 26-7/8/06 due to the Bank Holiday.

By 23/8/06, the KMX tamper has been out about again doing some basic tamping for general WHRCL PW staff familiarisation under the guidance of WHRCL's Ian Hartill. They are reported as 'well impressed'. Second stage ballast is being distributed in readiness for the major KMX Tamping/Lining/Finishing and staff training season in conjunction with CTS Rail booked for end of September.

This southerly view (22/8/06) shows the heavy rainfall during the unusually wet August and water seeping from the cutting sides has washed away some of the recent growth on the western side of 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 easterly view (22/8/06) shows the Head of Steel on that date after the Tuesday Gang had made progress with the staggered joints into the curve towards the recently completed Afon Cwm Du bridge (UB131). 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 (22/8/06) shows the recently completed Afon Cwm Du bridge (UB131). L-shaped pre-cast concrete sections stand on the cast bridge beam to retain the fill. The outside of the curve requires eight of these sections while the inside seven. The Head of Steel is out of view round the 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.

This northerly view (27/8/06) shows the ballast completed to the north of the site of the former Hafod Ruffydd Halt. 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 (27/8/06) shows the ballasted level crossing at the site of the former Hafod Ruffydd Halt. James Cyf was still clearing the site at the end of August. 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 westerly view (22/8/06) shows the concrete drainage trench being laid through Canal Curve, where it meets the forest road. 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 easterly view (27/8/06) shows the concrete drainage trench completed alongside the forest track at Canal 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.

This northerly view (24/8/06) shows the Welsh Water contractors diverting the Nantmor water main off the trackbed between Beddgelert Cemetery and Bryn-y-felin bridge. 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 easterly view (24/8/06) shows the construction of the formwork for the concrete pour that will complete the link span to the bridge. 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 problems

It was expected that K1 would double head an NGG16 on service trains on 17/8/06 but Pete Hugman (Dinas station master) discovered a problem while inspecting the loco in the morning. K1 had lost the cap from the leading right-hand crankpin on the front power unit and the cast iron crosshead slipper (a wearing component that fits between the crosshead and slide bar) had cracked on the same power bogie of the loco. A new crankpin cap was machined the same day but it was expected that the crosshead slipper would take several days to replace. The K1 team was attending to the loco during their work party on 19-20/8/06. It is still hoped that K1 will be available to do more than shunt in the North Yard at Super Power.

K1 tests

It is hoped K1 will run again in the week from August 14th, given spare drivers. If so, the loco will haul increasing loads to see how it performs on the steeper sections. A double headed run on a passenger service was due on 17/8/06.

Tuesday Gang report 15/8/06

Ten volunteers attended this week but one was seconded to assist surveying. Most of the day was spent aligning the track from the Summit Cutting to LC69 and following that gathering up all trackside debris including redundant alignment pegs and chainage markers. These were all removed to Rhyd Ddu on route to Dinas where presumably they can be reused on the next section to be pegged out. Finally there was just time to lay one panel of track continuing the pre-curved rail to Ch.17377, nearing the end of the right hand curve. The weather was drizzly but not enough to dampen spirits.

A visit to UB131 showed it to be well on the way to completion with the embankment built across the bridge. Ballasting was due before the weekend, ready for the North Wales Track Gang. The bridge is some 200m ahead of the Head of Steel (about 11 panels of rail) but as there may be a short straight between the right hand curve and the sharp left hand curve over the bridge, two transition curves using SAR sleepers/clips (with a couple of lengths of plain track between possibly) may slow down the tracklayers a little.

Team Wylfa Report

Team Wylfa did a quick shuffle last week and worked Wednesday 9/8/06 instead of Tuesday evening. Work on machining components for No.140 has resumed. Progress is being made in Dinas Works with the new pistons and various brass and bronze bushes. Another volunteer may be coming to assist Team Wylfa who wants to be involved in No.140 work. Martin Coombs has made some patterns for No.87's plates (number, works and cab valve identities). He hopes to have them cast shortly. The number plates for No.140 have recently been delivered.

Super Power details-latest timetable!

Train services were to be different each day with five return services to Rhyd Ddu on Saturday and six on Sunday. However, with the cancellation of the Dinas-Rhyd Ddu photo charter on Saturday, there will now be six round trips on both days. With the recently extended Caernarfon loop, mixed trains will run the full length of the line from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu.

Click here for revised timetable

Rhyd Ddu will feature lots of shunting, the latest plans, the new KMX tamper and tracklaying demonstrations. There will be a display of construction equipment, where visitors will be invited to 'pull a pandrol clip'. A guided walk (free for Ranger holders) will be available for 30 persons from Cwm Pennant to Rhyd Ddu with a minibus taking people to the start of the walk.

Click here for walk leaflet

Palmerston will run light engine to Rhyd Ddu at the start of the day and will depart (probably with a couple of ex-SAR wagons) from Rhyd Ddu Yard for Pont Cae'r Gors after each train has arrived. The shuttle bus will allow photographers (and any interested bystanders!) to get to their preferred locations. It will be available between Rhyd Ddu, Pitt's Head and Pont Cae'r Gors to allow people to watch Palmerston in action. This service is free to Rover holders but will cost £1.50 adult and £1 child for non ticket holders. The open top bus will also be running if the weather is fine.

Dinas is the centre of several activities. K1 will be on display. On Sunday morning, there will be a demonstration of loading rails at Dinas. Drive a diesel will feature Conway Castle at Dinas North Yard. There will be a 16mm live steam layout and sales stalls and information stands plus other attractions.

Tracklaying progress 13/8/06

The Rest of the World Gang laid 13 panels over the weekend of 12-13 August. This takes the Head of Steel to exactly Ch.17359, halfway around the right hand bend before the sharp left curve over the Afon Cwm Du bridge (UB131). The last 2 panels laid proved interesting as the first had SA sleepers for the transition from standard to wider gauge Indian sleepers designed for sharp bends. The final panel was the first to be laid with pre-curved rail. UB131 is coming along nicely, with only the backfilling and ballasting to the site of Hafod Ruffydd Halt to take place. This is planned to be completed by next Friday (18/7/06) so as not to delay tracklaying by the North Wales Track Gang.

This westerly view (13/8/06) shows the Head of Steel using pre-curved rails. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tim Evans and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (13/8/06) shows the bridge deck of UB131 has now received a reinforced concrete slab. Pre-cast concrete L sections have been placed to retain the fill across the bridge. The scaffolding will allow the WHRCL's stonemason to add a sawn slate finish to the exterior. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tim Evans and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

Rolling Stock Appeal progress

Following its Easter launch, the Rolling Stock Appeal has already raised £150,000 towards new coaches, locos and sheds, roughly half as cash donations. The money is match funding and the target of £400,000 will release other funds that hopefully, with the Appeal, will reach £1 million in total. The decision has been made to order a third coach, No.2045, in addition to the two under construction at Boston Lodge.

The Appeal may have been helped along by a feature in Heritage Railways magazine (by your webmaster!) with an insert leaflet for the Appeal. While the aim is to have three rakes of eight coaches, four rakes would be even better! Just 150 WHRS members signing up at £6 per week would do it. There is a good chance that next year's Appeal Supporter's Special will be the first steam train into Beddgelert!

New wagon and DVD for Phase 4!

On 10/8/06 a new hand-braked wagon (FR No.96) was noticed having recently arrived at Rhyd Ddu. At times, there has been insufficient room for all the material and people to be taken to the railhead using Dolgarrog and the two small wagons at Rhyd Ddu. Upnor Castle and No.1000 had to make the journey to the Head of Steel as well last weekend!

A video recording was made from the observation car end of No.1000 being propelled back along Phase 4 from Pont Cae'r Gors to Rhyd Ddu. It is anticipated that this will be released for Super Power as part of the hour long Phase 4 Construction DVD that will also include K1 under test and Upnor Castle with the rail train. All money raised will go directly to the WHRS to support Phase 4.

This easterly view (12/8/06) shows FR 'internal user' wagon No.96 in Rhyd Ddu Yard having recently arrived for use on Phase 4. Ex-SAR brakevan No.3172 can be seen behind. 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.

Project programme

It is anticipated that remaining work on UB131 and the associated ballasting south to the site of Hafod Ruffydd halt will be finished in mid-August so as not to delay track laying. The completion of ballasting to LC71 will enable a ballast connection to be made with the section already ballasted down through woods to Ch.18420. The recently laid slotted drains in Canal Cutting Ch.18700 are being replaced with concrete sections, joined with galvanised steel pins. Completion of the Upper S curve to the top of the Beddgelert Forest Campsite ballasted section at Ch.19600 is only about 4 weeks away. When complete, that will result in a continuous ballasted trackbed ahead of tracklayers through the campsite to Ty'n-y-coed at Ch.20500.

This southerly view (11/8/06) shows the replacement concrete drainage channels being laid along the west side of Canal Cutting at Ch.18500. This location was once under 2m of water and still smells of it! 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.

Another of the approximately weekly rail trains left Dinas on Friday evening (11/8/06). In addition to the usual bundles of rail, it was carrying some the pre-curved rails required for sharp curves approaching and on the Afon Cwm Du bridge UB131 (Ch.17550). Tracklayers are endeavouring to get as much track as possible down ready for a mammoth tamping/lining session during the last week of September with CTS Rail who will be back on site again training WHRCL staff in the operation of KMX tamper. In preparation for that, track is having second stage ballast laid, including Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting early on the 11/8/06.

This easterly view (11/8/06) shows Upnor Castle rounding Ffridd Isaf Curve hauling the pre-curved rails to 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.

EAG wagon news

The EAG “Works” near Cambridge now has resourced the parts that are needed to complete the FR type “chopper couplings”, thanks to Mike Hart. Roger Thacker has kindly offered – yet again - to dash to North Wales to collect these essential bits for the project. With the coupler draught boxes now modified and the assorted springs, washers, collars, nuts and split pins to hand, attention has turned to the modification of existing MoD link and pin couplers. These have to be beheaded and the shafts narrowed at the ends to accept the SAR Variant FR style ‘choppers’. With the side plates on site it has been easier to mark up what has to be effected. One shaft has been completed and ‘mocked up’, the other is under attack.

This view ( 29/7/06) shows Nobby Clark hard at work with the new wagon nearing completion. Click on the image to enlarge. The photo was taken by Roger Hornsby using a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

The wagon now has a deck and two ends, albeit short of paint as the deck boards have only had their sides, ends and what was to be the underside painted before being fixed. The ends need top coating but other inaccessible surfaces at the ends have gone yellow. This tedium of waiting for paint to dry has not helped progress! The photographs show (1a) The almost completed wagon at Mill Green on 29.07.06. The main tasks ahead of us involve fabrication and fitting the FR chopper couplings, filling and painting the decking boards, and final lettering of the wagon.

On Phase 4, wagon EAG 3 has had to be retired owing to a wheel shifting on the axle and causing it to derail on points. Its place has been taken by EAG 1 and this was used, appropriately, by EAG members Mark Neilson and Bob Turner during the tracklaying session on the 29th and 30th July 2006.

Volunteer appeal

The WHR Society's Events Organising Group are requesting lots of volunteers to help at this year's Superpower - Rhyd Ddu 125 event. At least 30 persons per day are needed as there will be activity all along the line from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu, as well as the usual attractions at Dinas there will be activities and an exhibition about Phase 4 at Rhyd Ddu. Contact Pete Hugman, details on the Contacts page.

October tracklaying week appeal

Paul Bradshaw writes:-

'There will be an extended week of tracklaying in October starting with the regular Rest Of The World Gang weekend of 7th/8th October and running through to the North Wales (Black Hand) Gang weekend of 14th/15th. This will give those who cannot get to a weekend working party the opportunity to join a track laying gang. It is also an opportunity for those who have not yet experienced the delights of laying track through the Forest on a 1 in 40 down gradient.

We not do not expect people to commit themselves to lay track for the whole period, though you may do so if you wish. You may prefer to combine one of the weekends with days after or before or you could do just odd days in the period. It's up to you. Please let us know, preferably by email or letter, as soon as possible if you want to join us in the period between 7th and 15th October. When you contact us let us know which days you intend to join us to lay track so that we can plan appropriately. If you are planning to come only for one of the weekends and not on any of the weekdays contact the usual organiser (Paul Bradshaw for 7th/8th, Dafydd Thomas for 14th/15th) for the weekend. If you intend to come on any of the weekdays (whether with or without one of the weekends) or if you have any queries, contact Paul Bradshaw, details on the Contacts page.'

Lower S Curve works

The new contractor William Hughes Civil Engineering Ltd. of Anglesey got on promptly with work on the lower S bend from Ch.21150 to Ch.22150 at the beginning of August. By 10/8/06, they had formwork in place for the missing UB158 across the Afon Cwmcloch at the start of their section. They have also provided a pipe bridge below UB164, the second crossing of the river, which must be rebuilt. This will give access to the upper part of the Lower S curve. The contractor has also excavated the Farm Cutting, just north of UB164, giving access to the lower part of the Lower S curve.

This southerly view (10/8/06) shows the formwork for the missing UB158 in place, one of three similar bridges that William Hughes is building. 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 (10/8/06) shows the excavated Farm Cutting at LC86. 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 Steam low numbers

This year's expanded July/August season of the Cambrian Coast Express specials seems to have attracted lower numbers of passengers than last year's Bank Holiday week long season. Thursdays have proved to be the busiest day so far.

This easterly view (10/8/06) shows BR Standard No.76079 hauling the thrice weekly Cambrian Coast Express into Porthmadog at midday. This location is the Cambrian Crossing where the narrow gauge flat crossing will be reinstated at the end of October this year. The steel fence post to the right indicates the narrow gauge trackbed. 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 running in

K1 continued its running in tests on 8/8/06. The loco was fired up at 5.30am and made a light engine run to Rhyd Ddu, arriving in brilliant sunshine at 8.30am before retiring to Dinas in advance of passenger services. The loco was tested the following day between Caernarfon and Waunfawr and performed well before hauling two coaches of the works train to Rhyd Ddu in the evening, crossing the final passenger service at Waunfawr. The previous bearing problem seems to be settling in but there still seems to be a problem with one of the injectors and a few minor steam leaks. With a month still to 'run in' the loco, if all goes well, K1 may be available to do substantially more than the advertised 'display in North Yard' at Super Power on September 9/10th. There is another K1 working party planned for 19-20/8/06.

These northerly views (9/8/06) show K1 on further running in tests hauling coach No.1001 and the Tool Van at Rhyd Ddu and returning through Waunfawr late in the evening. 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 (8/8/06) shows K1 catching the early morning sunlight as it makes its first trip to Rhyd Ddu since its extensive upgrade of recent months. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Martin Coombs and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

Tuesday Gang 8/8/06

The Tuesday Gang made more progress with tracklaying on 8/8/06. Three lengths were laid on the westerly curve running into the Afon Cwm Du side valley, taking the Head of Steel to Ch.17126. There are still over 2 weekends of work (400m) available up to the head of ballast at UB131 (Ch.17560). Some ready-mix concrete was delivered on 9/8/06, presumably for the deck of UB131.

These views (9/8/06) show the Head of Steel at Ch.17126. The first view shows the track turning from south to west and the second northerly view shows Snowdon in the distance. Some clearance of shrubs inside the railway fence lines may be required to maintain the views of Moel Hebog and Snowdon on this section. The first view is to the south and the second to the north. 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.

Progress north from Pen-y-Mount

WHR(P) tracklaying was finally finished on Monday morning (31/7/06) when the last panel of the loop was inserted and clipped into place. Since then, the WHR(P) track gang has spent several days shovelling what amounts to hundreds of tonnes of ballast - 50 tonnes on Saturday (29/8/06), 62 tonnes on Thursday (3/8/06). The track has been lifted and packed in a number of places to bring it up to the required level.

This southerly view (10/8/06) shows the temporary buffer stop and loop at Traeth Mawr at the end of the 900m Extension from Pen-y-Mount. The point lever at this end remains to be fitted. 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 borrowed Tal-y-llyn tamper has been in regular use during the week, though it developed a fault on Tuesday evening (1/8/06), which was finally repaired two days later. The passenger road of Traeth Mawr loop has now been tamped, along with the track through Farmyard Farm Crossing (LC118), and then southwards for quite a way. As of 3/8/06, more than half of the Extension has either been tamped, or shovel packed to the right level, though there is plenty more to do.

This easterly view (9/8/06) show the Tal-y-llyn tamper in the yard at the WHR(P)'s Beddgelert Farm depot with the NG15 boiler behind. 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.

One member of the track gang has spent two days perfecting the joggle fishplates (which join rails of different weights) to go between the 60lb/yd track of the extension and the 75lb/yd track of the loop. A slewing gang has also been out, compensating for the way the track has moved in the recent hot weather.

Nantmor water main diversion

Fencing has appeared for 400m to the north of Bryn-y-felin bridge in connection with the diversion of the water main off the trackbed between the Goat Tunnel and Bryn-y-felin bridge. The line of the diversion seems to be clear of any future realignment of the road between Beddgelert Cemetery and Bryn-y-felin bridge. Contractors were at work on the same day attending to the bearing pads on the west abutment.

This northerly view (9/8/06) from Bryn-y-felin road bridge shows new fencing for the Welsh Water Nantmor water main diversion in the field alongside the A498 at Bryn-y-felin. It could be surmised that the line of this suggests a future road improvement between Bryn-y-felin and the Beddgelert Cemetery! 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 programme latest

The current construction programme sees the Beddgelert Station contract starting in September and work advancing into the Aberglaslyn Pass before the end of the year. Fence posts in the Aberglaslyn Pass have now been erected almost to Bryn-y-felin bridge but the fencing itself with remaining posts, will be erected after the Summer holiday tourist season.

This northerly view (7/8/06) shows the fence posts approaching Bryn-y-felin bridge from the south on one of the few sunny days in early August. 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.

Work on the Canal Curve area (Ch.18500-700) was reaching a crescendo by mid-August and it was hoped this section would be ballasted by the end of the month. With UB 131 soon to be completed, the ballast bed should stay at least 1km ahead of the tracklayers!

This northerly view (10/8/06) shows work nearing completion on Canal Curve at Ch.18700. Concrete U section drainage channels are being installed. 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.

Head of Steel 6/8/06

The North Wales Track Gang laid 9 panels of track over the weekend taking the Head of Steel to Ch.17072 on 6/8/06, leaving the forest track behind and curving into the Afon Cwm Du side valley. It is hoped that UB131 will be finished and ballasted by 18/8/06, so that there is less chance it will impede progress. Some 200m of sleepers were laid down ahead of the rails. The rails pre-bent to a tight radius for the sharper curves, such as the Upper S curve, were due to be returned to the WHR on 8/8/06.

These views (6/8/06) show the Head of Steel after that weekend's North Wales Track Gang. The first view is north and shows Dolgarrog in the distance and the first electricity pole south of the diversion of the power line. The second view is south and shows sleepers laid out past the Head of Steel at Ch.17072. Click on the image 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.

Mess coach and SAR brakevan on Phase 4

Phase 4 Mess Coach No. 1000 (formerly FR Obs. No.100) and the recently approved SAR brakevan No. 3172 were moved to Rhyd Ddu by 4/8/06. Another load of rails was also delivered. Both vehicles were in use by the North Wales Track Gang hauled by Upnor Castle on 5-6/8/06 just south of Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting as a refuge from the rain and for meal breaks.

This southerly view (5/8/06) shows coach No.1000 (formerly FR Obs No.100) and the SAR brakevan No.3172, in use at Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting as Phase 4 Mess Coach and Tool Van respectively. The cutting is starting to green over following the addition of seeded mulch in late June. A cross drain has received concrete surrounds and galvanised metal covers. 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 (6/8/06)shows Upnor Castle with the brakevan and coach No.1000 to the rear at the south end of Pont Cae'r Gors 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 view (6/8/06) inside coach No.1000 shows the new longitudinal seating. The blue swivel seats have been retained in the observation end of the coach. 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 (30/7/06) shows coach No.1000 (formerly FR Obs No.100), now with yellow ends, stabled at Dinas prior to a move to Rhyd Ddu as Phase 4 Mess Coach. 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 in action

K1 emerged from the Loco Shed on 4/8/06, after a warm up on 1/8/06 to check for steam leaks. The loco was tested in North Yard before running to Caernarfon and back light engine at 1600 to test its newly installed bearings, regulator linkage etc. The loco took water in Caernarfon before being run back and forth in the platform to test acceleration. The realigned bearings were said to be 'running in' after attention at Boston Lodge! Further tests were due week commencing 7/8/06. The loco is not allowed to haul passenger trains single-headed until it receives HMRI authorisation.

This views (4/8/06) shows K1 on test at Dinas and Caernarfon. The first view shows K1 awaiting the passage of No.143, which passed in the second view at 1530. The third view shows K1 at Caernarfon headshunt and the fourth view watering using a traffic cone! Click on the image 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.

UB131 underway

UB131, the weak PBSSR Afon Cwm Du bridge, had its deck exposed by early August. The embankment was excavated and the bridge in all probability will have a new reinforced concrete deck cast onto of the original deck. The ballast bed from Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting finishes immediately north of this bridge at Ch.17550, leaving the tracklayers some 700m of ballasted formation ahead of them. It is anticipated the bridge will be finished by the time the tracklayers reach there at the end of August.

Once the bridge is finished, the ballast will rapidly be laid back to the site of Hafod Ruffydd Halt, Ch.18950 and LC71 completed. This will then allow the ballasted formation to join up with that laid south from LC71 to Ch.18420 and GH James work can then concentrate on the upper S curve between there and the Beddgelert Forest Campsite. Meanwhile, UB133 is having a slate facing to its cast concrete, including ballast retaining walls.

This northerly view (30/7/06) shows the deck of UB131 now exposed with the ballast bed from Pont Cae'r Gors visible on the far side. This bridge will probably have a new cast deck in the next week or so. 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.

Upper S curve progress

In late July and early August GH James Cyf. was working hard on this section and grading had reached UB145, in the middle of the return curve of the Upper S curve (Ch.19250). Work is proceeding from Rhyd Ddu towards Beddgelert Forest Halt and no work has been undertaken south of UB145 yet. The rusted girders of this blocked culvert, similar to UB125 at Pont Cae'r Gors, have been removed. Lots of material, including drainage pipes and slate waste, is being stored at the 'Canal Curve' at Ch.18700. The narrow embankment 'south' of this point is now full formation width and surveyors' level sighting posts cover the whole section. All work to Ch.19600 must be completed from Ch.18700 and ballasted back to that point as the ballast bed from Ch.19600 to the Beddgelert Forest Campsite is complete.

This westerly view (4/8/06) shows the rusted girders of UB145 removed. Beyond, the formation towards Rhyd Ddu is nearing completion. 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.

Lower S curve contract

Work is about to start on the lower S curve and Beddgelert Station approaches between Ch.21100 and Ch.22100. This contract has gone to a different local contractor, Hughes, the same one that finished Waunfawr station on Phase 2. The contract also involves the isolated UB156 at Ty'n-y-coed (limit of ballasting on the Campsite Section), as two similar bridges over the Afon Cwmcloch, UB158 and UB164, are covered in the main contract. GH James will ballast the 500 metres south of Ty'n-y-coed once UB156 is finished, giving a continuous ballast bed south through the Beddgelert Forest Campsite of over 4km from the current Head of Steel.

The first part of this Lower S curve sees the route reverse direction from south to north in a deep curved rock cutting between LC83 and LC84. One side of this vertical sided cutting has the grain of the rock angled so that any loose slabs could fall onto the trackbed. Rock Services of Porthmadog, who worked on the Aberglaslyn tunnels in 2000, are likely to be subcontracted to stabilise any such slabs with rock bolting.

Porthmadog Model Railway Exhibition 2006

Porthmadog Model Railway Exhibition takes place on the weekend of 5-6/8/06 at the Canolfan Hamdden next to Porthmadog Network Rail station. Several layouts will be on display.

Tuesday Gang report 1/8/06

The Tuesday Gang spent their day around UB125, rather than extending the Head of Steel. Wooden sleepers were added either side of the small bridge and packed with ballast. These will allow guide rails to be fitted over the bridge, which is a little surprising as they have been removed from overbridges on earlier phases.

Ballasting approaches Hafod Ruffydd from south

GH James Cyf. completed ballasting to LC71, the site of Hafod Ruffydd Halt from the south on 1/8/06. They stopped some 10m south of the level crossing. It is anticipated that they will switch their attention to the section from UB131 south to Hafod Ruffydd when UB131 is completed.

This southerly view (1/8/06) shows ballast complete to a point 10m south of LC71 at the site of Hafod Ruffydd Halt. 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.

Rail delivery

On 31/7/06, Upnor Castle became the first loco to venture south of Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting (other than pw loco Dolgarrog!) when a rail delivery was made to the Head of Steel.

This northerly view (31/7/06) shows Upnor Castle unloading rails in Pont Cae'r Gors 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.

Track laid through Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting

The Rest of the World Gang laid track through Pont Cae'r Gors cutting and onto the long straight to the south on 29-30/7/06. Good progress was made with 14 panels laid, limited by the available track laid in the two foot, despite there being some more available on the bolster wagon in Rhyd Ddu Yard!

This southerly view (30/7/06) shows track complete through Pont Cae'r Gors 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 (30/7/06) shows the Head of Steel at Ch.16900. 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.

Ballasting completed at Pont Cae'r Gors

James Cyf. has completed ballasting through Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting southwards to join up with the already ballasted section at Ch.17000. Paul Bradshaw's Rest of the World Gang is expecting about 12 people this weekend and may make good progress with tracklaying on this straight section, considering the cooler conditions expected. James Cyf. will shift its efforts to completing ballast started last week, working north towards the site of Hafod Ruffydd Halt to be followed by the section south from UB131 to the site of Hafod Ruffydd Halt. This will give over a mile of continuous ballasted formation ahead of the track gangs in August.

Dinas views

This northerly view (24/7/06) shows No.138 passing the Loco Shed. Earlier in the week it had topped and tailed with No.143 on a test run. 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 (24/7/06) shows Castell Caernarfon's bogies awaiting the return of the new wheelset. The hybrid loco continues to run on Vale of Ffestiniog's bogies for the time being. 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.

GCC plans for Bryn-y-felin road bridge

There is still no confirmation of when the Bryn-y-felin bridge will be replaced but it may be before trackworks start through here this Autumn/Winter. GCC will wish to avoid disruption to the vital holiday traffic that supports the local economy. The current GCC WHR bridge project at Castell Cidwm has seen the southeast approach walling replaced and work started on the final northeast side. At Pitt's Head bridge, GCC may be required to place crash barriers or walling instead of the light fencing recently installed on the northeast approaches before public services commence.

This northerly view (23/7/06) shows the rotting support props under Bryn-y-felin bridge. Wooden wedges support the road deck on the horizontal girders. All this is likely to be replaced by reinforced concrete beams and a cast in situ deck. There is plenty of height here for the Funkey. 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.

Aberglaslyn footpath progress

Before work on the trackbed starts late this year/early next year in the Aberglaslyn Pass, walkers must be dissuaded from using the trackbed. Fencing is approaching Bryn-y-felin from the tunnels but the parallel Fisherman's Footpath itself needed improvement, mostly funded by the NT in a joint project with the WHR. A gravel path or stepping stones now extends much of the way between Bryn-y-felin and the tunnels.

This southerly view (23/7/06) shows people are still walking on the trackbed in the Aberglaslyn Pass. Work on the parallel Fisherman's Path has been completed and the gravel path can be seen to the right. Contractor's vehicles can be seen on the left where fencing is being erected. 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.

Railway Children- an appeal message from Andy Savage

Once more - for the third time - I am taking part in the Railway Children Three Peaks challenge, when I, and 199 other lunatics, attempt to climb Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis in 36 hours, doing almost all the intermediate travel by train. We are doing this between September 21st and the 23rd, starting with a night climb of Snowdon at 23.00, and ending by reaching the summit of Ben Nevis around 08.00 after an obscenely early start of the climb!

Andy Savage
Deputy Chief Inspector
Rail Accident Investigation Branch

Super Power plans

It has now been confirmed that Palmerston will be the central attraction at Super Power 2006, which is also themed as Rhyd Ddu 125, celebrating 125 years since the station was opened by the NWNGR. Palmerston, which was used on both the NWNGR construction and the WHR construction hire duties, was shown at the Caernarfon Festival until 28/7/06, advertising the September 9/10th event.

This southerly view (27/7/06) from the Ferris Wheel in Castle Square Caernarfon, shows the diminutive Palmerston still on its trailer, in the same location that Funkey diesel Castell Caernarfon launched the project 10 years ago! Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Andy Keene and was taken on digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

The event will feature a shuttle bus that will run between Rhyd Ddu and Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting for photographers to see Palmerston hauling a short construction train through the steeply graded cutting (twice as steep as the FR!). The train will make repeated runs over the 1 mile of track available, including the roadside section. Pitt's Head straight, Pitt's Head Cutting and Summit Cutting. With two sidings and the headshunt at Rhyd Ddu and the presence of a yard pilot, shunting could allow Palmerston to appear on either end of the train! There is also a possibility that Mike Hart's Simplex may be present, simulating the demolition train, though this was unconfirmed in late July.

Rhyd Ddu will be a hive of activity with shunting in the yard, brass bands, WHRS stands and displays of maps and plans and stabling of stock. Dinas will also feature drive a diesel with depot pilot Conway Castle as this year's loco. There will also be refreshments, sales and information stands and a 16mm live steam layout. There will be the usual mix of long mixed trains and the added attraction of a light engine movement each day with Palmerston shedded at Dinas and travelling to Rhyd Ddu for its demonstration shunting duties on Phase 4.

The 2007 Super Power poster. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy of the FR's Roger Dimmick. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

Phase 4 track laying programme - 2006

The ongoing dates for weekend track laying working parties for the next five months until Christmas 2006 are as follows:
 
 
Black Hand Gang
 
August              5/6            19/20
September        2/3            16/17            30/October 1
October            14/15        28/29
November        11/12        25/26
December         9/10
 
 
Rest of the World Gang
 
August             12/13          26/27
September        9/10           23/24
October            7/8             21/22
November        4/5             18/19
December        2/3             16/17
 
The fortnightly pattern is repeated until further notice but all dates are subject to alteration if circumstances require.
 
Each track laying gang needs about ten people. Sometimes we can usefully employ larger numbers but only if we know in advance when to expect you. So the message to everyone is "Please let us know as far in advance as possible when you plan to join us". Please do not just turn up on the off chance as we may have to tell you that the working party is fully subscribed. And if you have to cancel please let us know with as much warning as possible by contacting the organiser for the day you have booked for.
 
The contacts for booking your visit on the above dates are available on the Contacts page:
 
North Wales Black Hand Gang: Dafydd Thomas

Rest of The World Gang: Paul Bradshaw

Tuesday Gang contact Tony Baker

Any queries concerning volunteering on Phase 4 should be addressed to Paul Bradshaw.

Palmerston at the Caernarfon Festival

FR loco Palmerston was displayed on Castle Square in Caernarfon as part of the annual Caernarfon Festival from 24-28/7/06. The FR's aim was to publicise the WHR, Phase 4 reconstruction and the forthcoming Super Power Weekend, where Palmerston is due to be the first steam loco to work on the Extension, travelling light engine from Dinas each morning and shunting pw wagons between Rhyd Ddu Yard and Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting! With the headshunt facility in Rhyd Ddu Yard, it is possible that the loco will feature on both south and north ends of the train at different times during the course of the weekend!

This well travelled loco was hired for NWNGR construction work in the 1870s, and then by McAlpine's during the WHR construction in 1922. It has even visited the Vale of Rheidol! The loco is being displayed on a transporter at exactly the same location as diesel Castell Caernarfon was displayed ten years previously to advertise the start of the WHR Project.

This westerly view (25/7/06) shows Palmerston on display at the Caernarfon Festival in Castle Square in the same location that Funkey diesel Castell Caernarfon was displayed 10 years previously! Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Ben Fisher and was taken on Fuji S9500 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (24/7/06) shows Palmerston arriving at Caernarfon Quays at 1800 for display at the Caernarfon Festival the following day. 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 easterly view (24/7/06) shows Palmerston arriving at Caernarfon Quays at 1800 for display at the Caernarfon Festival the following day. In the background, behind the houses, is the Ferris Wheel in Castle Square that will remain in Caernarfon for a month. 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 (24/7/06) shows Palmerston arriving on the Quay car park below Caernarfon Castle at 1800 for display at the Caernarfon Festival the following day. 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 25/7/06

The Tuesday Gang did not have possession of Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting (also known as 'Hell Fire Gulch'!) as no further ballast bed had been laid by the contractors. Instead, they arranged the timbers on UB 125 so that there is 2cm between each for drainage purposes, then screwed down rails through the chairs to the timbers. They also moved more sleepers up and spent the afternoon tidying ballast. Hopefully, the extension of the ballast to the south will be completed for next weekend's track gang!

North Wales Track Gang report

On 22/7/06 the North Wales Track Gang fish plated and clipped down one panel and moved rail up to the Head of Steel. The following day they laid one more panel of track with the last two metres sticking out in mid air as there was no ballast beyond this point. This bit of rail is supported on a pile of sleepers to prevent distortion. The volunteers then aligned the track in Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting and cleared all rubbish and surplus materials from the cutting.

Team Wylfa report 25/7/06

Despite the announcement of there being no Team Wylfa this week, Guard David Tidy saved the day (after he'd already done a heavy day's work guarding on WHR!) and helped Clive Briscoe catch up on the schedule of carriage inspections. The two volunteers completed the 'E' Set - the final 3 carriages, which now means Team Wylfa is back on schedule with the coach maintenance schedule. It is very important to keep up now that Peak Season is requiring both sets running their maximum number of turns every day!

Team Wylfa had a pleasant surprise waiting for them at Dinas. Outside their workshop was a very heavy metal toolbox full of 'goodies' with compliments of the Bedford Model Engineering Society. Their only payment for the tools is a request to be mentioned on the web site. See below!

They left a brochure which shows their very impressive looking tracks at the Summerfields Fruit Farm, 6 miles south of Bedford on the A600. They have a 3/4 mile run of 7¼" / 5" gauge ground level railway (known as the Summerfield Railway) and a 660' raised level 5" / 3½" / 2½" railway (known as the Winterfield Railway). Their remaining operating days this year are: Aug 10th, 20th, 27th & 28th, Sept 3rd & 17th, Oct 15th & 26th. It looks well worth a visit. For local
FfR / WHR groups, they would open for specials. They have some contact telephone numbers: Paul Crabtree - 01462 646536; Alan Beard - 01234 301867
or their Honorary Secretary - 01525 371327.

K1 progress 25/7/06

Determined work was underway by FR fitters on K1 on 24/7/06 and the motion was being assembled. The loco was over the pit briefly last Tuesday. It is hoped to have the loco available for HMRI single headed approval soon following tests. A spare steam loco would be welcome rather than using Castell Caernarfon excessively. K1 would also be a good draw for Super Power on September 9/10th. if it can be finally made available for traffic! K1 was noted with all rodding back on and awaiting the return of the regulator on 25/7/06.

This northerly image (24/7/06) shows K1 receiving its motion inside the Engine Shed at Dinas. 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.

Tamper progress 25/7/06

Technicians from CTS Rail Services Ltd. have been at the WHR for an initial two days (24-5/7/06) to commission the KMX wire-based track measuring and alignment system and following that have undertaken initial tests of the lifting and lining gear between Pitt's Head bridge and Summit Cutting. The tests went very well and the WHR now has a fully functioning machine. Following the calibration and setting up of the measuring gear on the level track outside its Rhyd Ddu shed on Monday, the machine went out and performed everything expected, and to the WHRCL's highest expectations.

This northerly view (25/7/06) shows the tamper emerging from Pitt's Head bridge prior to testing on the undulating track just south of there. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy Mike Hart and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

On CTS advice, the WHRCL is going to hold back on the computer measuring system that will undertake a long distance track survey of a section of railway, until the KMX has first settled in with its simpler wire measuring lining system and staff have got fully used to using it in that condition. CTS will be back in a couple weeks time when there is more 'as laid' track down for them to lift, line and tamp including track Phase 4 track laid to date. They will also train WHRCL staff in the use of the machine on the job.

This southerly view (25/7/06) shows the tamper in Summit Cutting, where it was tested on the undulating track. The ballast train is visible at the summit in the distance. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy Mike Hart and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

Super Power volunteer appeal

The WHR Society's Board is appealing for a substantial number of volunteers to run and assist with the various events at this year's weekend, 9/10th. September, which marks the 125th. anniversary of the opening of Rhyd Ddu station. It is estimated that at least 30 volunteers each day will be needed with the special events at Rhyd Ddu needing to be manned.

Ballasting in the Beddgelert Forest

Work was underway last week ballasting from Ch.18420 just above the Upper S curve towards the site of Hafod Ruffydd Halt.

This northerly view (22/7/06) shows the recently ballasted track on Hafod Ruffydd Ganol Curve at Ch.18240. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy Mike Hart and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view shows the south end of the recently ballasted track at Ch.18420. Ballasting south of here will wait until the levels are correct through Canal Curve, the upper part of the Upper S curve. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy Mike Hart and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

Aberglaslyn Fencing

The sympathetic style metal fencing in the Aberglaslyn Pass has almost reached the Bryn-y-felin bridge. A new gravel path has also been constructed, jointly with the National Trust for much of the length at the northern end of the pass. The fencing includes gates in the style of the original NWNGR. The metalwork is being produced by local company Williams of Caernarfon, who are also nearing the end of work on the second truss for the Afon Nanmor bridge (to be installed this Winter).

This northerly image (23/7/06) shows the new metal fencing and gates just south of Bryn-y-felin bridge at LC91, one of the two level crossings in the Aberglaslyn Pass (the other, LC90, is adjacent to the Bryn-y-felin bridge). 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.

Tamper tweaked!

On 24/7/06, the KMX tamper received a full day's tweaking on the level track outside its Rhyd Ddu shed. The unit was tested and the lining and levelling functions wired up. The tamper features sensors (formerly for a track recorder) which will be connected to the dedicated computer/software that Roland Doyle is designing to automate and therefore speed up much of the tamping and aligning process. When the computer is fitted, the unit will run over a kilometre of track, for example, recording any level or alignment issues. It will then return to the start and tamp automatically. The solar panel on the shed provides power for internal lighting and a fan.

This northerly image (24/7/06) shows the KMX tamper receiving its final adjustments outside the shed at Rhyd Ddu. In the background No.138 runs around its train. 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.

Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting 24/7/06

Jones Cyf.'s rock bursting to complete the drainage channel along the west side of Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting was finally completed through very hard rock on 20/7/06 and attention switched to the formation and sub base build up ready for the weekend tracklaying gang to advance south on 29/7/06. As a result only one panel was laid this weekend.

This easterly image (24/7/06) shows the sub base being rolled at the south end of Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting ready for ballasting for next weekend's track gang. 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 westerly view (20/7/06) shows the completion of drainage in the cutting. Minutes later the excavator was withdrawn as the contractors needed to place the drains. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Noel Walley and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

This westerly view (20/7/06) shows the Head of Steel as completed by the Tuesday Gang two days before. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Noel Walley and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

Team Wylfa report 21/7/06

Last week and this week, Team Wylfa used their time doing carriage inspections. Tuesday 11/7/06 was cancelled and, as only 2 of volunteers turned up on Thursday, they had to try and catch up with the carriage inspections programme. They did 3 on the 'F' Set so nearly did it! On 18/7/06 they needed to check both bike wagons and at least one carriage on the 'E' Set to bring them back onto schedule. Again, with only two members on 18/7/06, they struggled a bit to keep up with the schedule, especially in the heat. There will be no Team Wylfa next week as one of the team is guarding Palmerston in Caernarfon's Castle Square all week.

Tuesday Gang news 18/7/06

The Tuesday Gang laid another panel south from LC70 at Pont Cae'r Gors on 18/7/06. Rock bursting by the contractor at the south end of the cutting prevented the second panel being laid on the prepared ballast bed. The heat was said to be like Death Valley with fresh white ballast and the cutting sides making a heat trap. At least it dried out the cutting! Meanwhile, tamping and ballasting has reached Summit Cutting working from Rhyd Ddu.

This southerly view (18/7/06) shows the Tuesday Gang inching the rails forward on the 1 in 40 downgrade in Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright John Hine and was taken on a Canon A95 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

Aberglaslyn fencing contract

Work started in early July fencing the trackbed in the Aberglaslyn Pass. It is hoped to offer contracts for this section soon and work might be underway by Spring 2007. By 16/7/06, much of the length north of the tunnels was fenced. The design used is a black metal fence post (as shown on this website earlier this year) that will blend better into this beauty spot than the wooden fencing used elsewhere.

This easterly image (16/7/06) shows the black metal fence posts used at the foot 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.

Contractors were also working near Bryn-y-felin bridge, on a joint WHRCL/National Trust scheme to improve the parallel Fisherman's Path through the Aberglaslyn Pass. In the near future the water main on the trackbed between the south end of Goat Tunnel and Bryn-y-felin will be removed from the trackbed to allow access to contractors rebuilding the trackbed. The Nantmor water main will also need to be moved off the trackbed as it uses this route for the whole length from Bryn-y-felin to Nantmor through all three tunnels in the Aberglaslyn Pass. It is to be moved by the Water Authority soon so that trackworks can begin next Spring (if not before!).

This easterly image (16/7/06) shows contractors at work improving the footpath close to Bryn-y-felin bridge for LC90. More contractors vehicles are visible on the curve behind the trees. 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.87 report 17/7/06

The FR's GM, Paul Lewin, reports that the bogie components in the FR's possession appear to be in very good condition. Clearly they were heavily overhauled within the ten years prior to No.87 being withdrawn. Fitters have so far found a crack in one bogie frame but this was dealt with immediately on finding. The FR's top welder is working on a project! By 17/7/06, the frames had been treated with a pink compound that reveals cracks.

This easterly image (16/7/06) shows the second power bogie delivered to Boston Lodge yard. 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 easterly image (16/7/06) shows the first power bogie in a disassembled state in Boston Lodge Erecting Shop. 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 FR has agreed with a sub contractor to do the design and preparations for production of the new bunker. The front power unit has now also moved to Boston Lodge main yard arriving on 8/7/06.

This unusual view at Boston Lodge (5/7/06) through the piston bore of No.87 shows the loco's frames beyond and Merddin Emrys' top end bogie receiving attention beyond that. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Andrew Thomas and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

Contract news

James Cyf. and the WHRCL surveying team at Dinas have been working away on Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting determined to ensure a clear run for next weekend's track laying volunteers. The aim is to complete drainage and a ballast bed someway towards Ch.17000, where the existing ballast recommences.

The rails for the sharper of the two parts of the upper S curve have been sent away for pre-bending by a contractor. Assuming that works well then the WHRCL will repeat the process for the lower S curve. The Nantmor Road bridge contract has been given to Williams of Caernarfon (who built the Bryn-y-felin bridge and is building the two similar river bridges), thereby helping the local economy. The Mess coach (ex-FR Observation coach) is almost ready for delivery to Rhyd Ddu to provide some comfort for the crew working on the track during bad weather this Autumn and Winter.

This view (10/7/06) at Dinas shows coach No.1000 (ex FR OBs.100) with new numbering, couplers and yellow painted steps, ready to go to Rhyd Ddu Yard for use as the Phase 4 Mess coach. The coach had acquired half yellow ends by 24/7/06. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Andrew Thomas and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

Nearer Beddgelert, James Cyf. has set up a base near the upper Cwmcloch stream bridge (Ch.21100) at the start of their short contract to Ty'n-y-coed (Ch.20600), where the Beddgelert Forest campsite ballast ends. Little progress has been made as workers have been focussed on getting the Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting finished so it is unlikely this section will be finished by 28/7/06 as planned. However a contract has been let for the section through the lower S bend and the section from Ch.21200 to 21800 has recently been fenced in anticipation. The section south from there to Beddgelert Station approaches was fenced some months ago.

These southerly images (15/7/06) show the recently fenced trackbed in the upper half of the lower S curve. A contract has recently been let for this section. 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 image (15/7/06) shows the newly constructed base for James Cyf. just north of the upper crossing of the Afon Cwmcloch. There had been visible progress towards Ty'n-y-coed by this date. 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.

KMX tamper news

The KMX Tamper/Liner was doing some basic test tamping work on 18/7/06 in the yard at Rhyd Ddu. The recent HMRI inspection required the addition of various additional items of equipment, including radio communication between the operating crew. Next week further commissioning work will be done with hope of making a first start of using its lining gear. There is more to do to get it fully commissioned and then WHRCL staff trained in its operation, but there is good progress with this superb machine and encouraging signs from the start of that work on 18/7/06.

The amount of lift (up) and slew (sideways) that the KMX achieves per pass is limited to about 70mm in either direction. Any more and there would be a risk of permanently deforming the rails. If any greater amount of lift or slew is needed to achieve the final requirements, that is done by first doing an initial 'rough' alignment pass (or two) to get the track nearer its final position.

Caernarfon Festival

The Ferris wheel was in use on the Castle Square in Caernarfon on 15/7/06. Palmerston is due to arrive on Monday 24/7/06 for display in the square.

This southerly view (15/7/06) shows the Ferris wheel in Castle Square, Caernarfon for the coming festival. 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.

Results of 3/4 of a million competition!

The winner was

Rolf Guentert (Dresden University Railway Dept. Germany) 750,001

He will receive a WHR mug!

Runners up:-

George Cash 750,008

Peter Kensett 750,012

David Lea 750,014

James King 750,017

Andrew Cartwright 750,028

Arie Den Dulk (Holland) 750,061

Jonathan Walker (Canada) 750,062

Iain Dewit 750,092

Watcyn Jones (Canada) 750,095

James Day 750,112

Ian Stock 750,113

Ken Parks (California) 750,190

John Cassels 750,257

Jeremy Vick 750,297

Dolgarrog at Pont Cae'r Gors

During the afternoon of 16/7/06, Dolgarrog was the first loco to cross LC70 moving RRMs to the Head of Steel. Bob Gartside caught these images in film mode.

This southerly view (16/7/06) shows the track completed across LC70 at Pont Cae'r Gors. Dolgarrog is moving RRMs to the Head of Steel. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Bob Gartside and was taken on a Sony DSC-H1 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (16/7/06) from LC70 shows Dolgarrog moving RRMs between UB125 and LC70 at Pont Cae'r Gors. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Bob Gartside and was taken on a Sony DSC-H1 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

K1 news

By 15/7/06, K1 was back on its wheels, the axleboxes having returned from Boston Lodge. The motion and brake gear may be reconnected next weekend by the K1 Group. The regulator, which had been sticking, has not yet been refitted.

WHR(P) news

The weekend of 15-16/7/06 saw more progress on the 'other Extension', north from Pen-y-Mount to Traeth Mawr loop, the responsibility of the WHR(P). This was the last weekend before Civils Week (starting 29th July) and preparatory work was being done prior to this. The tracklaying is finished (apart from the last panel of the loop, which members of the Civvies Gang who, in some cases, can only come once a year, might like to lay at the end of July). The northern loop point at Traeth Mawr is now also finished apart from the weighted lever.

Second stage ballasting on the loop has started with lifting boards made for the tamping. The tamper has been regauged and is ready to be tested on the Traeth Mawr loop on 17/7/06. The final buffer stop is at the Pugh/Williams farm border, some 900m north of Pen-y-Mount. A great deal of surveying, planning and facilitating has been done for Civils Week by a fairly small team working in searing heat (30 degrees C plus!).

Tracklaying progress to 16/7/06

Five panels were laid into Pont Cae'r Gors over a hot and dusty weekend. On Saturday the Rest of the world Gang laid track through the sharp curve and across UB125. The base plates on the wooden decking have not been screwed down as the track is about 10cm too high here until tamping is completed. On Sunday the volunteers laid track across LC70 and 2 lengths south of there in Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting. Track is now some 40m south of LC70 and there is room for another three lengths of relatively straight track for the Tuesday Gang on the ballast bed which extends to a point approx. 100m south of LC70.

This northerly view (16/7/06) shows the Head of Steel in Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting some 40m south of LC70. The large yellow stopblock is because the gradient in now 1 in 40 downhill! 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 (16/7/06) shows the track completed across UB125 and barriers across LC70 at Pont Cae'r Gors. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tim Evans and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (16/7/06) shows the track completed across LC70 and barriers placed at Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tim Evans and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (16/7/06) shows the track completed in Pont Cae'r Gors and sleepers laid out for the Tuesday Gang. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tim Evans and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (16/7/06) shows the end of the ballast bed some 100m south of LC70 at the south end of Pont Cae'r Gors cutting. Less than 100m of the cutting remains to be completed and the trackbed south is available for ballasting to link up with that already laid north from UB131 to Ch.17000. This section will have new levels and a slightly steeper gradient as it was not possible to excavate Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting to the necessary depth due to the very hard rock encountered. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tim Evans and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

Rhostryfan Slate Trails signage

The Rhostryfan section of the Slate Trail on the Bryngwyn Branch trackbed has recently acquired signage. The information on the sign features some of the WHR history, maps and images of locos etc. Although there has been no recent move on the Three Valleys Initiative to provide a parallel footpath/cycleway between Rhyd Ddu and Beddgelert to replace the former permitted path on the trackbed, the WHR remains committed to helping the County Council with any spare land for such a pathway. Only a short section between Ty'n-y-coed and the Bryn Alyn bridleway remains to complete the route.

This view (14/7/06) shows the new Slate Trail sign at Rhostryfan, near the site of the proposed bottled water plant at Ffynnon Wen. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair (WHRCL) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

Pont Cae'r Gors progress

This set of progress images (12/7/06) is courtesy of the WHRCL.

This northerly view (12/7/06) shows the completed formation through Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting and LC70 ready to receive ballast and then track this weekend. Some work is visible in the distance near UB125, perhaps removing the formwork and finishing the bridge ready for tracklaying. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair (WHRCL) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (12/7/06) from the same viewpoint as above shows the completed formation through Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting. Geotextile has been used and a rolled slate waste base established ready to receive ballast by the weekend to permit tracklaying. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair (WHRCL) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (12/7/06) shows that over half the trackbed in the cutting had been completed with drainage works ongoing in the foreground. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair (WHRCL) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (12/7/06) from the same viewpoint as above shows the completed sub base through Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting. It is hoped this section will be ballasted ready to receive track this weekend. The slumping western side of the cutting will have a retaining wall built after the tracklayers have passed. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair (WHRCL) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

This westerly view (12/7/06) shows the end of the completed formation on that date. The drainage channel is being constructed on the nearer east side of the cutting. The toe weighting of the west side of the cutting seems to have worked for the moment in preventing any more slumping but, after tracklayers have passed, a retaining wall will be constructed. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair (WHRCL) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (12/7/06) shows the remaining section of incomplete formation at the south end of Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting. The blue rock outcrop to the right proved to be so hard that the contractors found it impossible to cut a drainage channel along the western side of the cutting as originally planned. Instead, a cess has been cut on the eastern side. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair (WHRCL) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

Palmerston at Super Power details

Palmerston will be shedded at Dinas and move to and from Rhyd Ddu as a light engine move each day during Super Power over the weekend of 9-10/9/06. The operation planned is between Rhyd Ddu Yard and Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting or a point just south f there. The loco will haul a representative construction train, reprising the 1922 McAlpine's WHR construction hire duty. The WHR is also hoping that a Simplex might make it up there too, representing the demolition train of 1941.

WHR(P) progress

Visiting locos "Chaloner" and "Rishra" are booked for a turn as duty works locos on the WHR(P)'s 900m Traeth Mawr extension on Friday 4th August (subject to availability). Tracklaying on the WHR(P)'s extension northwards is expected to be completed by the end of July. Just fifty yards remain to be completed on the loop at the new temporary terminus, Traeth Mawr, as well as finishing the point at the far end of the loop.

The next step will be to finish ballasting on the loop, and to mechanically tamp the whole section. It is planned to do this during the annual summer Civils Week from 29th July – 6th August. A number of other jobs will still remain, most notably installing the level crossing gates, which cannot be done until specifications have been drawn up by the Ffestiniog Railway (who are leading the project to restore the WHR in full). The hope is to get the Extension open as soon as possible, though no date has yet been set because the WHR(P) cannot be sure how long some jobs, including the level crossings, will take.

Tuesday Gang report 11/7/06

UB125 has been concreted and will acquire its wooden deck by the weekend so that tracklaying can advance into Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting. James Cyf. has completed drainage work in Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting and laid a rolled slate waste bed through the cutting.

This southerly view (11/7/06) shows the completed concrete lintels of UB125, still in their formwork while they cure. Beyond, the contractors are busy establishing the slate waste bed through the cutting and up to the bridge. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

EAG Report 8/7/06

The East Anglian Group volunteers have been attending the Mill Green site more frequently recently in an effort to complete work on ex-RNAD wagon No. 5001, the "Yellow Peril". Much effort has been put into modifying the dragboxes, to allow greater lateral movement of the coupling bar. This is an important change to the design as the faces of chopper couplings on adjacent vehicles need to be parallel at all times. Components for WHR chopper couplings have been received from Dinas, but these are in kit form and therefore need to be machined and welded before they can be fitted. The chopper eccentrics did not come as part of the "package"; these will have to be made elsewhere. Our thanks to Roger Thacker who kindly transported the components to Cambridgeshire.

The wagon chassis has received a first coat of bright yellow paint, matching the KMX tamper, and the running gear and brakes have been finished in black with a distinctive yellow disc on the axleboxes - an EAG trademark. EAG is looking into the possible use of vinyl lettering for the finished wagon. New timber for the deck has been donated by Roger Hornsby, Cuprinol treated, and also painted "KMX Yellow". The toolbox donated by Tom Skinner may need some modification before it can be mounted on the deck of the wagon.

This view (8/7/06) at Horseheath shows the tamper running truck nearing completion. Components for the FR/WHR chopper couplings are on the ground in front of the left hand axlebox. Click on the image to enlarge. The photo was taken by Richard Watson using a Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P73 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

Palmerston to visit Caernarfon Festival and Super Power!

Coal fired FR loco Palmerston is to be exhibited at the Caernarfon Festival from 24-28/7/06. It will remain on a trailer in Castle Square. The loco will also be present at Super Power on 9-10/9/06, when it will be running demonstration freight trains on Phase 4. These will be historically interesting for photographers as Palmerston was hired by contractors for use on WHR construction trains in 1922. This will be the first steam loco on the section since 1937!

This view (10/9/05) shows the FR's much travelled loco Palmerston on display at Crewe Works Open Day. 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.

Palmerston will represent the FR/WHR at the Caernarfon Festival from the 24-28/7/06. The Festival aims to bring more visitors to the town and includes the attraction of a 36m tall Ferris Wheel. The loco will arrive on a lorry and will remain on the trailer throughout its stay outside HSBC bank in the Castle Square, where Castell Caernarfon was exhibited several years ago! The WHR presence at this event was planned early this year but has only just been formally confirmed and hence the late appearance of this notice.

Help is needed to dress the trailer on arrival in the square at 17.30 on the Monday evening 24/7/06. The WHR also needs people to help man the exhibit and talk with passers by for each of the three days Palmerston is present - Tuesday to Thursday from 09.00 till 18.00. The FR would also like volunteers to cover the night shift ensuring that the loco is safe and sound. The loco is right under the town centre CCTV camera, which is continuously monitored but the FR would much prefer someone was present at all times.

The objective of the display is threefold:-

• To encourage visitors to travel on the WHR
• To inform visitors and locals about the WHR project (the new 'Bridging the Gap' leaflet will be available).
• To promote Super Power weekend and explain Palmerston's role both in the previous construction of the line in 1922 and in its cameo role doing the same at Super Power weekend.

If you are able to help please email Jo Vincent or phone her on 01766 516000, who is coordinating initial responses.

KMX tamper arrives at Rhyd Ddu

The KMX tamper was driven to its new home at Rhyd Ddu on the evening of 29/6/06 to progress its commissioning and also staff training. The computer follows after the tamper has been commissioned successfully in both manual and semi-manual mode. Work was underway at the end of June to prepare the Rhyd Ddu KMX tamper shed for use. The shed was initially painted grey.

This northerly view (29/6/06) shows the KMX tamper departing Dinas for Rhyd Ddu. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright John Peduzzi and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (24/6/06) shows the KMX tamper shed being painted in preparation for the arrival of the tamper, which arrived on 29/6/06. The solar panel faces south presumably to provide lighting/battery charging inside the shed. 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.87 report June 2006

As noted previously, the first of No.87's power bogies has been taken into Boston Lodge. It has now been cleaned and dismantled for assessment in the Erecting Shop. The frames of this loco show signs of SAR repairs. Another crack in the frames has been repaired and reassembly will start shortly. The loco has been found to be in far better condition than that assumed prior to stripping of both boiler and motion. It is hoped that No. 87 will join the fleet in 2008 as a coal-fired loco. The loco is likely to attract passengers at a time when numbers dip in anticipation of the through route opening in 2009.

Directors' Inspection train 3/7/06

WHRCL Directors had the benefit of a special train to get them to Pont Cae'r Gors on 3/7/06. Upnor Castle hauled the Tool Van and No.1001 to the Head of Steel just north of Pont Cae'r Gors. The party then walked along the trackbed inspecting progress, including the final McAlpine's bridge UB131, which has recently been finished.

James Cyf. hopes to complete Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting to a state at least ready for tracklayers temporary way by 14/7/06. They are working to create the final formation levels and sub-base through the cutting, including the provision of side drains connected to a large buried drainage pipe to be installed through the length of the cutting on the east side away from the incredibly hard rock at the foot of the western cutting slope where a great deal of water seeps in. Attempts to make an impression on this very hard rock have worn out the vibrating pick on the contractor's excavators more than once! Retaining walls will be constructed at a suitable time while maintaining the rail route for material delivery through the cutting.

This southerly view (3/7/06) shows UB125 with LC70 and Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting beyond. The waybeams have reinforcing rods threaded through holes drilled in them, which will lock them in place. By 8/7/06, formwork had been erected ready for the concrete pour. It is planned to have this bridge ready for tracklaying by 15/7/06. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy Mike Hart and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

James Cyf. will shortly be ballasting south to the site of Hafod Ruffydd Halt (Ch.18000). The trackbed south of there to 'Canal Curve' (Ch.18700) is also available for ballasting, which will be done soon. Work on the next section of trackbed preparation south to the Forest Campsite boundary (Ch.19600) is due for completion at the end of July and will be ballasted immediately afterwards. Together with the already completed and ballasted section through the Beddgelert Forest Campsite and south from there to Ty'n-y-coed (Ch.20500), there will be about 4km of ballasted trackbed available in August for the tracklayers. This represents about 20 weekend's work at the target pace of 10 panels a weekend.

This northerly view (3/7/06) shows the ballasted trackbed just north of UB131. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy Mike Hart and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

Tenders have come in for lower S curve section (Section 6) from the Afon Cwm Cloch bridge (UB158) to the Top Beddgelert Station - Ch.21100 to 22100 approx. The WHRCL will be out to tender for Beddgelert Station development soon. Arup Rail is making good progress preparing detailed design and documentation for sections south of Beddgelert using alignment etc. drawings and specifications prepared by the WHRCL team at Dinas.

This northerly view (3/7/06) shows UB131 with its new concrete deck. The trackbed has been built up on the deck to the correct height. The end of the ballast bed can be seen immediately north of the bridge. With work now finished in this area, ballast will soon be laid south towards the site of Hafod Ruffydd Halt. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy Mike Hart and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

Team Wylfa report 4/7/06

This report covers two weeks. Team Wylfa continued the routine maintenance task of carriage inspections this week. On 22/6/06 they tried out their new axlebox worsted (wool) cutting jig. This is a simple sheet of plywood with a series of nails strategically driven in. They unwind the strand from the skein over the nails winding back and forth then with one or two slices of the knife along the cutting line multiple, known quantity of strands are cut in one go. This avoids having to sit on a chair with a pair of scissors cutting one strand at a time! Team Wylfa have discovered they need to clean out and repack quite a few axleboxes. They also did some long outstanding housekeeping in the Clip Shed workshop, basically brushing out, positioning new storage cupboard etc.

On 4/7/06 Team Wylfa prepared the wagons for a special working to the Head of Steel the following evening. The wagons had not been used for months, some possibly since Super Power last year, and they required a check and oil up to free off stiff brakes and couplers. There was no Team Wylfa on 6/7/06 as a result of the Wednesday activity.

K1 report

K1's axleboxes are due back from Boston Lodge imminently. Once the axle boxes are put back in place, the motion and brake gear will need refitting. This is programmed to be at the next K1 Working Party on 15-16/7/06. Some extra pairs of hands would be greatly appreciated to help the regulars with this. The August working party is scheduled for 19-20/8/06. If the loco can be finished and tested in time, it may be possible to have it running in Super Power on 9-10/9/06.

If you can help please contact Ian McKenzie by email:-
ianandann@mayfield10DOTfsnetDOTcoDOTuk (replace the DOTs with .) so that the K1 Team knows you are coming and can be matched to the jobs that need doing.

Work starts south from Ty'n-y-coed

With James Cyf. winning the contract to construct the next section towards Beddgelert, the contractor established a base west of Cwm Cloch Isaf farm on the farm track/bridleway that leaves Beddgelert at Bryn Alyn. This base will service work on the contract from the end of existing completed and ballasted section through the Beddgelert Forest Campsite at Ty'n-y-coed to the Afon Cwm Cloch (and later possibly from there through the lower S bend to the Beddgelert Station approaches). The relatively easy Contract Section 5B (Ty'n-y-coed - Cwm Cloch, Ch.20500 to 21100 approx.) is programmed to start on 10/7/06 and completion is due by 8/8/06. The work lies alongside and above the abandoned overly steep PBSSR cutting. The contract excludes the concrete stream bridge UB156 at Ty'n-y-coed which has been added to Contract Section 6, as there are other similar stream bridges in that contract.

Special working to Pont Cae'r Gors 5/7/06

Volunteers had an unexpected bonus as an extra wagon had been added to the consist in the form of the DZ full of ballast (ex-Caernarfon modifications). It was to be delivered to the Head of Steel. Twelve volunteers (5 Team Wylfa, 7 Black Hand Gang) plus driver, Ben Rosen, set out from Dinas at 1800 behind Conwy Castle in perfect, dry conditions. It had even cooled off a bit. They had a straight run to Rhyd Ddu with the volunteers packed into the B Wagon, which had been filled on one side with slotted French drain pipes.

This northerly view (5/7/06) from Summit Cutting shows Conway Castle during the delivery of pipes. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Clive Briscoe and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

At Rhyd Ddu, the loco ran around whilst the 2 stop blocks were removed to allow the train onto Phase 4. The train was then propelled to the Head of Steel where it had been the initial intention to uncouple the DZ full of ballast. However, it was decided to leave the wagon in the cutting just on the Rhyd Ddu side of Pitt's Head bridge. It was a good excuse to travel the full length of steel though! This journey is a Planet double - Upnor Castle was the first mainline diesel under Pitt's Head bridge, while Conwy Castle is now the second.

This northerly view (5/7/06) from Plas-y-nant shows Conway Castle during the removal of excess track in the PW siding. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Clive Briscoe and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

After uncoupling the ballast wagon, the train slowly moved forward and volunteers lowered the plastic French drain pipes into the East side cess length by length as they moved along. With the wagon empty, they returned to Rhyd Ddu and refitted the stop blocks and then proceeded to Plas-y-nant. The main part of the evening's task was the recovery of the never completed south end loop points. This loop is not required in the current business plan.

The point was loaded onto the flat wagon plus all the associated sleepers. Volunteers also took up the remnants of the loop south of the Engineers' Siding, loading up another 40 or so steel SAR sleepers that had been laid south of the Engineer's Siding towards where the south loop points where to have been. This point is needed for the Beddgelert Station siding. Volunteers returned to Dinas at 2115. Despite the interruption to their evening, the campers at Bryn Gloch Campsite turned out to wave both times the special passed!

From a fireman's perspective, it was an interesting experience traversing the new line south of Rhyd Ddu. With lots of undulating gradients, it will be an interesting challenge until past the summit and into the steady 1 in 40 down grade. From a photographer's point of view, Pitt's Head to Pont Cae'r Gors is going to be a real gem, the steep grade south of Pitt's Head Bridge to Summit Cutting means the Garratts will really have to open up and so may even 'bark' for a few hundred metres.

Tuesday Gang report 4/7/06

In preparation for the extension of tracklaying through Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting on 15-16/7/06, on 4/7/06 the Tuesday Gang laid the final two lengths of rail on the available ballast bed just north of UB125 at Pont Cae'r Gors. Rail temperatures reached 30 Celsius and some of the smallest and rarely used expansion gap spacers were employed!

This northerly view (4/7/06) from UB125 at Pont Cae'r Gors shows the Head of Steel after the final two lengths were laid. Track has now reached the end of Phasey's ballast bed but will progress across LC70 and, as temporary way, into Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting on 15/7/06, so that rail stocks can be moved by train to the completed ballast bed beyond. The cutting itself will be dealt with at a later date. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (4/7/06) of UB125 at Pont Cae'r Gors shows the detailed structure of UB125 which is to be finished this week. The reinforcing mesh cages are integral with the ends of the waybeams on the original stonework abutments. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

Tracklaying resumes despite Pont Cae'r Gors problems!

A plan has now been developed for dealing with the situation in the Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting. The main work to stabilise the cutting sides will be deferred until a later date when the work there can be carried out without interference to the progress of laying track. It will be cheaper to move rail by train to a point south of there and stockpile it rather than hire in lorries and move rail by road. By 4/7/06 piles of sleepers have been delivered south Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting.

This southerly view (1/7/06) from LC70 at Pont Cae'r Gors shows the construction of the cutting. Although the cutting is nearing its correct depth and hard rocks have been extracted, no further toe weighting of the west side has been done as temporary track is to be laid through here so rail stocks can be moved to a point south of the cutting. The rails can then be lifted and a final solution to the slumping developed. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Dave Waldren and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

Some work, including the completion of UB125 and LC70, is required to make it possible to lay track on a temporary basis as far as the start of the ballasted formation south of the cutting. This is expected to take a few days and will be put in hand at once. Unfortunately this work is not expected to be completed in time for track laying to continue before the weekend of 15-16/7/06. However, on that weekend it is planned to advance the track over UB125 towards and beyond LC70 at the north end of Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting and then to start to lay temporary track through the cutting. Once the ballasted formation beyond the cutting is reached volunteers can progress onwards towards Porthmadog.

This northerly view (1/7/06) from midway along Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting shows the excavation of large boulders from the base of the cutting. The area on the left marked in white is likely to be excavated for toe weighting. 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.

The track fettling gang will be hard on the heels of the track layers. Volunteers need to make good progress and get plenty of panels put down over the next few weeks. To maintain the target rate of an average of ten panels per weekend the gangs need at least ten track layers each day every weekend. So please join the tracklaying gangs as both gangs need your help. The next Rest of the World Gang is July15 & 16 and the North Wales Track Gang (aka Black Hand Gang!) will be laying track on 22nd and 23rd July. Tracklaying continues with alternate weekends thereafter into August and beyond.

If you have any queries or comments please get in touch via the Contacts page.

Progress to 1/7/06

The following views show progress on Phase 4 last weekend, including some work at Pont Cae'r Gors. WHRCL discussions are planned this week to sort out the cutting's problems without affecting track laying.

This southerly view (1/7/06) from LC67 shows top ballasting towards Pitt's Head Cutting. Yellow pot jacks can be seen in the foreground holding the track at the right level prior to tamping. The new KMX tamper will not require such preparation. 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.

This northerly view (1/7/06) from LC70 at Pont Cae'r Gors shows the construction of UB125. Four new girders have been placed on the existing abutments. The central two are the waybeams and the outer two are for walkways. Reinforcing cage-work is present on both abutments for a concrete pour to lock the beams in place. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Dave Waldren and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

This westerly view (1/7/06) shows the saturated boulder clay at the base of Pitt's Head Cutting. 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.

Work starts on new WHR coaches

Steelwork for the two new WHR saloon coaches Nos. 2043/4 has arrived at Boston Lodge. These coaches will be of the longer 13m length used for the Pullman coach Bodysgallen. It is hoped the coaches will be available for the 2007 season to strengthen existing trains.

Ballasting progress

James Cyf. had ballasted north from UB131 (Ch.17500) to Ch.17000 approximately by 25/6/06 and it was anticipated that they would complete ballasting work for the 200m of trackbed free towards Pont Cae'r Gors cutting as far as Ch.16800 by the end of June. Lots of concrete channels have been delivered to the Beddgelert Forest to deal more effectively with some of the wet cuttings south from Pont Cae'r Gors.

This southerly view (25/6/06) shows the ballast bed rounding the corner at Ch.17000 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.

This southerly view (24/6/06) shows the delivery of concrete channels in the Beddgelert Forest car park near Pont Cae'r Gors. 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 headed diesels!

Conwy Castle and Upnor Castle hauled the 12.20 on 27/6/06 for one round trip while Castell Caernarfon had Vale of Ffestiniog's axles ultrasonically tested. No problems were found with the axles. This is believed to be the first time the pair has worked in tandem pulling six coaches on the WHR. The testing of the axles follows the fractured axle problem that occurred at Easter to Castell Caernarfon's own axles. Castell Caernarfon will regain its own bogies once the job is complete.

This southerly view (27/6/06) shows Conway Castle leading Upnor Castle on a passenger working at Waunfawr. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Pete Hugman and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

Track gang news

There was no tracklaying by the Tuesday Gang on 27/6/06. Contractors are still occupying Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting. Volunteers tidied ballast, tightened SA track fittings and tried to repair a point mechanism. There are just 2 panels to lay to reach Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting but there is a small stream (UB125) at the contract boundary between the Phasey ballast bed and LC70 that requires a bridge deck completed over it.

The last two weeks have seen the use of a lever device called the pan setter, which holds the rail in place on the sleeper from the opposite side of the 'chair' to the insertion of the clip. The device makes tracklaying even faster as there is no need to jack or crow the sleeper into place. Some adjustments were found necessary as the new tools were originally built to main line size. With excavation work still in progress on Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting, tracklaying will now pause for about 4 weeks, probably until the end of July.

These northerly views just south of LC69 (25/6/06) show stages in track laying. The first view shows the pan setter in use (blue ended tool), holding the sleeper against the rail while the clip is inserted on the other side of the rail. The second view shows the red plastic pads in place on the sleepers. 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.

While track gang team leaders take stock of the situation the decision has been made that there will not be a Rest of the World Gang working party over the weekend of July 1/2. It is planned to resume working parties on the remaining weekends during the rest of July as there are a number of tasks which need to be completed as part of the process of fettling the track already laid. Track laying will restart as soon as there is ballasted formation beyond UB125 at Pont Cae'r Gors. The next North Wales Track Gang/Black Hand Gang weekend is July 8/9 and the next Rest of the World Gang is July15/16. The track gangs will continue with alternate weekends thereafter into August and beyond. If you have any queries or comments please get in touch with Paul Bradshaw or Dafydd Thomas (see Contacts page).

Summit Cutting works complete

Work appeared complete in Summit Cutting by 25/6/06. An area of rock had been cleared on the east side of the formation between Pitt's Head bridge and the incomplete OB124 immediately to the south. A concrete pan ensures that water flows into the new concrete channels. A stepped drain has been installed immediately to the south of OB124 to ensure the field drains into the cess at one location rather than over a length. Work also started on UB125 just north of Pont Cae'r Gors during the week commencing 26/6/06. This small culvert forms the link between Phasey's contract and James Cyf.'s contract.

This southerly view (25/6/06) shows track completed between Pitt's Head and Summit Cutting with the new drainage works nearing completion to the left. 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.

Work underway at Canal Curve

James Cyf. has made good progress south from Ch.18700 'Canal Curve'. The embankment has been widened and made level with surveyor's sighting poles in evidence. The contractor is working towards the completed 'Campsite' section at Ch.19600 through the upper S curve. In contrast no progress has been made on the section between Hafod Ruffydd Halt and Canal Curve as James' other team is completing UB131, north of Hafod Ruffydd, to be followed by ballasting south from Ch.17550 towards the site of the halt.

This southerly view (24/6/06) shows work progressing south through the upper S curve at Ch.18750 from the forest track. 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.

Pitt's Head Cutting fenced

Fencing contractors were working over the weekend of 24-5/6/06 to fit roadside fencing to Pitt's Head Cutting. A gate has been established halfway along the length to allow access to the railway lands. Meanwhile, the contractor working on GCC's Castell Cidwm bridge has finished on the west side walling and is now working on the north east approach walling.

This northerly view (25/6/06) shows that the east side of Pitt's Head Cutting is receiving roadside fencing. GCC may have to fit crash barriers near the bridge (as on Rhostryfan Road bridge) to comply with the Heck recommendations. 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.

Carriage Appeal Supporters' special train

It has been confirmed that next year's special Easter train for Appeal Supporters will travel the length of the tamped section of Phase 4 (given approval by the relevant authorities) which may by that time reach as far as Beddgelert Forest Halt or beyond! Andrew Savage reminds supporters that purchasing a Bronze or above subscriber pack will enable new supporters to receive tickets for the trains.

Click on the Appeal link to find out more!

Pont Cae'r Gors cutting progress

James Cyf. is making progress with Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting. The technique decided on is to cut out the weathered boulder clay and toe weight the cutting side with slate waste on geotextile. Various sections of the western side have been marked for treatment. The sides of the cutting appear have been spread with a veneer of seeded peat presumably to help plant growth.

This northerly view (25/6/06) shows that the west side of Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting is having slate waste treatment to the base of the slope to prevent slumping. 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.

Super Power special

It is rumoured that SuperPower this year will feature a simulated freight train along the tamped length of Phase 4 on 9-10/9/06, which may at that time reach the site of Hafod Ruffydd Halt.

North Wales Track Gang progress 25/6/06

The North Wales Track Gang laid seven panels over the weekend reaching Ch.16470, just two lengths short of the end of Phasey's ballast bed at UB125, immediately north of Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting. They had to relay the ballast bed as it had been crushed and displaced by tracked vehicles. Sleepers were laid out for the Tuesday Gang who will no doubt complete the tracklaying. It is likely that a 4 week pause will now ensue while James Cyf. complete Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting.

This northerly view (25/6/06) shows the Head of Steel approaching the end of ballast at Pont Cae'r Gors. 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 22/6/06

Team Wylfa has been continuing with much the same mundane task of carriage inspections again. There were no panics with hot boxes unlike last week! Ulrich Dammgen from Germany joined the party again. Ulrich was over for another week working on point construction for Phase 4 and like last September, joined us for the two evenings as well. He now knows how to do carriage mechanical inspections and change axlebox packings! Team Wylfa had identified that on one carriage the wool trimmings in the axleboxes had deteriorated to little more than oily 'fluff' so they had to be scraped and cleaned. The smell of the sludge resembles 'dead sheep'! Volunteers pushed new bundles of previously oiled worsted trimmings in and topped up with oil.

Team Wylfa also completed one small job on a RRM. It had been returned from Rhyd Ddu some weeks ago as one end had been jumping the points. Volunteers identified the problem as the wheel back-to-back measurement being some 8mm wide. So the tack welds holding the stub axles were ground off, axles tapped out and the spacer washers re-arranged to give the correct distance. It just remains to have the stub axles re-tacked and then it is back in the reserve fleet of overhauled RRMs for Phase 4.

Upnor Castle passes Pitt's Head bridge

In what is understood to be its first foray past Pitt's Head, Upnor Castle delivered a set of rails to Summit Cutting on 20/6/06. As rail stocks were exhausted by the Rest of the World Gang last weekend, it was essential to replenish the stock for the North Wales Track Gang next weekend. There is about 150m of ballasted formation from just north of LC69 to the incomplete UB125 at the entrance to James Cyf's Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting works.

This northerly view (20/6/06) shows Upnor Castle with the rail train delivering rail to Summit Cutting, passing under Pitt's Head road bridge for what is believed to be the first time. Next weekend's track gang need the rails so they can lay track to the limit of ballast just north of Pont Cae'r Gors. Works continue in the foreground to link the new concrete cess channels into the existing piping under Pitt's Head bridge. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Owen Duncan/WHRCL and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (20/6/06) shows the rail train delivering rail in Summit Cutting. The sharp change of gradient is visible as the track drops steeply to pass under Pitt's Head road bridge. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Owen Duncan/WHRCL and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

WHR(P) progress

There has been more progress on the extension of the WHR(P) to Traeth Mawr Loop, some 900m north of Pen-y-Mount. Three more panels were laid on the loop last weekend and the passenger road is now complete up to the headshunt point. The run round line has also moved forwards by one panel. On Sunday 18/6/06, the track gang spent the day at Gelert's Farm, working on the headshunt point for the far end of the new loop and drilling baseplates for the remaining sleepers.

Most of the parts of the run-round turnout have now been moved up, and final construction of these, and the headshunt, should happen during the next working party, the weekend of 1/2 July. It is hoped to complete the tracklaying, with the final 4 panels by the working weekend after that (15/16 July). Only a small part of the second stage ballasting of the loop has been done. Another two working weekends remain before the WHR(P)'s Civils Week (which starts on 29th July). It is hoped to have the loop completed by then so that tamping can begin with a vengeance.

Imperial College Railway Society visit

The following set of images are thanks to Kim Winter and show progress as well as members of the Imperial College Railway Society volunteering on the track gang during 17-18/6/06 and fixing the 'Golden Spike' at Summit Cutting.

These northerly views (17/6/06) show the ballasted trackbed south of Rhyd Ddu. The first image shows the ballasting and tamping complete immediately south of the station. The post is for signalling, possibly a Home Signal to protect Rhyd Ddu Yard shunt limit. The second image shows LC66 under construction and pot jacks in place on every 5th sleeper to level the track before tamping, a job that will be made much simpler when the KMX tamper is commissioned. Click on the images to enlarge. These images are copyright Kim Winter and were taken on a digital camera. Images post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

These northerly views (17/6/06) show the track laid south of Rhyd Ddu. The first image shows the limit of ballasting at LC67 from Pitt's Head curve. The second image shows the completed track through Pitt's Head Cutting. Click on the images to enlarge. These images are copyright Kim Winter and were taken on a digital camera. Images post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

These southerly views (17/6/06) show Summit Cutting from the trackbed at Pitt's Head bridge. The first image shows the ICRS volunteers realigning the track to the east. It had been laid to the west to ease the placing of the new concrete trough drainage. The second image shows the track complete to the summit and new drainage from the bank by the incomplete cattle bridge OB124. Click on the images to enlarge. These images are copyright Kim Winter and were taken on a digital camera. Images post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

These northerly views (17/6/06) show the ballasted trackbed south of Pitt's Head bridge. The first image shows the realignment complete. The second image shows the 'Golden Spike' being placed by the students. The change of gradient north of Summit Cutting is quite obvious and Dolgarrog is parked on the slope down to Pitt's Head. Click on the images to enlarge. These images are copyright Kim Winter and were taken on a digital camera. Images post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (18/6/06) shows the track approaching LC69 as it was when the ICRS left. Track was laid later in the day to within a length of the level crossing. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Kim Winter and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

Crossing the Continental Divide!

There was something of the Wild West spirit of the US Transcontinental Railroad when the Rest of the World Gang passed the summit of the WHR on Saturday 17/6/06. The ROTW gang was somewhat strengthened by a large group from Imperial College London. This time, unlike its visit earlier this year in the snow of 3-4/6/06, the Group actually managed to lay track! There were eight students in the party who were joined by one alumnus and two staff members (both Festiniog Railway Society members).

Volunteers laid the track under the excellent leadership of Paul Bradshaw who was ably assisted by Steve, Tim, Richard, Godfrey and David (joined by another Steve on Sunday) who were all experienced track-layers. This gave the weekend track group the perfect mix of experienced hands, with knowledge and techniques of track Phase IV track laying, with the enthusiasm of the ICRS members (none whom had laid track on the WHR before). Excellent progress was made with 19 lengths laid in all.

This northerly view (18/6/06) shows the change of gradient as the railway reaches the summit level in Summit Cutting. Pitt's Head road bridge is in the background. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tim Evans and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

Progress over the weekend was 9 panels on Saturday reaching the summit in Summit Cutting complete with "Golden Spike" celebration. Four "golden" Pandrol clips (spray-painted yellow with surveying paint) were ceremonially fastened onto a sleeper where the party decided the summit level had been reached. The weather on Saturday was glorious, bright and sunny and (almost too) hot. Sunday was a total contrast, dull, grey, showers of rain followed by more showers of rain. Despite this, 10 panels were also completed on Sunday. However, the ICRS party finished work in time on Sunday to catch the 1520 Garratt hauled train to Caernarfon and then back to Dinas, where their mini-bus had been parked and was awaiting them for the journey back to London. Most of the students had not travelled on the WHR before, hence the earlier finish on Sunday.

This southerly view (18/6/06) shows the Head of Steel just north of LC69 at the end of Summit Cutting. The alignment makes a sharp dogleg to Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting which is in the gap in the trees to the right. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tim Evans and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

The weekend tracklaying used up all available rail, leaving only one spare length in the 2 foot near Pitt's Head bridge. The 19 panels laid advanced the railhead by 342m from just south of Pitt's Head road bridge to Ch.16340 (approx.), one panel north of LC69. Less than 200m of ballasted trackbed are left for the North Wales Track Gang for next weekend before the works for Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting intervene. Sleepers were also laid on the ballast up to LC 69. A small group also continued with replacement of fishplate washers to the latest standard on previously laid panels.

Top Ballast

The Phase 4 ballast train has been out and about and top ballast has reached LC67 at Ch.15480. However, tamping is still required.

It's all downhill from here!

Tracklayers passed Summit Cutting on 18/6/06 in damp weather. There is less than 200m (one good weekend's tracklaying) of ballasted trackbed available ahead of them before the delayed Pont Cae'r Gors cutting works force a temporary hold in the programme.

This southerly view (18/6/06) shows the Head of Steel approaching LC69, an accommodation crossing just south of Summit Cutting. Tracklayers will be helped from now on by a downhill gradient. The dog-leg in the alignment is clear as the trackbed heads for the main road to the left of the trees and then swerves right into the gap in the trees which marks the site of Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Steve Harris and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

Phase 4 plans and progress

Good weather in recent weeks has seen fast progress constructing Phase 4. James Cyf. has ballasted north from the McAlpine bridge at UB131 (Ch.17500 approx.) to near the south end of Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting (Ch.16800 approx.) and is also busy reconstructing Section 4B south from Canal Curve (Ch.18700) to the north end of the Beddgelert Forest campsite (Ch.19600). The remaining section south of UB131 to the site of Hafod Ruffydd Halt will be ballasted as soon as UB131 is completed, as the trackbed is required for access by bridge construction vehicles.

The engineering shortcuts taken by the cash strapped companies of 1908/22 are causing difficulties for the WHRCL at Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting. The cutting itself appears unnecessary as a surface route is available just a few metres to the east alongside the Afon Colwyn. The alignment takes a sharp dogleg into the cutting showing it may have been an afterthought! The cutting was probably used as a source of spoil for the extensive embankments to the south. Problems discovered by James Cyf. reveal that the cutting was never properly completed. The sides of the cutting have now been regraded to a much shallower angle than they were, as suggested by the detailed soil specialist investigation report. However, it has been found that when it rains the bottom metre of the cutting sides is unstable and slumps into the cutting, possibly because the boulder clay suffered acid weathering when the cutting was part filled with peat. To cure this problem some simple retaining walls are required to help support the bottom metre or so of the cutting sides.

Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting was originally excavated right down to the surface of some very hard rock. The rock has been found to be so hard that the excavator mounted rock pecker can hardly scratch it! It looks very much as though when this part of the 1908 NWNGR/PBSSR route was being reconstructed in the 1920's for the WHR there was largely no ballast under the sleepers. Current engineering standards dictate that this is unacceptable. With a bit of cunning adjustment to the levels south of the cutting the WHRCL has been able to lift the track level by approximately 30cm to get a proper ballast bed below the sleepers for probably the first time in WHR history. The race is now on to complete the cutting as quickly as possible because track laying will be approaching this location in early July!

Further south, consulting engineers Arup Rail have been appointed for the section south from Bryn-y-felin bridge and have already started turning the WHRCL engineers' outline designs into the detailed specifications needed to go out to tender for the various work sections. The same consultant was appointed a few weeks ago for the CTRL in Porthmadog.

KMX tamper news

A start will be made soon on the commissioning of the new KMX tamper. Delays in refitting the hydraulic accumulators that were removed for servicing before the machine was delivered to Dinas are now past and the various other outstanding issues resolved. HMRI have inspected the machine and given approval for its use subject to a few minor additions such as additional safety labelling. After a bit of a set back last week when a piece of equipment was accidentally damaged, with luck the WHRCL is not far off being able to get the KMX into service.

A5 reopens

The A5, which had been blocked at the unstable Ty Nant cutting west of Corwen, reopened on 17/6/06 via the old road through Ty Nant bends following resurfacing work on that section. The A5 is one of three key holiday routes to the WHR. There is a weight restriction for HGVs. Work is programmed to start on the unstable cutting soon and will take about six months.

Brakevan ready for use

The South African Brake van has permission for use on the WHR main line once it has had an examination by FR. The HMRI had no objection to it. Marcus Ingram is appealing for some one to upholster one seat cushion for the Brake van. If any one out there can help could they contact him directly on marcus.ingram@ntlworld.com. The Brake van is then ready for the construction teams working on Phase 4. After a shunt of wagons, two of the three remaining DZs will be overhauled at Dinas in the coming months to enlarge the WHR's freight train for special events.

This northerly view (11/6/06) shows the recently completed ex-SAR brakevan. The van was shunted into the Dock Siding at Dinas by the end of May. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Marcus Ingram and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

This internal view (11/6/06) shows the recently completed ex-SAR brakevan, with the seat that requires upholstering on the right. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Marcus Ingram and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

Tuesday Gang progress

On 13/6/06 the Tuesday Gang regained access to the trackbed and laid 3 panels south of Pitt's Head road bridge after volunteers had cut back the leading rail to restore parallel joints.

This northerly view (13/6/06) shows the track laid that day south of Pitt's head bridge. The new drainage can be seen on the right. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

Pitt's Head progress

There was no progress tracklaying south of Pitt's Head bridge over the weekend of 9-10/6/06 as the trackbed was occupied by James Cyf. improving the drainage. The weekend's Black Hand Gang built pointwork in Dinas yard. Sleepers were laid out alongside the track by the Tuesday Gang on 6/6/06.

This southerly view (10/6/06) shows the installation of the new concrete troughing on the east side of Summit Cutting. Hopefully this will drain the cutting better than the slotted drains that Phasey installed. These were wrapped in geotextile which had become clogged with peat fines and water had begun to flow over the surface again. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Ben Fisher and was taken on a Minolta digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

GCC Bryn-y-felin roadworks

Gwynedd County Council had planned to renew Bryn-y-felin road bridge last Winter (in advance of the placement of the new Bryn-y-felin railway bridge in March) but no progress was made. Instead their annual 'WHR bridgeworks' budget seems to have been spent on the Castell Cidwm approach embankment walling (now completed on the west side). In early June, the A498 road overbridge at Bryn-y-felin was subject to test borings to investigate the approach embankments.

The work to replace the badly rusted and propped Bryn-y-felin bridge deck is now expected to take place in the Winter to avoid causing congestion in the busy holiday season. The WHRCL will require access through the bridge early next year as the reinstatement of the formation moves into the Aberglaslyn Pass. The timing of its completion is critical as otherwise the WHRCL contractors will need to access the Aberglaslyn Pass via Nantmor Level crossing, in the same way that the National Trust contractors did in recent years for their Fisherman's Path improvement works.

This northerly view (31/3/05) of OB173, the A498 main road bridge, shows the appearance of the propped rusty bridge deck before GCC rebuild the bridge with a new concrete deck next Winter. The bridge will probably require walling or crash barriers on its approach embankments to comply with new safety requirements on Highway Authorities since the Heck Accident. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B.W.Hughes and was captured on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Iphoto+4 and displayed at 96dpi.

EAG progress

Wagon No.5001 has been identified as the vehicle the WHR will use as a "runner" to accompany the KMX tamper. It will be painted the same yellow colour as the KMX, coincidentally the same specification as a well-known make of mechanical digger (JCB!). Consequently, the East Anglian Group "EAGles" have dubbed the wagon the "Yellow Peril"! Good progress was made on both dates.

The newly re-gauged and re-wheeled vehicle has received modifications to the existing brake gear. The original brake hanger lugs on the frame cross members were ground off, and re-welded closer together. The cross shaft was modified similarly. The brake hangers were refitted and repositioned further inwards, to suit the narrower track gauge of the WHR. The brake gear was trial fitted over the weekend of the 10/6/06 and now awaits final assembly and adjustment.

The original RNAD coupling gear is being modified to accept standard FR/WHR chopper coupling assemblies. This work includes modifications to the headstocks and drag boxes to enable the larger degree of lateral swing required by the "chopper" style of coupling. Member Tom Skinner generously paid for a steel tool "safe" to be mounted on the deck of the wagon, and this arrived on Saturday 10/6/06. The underframe and wheels have been primed and now await application of yellow paint.

This view (10/6/06) shows the wagon body being altered. This view was taken at the EAG's Mill Green site, near Horseheath, Cambridgeshire. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright R Watson and was taken on a Sony Cybershot DSC-P73 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

Pont Croesor plans

John Sreeves, the WHR's volunteer Bridge Engineer, is currently designing the Pont Croesor bridge (UB212), having already designed the three major river bridges to the north and Nantmor Road bridge. Pont Croesor bridge consists of an 8 span bridge on the existing piers, the lintels of which were replaced with concrete in the 1922 WHR rebuild. The distance of the centreline from the face of the parallel road bridge, which shares the same piers, is about 1.5m. The top of the road bridge coping stones is at or about rail level so it does not interfere with the railway. The aluminium highway parapet is set back and tapers away so that the top is over 0.5m clear of the kinematic envelope. This is in excess of the clearance accepted under the NWNGR bridges on Phases 2 and 3. A generous walkway will be cantilevered off the west side for the purpose of emergency detrainment.

Summit Cutting

Contractors were still at work on Summit cutting on 6/6/06, replacing Phasey's drainage and straightening the cutting. As a result the Tuesday Gang was unable to make any progress with tracklaying and the North Wales Track Gang made no further progress south over the weekend.

Team Wylfa report 6/6/06

Team Wylfa were working on carriage maintenance this week. They attended to both bike wagons and some of the coaches.

K1 report

K1 is still up in the air in the Loco Shed as its axleboxes have gone away to Boston Lodge for attention.

WHR(P) progress

WHR(P) volunteers have completed tracklaying into Traeth Mawr loop. All that remains is the north end loop point and headshunt and the loop will be completed. Over the past week at the of May, Farmyard Farm crossing was laid, together with the remaining 18m of Polish 60lb rail. The remainder of the line is the temporary loop at Traeth Mawr, and uses 75lb rail with pandrol baseplates on wooden sleepers. Of this, 34m of reverse curve, 1 R/H turnout, and 70m of the 'Platform' Road has been laid, together with 24m of loop road. In addition more second level ballasting has been completed, advancing north from Cynfal crossing.

Images of progress are available at WHR(P)'s extension website.

Bryn-y-felin bridge

On 26/5/06 Williams' staff were back on site at Bryn-y-felin, putting the finishing touches to the bridge, which they had constructed. The bridge deck was realignment by about 1cm and workers also fixed the hand rail. The holding down bolts were applied to the fixed western end, the other end being free to slide on its original expansion joint phosphor bronze plates bridge now the structure is in its final position. The alignment was critical as a sharp right hand curve begins after the bridge and there had to be clearance for the kinematic envelope. Williams has started work on the two almost identical bridges for the river crossings of the Afon Nanmor and Dylif, further south, which are due to be installed this Winter.

This westerly view (20/4/06) shows the new Bryn-y-felin bridge. The alignment needed adjusting slightly to ensure the sharp curve in the foreground allowed sufficient clearance for carriage end throw. 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.

Rhyd Ddu tamper shed solar panel

A south facing solar panel has been fitted to the roof of the Rhyd Ddu KMX tamper shed. This could provide power for the shed, which does not have its own electric supply. It is believed the shed is designed to be portable to reduce distances that the tamper has to travel to the Head of Steel.

This southerly view (30/5/06) shows No.138 running north through the westerly platform face past the new temporary tamper shed. Operations switched to right hand running a few days later. By 3/6/06, the shed had acquired a solar panel facing south. 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 4/6/06

The Rest Of The World gang did not lay track under Pitt's Head bridge until Sunday evening (4/6/06) due to having to deal with kinked curved rail laid earlier. The weekend was mainly spent relaying the right-hand curve to the latest method, with the rail joints staggered by half a rail length. This method gave a much smoother curve without kinks. Some of the very kinked rail had to be discarded along the way.

This northerly view (4/6/06) shows the Head of Steel emerging from Pitt's Head road bridge. Work south of here must pause until James Cyf. excavates Phasey's drains and replaces them with open top channels. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tim Evans and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

The latest policy is to lay track in conventional panels up to 200m radius. From 200-100m radius, track will be laid with rail joints staggered by half a rail length. For curves tighter than 100m radius, specially pre-bent rail is being discussed. Fortunately curves of this tightness (the two S bends) are still some way off down in the lower parts near Beddgelert.

It will be interesting to see if the previous Pitt's Head Left-hand curve is re-laid in future, using the latest method of staggered rail joints, as this still has some significant kinks in it. Next weekend's track laying will be again on the straight so hopefully some significant progress with be made in the next few weeks, subject to sufficient materials being available. Beddgelert Forest beckons!

Phase 4 plans

James Cyf. have already completed much of the work contouring the cutting on the forest (west) side to the recommended angle. The east side, where the forest track runs, is also to be regraded. The programme is for completion by 27/6/06 including excavating to correct depth, firming up trackbed with hard core, adding drainage and ballasting - just in time for the track layers!

These views (3/6/06) show the James excavators making short work of Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting. The first (northerly) view shows the side facing the forest track being scraped back to the recommended angle of rest. The second (westerly) view shows a little more attention being given to the completed westerly side of the cutting. James have just three weeks to finish the cutting and have already worked on a Saturday! Click on the images to enlarge. These images are copyright Mike Hart and were taken on a digital camera. Images post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

This is the latest programme for contractors GH James Cyf. received at the end of May:

SECTION 3 (Pont Cae'r Gors - Old Hafod Ruffydd Halt LC71, Ch.16500 to 18000 approx.)
· Contract with GH James.
· Revised completion date for all works, other than cutting, is 16 June.
· Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting stabilisation started week commencing 29 May. Completion, including ballasting, to be 27/6/06.

SECTION 4A (LC71 - Canal Curve, Ch.18000 to Ch.18700 approx.)
· Contract with GH James.
· Completion on 15/6/06.

SECTION 4B (Canal Curve - Campsite, Ch.18700 to 19600 approx.)
· Contract with GH James.
· Setting out started week commencing 29/5/06. Completion due by 28/7/06.

SECTION 5A (Beddgelert Campsite- Ty'n-y-coed, Ch.19600 to 20500 approx.)
· Contract with GH James.
· Snagging list completed.

SECTION 5B (Ty'n-y-coed - Cwm Cloch, Ch.20500 to 21100 approx.)
· Contract with GH James.
· Programmed 10/7/06 start and completion due 8/8/06 (excluding concrete stream bridge UB156 at Ty'n-y-coed which is in Contract section 6 - as there are other stream bridges in that contract).

Other contracts to be let soon include:-

SECTION 6 (Cwm Cloch bridge (UB158) - Top Beddgelert Station - Ch.21100 to 22100 approx.)
· Design work on cutting completed.
· Civils design completed and invitations to tender documents issued.

SECTION 7 (Beddgelert Station)
· Detailed Civils design underway with work planned to start Autumn 2006.

SECTION 8 (Beddgelert Station - Bryn-y-felin)
· Detailed Civils design underway with work planned to start Autumn 2006.

Tamper computer programming

The new KMX tamper is stabled inside the Goods Shed at Dinas while work continues on some of its more advanced features. Roland Doyle is understood to be the consultant applying his programming skills so that these features can be used to make a top quality finish of Phase 4 tracklaying. The section immediately south of Rhyd Ddu will provide a formidable challenge as the previous contractor left an undulating trackbed (even from rail length to rail length!) that will require more ballast than anticipated to make smooth. Fortunately the new contractor is providing a much more evenly graded formation south from Pont Cae'r Gors.

Progress on Phase 4

Sleepers have been stockpiled at UB150, near Beddgelert Forest Halt and up the forest track from Pont Cae'r Gors as there is a lack of space at LC70 itself. Hard core has been stockpiled on Canal Curve at Ch.18700 as James Cyf. prepares to switch attention to the section south of Hafod Ruffydd Halt, following of completion of the trackbed north from there.

These views (2/6/06) show sleepers stacked in the Beddgelert Forest. The first shows sleepers at the north end of UB150. Another stack can be seen at LC77 at the far end of the bridge. The second shows sleepers and ballast stored up the forest track from Pont Cae'r Gors as there is limited space at that location. 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.

Concrete work on UB133 was completed by 2/6/06 and work was due to start on UB131 in June. This bridge has a suspect deck that used old rails as reinforcing bars! With the completion of Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting also due in June, the 1 km section south towards UB131 at Ch.17500 is expected to be ballasted and released for tracklayers this Summer.

These views from the Beddgelert Forest (29/5/06) show UB131 and UB133. The first image shows the original rails used as reinforcing in the deck of UB131. The second image shows the final section of new wing wall being cast to protect from river scour. 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.

A contract is about to be let for construction of the section covering the lower S curve from Ch.21100 to Ch.22100 that leads up to the station limits at Beddgelert. It is hoped that all these sections can be released for tracklaying by the end of the year as the track advances by up to 200m per weekend! Project managers are about to be appointed for the environmentally sensitive sections through Beddgelert Station and on from there through the Aberglaslyn Pass and down the Nantmor Incline to Traeth Mawr (the northern extension of the WHR(P) works).

The two river bridges across the Afon Nanmor and Dylif are under construction in Caernarfon at the same manufacturer who made the Bryn-y-felin bridge. They will go in during this Winter (while the Ospreys are away!). Work is also being done on the design of the Pont Croesor bridge.

Rails to Rhyd Ddu

In preparation for the big tracklaying push during June, the rail train carried a maximum load of 14 bundles of 3 rails (some 380m of track-enough to pass Summit Cutting) to Rhyd Ddu on 1/6/06. Upnor Castle hauled the bolster wagon to Dinas in the morning, crossing the first Up working at Waunfawr. The bolster wagon was loaded around midday and waited for a return path in the evening around 1755, departing Dinas after the 1740 had departed for Caernarfon and allowed the shunt token to be released. Upnor Castle had to be knocked into first gear for the steep climb from the dip under the A487 road bridge at Dinas but did well thereafter!

The train waited for the last service to pass at Waunfawr at 1850, treating surprised passengers to the rare site of a genuine freight train on the line! Finally arriving in Rhyd Ddu in the new right hand running platform, the train was shunted into the siding. A video feature 'Rails to Rhyd Ddu' was shot in widescreen DV by your webmaster for inclusion in the next Phase 4 Update due to be released as a DVD for SuperPower2006.

These northerly views (1/6/06) show Upnor Castle with the rail bolster being loaded at Dinas, stabled in the bay and waiting to depart for Rhyd Ddu. 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.

These northerly views (1/6/06) show Upnor Castle with the rail bolster waiting to cross the last passenger train at Waunfawr and passing Pont Betws. 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.

These northerly views (1/6/06) show Upnor Castle with the rail bolster arriving in the westerly platform (newly opened that day), and stabled in the siding at Rhyd Ddu. 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.

Rhyd Ddu completed

Rhyd Ddu station was recently completed with the tarmac surfacing of the crossing and safety zone on the west side of the line.

This northerly view (2/6/06) shows No.143 arriving at the new westerly platform face. The loco is about to cross the newly tarmaced footpath crossing. The new sign pole is for the future 'Obtain token before proceeding' sign when the through route is opened at Easter 2009. 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 station has also acquired a resident pigeon which is so tame it has been at risk of becoming fried chicken as the pistons exhaust on the platform! Roosting in the shelter has also created a few problems!!

This easterly view (2/6/06) shows Rhyd Ddu station's resident pigeon. At least the running in boards now face the arriving train, now that right hand running has been instituted. 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.

Track reaches Pitt's Head bridge

A combined effort by the North Wales Track Gang (last weekend), the Tuesday Gang (30/5) and the WHR's own track gang on 1-2/6, saw the rest of the World gang reach Pitt's Head road bridge on 3/6/06. South of here the drainage put in by Phasey was removed by James Cyf. from the cess by 2/6/06. The geotextile wrapping of the slotted drains was getting clogged by the fine peat silt, causing water to flow over the surface. Work was underway by James Cyf. on 3/6/06 straightening up the long straight through Summit Cutting in advance of tracklaying over the next few weekends. There is only 500m of ballasted trackbed available south of the bridge to Pont Cae'r Gors, about 3/4 weekends worth of tracklayers activity in good conditions!

This northerly view (2/6/06) shows the Head of Steel as it was left one length short of Pitt's Head road bridge by the WHR's paid staff ready for the weekend gang to lay track through the bridge and onto the long Summit Straight beyond. 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 (2/6/06) shows work underway to improve Phasey's drainage of Summit Cutting. The slotted drains they installed have been removed. These are being replaced with pre-cast open top concrete U sections. It is essential this work is completed before tracklayers pass through and reduce access to construction vehicles. Tracklayers were laying under Pitt's Head bridge on 2/6/06! 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.

On 31/5/06, surveyors marked out Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting with sighting boards and on 2/6/06 James Cyf. contoured the sides to the recommended angle of rest. These works are just in time as it was hoped that the track gang would advance along the straight Summit Cutting length quickly through June.

This southerly view (2/6/06) shows James Cyf's big excavator made short work of scraping the sides of Pont Cae'r Gors cutting to the required angle of rest. 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.

Rhyd Ddu switches to RH running

Following tamping, Rhyd Ddu loop was approved for right hand running for 3/6/06. However, use commenced from the 1625 arrival on Thursday 1/6/06. Sadly, a recent lightning strike had fried the electronics and, as the white light advising the correct set of the points does not work, one of the footplate crew still has to get out and clip the points! See Star Picture above.

Porthmadog Cross-Town Link appointment

To further strengthen the WHRCL engineering team, David High will be joining the Company on 1/7/06 as WHR Porthmadog Cross-Town Rail Link (CTRL) Project Manager. He will look after building the line across the town, as well as the redevelopment of Harbour Station to handle WHR trains, working in conjunction with WHRCL CTRL Director Roger Dick.

Arup Rail Ltd. are working in support of the CTRL project and are charged with the detailed design and construction of the WHR from the Britannia Bridge (adjacent to Porthmadog Harbour Station), through to the north side of the Network Rail Cambrian Coast line railway crossing. R. Broun consultant engineers are similarly involved with the reorganisation of the Central Car Park, which is being significantly expanded onto adjacent derelict land (formerly the Porthmadog Gasworks), to help provide parking for the increased number of visitors who are expected to be attracted to the town by the new Railway. This will also more than compensate for the loss of a slice of the car park for the railway's deviation and possible loop.

The expanded CTRL team complements the WHRCL civil engineering staff based at its Dinas offices. That team, led by WHRCL Manager Pete Gray, comprises Alasdair Stewart, Owen Duncan and Stuart McNair, who are looking after the engineering work involved in reconstructing the railway from Rhyd Ddu to the north side of NR crossing.

Chartered Engineer David High has been associated with the FfR & WHR for much of his professional life. Previously employed with Caernarfon based consultant engineers Datrys, he has been actively involved in reconstructing much of the WHR, and enjoys spending his spare time working on FfR where he is a volunteer locomotive driver.

Mike Hart, Chairman of WHRCL said, "We are very lucky indeed to have such a dedicated and skilled team, all working hard together to ensure the completion of the Welsh Highland Railway ready for the opening of the line through to Porthmadog at Easter 2009."

Tracklaying update 23/5/06

On 23/5/06 the Tuesday Gang completed the Engineers' Siding at Rhyd Ddu, including the construction of the buffer stop. The siding was previously planned to be near the road but in the end has turned out to be parallel to the stock stabling siding under the water tower. If it had been constructed next to the road, the roadside wall would have had to be rebuilt as a retaining wall at greater expense. This revised plan also leaves more space for deliveries e.g. ballast, but the siding is necessarily shorter.

It is presumed a buffer stop will also be added to the stock stabling siding when it is no longer required by the KMX tamper shed. Volunteers ballasted the Engineers' Siding and then moved on to the first 100 yards of Phase 4, preparing for tamping using the now repaired Matisa tamper. They dug the holes in the ballast for the pot jacks every 4th sleeper to level the track.

This northerly view (23/5/06) shows the buffer stops being constructed on the PW siding next to the water tower in Rhyd Ddu Yard. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

K1 progress 21/5/06

Following the bogie swap on Castell Caernarfon, FR fitters resumed work on K1 in May 2006. The loco was moved to the Loco Shed in mid-May and lifted off its wheelsets again on 19/5/06. Having dealt with the lubrication issues previously, it was anticipated that alignment of the bearing was the issue causing the hot axlebox. The axlebox is to be taken to Boston Lodge if re-machining required.

The K1 Group working party over the weekend of 20-21/5/06 checked the mechanical lubrication system, including the steam ball joints and the simple/compound changeover valve. Attention will also be given to improving the reliability of the injectors and eliminating leaks on the main steam pipe. The GM has referred to the sticking regulator leading to 'exciting driving' so this has been dismantled for inspection. It is hoped to put K1 back together as quickly as possible so that it may be tested, certificated and enter traffic, possibly as a Summer draw to encourage more passengers or for Super Power in September.

Working Lunch TV programme

The BBC2 TV programme Working Lunch broadcast on 23/5/06 contains several minutes of WHR commentary on both train operations and Phase 4, with live coverage of the Tuesday Gang tracklaying in Rhyd Ddu Yard on 16/5/06. It may be streamed from the link below. The feature is about 2/3 the way through the programme. Click on this link for the streaming content of Working Lunch (not available outside the UK).

Tracklaying progress to 21/5/06

Paul Bradshaw's 'Rest Of The World Gang' laid 4 panels over a rather wet weekend taking the Head of Steel onto the straight section before the right hand curve under Pitt's Head road bridge. Shortage of available rail hampered further progress. Sleepers were laid out on the ballast almost up to Pitt's Head bridge. It is understood rails were not curved hydraulically as this process is still under development.

By 20/5/06, the Matisa tamper, now (it is believed) repaired, was occupying the new part constructed PW siding. The tamper will soon be used to tamp the westerly track of the loop to get the right levels against the platform. Following this the station can finally changeover to right hand running, saving the train crew the onerous task of clipping the points! Elsewhere on Phase 4, James Cyf. has started work on re-profiling the north end of Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting.

These views (21/5/06) at the Head of Steel in Pitt's Head Cutting show the progress made on the wet weekend of the Beer Festival. The drainage is just about coping with the deluge but some minor damage has been sustained and is being repaired. Click on the images to enlarge. These images are courtesy Tim Evans and were taken on a digital camera. Images post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

Beer Festival workings

Upnor Castle's top and tail workings on the shuttle were sadly short lived as on Sunday, it developed wheel flats and the Funkey had to work alone. Castell Caernarfon propelled the train in the Waunfawr-Caernarfon direction, with a look-out in carriage No.1001's brake compartment using the carriage's klaxon as required. The short turn round time planned for push-pull workings did not allow for running round.

This southerly view (21/5/06) shows the hybrid Funkey Castell Caernarfon on the shuttle working at Dinas still using Vale of Ffestiniog's bogies. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Bruce Brayne and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

A5 closure

The A5 is to be closed (possibly several months) from Friday 26/5 due to the dangerous instability of the rock face at Ty Nant Cutting a few miles west of the Bala A494 junction (currently subject to long delays in peak periods due a long term traffic lights). People driving to Caernarfon via the A55 are not affected but those travelling via the A5 to Rhyd Ddu, Beddgelert, Ffestiniog or Porthmadog might be advised to travel via Bala and Trawsfynydd.

Tamper shed arrives at Rhyd Ddu

The long container to be used as a secure shed for the new KMX tamper was installed on the Stock Siding at Rhyd Ddu by 19/5/06. It is likely to be June before the tamper is stabled in the shed for regular use on Phase 4 and this will only happen after extensive testing and modifications at Dinas prove successful.

This northerly view (19/5/05) shows the container that forms the KMX tamper shed positioned on the new stock siding at Rhyd Ddu. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Bruce Brayne and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

RAIL ALE Festival 19-21/5/06

The Rail Ale festival was a bit wet but this at least gave good condensation of steam and encouraged people into the dry of the Goods shed! No. 138 hauled the first train and Castell Caernarfon hauled the shuttle with Mess Van 1001, as seen on the Caernarfon Webcam (office hours only!). A repaired No. 143 hauled the 1220 to Rhyd Ddu. There was some sunshine in the afternoon and Upnor Castle and Castell Caernarfon topped and tailed the shuttle.

A leaflet is available giving details of this year's Beer Festival which features 40 real ales, based on the Goods Shed at Dinas. Live music will feature in the Goods Shed, including jazz and local groups. Food will also be available as well as WHRS and FR sales stands.

The festival takes place over three days with three different train services. The Friday and Saturday see 15 departures from Caernarfon, including the shuttle to Dinas. There are evening trains to Waunfawr on the same days with a latest return of 2240 from Waunfawr to Caernarfon! Sadly these evening workings are not extended to Rhyd Ddu despite the appearance of the Cwellyn Arms in the list of participating pubs! Other pubs offering real ales include the Black Boy Inn, Caernarfon and the Snowdonia Park Brewpub at Waunfawr. The Weekend Rover ticket costs £17.50 and is available in advance from the FR at 01766 516000.

This northerly view (14/5/06) shows No.140's boiler unit alongside No.133 at Dinas bay platform showing how much wider the diameter of the NG16 boiler is compared to that of the NG15. 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.

By 11/5/06 there were some loco movements at Dinas in preparation for the Festival. K1 vacated the Goods Shed so that the space can be made ready for 'Rail Ale'. No.140's boiler module was moved down from the Loco Shed head shunt to the buffer stops at the head of the bay platform release road next to No.133. No.138 and the Funkey are confirmed available for traffic and No.143 may return to service if its water tank leak is cured in time.

This southerly view (14/5/06) shows the hybrid Funkey 'Vale of Caernarfon' operating the second train of the day out of Dinas. Castell Caernarfon will run on Vale of Ffestiniog's bogies until its own wheelsets return. The loco will be available during the Beer Festival. 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.

Carriage news 19/5/06

Ex-FR Obs. No.100 is now back on bogies. The type used are the ex-SAR diamond frame including the one which Team Wylfa recently stripped and overhauled the axleboxes and bearing journals. The vehicle is nearly ready to perform its duties as a departmental service/mess van vehicle on Phase 4.

This easterly view (19/5/05) shows the Phase 4 Mess Coach (now back on bogies) at Dinas in the Dock Siding. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Bruce Brayne and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

Class 37s on the Cambrian 20/5/06

Another double headed Class 37 excursion is due on the Cambrian Coast on Saturday 20/5. This time the train is going all the way to Pwllheli! The train originates from Sheffield and travels via Birmingham New Street. 1Z48 arrives at Pwllheli at 1405 and departs as 1Z49 at 1622. The train is likely to drop a loco off at Machynlleth as before as the Barmouth bridge is not yet passed for double headed locos.

WHR on TV 23/5/06

On 16/5/06, the Tuesday Gang commenced laying the Engineers' PW Siding at Rhyd Ddu and finished 2 of the 3 panels required. South African rails are being screwed to wooden sleepers. The siding should be finished next week. Volunteers were filmed at work by the BBC for a BBC2 programme called "Working Lunch" which was transmitted nationally at 12:30 pm on Tuesday 23/5/06.

This southerly view (16/5/05) shows the construction of the PW siding at Rhyd Ddu by the Tuesday Gang. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

Castell Cidwm bridge repair

By 14/5/06, the GCC contractor had finished the roadside walling on the north west side and commenced work on the southwest approaches.

Phase 4 plans and progress to 17/5/06

More detail has emerged about the recently completed geodetics engineering survey of ground conditions for the steep sided Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting. The WHRCL's consultant engineers Datrys have produced the detailed specification and drawings for the necessary works. This essentially comprises some grading back of the cutting sides coupled with a careful design of suitably sized drainage ditches to keep the cutting well drained. Datrys' surveyors will be putting up sighting boards in the cutting by 19/5/06 to enable James Cyf. to get the work done. It is essential this cutting is completed soon so as not to delay the rapidly advancing head of steel.

This southerly view (14/5/06) shows Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting immediately prior to James finishing works. The steep boulder clay cutting sides must be pared back to form a stable angle of rest and adequate drainage must be installed on interceptor drains along the west rim of the cutting and cess drainage within the cutting itself. 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 Cyf. is also working on the remaining weak NWNGR/PBSSR bridge UB131 over the Afon Cwm Du. Several loads of ready-mix concrete were pouring into the strengthening moulds on 17/5/06. Work is also in hand in the already ballasted Summit Cutting to straighten the alignment on the west side.

Team Wylfa report 19/5/06

This week Team Wylfa News has completed carriage inspections and repaired the brake on one of the RRMs that had been brought back brakeless from Rhyd Ddu. They finished off the 'F'. Set so both sets have had a good 'going over' in the last two weeks ready for Team Wylfa's 2 week holiday.

K1 news

K1 was due to be lifted high in the air on the jacks in the Loco Shed on 19/5/06 ready for bearing rectification work. If this loco can be finally fixed ready for traffic, the FfR will press it into service, when it has received its single header certificate, as an added attraction for the Summer Season.

KMX tamper running truck plans

With the KMX tamper rapidly being readied for use on Phase 4, the East Anglian Group (EAG) has been asked to finish off one of the ex-RNAD flats for use as its running truck. This is because of the need to keep the cabs, with their electronic equipment, ‘office clean’ and clear of tools, grease and general clutter. The EAG has therefore decided to ‘fast track’ the example known as EAG 5 (to become WHR 5001). The refurbishment will be as a fixed low sided wagon, to retain tamping tools and the necessary drums of lubricants, yet allowing the tamper operator a good view forwards when propelling the wagon. Some details, such as a bund to retain oil spillage and a form of secure storage, have yet to be finalised.

EAG volunteers took a significant step forward during the working session on Saturday 13/5/06, when the wagon was re-wheeled using wheel sets re-gauged by the Tal-y-llyn Railway. The lugs supporting the brake gear were ground off, and are to be re-welded in new locations to suit the revised track gauge. Volunteers have begun priming the chassis in preparation for painting. The overall colour scheme will be “JCB Yellow” with black running gear, to generally match the livery of the KMX.

This image (13/5/06) shows EAG 5 (aka WHR 5001), newly re-wheeled, and awaiting addition of re-gauged brake gear. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright R Watson and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

This graphic shows the wagon as it should appear once completed. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Roger Hornsby. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

B wagon at Boston Lodge

One of the B wagons is currently in use at Boston lodge for coaling the increasing fleet of FR coal fired locos. With Taliesin and Palmerston recently fitted with firebox grid spark arrestors, the two locos have been used on trains all the way to Blaenau Ffestiniog in recent months, thus saving the FR money on increasingly expensive fuel oil.

This southerly view (20/4/06) shows a B wagon in use as a coaling wagon at Boston Lodge with Palmerston in steam 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.

KMX tamper arrives at Dinas

Final attention was given to the tamper in the second week of May before its despatch to Dinas. One missing hydraulic component will have to be fitted at Dinas that controls the vertical and horizontal displacement of the tamping heads. The tamper has had new branding with 'Ffestiniog and Eryri' crests indicating the joint use envisaged when it has completed its job helping finish the WHR.

These views (14/5/06) show the KMX tamper in Boston Lodge works. The first view shows that the central roof section awaits fitting. The second view shows the new joint branding 'Ffestiniog and Eryri'. The lifting points and slots in the roof for the lifting hawsers can also be seen. The third view shows the near complete tamping mechanism with the new tension bar that prevents excessive bending force on the main top beam of the tamper. 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.

The KMX tamper was craned off its transport at Dinas at lunchtime on 16/5/06. The tamper will undergo primary tests in the sidings at Dinas. There will be additions to the computerised aligning equipment which will also need to be tested before the machine is released for line trials on Phase 4, hopefully in June.

These southerly views (16/5/05) show the tamper being unloaded from an articulated lorry on the track outside the Goods Shed at Dinas. The vehicle has acquired its full length roof since being observed in Boston Lodge on Sunday. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Owen Duncan (WHRCL) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

The KMX tamper project will have cost the FR less than a tenth of the cost of a new machine (approx. £1.5 million). The costs were roughly 1/3 each for purchase, parts and services, and labour costs to rebuild it.

Beddgelert Forest Halt complete

Work on the platform at Beddgelert Forest Halt has now been completed. The kerbs at the back edge of the platform have been concreted in place and the top tarmac surface has been laid. All that is needed now is the track, which may be laid through here before the end of the year if all goes well.

This northerly view (14/5/05) shows the completed Beddgelert Forest Halt platform. 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.

Beddgelert water tank project

On 13/5/06 a party of six volunteers - Michael Hadley, Mick Yarker, Bob Brown, Anthony Pritchett, Paul Townsend and John Hine of the West Midlands Group - arrived at Dinas to make a start on the construction of the larger of the two water tanks that will serve northbound steam locos at Beddgelert station. They were met by the project supervisor, Cedric Lodge, who, after delivering a useful updated site and safety induction, led the way to the South Yard's "open-air materials store". Cedric has previously been instrumental in getting the Waunfawr tank completed.

This view (14/5/05) shows the Braithwaite panels for the new Beddgelert water tower being sorted in the South Yard at Dinas. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright John Hine and was taken on a Canon A95 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

The tasks were:-

a) to select and extract enough good 4' x 4' Braithwaite panels to make the tank

b) to construct a base upon which the panels can be bolted together.

Both of these targets were achieved by 1700 on Sunday 14 May. The panels were stacked in the North Yard ready to be taken away for galvanizing and the Mark 2 temporary base, which replaced Saturday's "experimental" structure, was completed. The panels will be erected on this structure near the South Yard workshop.

This view (14/5/05) shows the new temporary wooden frame that the Beddgelert water tank will be erected on near the Loco Shed at Dinas. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright John Hine and was taken on a Canon A95 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

Penmorfa model railway exhibition

This annual event is taking place in the village hall on Sunday 28/5 and Monday 29/5/06.

Loco news

No.143's water tank has sprung a leak and the loco has been sidelined. It is hoped the loco will be ready for the May 28th services when two steam locos are required. One of No.87's power bogies have been taken into Boston Lodge as the loco restoration is now commencing. The hybrid Funkey 'Vale of Caernarfon' was operating the second train on 14/5/06 using Vale of Ffestiniog's power bogies, whilst awaiting repair of its own axles. Meanwhile Vale of Ffestiniog is again on accommodation bogies in Boston Lodge.

This northerly view (14/5/05) shows one of No.87's bogies at Boston Lodge at the start of the refurbishment programme. 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.

Rail reaches Pitt's Head Cutting

The North Wales Track Gang laid rail to reach the first bend at Pitt's Head Cutting by 14/5/06. They also worked on ballasting and clipping track near the station. Dolgarrog ran back and forth along the length conveying materials to the Head of Steel. Rain closed in during the afternoon and curtailed further progress. Progress was relatively limited as the experiment with the new hydraulic rail bender has proved that alternative working methods might be necessary. The machine is much lighter weight than the older type and so more easy to use. However, the work takes time and care to obtain the correct continuous radius. Pete Gray is therefore considering with the track gang leaders how the WHRCL might best prepare curved rails in advance so they are ready for use. That process, whatever it proves to be, will settle down over next few weeks.

This northerly roadside view (14/5/05) shows the Head of Steel at the entrance to Pitt's Head 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.

Having laid as much track as possible on Saturday, the cross levels on the section immediately south of Rhyd Ddu were set up correctly and the track aligned. This was followed by dropping ballast from the two hopper wagons, followed by hand packing. This job will be largely automated when the KMX tamper arrives, hopefully next month.

Webcam news

The Webcam Appeal No. 2 has now closed. Some £330 was raised in cash and 2 further cameras donated. This will enable:-

a) the camera just launched at Caernarfon station,

b) another due to be installed at Blaenau Ffestiniog

c) a re-jig to the cameras at Porthmadog.

The camera index has moved and is now at http://www.rheilfforddffestiniog.co.uk/webcams.htm.

Whilst there are still only 3 active cameras, it is hoped to have all 5 available by the end of the month. Keith Bradbury, who organised the appeal, would like to thank David Armitage, Paul Bender, Kim Winter, Martin White, James King, Hazel Fleming, Peter J George, Arie den Dulk, Robert Smallman, Peter Excell, Peter Johnson, and Christopher Sutton, who deserves a special mention as he set the ball rolling for the Caernarfon Cam, by donating in his late wife's name, for the benefit of all.

Arriva Steam Summer specials

Arriva Trains Wales will be running special steam trains on the Cambrian Coast Line throughout the month of August after a sell-out run last year. The steam trains, starting at either Machynlleth or Aberystwyth and running along the Cambrian Coast Line as far as either Porthmadog or Barmouth, will take in some of Wales’ most stunning mountain and coastal scenery. Sights along the line include the white sands of the Mawddach estuary and the famous Barmouth Bridge, Harlech and Criccieth castles, Snowdonia Mountains - and all from the comfort of vintage carriages.

Commenting on the return of steam specials to the line, Graeme Bunker, Managing Director of Arriva Trains Wales, said: “The Cambrian Coast Line is one of the most impressive and picturesque railway routes in the UK and Arriva Trains Wales is committed to promoting its use. The romance and history of steam trains provides a wonderful added attraction to the beauty of the area. Customers told us last year that you just can’t beat the scenery when travelling by steam engine - even those who travel the line regularly.” He added: “I am sure that the month-long steam services will draw a large number of visitors and railway enthusiasts to the Cambrian Coast, many of whom might be visiting Wales for the first time - but not the last."

This westerly roadside view (22/8/05) shows the loco at Porthmadog level crossing having just run round and prior to propelling its rake back into Porthmadog sidings. 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 steam trains will be provided by specialist steam operating company, West Coast Railway Company (WCR), which has run the highly successful ‘Jacobite’ steam train from Fort William in the West Highlands of Scotland for over a decade. As an added bonus, passengers travelling on special steam services between Machynlleth and Porthmadog will be entitled to a 40 per cent discount for the WHR(P) upon presentation of their ticket. A four hour stop in the town will provide an opportunity to explore the WHR(P) and Porthmadog’s other attractions before the return steam journey to Machynlleth.

Steam trains will run on the Cambrian Coast Line between 30 July and 28 August 2006. Services from Machynlleth to Porthmadog will run on Monday, Wednesday and Thursdays with services from Aberystwyth to Barmouth running on Sundays. Tickets for the steam trains are priced at £27 for adults, £20 for children and £85 for a family and can be reserved by calling the dedicated reservation line on 0870 428 4077. Tickets can be booked at any Arriva Trains Wales staffed station from 1 June 2006. Through train tickets are available from Cardiff Central, Shrewsbury, Chester, Crewe, and Birmingham New Street stations on connecting Arriva Trains Wales services on the same date of travel.

Tickets are priced at £32 for adults, £24 for children and £99 for families. Tickets for the WHR(P) can be bought at their ticket office and cost just £2.75 for adults and £1.75 for children upon presentation of an Arriva Trains Wales steam train ticket. For more information visit www.whr.co.uk.

Team Wylfa report 11/5/06

Team Wylfa has been focussed on carriage inspections all this week. Volunteers have been trying to get ahead so that they can leave things in a good state in order to take two weeks holiday after 18/5/06. Team Wylfa will then return on the evening of June 6th.

Weed-killing train

A little known working ran on Tuesday evening (9/5/06). This is the week killing train with Conwy Castle pulling a DZ wagon mounting spraying equipment. This occasional Spring working runs after passenger services and arrived back at Dinas at 7pm.

Tuesday Gang report 9/5/06

On Tuesday 9/5/06 the Tuesday Gang did their first real tracklaying with the Polish/Indian equipment. Most mastered it after an initial struggle. There is definitely a knack to it. It appears that the minimum size gang required is 6. Volunteers completed two lengths of track, some 36 metres, and laid out the sleepers for two more lengths, right up to Pitt's Head Cutting. Hopefully this will increase as the gang gains experience.

This coming weekend (13-14/5/06) should see track enter the first bend since leaving Rhyd Ddu. It has become quite a trek back to Rhyd Ddu from the Head of Steel to get a panad so they took a couple of cars down to Pitt's Head. The distance was measured on a car mileometer and from Head of Steel to the mess it is already 0.6 miles! A steady trickle of new names volunteering for Phase 4 on Tuesdays is reaching Tony Baker by email. Contact details are on the Contacts page.

Speeds and loops

More detail has emerged outlining the FR Co.'s "Level 1 Specification" for the construction of Phase 4 of the WHR. This is the detailed plan that determines the operational possibilities of the railway. The speed requirements are as follows:

1) 25mph (potential) standards (with local restrictions):
Pen-y-Mount to Bryn-y-felin area and
Rhyd Ddu to UB140 (Ch.18500, just north of the Upper S curve in the middle of the Beddgelert Forest)

2) 20mph standards (with local restrictions):
Bryn-y-felin to UB140

Nevertheless while WHRCL has been asked in the above Specification to lay out the line where alignment restrictions permit with curves transitioned for 25mph, at this stage those curves will only be canted for 20mph running. This will give the option of increasing the cant to achieve the higher speed limit mentioned above fairly easily at a later date if required. The "local restrictions" are such as a certain level crossings, station limits, the Goat Tunnel etc.

Land for two possible future loops has been allocated at Porthmadog Central Car park and Hafod-y-llyn (Ch.27000 approx.). These will break up long sections in addition to the loops at Beddgelert and Pont Croesor and allow flexibility for out of course running or for expansion of services in the future.

Webcam news

The Caernarfon Webcam is now available to watch during hours when the ticket office there is open. It is linked from the FR's webcam page and shows a limited view of the station to confirm trains have arrived. The total of donations received stands at £275 on11/5/06. There are also two promised donations of equipment, which will slightly delay ordering. Click on the link below.

FR webcams

No.87 news

A copy of the full set of drawings of the 1936 John Cockerill NG/G16s has been obtained successfully from the Transnet Heritage Library in Johannesburg, South Africa. There are some 203 in all and they will greatly facilitate the reconstruction of No. 87. A set of some 60 boiler drawings has also been acquired for the Hanomag NG/G13 boiler that is carried currently by No. 87. A copy of the drawing which covers the SAR number plates for the cabside, bunker and tank ends has been passed to the pattern maker already. Further efforts have led to the acquisition of a photograph of the Cockerill works plates for No. 87 itself. This is very fortunate as the SAR drawing (unusually) does not show this. The bolt holes on either side of the boiler cradle are some 264mm apart, allowing the photograph to be scaled and drawn for pattern making.

This view (8/5/06) shows No.87's Cockerill works plate. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright David Paling and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

Phase 4 plans

A few jobs on KMX Tamper / Liner remain to be done at Boston Lodge largely arising from initial trials on the FR. The machine will move to Dinas w/c 15/5/06 for full commissioning and training on the sidings there as well as developing the computer track alignment measuring and recording equipment.

The new rail train successfully took 14 bundles (of 3 rails each, so 42 rails in total) from Dinas to Rhyd Ddu on Monday evening (8/5/06) under the direction of Ian Hartill, who has managed the rail transport project, comprising the Dinas rail loading gantry crane and the special rail bolster wagons. Following tracklaying last weekend, plus further work by the Tuesday Gang on 9/5/06, the Head of Steel is nearly at the end of the Rhyd Ddu-Pitts Head straight. A joint volunteer and full time staff weekend is now planned to use the new hydraulic rail bender on the curves at Pitts Head.

The specialist investigation report into the stability of the steep boulder clay sides of Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting has now been received by the WHRCL consultant engineers, Datrys of Caernarfon. Apparently there are no major difficulties and work is expected to involve little more than re-grading of the cutting sides. James Cyf. has already undertaken some interceptor drainage work along the forest boundary on the western lip of the cutting. Datrys will now turn the report recommendations into detail engineering drawings so that the contractor can get the work done. This is important with track laying expected to reach that point within a few weeks.

Datrys has also completed a study of Section 2 (Rhyd Ddu to Pont Cae'r Gors). The section through Summit Cutting is largely bog land and water flow in this difficult area has now settled down, adopting natural routes that interface with the Railway. Previously water had flowed in everywhere onto railway land since the railway was abandoned. The WHRCL is taking the opportunity to make some changes in the drainage regime to better manage water flow on this section. This will primarily consist of changes to some of the side ditches and their connection with incoming water flows. That work will not interfere with track laying progress.

James Cyf's work on re-grading the trackbed on Section 3 (south end of Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting to Hafod Ruffydd Halt) is approaching completion and ballast laying will get underway shortly plus completion of rebuilding the McAlpine concrete bridge. All this section is planned to be finished by the end of May. They then move on to ballast and finish Section 4A (the section from Hafod Ruffydd halt down to Canal Curve at Ch.18700). James Cyf. is also about to get underway with Section 4B, the upper S curve from Canal Curve to the boundary with the Beddgelert Forest Campsite at Ch.19600.

Construction of the new span for Nantmor road bridge is out to tender and the WHRCL is finalising arrangements with Williams of Caernarfon to get the two 75 ft river bridge spans (Afon Dylif & Nanmor) built with the aim of installing them this coming Winter.

Phase 4 tracklaying nears Pitt's Head

Paul Bradshaw's Rest of The World Gang made some good progress with tracklaying south from Rhyd Ddu despite a bad start! The Matisa tamper and ballast wagons had been left between the Head of Steel and all things required for track laying and there was no loco to move it! A phone call for assistance saw the permanent track gang turn out so that at least the RRM's could be transported along the road in the digger bucket to LC66 where they were reunited with the track.

This northerly view (8/5/06) shows the Head of Steel approaching the end of Pitt's Head straight. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Jane Ewing and was taken on a Nikon D70 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (8/5/06) shows a fresh delivery of a full load of rail at Rhyd Ddu south with Upnor Castle behind after the weekend gang had used up stocks. This rail will be used next weekend when tracklaying may reach Pitt's Head Cutting. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Jane Ewing and was taken on a Nikon D70 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

All other equipment had to be carried around the train and then taken up to the Head of Steel on the RRM's and the Rail Skate instead of using Dolgarrog and truck. This included the Rail Cutter and Broacher required to carry out the first real job of the day. The job involved cutting and re-drilling the rails at LC67 so that the rail joint was not on the crossing for future maintenance. As soon as this was completed, tracklaying could commence towards Porthmadog.

This southerly view (7/5/06) shows the Head of Steel approaching the end of Pitt's Head straight. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tim Evans and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

Despite the difficulties 7 panels were laid over the weekend (126m), taking the Head of Steel almost to the first LH bend for Pitt's Head road bridge. The waiting shelter on Rhyd Ddu platform has been coated in a much darker shade of brown. The trackwork around the siding area has been further improved with more ballasting done in Rhyd Ddu yard.

This northerly view (7/5/06) shows the waiting shelter complete with new darker woodstain. Guttering is yet to be completed. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tim Evans and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

WHR(P) tracklaying latest

The recent ten day tracklaying push by WHR(P) volunteers means rails are now within yards of the planned temporary terminus at Traeth Mawr, nearing completion of some 900m of Phase 4 from the south. The track gang made steady progress during the Easter Holiday, completing sixteen panels in just four days before moving onto the arduous task of installing the second stage ballast.

This northerly view (18/4/06?) shows the pw train near the head of steel with the Moelwyn range behind. This newly laid track has yet to be aligned and tamped with second stage ballast. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Mark Holden and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

Three major challenges still remain before the Traeth Mawr Extension can be opened. These include constructing a level crossing, building a loop and finishing the second stage ballasting and levelling. The final level crossing on the extension will prove a particular challenge for the WHR(P) gang, as it links two fields and has no road access for machinery such as the excavators needed for construction. The WHR(P) has experimented with loading a small excavator onto a wagon in order to transport it to the site as was done on WHR(C) Phase 3. The level crossing will also need to be constructed in a very short length of time, to minimise disruption for the farmer involved. No date has yet been set for the WHR(P) extension to open, but the hope is to have the work completed during 2006, with opening as soon as possible afterwards.

Bits & pieces 7/5/06

The FR/WHR is to launch a key ring style loyalty tag which gives 10% off future visits.

The new Guide Book will have a section on Phase 4. There is to be a welcome to the railway leaflet giving information about each station, such as toilets, refreshments and what there is to do. A new arrangement with Beics Menai in Caernarfon will allow free carriage of their bikes, hopefully encouraging people to travel further on hire bikes.

Carriage No.2041 may go to Boston Lodge next Winter, although, unusually, none went this Winter.

WHRS membership is no longer limited to 10 free journeys per year.

As a test task, the KMX tamper has been set the task of tamping from Dinas A487 bridge to Cae'r Moel to increase speed limit here from 10 mph. The section up the Hendy Bank from Lon Parc to Hendy Crossing has been improved recently to 20mph, helping trains take a run at this steep bank.

Webcam news

Whilst many enjoy the output of the 3 cameras located in and around Porthmadog Harbour station, or the over 3 at the WHR(P), some people have expressed an interest in seeing what is happening at Caernarfon or Blaenau Ffestiniog. The company operates a number of cameras for its own security and operations. There is now the possibility of the cameras at both Caernarfon and Blaenau being made available for the online website. While the Caernarfon one is of a rather poor quality, it could be upgraded. The company has made the offer of making access to this webcam available to the public, if the cameras are upgraded. As an enticement, the existing Caernarfon camera will be made available to those indicating an interest over the weekend of 6-7/5/06.

Keith Bradbury is organising a one-off appeal for some more camera money. Remember, no-one pays to use them, just to get them installed. Send Donations in cheque form please, and payable to Keith C. Bradbury by email manstaruk@googlemail.com. He will respond with the mailing address. Mark envelope preference (Caernarfon or Other or Either). If more than £90 is raised for one camera, money will be directed to your choice location. Keith will individually email confirmation of receipt and make any progress available directly. An electronic order will be made for delivery direct to the FR's IT department at Harbour Station.

Castell Caernarfon News

The FR has taken the decision to transfer Vale of Ffestiniog's bogies to Dinas for use by Castell Caernarfon as it was cheaper to transfer the bogies than the whole loco. FR management has determined that the WHR has greater need of a mainline diesel loco than the FR at this period of the timetable.

Vale of Ffestiniog is one of the pair of Funkey's purchased from South Africa and so is mechanically a twin sister to Castell Caernarfon. Its body has been heavily adapted to meet the FR's more restrictive loading gauge. Following delivery, the bogies were rolled under the body of Castell Caernarfon, which was then lowered onto them. On 4/5/06 only the Cardan shafts of the transmission and brake gear was left to be reconnected.

The hybrid loco was in traffic by 6/5/06. It is possible that the K1 working party planned for the weekend of May20/1 may be cancelled as the jacks in the Loco Shed may be in use if Castell Caernarfon's axles are returned around then.

Castell Caernarfon had failed at Tryfan Junction on the last train of the day on 21/4/06 with a broken rear axle (Caernarfon end). Staff brought the small number of passengers back to Caernarfon by car. It took staff several hours to recover the loco and repair the damaged track but the line was fit for service the next day. The management team met on 24/4/06 to consider options available and decided on further investigation on some technical matters, along with analysis of the best options to protect the FR's financial situation considering steam loco fuel is currently approaching 40p per litre!

This southerly view (21/4/06) shows Castell Caernarfon departing from the newly extended Rhyd Ddu station on its final trip before failing. This may the last view of the loco in service for a while. 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 Funkey was noted as being lifted off its bogies in the Loco Shed on 25/4/06 with the failed rear (Caernarfon end) bogie having been being pulled free and undergoing dismantling for inspection. The problem was confirmed as having broken axle. The 'stress raiser' was identified as an overly sharp transition radius between diameters on the failed axle. This was found to be common on all remaining axles, therefore all the wheelsets are being removed from both bogies and sent away for specialist repair/axle renewal.

Team Wylfa report 4/5/06

Team Wylfa had a smaller than normal team this week so work has concentrated on carriage inspections. However, one evening, some more work was done cleaning up No.140's oil tanks. The rail bolster wagon was fully loaded ready to go up to Rhyd Ddu with another delivery.

Tuesday Gang report 2/5/06

The Tuesday Gang are to become the third Phase 4 track laying gang. Volunteers spent 2/5/06, initially under the supervision of 2 permanent staff, laying out 5 lengths worth of sleepers and moving the onsite rails to the head of steel. This makes perfect sense as with trains running volunteers are very restricted as to what can be achieved on the Caernarfon - Rhyd Ddu section. It was amusing to see Dolgarrog lined up alongside Millennium.

This southerly view (30/4/06) shows Dolgarrog shunting rail to the railhead using RRMs. Tracklayers can be seen proceeding towards Pitt's Head Cutting towards the end of this long straight. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Steve Sedgewick and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

It is now becomes possible for someone coming a distance to spend 3 days tracklaying and the Monday either sightseeing or working with the PW gang. For Phase 4 Tuesdays please contact Tony Baker (see Contacts page) well in advance if possible. Now what about a Wednesday Gang, or a Thursday Gang? Any more potential leaders out there?

This northerly view (2/5/06) shows the Tuesday Gang in the process of moving rails and sleepers forward towards Pitt's Head Cutting to speed progress this coming weekend. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

KMX tamper in action 2/5/06

The Tamper / Liner is undertaking evening trials on FR during the week commencing 2/5/06 to prove its running, lifting & lining functions in simple 'manual' mode. Some small remaining finishing off jobs will also be completed in the works during the day. Subject to the trials showing any further work is needed at Boston Lodge it is hoped to move the machine to Dinas within a week or so, where it will then have its automated track alignment survey equipment fitted with further test operation and familiarisation undertaken on the sidings there. After the machine is fully proven and settled down it will move to its new temporary home in a specially modified container at Rhyd Ddu, conveniently located for both new line and existing railway work.

During testing on the FR on the evening of 2/5/06, the tamper was noted at Minffordd around 8pm and the Harbour station at 8.30pm.

This view (1/5/06) shows the KMX Tamper/Liner in Boston Lodge yard during initial running trials. Phil Tucker, who has undertaken much of the practical work in re-gauging and rebuilding the machine, stand by. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Mike Hart and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

Phase 4 tracklaying to 30/4/06

The North Wales Track Gang laid more track south from Rhyd Ddu on 29-30/4/06 reaching LC67, towards the south end of the Pitt's Head straight. Some addition ballasting was undertaken at the Rhyd Ddu end. The Phase 4 shunter, Dolgarrog, has been used on Phase 4 this weekend.

This northerly view (30/4/06) shows track reaching LC67. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Laurence Armstrong and was taken on a Canon PowerShot Pro1 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

WHR(P) Extension

By Sunday evening (30/4/06), second stage ballasting on the WHR(P) Extension has reached the point where about 400m of track is looking reasonable north of Pen-y-Mount. The seemingly never ending task of second stage ballasting, lifting, packing and levelling has got well into the section alongside the old Creasy Embankment. Final tamping may be needed before opening, preferable with a tamping machine! Several train loads of ballast were loaded at Pen-y-Mount and taken up to the work site, then after the service had finished, Gelert ran up and down the latest section to make sure the track was bedded in properly.

This northerly view (30/4/06) shows Gelert testing the track about halfway 400m north of Pen-y-Mount. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Mark Herbert and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

As part of the Bank Holiday event at the WHR(P), a replica of the WHR demolition train also ventured onto the Extension to bring track materials (and lunch) to the gang, creating an interesting historical first whereby the demolition train was being used to rebuild the railway, rather than take it to pieces!

Easter views

Traffic was variable over Easter as was the weather. Some fine days brought reasonable numbers of passengers. Both Garratts were in use along with Castell Caernarfon on the early morning service. The following sequence shows the action at Rhyd Ddu on the Easter Sunday.

This northerly view (16/4/06) shows No.138 arriving at the newly extended Rhyd Ddu station at midday on an Easter Sunday service. 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.

These views (16/4/06) show No.138 running round at the newly extended Rhyd Ddu station on an Easter Sunday service. 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.

KMX tamper moves on its own

The KMX tamper/liner was moving around Boston Lodge on 27/4/06 under its own power and will be tested over the pit road to see if the tines operate correctly in the air. If all goes well staff will start full testing next week and move on to commissioning. A container for secure storage of the tamper has been ordered to be installed temporarily at the north end of Rhyd Ddu stock siding. However, the KMX's first stop, when proved to be fully working at Boston Lodge, will be further commissioning at Dinas, hopefully in May. This will involve installation of computer read out software and calibration of the measuring equipment with further staff training. The unit will be tested using the sidings at Dinas before it is sent to its new temporary home base for Phase 4 operations at Rhyd Ddu.

Rail advances south

With 21 lengths of rail delivered last week by the new bolster wagon to Rhyd Ddu, the North Wales Track Gang has been given permission to advance the railhead towards Pitt's Head Cutting this weekend (29/4/06). Meanwhile, the little Matisa should be back in action any day now as back up and will lock the track in place for the short term whilst awaiting the KMX.

Phase 4 plans

James Cyf. work continues on UB133 and soon UB131, the Afon Cwm Du bridge, marked for a rebuild on the TWO plans, will also receive some attention. The contractor is making good progress with the levelled rolled slate fines formation on sections Section 3 and ballasting is expected shortly, leaving one end (probably the section north from Hafod Ruffydd Halt) as access for the bridge rebuild. They will then proceed with levelling and ballasting Section 4 south from Hafod Ruffydd Halt to Canal Cutting (Ch.18700), before returning to complete Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting (see below). Meanwhile the WHRCL stonemason is making good progress with the headwalls of culverts on this section.

This northerly view (19/4/06) shows the trackbed firmed up in the boggy forest section north of Canal curve at UB139 (Ch.18450). The WHR stonemason has completed the headwalls of several culverts in this area. 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 report of the Soil Investigation consultant into Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting is expected next week (2/5/06). The issue here is the stability of the cutting sides which are very steep in places. Gabions (rock boxes as used extensively on Phase1/2) are apparently not allowed in the National Park. The south end of the cutting is extensively clad in 100 years natural growth of heather. The re-excavation of the north end, filled in by the Forestry Commission at some time in the past, has revealed bare boulder clay, which has shown some tendency to slump in the heavy rainfall experienced close to Snowdon at some times of year.

Castell Cidwm bridge approach repair

Gwynedd County Council (GCC) has employed contractors to repair the stone walls on the approaches to Castell Cidwm bridge. These have been the subject of several road accidents over recent years and were becoming increasingly unsafe. Under new regulations that require the Highways Authority to prevent the possibility of vehicles driving off bridge approaches (following the Heck railway accident), it is likely that both Pitt's Head and Bryn-y-felin bridge approaches will acquire walling or at least crash barriers before Phase 4 opens.

This southerly roadside view (20/4/06) shows a GCC contractor repairing the roadside walls on the approaches to Castell Cidwm bridge. There is also new fencing down the embankments on both the side of the railway on the northern face of the bridge. The wall remains low which allows continuing photographic opportunities here. 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.

NG15 proposals

Following a visit to South Africa by FR representatives, there is a feeling that the NG15s could, after all, find useful service on the WHR. The locos performed well on steep gradients around sharp curves and, crucially, at speed in reverse! If the NG15s are to run in reverse across the tramway section of the CTRL, it is thought that because of the limited rearward visibility, even with the tank cut down, the tender requires some redesign.

To address these matters, the long tender could be redesigned. The new tender tank/bunker would in fact be about 3' shorter. The space at the back on top of the tender chassis is proposed as

• 1. access to tender filler
• 2. as a 'Pilotman's platform' complete with vacuum brake setter.

The fireman would take up position on the rear platform to guide it through from the Cambrian Crossing to Harbour Station (or vice versa). As regards the front end, there is no need to alter the boiler. It is proposed to fit the front end of the tender with a Blanche style half-cab or Linda style removable back sheet. This could be too heavy given the size of back sheet required and is therefore more likely to be fixed. With the extra space created by the half-cab on the tender, some bench seating is possible making these locos excellent for 'footplate experience' revenue earning opportunities. No money is yet available for this project and it must be seen as a long term aim on the WHR's wish list!

Rails by rail to Rhyd Ddu

The new rail bolster wagon was tested late on the afternoon of 25/4/06 and successfully delivered a part load of 7 rail packs to Rhyd Ddu. One rail pack contains 3 rails bundled together, i.e. as they were delivered from Poland. The delivery went smoothly with the rails articulating on the swivelling bolsters as expected. Once unloaded at Rhyd Ddu, it is expected that a full load will be attempted, which will give at least one week's worth of rails plus spares for tracklaying at the expected rate of 10 panels per week.

Team Wylfa

Team Wylfa are really getting into carriage inspections now and it is becoming a fine art. With three volunteers working as a team, two carriages can be thoroughly checked mechanically and oiled up in an hour now, leaving the rest of the evening for other work. One volunteer goes ahead unbolting the axlebox covers, the second follows with the oiler and the third does the inspections, including a few spots of oil on the couplings' eccentrics/chopper assembly and drawbar, with the first then returning to box up the axleboxes.

Team Wylfa will shortly have the 'poorly' bike wagon to deal with. As soon as it can be shunted out from beyond the Carriage Shed and moved up to the area close to the Clip Shed and derailed clear of the fuel road, volunteers will be jacking and packing it to remove the bogies. On this wagon the bogies are the 'Commonwealth' cast steel framed type, which means a complete strip down to release the wheelsets for re-profiling to remove the flats. This is quite a big job, so Team Wylfa will be looking for a bit of temporary help for a few weeks. Unfortunately, there are no more spare bogies lying around to do a swap. The big heap in Minffordd Yard has been used up with new carriage construction, a pair required for the ex-FR Obs. No.100 and various 'ambulance' bogies for Thunderbird work and carrying Garratt boilers etc!

Tuesday Gang report 25/4/06

The Tuesday Gang spent a sunny day at Rhyd Ddu on 25/4/06 slewing, lifting and shovel packing the stock siding. The East Anglian Group flat wagon was pressed into use as a makeshift ballast wagon. During the day Conwy Castle arrived at Rhyd Ddu with a 3-coach test train to check platform clearances and timings. The loco may be used to substitute on diesel services for the failed Castell Caernarfon. Trains were reasonably loaded with 3 coach parties on the afternoon train.

This northerly view (25/4/06) shows the new rail gantry crane at Dinas being tested out loading rail onto the new rail carrying bolster wagons. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on a Canon IXUS 55 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

Tracklaying progress 23/4/06

Paul Bradshaw's Rest Of The World Gang was kept busy preparing for the arrival of the new tamper's storage container and fettling the long siding. The end of the long siding was slewed over towards the road side to allow sufficient room for the container sides to fit between the track and the fence. The area around the track was built up with ballast to make a firm level location for the container to sit on when it arrives. Further large quantities of ballast were moved by hand to jack and pack the long siding to take out the worst of the dips and track twist. Lack of time and stamina meant that the area around the point still requires some further attention. Since the volunteers' last visit the earth bank near the storage container has been cut back further to allow easier passage of the track for the short pw siding.

This northerly view (23/4/06) shows the adjustment at the far end of the long siding at Rhyd Ddu station to allow the new tamper's storage container to be sited clear of the fence. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tim Evans and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

Phase 4 contract news

James Cyf. has won the contract for the relatively straight section south from Ch.20600, south of Ty'n-y-coed where the recently completed campsite section ends, to Ch.21100, just short of the Afon Cwmcloch bridge UB158. This does not include the stream bridge at the end of current campsite section (UB156 at Ty'n-y-coed) or the ballasting, which will form part of the tender for the S bend section, approaching Beddgelert Station to UB166 at Ch.22100. There are other similar bridges on that section that will best be done together in one contract. Beddgelert Station itself is to be constructed over coming Winter. The entire trackbed from Rhyd Ddu to the north end of Beddgelert Station is to be competed by Autumn ready for tracklaying. At up to 10 panels, almost 200m of track, laid per weekend, the construction and ballasting must keep ahead of the tracklaying!

James Cyf's current contracts are as follows:

Section 3: Pont Cae'r Gors (Ch.16500) to Hafod Ruffydd Halt (Ch.17950) is now being progressed well by James, but Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting itself has been held back pending a report following an investigation by a specialist soil consultant into it stability. This will lead to a design to suit the conditions of this steep sided boulder clay cutting.

Section 4A: Hafod Ruffydd (Ch.17950) to Canal Curve (Ch.18700) is within sight of being finished.

Section 4B: Canal Curve (Ch.18700) to meet existing ballasted trackbed at the north end of Beddgelert Forest Campsite (Ch.19600) will be progressed following on from the above. Basic clearance and fencing is already complete, as is the defining of the position of the existing trackbed.

The civils management of the section from Bryn-y-felin southward is out to tender at the moment to engineering consultants and an appointment is expected within a few weeks. Datrys of Caernarfon already have the consultant engineering contract for all the railway as far as Bryn-y-felin.

Arup, a consultancy with a great deal of railway experience, has won the contract to design and manage the construction of the Cross Town Link from the south side of the Cambrian Crossing Ch.34200) to just on the Harbour Station side of Britannia Bridge crossing (Ch.34800). Details of the Harbour Station reorganisation design is still evolving. Some 20 lengths of good second-hand 75lb per yard MOD type rail will be arriving at Minffordd in the next couple days, purchased for Harbour Station track work modifications for WHR trains. This will avoid yet another rail section in this area.

New rail bolster wagon nears completion

The new rail bolster wagon for carrying rails from Dinas stockpile to Rhyd Ddu is nearly complete. The pivot for the whole assembly is in the middle of the converted DZ wagon's bed. This centre spar has rollers on its ends which allow the spar to rotate radially. The extension sliding plates welded onto the wagon's bed indicate the range of movement envisaged. The two outer spars have 3 rollers with one at each end and one in the middle. These are mounted crossways so the outer ends can move across the DZ wagons bed, radially in respect of the centre pivot.

This southerly image (21/4/06) shows the new rail bolster wagon (one of a permanently connected pair) nearing completion at Dinas as seen from the diesel fuel siding. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Clive Briscoe and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

There will be removable posts at the end of each bar to retain the rails. This will allow the rails to remain relatively straight as the two wagons curve around corners, without putting excessive forces on the bogies. Rail deliveries to Rhyd Ddu and the Phase 4 Head of Steel might be expected as early as May. The whole assembly will take approximately 20 Tonnes of full length rails.

First train in Rhyd Ddu Yard

Upnor Castle and the PW train was the first train to use Rhyd Ddu Yard from 19/4/06. On 20/4/06 it pulled under the water tower and some examination of the tamper's engine was underway. On 21/4/06, the rake was moved back onto the Phase 4 main line. The movement was only possible after work last weekend by the North Wales Track Gang fitting point levers and linkage for the two sets of points in the construction yard. They also aligned the long siding and crowed/aligned the transition between the South African and Polish rail on the main Phase 4 line, which is on a curve.

These northerly and southerly views (16/4/06) show the PW train stabled at Rhyd Ddu immediately south of the station on Phase 4. The track has not been packed or tamped and the Mess coach can be seen to the leaning significantly to one side. Click on the image 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 southerly roadside view (19/4/06) shows the PW train stabled at the south end of Rhyd Ddu yard following attention to pointwork by the North Wales Track Gang that weekend. 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.

These southerly and northerly views (21/4/06) from Rhyd Ddu platform show Upnor Castle having shunted the pw train right along the stabling siding. This was the first loco under the water tower. 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.

Phase 4 plans

James Cyf. has been hard at work south of Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting all week to 21/4/06. By the end of the week they were laying the formation with rolled slate fines to the required depth. The cutting itself is still subject to some discussion between engineers but gabions to support the steep boulder clay cutting sides are apparently not allowed in the National Park area.

These southerly views (16/4/06 and 21/4/06) show the progress James Cyf. made at the south end of Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting when they restarted here immediately after Easter. The wet spot was excavated, drainage and fill added, and the trackbed finished with rolled slate fines. Good progress was then made with the formation south of this point, though Pont Cae'r Gors cutting itself is being left till later pending a report from a soil specialist. 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.

It seems the recently rebuilt UB133 is going to have a retaining wall as the embankment as built is overflowing into the stream. Most of the formation as far as Canal Curve (Ch.18700) has acquired 10m posts and levels, ready for ballasting when the formation is complete.

WHR (P) tracklaying progress to 20/4/06

WHR(P) volunteers made excellent progress with tracklaying over the Easter weekend. By 17/4/06, track had reached LC119 at Ch.32850. The rails were cut short so that the crossing itself would have a continuous rail without a joint. During the rest of the week the track was tamped north from Pen-y-Mount to Cynfal level crossing and was good enough for a test with a steam loco Beddgelert mid week.

This northerly view (20/4/06) shows Beddgelert shunting north of LC120 for the first time now that some of the track has received top ballast. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Dave Waldren and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (20/4/06) showing LC119 shows the Head of Steel as it will remain for a few weeks. The site of the new temporary Traeth Mawr loop is immediately north of the gate. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Dave Waldren and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

The task of fitting the points and loop at Traeth Mawr will be completed later in the Spring. The line can only be opened following a full tamp of the section and this would seem to require a mechanical tamper. If one cannot be borrowed, it may not be possible to open until 2007.

This southerly view (20/4/06) from LC119 shows the Head of Steel at the end of the Easter Bash by WHR(P) volunteers. 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.

Houses and farms for sale!

The coming of the railway has seen some local landowners close to the railway selling up, 3 years before the railway opens. Ffridd Uchaf farm close to Pitt's Head is one and Bryn-y-felin, close to the Afon Glaslyn railway bridge, is a second. The opponents of Nantmor Halt, which was excluded from the T&WO have now apparently moved out of the village and it is rumoured that the remaining residents are calling for a halt.

Tamper nears completion

Work on the new tamper was nearing completion at Boston Lodge on 20/4/06. The vehicle has been painted and the new tamping assembly has been refitted. After a trial run on the FR, the tamper is due to be delivered to Rhyd Ddu where a new long container shed will be fitted at the end of the stock stabling siding. This will require the siding to be shifted over a little, away from the main line. Consequently, the earth bund, recently constructed to retain the level of the siding, will be moved a little further west.

This view (20/4/06) shows the tamper nearing completion in Boston Lodge. 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.

Rhyd Ddu progress 21/4/06

Rhyd Ddu appears complete with 3 station benches (one inside the waiting room), six platform lamps and thee flower beds. However, the station access is still not tarmaced and MANWEB contractors were only connecting the meter to the supply on 21/4/06!

This northerly view (16/4/06) shows the completed station at Rhyd Ddu. The new areas of black tarmac illustrate how the platform has been more than doubled in length. 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.

Pete Hugman has been finishing off the Operations Room part of the Waiting Shelter with shelving and it is the intention to boil up hot urns here instead of relying on Dinas for enough for the return trip. It may also be possible to serve customers from the hatch when a stationmaster is present. Towards the end of the week a volunteer was adding wood stain to the waiting shelter, though guttering remains to be fitted.

This northerly view (16/4/06) shows the hatch open in the waiting room at Rhyd Ddu. Pete Hugman can be seen fitting shelving. 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.

Left Hand running continues to be the order of the day at Rhyd Ddu and despite the Right Hand track looking well tamped now, the levels to platform need adjustment. The LH running requires firemen to lock points over and check before and after trains have used them so this is not very popular in bad weather! The pw train continued to reside on Phase 4 south of the station until the stabling siding can be brought into use. The North Wales track gang were working on the headshunt point on 16/4 before the siding could be accessed b the PW train. The short pw siding has not yet been laid and there are no rails at Rhyd Ddu at present to do so.

Phase 4 progress 18/4/06

James Cyf returned to the project on 18/4/06 after their Easter break and, having completed the Rhyd Ddu station works, were found hard at work south of the deep cutting at Pont Cae'r Gors. The section between here and the site of Hafod Ruffydd Halt will be the next to be finished and ballasted. A large excavator was delivered to Pont Cae'r Gors.

Further major excavation is required to stabilise the steep boulder clay walls of the recently excavated northern part of cutting. Over the Winter there have been signs of slumping of the cutting sides since Phasey excavated the infilled part of the cutting last Autumn. At the southern end of the cutting, the muddy foundation has been excavated and hardcore tipped in with new drainage provided. In the same area, Scottish Power's contractor has finally diverted the power lines that crossed and re-crossed the alignment over the Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting.

James Cyf has finished its work on the landslip at Ch.17850. UB133 at Ch.17700 is also nearing completion with a new reinforced concrete deck cast in situ. The trackbed has been built up but it looks like it might require a retaining wall on the east side. Work continues in the north west corner to extend the wing wall. Work has not yet started on the other river bridge requiring reconstruction at UB132.

Beddgelert Forest halt has acquired its first stage of tarmac but the rear slabs have not been concreted in and so the final top layer cannot be completed.

Further south, the trackbed has been completed with slate waste through to Ch.18700 'Canal Curve', where the railway meets the forest track on the upper S curve. The drainage now looks good on this section though there are still a few soft spots. The next section south from Canal Curve to the completed section just north of Beddgelert Forest Halt has been cleared and fenced for some time. The hardened stone formation has been identified by excavating a trench either side.

On 19/4/06 James Cyf concentrated its facilities at Hafod Ruffydd from Canal Curve and were working on UB132 and the south end of Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting.

WHR(P) News

Original WHR loco Russell will be 100 years old in July having been purchased by the PBSSR for NWNGR operations before the enterprise collapsed in 1908. The loco is being refurbished at the WHR(P) with a completion date of 2009 in mind so that it can join in the celebrations when the WHR is opened throughout. The loco is to be restored to its 1906 condition. Work began is June 2005 supported by a fund that has raised over £13,000 so far. The boiler is in good condition but a new smokebox is required as well as new tubes. Work is currently in progress on the frames and wheelsets.

The other loco of note is the Baldwin donated by the Imperial War Museum, a sister to No. 590 which ran on the WHR. Some £63,000 has been raised towards getting this loco working again. However, it was found to require a new boiler and that alone is likely to cost around £50,000. WHR(P) volunteers have a copy of the original specifications and are attempting to purchase a copy of the working drawings.

The WHR(P) has recently cleared its rail stacks from the future route of the CTRL, required by the WHRCL for the Cambrian Crossing works in October. Last Xmas, their volunteers also cleared the section of land called Cae Hir along the south side of the Cambrian Coast Line between Y Cyt bridge and Farm level crossing. This 15 m wide strip 300m long was originally purchased by the WHR in 1920 to form a road/footpath between Porthmadog New (1923) and the BR station. It will become an overflow car park for volunteers at Beddgelert Siding.

Class 37 to Porthmadog

Another Class 37 hauled Cambrian Coast excursion, 'The Snowdonia Explorer' arrived in Porthmadog on 15/4/06. This Kingfisher Railtours trip will be double headed for part of its journey (to Machynlleth?) from Bedford via Nuneaton. The train left Bedford on time at 0630 hauled by 37425 (large logo) and 37419 (EWS) passing Souldrop at 0645 on the fast lines in thick fog but with both engines working very hard on the 1 in 120 of Sharnbrook bank! 37425 was the loco in charge on the Porthmadog leg of the journey. Later in the year, Arriva Trains Wales will be running an extended steam season in July and August.

Appeal latest

Mike Hart has given a few pointers about the plans for expanding the WHR loco and rolling stock fleet ready for the 2009 reopening through to Porthmadog. Those plans all rely on the success of the new Appeal launched last weekend which, coupled with the David Sumner bequest, will help toward financing rolling stock, locos and carriage sheds for the extended railway.

The core carriage fleet construction will be at Boston Lodge and based on existing designs. Boston Lodge staff are currently preparing to build two more closed WHR saloon coaches. The FR is looking around at other options for coaching stock as Boston Lodge can only build around two or three coaches a year with its other commitments to outside contracts and the ongoing upgrade of the FR fleet. Some interesting possibilities in Eastern Europe have been found but the FR has not yet finished looking at all the options. They hope they might be in a position to buy an initial prototype shortly.

The economics of operating services, particularly out of season, dictate a proportion of trains are diesel hauled. At 350 hp, the Funkey diesel Castell Caernarfon is capable of hauling 6 carriages with ease and 7 at a push but loses time if required to haul more than that. The WHR(P) LyD locos are of similar power, but the FR fears what they might do to the track at speed in regular service given their short wheelbase. It would be useful to have one come to Dinas and see how it performs. The FR's aspirations are for a new diesel loco of at least 50% more power than the Funkey.

As far as the NGG16s are concerned, it is hoped that the new Appeal will raise sufficient cash so that some of the money can go to help finance materials for the largely volunteer resourced No. 140 project. With your help by contributing to the Appeal the railway will be able to see all of this achieved earlier rather than later. The Appeal starts with Bronze subscriptions at just £25 per month. Supporters may also contribute lump sums rather than monthly donations by writing suitable words on the form. Click on Appeal.

WHR(P) Phase 4 progress

Spare pairs of rails have been laid in the 2 foot north of Cynfal l/c (LC120), some speckled with yellow dots. It is now a long way for the volunteers to go back to Pen-y-Mount and get two new rails each time they want to lay a new panel of track. So the tracklaying gang spent last Saturday (8/4/06) using RRMs to move pairs of rails out of the stack at Pen-y-Mount and placing them on the panels that had already laid. The end result will be to speed up tracklaying. The yellow dots are also an attempt to further speed up tracklaying as they mark where the sleepers need to go, so volunteers do not have to waste time measuring the distance as the rails are secured in place.

The Environmental Consultants are now happy for the WHR(P) to continue tracklaying past the newly discovered badger setts. The track gang has organised a full week's work on the extension at Easter - rather than just the four day weekend that was originally planned. This will hopefully help get things moving after the lengthy delay over the Winter. Click on Mark Holden - if you want to get involved.

This southerly view (30/10/03) shows the trackbed south of LC119 some 720m north of Pen-y-Mount, with the public footpath following the wall to the left. Click on image to enlarge. This image is copyright B W Hughes. Image taken on Samsung Digimax 230 camera. Image post processed with iPhotoPlus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

The plan for Easter is to extend the Head of Steel to Farmyard Farm level crossing (LC119 at Ch.32850) over the Bank Holiday weekend. This level crossing is just a panel or so from the south end of Traeth Mawr loop. The next step is still being discussed and possible jobs include building the level crossing, or installing second stage ballast and levelling the section laid over Easter. Building Farmyard Farm Crossing is an interesting problem as it is effectively an access between two fields and there is no easy road access. One possibility is to put an excavator on a wagon and take it to the site by train as was done on the WHR(C) Phase 3.

A delivery of 'standard' gauge sleepers was due on 11/4/06 to replace the wider gauge type (sent by accident) meant for sharp corners. The latter type are not useable on the straight WHR(P) section but may be retained there for the sharp curves on the CTRL. The WHRCL is also planning to bring a larger number of metal sleepers to Pen-y-Mount, which they have asked the WHR(P) to store at Pen-y-Mount, presumably for other sections towards Harbour Station and north of Traeth Mawr.

Team Wylfa report 11/4/06

Over the last two weeks Team Wylfa has continued refurbishing the SAR bogie which is destined to go under the old FR observation car No.100 (soon to be WHR Mess coach No.1000). Volunteers got both wheelsets out of the frame and have polished the axle journals where there was a small patch of light rust in way of the old oil pads. The oil pads were soaked in an oily/watery mixture having been stored out in the open since arrival some years back. On the evening of 11/4/06 Team Wylfa almost completed cleaning out the four axleboxes as well but due to an extra carriage inspection (see below), the job will be completed next week.

The new carriage inspection regime Team Wylfa has set up with Pete Hugman and Boston Lodge is going well and proving its worth. Several minor faults have already been noted and repaired. The inspection rota means all WHR carriages receive a thorough mechanical inspection at least every month during the operational season. Volunteers service one carriage from 'E' Set on a Tuesday evening and one from the 'F' Set on a Thursday. In the event of volunteers being off one night (as this week, because of Easter there will be no team Wylfa on Thursday) they do a carriage from each set so completing the weekly quota.

The FfR Volunteer website and FR & WHR Magazine 'Wants List' has worked its charm again as Team Wylfa now has heavy duty vices for the Clip Shed workshop. Many thanks to the donors.

WHR(P) Model Railways

The WHR(P) has just acquired a 5.5mm / foot scale model of Beddgelert station. It depicts the station about 1930, complete with corrugated iron station building and Goods/Loco Shed, though no bookstall (which blew down in 1927). It came from the Cumberland Toy & Model Museum in Cockermouth, which sadly closed at the end of last year. The model is on a long term loan and is in store while the WHR(P) can find a place to display it. Given that they also have a model of Dinas, there is hope that an area could be found in the new 3-4-5 Shed for people to see both these models.

K1 latest

Work on K1 is due to start again on the 24/4/06. The FR had hoped that last Autumn's trial running and the abortive double heading during the Santa trains and Winter timetable would show up only simple problems that were readily fixed. This was not the case and a further hot box was discovered. During February the K1 volunteers dismantled the brake gear in readiness to drop the motion. The loco is due to go into the Loco Shed and be lifted on the jacks and special beams to release the offending axle. Lubrication problems were noticed on partial strip down. Other problems noted were a sticking regulator and a possible leak in the high pressure steam joint.

FR resources have to be directed to the NG16s first to ensure smooth running of the service trains during 2006 before K1 receives attention. It is difficult to predict when K1 might be finished as fitters continue to discover snags and problems that are not easy to forecast. If progress on K1 this Spring is good, the loco might be ready for its final HMRI inspection in May and then allowed to haul passenger trains on its own. However, if more problems emerge, it could take several months before the loco appears in service. The availability of fitters and resources to complete K1 obviously depends on the smooth running of the existing fleet.

CTRL news

Work on widening the west end of The Cob in preparation for the WHR's arrival at Porthmadog Harbour should start Winter 2006/7 as anticipated. Progress will be made during the FR's Winter closure periods over the next two years. A similar operation several years ago saw the last Cob strengthening on behalf of the Environment Agency made by lorries carrying stone over the FR headshunt and down to the beach. The first draft plan implies a short four week period when Harbour Station closes, otherwise the station will remain open. It is possible that the stone might be delivered by rail to avoid lorries driving across the station throat.

This view (17/9/05) at Dinas WHRCL Construction Office shows the original 1:500 plan of the proposed track layout for Porthmadog Harbour Station. New tracks are shown in green and original track in red. This plan may be superseded by new proposals (see below). 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. Image displayed at 96dpi.

A draft layout of the tracks, possibly different to that shown above, will go to the next Company Board meeting. Relatively little widening of The Cob is needed. The track layout will need to make provision for a longer run round loop for the 12 coach WHR trains, possibly on the seaward side of the station. A WHR train arriving from the north could be prepared for return as follows:-

• the loco propels the rake back into Harbour station run round loop
• the loco runs around, refilling with water and couples up
• the loco propels the rake out onto The Cob
• the loco pulls the rake forwards again into the WHR platform.

Another possibility is having a station pilot to help speed up the shunt manoeuvre or even a turn over loco. Both these options might create more interest for waiting passengers whilst being more expensive operations. The shunt would clearly have to be done after an FR train departed and before another was due to arrive as this operation could block the station approaches for a considerable period.

Tracklaying progress

Paul Bradshaw's 'Rest of the World Gang' made further progress in Rhyd Ddu Yard over the weekend, completing the stock stabling siding under the water tower and connecting it to the main line. Good use was made of the newly laid link to transport surplus South African track clips etc from the Storage Container to the road trailer ready for transporting back to Dinas. Having used the EAG wagon for this purpose, it was then sent on a "proving run" to check the full extent of the siding!

This northerly view (9/4/06) shows the completed stock stabling siding at Rhyd Ddu with the EAG wagon used to test the siding. A buffer stop in stock at Dinas should complete the siding just north of the wagon. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy/copyright Tim Evans and was taken with a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (9/4/06) shows the completed stock stabling siding under the water tower that is set to be used by southbound trains when Phase 4 opens. Fencing separates the running lines and Rhyd Ddu Yard whilst it is in use by Phase 4 for PW purposes. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy/copyright Tim Evans and was taken with a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (9/4/06) shows the completed stock stabling siding south of the water tower at Rhyd Ddu. The nearer turnout will lead to the PW siding while the headshunt visible beyond currently leads to Dolgarrog's shed. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy/copyright Tim Evans and was taken with a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

First day of public services

Variable weather, including cold sunshine, snow showers etc greeted the first public trains to Rhyd Ddu on 9/4/06 but at least visitors had an alpine view with some of the mountains topped with snow! Castell Caernarfon hauled the second and fourth trains from Caernarfon with variable weather causing occasional hail storms.

This northerly view (9/4/06) shows Castell Caernarfon on the 1325 arrival at Rhyd Ddu running around its train 'wrong line'. The northbound track will normally be the westerly track with right hand running but it has not been tamped yet due to the failure of the Matisa tamper. The completed platform can been seen with yellow lining and platform lamps. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy/copyright Tim Evans and was taken with a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (9/4/06) shows No.138 running around in a hail storm at Rhyd Ddu. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy/copyright Richard Watson and was taken with a Sony DSC-P73 digital camera digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

Supporter's Day Report 8/4/06

On 8/4/06, the WHR(C) ran a series of special trains for sponsors of the Appeal. A new appeal was launched at the event that aims to raise £400,000 to cover the cost of additional coaches, a carriage shed, completion of NGG16 No.140 and the cost of a back-up diesel loco that can operate a full length train on the 1 in 40 grades encountered on Phase 4. There were three trains for invited sponsors and No.138 performed well with its 10 coach train and bike wagon. Parties were given conducted trackbed walks along Phase 4 with coach links back to Rhyd Ddu station. Public services are due to start today, Sunday 9/4/06.

This northerly view (8/4/06) shows No.138 on the 1335 arrival at Rhyd Ddu. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy/copyright Ray Cooper and was taken with a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (8/4/06) shows No.138 arriving at Rhyd Ddu. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy/copyright Ben Fisher and was taken with a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

The failure of the Matisa tamper earlier in the week meant that the westerly track (formerly the run round loop) that was intended to be used for the RH running arrival of passenger trains was not tamped ready for passenger services. A special notice had been issued to allow left hand running with the points being worked by firemen and locked with clamps. The weather for the special event was variable, with hail, showers and sunshine, but the mountains had an attractive covering of snow on the peaks. The walkers were well kitted out against the vagaries of the weather as well as the mud!

This southerly view (8/4/06) shows the trackbed walkers at Pitt's Head Cutting on their walk from their Rhyd Ddu to Hafod Ruffydd. The ditches either side are coping with the wet Winter conditions. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy/copyright Ray Cooper and was taken with a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (8/4/06) shows the trackbed walkers returning from their Rhyd Ddu to Hafod Ruffydd walk at Pont Cae'r Gors Cutting. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy/copyright Ray Cooper and was taken with a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (8/4/06) shows the trackbed walkers passing the site of the landslip just north of Hafod Ruffydd Halt. The edge of the embankment to the left hand been supported by a large bank. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy/copyright Ray Cooper and was taken with a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

Three coaches met the second train of the day at Rhyd Ddu station. The leading coach was a 1950 vintage Leyland, which was closely followed by two modern coaches with higher seating positions. Commentaries were provided in the coaches, which drove down to Beddgelert, the combination of high seating position and leafless trees allowing excellent views of the railway trackbed. They then continued down to Pont Croesor, having had to reverse further down the main road towards Porthmadog in order to negotiate the hairpin bend to the Llanfrothen road.

This southerly view (8/4/06) shows the trackbed walk from Nantmor to Beddgelert clambering over the unexpectedly locked gate near the Aberglaslyn Pass tunnels. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy/copyright Richard Watson and was taken with a Sony DSC-P73 digital camera digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

At Pont Croesor passengers were able to view the Osprey hide to the right, and the eroded state of the former Croesor Tramway embankment alongside the road, north of the bridge. The coaches then proceeded to Nantmor car park, where passengers alighted for the walk through the Aberglaslyn Pass tunnels. The walk was conducted by John Ewing, John Hopkins and Peter Jarvis. Torches were necessary for the first (long) tunnel and everyone was forced to wait inside the portal for the rain to abate before proceeding further!

Following inspection of the new bridge at Bryn-y-felin, the party proceeded via the public footpath past Gelert's Grave, to the village car park to await the coaches. Wet conditions inside the Goat Tunnel precluded a visit to this particular location.

The next 'Stakeholders' Day' has been set for 24/3/2007 and may feature a passenger working onto Phase 4 if approved by HMRI.

Rhyd Ddu progress 7/4/06

Work was in full swing on 7/4/06 finishing off Rhyd Ddu station in preparation for reopening over the following weekend (8/4/06 Supporters' Day and 9/4/06 Public reopening) with good weather helping the process. Contractors finished off the platform access at the north end. Four platform benches have been placed on the platform, some secured to lamp posts and one inside the waiting shelter. The Operations Room in the waiting shelter has a hatch for ticket sales that opens into the waiting area rather than a splitting external barn door as previously planned.

This northerly view (2/4/06) shows the north tank at Rhyd Ddu now clear of scaffolding and a stack of platform seats having been delivered to the north end of the platform. Scaffolding has been erected by the station building to allow the slating contractors access to the roof, since completed. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy/copyright Paul Wood and was taken with a Sony DSC-T1 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

On 5/4/06, the guttering on the waiting shelter was attended to. With the ballasting of the station loops completed by 7/4/06, Upnor Castle became the first loco to shunt onto Phase 4 as the pw train was locked out of use behind the stop block south of the station in order to allow passenger services to commence.

A new large local area map board has been erected covering the area Bangor to Porthmadog and showing the future Phase 4. The lamp heads have been fitted and are believed to be connected to the electric supply. The south end of the site has been cleared of most of its construction site offices and an earth bank built between the yard and the stabling siding with a fence on top. Some station name boards have been fitted on the platform.

This easterly view (5/4/06) shows the full WHR(C) map including Bangor and Porthmadog. In the background in the northbound 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.

EAG report 1/4/06

The East Anglian Group made further progress at Mill Green, Cambs, on 1/4/06. Despite reduced attendance, volunteers were able to make good progress on ex-RNAD wagon EAG No. 6, which will become WHR No. 5002. The team was pleased to welcome Tom Skinner to their working session. Tom was once a full time employee at Boston Lodge and so is well experienced in the art of wagon repair and restoration. A new length of steel channel was cut to length and trial fitted into position, and this will eventually form the new headstock. The position of the bolt holes was marked up and the channel is now at Nobby Clark's home workshop ready for drilling.

This view (1/4/06) at Mill Green shows the inverted frame of wagon EAG No. 6 (WHR No. 5002). Looking on are Tom Skinner (left) and Nobby Clark (right). Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy/copyright Richard Watson and was taken with a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

The chassis was given further red oxide primer treatment and consideration given to the thorny question of how to fit vacuum cylinders and FR style couplings. The former will depend upon the space available between the frames, and the diameter and depth of two ex-SAR cylinders now at Boston Lodge. The couplings will also require further thought as the existing coupling slots are above the level of those on the ex- SAR DZ and B class vehicles. It may be that extra sub-frame assemblies need to be fabricated and underslung beneath the existing frames if a sharp downward crank of the chopper couplings is to be avoided.

Team Wylfa Report 4/4/06

Team Wylfa has been given a new task which is taking precedence this week - carriage axlebox inspection ready for the new season at the weekend. Volunteers been asked to set up a carriage inspection regime to help Pete Hugman out. Pete went through all the saloon carriages a few weeks ago ready for the Half Term services. On 4/4/06 it was Team Wylfa's turn to check out the bike wagons and the Open coaches. They oiled up the bike wagons and the E Set Open coach leaving the 2F Set Opens to do on Thursday evening, 6/4/06. Thereafter, they will do one carriage on alternate sets on the Tuesday and Thursday evenings so going through all the carriages several times during the season. Team Wylfa should be able to complete the strip and clean of the first SAR bogie for No. 1000 on Thursday too and maybe start putting it back together.

Beddgelert station receives planning permission

At the SNPA planning meeting on 5/4/06, the WHR won its planning permission for the Beddgelert station building. It is hoped contracts to extend the reconstruction of the formation from its present limit at Ty'n-y-coed for 1.5 km up to the border of the Beddgelert station site will be announced soon. Meanwhile the platform at Beddgelert Forest Halt received its tarmac top coat by Easter.

This northerly view (17/4/06) shows the recently finished platform at Beddgelert Forest Halt with the concrete base of the future waiting shelter near the access point from the campsite. 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 Rhyd Ddu report 4/4/06

It was a busy day on 4/4/06 at Rhyd Ddu for the Tuesday Gang who were roped in to help complete the station. Unfortunately the tamper engine decided to break its timing chain before it had tamped anything so volunteers had to shovel pack the Up (southbound) line. Extra bodies were drafted in from the office staff at Dinas to cope with the crisis. As well as the trackwork going on there were roofers roofing, fencers fencing, electrical technicians pulling through cables and connecting the platform lights and the contractor James Cyf. putting finishing touches to the Beddgelert end and starting to tidy round. Dolgarrog is now in its shed on the headshunt and had emerged for a trial run over the connection.

This westerly view (4/4/06) shows the roofing contractor pinning best Blaenau blue slates to the battens on the roof of the Rhyd Ddu waiting shelter. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy/copyright Tony Baker and was taken with a Cannon IXUS 55 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (4/4/06) shows the ballasting of the southbound platform road at Rhyd Ddu. This is the track that will be used for the arrival and departure of trains from Caernarfon for the next three years until Phase 4 opens. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy/copyright Tony Baker and was taken with a Cannon IXUS 55 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

WHR(P) tracklaying progress 2/4/06

WHR(P) volunteers were out last weekend working on the track between the two level crossings, Pen-y-Mount and Cynfal. Over the weekend the track was levelled and packed to the stage where it is close to finished. Machine tamping will probably be needed, as will some final tweaks to deal with any settling between now and opening. A major sort out of the steel sleepers took place on Saturday, as the WHR(P) has been given almost 100 which are the larger type for curves and are not required on the straight section north of Pen-y-Mount. They will need to be returned to the northern end and replaced with the correct gauge ones before the WHR(P) can complete tracklaying to Traeth Mawr. A similar problem occurred at Rhyd Ddu and wide sleepers littered the trackside straight towards Pitt's Head at one stage in February. In future, packs are being checked and will have a W for wide painted on them.

This northerly view (2/4/06) shows the completed ballasted track north of Cynfal l/c. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy/copyright Paul Wood and was taken with a Sony DSC-T1 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

A "tidying-up train" was also run over the weekend, clearing up lineside debris such as wooden sleepers left over from the building work. A fresh load of ballast is also being ordered, as every wagonload at Gelert's Farm has been used up! No tracklaying took place over the weekend as a badger sett has been discovered close to the trackbed. WHR(P) managers will be working with the environmental experts in working out what happens next. A similar situation arose on Phase 2 of the WHR(C), just south of Tryfan Junction and was dealt with no problems.

The Easter Extension tracklaying session has been lengthened and will now last for the entire week after Easter Bank Holiday. Anyone is welcome to join WHR(P) volunteers. Click on Mark Holden - if you want to get involved.

This northerly view (2/4/06) shows the completed ballasted track north of Pen-y-Mount l/c with the tidying up train collecting oversize sleepers. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy/copyright Paul Wood and was taken with a Sony DSC-T1 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.