WHR
News Archive Page
2013
V4.24 updated 18/1/14
with news to 31/12/13
Mince Pie Postscript 30/12/13
On 30/12/13 Garratts Nos. K1/138 were terminated at Waunfawr on the 1000 Caernarfon-Porthmadog in heavy rain due to flooding further down the line. There was a chance the train might not get back once past Castell Cidwm. Shortly afterwards K1 ran round the train, which was then topped and tailed back to Caernarfon. K1 was being run in after overhaul.
Harbour Station progress 28-31/12/13
On Boxing Day, 26/12/13, the weather was favourable and the trains were busy.
This westerly view 26/12/13 shows the theatre style route indicator fitted to signal No.4 which will show 'F' for the Ffestiniog platform or 'Y' for the yard. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
The overnight storms hindered the start of track laying work on the 27/12/13 and all trains had to be cancelled until the lines could be cleared of debris.
This easterly view 27/12/13 shows the ballast bed being prepared and sleepers set out for the FR yard. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
On 28/12/13 the trains and track laying gangs were able to resume normal activity.
This easterly view 28/12/13 shows the sleepers being prepared for 5 road alongside the seawall. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
On 29/12/13 track laying on 5 Road continued. Being alongside the seawall and further from the access this needed to be completed first. However, as bull head rails and chairs are being used, progress has been slow. These are heritage track components that have been stored outdoors in the salty sea air. Deposits of heavy rust are having to be removed before they can be laid. The track gang is finding that the preparation time is having the effect of making track laying progress somewhat slower than usual.
This westerly view 29/12/13 shows the ballast bed being prepared and sleepers set out for the FR yard. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view 29/12/13 shows the ballast bed being prepared and sleepers set out for the FR yard. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
On 30/12/13 there was further progress with track laying on 5-Road.
This easterly view 30/12/13 shows work nearing completion on 5 road. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Andrew Thomas (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
K1 and No.138 on WHR 29/12/13
In a change to the advertised loco roster K1 and No.138 will be hauling the 1000 from Caernarfon today instead of the booked No.87. No.87 had been rostered to handle all the trains over the Xmas Holiday. See F&WHR website.
Xmas services 28/12/13
This northerly view 28/12/13 shows No.138 preparing to haul the 1000 Caernarfon to Porthmadog running round at Caernarfon. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Mark Bishop and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view 28/12/13 shows K1 taking water ready to lead the 1000 Caernarfon to Porthmadog. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Mark Bishop and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view 28/12/13 shows K1 taking water at Waunfawr leading No.138. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Mark Bishop and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view 28/12/13 shows K1 leading No.138 at Castell Cidwm. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Mark Bishop and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view 28/12/13 shows K1 leading No.138 approaching Ffridd Isaf curve. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Mark Bishop and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
F&WHR reopened 28/12/13
The F&WHR has advised that normal services will operate on the WHR (and FR) on Saturday 28/12/13, following clearance of trees blocking the lines. See F&WHR story. With the mild Autumnal weather there is no likelihood of snow on either railway up to the end of services on 1/1/14, though Snowdon itself is likely to receive snow.
F&WHR closed by fallen trees 27/12/13
With a limited 6 day Xmas service, it came as a blow that a severe storm blocked both the WHR and FR on Friday 27/12/13, although the FR had operated on Boxing Day. No trains operated on either railway except works trains to clear the lines. Gusts of over 100mph were recorded at Aberdaron on the Lleyn Peninsula with trees and power lines brought down around the WHR.
Happy Xmas!
Your webmaster would like to wish all readers a Happy Christmas but don't forget the WHR opens on 27/12/13 for 6 days with one train a day, the 1000 ex-Caernarfon arriving back at 1610.
No snow so far 25/12/13
Although Snowdon and other peaks will have snowfall up to 29/12/13, the Meteorological Office is predicting no snowfall over the WHR even at the height of Rhyd Ddu. Temperatures as high as 10 Celsius are predicted with some sunshine. Maybe the weather will change for the final three days of the Xmas/New Year service from 30/12/13 to 1/1/14.
Bont Briwet rail bridge to remain closed until new bridge is finished 23/12/13
Network Rail advises that the Bont Briwet wooden viaduct piers have shifted due to the nearby piling works and narrowing of the channel for the new abutments. The railway will be closed until the new bridge opens, possibly in late 2014/early 2015. There is no sign that Arriva Trains Wales is considering moving a unit to Pwllheli and reopening the temporary fuelling/stabling point (PI) that operated due to the Barmouth Bridge refurbishment. If more thought was given to the plight of Porthmadog/Pwllheli passengers, arrangements could have been made so that passengers could detrain at Llandecwyn and walk a hundred metres or so to a new temporary platform just over the bridge as the bridge remains open for road traffic. See NR website.
Russell's air pump 23/12/13
This Keef's view 23/12/13 shows the new air pump resting on Russell's buffer beam following delivery. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Nick Cutmore and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
HRA Volunteers Awards 20/12/13
The F&WHR was mentioned in three Heritage Railways Association Volunteer Awards for 2013. These highly regarded awards will be presented at the dinner to be held at the Bath Guildhall Banqueting Room on the evening of Saturday 8/2/14 during the weekend of the HRA Annual General Meeting.
The National Railway Heritage Awards went to FRS for the Milestones Project. The NRHA is a charity (of which Andy Savage is a Trustee) that gives awards for heritage building and infrastructure improvements in the UK & RoI. It includes all railways, not just heritage ones. The FRS won the Volunteers Award, one of ten presented. The ceremony was in the Merchant Taylors' Hall on 4/12/13. More details at www.nrha.org.UK.
HRA sponsors these awards, along with many others (mainly from the professional rail industry) but has no control over them. More details at www.nrha.org.UK.
Harbour Station January programme 20/12/13
The revised programme for January 2014 has been released. Assuming all the work is finished by the start of the Easter service from 22/3/14, visitors to the railway can have a last experience of the shunt back into the Harbour Station during the Xmas-New Year service from 27/12/13 to 1/1/14.
Click on the JPEG image dated 20/12/13 above to enlarge. Image courtesy of Stuart McNair (F&WHR).
This easterly view 20/12/13 shows the post for Signal 1 with the base for the signal motor being constructed. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Snow Report 20/12/13
At this time of year there is usually an expectation of snow around the WHR but the weather has been unusually mild this Winter and often wet and windy, with temperatures as high as 12°C. The current forecast up to Xmas Eve does not show any snowfall likely. With the lack of any February Half Term trains in 2014 (there are some on the FR!) those who wish to travel on the WHR or photograph it in the snow are limited to the 6 days of the Xmas/New Year service from 27/12/13 to 1/1/14. Otherwise there are no trains until 22/3/14, an unlikely time for snow around the WHR.
Here are some useful resources to check if there is snow at the WHR. First Hydro has four webcams in the Llanberis valley. If the one pointed at Llanberis shows snow, this would give a good indication of snow in the Gwyrfai valley as they are around the same height. However, it should be noted that snow cover generally decreases from east to west.
Other useful resources include the A55webcams. The Treborth Interchange (Bangor) webcam can be helpful though it is nearer sea level than the WHR (see Page 19).
The WHR(P) webcams would show the rare sea level snow cover at Porthmadog. http://www.webcam.whr.co.uk/gelertsfarm/
The Meteorological Office provides a useful radar weather map covering the last 6 hours that shows the rain/snow coming into Britain and can be watched as an animation updated every 30 minutes. See Rainfall radar
The main Meteorological Office website also has a Porthmadog/Wales page that shows the predicted weather for the Porthmadog area for the next five days.
Coach 2046 completed 19/12/13
Norman Bond reports: Car 2046 is now complete and is expected to be moved to Dinas on the stock shuffle train on 2/1/14 ready for use.
This Boston Lodge view 19/12/13 shows the recently completed coach No.2046 to the WHR profile. This new design of coach has top lights rather than Beclawat slide down windows, offering better views unobstructed by verticals. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Norman Bond (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This Boston Lodge view 19/12/13 shows the internal layout of the recently completed coach No.2046 paid for by the WHRS. This new design of coach has the roof supports matching the bays, offering better views unobstructed by verticals. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Norman Bond (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Website updates over Xmas
There will be less regular website updates over the Xmas period. The next planned update is Xmas Eve and there will be a break over the New Year period as your webmaster takes a well deserved holiday for a few days.
Titbits Autumn 2013
A Dutch TV company ran a programme in early November that they had filmed last summer. It included many shots taken by helicopter. Numbers Dutch visitors have been noticeably increasing in recent years, especially in Beddgelert Campsite and this will attract more. The show was syndicated worldwide and will no doubt increase international visitors.
There were no mechanical breakdowns on the WHR this year. The service car generators have been much more reliable this year. Linda is back as a coal fired loco to save money. Blanche is also being converted back to coal. The WHR roller bearing programme continues and another 8 bogies will soon be available. Two will go under the new saloon coach No.2046, two under No. 2043, two under Observation car Glaslyn, and two will replace the Romanian bogies under service car No.2010. A DZ flat wagon is to be refurbished to carry a Brunswick Ironworks produced water tank produced in the SAR style used for extended journey water carriers for NG16s. It will be used as an emergency water supply for the fire service. The two DZ rail carriers used during the WHR construction have been to Boston Lodge and altered to fit the FR loading gauge.
WHR 2014 timetable review
The 2014 WHR timetable looks very similar to the 2013 timetable despite the UK's relative improvement in economic fortunes and the possible increase in visitor numbers to North Wales. The Harbour Station hopefully will be complete and fully able to accept two trains at once, so this will not limit services as it did last year. There are only 3 main through timetables with one, two or three return services. However, additional Autumn/Winter Porthmadog-Beddgelert 'coach party' trains have been laid on for November and December in 2014 and there are a number of special events.
Again there are no February trains although the FR will operate trains for two weeks during the school half term holidays from 15-28/2/14 MX. This despite the fact the WHR's Alpine scenery is most attractive around this time of year, with Snowdon usually snowclad. Photographers wanting snow shots of the WHR must hope for snow during the 27/12/13-1/1/14 Xmas service or a very late snowfall in March when the 2014 WHR services resume on 22/3/14 for Easter.
The lack of a shunt into Porthmadog and some improvement in line speeds has resulted in a best time of 2 hours 10 mins rather than the 2 hours 20 mins of last year. As last year the two train timetable sees Beddgelert and Rhyd Ddu used for passing whereas the three train peak timetable again only uses Rhyd Ddu for passing. The loops at Pont Croesor, Waunfawr and Dinas will only be used in special events, out of course running or passing works trains.
The Spring service sees the Blue timetable in action with two trains a day (MX) from 22/3/14 to 14/4/14. The peak 3 train Yellow service operates from 15-24/4/13 over the Easter Holiday period. The Blue timetable then resumes from 25/4/14 to 1/5/14. Fridays 2/5 and 9/5/14 have no service, though there is a service on the FR. There is a Yellow timetable over the May Day Bank Holiday weekend from 3-5/5/14 and then a Blue timetable until the end of the month, excepting the Spring Bank Holiday Yellow timetable from Monday 25/5/14 to Friday 29/5/14. There may however be special services over the WHR over the period 2-5/5/14 in connection with the '60 years of Preservation' event. The same is likely over the Beerfest Weekend from 16-18/5/14.
The Blue timetable operates through June with no trains on Fridays again, except for the FR. However the Yellow timetable operates mid-week TWThO from 10/6/14 to 26/6/14. Trains then operate everyday from 28/6/14 to 5/10/14. July sees the Blue timetable operating FSSuO for most of July and Monday 7/7/14, excepting Friday 25/7/14. All other days see the Yellow timetable operating except for 14/7/14 when a special two train service is planned for a special event. August sees the Yellow timetable operating every day and trains may be strengthened for the Bank Holiday weekend rather than providing relief services.
September sees a return of the Blue timetable, the exception being the TWThO Yellow midweek timetable for the period 2-18/9/14. Additional trains will operate during the SuperPower Weekend from 12-14/9/14. The Blue timetable also covers October with the loss of Monday and Friday trains excepting for the school Half Term week from 25/10-1/11/14 with strangely no trains on the final Sunday 2/11/14, though trains operate on the FR. This year there are no Yellow peak trains in this holiday week. The 1/11/14 also marks the end of through trains from Caernarfon for the Year until the Xmas service.
The new innovation in 2014 is the appearance of a November/December twice a day train service from Porthmadog to Beddgelert at 1130 and 1415. This is to accommodate for coach party traffic in addition to late season visitors to the wonders of the Aberglaslyn Pass. It also allows a return journey from Beddgelert at 1220 with over an hour in Spooners for lunch! This service operates weekends from 8/11/14 until 30/11/14 and midweek WThO from 5/11/14 to 18/12/14.
In December, there are three Santa Specials weekends with 3 trains a day from Caernarfon to Waunfawr from 6-21/12/14. The Xmas service operates with one return train a day from Caernarfon to Porthmadog from 27/12/14 to 1/1/15 with no Boxing Day service, despite an offering on the FR.
All services are advertised with steam haulage and with hot meal service. There are 85 peak Yellow service days, down marginally from 86 last year, largely through cancellation of the peak service in the Autumn half term holiday, though with gains elsewhere. Blue timetable days increase from 116 to 120 with the Pink Xmas timetable static on 6 days. There is an additional 2 train timetable on 14/7/14 and the 22 days of the additional Green timetable for Porthmadog-Beddgelert Autumn/Winter services.
Festiniog Travel receives award 16/12/13
As Ffestiniog Travel embarks on its 40th Anniversary year in 2014, it ends 2013 on a high after being named runner-up in the Telegraph Travel Awards 2013 for Best Rail Tour Operator on 27/11/13. See F&WHR website for full details.
Concrete water tower
Deryk Simpson provides the following scan of an article he wrote for the Concrete Society which amongst other things produces a monthly magazine entitled ‘Concrete’ that is sent to people in the concrete industry in the UK and overseas. This story appears on page 7 in the current issue for Dec13/Jan 14 about the old WHR water tower at Beddgelert.
Russell moves (on compressed air!) 14/12/13
Click on the YouTube box above to watch 3 mins 42 secs of video of Russell being tested using compressed air to move the loco on 14/12/13 at Keef's loco works. This video was taken by Liz Owen on a camcorder and is best watched at 720p HD mode.
WHR Santa Specials fully booked!
All Santa Specials on the WHR are now fully booked. FR Santas run on 14-15/12/13 and the 21-22/12/13. Trains on the FR will run from Harbour Station rather than Minffordd as previously advertised (but will also call at Minffordd), following reconnection of the platform after recent trackwork to prepare for the new layout. There is still room on the FR Santas except for 22/12/13. See F&WHR stories. There are also Santa Specials on 14-15/12/13 on the WHHR. See WHHR Events page.
Signalling progress 12/12/13
During early December, excellent progress has been made with installation of the new Harbour Station signalling. The posts for the new signals 1 & 4 have been erected and, in the signal box, the booking desk as been mounted temporarily on a work-bench with a stool typical of the type found the NR signal boxes. The table on which the token instruments and token slide-drawer will be mounted has been placed against the seawall side of the signal box. The electric locks on the lever-frame have been wired and powered up, allowing the lever operation to be controlled by the locking. The contacts and locks have all been adjusted to the correct tolerances. Work has also commenced on reconfiguring the lever-frame indication panel that will provide the indications associated with each lever. In the relay-room, all the wiring has been successfully wire-counted and continuity-checked to ensure that it matches the diagrams. Outside, work continues with pulling and terminating cables. Behind the scenes, work progresses on the three signalling equipment cupboards needed for the scheme, with the cupboard for the advance starting signal being all but complete. The plumbing for the toilet and sink in the signalbox was also completed at the end of November but there are a few minor snagging items.
This easterly view 12/12/13 shows the recently completed post for signals 7A/B which has been erected at the east end of the new platform. These signals will control departures towards Boston Lodge from the WHR and FR platforms respectively. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Bont Briwet reopens for cars 12/12/13
The Liverpool Daily Post has a story dated 12/12/13 about Bont Briwet, including a gallery of images showing progress. The bridge has been reopened for cars but awaiting loading trials for trains after scouring caused movement of the foundations and a car accident moved timbers.
Harbour station progress 10/12/13
The ballast bed for 5 road is nearly complete.
This easterly view 10/12/13 shows the ballast bed laid alongside the sea wall for the future 5 road at Porthmadog Harbour station nearing completion at the station throat end of the new layout. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Andrew Thomas (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Tuesday Gang report 10/12/13
Tony Baker reports: On Tuesday 10/12/13 we assisted at Minffordd Yard making up a works train with the rail and all fittings needed to lay the new 5 road at Porthmadog Harbour Station. This is planned to happen between Xmas and New Year with the BHG and the ROTWG. We have now finished for 2013 and resume on 7/1/14 at Harbour Station.
Harbour Station work December 2013
Phase 5a to be completed in December includes the following
For map see WHR Soc website. Click on the pdf to rotate clockwise if necessary.
This north-easterly view 6/12/13 shows the ballast bed laid alongside the sea wall for the future 5 road at Porthmadog Harbour station. There will be no 6 road. The bull head rail complete with buffer stop is waiting alongside to be moved onto the ballast bed. The concrete sea wall is being clad in slate blockwork. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This south-westerly view 6/12/13 shows the track and buffer stop laid on the new ballast bed alongside the sea wall for the future 5 road at Porthmadog Harbour station. It was decided to complete this track earlier than programmed as other works were ahead of schedule and completion of 5 road would allow better rail access to complete the new Harbour Station layout in early 2014. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Bont Briwet ongoing problems 5/12/13
After river bed scouring led to the old Bont Briwet bridge being deemed unsafe, road traffic resumed on 4/12/13. However rail traffic is not expected to resume until 9/12/13 with continuing bustitution between Harlech and Pwllheli until then. See Liverpool Daily Post story.
North Wales Coast/Conway Valley storm damage 5/12/13
ATW advises: Due to track damage caused by adverse weather on Thursday 5/12/13, amended services will operate as shown below. The Conwy valley route (between Blaenau Ffestiniog and Llandudno Junction) is closed and train services are suspended. The route is expected to remain closed until at least Thursday 12/12/13. Replacement road transport will operate. The North Wales Coast route is closed between Chester and Rhyl and will remain closed until at least Saturday 7/12/13 due to severe damage to the sea wall, however an hourly train service will operate between Rhyl and Holyhead in both directions. Replacement road transport will operate between Chester and Rhyl calling at all stations.
Customers for Deganwy and Llandudno should change at Llandudno Junction where a half hourly shuttle train service will operate.
Any further information will be posted here when it becomes available.
For further information, please visit www.journeycheck.com/arrivatrainswales.
We thank all Customers for their patience and are sorry for the inconvenience this will cause customers using these routes.
North Wales Group Meeting 11/12/13
Elwyn Jones reports: Just a brief reminder of our meeting next Wednesday evening @7.30pm where our very own John Ellis Williams and Humphrey Davies will entertain us with a host of pictures of the Welsh Highland Railway pre-1970 and post 1997. Venue: Mountain Rangers Football Club, Rhosgadfan.
Team Wylfa report 3/12/13
Clive Briscoe reports: The first job on Tuesday evening was to check and oil up Sion Corn's train (the Santa Specials rake) in the Carriage Shed. Only one of the carriages had roller bearing axleboxes so it took a little longer than planned but we decided that, as the weather forecast was pretty foul for Thursday night, we'd let Martin and Rod off so they could toast their toes in front of their fires instead of turning out in the icy blast! We got a little bit more done on No.134 afterwards. I took our 1½" BSP pipe die up to the Loco Shed, cut the short spool for the front buffer beam vac brake standard and got one end threaded. We rooted in a box of bits and bobs that had arrived in a B Wagon from Port Shepstone in 1997 and found just what we needed - a gooseneck. It was very rusty when we recovered it but by the time we knocked off, it was nice and shiny waiting for a coat of paint. Oh, we finished painting the suspension beams we started last week.
That's it from Team Wylfa for 2013 until the first Tuesday in January so Best Wishes for the Christmas Season to all our readers. This doesn't mean the end of work on No.134 though, the main No.134 Group are having the last working weekend of the year a week on Saturday. If you'd like to join in, check the Contacts Page on the dedicated No.134 restoration website and let Andie Shaw or Pete Randall know you're coming. (Un)fortunately, I'll be several thousand miles away getting the break I should have had in June.
Tuesday Gang report 3/12/13
The Tuesday Gang spent 3/12/13 at Harbour Station continuing with the kango tamping of road 2 and also assisting S & T with the fitting of insulated fishplates to the WHR Queen Point. Both tasks were successfully concluded.
This southerly view 3/12/13 shows the Tuesday Gang packing the point leading to 2 road at Porthmadog Harbour station. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view 3/12/13 shows the Tuesday Gang packing the headshunt area at Porthmadog Harbour station. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
New inspection pit 2/12/13
This south-westerly view 1/12/13 shows the recently completed enlarged inspection pit with curved supporting rails on steel supports. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Harbour station January-February 2014 campaign 28/11/13
Click on the GIF image dated 28/11/13 above to enlarge. Image courtesy of Stuart McNair (F&WHR).
Plans are in place for the next steps in the Harbour Station redevelopment from 6/1/14 leading up to the opening on 22/3/14.
Other tasks to be scheduled for completion by the start of the new season are to extend the recently constructed new platform back to the station and link into the existing platform outside Spooner's, including the sharply curved section into the retained straight FR platform. Following this the FR platform tracks and WHR platform tracks can be linked up and the FR run-round and yard completed. Finally the new signalling and pointwork can be commissioned and the trackwork over the whole area aligned and tamped ready for traffic.
NG 15 plans
With the NG15 No.134 now in the recently extended north end of the Loco Shed a plan has been devised for further progress and the following work is currently underway.
Paid staff and volunteers are being used, with volunteer work parties usually on the third weekend of the month. Volunteers are still welcome. Contact Pete Randall (see Contacts page). Once the above list is complete the NG15 group will reassess funding. The remaining large item of work is the boiler and donations are always welcome. Some £700 was raised at the AGM/SuperPower Gala.
Appeal for track and bridge inspectors
Additional track inspectors are needed and these need to be trained to be track-safe. Contact Alun Tomlinson on atomlinson@ffwhr.com. The F&WHR is also looking for bridge inspectors, following NR Structures Management practice. Qualified personnel are also needed to audit the work of others. There are 66 bridges on the WHR (and a further 33 on the FR). Contact graham.cole11@btopenworld.com.
Harbour Station construction progress
With the first blockade (6/11-12/12/13) of Harbour Station nearing an end the programme is almost complete. A second longer blockade will take from early 2/1/13 until the start of the 2014 Season on 22/3/13 and see the platforms, track and signalling completed. The WHR timetable remains undetermined. Many items in the following list are now well underway or completed.
ISAAC heads for L&BR 29/11/13
Bagnall ISAAC, which has been undergoing final snagging work at Boston Lodge, has left for its new home at the L&BR. The loco left in late November and arrived at Woody Bay on 29/11/13. See L&BR website for more details and images. The three replica coaches Nos.7/16/17 will soon be in use as No.16 left Great Yeldham for Woody Bay on 19/9/13. Boston Lodge is constructing the underframe for No.11, a seven compartment all third vehicle and the fourth underframe made in two years for the L&BR.
Team Wylfa report 26/11/13
Clive Briscoe reports: This is the penultimate report for 2013 from Team Wylfa with further progress on NG15 No.134 on the evening of 26/11/13. We started the evening by bringing another length of 1½" NB steel tube and the hydraulic pipe bender into the Loco Shed and your scribe measured and cut the first two spools for the new vacuum brake train pipe. The section across the buffer beam is cut to length and the next section rearwards is cut but now needs bending to shape. We need to get the 1½" BSP dies in as well as the ends of these two pipes need screwing to go into elbows -one at the base of the standard to the gooseneck and front bag and the other where the pipe goes through the front buffer beam. These will be 'I think' only 2 of 4 on the loco as the intention is to bend most of the pipes to shape in the longest possible lengths and join the ends with bolted flanges for ease of future maintenance. Previously, it was made up of spools threaded at their ends and joined by screwed collars - very difficult to split if you needed to remove a section. We will be making a press tool die to make pipe clips to hold the train pipe next as we haven't any clips but have got MS strip to make them from.
Andy carried on painting the suspension components -these are almost finished now. We were joined by Mike M from the main No.134 Group. Matt and Pete helped sort the motion and dug out the rods that still had solidified grease in their lubricators so that Mike could carry on the work of burning it out that he'd started on the recent working weekend. Next week we may only get an hour to do No.134 work as we'll be back to checking and oiling the carriages ready for the Santa Specials which begin the following weekend, and that will be that for Team Wylfa for 2103 as we'll be taking a break until the first week of January in the New Year.
Tuesday Gang report 26/11/13
The gang spent 26/11/13 at Porthmadog Harbour station where we assisted with the Kango tamping of the newly laid track from the points at the end of the platform road to the headshunt at the water tower. Old material was also loaded onto a PW train and taken away.
This westerly view 19/11/13 shows the Tuesday Gang packing the headshunt at Porthmadog Harbour station. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
F&WHR wins tourist award 21/11/13
The F&WHR has been voted the top tourist attraction in North Wales for the 2013 National Tourist Awards. General Manager Paul Lewin collected the award at a ceremony in Llandudno on 21/11/13. See F&WHR story for more details.
YouTube Harbour Station progress 19/11/13
Click on the YouTube box above to watch 13 mins 52 secs of video of progress with the Harbour Station upgrade in mid-November published on 19/11/13. The YouTube clip is best watched in 1080p HD mode. This video was taken by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional camcorder.
Carriage news
The current coach construction project at Boston lodge Carriage Works is making good progress. No.2046 is a WHRS funded standard saloon constructed to the WHR stock profile. The coach has been transferred to the paint shop as it was externally complete. Although the exterior is complete, doors and corridor connections remained to be fitted during the Autumn. The interior is almost finished and recently work was underway on the mouldings around the windows and the tables. Another 'Gladstone Car' is to be constructed out of Open Coach No.2022, following the success of No. 2021 last year. As part of the refurbishment, the exterior plywood needs replacing as it is rotting. Vinyl seating will be provided.
Some carriages are to get new seat fabric covering as the original Winson coaches are looking a bit tired. Their paintwork will also get a touch up and re-varnish. Replica Ashbury No.24 will also be receiving a good clean up and varnish. The WHRS has recently helped towards the cost of a plywood sheet panel saw. The Carriage Appeal which was circulated with the last WHRS membership reminder has allowed good progress with No.2046 including pleasant smelling Brazilian cedar, an expensive and hard to source material. The coach will be ready for the 2014 season if not before.
Team Wylfa report 19/11/13
Clive Briscoe reports: We had a very productive evening on No.134 this week. The Team continued where the No.134 Group had left off on Sunday – Pete and Dave continued cleaning and painting the recently returned spring hanger rods and balance beams for the compensated springing. These had been away at Boston Lodge for NDT and fitting of hardened steel bushes in the pin holes. Andy went between the frames at the rear end and cleaned the rear frame stretcher/pony truck pivot and undercoated it and touched up the inside faces of the frames in that area. Matt cleaned the underside of the front K-H truck frame and he and Pete then painted it (continuing where they had left off on the top face last Tuesday).
Meanwhile, your scribe turned pyromaniac trying to remove some stubs of pipe from a cruciform fitting from the vacuum brake pipe system. Eventually, the two 1½”NB stubs came out – after being annealed and then collapsed into the bore by careful use of a hammer and small chisel. The good news was that the 2”NB plug in the underside of this cruciform fitting DID yield - after liberal application of heat from the rose burner and a 3ft Stilson wrench. This plug is where a drain pot and automatic drain valve should fit as it is at the lowest part of the vac brake pipe system on the loco. Next week we should complete painting of the suspension components and will be bringing the hydraulic pipe bender into the Loco Shed to start bending and fitting the new train pipe from front to back.
Tuesday Gang report 19/11/13
Tony Baker reports: The gang worked down at Porthmadog Harbour St for most of the day on 19/11/13. On the way to Porthmadog we stopped off at Meillionen (Beddgelert Forest Campsite Halt) to tidy up our garden at the station. This was in affect gathering up all the accumulated leaves from platform and track. Also 3 other lads assisted Fred Howes with a survey of the bend at Bryn-y-Felin. Once we all gathered at Porthmadog we set to assisting with connecting the newly installed points at the water tank end to the trackwork. This involved a certain amount of rail cutting and fish plating up. Surplus old point timbers were loaded onto a wagon for onward movement to Minffordd Yard.
This northerly view 19/11/13 shows the Tuesday Gang cutting rails in Porthmadog Harbour station. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view 19/11/13 shows the Tuesday Gang fitting track in Porthmadog Harbour station. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
K1 report 16-17/11/13
Andy Rutter reports: The K1 Group had a very constructive working party over the weekend of 16-17/1/13. Firstly, we tackled the source of steam leaks evident since the September gala. These are mainly around the pendulum pipe, simpling valve, operating cylinder and flexible connections. These will be attended to as soon as possible. The second main job was to re-instate the lamps on the locomotive, with the front 'Phos' patent acetylene reproduction lamp working on its internal batteries, and the rear SAR reproduction lamp wired up to work from a temporary set of batteries in the cab. These lamps will eventually be connected to the turbo-generator that was commissioned this weekend after being connected to steam via a new valve. The unit was run up and produced 100 watts so this is quite an achievement as the other units for the fleet can be resurrected similarly. Thanks are due to Frank Collin who spent many hours working on the unit at his workshop.
This southerly twilight view 16/11/13 shows K1 with Conway Castle. Steam was being raised in readiness for test runs on Sunday. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright John Startin and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This Dinas Loco Shed view 17/11/13 shows K1 with the SAR reproduction rear headlamp under test. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Nobby Clark and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This Dinas Loco Shed view 17/11/13 shows K1's turbo-generator being tested and lighting up 100W of lamps. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Nobby Clark and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view 17/11/13 shows K1 under test on its way back from Bontnewydd, the object being to find steam leaks. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Nobby Clark and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Titbits Autumn 2013
It has been a busy year on the WHR despite the recession. Bookings were 14% up at the end of July and traffic income up 20%. Good loadings continued through August and September with 0935 fully booked on several occasions.
The KMX tamper has been at work, primarily between Hafod-y-llyn and Pont Croesor. New cab heating makes it more comfortable for the operators. Network Rail apprentices will again come to the WHR to learn track skills. The Royal Navy will also be sending trainees as new recruits from HMS Sultan will be visiting for 5 weeks from January 2014. One of the jobs will be improving Bryn-y-felin curve. Following the success of a teenager working on the railway, Alun Tomlinson is looking for sponsorship for an apprenticeship. This would cost £20k per apprentice and be 50% funded by the Government in the first year only. Permanent staff will be retiring in the next few years and new staff will be needed.
EAG meeting 21/11/13
Richard Watson advises: Just a reminder
that our next meeting will be on Thursday, 21/11/13. Our speaker will be
Andrew Charman, publicity officer for the Welshpool & Llanfair Railway, and
also well known as editor of Narrow Gauge World. His topic will be “Welshpool &
Llanfair Update” and he's sure to have other interesting topics as well. As
always our meetings are held at The Six Bells, Fulbourn, nr. Cambridge CB21 5DH,
with an 8pm start. I hope to see you all there!
Russell progress 9-15/11/13
This Alan Keef's view 9/11/13 shows progress with Russell with the new riveted smokebox. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Liz Owen and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This Alan Keef's view 9/11/13 shows progress with Russell with the new riveted smokebox. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Liz Owen and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This Alan Keef's view 9/11/13 shows progress with Russell with the new riveted smokebox. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Liz Owen and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This Alan Keef's view 9/11/13 shows progress with Russell with the new riveted smokebox. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Liz Owen and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This Alan Keef's view 9/11/13 shows progress with Russell with the new riveted smokebox. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Liz Owen and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This Alan Keef's view 9/11/13 shows progress with Russell with the new riveted smokebox. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Liz Owen and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This Alan Keef's view 15/11/13 shows progress with Russell. The firehole doors have been fitted. Also in place are the regulator quadrant, gland and operating rod. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Alan Keef Engineering Ltd. and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Rest Of the World Gang report 9-15/11/13
The first task of our November working week, which started on Saturday 9/11/13, was to install the new, 75lb rail, WHR down loop point outside Spooner's. The point had spent most of the summer on a flat wagon, getting under our feet parked up on variously the new FR and then WHR platform roads, so it was nice to get the damn thing in and out of the way at last. The site had been partly cleared and ballasted by the contractors, with the point laid out ready for us, on top of the track leading down from the current WHR point on No. 1 road. The two point halves were first dragged into position and then bolted together, aligned and packed up with ballast, before connecting it up to the WHR mainline at the down end. Then the composite bullhead/75lb rails at the up end were cut to length and plated up. It looked a bit of a dog at first, as the alignment of the extant track between the two points is not the same as the new alignment will be, so a certain amount of tweaking of the old track was necessary to ensure the half dozen or so service trains that will run over it post-Christmas, don't come to grief.
This easterly view 9/11/13 shows the ROWG dragging the stub end of the WHR down loop point. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Dr. Simon Melhuish and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view 9/11/13 shows the ROWG fine tuning the WHR down loop point. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Dr. Simon Melhuish and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Some of the team helped the White Rose Group, who had dismantled the old point into No. 6 road, to move it across the site to near the new signal box, where it will form the entry into the new FR sidings. Over several days, this point was reassembled at its new site. The gap left by the removal of the point was filled with plain rail. Over on the new FR platform road, another panel of track was added and the whole length up to the up FR loop point was aligned horizontally and ballasted, but time precluded any more than scant attention to the vertical alignment of this section of track. On Thursday and Friday we had fun and games, as first thing on both days Prices delivered two new points for the water-tower end of the Harbour station site. Thankfully, unlike on the previous Saturday, these points were plopped approximately into place with the delivery lorry's Hiab crane, rather than us having to struggle with more labour-intensive means. That said, it took much of the rest of Thursday to get the first two points into final position and as we could only stretch to a half day on Friday (and for certain technical reasons), we could only really play at getting the second two more or less where they needed to go, before handing the baton over to the Black Hand Gang on Saturday.
This westerly view 14/11/13 shows the ROWG offloading the first of the four new points at the water tower end of Harbour station. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Bob Zeepvat and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view 15/11/13 shows the ROWG installing the four new points by lunchtime. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Bob Zeepvat and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Team Wylfa report 12/11/13
On Tuesday 12/11/13, the Team carried on where we’d left off in the Loco Shed last week – we turned No.134’s rear pony truck frame over so we could finish repainting the underside. At the same time, we had to lift and re-stow a lot of the motion and spring hanger rods that the works team had moved from the gangway between No.134 and the ex sugar cane 0-6-0DM No.9 that they are now working on alongside and had stacked on top of the front K-H truck frames. With these frames free, we dragged them out and gave them the same treatment as the rear pony truck – clean off and repaint the accessible surfaces. It’s a No.134 Group working weekend in a few days so the undersides will get re-painted then plus a lot more jobs continued.
In the Loco Shed, No.9 has been lifted high and off its wheelsets and work to bring it up to F&WHR standards is now going on apace. Ex-No.143’s rear power bogie work is also on-going with the RHS cylinder lifted over the frames and about to be refitted. Castell Caernarfon has been repaired and the ex-Upnor/ex-W&LlLR Combination Car No.1001 has taken its place over the pit.
Porthmadog blockade
The six week November/December blockade is underway and should see a significant advance in the reconstruction of Porthmadog Harbour station. One of the stabling sidings will be removed and the wave wall work completed. Four sets of points near the water tower will be replaced by new points produced by K.J. G. Price, of Bedwas, Caerphilly. These have been supplied assembled, complete with point levers, so the existing levers can be recycled. WHR services finished on 2/11/13 but FR services continue on Wednesday and Thursday only between Minffordd and Blaenau Ffestiniog, right up to Christmas, primarily to cater for coach traffic. After the New Year services there will be a final blockade in January and February to allow the completion of the remaining platform and trackwork in order to provide independent platform and run-round facilities for the WHR and FR train services. This will allow trains for both railways to be in the station at the same time.
Tuesday Gang report 12/11/13
Tony Baker reports: The gang was once again at Harbour Station, the task on 12/11/13 being the partial disassembly of the Welsh Highland Queen point in order to fit the track circuit bonding wires and to replace the fishplates at the ends of the point with the insulated type. It was necessary to affect this partial disassembly because S & T required to attach the bonding wires using screw mounted lugs which could not be fitted with the point fully assembled. It was also necessary to cut a sliver of rail off in order to fit one of the insulated fishplates.
This westerly view 12/11/13 shows the Tuesday Gang cutting rail on the WHR Queen point, which, at the moment, still provides access to the FR platform. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view 12/11/13 shows the Tuesday Gang disassembling the WHR Queen point. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view 12/11/13 shows the Tuesday Gang reassembling the WHR Queen point. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Snowdon Ranger seeks new editor
The sudden tragic death of Roy Woods has deprived the WHRS not only of a good friend and supporter but also of an editor for our magazine, The Snowdon Ranger. Dave Kent has kindly offered to step into the breach and help put together the next few editions until we make a new permanent appointment. Therefore a plea please to get your articles for issue No.83 of The Snowdon Ranger to Dave by the deadline of 13/12/13. Could you also please resubmit any copy sent to Roy for inclusion in the next issue?
Dave's e-mail address is - ffriddisaf@freezone.co.ukso
Please ensure that any photographs are high resolution and reduced so that they don't jam up his email.
Welsh Pony fund raising
The Prize Raffle for the Welsh Pony Restoration Project Prize held over the FR's Vintage Weekend raised over £400. Purple Moose Brewery donated two nine gallon casks of Snowdonia Ale for the Sunday Evening Special Beer Train run for volunteers who helped over the Vintage Weekend. The contents were sold for £2 a pint which raised almost £300 to be added to the Welsh Pony Project Fund. So altogether over £700 raised. Small beer perhaps but every little helps!
North Wales Group meeting 13/11/13
Elwyn Jones advises: Just a gentle reminder about our meeting this month where Mr Rowland Doyle has kindly agreed to give us an illustrated talk on the trials and tribulations on re opening the Welsh Highland Railway. This will be the first time Rowland has talked publicly about his time as contract manager during the re construction. One not to miss I think. The meeting is on Wednesday evening 13/11/13 at the Mountain Rangers Club Rhosgadfan.
Bont Briwet closure after settlement reported 6/11/13
Bont Briwet road/rail bridge, currently being replaced by NR, between Llandecwyn and Penrhyndeudraeth has been closed to road and rail traffic after vertical movement was noticed in sensors. This may be caused by scouring of the mud around the timber viaduct supports caused by the narrowing of the channel. Trains between Harlech, Porthmadog and Pwllheli have been replaced by buses as there was no DMU stabled northwest of the bridge when it was closed. There is no timetable for reopening at the moment. See Liverpool Daily Post story.
Tuesday Gang report 5/11/13
Tony Baker reports: The gang were at Harbour Station on 5/11/13 tasked with removing all fishplates on No.6 road and the fishplates on No.3 road at either end of the pit. We believe that the pit is to be enlarged. Firstly the points giving access to 6 road had to be locked preventing access to it. Then all the fishplates were removed. The track panels were left assembled as they are to be reused in the revamped Minffordd Yard. We next pulled in, or rather pushed in, a waste pipe to the WC in the new signal box. As the system is pumped the waste outlet has to be of the specified diameter of 32 mm so this pipe was inserted inside the existing pipe of 70 mm. The first attempt to do this last weekend failed when the 32 mm pipe hit a joint in the 70 mm point. To alleviate the problem the end of the 32 mm pipe was chamfered away and this time it was successful. Next we unloaded some very heavy point timbers and finally spent the last hour assisting the FfR lads to remove fishplates on Nos.2/3 road down by the water tower. We felt that we had had a very successful day.
This northerly view 5/11/13 shows the Tuesday Gang removing fishplates by the inspection pit. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view 5/11/13 shows the Tuesday Gang removing fishplates on the sidings which must be lifted to allow the station rebuild. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Team Wylfa Report 5/11/13
Clive Briscoe reports: Something different for Team Wylfa to report for a change - NO carriages! It was all NG15 No.134 work at last. With the forced eviction from the Clip Shed, first of all it was 'find some tools to work with' - and somewhere to keep them. A locked steel chest was the answer and a home made for it alongside No.134 in the Loco Shed. The Loco Shed is suddenly very crowded at the end of the running season - 4½ NGG16's, K1, Castell Caernarfon and the ex Australian sugar cane railway 0-6-0DM, No 9, that has sat at the bottom of the coal hole road for quite a time now (having just been reunited with its re-gauged wheelsets). The ½ x NGG16 is the rear(?) power bogie ex No.143 that suffered with a split fly crank a couple of years ago - this is just forward of No.134 and work is going on to reassemble it. Since last week, the frames have been cleaned down and the cylinder blocks are being prepared for refitting.
So, what was our task for the evening? Pull the rear pony truck frame from underneath the loco, remove the old plain bearing axleboxes, then clean off and repaint the frames. The fitted bolts holding the axleboxes to the frame eventually yielded to the irresistible force of a 7lb lump hammer and the axleboxes were removed, the frames spot wire brushed and repainted. They will be carefully lowered next week and the underside painted.
Charter 3/11/13
Richard Hay reports: I took part in Sunday's charter with Nos.87/138 and a lengthy freight train. Despite the really unpleasant weather making photography a challenge and rather restricted opportunities (unfortunately we only got a few run-pasts in during the day!), I took several images taken around Rhyd Ddu. The train made a truly spectacular sight! I was also lucky to travel in the SAR brakevan down from Rhyd Ddu to Pont Croesor.
This easterly view 3/11/13 shows the charter train at Ffridd Isaf curve at 1148. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Richard Hay and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view 3/11/13 shows the charter train rounding Ffridd Isaf curve at 1149. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Richard Hay and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view 3/11/13 shows the charter train approaching Ffridd Isaf curve at 1304. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Richard Hay and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view 3/11/13 shows the charter train at Rhyd Ddu at 1343. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Richard Hay and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Harbour Station progress 3/11/13
The first signal post has been erected and the new steps put in place for the signalbox.
This westerly view 3/11/13 shows the third signal post being erected in the new platform. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Simon Starr and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Peter Asquith (S&T JASPER Group) reports: The first signal post was a small metal affair closer to Harbour Station. The second was the first proper complete signal in the form of the Heritage Distant Disc Signal towards Boston Lodge. This we planted on Sunday 3/11/13. Then, the wooden post shown above was erected, although it requires setting to the correct height as the hole was deeper than required. Lastly, we put the 'temporary Trident' up. This was recovered from the end of Blaenau platform a couple of years ago and will remain until the actual wooden version is ready. We plan to plant more wooden posts during our working party at the end of November.
This Minffordd Yard view 3/11/13 shows the signalbox steps LAG Chairman Martin Cook’s dog Misty testing the new steps in the woodwork shop before fitting to the signalbox later that day. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Martin Cook and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
2013 Events and Visiting Locomotives programme
With the 2013 timetable now available on the F&WHR website, the 2013 events and Visiting Loco programme is now clear.
1/3/13: St. David's Day - Princess commences a six week period on display at Paddington Station, London.
13-14/4/13: Prince in steam at the London Transport Museum Open Weekend - Acton, London.
27/4/13: Mountaineer at the 16mm Association National Garden Railway Show - Peterborough.
3-6/5/13: Steam 150 Gala - Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways.
10-12/5/13: Lyd at the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Spring Gala - Woody Bay.
17-19/5/13: Rail Ale - Welsh Highland Railway.
-24/7/13: Princess at Heuston Station, Dublin
August: Princess at Penrhyn Castle, Bangor
9-10/8/13: Prince at the Shrewsbury Flower Show.
13-17/8/13: Prince at the Great British Beer Festival Olympia, London
6-8/9/13: Super Power - Welsh Highland Railway.
14-15/9/13: Lilla at the Birkenhead Festival of Transport.
28-29/9/13: Prince at L&BR Autumn Gala
11-13/10/13: Vintage Weekend - Ffestiniog Railway with some special trains on the WHR.
England loco book supports Welsh Pony project
Dan Quine has written a new book which covers the history of the F&WHR's George England locos. These of course ran (and in some cases still run) on the WHR. All proceeds from the book sales are being donated to the fund to restore Welsh Pony, and so far he has raised over £350 for that cause with over 100 sold. The book is detailed at the following website and is available for order from there. The F&WHR shop will also carry a few copies. The book is priced at £19.99 soft cover and £24.99 hard cover. A chapter on 3D printing is also included as the book arose after a project to model England locos using the technique.
http://www.festinioglocos.com/
Coach policy
Trains ran comfortably full this year and the service level seemed correct with the WHR 20% up in July. The F&WHR's service policy remains fixed on the two rakes offered with consequent long gaps between departures. For those not reading the timetable in advance this can lead to disappointment. There are currently 15 WHR standard coaches with rakes being made up to 20 at times with the two heritage coaches and FR stock. If a third rake were to be constructed a new service car would be needed costing about £150,000 and another first class carriage would be required to provide a consistent level of accommodation and service. New saloon No.2046 will emerge about Xmas, it is hoped, commissioned by the WHRS. It is planned to construct another second brake toilet coach No.2091for 2015. Gwyrfai has been suggested as the name for a second Observation Coach. Building one new coach every 2 years is all the society can currently fund so at the current rate of progress it will take until 2023 to form up the two 10 coach rakes from WHR stock.
Martin Kressman adds: Having crawled under the WHR carriages for the last three years, I can only find fourteen. There will be fifteen with No.2046 due out next year. No.2047 has been cancelled. It is my belief that with the latest Superbarn having been proved to be trolley enabled the F&WHR will concentrate on Superbarns rather than WHR specific vehicles. The next observation car to be built will resemble Glaslyn (i.e. with curved front) but is to be built to FR loading gauge.
Caernarfon Redevelopment plan disappointment
The application for funds for a new station building in Caernarfon, as part of the Caernarfon Dock Area Redevelopment was not successful and the F&WHR will be looking at other funding avenues.
Harbour Station plans
Work will take place over the 5 week slot from 4/11/13 and 10 weeks from 3/1/13 to reposition the tracks, complete the new platforms, loco servicing pit and install and commission the signalling and electric point motors. For the first time in a long while there will be no trains from Porthmadog on either the WHR or FR between 2/1/14 and 21/3/14.
Tuesday Gang
Tony Baker reports: The big effort starts next Tuesday (5/11/13) when our job will be to dismantle No.6 road at Harbour Station.
Bryn Gwyn station site for sale
Arie den Dulk noted: The current owners of Bryn Helen, Carmel, are putting it up for sale as they are hoping to down size to a smaller property. The property details are: 4/5 bed, 2 reception rooms, new double glazing, LPG, log burner, deceptively spacious semi-detached stone converted bungalow. There are fantastic views of the mountains at the rear of the property and sea views to the front. The property comes with 7 acres of grazing land, 3 stables and a yard, workshop with power/water and a feed room and a tack room. The property has the old "Bryngwyn Station" on its land and the old railway lines and photos are still visible.
The current owner expressed that it would be lovely if someone interested in its history would purchase it and maybe restore the old station. If anyone who wants to live at this "railway" property ) then please get in touch with the owners at holmesdaren@hotmail.com. See also Zoopla.
Songs of Praise 3/11/13
The Welsh Highland featured is featured on the TV programme 'Songs of Praise' this week. 'Mountainous Wales' is the title of this weekend's Songs of Praise on BBC1 and features a segment filmed on the WHR earlier this year. Presenter Connie Fisher travelled from Porthmadog to Beddgelert on the Welsh Highland in July and interviewed Dr. Richard Buxton about the railway. The interview will feature in the 35 minute episode which will be broadcast at 1555 on BBC1 on Sunday 3/11/13 at 1555. See BBC story.
Team Wylfa report 29/10/13
Clive Briscoe reports: Well last week I reported that we had almost done with carriage inspections and oiling for this year. WRONG!! I had believed it was to be the F Set this week and that by 8pm, we’d have moved over to No.134 work. It was the E Set again! Not only that, it is out on Thursday evening with the Spooky Special so B Team wouldn’t have access to finish it off. So, we spent the entire evening doing E Set. Martin and the B Team are checking and oiling the freight wagons this week ready for a photo charter this weekend. From next Monday, there are expected to be stock reshuffles as certain carriages will be going through Boston Lodge for major maintenance. For instance, No.2022, the last remaining fully open coach will be going in for bodywork repairs and conversion to semi-open as per No.2021 last year. Service coach No.2010 is going to have a bogie swop as there are problems developing with its Romanian wheelsets and Glaslyn, the observation carriage, is expected to have a bogie exchange too.
HOPEFULLY, we’ll be on NG15 No.134 work next week until just before Christmas when the carriages for the Santa Specials will need checking. In Dinas Works, it was noted that work on the power bogie removed from under No.143 a couple of years ago (with a failed fly crank) is now under way and keeping No.134 company. It is now up on stands with the remaining wheelsets removed.
Appeal for a Tree Squad
Paul Lewin has appealed for volunteers to form a force to deal with trees and shrubs which are overgrowing the WHR in places. These not only reduce views for passengers but also lead to adhesion problems causing slipping and concerns about braking on the 1 in 40 downhill sections which mulch can coat the rails in 'treetop tunnels'. Some trees are within the railway's land and others overhanging from neighbouring fields. Some large trees nearing the end of their lives need felling and specialist contractors will be required to remove these as they can weigh 60-70 tonnes. Removing these will reduce the occasional storm blockage of the line and the chance of one falling on a train. The F&WHR is about to appoint a new lineside supervisor to ensure all volunteers are suitably equipped and properly organised. This will hopefully facilitate volunteering for tasks such as coppicing and low level clearance.
Lon Gwyrfai walk 30/10/13
The Snowdonia Society is organising a walk from Rhyd Ddu to Beddgelert along the new Lon Gwyrfai public footpath that crosses the railway at Pont Cae'r Gors and Hafod Ruffydd and twice on the Cwmcloch lane down to Beddgelert Station. If using the train, walkers should meet at 1115 at Beddgelert for the 1130 train. For full details see the F&WHR website.
Welsh Highland Autumn Colours YouTube 23/10/13
Click on the YouTube link above to watch 6 mins 39 secs of video of No.138 between Rhyd Ddu and Porthmadog during the Autumn. This video was taken by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional camcorder and is best watched at 1080p HD mode.
Roy Woods RIP
Andrew Thomas reports: We are sorry to report that Roy Woods was taken ill suddenly on Friday 25/10/13 and died in hospital on Sunday, aged 60 years. For many years Roy worked in computing with BR International Ticketing. He took early retirement, moved to North Wales, joined the FR and for some time worked in FR Travel. He left the FR and obtained a degree at Portsmouth University. When he returned he helped to edit and produce the F&WHR guidebooks and other publications. At the Welsh Highland Railway Society AGM in September 2013, Roy was presented with an award for his many years work as Editor of The Snowdon Ranger. Our condolences to Roy’s wife Jan, his family and friends.
The Funeral service for Roy Woods will be held at 13:00 on Friday 1/11/13 in St John's Church, Porthmadog. This is the large Victorian church up the steep hill just off the start of the Penamser Road, the road to Criccieth. The service will be followed by a reception at Spooners at 14:15. The Funeral service is being held at short notice for family reasons. The Cremation will follow next week in Bangor Crematorium and this service will be for family members only.
Team Wylfa report 22/10/13
Clive Briscoe reports: The half term extra trains have given a stock rotation and E Set was at Dinas overnight for the first time in many weeks on Tuesday. This was Team Wylfa’s task this week – and it was the A Team that had to do it since Martin was short-handed for Thursday and there is NO working party this Thursday evening. A full check and service was the order of the evening. With 4 of us we had the task covered with the set duly visually checked, axleboxes and couplings oiled and flange lubricator grease sticks renewed in 2 hours flat. This effectively is the last time this set will get looked at this year as it will be F Set we see next week – the last week of regular running. After this, some coaches will be shuffled out of both sets to go down to Boston Lodge for Winter overhaul – which includes some bogies being exchanged for the latest design of modified SAR bogies with roller bearing axleboxes and limited primary suspension. No.2022 for one will be going through the Carriage Works for a thorough clean-up and, it is understood, will be modified similarly to No.2021 last year with partial glazing in the mid-bay (like the WHR's historic Gladstone Coach-Ed).
After servicing the set, we looked in the Loco Shed to weigh up tasks now available to Team Wylfa on NG15 No.134 as this will be what we will be doing now that carriage servicing is effectively complete for 2013. Pete Randall has already given an account of this last weekend’s work on No.134 and there is now much to have a go at now all the suspension and motion components have returned and are laid out alongside the loco.
Tuesday Gang report 22/10/13
Tuesday Gang report 22/10/13: The gang spent Tuesday, 22/10/13 bushwhacking between Waunfawr and Tryfan Junction. Care was taken to improve sightings from and to level crossings. We now have a pole mounted saw and pole mounted secateurs which are proving very useful.
Call for NR link to Caernarfon 21/10/13
The Liverpool Daily Post has reported that the Network Rail Bangor-Caernarfon Rail Link is being discussed again. The trackbed from Menai Bridge Junction, near Bangor, to a car park near Morrisons is largely clear, though a new bridge across the A55 would be required as well as a new bridge across the A4087 at the east end of Y Felinheli Bypass, just south of Vaynol Tunnel. The 7 mile link could cost up to £50 million but would allow a railway circular journey and thereby promote tourism in North Wales. The WHR could be extended through the little used road tunnel to the proposed joint station site. The campaign has benefitted from the support of Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas, the local Welsh Assembly member, who has also called for the reopening of the Gaerwen-Llangefni branch 'to revive the whole region'.
Trains last operated on the Caernarfon Branch in January 1972 when Caernarfon Dock was used as an emergency freightliner traffic terminal following the fire that closed Britannia Bridge and access to Holyhead for Irish traffic. An ATW proposal made in 2003 to run services to Caernarfon was blocked by the Strategic Rail Authority which claimed the plans were not practicable. The line closed on 3/1/70 shortly after the Investiture of Prince Charles at Caernarfon, which saw trains for visiting dignitaries stabled as far south as Dinas on the mothballed line to Afon Wen Junction on the Cambrian Coast line.
There must be some doubt whether a full length loco-hauled excursion train could be accommodated at Caernarfon on a levelled site behind Morrisons but the trackbed was double track so there is no problem sharing with the Lon Las Menai cycleway. There is no doubt that the circular journey via Llandudno Junction, Blaenau Ffestiniog, the FR and WHR and the new rail link to Bangor, would bring increased excursion traffic. Some excursion traffic may have been lost by the Cambrian Coast ERTMS scheme which requires the use of the dedicated fleet of NR Class 97/3 locos (Class 37) and only when drivers are available! See Liverpool Daily Post story. Views of the suggested WHR extension to the Morrisons station site are included in the Phase 6 pages.
NG15 update 19-20/9/13
Peter Randall reports: Saturday and Sunday saw the fifth anniversary of the WHRS group working on the NG15 No.134. We were in the new part of the Loco Shed and were buoyed by an excellent turnout. With a mixture of young and older, new and regular stalwarts there was a super atmosphere and it was great that one of the fitters working on the paid jobs took the time to come down, find out what we were doing and check up on the next tasks to be done. With the chassis moved, we also shifted all the components for the chassis up to the Loco Shed and laid them out alongside the loco; wheels, rods, suspension and brake gear - all in their correct positions. The suspension and brake gear have all been returned from Boston Lodge where they were re-bushed. The frames now have the rear drag box fitted and this was cleaned and painted with primer. Work was also done on the cleaning up of the new sanding valves and the overhaul of some of the smaller components (by-pass valves and anti-vacuum valves). A start was also made on removing the worn thrust plates on the driving wheels. This however turned out to be a challenging job!
This Loco Shed view 20/10/13 shows No.134's dragbox now fitted to the rear of the frame. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Laurence Armstrong and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
One very satisfying job was to check the frame alignment. After all the movements and lifting with the crane, there was some concern that the alignment might have changed and the alignment of the pistons and the wheels would need resetting. However when the wires were reset, they were found to be virtually exactly where they were before the move - so we can move ahead with the work on the horns and the axle boxes.
Everyone went home with a smile on their face - a long, hard weekend but lots of work completed. Thanks to all the team!
This Loco Shed view 20/10/13 shows No.134's frame with piano wire set up to recheck alignment. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Laurence Armstrong and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Team Wylfa report 15/10/13
Clive Briscoe reports: Exactly the same as last week for Team Wylfa A and B Teams this week – the F Set at Dinas. Next week, there is a stock rotation due to extra trains running over the schools' Half Term week so we’ll have the E Set to service for a change. Both A & B Team leaders had some fun during the FR’s ‘1863 And All That’ event when we managed to skank a ride on one of the slate gravity trains – great fun.
Tuesday Gang report 15/10/13
Tony Baker reports: The gang spent 15/10/13 bushwhacking on the section between Caernarfon Station and St Helen's foot crossing. We paid particular attention to a short section of buddleia and ivy which was denying our customers a splendid view of the castle as the train took a left hand bend into the final station approaches. Whilst in the station area we also filled 5 bags with detritus left behind by the nocturnal activities of Caernarfon's youth. All part of the job.
Phase 5 Supporters' visit 13/10/13
Tim Maynard reports: The heritage miniature electro-mechanical lever frame has been installed in the signal box. This frame is part of Westinghouse Brake and Signal Style 'L' lever frame serial No.81 of June 1937 and used at Darlington South on the London and North Eastern Railway, the only such frame installed by the LNER. Interestingly LT used a different type of frame, the Style 'K' which featured mechanical locking rather than being all electric. They look very similar until you take off the covers of the machinery under the levers.
This easterly view 13/10/13 shows the fitting or the refurbished heritage miniature electromechanical lever frame, showing the refurbished electrical contacts. There is a big umbilical cord to the Relay Cabin visible in the distance. This type of installation is now preferred to the Blaenau Ffestiniog type electrical installation as there was no final resolution of what electronic problem caused the derailment there many years ago. The frame should be more intuitive for trained drivers and fireman to operate on lighter service days when a signaller is not required. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view 13/10/13 shows the general arrangements at the east end of the signalbox. There will be a layout diagram behind the frame and the signaller will have to observe arrivals looking to the left or right of the diagram. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view 13/10/13 shows the east end of the signalbox. There is limited clearance between the FR platform road and the signalbox. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This internal view 13/10/13 shows the general arrangements of the relay racks in the Relay Cabin, currently being fitted out prior to testing for the start of services next Easter. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This southerly view 13/10/13 shows the Relay Cabin, with heritage FR wagons parked on the new WHR platform road as part of the FR Vintage Gala. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view 13/10/13 shows the signalbox, with a rail wagon stabled on the recently tamped WHR platform road. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
WHR 12-13/10/13
This northerly view 12/10/13 shows No.138 passing Gasworks Siding with the 1225 arrival, running slightly late awaiting clearance of the platform at Porthmadog with the Gala specials running late. This is issue should be resolved with two platforms in use from next Easter. The spare tramway rails are stored on the site of the siding. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Nigel Kendall and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view 12/10/13 shows No.138 crossing Britannia Bridge. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Huw Kendall (aged 12) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view 13/10/13 shows No.87 arriving at Porthmadog at 1650 with Prince waiting for the shunt. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Huw Kendall (aged 12) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view 13/10/13 shows No.138 arriving at Porthmadog at 1650 with Prince waiting for the shunt. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Huw Kendall (aged 12) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
YouTube 'A Year in the Life of the F&WHR 2013'
Click on the YouTube box above to watch 4 mins 41 secs of video of various trains on the F&WHR during 2013. This video was taken by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional camcorder and is best watched at 1080p HD mode.
FR Gala weekend 11-13/10/13
This easterly view 11/10/13 shows Prince on a Beddgelert working during the FR Gala crossing Britannia Bridge. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Chris Price and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view 13/10/13 shows No138 at Beddgelert on a Caernarfon bound train. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Chris Price and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Tuesday Gang report 8/10/13
Tony Baker reports: The Tuesday Gang spent 8/10/13 cutting back vegetation to improve sight lines at 2 locations: Fron Goch and Dinas Cutting where the Dinas home signal was becoming obscured.
Team Wylfa report 8/10/13
Clive Briscoe reports: Team Wylfa A Team were back at Dinas this Tuesday evening 8/10/13 and as usual at the moment, it was the F Set to be serviced yet again. Same story as a couple of weeks ago, the 'quick job' for us - visual check, oil the couplings and top up the flange lube grease sticks. Martin and B Team will do the axlebox oiling on Thursday. A few new things - the rest of the team hadn't been blinded by the new lighting in the previously unlit extension at the Caernarfon end of the Carriage Shed. It has to be seen to be believed - it's like daylight at noon in mid Summer! Since our last visit, DZF2003 and B1899 have been moved in and have undergone a thorough de-rust and repaint in SAR red oxide. They now match the recently delivered B wagons from Sandstone. Perhaps the most exciting news was in the Loco Shed - the NG15's frames are now complete again for the first time in a few years - the new rear drag box is now in with the final fitted bolts about to go in. Allied to this, the steam brake cross shaft beneath it is also mounted. This is a significant step forward for the project.
Team Wylfa report 1/10/13
Team Wylfa reports:-) The A Team ‘flying squad’ paid a visit to Boston Lodge this week to check and oil the E Set - which is currently stabling there for the next few weeks due to low season Blue Timetable running i.e. one return trip for each set from each end of the railway. As it happened, we had a VERY good turnout – 7 of us! This included our long time FRS member from Australia, David Power, who is on his annual visit to the UK. The majority met at Dinas to pick up the tools at 7pm, left some of the cars there and picked up the others in Porthmadog. It was nice to have a long inspection pit to work in – it certainly speeds up work and with an experienced team, we soon had the set checked and oiled and were putting the oil bowser and tools back in the Dinas carriage shed just after 10pm – our normal finishing time.
Tuesday Gang 1/10/13
Tony Baker reports: The gang spent the 1/10/13 at Tunnel 4 in the Aberglaslyn Pass. Previously we had installed a wooden post at either end of the tunnel and roughly laid out an armoured telephone cable from these posts to the station building at Nantmor. Today's visit was to install this cable in a proper manner. Inside the tunnel itself the cable was buried adjacent to the refuges to prevent a trip hazard. Between the tunnel and the station building it was either fixed to the lineside fence or where there was no fence ground anchors were used to fix it down. Only by joining a working party can pictures of trains be taken in this location. Why not join us for a day. See the Contacts Page for info.
This southerly view 1/10/13 shows No.143 emerging from T4, the long tunnel in the Aberglaslyn Pass on the 10:50 ex-Porthmadog. The Tuesday Gang stand clear. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This southerly view 1/10/13 shows smoke still merging from T4 some 10 minutes after the train had passed. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view 1/10/13 shows No.87 about to enter T4, the long tunnel in the Aberglaslyn Pass and passing the Tuesday Gang at work. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view 1/10/13 shows the Tuesday Gang at work fitting one of the ground anchors in T4 approach cutting at the Nantmor end of the tunnel. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Wagon Report 28/9/13-1/10/13
Marcus Ingram reports: Father and son team of Derek and Marcus Ingram worked over the weekend of the 28-29/9/13 beavering away in the Carriage Shed out of sight as usual. Flat wagon DZF 2003 was sanded and painted. This was part of one of the rail carriers paired with DZF1410. Both are currently non runners and not passed for service. Over the next day and a half the frame was de-rusted and sanded down to good paint and given a protective coat of red oxide paint and re numbered with its correct designation. Whilst there we freed up the brake handles on both ends. To get this into running order a new vacuum pipe is required full length and FR couplings fitted. Not a short task. Any offers of help? I am sure the people at Dinas would be grateful.
On Sunday we realised we were making good progress and moved on to B1899 last painted some nine years ago and is the start of the repainting of the original eight B wagons used for transporting rail components from South Africa for the construction of the WHR. After moving this into the Carriage Shed we set about its cosmetic overhaul. It was sanded, de-rusted and repainted by Monday afternoon. This represented a far quicker turnaround than when first done by myself and John Hine from the West q Midlands group. Less rust being the reason. Below B1899 can be seen in its before mid sanding and finished look. Now looking as good if not better than the one delivered from Sandstone.
As no mechanical work was carried out on this wagon it is back available for use in service after being out of action for only 2 days and was last used on Friday the 27/9/13 for carrying ash to Tryfan Junction. The newly refurbished flat wagon DZF 2005 has now been converted for use as Roll on Roll off wagon to get mobile plant to difficult to access parts of our rail network.
This Dinas view 28/9/13 shows the state of DZ2003 just before the wagon team started work. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Marcus Ingram and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This Dinas view 28/9/13 shows the state of DZ2003 with Mr. Ingram (senior) at work painting the wagon. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Marcus Ingram and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This Dinas view 30/9/13 shows the state of B1899 as finished. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Marcus Ingram and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This Minffordd Yard view 1/10/13 shows the state of DZ2005. Here it can be seen ready for use complete with its access ramps that allow mobile plant to roll on and off from all four sides. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Marcus Ingram and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
The Snowdonian 12/4/2014
The Snowdonian Phase 5 Special is now open for booking. Third class travel is £160 (discounted to £140 if booked before 31/1/14) for the forty mile railway round trip. Supplements are available for the two observation cars. First is £250 in the Caernarfon end Observation car with superior catering offered. There are a few seats in the Blaenau end Observation car at £200. The haulage this year will be K1 and No.143 on the WHR subject to availability. FR Travel also has a special offer. Some £910k of match funding (as of 2/10/14) has been raised by contributions to Phase 5 since the start of that project. See The Snowdonian website for full details.
Dinas Loco Shed 26/9/13
This Dinas loco shed view 26/9/13 shows No.87 simmering and going to sleep. Note Stone's Tonum headlight and re-railers hanging on wall. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Clive Briscoe and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This Dinas loco shed view 26/9/13 shows No.138. Note 2 x Stones turbo-generators on bench. hopefully not too long before we see one in action again. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Clive Briscoe and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This Dinas loco shed view 26/9/13 shows No.138 and No.87. It's the end of another day, just resting. Two of No.143's old cylinders in foreground. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Clive Briscoe and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Team Wylfa report 24-6/9/13
Clive Briscoe reports: The Team A attended on Tuesday 24/9/13 to do the visual inspection, top up flange lubricators and oil the couplings of the F Set. Martin and Team B will attend on Thursday to oil the limited number of plain bearinged axleboxes left on this set. Due to the ‘Blue Timetable’ low season service – one train from each end doing a round trip, it will be F Set stabled at Dinas on Tuesdays and Thursdays for the next few weeks so a ‘Flying Squad’ of mainly A Team members is visiting Porthmadog next Tuesday evening to check and oil the E Set which, by then, will be in need of some oil in the axleboxes.
Access to the Clip Shed is still restricted due to rewiring so no work is possible on NG15 No.134 at the moment although the loco’s frames have now been moved to the Loco Shed ready for re-erection. Some staff fitters are being contracted to complete truing up of the horn guides and fit the new rear dragbox (which is now waiting alongside). Following this, the wheelset journals will be skimmed true, axleboxes will be re-metalled and machined and fitted. The loco will then be re-wheeled at last.
This loco shed view 26/9/13 shows No.134 which was recently moved here from the Clip Shed to speed up reconstruction. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Clive Briscoe and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This loco shed view 26/9/13 shows No.134 which was recently moved here from the Clip Shed to speed up reconstruction. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Clive Briscoe and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This loco shed view 26/9/13 shows No.134 which was recently moved here from the Clip Shed to speed up reconstruction. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Clive Briscoe and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Tuesday Gang 24/9/13
Tony Baker reports: The Tuesday Gang spent 24/9/13 at Minffordd Yard assisting the tree surgeon contractor. Basically our task was to feed the shredder whilst at the same time keeping a wary eye on him high in the trees dropping timbers. The trees dealt with were those between the yard and the hostel where the foundations for the new S & T store were recently laid.
The Cob Race diversions 22/9/13
A series of fun run events on The Cob on Sunday 22/9/13 will see the road across The Cob closed so intending passengers should enter Porthmadog from the west end via the bypass. For full details see F&WHR story and a second F&WHR story.
Keef's Open Day 21/9/13
On Saturday 21/9/13, WHR Ltd members spent the day at Alan Keef Engineering Works Open Day promoting the RUSSELL and BALDWIN restoration efforts. A good day was had by one and all, with a very great amount of interest being shown in both locomotives by the visitors. The team is shown in front of RUSSELL, although they spent their time moving between the two locomotives.
This Keef's view 21/9/13 shows Russell
with the WHRL Team. Shown left to right are : Russell Pearn, Dave Seale,
Ken Farrance, Martyn Owen, Liz Owen and Ron Haley .Thanks to the team
for their efforts on the day. Click on the image to enlarge. This
image is copyright Sophie Pearn and was taken on a digital camera. Image
post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
ROWG September working party 14-20/9/13
Phil Nock reports: We spent our last working week, (well, six days actually), starting on Saturday 14/9/13, making steady progress with the two new platform roads at Porthmadog International, in weather that alternated on a daily basis between wet, including horizontal liquid sunshine blasted by 60mph gales and gorgeous, mild Autumn days that burn the tops of your ears. The up end of the FR road was ballasted and loosely kangoed, but more ballast is needed here before this (and the rest of it), can be brought up to the correct level and more thoroughly tamped. Fitting two pairs of insulated fish-plates at the platform end was no mean feat, with rail alignment and length, (or lack of it), making this an awkward, but ultimately successful task. This allowed a certain amount of re-gapping between the king point and platform end, that had been lost during earlier ballasting. Sufficient track components to lay a further panel at the down end, were loosely positioned there, but time precluded laying them properly, as an insulated joint to be positioned there, requires rails to be extended by welding, to get the joints in the correct position, relative to the signal.
The entirety of the current track in the WHR platform road and up to the queen point was aligned appropriately with slewing jacks, no easy task with the track being so low in places and impinging on the concrete haunching holding the platform kerbs in place. Ballast was dropped and the whole lot jacked and kango-packed to the finished level. Looks lovely at last.
This westerly view 16/9/13 shows the ROWG slewing the WHR platform road at Porthmadog. Note the jacks. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Bob Zeepvat and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view 18/9/13 shows the ROWG packing the eastern end of the WHR platform road at Porthmadog. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Bob Zeepvat and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Prince substitutes for Isaac at L&BR Gala 28-9/9/13
Following running in trial, additional work has been commissioned on Bagnall Isaac. The valves have been reset and modifications have been made to the lifting links. Further work has been authorised on the wheelsets, axleboxes and trailing truck to bring the loco more closely into line with F&WHR standards following the discovery of hot boxes during the running trials. It has been announced that Prince will substitute for Isaac at the L&BR Gala on 28-29/9/13 as Isaac will not be ready in time. Prince may well be the first tender engine to operate on the railway. See F&WHR story.
John Keylock RIP
Dafydd Thomas advises: John Keylock died on Saturday night after a recent heart attack. Not only was he secretary of the WHHG but he was also the driving force behind the Tryfan Junction station restoration as well as many other WHR heritage projects. He was a remarkable font of knowledge about the WHR of old and its predecessor the NWNGR. He was a one-off character (recognisable in his plus fours-Ed), well liked by all and will be sadly missed. The funeral is next Wednesday, 2/10/13 at 13:00 at Childswickham, Broadway in the village church.
Welsh Pony Appeal latest
Some 5,000 envelopes have been printed and are being distributed on tables on service trains. since 4/7/13 and buffet staff have been drawing attention to the campaign. Some £2100 was collected by 9/8/13 with in excess of 10 envelopes a day being handed in. Work on dismantling the loco will start this Autumn following display in Harbour Station over the Summer. The work will be shown in an internet campaign, with cameras around Boston Lodge, aiming at 'crowd funding' the rapid return to service of this loco.
Coach bogie conversions
A programme of conversion to roller bearings is underway. Most WHR coaches are fitted with ex-SAR diamond framed plain bearing wagon bogies which are not up to modern FR standards of ride. They have covered high mileages and are showing signs of needing heavy overhaul. Some successful experiments with roller bearings have taken place in recent years and Boston Lodge is now able to start a programme of retrofitting. At first, six bogies will be converted from spare ex-SAR wagon bogies in stock. As these are swopped into use, the bogies released will be converted. The programme is a long term effort but new coach No.2046 will receive a pair already in stock when it is released to traffic.
For full details see F&WHR story.
Team Wylfa report 17/9/13
The A Team tackled the F Set on Tuesday evening this week plus a B wagon full of NG15 No.134's wheelsets which is about to make up a mixed consist in a trip working to Boston Lodge for some more work on their journals - they still need to be skimmed true. Both teams were due to work this week, A on Tuesday and B on Thursday. However, there's been a major development with the Clip Shed and as of Monday, it is out of bounds for about a month whilst it is rewired and re-lamped so no (volunteer) work can go on with NG15 No.134. The lighting originally installed by the Team some 10 years ago has lasted surprisingly well - the light fittings came from Harbour Station and were know to be second hand even then. Only authorised persons are being allowed in for the time being with the electrics switched off. So, with F Set only having a few plain bearing bogies, it was decided to do the whole set on Tuesday and let the B Team have Thursday off. With E Set and its many plain bearing axleboxes next week, it will be both teams back in action.
There's actually another development within the Clip Shed - No.134's main frames are being prepared for a move to the Loco Shed extension where at long last, the major re-erection and re-wheeling will take place. During the daytime this week (when the doors will be opened to give light), the loco's frames are being hoisted up using the ex-Channel Tunnel synchro jacks and ambulance bogies run in underneath ready for the move. It is expected that the October No.134 working weekend will be mainly based in the Loco Shed - the new Clip Shed electrics and lighting are promised by then so some work (depending on numbers) may also go on with the tender chassis which will remain in the Clip Shed - new piping for both loco and tender vacuum brake systems having arrived on site.
Prince goes to Birkenhead 14-15/9/13
Click on the YouTube box above to watch 2 min 15 secs of video of Prince giving rides in a coach No.10 at the Birkenhead Festival of Transport 2013 over the weekend of 14-15/9/13. This video was taken by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional camcorder and is best watched in 1080p HD mode.
SuperPower 8/9/13
This northerly view (8/9/13) shows Prince with the heritage shuttle rake. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Chris Price and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (8/9/13) shows the Corpett with Lilla and others behind. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Chris Price and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (8/9/13) shows Princess stabled at Dinas. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Chris Price and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (8/9/13) shows Prince receiving attention to its ashpan at Caernarfon. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Chris Price and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
K1 8/9/13
This westerly view (8/9/13) shows K1 crossing Britannia Bridge in a light engine move at the end of SuperPower. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Keith Holland and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
SuperPower YouTube 7-8/9/13
Click on the YouTube box above to watch 15 min 28 secs of video of F&WHR trains over the SuperPower Gala 7-8/9/13. This video was taken by Dave and Tom Waldren on a professional camcorder and is best watched in 1080p HD mode.
K1 YouTube 7-8/9/13
Click on the YouTube box above to watch 14 min 19 secs of video of F&WHR trains over the 7-8/9/13. This video was taken by Dave and Tom Waldren on a professional camcorder and is best watched in 1080p HD mode.
K1 freights 7-8/9/13
This northerly view (7/9/13) shows K1 hauling freight at Waunfawr at 1532. There was some good weather over the weekend despite showers but attendance was lighter than normal. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Matt Waldren and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (7/9/13) shows K1 hauling freight at Clogwyn at 1556. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Matt Waldren and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (7/9/13) shows K1 hauling freight at Ffridd Isaf at 1556. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Matt Waldren and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (8/9/13) shows K1 hauling freight approaching Tryfan Junction at 1136. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Matt Waldren and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (8/9/13) shows K1 hauling freight approaching Pont Cae'r Gors at 1225. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Matt Waldren and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
SuperPower Shuttle 7/9/13
This southerly view (7/9/13) shows Harrogate and Palmerston about to return to Caernarfon with the SuperPower shuttle. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Chris Price and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
F&WHR's SuperPower YouTube 6-8/9/13
Click on the YouTube box above to watch 12 min 27 secs of video of F&WHR trains over the SuperPower Gala 6-8/9/13. This video was taken by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional camcorder and is best watched in 1080p HD mode.
K1 6/9/13
This northerly view (6/9/13) shows K1 with the freight working to Rhyd Ddu, watering at Waunfawr. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Chris Price and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (6/9/13) shows K1 with the freight working at Caeau Gwynion. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Chris Price and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (6/9/13) shows K1 with the freight working to Rhyd Ddu approaching Rhyd Ddu. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Chris Price and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This southerly view (6/9/13) shows K1 with the freight working to Rhyd Ddu ready to return to Dinas. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Chris Price and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
England special 6/9/13
This westerly view (6/9/13) shows Prince and Palmerston double heading crossing Britannia Bridge. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Alan Frewin and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (6/9/13) shows Prince and Palmerston double heading crossing Pont Croesor. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Alan Frewin and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This southerly view (6/9/13) shows Prince and Palmerston double heading approaching the summit at Pont Cae'r Gors. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Alan Frewin and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
K1 in action at SuperPower 6/9/13
This southerly view (6/9/13) shows K1 double heading in the Aberglaslyn Pass at 1517. The loco made a return to duty as a surprise at the Gala. It operated well without the usual clouds of steam leaking from joints. There was some good weather over the weekend. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Alan Frewin and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Rainy weather for SuperPower
The Summer sunshine has sadly broken with a depression centred on North Wales. Friday sees heavy rain at Caernarfon, Saturday showers and sunshine and the weather improves on Sunday afternoon.
Tuesday Gang 3/9/13
Tony Baker reports: In my absence the gang worked on 3/9/13 at T4 installing 2 posts one at each end on which will be a telephone. Also a start was made clipping in the cable for these phones.
Team Wylfa report 3/9/13
The 'A' Team were at Dinas on Tuesday 3/9/13 as usual. We had the F Set to deal with - the usual story, visual check, oil couplers and top up the flange lube grease sticks. However, it was a bit unusual since the Guard was just finishing his turn and reported some hot wheels & axleboxes on one of the carriages. So, it was a close exam and open up the affected axleboxes to check for damage. Nothing found, so, as the wheels on this particular bogie were all hot, it was more likely to be a brake fault. There was still vacuum in the system so the 'string' was pulled to release the vacuum on this carriage's brake cylinder to see if the brakes came off easily. Yes, the piston dropped as the vac was released but did the brake blocks come off the wheels fully? There appeared to be still some light contact so phone call to The Management. It is believed that the brakes may have been adjusted during an exam at Boston Lodge on Monday evening so they are going to run it on Wednesday but keep a close eye on it. Hopefully, it should see the day out and be re-adjusted (eased a bit) when the set is stabled at Porthmadog/Boston Lodge tonight. Martin and the B team will do the oiling of this set's axleboxes on Thursday evening. Something a bit different for a change and the first and only problem of the main running season (so far)!
After all that excitement, it was back to the Clip Shed to continue the general tidy-up ready for opening the shed to visitors over Superpower Weekend. By the time we had finished, the shed looked quite tidy and some laminated pictures of No.134 and her sisters in action on the SAR's Avontuur system had been put up on the walls and inside of the new doors. There should be members of the No.134 team present on Saturday and Sunday - possibly Friday afternoon too, so, if you are coming to the WHR's Superpower - Great and Small, please look in and say 'hello'. We've also some No.134 merchandise on sale to raise funds for the restoration so we'll gladly take your dosh in exchange for a quality nick-nack or two.
David Payling event raffle 7/9/13
There will be a raffle at the Meet the author David Payling event at the WHHR Saturday evening 7/9/13. The first prize is a copy of Walter Rusch's history of Namibian Railways.
WHR Tree survey
A tree survey is underway to check the condition of lineside trees, especially between Dinas and Waunfawr where some trees overhang the railway. On the FR some wagons are being adapted to remove diseased larches on inaccessible sections. These could also be used on the WHR.
Rhyd Ddu water carrier
The ad-hoc Rhyd Ddu water carrier used to supplement the water supply when dealing with lineside fires is to be replaced with a bowser being fabricated from stainless steel similar to the one currently under construction for the FR at Boston Lodge.
Russell progress 31/8/13
Dave Waldren reports: Russell's smokebox shows the rivet detail that has been incorporated, which will give the loco more of a flavour of how it would have looked originally. Likewise, the front buffer beam is to the original 1906 shape – presumable the tanks will be riveted as well, so when the loco emerges from the works, it will look very different to its previous guise. Don’t forget Alan Keef’s open day on 21/9/13.
This Keef's view (31/8/13) shows progress with Russell with the new smokebox fitted. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Liz Owen and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This Keef's view (31/8/13) shows progress with Russell with the new motion fitted. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Liz Owen and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This Keef's view (31/8/13) shows progress with Russell with work on the cylinders. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Liz Owen and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
WHR 24-30/8/13
This easterly view (24/8/13) shows No.143 close to the signal box which was receiving attention that day. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Huw Kendall and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (26/8/13) shows No.138 departing Beddgelert at 1330. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Huw Kendall and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (27/8/13) shows Welsh Pony stabled in Porthmadog Harbour Station as a focal point to raise funds for its reintroduction to service. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Huw Kendall and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (30/8/13) shows No.143 departing Porthmadog late on the 0935. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Huw Kendall and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
ROWG Long weekend August
Paul Bradshaw reports: Mid-August saw the ROWG working a slightly shorter than usual long weekend. With numbers ranging over the three days from a low of three and a high of eight our time was spent servicing fishplates between Meillionen and Cutting Mawr. Saturday gave us a thorough soaking but weather on the other two days was fairly kind. Progress was reasonable with over one hundred and fifty metres of track per man day being achieved each day.
F&WHR traffic improving
WHR traffic receipts were up by 20% in the first half of 2013 (better than the FR's 14%). In fact on two occasions 11 coach trains were necessary to accommodate all the passengers who wanted to travel. This required the use a pilot engine (presumably Castell Caernarfon) to release the train engine as the platform loop at Caernarfon is not quite long enough for this length of train. Other stations loops allow 12 coach trains which is the timing load for the NG16s and Caernarfon station needs to match that. September should see a decision on Government funding of the slate quay area of Caernarfon which could see the WHR station improved (including a lift to Segontium Terrace). One possibility would see the use of the decrepit triangle area between the station and the Harbourmaster's Office as an interpretation centre. See Daily Post story.
Team Wylfa report 27/8/13
Clive Briscoe reports: Team Wylfa ‘A’ were at Dinas as usual on Tuesday evening this week. E Set was the target and the bottom end of the set got the axleboxes oiled leaving the top end for Martin’s B Team on Thursday. After a very busy season, there are lots of niggles starting to show due to wear and tear and the Winter maintenance list is being produced in readiness.
After the carriage checks, it was back to the Clip Shed workshop and with only just over an hour of working time left, it was decided to do a clean-up of the shed in readiness for the NG15 No.134 Open Day over Superpower Weekend. It’s amazing how much rubbish accumulates over a short time and a bin full of dry leaves, grit and other small dropped items was soon in need of emptying into the site waste skip. Next week we’ll probably clean-off some laminated pictures and diagrams and put them up on the walls and move some currently unnecessary clutter off the top of the loco and tender frames making it all look a bit more presentable.
Bank Holiday traffic YouTube 26-28/8/13
Click on the YouTube box above to watch 6 min 11 secs of video of F&WHR trains over the Bank Holiday weekend. This video was taken by Simon Roberts on a professional camcorder and is best watched in 720p HD mode.
Tryfan Junction seat 21/8/13
This southerly view (21/8/13) shows the new Tryfan Junction platform seat. The seat is sponsored by a WHRS member in memory of his wife. The platform has a considerable slope to the west so the seat does not line up with the brickwork. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Neil McMaster and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
SuperPower update
Clare Britton reports: Advanced bookings are now being taken for the ‘Welsh Highland : Great & Small’ Event which is taking place 6–8/9/13. The souvenir guide is at the printers and should be available by the end of this week. We have supplemented the WHR fleet with two visiting locos - Harrogate and Minas de Aller No.2 from Statfold Barn - plus Prince, Palmerston and Lilla from the Ffestiniog Railway. Dinas will host a varied selection of impressive model railway layouts. There are also some interesting freight/mixed trains planned - making use of the new wagons that arrived earlier in the year and the newly-refurbished SAR Brake Van.
The event is also being advertised locally as a ‘Dinas Open Day and Model Railway Show’. It is a good opportunity to invite local people to come and see what we do and have a bit of fun too. There is a café/real-ale bar/shop in the Goods Shed and there will be hot food from Blas Môn with hog roast, burgers and chips.
Our friends at the Snowdonia Parc in Waunfawr are complementing the event with a mini beer festival throughout the weekend. Food is served from 11.00 each day and there will be 13 different ales on the pumps.
In addition to the advertised opening hours, Dinas is also open on the Friday evening to holders of Event Two-Day Rover tickets and also to WHRS members (for a small donation). Some of the layouts will be operating until 19:30 and local group, Amser, will be playing from 19:00 until 21:00. The bar will be open throughout the evening, as will the hot food van. Our exhibitors have been invited to join us and some have brought their layouts a long way to join in the event so I hope this will be a convivial evening with time for a chat and a pint.
For more information about the weekend, visit the F&WHR's website.
David Payling event 7/9/13
Ken Farrance advises: Details of "Meet the author ~ David Payling" event on 7/9/13 are on www.whr.co.uk web site under News.
SuperPower details confirmed
The F&WHR has confirmed details for the special timetable for SuperPower over the weekend of 6-8/913. There do not appear to be any changes from that previously advised. Downloadable pdf timetables are available for each day and a summary timetable for the three days. See F&WHR website and the Souvenir Guide has been sent to the printers, see FR Facebook page.
High speed WHR
Click on the YouTube box above to watch 3 min 53 secs of video of speeded up driver's eye from Porthmadog to Rhyd Ddu. This video was taken by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional camcorder and is best watched in 1080p HD mode.
Tuesday Gang 20/8/13
Tony Baker reports: The gang spent Tuesday the 20/8/13 at Harbour Station. Whilst 2 members of the gang did some final touch ups to the signal box the rest were moving heavy point timbers, from where they had been dropped beside the FR main line, to the side of the construction site. We also moved some 18 metre rail lengths from where they had been dropped onto the rail stack ready for the next session of track laying. RRMs were used. The first time for years that we had used these very useful machines.
This easterly view (20/8/13) shows the Tuesday Gang adding some finishing touches to the signalbox windows. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (20/8/13) shows the Tuesday Gang moving rails just to the east of the Relay Cabin. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Team Wylfa report 20/8/13
Clive Briscoe reports: Because of holidays, the A Team were down to 3 on 20/8/13. However, it was a light evening (in terms of work) as it was the F Set. Martin and the B team will oil up the axleboxes on Thursday so all we had to do was the visual inspection, top up the grease sticks in the flange lubricators and put a few drops of oil on the pivot pins of the coupler choppers.
Then it was back to NG15 No.134. Having finally reached tapping size in the hard plate on top of the frames, Pete continued threading the remaining holes for lube line pipe clips and I'm happy to say that at last, he managed to complete them by end of play. Meanwhile, myself and Andy worked on fixing a 110V outlet to each of the brick pillars in the centre of the Clip Shed. The idea is to run a cable up to the roof purlin and over to the transformer so obviating trailing leads everywhere which are a trip hazard. One box for the socket outlet was mounted and another prepared. We need some conduit to go up the walls next then we can pull the cables and connect up.
Summer YouTube 19/8/13 and 23/8/13
Click on the YouTube box above to watch 10 min 48 secs of video of WHR trains on 19/8/13 and 23/8/13. This video was taken by Tom Waldren on a Panasonic HD camcorder and is best watched in 1080p HD mode.
Website new address
Please note that your webmaster's new address is now active and should be used for all communications.
Please remove the word dot and replace with a dot character.
Super-Power 'Great and Small Gala' details 6-8/9/13
Events are centred around the north end of the WHR this year. It is hoped Harrogate will be in steam at Dinas as it has been stuck in Dinas Carriage Shed since the Beer Festival when it was not allowed to operate awaiting a spark arrestor. The other visiting loco is also from Statfold Barn, Corpet Minas de Aller No. 2. Home locos that will feature include Lilla giving cab rides at Dinas, Prince and Palmerston working Caernarfon-Waunfawr shuttles and the three NG16s. It is hoped K1 might be available in time following its extended refit. Seven layouts will feature at the Dinas Goods shed area, including four 009 layouts.
This northerly view (6/8/13) shows Harrogate stabled inside Dinas Carriage shed where it has remained since the Beer Festival in May. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
On Friday 6/9/13, in addition to the timetabled trains (some possibly double headed) a Steam 150 special runs from Porthmadog at 1200 with the two England locos hauling a short rake of vintage coaches. With limited accommodation, early booking is essential and there will be an extra charge for this train. There will be a 1200 Caernarfon-Porthmadog freight train returning at 1525 ex-Porthmadog (supplement required).
Saturday 7/9/13 sees the normal service with several extras, including the vintage rake double hauled by England locos three times between Caernarfon and Waunfawr (0900/1050/1345). The freight train will run from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu with the newly refurbished ex-SAR wagons and revamped ex-SAR brakevan at 1140 and 1435. The small locos will be in steam at Dinas with three of the vintage carriages on display.
Sunday 8/9/13 features the normal service plus additional trains, however the 1245 from Porthmadog will run as a double headed NG16 hauled mixed train from Pont Croesor to Dinas and the 1540 will be again be double headed with NG16s. There will be three shuttles but the last only runs to/from Dinas to allow the Steam 150 special double headed England vintage train, again with booking advised and a supplement required to return to Porthmadog at 1435. A heavy haul freight train will run at 1050 from Caernarfon to Pont Croesor and the wagons will be attached there to the 1245 from Porthmadog.
All details are subject to final confirmation and a full programme will no doubt appear nearer the date. Full details are available on the F&WHR website where a booking form and timetable are available. The two day Rover costs £48 (£24 WHRS Members) and the supplements for Friday mixed freight and Friday and Sunday double headed England vintage trains are £10 each.
FFWHR!
Former festrail.co.uk email addresses are changing to ffwhr.com addresses over the next few weeks though the old addresses will be forwarded for a few months or so.
Work on Welsh Pony to start this Winter
An envelope campaign left at tables on WHR services for loose change has been one of the methods of raising money for the planned rebuild of large England engine Welsh Pony. Fund raising has been so successful that the F&WHR has made a commitment to start the rebuild process this Winter. It is hoped funding will continue to roll in and that the loco will be in steam for its 150th anniversary in 2017 if not before. Drawings have been made in preparation for the construction of a new tender as Welsh Pony's tender went to Linda in 1963 and a new one must be constructed. Replica brass cabside works plates have also been 'cast' using a 3D printing process. See FR Society story. A spare one is now on sale on eBay and proceeds will go towards the restoration of the loco. See Welsh Pony microsite.
New carriage No. 2046
Carriage No. 2046 is the main contract job in the Boston Lodge carriage works since July. It is funded by the WHRS and will be different from previous WHR carriages as it will have large panoramic windows, rather than the small panes fitted to existing WHR stock. There are opening top lights for ventilation rather than Beclawat windows next to the tables. It is panelled below the waist with mouldings that are now being fitted. The coach will give very good views of Snowdonia and should prove to be very popular with passengers.
WHR 14/8/13
This southerly view (14/8/13) shows No.143 watering at Porthmadog Harbour station. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This southerly view (14/8/13) shows the new signalbox with temporary steps. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This southerly view (14/8/13) shows the new point work where the FR platform road diverges into the yard. The new FR platform face is in view. Hopefully, all but the longest FR trains will stand clear of the pointwork and allow the WHR locos access to the yard for watering. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Prince at the Olympia Beer Festival 13-17/8/13
Following its visit to the Shrewsbury Flower Show on 10-11/8/13 Prince was on its way south to London on 12/8/13 to fly the flag for the F&WHR at the Great British Beer Festival Olympia from 13-17/8/13. The loco was posed on temporary track with wagon No.60 carrying casks of beer. See FR Facebook page.
Tuesday Gang 13/8/13
David Firth led the Tuesday Gang on 13/8/13 who were busy fettling the new trap point at Beddgelert.
Team Wylfa report 13/8/13
Clive Briscoe reports: On the evening of 13/8/13 the A Team were at Dinas as usual and had the E Set to look at. It's back to 'business as usual' this week with B Team present on Thursday evening. Because the weather doesn't look too good for Thursday evening, we oiled the top end carriage axleboxes which includes those on carriage No.24 stored outside overnight. This means that Martin and Rod will be able to work indoors should the forecast be correct.
After the carriages, it was back to work on No.134. On the Driver's side, there are more lube lines to be run and these are on the flat plates just inboard of the frames. There are pipe clip holes to be drilled and tapped and this is what we have been doing these last 2-3 weeks. Unfortunately, this flat plate - though nominally general purpose mild steel has some hidden properties half way through. It is like hitting a solid wall and the drill bits do NOT like it. Last week Pete broke through (eventually) with a pilot drill and this week it was to open it out to tapping size. After a lot of cussing and re-sharpening drills, this was achieved but now came the tapping. The first 3 threads, OK, then, the difficulties began. It is almost as though hardened steel ball bearings have been incorporated randomly in the plate. Somehow, the first thread was successfully tapped without snapping the tap but the length of time taken to do this simple task is crazy and 3 more of the same to do next week!!
WHHR Russell and Baldwin No.794 progress
Progress on Baldwin No.794 to run as original WHHR No.590 is being sidelined to allow the completion of Russell by early 2014. Work at Keef's on the Baldwin slowed towards the end of 2012 but it is likely that progress will resume again after Russell is finished and funds become available. A recent opportunity to buy a Westinghouse air pump for No.794 was taken as these rarely come onto the market. The main components to reassemble the wheelsets are now available so a rolling chassis might be possible in 2014. The donation scheme has been reformed with monthly donations between £2 and £20 per month. Benefits range from a reserved seat on Launch Day to Driver's Experience Course on the loco. With improved relationships between the WHHR and the F&WHR it is hoped both these locos will appear on the WHR in years to come.
David Payling at WHHR
Famous author of Garratts of the Kalahari David Payling will give at talk at the WHHR on 7/9/13, unfortunately, at the same time as the WHR AGM. Entrance is via a diesel service from the WHHR's Tremadog Road terminus at 6.30 for 7pm start in the Museum Building. The £10 charge covers a sandwich buffet with tea or coffee. Free parking is available after 6pm opposite the station. The WHHR's station bookshop will be open prior to the talk.
Prince at Shrewsbury Flower Show 9-10/8/13
Click on the YouTube box above to watch 3 min 45 secs of video of Prince running on a short specially made demonstration line with carriage No.10 at the Shrewsbury Flower Show, Quarry Park Shrewsbury on 9-10/8/13. Many of the 50,000 people who attended the event alongside the River Severn travelled on the train which carried the Steam 150 headboard. This video was taken by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional camcorder and is best watched in 1080p HD mode.
This Shrewsbury Flower Show view (10/8/13) shows Prince on a short demonstration track on the footpath running alongside the River Severn. This year there have been several events to attract visitors to the F&WHR using visiting out and about around the country. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Clare Mould and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Princess at Penrhyn Castle 9/8/13
Click on the YouTube box above to watch min of video of Princess on 9/8/13 at Penrhyn Castle with Hugh Napier. Princess will remain here for the rest of August following its return from display in Ireland. This video was taken by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional camcorder and is best watched in 1080p HD mode.
Special Train 8/8/13
On 8/8/13 a special was from Dinas to Waunfawr and back to celebrate one of Team Wylfa's member's 70th birthday - but a bit more besides. Peter Tweeddale has been part of Team Wylfa, Tuesday and Black Hand Gangs since 2003 when he retired and moved to the Caernarfon area. Extremely active and a stalwart of the groups until 2 years ago when he was struck down by a serious illness, he is now very much on 'borrowed time' - as he put it after the event.
This northerly view (8/8/13) shows No.138 shunting off the rake at Dinas at 1833 to be replaced by Castell Caernarfon for the special working. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (8/8/13) shows Castell Caernarfon ready to leave for Waunfawr at 1848 a little late after some curious shunting. The loco carries a headboard commemorating Peter's contribution. There are no lamp iron on the Funkey so it was attached with string! Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This southerly view (8/8/13) shows Castell Caernarfon sporting its headboard with Peter Tweedale. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Val Kressman and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This southerly view (8/8/13) shows Castell Caernarfon running around at Waunfawr at 1913. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
We felt it was the least we could do to help him celebrate his 70th with all his many railway friends and so it was that nearly 30 of us decamped from the train to the Snowdonia Parc Hotel where we all had a very pleasant meal supplied by Carmen and her staff. He received quite a few birthday cards and a surprise award for all his work on the railway, christened the 'Dead Sheep Award'. When Team Wylfa first started the regular oiling of the carriage axleboxes, we found that many still had the original SAR wool packings and needed renewal. When we pulled the old packings out they stank to high Heaven and Peter christened them 'dead sheep' . The name has stuck ever since. Your scribe manufactured the trophy which was a miniature replica of the 'dead sheep' puller that Peter and I made out of 10mm rebar all those years ago.
This view (8/8/13) shows the Dead Sheep Award presented to Peter Tweedale later that evening. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Clive Briscoe and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Many thanks to the F&WHRCo. (Paul Lewin and Tony Williams) for loaning us the train and Caernarfon Castle for the evening, our volunteer Driver, Mike Middleton and Guard Alastair Wilkinson. Also those behind the scenes -the standby driver and the Controller in the Control Office in Harbour Station.
Bont Briwet latest 6/8/13
Good progress is being made with the Bont Briwet replacement road/rail bridge between Penrhyndeudraeth and Llandecwyn, giving improved access from the Harlech/Barmouth holiday area for visitors to the F&WHR. Full time traffic lights are already in operation and tolls are no longer being collected. Public exhibitions and information sessions have made the proposals clearer. The contractor offered an alternative construction method which was accepted by Network Rail and Gwynedd Council as the contractor did not want to construct a temporary Bailey bridge. The first phase of the new structure will see the Cambrian Line and one carriageway of the new two lane road bridge constructed west of the present bridge. The intention is to finish this by the end of 2013. The railway will then be slewed on to the new rail bridge during a week's closure in February. Such closures normally take place during school half term holidays as the line is used by pupils going to local schools. It is anticipated that road traffic will follow soon after.
Llandecwyn Halt will be reconstructed slightly to the south. The historic wooden trestle bridge will then be demolished and the easterly half of the new road bridge completed in its place. The scheme avoids the extended road closure of the original plans. The only significant closure proposed will be a fortnight in the Autumn. The Toll House will remain.
This northerly view (6/8/13) shows the approach road from Llandecwyn which is being widened on the west side. In the distance at Llandecwyn Halt large excavators can be seen creating the new embankment. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Gwynedd Council is keeping an open mind on the need for improvements to the approach roads at each end of the scheme. Heavy goods vehicles and buses will start using the bridge for the first time after opening, rather than going around the long way through Maentwrog and this may lead to problems in both Llandecwyn and Penrhyndeudreath. The section of road from Penrhyndeudraeth NR station to The Griffin cross roads will be widened, but it is not anticipated that any alterations to traffic flow or priorities will be made. This junction is already congested at times with heavy Summer tourist traffic on the A487. A traffic lights might be necessary here but a longer term option would be a Penrhyndeudraeth Bypass extending 1km partly alongside NR to the new Porthmadog Bypass roundabout in Minffordd. The Llandecwyn junction with the A496 will be looked at depending on whether there are any cost overruns on the scheme and when traffic flows stabilise. It is most likely to end up as a mini roundabout.
Recently a haul road has been constructed over the NR at each end of the existing bridge giving access to create the new embankments that will form the abutments. Signalman's huts have been erected both ends bilingually labelled Briwet Bridge North and Briwet Bridge South.
Dinas 6/8/13
This southerly view (6/8/13) shows the Shotton Steelworks Stockyard No.2, possibly Ben, still stored at Dinas. No.1, (possibly Bill) is currently being refurbished at Boston Lodge. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (6/8/13) shows the remains of No.140 now stored inside the Carriage Shed. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (6/8/13) shows restored WHR coach No.23 which was stabled outside the shed with an FR coach. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (6/8/13) shows restoration of the NG15 frame nearing completion. The dragbox and rear stretcher assembly will be bolted into place between the rear frame as soon as it is returned from Boston Lodge. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Pen-y-Mount Junction 6/8/13
This southerly view (6/8/13) shows the junction at Pen-y-Mount with the rail ends painted by the Tuesday Gang. When a platform is built on the WHR it will be immediately south of the signalbox. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This southerly view (6/8/13) shows the signalbox which will control the junction at Pen-y-Mount and possibly Cae Pawb crossing. Glass still needs to be fitted in the windows. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Dinas 6/8/13
This southerly view (6/8/13) shows a spare power bogie, probably from No.138. The South Yard has been cleared recently and items moved to the North Yard for storage. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (6/8/13) shows a new point ready for installation. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (6/8/13) shows the Chipper train that has seen frequent use recently improving clearance and sightings at level crossings. The Wednesday evening works train workings did not appear to run on 7/8/13 and 14/8/13. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (6/8/13) shows the new steel doors on the Clip Shed at Dinas that have improved security. The former water tank for visiting locos that was based on the north end of the platform has moved over to the Clip Shed for use in annealing. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
History Points 6/8/13
Various locations on the WHR have had History Point tags affixed to structures. These tags incorporate QI codes that can be scanned with e.g. an iPhone to reveal further detail. This one describes the location as Dinas Rail Station, which is better than Dinas train station! Click on History Points website to find out more about this system.
This Dinas view (6/8/13) shows a History Point tag with its QI codes affixed to the station building. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Team Wylfa report 6/8/13
Clive Briscoe reports: On Tuesday 6th August, the whole F Set had to be serviced as A & B Teams were meeting up for a special train on Thursday 8/8/13.
Tuesday Gang report 6/8/13
Tony Baker reports: The Tuesday Gang were fixing non slip mesh to the point lever platforms in Dinas Yard on 6/8/13.
This northerly view (6/8/13) shows the Tuesday Gang fixing mesh to the point lever platforms to provide better grip. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Pen-y-Mount lever frame 3/8/13
This view (3/8/13) shows progress with the lever frame for Pen-y-Mount signal box. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Prince and Palmerston 3/8/13
Click on the YouTube box above to watch 2 min 36 secs of video of Prince and Palmerston at Dduallt on 3/8/13 working a special to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first steaming of Princess. This video was taken by John Wooden on a professional camcorder and is best watched in 1080p HD mode.
WHR Headboards 3/8/13
This southerly view (3/8/13) shows No.138 heading north at the Beddgelert Forest Campsite level crossings. Like most trains during the holiday period, this train was carrying a Steam 150 headboard. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (3/8/13) shows No.87 heading south at the Beddgelert Forest Campsite level crossings. The special headboard presumably celebrates driver John's 70th birthday, thus 'Steaming in 70 1943-1973'. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Busman's Holiday
Your webmaster is off on his annual break at the WHR this weekend from 3/8/13. Please do not continual hit the website looking for updates as there will be none until 15/8/13. Space for this page is kindly hosted by Peter Bowyer of Narrow Gauge Heaven and Maple Design and problems may be caused if there is an unusually high amount of traffic to this website.
Change of email address
Please note that email messages should be sent to
from 3/8/13 as the former address
is being closed down from that date as your webmaster is transferring to TalkTalk after problems with the SSESURF email server, including the inability to receive several large photo files attached to an email. Replace dot with a dot.
The new TalkTalk address will be advised from 16/8/13 but the gmail webmail address will continue for the forseeable future as a backup.
Special trains
The Railway Touring Co. is offering a mini-tour of North Wales narrow gauge railways steam hauled from Liverpool Lime street on 16/8/13 including a trip on the WHR from Caernarfon to Porthmadog on 19/8/13, though this is likely to be by reserved coaches on a service train rather than a special train. This tour takes in main line steam haulage on The North Wales Coast Express on 18/8/13 and the Welsh Mountaineer on 20/8/13.
Ffestiniog Travel's 'Behind the Scenes' railtour operates from 12-16/10/13 and sees some special workings on the WHR. On 13/10/13 a coach tour takes the participants to a behind the scenes view of Boston Lodge. A two coach train will operate over the FR on 14/10/13 including the Dinas Branch and Glan-y-pwll Sheds. The train continues to Beddgelert where the tour is based at The Goat Hotel. There will be stops at Snowdon Mill, Pont Croesor and Nantmor where passengers can walk the Fisherman's Path to Beddgelert and the view the ECS returning. On 15/10/13 there will be a trip on the WHR from Beddgelert to Caernarfon and return though it is not clear if this is a special or on a service train. There will be an opportunity for a guided tour of Dinas depot or time to explore Caernarfon.
Loco variety
The F&WHR loco roster next week has variety galore. Nos. 138/143 are the mainstay of the WHR with No.87 spare. On the FR no less than six locos are in action with Merddin Emrys, Prince double heading with Palmerston (Saturday-Monday), Lyd, Earl of Merioneth and Taliesin, the latter three on the peak service Tuesday-Thursday. Prince is off to the Shrewsbury flower show on 9-10/8/13. There is no sign of any variety on the WHR as there is no RED timetable this year following poor loadings in last year's poor weather during the school Summer Holidays. With a spare NG16, there is little chance of a change in haulage, though both Castell Caernarfon and Vale of Ffestiniog are available when not allocated to PW duties.
NG15 No.134 news Spring-Summer 2013
The NG15 Group has been meeting every month since February this year. In February a small group worked on the grease lubrication system, cylinder drain cocks and cab supports as well as stripping No.133 of its rain sodden insulation to prevent corrosion. In March the lubrication pipe network was fitted with final delivery to the horn guides. Preparations were made for the fitting of the new dragbox and the slide bars were permanently fitted. In April a small team completed some significant planning. With cash in the bank, the dragbox would be machined at Boston Lodge and a Dinas fitter might be allocated to the NG15 when all three Garratts were back in service. The hope is that the loco will be on its wheels and in the Loco Shed by SuperPower. Brunswick Ironworks are constructing the all-welded new dragbox which includes the rocking grate mechanism and support brackets for the extended cab floor. Grease tube runs for the rear pony truck were provided.
May saw more work on the lube pipework and slidebars. The water tank from the end of the platform used for visiting locos was moved to outside the Clip Shed for annealing pipework. A tidy up produced a find of the running plate that goes in front of the smokebox and this was duly fitted. In June the rear dragbox was inspected at Brunswick's and was almost ready to go to Boston Lodge for machining. The temporary cross bracing between the frames was removed in anticipation of the arrival of the dragbox. A pattern was made for the replacement pistons. There was more work removing No.133's damp cladding to protect the boiler barrel.
The July working party on 20-21/7/13 saw a delay with the rear dragbox delivered to Boston Lodge for final machining but awaiting a slot in the works. The frames cannot be re-wheeled until this is fitted. Examination of the rocking grate on No.133 revealed the good condition of the grate components so these might be useable in No.134. Some parts are common with the NG16s. The parts were removed. It is planned to have the front and rear half the grate rock separately, a change from the existing whole grate rocker. Levers are built onto the rear dragbox. More work was done on the lube system. Preparations were made to replace the pony truck retention brackets that support the truck when the loco is lifted. The feasibility of various plans for the lubrication of the driving wheels was examined.
For full details, images and to donate to this very worthwhile project see the NG15 website.
Team Wylfa report 30/7/13
The A Team were present as usual during the evening of 30/7/13 at Dinas. We had half of the E Set (again) to oil up – this time we concentrated on the bottom half leaving Martin and the B Team the top end for Thursday. Usual story – in addition, oil couplings, top up flange lube grease sticks and visual inspection of the set.
After doing the checks and oiling, we removed to the Clip Shed workshop and continued work there. First on the agenda was to strip the ‘Christmas Tree’ on top of the pneumatic oil bowser as a persistent leak around one of the airline connections was present. Matt soon had it stripped and the offending fitting resealed with thread tape. Meanwhile the rest of us continued with No.134. Primarily this was to continue with the Driver’s side lube pipes and pipe clips. Some clips needed painting whilst there was one fixing hole which needed opening out ready to be tapped for the fixing bolt. This was easier said than done… Over the recent No.134 working weekend, most of the fixing holes had been drilled and tapped but there was one hole which had so far, defeated the drill. For some reason, there is a hard spot in the plate on top of the loco’s frames – Laurence (the No.134 webmaster) had been drilling and had warned we were in for a ‘hard’ time with it, he had gone through several drill bits and so it was for Dave who by the end of the evening had just about got it opened up to tapping size. It was a case of a team effort – he drilling for a few minutes then handing the blunted bit down to me to re-sharpen on the grindstone and so forth.
Tuesday Gang report 30/7/13
Tony Baker reports: The gang spent Tuesday 30/7/13 at Dinas spreading more ash in the Carriage Shed. Also a start was made on fabricating a new non slip platform for the ground frame at the side of the Carriage Shed.
ROWG report 23-24/7/13
Steve Broomfield reports: The Rest Of The World Gang have been in action since Saturday (20/7/13), extending the "FR Platform Road-to-be" past the Relay Room and Signal Box and installing the first point past the latter (this is the yard/FR run round point-Ed).
This easterly view (23/7/13) shows the scaffolding has been removed from the Relay Cabin and track laid with wooden sleepers past both the Relay Room and signalbox. Glass has been fitted to the windows of the signalbox. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Steve Broomfield and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (23/7/13) shows the ROWG working on the track with a the rail carrying wagon just beyond. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Steve Broomfield and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (24/7/13) shows Harlech Castle propelling the first train to pass the Relay Cabin. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (24/7/13) shows the loco propelling the wagon with the new point for the west end of the WHR run round passing the signalbox. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
The points on the wagon are made from second hand 75lb rail to match the WHR platform road. They cannot be installed at the west end of the WHR loop until the end of WHR services in November as alterations will be required outside Spooners to accommodate the changes, cutting the WHR for a while. Hopefully the changes will be finished by the Xmas Holiday services.
This easterly view (24/7/13) shows the loco propelling the ballast wagon ballasting the newly laid track up to the signalbox. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (24/7/13) shows the loco propelling the ballast wagon past the Relay Cabin. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Great and Small Gala 6-8/9/13
This year's SuperPower event which occurs over the weekend of the WHRS AGM (Saturday 7/9/13) features many new photo opportunities. It is hoped K1 will be in steam thereby allowing 4 Garratts available for traffic for the first time. The longest freight train will be run with the six new B wagons along with the existing wagon fleet and the recently refurbished ex-SAR brakevan. Smaller engines that have been used in the past on the WHR will appear on additional workings. Several F&WHR themed model railway layouts will appear including Moel Hebog, featuring the very latest features of Beddgelert station. There will be a 16mm live steam model with F&WHR locos. A model of Dinas in NWNGR days will be placed at the rear of the extended loco shed which will be open for visits. It will model the area between the two railway bridges, showing the original Loco Shed and Carriage Shed in 1:38 scale. There will also be a cafe and bar at Dinas station.
Titbits Spring 2013
The FR Trust has changed its name to The Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway Trust. The WHRS has a role in choosing Trustees.
Good progress is being made with new WHR coach No. 2046 and given the trains bursting at the seams on occasion this year another may be ordered in a couple of year's time when another £150,000 can be raised. Following fitting of the heater, fuel tank and couplings, the coach framework is now in the Coach Works and the floor has been fitted and mouldings are being made to clad the stainless steel frame. It is expected the new coach will enter traffic in 2014. Coach No.23 appeared in traffic in time for the peak season. What was originally anticipated as a simple refurbishment turned into a major job as rotten timber was removed and a new roof membrane fitted to prevent a repeat of the water ingress. The coach was released with an excellent repaint.
Traffic this year has been promising and there have been comments from some passengers about not running enough trains with many trains operating full and standing. The timetable was reduced for 2013 after last year's disappointing traffic figures, largely associated with the poor weather and recession. This year has apparently seen more visitors choose a UK holiday, though the recent hot spell may be hitting WHR traffic as more people choose the beach e.g. the first train from Caernarfon on 26/7/13, a hot day and one of the first days of the school Summer Holidays, had only 94 passengers.
The Beer Festival broke all records and Dinas was full on the Saturday night with overflow to Waunfawr making the use of the shuttles until midnight. The event was so successful that it ran out of beer on Sunday so events moved to the Snowdonia Parc brewpub at Waunfawr.
The first WHR Kids' Weekend operated on 13-14/4/13 and was attended by Scouts and members' offspring.
The KMX tamper is working well and is now based at Hafod-y-llyn, working on the line from Bryn-y-felin to Porthmadog. Heat movement has seen the tamper fix problems near the summit at Pitt's Head curve, Pont Cae'r Gors and the new forest footpath crossing at Tro Elain. Two lever frames are under refurbishment at Dinas, one being for the siding at Beddgelert station.
Team Wylfa report 23/7/13
Clive Briscoe reports: On Tuesday evening this week, the A Team had to start work without their leader (me) who ended up stuck in a horrendous traffic jam having been diverted off the A55 at Northop on his way back from Derbyshire. The Team had E Set to look after. As usual, it was a case of oiling up the axleboxes on one end, leaving the other for Martin's B Team on Thursday. In addition, oil the couplings and top up the flange lubricators. Your scribe eventually arrived and completed the task by doing the visual inspection to make sure nothing was loose or broken off underneath and finally, signed off the record sheet.
Hopefully back to normal next Tuesday evening when we have the continuing and new list of tasks on NG15 No.134 to continue with after the carriage checks.
Tuesday Gang report 23/7/13
The Tuesday Gang spent 23/7/13 building a new point at Harbour Station (just west of the signal box-Ed). This is the new point for access to roads 4 and 5 for FR trains approaching from Boston Lodge. The present point for this access is ex Hafod-y-Llyn and this new one is made up of the components from the original replaced by the ex Hafod-y-Llyn. The team succeeded in laying out the sleepers and positioning the very heavy components. Luckily the Rest of The World Gang were working nearby and helped with the really heavy bits. The fixing down of the points to the sleepers will be done later when it has been decided which method, clip or plate, is to be used.
This easterly view (23/7/13) shows the yard point under construction with the signalbox in the background. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Team Wylfa report 16/7/13
On Tuesday 16/7/13, the A Team had the F Set to deal with. It was just a visual check, oil the couplings and refill the flange lube grease sticks with Martin's B Team doing the axlebox oiling on Thursday evening. There was a surprise when we opened the carriage shed door - a brand new carriage, No.108, had been added to the consist. It is the latest creation of Norman Bond's Boston Lodge Carriage Works and as each new coach comes out, it is better than the last. It is a splendid creation with yet more subtle improvements. It is maximum length for the Ffestiniog and has the Ffestiniog roof profile but otherwise, fits in very well into the WHR consist. As such, it sets a new standard and will be suitable for a future G Set to do runs between Blaenau Ffestiniog and Caernarfon.
After dispatching the F Set, we continued work on NG15 No.133's boiler and at last, freed the last cladding panel from the Driver's Side of the firebox that has caused us much grief these last few weeks. We had to free the reverser stand, ashpan door and cylinder drain cock operating levers (mounted on a bracket on the lower part of the stand) before we could free it but free it we did. The boiler is now ready for grit blasting and coating with preservative paint. Unfortunately, because of rainwater penetrating the cladding and soaking the lagging underneath whilst it has been stored in Dinas yard, many rivet heads are in a poor state and there is much pitting of the barrel so it will be interesting what the boiler inspector has to say in due course.
Tuesday Gang report 16/7/13
Tony Baker reports: It was light work in high temperature this week, thank goodness. The task was to paint all check rail ends white and all point levers with handle white, disc red and base yellow. Starting at Caernarfon we painted the check rail ends at the north end and south end. At the north end we also painted the point lever. We then drove down to Llyn Bach (adjacent to Porthmadog car park-Ed) and painted check rail ends. Then we moved to Pen-y-Mount, arriving just in time to see ISAAC passing light engine. Here we painted two sets of check rail ends. Then we realised that one of them wasn't ours. Hope they don't mind. Next was Pont Croesor where two more sets of check rail ends were done. Then we moved to Hafod-y-Llyn where two more sets of check rail ends and two point levers were done. Next it was on to Beddgelert where three sets of check rail ends were painted including the new trap points. Finally we moved to Rhyd Ddu where two sets of check rails on main line and two sets on sidings were painted. Also the buffer stop and two point levers were painted. Dinas and Waunfawr had been done the previous week.
King of the Scarlets moved into Spooners 15/7/13
Click on the YouTube box above to watch 5 mins 59 secs of video of King of the Scarlets being moved into Spooners on 15/7/13. Click on the YouTube link to watch the full video. This video was taken by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional camcorder and is best watched in 1080p HD quality.
Trap point installed at Beddgelert 13-14/7/13
David Firth reports: The North Wales Track Gang has been busy installing a trap point in the siding at Beddgelert over the weekend of 13-14/7/13. The point was brought from Dinas on an early works train movement from Dinas to Beddgelert. The point was installed by Sunday afternoon and the siding reconnected. It still requires to be levelled and a lever frame with point rodding installed. The lever frame has been moved to Dinas for refurbishment as it has lain on the ground at Beddgelert for some years unused. When more point rodding rollers spare from the Porthmadog re-signalling become available the job can be completed.
This northerly view (14/7/13) shows the trap point under construction at Beddgelert for the siding. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright David Firth and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (14/7/13) shows the trap point under construction at Beddgelert for the siding. The point and trap will be operated by screw clamps until the lever frame is returned. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright David Firth and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Email problems
Correspondents trying to email me will not be receiving replies to their emails at the moment as SSESURF's server side inbox system has been failing many customers by not passing on messages for the last several days. Your webmaster has looked at a new ISP which would become live in early-August. In the meantime please use my alternative email account
after removing the asterix.
Penamser roundabout
Work was planned to be complete at the end of July on the new Penamser roundabout at the west end of Porthmadog replacing the existing T junction between the A497 and A498. This will help people bypass Porthmadog towards Criccieth. All that is needed now is a Penmorfa bypass on the Caernarfon road!
Titbits Spring 2013
On 31/3/13 a bridge inspection train ran from Porthmadog up the WHR with an FR coach hauled by Criccieth Castle.
The number of visitors to Steam 150 was quite impressive, despite no local advertising or posters on some FR stations. This will be corrected for the 1863& all that event in October. Future events are being thought about with the possibility of having Welsh Pony in steam by 2017, its 150th birthday or by 2020, the 150th anniversary of the international event when Little Wonder was trialled for the world's railway engineers. Event guides were sold out by Saturday morning and so fresh supplies were printed. Many trains had standing room only. A record breaking amount of money was made in the shops.
On the loco front, Prince has been converted to run on coal and Vale of Ffestiniog is back in traffic after transmission repairs. David Lloyd George is having its 10 year boiler exam and is being re-tubed and converted to coal. The loco will have new stainless steel smoke boxes and new piston valve power bogies. Boston Lodge was contracted to weld together the reduced width frames for the Chinese C2 loco project in order to change from 2' 6" to 2' gauge.
The underframe for the new L&BR coach has been under construction at Boston Lodge and this will make a third prototypical coach for their SR rake. ISAAC will be sent to the L&BR when its teething troubles are fixed. The underframe of new WHR saloon No.2046 is near completion and when finished this coach will release FR stock from WHR rakes as standard WHR coach rakes will eventually be formed. No.2040 recently re-entered service after repainting.
No.87 has had new tyres and provides a third NG16 in traffic giving more operational flexibility. For too long the railway has been surviving on two NG16s and hoping there were no failures. There is still a little work to do on this loco. Consideration is being given to re-boring the cylinders next Winter. New valve gear components have been made to allow fitting during shed visits this season. Brass spectacle and nameplates were fitted to both Welsh Pony and Princess and whistles too.
On the signalling front, February saw the Invensys apprentices completing their scheduled work early with 2 days to spare and taking on additional tasks. These involved the hard job of pulling signal cables through the ducts made for the new Porthmadog Harbour signalling system. They also dug a 400m duct along The Cob out to the site of the new trident signal and 50m past to where the treadle will be. The signal post wood arrived in February and is seasoning in Minffordd Yard. It will be treated to withstand rot and painted, probably with white micro-porous paint. the signalling wiring diagrams have been completed, checked and signed off.
The trident signal base was placed on the longest day of the year (21/6/13) with an overnight closure of The Cob to allow the significant concrete base to be cast. A cement mixer lorry pumped the concrete through an extension tube to the location on the seaward side of The Cob. Some £10,000 is still needed to cover the cost of this item. Gift aided donation to support the signalling project would still be welcome.
Russell progress 11/7/13
This Keef's view (11/7/13) shows Russell's boiler and frames with completed motion. WHHR Chairman Martin Owen visited Keef’s on Thursday to watch Russell’s boiler being lifted onto the frames, so that Keef’s can measure up the new smoke box for fitting. They will also start to check measurements for the new steam pipes etc at the same time. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Martin Owen (courtesy of Harry Gow) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This Keef's view (11/7/13) shows Russell's boiler and frames with completed motion. WHHR Chairman Martin Owen visited Keef’s on Thursday to watch Russell’s boiler being lifted onto the frames, so that Keef’s can measure up the new smoke box for fitting. They will also start to check measurements for the new steam pipes etc at the same time. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Martin Owen (courtesy of Michael Chapman) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Bont Briwet latest
Bont Briwet, the toll bridge between Llandecwyn and Penrhyndeudraeth, is currently open for road traffic. The road/rail bridge is being replaced and is to suffer delays for 8 weeks over the Summer Holidays from 22/7/13 whilst stone is delivered to widen the causeways between 0700 and 1630. Gwynedd Council's website provides full details. Visitors to the WHR from the Harlech/Barmouth areas should be aware of potential delays. See also F&WHR website.
The widened causeways will provide access to the new railway bridge being built just to the west of the existing combined road/rail bridge. Work on the bridge started in June. Lorries carrying stone will arrive from both directions and will have to cross the railway alignment each side of the bridge leading to inevitable delays. The new railway alignment will have a higher line speed of 40mph (up from 20mph) on a gentler curve. The Llandecwyn platform will have to move 5m south to accommodate the new road layout.
The works plan has now been published with summary documents on the Gwynedd website (see above). Once the rail bridge has been completed and rail traffic switched over, the old bridge will be demolished and a new temporary road bridge provided whilst the new dual lane road bridge is constructed. Some short road and rail closures are envisaged. Work will be completed on the road bridge by 2015 and the toll will be removed.
F&WHR YouTube 11/7/13
Click on the YouTube box above to watch 4 mins 12 secs of video of North Wales tourist scenes including the F&WHR published 11/7/13. Click on the YouTube link to watch the full video. This video was taken by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional camcorder and is best watched in 1080p HD quality.
Team Wylfa report 9/7/13
Clive Briscoe reports: A crack team of 5 hit the E Set running during the evening of 9/7/13. With Martin’s B Team not going to be present on Thursday due to him deserting the NG this week for Broad Gauge at York to look at a certain grouping of rather fast, streamlined locos (Don’t forget the photos, Martin!). However, this is ‘on track’ because No.138 is currently fitted with the A4 chime whistle that was presented to the FR’s Bill Hoole when he retired from BR to become principally Prince’s driver so there IS a link.
Nearly 2 hours later, the set had been thoroughly checked and oiled so it was back to No.133 to try and remove that last boiler cladding panel on the driver’s side of the firebox. Two of us concentrated on this whilst the others continued chipping the heavy scale off the outside of the boiler barrel. That pesky panel STILL hasn’t come off – the remaining seized bolts holding the panel to the crinoline had their heads chiselled off and the only thing that appears to be holding it now is that it may be trapped between crinoline and the front of the cab. I suspect the only way forward is the trusty ‘gas axe’. (To be continued…)
Unusually, the Carriage Shed was like an oven – even with the 2 roller shutter doors wide open. Likewise the Clip Shed but we only went in there for tools. Even outdoors on No.133, it was not a comfortable night but there was a pleasant, dusky sunset over Caernarfon Bay.
Tuesday Gang report 9/7/13
Tony Baker reports: The Tuesday Gang spent a very hot 9/7/13 painting the point handles at Dinas. Handles white, Disks red, Base yellow. Also all check rail ends were painted white. Trains were all very full despite it being "beach weather".
Trains on Monday 8/7/13
The F&WHR has announced that there will, after all, be passenger trains on Monday 8/7/13, one of the blank days set aside for charters in the timetable. Times of trains will be different due to the charter running on the railway. See F&WHR website for more details. An additional timetable has appeared on the website coloured dark blue. Passenger trains on the day will be hauled by Nos. 87/138.
Porthmadog signalbox progress 5-7/7/13
This southerly view (5/7/13) shows the scaffolding being removed from the signal box following completion of the slating and bargeboards. This will allow track to be extended past the signalbox in the FR platform/yard road. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Chris Price and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (5/7/13) shows the scaffolding being removed from the signal box following completion of the slating and bargeboards. This will allow track to be extended past the signalbox in the FR platform/yard road. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Chris Price and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (5/7/13) shows Lyd passing the signal box with an FR departure. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Chris Price and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (7/7/13) shows Snowdon Wharf, Harbour Station and the externally complete signalbox out on The Cob. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Peter Matthews and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
No.138's Mallard Special 3/7/13
On 3/7/13 No.138 carried the A4 whistle presented by relatives of Bill Hoole and a headboard to celebrate the record run by Mallard on that day. See F&WHR website for full details.
Tuesday Gang report 2/7/13
Tony Baker reports: The Tuesday Gang were working at Dinas this week. The weather forecast had promised heavy rain after lunch. With this in mind we spent the morning oiling up the yard points, north and the one in south. After lunch it did indeed rain so we retired to the Carriage Shed and proceeded to empty a B wagon of ash, spreading it on both sides of the LH road. This is to enable the Team Wylfa gang to kneel more comfortably whilst carrying out their weekly inspection and service of the carriage bogies.
Team Wylfa report 2/7/13
Clive Briscoe reports: It was F Set this week that claimed our attention. It was an appalling night weather wise - very heavy rain squalls all night long. Luckily for the A Team, only original NWNGR/WHR carriage No.23 needed oiling. The rest of the set was visual inspection only as the B Team will be oiling the remaining few plain bearing axleboxes on Thursday evening. So, it was a quick job for Ulrich and myself - he went around oiling the couplings whilst I did the visual check. After that, we rejoined the rest of the team in the Clip Shed where a production line had been formed making some more lube pipe clips for No.134 - we've run out of a couple of sizes. Others in the team were busy rescuing some of No.134's side rodding and motion from the storage shelves - they required some TLC as the 'tin worm' was making an appearance and they needed cleaning up and re-greasing. It was quite a busy evening once more but there was one frustration - because of the weather, we weren't able to work on getting that last piece of boiler cladding off No.133's firebox so that's next week's job (weather permitting).
Russell latest 30/6/13
Michael Chapman advises that Russell is to have new tanks with rivets. All original components from the tanks have been removed and will be re-used. Donations are always welcome and will speed the completion of the work at Keef's ensuring the loco is completed for 2014. It is hoped the loco may be available to run at the SuperPower event next year to reprise the events of 2000 when it could only travel to Waunfawr. See Russell Appeal website.
This Gelert's Farm view (30/6/13) shows Russell's old tanks. The tanks were inspected by staff from the WHHR to provide information for the new tanks as they weren't built to the original drawings so the coal space is wrong. The new riveted tanks will recreate the original appearance of Russell. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
NWTG 29/6/13
David Firth reports: On 29/6/13 the Black Hand Gang were working to try and make a temporary stabilisation of the embankment at Salem. The initial damage was done in the heavy rains last December but the bank has continued to fall away from the track bed leaving an insufficient width of support. Concrete blocks were used on the slope and ballast then dropped from one of the South African Hoper Wagons to widen the ballast shoulder.
This northerly view (29/6/13) shows the North Wales Track Gang starting the ballast wall at Salem. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright David Firth and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (29/6/13) shows the North Wales Track Gang standing clear as a northbound train passes at Salem. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright David Firth and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (30/6/13) shows the North Wales Track Gang standing clear as a southbound train passes at Salem. There had been a ballast drop since the previous views and Castell Caernarfon was stabled at Rhyd Ddu with the ballast train on Sunday afternoon. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright David Firth and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Gelert withdrawn 29/6/13
This westerly view (29/6/13) shows Gelert on its final passenger train about to depart Porthmadog Station WHHR. Driver Martyn Owen and fireman Mark Herbert pose in front of the smokebox adorned with chalked on withdrawal messages. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
ISAAC 29/6/13
This westerly view (29/6/13) shows ISAAC working with its twin Gelert on the latter's final day in service. The pair look like a double Fairlie and are heading a train of FR vacuum braked stock away from Porthmadog WHHR. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (29/6/13) shows ISAAC on a historic occasion with a (non-paying) passenger train arriving at Porthmadog (FR) from Porthmadog (WHHR) at 5:00pm. ISAAC has returned to Boston Lodge for further work. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
ISAAC on the WHR 28/6/13
Click on the YouTube box above to watch 4 mins 9 secs of video of ISAAC running to the WHHR to double head to Hafod-y-llyn. Click on the YouTube link to watch the full video. This video was taken by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional camcorder and is best watched in 1080p HD quality.
Michael Chapman reports: The train with Gelert leading ISAAC stopped en route to Hafod-y-llyn. A hot eccentric halted proceedings for a while until it cooled and was lubricated. The train made it to Hafod-y-llyn (rather than Beddgelert as originally advised-Ed) where, after some shunting, the train returned to Porthmadog WHHR with ISAAC leading and Gelert bringing up the rear. Both locos and the train of FR stock are now safely at Gelert's Farm (where the loco may operate on Saturday 29/6/13-Ed).
This westerly view (28/6/13) shows ISAAC about to leave Porthmadog Harbour Station with a short heritage rake and invited guests. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (28/6/13) shows ISAAC and Gelert stopped en route to examine a hot eccentric bearing. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
David Firth adds: ISAAC was accompanied by its sister Bagnall Gelert and a train of Ffestiniog Heritage coaches carrying some invited guests and supporters of the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway. It crossed with the WHR service train 14.30 from Caernarfon at Pont Croesor. It has been a very wet afternoon in North Wales.
This northerly view (28/6/13) shows Gelert leading ISAAC passing the 1430 from Caernarfon at Pont Croesor. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright David Firth and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This southerly view (28/6/13) shows Gelert leading ISAAC at Hafod-y-llyn. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright David Firth and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (28/6/13) shows Gelert leading ISAAC at Hafod-y-llyn. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright David Firth and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
ISAAC on the WHR Friday 28/6/13
There will be a rare photo opportunity on Friday 28/6/13 if any one is around between Porthmadog and Beddgelert in the afternoon/evening, when the WHHR's loco Gelert will be double-heading with its twin, No.3023 ISAAC, on a train up the F&WHR line to Beddgelert. This is being run in conjunction with ISAAC’s owners and the F&WHR before Gelert's boiler ticket expires, and before ISAAC goes down south to the L&BR. The train will depart sometime after 15:00 hrs from Harbour Station, with Gelert going onto the train at Pen-y-Mount. Return to Pen-y-Mount should be sometime after 19:00 hrs. There will be joint running on the WHHR on Saturday 29/6/13. This represents further cooperation between the managements of the two railways. Photos of the two locos on the WHR would be welcome. When finished ISAAC is set to go to the L&BR in the Summer.
Maintenance Train 26/6/13
This southerly view (26/6/13) shows the Wednesday evening maintenance train returning to Dinas, propelled by Castell Caernarfon as it passes Snowdon Ranger Halt at 2012. The maintenance train operates every Wednesday evening. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Peter Narramore and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
High demand on the WHR 26/6/13
Due to unprecedented demand, the train was strengthened to 11 carriages for the first time and left with 222 passengers on board on the first train of the day. See F&WHR facebook page.
Team Wylfa report 25/6/13
One of the biggest teams for a long time were at Dinas this week - the A Team usual four were joined by Ben from B Team again AND our good friend from Germany, Ulrich (for another 2 weeks) plus another of our irregulars who is on holiday in the locality, David Crozier. The bottom end of the E Set was duly checked and oiled in double quick time - indeed, I was only half way around doing the whole set visual exam when the oilers shouted, 'All done!'
After this, it was carry on with removing the last of No.133's boiler cladding and doing a rough clean-up of the boiler. First however, remove the wasps-in-residence - the little critters had decided to nest in the top LH gauge glass steam passage. Several washout plugs are out around the bottom of the backhead and also higher up around the top of the firebox outer shell so we carefully smoked them out. Then it was split what was thought to be the last nut holding the drifting valve rod bracket to the driver's side of the firebox. This was holding the cladding on. It proved remarkably resistant to a large chisel and 7lb lump hammer but eventually gave and released the bracket. However, the cladding didn't move! Several 3/8" bolts were spotted under the gunge. These also proved remarkably resistant to the chisel and lump hammer - they stretched massively before fracturing.
Eventually, the top half of what we thought was a large sidesheet came away. That still leaves us frustratingly, with another, smaller, lower sidesheet for next week's job before the boiler is ready for gritblasting and there are some small bolts identified holding it which are in a very inaccessible place. We are trying to save as much as possible intact to act as patterns for new cladding in the future when No.133's time for re-activation comes, but this last piece may have to be cut.
Tuesday Gang report 25/6/13
Tony Baker reports: The Tuesday Gang was working at Minffordd Yard this week. Two weeks ago we emptied the old PW hut which had reached its sell by date. We arrived today to find it knocked down. Our job was to burn the remains on a bonfire. This was mainly achieved apart from its floor which hopefully others will deal with shortly. Something completely different from our usual activities we decided.
Cob Trident signal progress 21/6/13
This westerly view (21/6/13) shows the completed concrete pour for the trident signal out on The Cob. Concrete slurry was pumped up and over the running lines after the end of evening services from a concrete mixer lorry parked below on the main road. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Cob Widening progress YouTube 18/6/13
Click on the YouTube box above to watch 2 min 54 secs of video of the progress on the signalbox dated 18/6/13 with passing F&WHR traffic. Click on the YouTube link to watch the full video. This video was taken by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional camcorder and is best watched in 1080p HD quality.
Team Wylfa report 18/6/13
Clive Briscoe reports: Our usual weekly visit on Tuesday 18/6/13 had the A Team inspecting the F Set. It was a visual check, oil the couplings and top up the flange lube grease sticks. The B Team will oil up the few plain bearing axleboxes that remain on this set on Thursday evening. It was noted that No.140’s power bogie has now been shunted to the rear of the carriage shed where its boiler cradle sits on a DZ with ex No.143’s boiler on another.
After the carriages it was onto NG15 No.133 – to remove the remaining boiler cladding and scrape the loose scale off. At the end of the evening, just one stubborn nut holding the drifting valve rodding bracket to the firebox stood between the firebox and removing the final panel. A hammer and chisel should sort that out next week, after which, the boiler is ready for grit blasting and coating with corrosion resist paint until it’s time for restoration to working order commences. Time and the Welsh ‘liquid sunshine’ have not been kind and many rivets will have to be renewed as their heads have rusted badly.
Congratulations to our A & B Team member, Ben Abbott – he qualified as a fireman last Thursday. So that makes him multi-skilled – licensed for cars, planes and now trains. He was intrigued by my marine engineering skills on No.133 – wielding a heavy hammer and large chisel so maybe, before long, we can get him qualified in marine engineering too. Watch this space!
Tuesday Gang report 18/6/13
Tony Baker reports: The Tuesday Gang spent 18/6/13 on Phase 5 work at Harbour Station's new signal box. The tasks were to install insulation between the floor joists, to make a start installing the wall panels and to pull in an earth cable between the signal box and relay room. The first and last tasks were completed. The second is ongoing. Other activity in the vicinity comprised of Tuesday Gang South who are installing concrete troughing between the Relay Room and signalbox which will contain the actual signalling cables.
This easterly view (18/6/13) shows the insulation board being installed under the floor of the signalbox. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This southerly view (18/6/13) shows the cable troughing being fixed to the wave wall between the Relay Room and the signalbox. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (18/6/13) shows the insulation being cut to size to fit in the signalbox. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Wednesday works trains
Lineside clearance trains will continue through until early September. These trains have to be planned in advance so we need to know if you intend to join us. If we have not heard from you by 13:00 on the day in question the train will not run. The train on Wednesday 19/6/13 will start from Dinas so please be there by 16:00. If you cannot make it by then you can join us at Waunfawr at 17:00 but you must let me know if that is what you intend to do. The same arrangements will also apply on 26/6/13.
Contact Paul Bradshaw if you intend to join us on either of those two days. See http://www.isengard.co.uk/Contacts.htm for contact details.
Signal box 14/6/13
This westerly view (14/6/13) shows progress with the Porthmadog Harbour Station signal box. The new Signal Box on the Cob now has window frames fitted (as yet unglazed). When work on the exterior and roof is complete, the scaffolding will be removed and the track extended past the signal box. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Steve Broomfield and was taken on a Panasonic Lumix DSC-FS3 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Princess in Heuston
See the following links, kindly contributed by James Day of Princess in Heuston, where the loco will be on display until 24/7/13.
http://www.irishrail.ie/cat_news.jsp?i=4838&p=116&n=237
http://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/historic-steam-locomotive-arrives-in-ireland-596733.html
There is some footage at the end of this clip too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMgg6EMVFoY
No.140 news 11/6/13
NGG16 No.140's rear power bogie - located outside the Dinas workshop for the last few years - has finally taken to the rails again. It has been shunted into the Loco Shed for assessment.
Team Wylfa report 11/6/13
Clive Briscoe reports: The A Team had a phone call just as the leader, me, was on his way to Dinas. B Team’s Martin had not got any ‘takers’ to help him on Thursday evening, could we, therefore, service the whole set. OK, no problem BUT, on arrival, we were expecting F Set and found it was E Set – which only has a couple of roller bearing fitted bogies so it was the big job as opposed to the quick job. Luckily, Dave W had just returned from his 6 weeks overseas so, with the core 3 and Dave’s colleague Matt, we had a big working party that saw the set serviced by 20:45 which then allowed us some time on NG15 No.134 and to do some much needed TLC on NG15 No.133 outside.
On No.134, there wasn’t enough time left to start annealing and bending further copper lube oil pipes so the quick job was to remove the rear footplating and reverser stand as the new rear dragbox is due imminently and the guys will need to work on the fitted bolts in this area to secure it into the frames. Over the last weekend – the No.134 Group working weekend – the temporary bracing across the rear of the frames was removed as the combined rear frame stretcher / pony truck pivot has now been permanently installed with the former rivet holes having been reamed out and fitted in lieu of the rivets.
On No.133, the youngest members of the No.134 Group have been removing the boiler cladding over the last few months. The last of the barrel cladding finally came off over the weekend leaving just that around the firebox. That is now our job. The boiler has been deteriorating due to water penetrating the cladding and soaking the fibreglass lagging beneath. The boiler beneath is therefore, heavily scaled so whilst some of the party concentrated on the cladding removal in the cab, the rest scraped and roughly wire brushed the looser scale off the barrel. Once all of the cladding is off, it is planned to grit blast and treat the boiler externally to stop further corrosion until its time comes for a rebuild.
So, a very busy night for the Team.
Tuesday Gang report 11/6/13
Tony Baker reports: The Tuesday Gang spent 11/6/13 working in Minffordd Yard sorting, moving and generally tidying up in preparation for the new PW building which will be taking shape in the near future.
ROWG report 7-10/6/13
Paul Bradshaw reports: For the select few who attended our long weekend there was variety in the projects undertaken and the locations visited. Fences at Pitt's Head, Cwm Du and Nantmor were strengthened in an attempt to persuade the sheep to stay off the railway. We visited numerous level crossings between Britannia Bridge and Pitt's Head summit to check sight lines and we put up a missing distant board. Has anyone noticed?
Phil Nock adds: Over the four days of the June ROWG long-weekend, a modest but productive working party was kept busy with various line-side maintenance tasks, not the least being checking and clearing sight-lines at the majority of crossings on Phase 4. Additionally, they erected an up distance board at Pont Britannia, and variously repaired or strengthened fencing at or near Pitt's Head Bridge, Pont Afon Cwm Du, Pont McAlpine, the Nantmor ski-jump and Ynysfor. The Monday work at Ynysfor was briefly interrupted by the weed-killing train passing by, en-route to Minffordd Yard, having just sprayed the track and cess between Rhyd Ddu and Nantmor Crossing with a non-selective herbicide, on the ridiculously early o'clock shift. The previous week Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu had been treated; Nantmor to Blaenau Ffestiniog is in the diary.
This northerly aerial view (10/6/13) shows the Weed killer Express passing Pont Croesor at 11am. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Phil Nock digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
During our July week starting Saturday 20/7/13 we will be back on the Cob laying track on the FR side of the layout. So if you are interested in joining us get in touch as soon as you can. We will need a good sized team to complete all we want to. Get in touch with Paul Bradshaw if you intend to join us. Contact details are at http://www.isengard.co.uk/Contacts.htm.
Pen-y-Mount signalbox roof 8/6/13
This northerly view (8/6/13) shows Pen-y-Mount Junction signalbox receiving its slate roof. This WHHG project will allow the recreation of many historic tableaux. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Russell news
Michael Chapman reports: Following a huge fundraising drive in May, only the tanks and new air receivers remain to be funded, and may be a bit extra for contingencies. Russell WILL be in steam early in 2014! All donations are still welcome.
The latest photos of the Russell restoration project at Alan Keef & Co. can be viewed on Dropbox. They were taken on the 1/6/13 by Liz Owen. The South Tynedale Railway's Barber can be seen in the background in some of the images. Click here to view the Dropbox images.
Princess at Dublin 6/6/13
Princess was unveiled at Dublin Heuston station on 6/6/13 and will stay for 6 weeks. It is hoped the display will encourage Irish tourists to visit the F&WHR. The display is part of Irish Rail's Gathering Ireland 2013. See F&WHR website for full story.
Welsh Pony funding rolls in
Rob Waller has pledged to donate a percentage of the proceeds of sales of his 009 kits for the WHR's ex-SAR wagons to the Welsh Pony Appeal. These can be purchased through the FR's online shop. DZ & B wagons have already been released and the much anticipated NGY ballast wagon is just a few weeks away. More details of my pledge can be found on his blog and of the kits at his Boston Largs works website.
Welsh Pony to steam again 6/6/13
Following the success of the recent Steam 150 event and interest in Welsh Pony, the F&WHR's General Manager Paul Lewin has announced that the loco is to be restored as the first of a series of restorations of older locos. In fact only Livingston Thompson and Princess will be retained 'as is' due to their unaltered historical condition. The restoration will be featured, sometimes live, in a blog on the loco's own microsite. Reconstruction may start next Winter and it would be nice if it could be completed by 2017 when the loco celebrates its 150th anniversary. The loco was plinthed outside Harbour Station in the car park next to the main road from 1985 to 2002 when it was removed to make way for the Cross Town Rail Link. F&WHR is looking for innovative funding strategies to restore the loco. See F&WHR website for full story.
Beddgelert retro tank fitted 5/6/13
This southerly view (5/6/13) shows Castell Caernarfon stabled at Beddgelert on the evening clearance train, 'The Chipper Express'. The tank was hoisted into place on the newly concreted top of the original McAlpine water tower on 3/6/13. This WHHG project will allow the recreation of many historic tableaux. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Andy Keene and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Team Wylfa report 4/6/13
Clive Briscoe reports: The A Team had a new set to service at Dinas this week – due to extra trains running over the Half Term week, there has been a stock rotation and Tuesday and Thursday evenings sees the F Set now in residence for a few weeks. Original WHR carriage No. 23 is now back in service looking resplendent in its new coat of paint and varnish. Whilst its been having the bodywork attended to, the bogies have been out and overhauled too. We had Andie Shaw (the NG15 No.134 restoration’s Chief Engineer) look in on his way home from driving turns to give the Team our orders for further work on No.134 in our spare time. He was saying that the loadings are exceptionally heavy from Porthmadog, with all seats taken. In addition to No.23, there were 2 extra FR carriages on the top end of the set – No.123 (the 3rd Class Obs) and No.116. If it weren’t for the Caernarfon platform loop being a bit short, they could really have done with making it a 12 carriage set!
Martin K and the B Team will be in attendance on Thursday to complete the oiling up of F Set. There were no frogs swimming around on the various flooded shed floors this week – it was the exact opposite of last week – the first really hot and dry night at Dinas, though on the Carneddau and on Snowdon itself it was noted that there are still north facing gullies with snow in them at high level.
Tuesday Gang report 4/6/13
Tony Baker reports: The Tuesday Gang spent 4/6/13 clearing out the drainage channels at Waunfawr in the morning and then spent the afternoon with Nic Byrne chipping the brash in the B and DZ wagons at Dinas ready for Wednesday evening's clearance train.
Steam 150 Postscript 4-5/5/13
This northerly view (4/5/13) shows the demonstration slate train crossing the Tan-y-grisiau level crossings at 1158. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Mark Bishop and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (4/5/13) shows the England line-up at 1651 with Prince nearest. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Mark Bishop and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (4/5/13) shows Palmerston crossing Britannia Bridge on the demonstration slate run from Pont Croesor at 0810 on a dismal morning. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Mark Bishop and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This southerly view (5/5/13) shows Linda leading Blanche crossing the Bryn-y-felin bridge at 1035 on the Two Ladies Special. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Mark Bishop and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Tony Baker reports: The gang spent Tuesday firstly at LC 41.88 Tro Elain putting in whistle boards and then to LC 41.16 Caer Gors where the level crossing had to be dismantled in order to deal with a dip in the track.
Team Wylfa report 28/5/13
Clive Briscoe reports: The A Team were at Dinas as usual on Tuesday evening and were assisted by Thursday evening B Team's Ben A. E Set yet again - but this time, we oiled up the bottom half of the set. Actually, we 'chickened out' of doing the top half again because it would have meant getting wet to service carriage No. 24 which was parked outside. When we arrived at the carriage shed it was just spitting with rain but once inside, it simply tipped it down - so much so that later, when your scribe called in the oil store by the works, there was an inch of water covering the floor and two frogs were swimming in it. Eventually, it eased a bit by we'd finished checking and servicing the set and we got back to the Clip Shed without getting too wet. Andy carried on doing some 'knitting' after slicing the yarns he'd woven onto the template last week, tying them in bundles and putting them in axlebox oil to soak.
Pete and Ben dug out some of 134's side rods which had got a little rusty again and cleaned and oiled them again. Meanwhile, you scribe carried on tidying the disturbed lighting cables and by the end of the evening, the temporary extension loops on the mid-bay pillar had been cut back and tied into proper junction boxes. All that remains to be done is to tidy the 'rats nest' high above the light switches on the outside wall. Hopefully that will be done next Tuesday. It was a very cold and wet night, nothing to commend it at all... Hard to believe that in less than a month the nights will be drawing in, where has Spring and Summer gone to? There's still snow visible in the high gullies on the Carneddau and on Snowdon itself and we're almost into June.
Aerial view of Caernarfon 26/5/13
This southerly aerial view (26/5/13) shows Caernarfon station. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Sunshine on the F&WHR 25-26/5/13
Click on the YouTube box above to watch 6 min 19 secs of video of the F&WHR in Spring Bank Holiday sunshine dated 25-26/5/13 as taster for the forthcoming DVD. Click on the YouTube link to watch the full video. This video was taken by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional camcorder and is best watched in 1080p HD quality.
Team Wylfa report 21/5/13
Clive Briscoe reports: The A Team were at Dinas as usual on Tuesday evening 21/5/13. Yet again it was the E Set that got our administrations – full visual inspection then oiled up the top half axleboxes leaving the bottom end for Martin’s B Team on Thursday. Afterwards it was back to the Clip Shed – Andy got on with some ‘knitting’ – well, preparing unbleached woollen yarn for new axlebox trimmings. By 10pm, he had almost unwound a large reel onto the pegs on the template board and next week will bring a SHARP pair of scissors to slice through the centre to give the individual strands of about 10” long. About 120 of these are then loosely bound around the centre to form each bundle. The bundles then go into soak in a tub of axlebox oil for a minimum of 1 week before they’re ready to use. We’d noted a few axleboxes getting a bit low or requiring cleaning out and re-packing so this is on the horizon in a few weeks’ time. It’s about 2 years since we needed to clean out and repack a carriage axlebox – they normally last about 3-5 years and the ones we’ve spotted are at least this. We recently used up our entire stock cleaning out and repacking all of the SAR guard’s van axleboxes during its winter rebuild.
Meanwhile, whilst Andy was doing the ‘knitting’, your scribe and Matt continued tidying up the Clip Shed lighting wiring that had been temporarily pulled off the walls and old door lintels when the new shed doors were fitted. Cables were suitably clipped to the higher steel lintels and the two outside PIR operated floodlights re-instated (these are passive infrared sensor security lights-Ed). Hopefully next week will see the rest of the wiring clipped back into place.
Meanwhile, there is work continuing on NG15 No.134 during the daytime. There are two men at work reaming out the bolt holes between the frames and the rear frame stretcher ready for fitted bolts. These are bolts whose shanks are machined individually to be a VERY close fit in reamed holes so there is little chance of movement in the two components they are joining after they are tightened up to the correct torque. Effectively screwed rivets… It was decided to use these rather than rivet the stretcher in as was done originally. This will be followed by mounting the new rear dragbox (manufactured by our friends at Brunswick Ironworks in Caernarfon) in a similar manner as soon as the side faces have been machined true at Boston Lodge so that they will be a close, metal-to-metal fit in the frames.
Tuesday Gang report 21/5/13
Tony Baker reports: The Tuesday Gang spent the 21/5/13 checking the sighting at level crossings starting at Pont Cae'r Gors 41.16 and finishing at LC 47.50. Where necessary cutting back of foliage was done.
Tuesday Gang South 19/5/13
Steve Broomfield reports: The TGS completed the concreting of the ladder step for the south end 'white light' on 19/5/13 at Beddgelert. Also, the shuttering around the one at the Caernarfon end was removed.
This easterly view (19/5/13) shows the altered points indicator. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Steve Broomfield and was taken on a Panasonic Lumix DSC-FS3 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Pen-y-Mount signalbox 18-19/5/13
This southerly view (18/5/13) shows the erection of the Pen-y-Mount Junction signalbox. It was originally intended to construct this signalbox at Cae Pawb Crossing and it will be fitted with a frame currently under restoration at the WHHR. The WHR service is passing on the main line. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This southerly view (18/5/13) shows the completed Pen-y-Mount Junction signalbox. Windows will be fitted later. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Rail Ale YouTube 17-19/5/13
Click on the YouTube box above to watch 10 min 0 secs of video of the Rail ale event dated 17-19/5/13 as taster for the forthcoming DVD. Click on the YouTube link to watch the full video. This video was taken by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional camcorder and is best watched in 1080p HD quality.
Beer Festival YouTube 18/5/13
Click on the YouTube box above to watch 8 min 44 secs of video of the Rail Ale event dated 17-19/5/13 by teenager Tom Waldren, his first solo YouTube. Click on the YouTube link to watch the full video. This video was taken by Tom Waldren on a Panasonic camcorder and is best watched in 1080p HD quality.
Rail Ale 18/5/13
The WHR Rail Ale beer festival continues for its final day today. The SBR's Peckett Harrogate is visiting the WHR. See F&WHR website. Prince and the Peckett are due to operate a 1045 and 1455 shuttle top and tailed today. Photos welcome from this event.
This Dinas view (18/5/13) shows the crowd in the Goods Shed enjoying the odd glass of beer. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Dan Kirkman and was taken on a phone camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (18/5/13) shows the Prince on the shuttle. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Dan Kirkman and was taken on a phone camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (18/5/13) shows Harrogate stabled in Dinas yard. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Dan Kirkman and was taken on a phone camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
ROWG working week 14-18/5/13
Phil Nock reports: The May ROWG working week started on Saturday 18/5/13. We had two principle tasks: ballasting and clearing sight-lines on level crossings. The length of WHR loop-line we laid last month at Porthmadog International, was ballasted the old fashioned way, shovelling some 30 tons of ballast off a train of Hudson and RAF drop-side wagons and then jacking and shovel packing. The Office of Rail Regulation is quite keen on sight lines at level crossings at the moment; consequently, so are we. Our contribution was cutting back the excess vegetation at level-crossings between Bontnewydd and Rhyd Ddu.
This westerly view (14/5/13) shows the ROWG lifting and tamping ballasted track in the new WHR platform at Porthmadog. Wooden sleepers have been used for aesthetic reasons. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Bob Zeepvat and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (14/5/13) shows the ROWG tamping ballasted track in the new WHR platform at Porthmadog. Wooden sleepers have been used for aesthetic reasons. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Bob Zeepvat and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Wednesday Evening clearance trains start 22/5/13
Paul Bradshaw appeals: From Wednesday, 22/5/13 we'll be starting the Wednesday Evening Clearance Trains once again. If you would like to come along for a few hours of lopping and chopping trees, etc please let the supervisor for the particular date know.
Contacts for the May and June dates are:
22nd and 29/5/13 - Paul Bradshaw.
5th and 12/6/13 - Dafydd Thomas.
19th and 26/6/13 - Paul Bradshaw.
We will continue on Wednesday evenings until the beginning of September. On 22/5/13 we aim to depart Dinas by 17:00. On yellow time table days departure time will be earlier so meet up at Dinas at 16:00. There may be opportunities for joining the train later depending on where we are going. Speak to the supervisor for the day about that. We expect to return by about 20:00/20:30.
Team Wylfa report 14/5/13
Clive Briscoe reports: On Tuesday this week, Team Wylfa A attended to the E Set. Visual check of whole set, replace flange lube grease sticks as required and oiled up the top half of the set, leaving the bottom half to be oiled up by Martin and the B Team.
There was also a visitor (who may actually become a Team member in due course…). Your scribe is a STEM Ambassador through his work. STEMNET is a quasi-governmental organisation that links industry to schools. Anyone who wants to put back what they have learned about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths) subjects in their working lives to try and enthuse children can join in – it’s actually great fun. The Ambassadors are all CRB checked and attend at schools and colleges to assist periodically in setting projects, run after school science & engineering clubs, give guidance etc.
A few weeks ago, whilst on a STEM Ambassador’s presentation skills course, he met with the N Wales Ambassador Recruitment officer and mentioned what the F&WHR do with youngsters – from the FR’s annual Kidz Training Week to the placements that are given to Porthmadog’s Ysgol Eifionydd pupils, to the latest attempt at starting something on the lines of KTW at Dinas. Also the apprenticeships at Boston Lodge. He asked if it would be possible to see what goes on behind the scenes and possibly meet with some of the railway’s staff with a view to recruiting some as STEM Ambassadors. So, I duly showed him around and explained how the volunteers work alongside the permanent staff, showed him the Boston Lodge Portfolio (www.festrail.co.uk/ebrochures/pdf/bl_portfolio.pdf) and how youngsters are often involved with practical work there, one of the best reports on KTW (www.ffestiniograilway.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=171:kids-training-week-2009&catid=3:news&Itemid=50) and he was mightily impressed. I also told him about the outcome of KTW – how many of our Kidz have gone on to much higher things BECAUSE of the training and comradeship they’d had due to KTW. I for one was really astounded at the ages of most of the volunteers taking part in the recent Steam 150 event – there were very few of us ‘oldies’ – most were KTW graduates..!
So, watch out F&WHR Management – you are likely to have a visit very soon. Incidentally, how many STEM Ambassadors are there working on our railways? The FR led the World with its technology – and still does. It’s a brilliant example to show youngsters that there IS a World outside an x-box or wanting to become a pop star.
Tuesday Gang report 14/5/13
On Tuesday 14/5/13 the Tuesday Gang were working on the Ffestiniog Railway. Firstly they attended to some fencing modifications at Coed y Bleiddiau and then moved on to a site about 100 yards from Campbell's Platform where a blocked ditch was dealt with.
Team Wylfa Anniversary 14/5/13
Clive Briscoe, Team Leader reports: The 14/5/13 marked 10 years since Team Wylfa first took up the challenge. What was it? Painting the new Pont Betws before it was craned across the Gwyrfai. It seems hardly 2 minutes since my then office colleague; Martin Baker (ex BHG) and I were painting it during that lovely warm spring of 2003 as Phase 3 was rapidly progressing towards its conclusion. After the bridge painting – and other of my Wylfa project engineer colleagues joining in, we progressed onto servicing track components ready for the weekend tracklayers – 10 bags minimum of each of M0-, M0+, M2, M4 & M8 clips and 10 pairs of fishplates each week. Occasionally we went up the line to do a spot of tracklaying including the ‘Promontory Point’ meeting of North & South by Castell Cidwm on a very wet and soggy July night. Several weeks of ‘Geismaring’ to final tightness the track clips between Snowdon Ranger and Castell Cidwm followed, then, fixing trackside signage between Rhyd Ddu and Castell Cidwm and finally, laying out the sleepers for Rhyd Ddu Station.
After Phase 3 opened, we asked what else we could do and ended up stripping NG15 No.134 for a ‘no cost’ assessment and partially overhauled the tender chassis. Later we cleaned out the Dinas Clip Shed, installed lighting, laid some temporary track and, after lifting No.134’s boiler, rolled the chassis inside. The Clip Shed is now our ‘spiritual home’ and headquarters! When a halt was called on No.134, we moved on to the Garratts doing various clean-up and overhaul tasks such as removing tubes and descaling No.140’s boiler internally and externally. Stripping and prep’ing No.138 for its 10 year overhaul.
When Phase 4 was suddenly announced, there was a hectic flurry of activity to overhaul the RRM fleet as they had been left where they lay after Phase 3 and all were seized up. I think we stripped and overhauled 5 pairs in the end. Then came what has become our main bread and butter job – checking and oiling the carriages during the running season. Since we’ve been doing this (6 years now IIRC), there has only been one failed axlebox with a couple of other failures attributable to brake cylinder problems. A pretty good record. With the No.134 Project having restarted in 2009, our spare time has been spent back on that and we look forward to finally completing the overhaul and seeing her steam in a few years’ time.
The Team has changed over the years. Initially it was made up completely of Wylfa Power Station engineers but, when the major upgrade project came to an end, most of the contract engineers left the district. Luckily some local volunteers joined us and they now form the core Team but in the last 6 months, one of my former Wylfa colleagues has come back to the district to work at Trawsfynydd and he has co-opted one of his colleagues to join us.
So, here’s to the next 10 years! All of our exploits are recorded on both the main WHR (‘Dr Ben’s) website and Barrie Hughes’ ‘Isengard’ websites.
Lyd at L&BR 11/5/13
The Lynton and Barnstaple Railway held its annual gala over the weekend of 11-12/5/13. Lyd was guest loco and operated in conjunction with two recently delivered replica heritage coaches recreating scenes last seen in the 1930s. See L&BR website for more details, including a video of the loco in action.
This northerly view (11/5/13) shows Lyd at Woody Bay during the L&BR Gala. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Chris Noel and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (11/5/13) shows Lyd at Woody Bay during the L&BR Gala with the two newly delivered heritage coaches. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Chris Noel and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (11/5/13) shows Lyd at Woody Bay during the L&BR Gala with the two newly delivered heritage coaches. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Chris Noel and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Pen-y-Mount signalbox 5-10/5/13
Michael Chapman reports: The Signal Box for Pen-y-Mount Junction was due to be delivered by rail to Pen-y-Mount on Monday morning 13/5/13 from Dinas. However, it was delivered by road direct to Gelert's Farm on 10/5/13.
This northerly view (5/5/13) shows the Pen-y-Mount signalbox base with LyD No.60 in the background. The WHHR provided an interesting service over the period of the Steam 150 Gala, often running trains in parallel with WHR services. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Lyd moved to L&BR 8/5/13
Martin Kressman reports: As Harrogate was delivered to the WHR on 8/5/13, Lyd was transferred to the same low loader for onward movement to the L&BR to be delivered to their Steam Gala on 10-12/5/13. See L&BR website.
Harrogate for Beer Festival 8/5/13
Clive Briscoe reports: When the Team got to the Carriage Shed, there was a big surprise – ex-FR No. 12, Volunteer, (or ‘The Folly’ – as described in early FR Magazines) now Statfold’s Harrogate was there to greet us. Your scribe got to know this loco intimately in the mid-1980’s when it was brought into the Boston Lodge’s erecting shop for overhaul after lying in Glan-y-Mor Yard since arrival in 1957. He did several weeks work on the motion and wheel bearings working alongside the then fitters. It was going to be evaluated on the FR at last. It was completed as far as a rolling chassis and taken up the line for gauging tests and the boiler tested and given a ‘ticket’.
However, in the end, it was decided that:
So, it was sold on in 1987 to the Bredgar & Wormshill Light Railway. However, it proved too heavy for their line and they then sold it on to Graham Lee’s Statfold Barn Railway where it now resides. This was the first time that your scribe had seen an old friend since it left FR metals. See Festipedia website.
This northerly view (7/5/13) shows Peckett saddle tank Harrogate being delivered to Dinas to handle beer festival shuttles. The loco that spent years at Glan-y-Mor awaiting restoration that never happened. It was unofficially named Volunteer but is now named after Harrogate Gasworks where it worked. It is in full working order after restoration at the Bredgar & Wormshill Light Railway where it proved unsuitable for services. The loco is now based on the Statfold Barn Railway and its original tightly curved cab roof (see link above) has been replaced with a more traditional cab. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Team Wylfa report 7/5/13
Team Wylfa were present in many places during the Steam 150 event. Your scribe and Big John were to be found stewarding in Harbour Station on Saturday. Martin (of B Team) was manning the WHRS stand periodically during the event. Martin and Pete T were then in the SAR guards van with a load of Black Hand and Tuesday Gang personnel for the mixed train and found themselves fully occupied changing a failed brake block on one of the new B wagons at Pont Croesor during the layover there.
Unfortunately, there have been no takers for assistance on Thursday this week so there will be no B Team. This meant that the A Team had to service the whole E Set on Tuesday evening which then left little time to continue work on NG15 No.134. We will be looking after the E Set for the next few weeks as due to the extra weekend trains, a 'stock rotation' took place. The Blue service now continues until Whit Week so just one train doing a round trip from each end.
Tuesday Gang report 7/5/13
Tony Baker reports: The Tuesday Gang spent 7/5/13 putting everything back in its box after the Steam 150 Gala. First the marquee at Harbour Station Car Park was taken down and packed away. Then benches were returned to Minffordd Gwaith Dy for varnishing. Others were taken to Tan y Bwlch. Trains of both lines were busy.
More YouTube of Steam 150
Click on the YouTube box above to watch 9 min 36 secs of video of the Steam 150 event dated by teenager Simon Roberts (SAYFILM Productions). Click on the YouTube link to watch the full video. This video was taken on a camcorder and is best watched in 720p HD quality.
Tuesday Gang South 6/5/13
Steve Broomfield reports: Yes...I know it's Monday, but we are otherwise engaged tomorrow. The ladder base (white light) at the north end of Beddgelert was cast. It remains to remove the shuttering and build up around the outside. The blockwork for the ladder base at the south end was mortared in. The concrete infill will be done on our next visit.
This southerly view (6/5/13) shows the new base for the steps for the points indicator. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Steve Broomfield and was taken on a Panasonic Lumix DSC-FS3 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (6/5/13) shows the preparations for the base of the steps for the points indicator. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Steve Broomfield and was taken on a Panasonic Lumix DSC-FS3 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Goods Train 6/5/13
This easterly view (6/5/13) shows the demonstration freight train rounding Ffridd Isaf curve. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (6/5/13) shows the demonstration freight train approaching Rhyd Ddu. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (6/5/13) shows the demonstration freight train leaving Rhyd Ddu station. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (6/5/13) shows the demonstration freight train approaching Pen-y-Mount Junction viewed from an elevated position. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
More from Steam 150 4-6/5/13
Dave Thurlow has kindly provide this selection of his Flickr images from Steam 150. See his Flickr page for more.
This easterly view (4/5/13) shows Princess being dragged over Britannia Bridge at 0905. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Dave Thurlow and was taken on a Canon 5D2 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly aerial view (4/5/13) shows Princess and Merddin Emrys at 0924. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Dave Thurlow and was taken on a Canon 5D2 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly aerial view (4/5/13) shows Princess and Merddin Emrys being prepared at Boston Lodge at 1821 for the 'Night Glow' event. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Dave Thurlow and was taken on a Canon 5D2 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (4/5/13) shows Welsh Pony at 1850 being turned on the wagon turntable for the 'Night Glow' event at the old Loco Shed. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Dave Thurlow and was taken on a Canon 5D2 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (4/5/13) shows Welsh Pony apparently in steam at the Old Loco Shed at 2038 for the 'Night Glow' event at the old Loco Shed. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Dave Thurlow and was taken on a Canon 5D2 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (4/5/13) shows all the England locos in a 'Night Glow' event at the old Loco Shed at 2157. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Dave Thurlow and was taken on a Canon 5D2 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (5/5/13) shows Linda and Blanche rounding Canal Curve at 1158. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Dave Thurlow and was taken on a Canon 5D2 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (5/5/13) shows Linda and Blanche passing Salem at 1241. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Dave Thurlow and was taken on a Canon 5D2 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (5/5/13) shows Linda and Blanche at St Helens Road Cutting at 1123. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Dave Thurlow and was taken on a Canon 5D2 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (6/5/13) shows the two Garratts hauling the mixed freight through the Aberglaslyn Pass at 1650. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Dave Thurlow and was taken on a Canon 5D2 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (6/5/13) shows the two Garratts hauling the mixed freight through the Aberglaslyn Pass at 1652. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Dave Thurlow and was taken on a Canon 5D2 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
More from Steam 150 5-6/5/13
This southerly view (5/5/13) shows Linda and Blanche working hard storming up the 1 in 40 at Nantmor Bank at 1130. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Matt Waldren and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (6/5/13) shows Prince approaching Ynysfor LC at 1130 with Palmerston on the rear. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Matt Waldren and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (6/5/13) shows Palmerston storming up the 1 in 40 Nantmor Bank at 1140 with a short typical WHR rake. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Matt Waldren and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (6/5/13) shows Palmerston on the heritage shuttle to Beddgelert at Bryn-y-felin just before midday. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (6/5/13) shows Palmerston arriving at Pont Croesor at 1410 with a short typical WHR rake. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Matt Waldren and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Steam 150 views 5-6/5/13
This westerly view (5/5/13) shows the three England locos Prince, Princess and Welsh Pony lined up in Harbour Station at 0854. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Dave Waldren and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (5/5/13) shows the four England locos Prince, Princess, Welsh Pony and Palmerston lined up in Harbour Station at 0921. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Dave Waldren and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (5/5/13) shows Linda and Blanche storming up the 1 in 40 at Canal Curve at 1207. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Matt Waldren and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This southerly view (5/5/13) shows the three England locos Linda and Blanche at Castell Cidwm at 1245. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Matt Waldren and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Boston Lodge views 5-6/5/13
This westerly view (5/5/13) shows the refurbished WHR coach No.23 almost finished in the paint shop at Boston Lodge. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (5/5/13) shows the new inspection pit at Boston Lodge which will allow improvement maintenance of Garratt locos. The rock beyond has been pared back to allow a longer headshunt beyond. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (5/5/13) shows the Mountaineer at Boston Lodge. This loco operated on WHR services around 2000 but is currently oou. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This Boston Lodge view (5/5/13) shows the frame completed for the next new WHR coach. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (5/5/13) shows the ex-BSC Shotton stockyard shunter Bill (or was it Ben!) under refurbishment. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (6/5/13) shows Bill almost finished in the paint shop at Boston Lodge. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Keith Holland and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
More Steam 150 views 6/5/13
This southerly view (6/5/13) shows Palmerston at Beddgelert at 1144.Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Nigel Kendall and was taken on a Pentax K-r digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This southerly view (6/5/13) shows Palmerston paused next to the water tower at 1318. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Nigel Kendall and was taken on a Pentax K-r digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (6/5/13) shows No.87 departing Porthmadog double headed with No.143. The weather on the Monday was by far the best! Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Nigel Kendall and was taken on a Pentax K-r digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
More Steam 150 YouTube
Click on the YouTube box above to watch 16 min 19 secs of video of the Steam 150 event including scenes on WHHR. Click on the YouTube link to watch the full video. This video was taken by Steve Llewellyn on a camcorder and is best watched in 1080p HD quality.
Longest train ever? 6/5/13
This southerly view (6/5/13) shows what is believed to be the longest-ever SERVICE train in WHR history being formed at Pont Croesor at1738. Linda shunted wagons onto the rear of the Garratt double-headed on Monday evening. The service train had left Porthmadog on time but was held up at Cae Pawb and was somewhat late at Pont Croesor. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Chris Price and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This southerly view (6/5/13) shows what is believed to be the longest-ever SERVICE train in WHR history being formed at Pont Croesor at1738. No.87 leads the double header towards . The service train had left Porthmadog on time but was held up at Cae Pawb and was somewhat late at Pont Croesor. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Chris Price and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This southerly view (6/5/13) shows what is believed to be the longest-ever SERVICE train in WHR history arriving at Dinas at 1728. No.87 ran round and detached the freight section, before the passenger train departed for Caernarfon. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Keith Holland and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Steam 150 Freight train 6/5/13
This easterly view (6/5/13) shows the demonstration freight train rounding Ffridd Isaf curve with the refurbished brakevan to the rear at 1150. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This southerly view (6/5/13) shows the freight train rounding Bryn-y-felin curve at 1237 as seen from the refurbished brakevan. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Pete Tabord and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (6/5/13) shows No.87 with the freight in the Aberglaslyn Pass. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Matt Waldren and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (6/5/13) shows the Garratt hauled freight passing through the Aberglaslyn Pass at 1241 with No.87 in charge. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Nigel Kendall and was taken on a Pentax K-r digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This southerly view (6/5/13) shows the freight train at Pont Croesor at 1307. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Pete Tabord and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (6/5/13) shows the freight train arriving at Porthmadog Harbour at 1337. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Pete Tabord and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (6/5/13) shows the freight train hauled by Linda heading north through Pont Croesor at 1408. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Pete Tabord and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Early morning shuttle 6/5/13
This westerly view (6/5/13) shows Prince early on Monday morning at 0730 ready to depart with the 'Pusshmi-Pullyu' to Boston Lodge Halt and Hafod-y-Llyn (FR). Palmerston was at the other end. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Keith Holland and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Steam 150 YouTube 5-6/5/13
Click on the YouTube box above to watch 13 min 3 secs of video of the Steam 150 event dated 5-6/5/13. Click on the YouTube link to watch the full video. This video was taken by Dave and Tom Waldren and is best watched in 1080p HD quality.
Two Ladies 5/5/13
This southerly view (5/5/13) shows Linda leading Blanche, reprising the Two Ladies special, as they work hard up the 1 in 40, emerging from the Beddgelert Forest just north of the campsite. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This southerly view (5/5/13) shows Linda leading Blanche reprising the Two Ladies special as they emerge from the curves near Glan-yr-afon viaduct. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Linda and Blanche 5/5/13
This southerly view (5/5/13) shows Linda and Blanche at 1153 storming up the 1 in 40 through Beddgelert Forest Campsite. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This southerly view (5/5/13) shows Linda and Blanche at 1153 departing Rhyd Ddu. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (5/5/13) shows Linda and Blanche at 1624 passing Gasworks Siding, a place that featured in the working timetable although there is still no siding there, just the turnout. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Pont Croesor freight 5/5/13
This southerly view (5/5/13) shows Palmerston at 0833 waiting on the slate train at Pont Croesor for the photographers' special to depart. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (5/5/13) shows Taliesin at 0834 about to depart Pont Croesor with photographers' special with the slate train to the rear. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (5/5/13) shows Palmerston at 0837 await to run round at Pont Croesor. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (5/5/13) shows Palmerston at 0839 running round at Pont Croesor. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (5/5/13) shows Palmerston at 0909 crossing Britannia Bridge with the slate special. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
England line ups 5/5/13
This westerly view (5/5/13) shows Welsh Pony, Princess and Prince lined up at 0913. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (5/5/13) shows Welsh Pony, Princess and Prince lined up at 0915 with Merddin Emrys shunting. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (5/5/13) shows Welsh Pony, Princess and Prince lined up at 0915 as Merddin Emrys prepares to depart. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (5/5/13) shows Prince, Palmerston, Princess and Welsh Pony lined up at 0941. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (5/5/13) shows Prince, Palmerston, Princess lined up at 0944 as Merddin Emrys prepares to depart. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (5/5/13) shows Prince, Palmerston, Princess and Welsh Pony lined up at 0954 as Merddin Emrys prepares to depart. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Construction progress 4/5/13
This easterly view (4/5/13) shows progress with the signalbox, which now has a roof and wall cladding on some sides. The scaffolding will allow access for the college students to slate the roof in the next few weeks. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This southerly view (4/5/13) shows progress with the Relay Cabin, which now appears complete. The scaffolding has been removed and this will allow the FR tracks to be extended past the structure. There are currently 4 length of rail from the FR king point and wagons carrying rail are stabled on this siding. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (4/5/13) shows progress with the Relay Cabin, which now appears externally complete. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (4/5/13) shows some 8 lengths of the shorter 10m rails laid in the new WHR platform road and 4 standard length rails in the FR lead towards the Relay Cabin. These are laid on wooden sleepers for aesthetic reasons and possibly because steel sleepers might corrode more quickly in the salt air of The Cob. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (4/5/13) shows progress with the joint platform. The scaffolding is still in place around the signalbox and work should soon start on the roof slating. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Limit of operation 4/5/13
Michael Chapman reports: On Saturday 4/5/13 the F&WHR was arranging the England locomotives outside the old Engine Shed at Boston Lodge for a photo line-up and a night-photography event. To get the photographers to the Lodge special shuttle trains were run from Porthmadog with NGG16 No.138 on the front and the Earl of Merioneth on the back. The train only went as far as Boston Lodge Halt (the limit of the Garratt structure gauge-Ed).
This westerly view (4/5/13) shows No.138 easing past the old Loco Shed at 2008 on an evening shuttle to Boston Lodge Halt. The limit of operation of the Garratt loading gauge is understood to be Rhiw Plas bridge a short distance to the east of the halt. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (4/5/13) shows No.138 at 2009 on an evening shuttle to Boston Lodge Halt. The old FR turntable with a garage built on it is seen to the left. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (4/5/13) shows No.138 at 2015 on an evening shuttle to Boston Lodge Halt. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Evening shuttle 4/5/13
This southerly view (4/5/13) shows Merddin Emrys at 1855 passing Hafod Ruffydd with the sunlight fading in and out. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This southerly view (4/5/13) shows Merddin Emrys at 1902 passing Pitt's Head with the sunlight fading in and out. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Great England shunt 4/5/13
In a frenetic half hour of shunting after 1700, all four England locos were posed in various locations in Harbour Station with a final line up of the four possible.
This easterly view (4/5/13) shows Prince with Welsh Pony at 1721. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (4/5/13) shows Prince with Welsh Pony at 1721 hauling in Princess and Palmerston. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (4/5/13) shows Princess and Palmerston at 1722 hauling period stock. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (4/5/13) shows Welsh Pony and Prince at 1738 with the slate rake to the rear. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (4/5/13) shows Welsh Pony and Prince at 1741 shunting. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (4/5/13) shows Palmerston and Princess at 1741 shunting. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (4/5/13) shows Palmerston and Princess at 1742 shunting. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (4/5/13) shows Palmerston and Princess at 1744 lining up the four England locos. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (4/5/13) shows all four England locos at 1745. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Steam 150 4/5/13
This easterly view (4/5/13) shows a Garratt departing Porthmadog under leaden skies. In fact the front ex-BR light is on! Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Nigel Kendall and was taken on a Pentax K-r digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (4/5/13) shows Prince shunting the WHR rake at 1525. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (4/5/13) shows Prince shunting the WHR rake at 1548. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (4/5/13) shows Britomart shunting at 1614. Some slipping was observed. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (4/5/13) shows Prince with Welsh Pony at 1630. The decision to repaint the former blue colour to green was partly determined by the tender which is usually used with Linda. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (4/5/13) shows Prince with Welsh Pony at 1630. The decision to repaint the former blue colour to green was partly determined by the tender which is usually used with Linda. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Steam 150 Saturday 4/5/13
Views from Friday 3/5/13 are still welcome for publication. The weather was reasonable over the weekend but with a cold wind blowing over The Cob. Some light morning showers cleared away and although cloudy, there was eventually some afternoon/evening sunshine. The event was well attended but never overly crowded as there were so many activities in different places. Marshals managed to control the crowds crossing the station throat to allow safe passage of trains. At times there was non-stop shunting activity and the signalman was kept very busy indeed!
This northerly view (4/5/13) shows Princess on its 'delivery wagon' being dragged into Porthmadog at 0904 by members of the Porthmadog Rugby Club. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Nigel Kendall and was taken on a Pentax KR digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (4/5/13) shows Palmerston and Princess on its 'delivery wagon' at 1051. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (4/5/13) shows Taliesin shunting some FR stock at 1101. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (4/5/13) shows Taliesin joining the line up with Palmerston and Princess on its 'delivery wagon' at 1110. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (4/5/13) shows Taliesin joining the line up with Palmerston and Princess on its 'delivery wagon' at 1111. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (4/5/13) shows Earl of Merioneth arriving with an FR train at 1121. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (4/5/13) shows Taliesin shunting some extra coaches onto an FR train at 1136. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Meanwhile up at Blaenau Ffestiniog a small ceremony was taking place to celebrate Steam 150 and a pile of labelled Steam150 slates were carried on the slate train working to Porthmadog for sale on the shop.
This southerly view (4/5/13) shows the slate heritage display at Blaenau Ffestiniog with the Duffws shunter 'on duty'. Duffws station is visible in the background. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (4/5/13) shows Prince at Blaenau Ffestiniog with the slate empties at 1229. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (4/5/13) shows Prince at Blaenau Ffestiniog with the slate empties at 1230 with a small ceremony to commemorate the start of a year of slate related tableaux. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (4/5/13) shows Hugh Napier at Blaenau Ffestiniog giving cab rides at 1235. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
F&WHR Steam 150 YouTube 3-6/5/13
Click on the YouTube box above to watch 3 min 34 secs of video of the Steam 150 event dated 3-6/5/13 as taster for the forthcoming DVD. Click on the YouTube link to watch the full video. This video was taken by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional camcorder and is best watched in 1080p HD quality.
Steam 150 extra
Martin Kressman advises: On the WHR on Monday 6/5/13, a demonstration Garratt hauled heavy freight train to Porthmadog and back departing from Dinas at 11.05. See F&WHR website for full details.
In addition to the 'Yellow' timetable service with three trains in each direction between Porthmadog and Caernarfon (NOT included in 'Steam 150' Event and Saturday Rover tickets) addition Steam 150 WHR trains planned for today include:
• Early morning - Prince and
Palmerston top and tail an extra 12-carriage train from Porthmadog
- Boston Lodge - Hafod-y-Llyn (WHR) - Boston Lodge - Porthmadog, including a
non-stop run through Porthmadog. One locomotive will be turned to run chimney
first towards Beddgelert (since the Sunday line ups). This train is included in
'Steam 150' Event and Monday Rover tickets.
• Additional 'England to Beddgelert' vintage train with a single England loco -
with the locomotive turned to run chimney first towards Beddgelert. (Now sold
out!)
• Morning Garratt hauled heavy goods train from Dinas to Porthmadog (see above).
• Afternoon trip working of WHR wagons from Porthmadog to Pont Croesor.
• Two Garratt locos double-head the 15:40 Porthmadog to Caernarfon train. (NOT
included in 'Steam 150' Event and Monday Rover tickets)
• Wagons added to 15:40 ex-Porthmadog at Pont Croesor - continues as a
heavy-haul mixed train as far as Dinas, then passenger only to Caernarfon, after
wagons detached.
All set for Steam 150
All is ready for the Steam 150 event on the F&WHR from 3-6/5/13. There were several events on the Friday but most of the activity is focussed on the Saturday-Monday period. There are several notable events on the WHR including England hauled slate empties to Pont Croesor and the Queens of the Hill chimney first to Caernarfon. Photos/YouTube links would be welcome. See F&WHR website for full details.
Welsh Pony YouTube 1/5/13
Click on the YouTube box above to watch 2 min 27 secs of video of Welsh Pony emerging from the paint shop on 1/5/13 in green in time for Steam 150 this weekend. Click on the YouTube link to watch the full video. This video was taken by John Wooden on a professional camcorder and is best watched in 1080p HD quality.
Team Wylfa report 30/4/13
Clive Briscoe reports: The A Team were back to Dinas on our usual night again after our brief foray down to Boston Lodge last Friday evening. Because Martin's B Team won't be there on Thursday this week, we had to service the whole F Set - and we won't be seeing it again for about 6 weeks as due to a stock rotation due to the extra trains during next weekend's Steam 150 Gala, the E Set will be the Dinas based set until Whit Week. It was time for us to try out the new pneumatically powered oiler. It does work a treat - just as Martin had described it did and we very rapidly oiled all the axleboxes and retreated back to the Clip Shed workshop.
We had a big surprise this evening - the new steel doors had been fitted! In connection with fitting the doors, Brunswick Ironworks had left the 'zip-up' scaffold erected inside the doors ready to drill the steel lintels for the top bolts. This gave your scribe just what he needed - safe high level access to 2 lighting cables which needed refixing higher up to this steel lintel and he had a pocket full of joist cable clips. In just a few minutes, the clips were knocked onto the bottom flanges of the RSJ lintels above both sets of doors and the cables secured. Job done! Not only these cables but because of the zip-up access, the wooden joist carrying lighting cables between the brick roof support pillar and outside wall buttress was at last raised by 3 feet to allow the ex Penrhyn Castle A frame hoist free access between north and south bays. All that remains to be done now is to reconnect the outside floodlights and generally tidy up all the wiring and get it passed off by the electrical inspector. A very good night's work by the 'usual suspects' of myself, Pete T and Andy W.
Tuesday Gang report 30/4/13
Tony Baker reports: The Tuesday Gang spent 30/4/13 at Harbour Station preparing the site for the forthcoming Gala. Metal fence panels were used to mark out the area which is a construction site and not accessible. The public will be allowed to cross the haul road and use an area between the construction site and the No. 6 road siding.
This westerly view (30/4/13) shows the FRS fitted roof felt on the Harbour Station signalbox. The gang erected the metal fencing panels to delimit safe viewing areas during Steam 150 next weekend. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (30/4/13) shows the joint Tuesday Gang/FRS painting cladding. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Driver Experience 28/4/13
This northerly view (28/4/13) shows Earl of Merioneth hauling the Driver Experience turn about to leave Rhyd Ddu on the return journey during a break in the foul weather. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright David Rosenthal and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
National Garden Railway Show Peterborough 27/4/13
Alco loco Mountaineer was guest loco at the 16mm National Garden Railway show at Peterborough last weekend. It is hoped this will generate visitors to the F&WHR. Some of the 16mm locos may operate at the Little & Large event at SuperPower 2013 in September.
This view (27/4/13) shows Mountaineer at the 16mm National Garden Railway Show at Peterborough. The loco featured on the WHR in 1997 and 2000-1 seasons. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This view (27/4/13) shows Mountaineer at the 16mm National Garden Railway Show at Peterborough. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This view (27/4/13) shows the F&WHR team at the 16mm National Garden Railway Show at Peterborough. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This view (27/4/13) shows a model of an NG15 at the 16mm National Garden Railway Show at Peterborough. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This view (27/4/13) shows a model of the WHHR's Karen at the 16mm National Garden Railway Show at Peterborough. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Team Wylfa extra 26/4/13
Clive Briscoe reports: On Friday this week, Team Wylfa answered and urgent call to assist in the Steam 150 event - the WHR's E Set, that has been Porthmadog based for the last few weeks, was desperate for oil in the axleboxes as all the Boston Lodge staff were up to their necks in prep works for the event and couldn't be spared. Team Wylfa's crack stormtroopers answered the call and A & B Teams combined to give a team of 5 who attended at Boston Lodge to check and oil the set. It was an interesting experience checking and oiling up there - those diddie bullhead rails - not what we are used to up north and from a solid concrete floor level with the rails - not easy so if we ever get money spent in the Dinas Carriage Shed, the best idea would be to have the rails mounted on a concrete plinth with a walkway down either side about 2-3 ft lower. Job done, all set for next weekend's fun.
This view (26/4/13) shows Team Wylfa at Boston Lodge for a change. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Peter Tabord and was taken on a mobile phone camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
King of the Scarlets for Spooner's Bar
The recently repatriated Dinorwic Hunslet quarry loco King of the Scarlets is to visit from the Statfold Barn Railway in June. It will remain on display until the end of the year in its 'as used' state. The 1889 built loco spent 47 years in Canada before being returned from there last year. See F&WHR story for full details.
BeerFest appeal
Andrew Tym-Crowther appeals: A reminder that this year’s Beer Festival, will be held 17-19/5/13. Volunteers are still needed for various duties, mostly bar work, some car park attendants will be required. Anyone interested in helping out, who hasn’t been in touch yet, please reply with dates and times when you will be available. I hope to send out the roster during the week before the Festival.
Team Wylfa report 23/4/13
Clive Briscoe reports: The A Team assembled at Dinas as usual on Tuesday evening and it was the same format as last week - visual check of the F Set, top up flange lubricators and oil the couplings. The B team will oil the axleboxes on Thursday. After this it was back to the Clip Shed and No.134. Dave and Matt raided No.133's cab for part of the reverser reach rod that is missing on No.134's. We've had the taper pins, nuts and bolts soaking in old diesel these last few weeks and it had certainly done it's work - they went armed with hacksaw, chisel and hammer but were back within 5 mins. The previously very rusty parts had simply yielded with a light tap and the nuts came straight off the bolts! Unfortunately, the mounting hole centres on No.134's are different from No.133's, however, the curved, forged bracket can be used as a pattern for a replacement for No.134. After this, No.134's reverser frame got a coat of paint.
Meanwhile, your scribe and Andy continued moving lighting cables and the light switches from the wooden doors and their frame in preparation for the shed to receive new steel doors. Only two sets of cables need moving now - across the lintel of the south bay. This is an easy hit and will be done next Tuesday. After that, a general tidy up of all the slack cables created that are currently coiled up safely at high level.
Now an urgent appeal - due to all the Steam 150 prep work at Boston Lodge, they are short handed and the E Set, currently stabled at Porthmadog, needs oiling up. I can probably make it on Friday evening this week. The proposal is to meet at Harbour Station about 6pm. I would need at least 1 other person to help out to open up the axleboxes ahead of me and the oiler, then follow up closing up. Also to top up the flange lube grease sticks and put a few drops of oil on the couplings. With 3 of us, all done in about 1½ hrs max. Any offers by e-mail or call me direct. Contact details on the Contacts page.
Tuesday Gang report 23/4/13
This easterly view (23/4/13) shows the Tuesday Gang erecting the roof trusses on the Harbour Station signalbox. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (23/4/13) shows the Tuesday Gang erecting the roof trusses on the Harbour Station signalbox with No.143 shunting past. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (23/4/13) shows the Tuesday Gang erecting more of the roof trusses on the Harbour Station signalbox as seen from inside the structure. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This southerly view (23/4/13) shows the Tuesday Gang posing outside the Harbour Station signalbox, having completed the roof trusses. The point in the foreground gives access to the Harbour Station yard. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (23/4/13) shows volunteers adding the end panels to the new signal box roof having completed installation of the roof trusses. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Steve Broomfield and was taken on a Panasonic Lumix DSC-FS3 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This southerly view (23/4/13) shows volunteers adding end panels to the new signal box. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Steve Broomfield and was taken on a Panasonic Lumix DSC-FS3 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (23/4/13) shows the new signal box roof trusses complete. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Steve Broomfield and was taken on a Panasonic Lumix DSC-FS3 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Cob Progress 19/4/13
Steve Broomfield reports: Over the last two days (17-18/4/13), another 6 wall panels have been fitted to the new Signal Box and the roofing of the Relay Room has now been completed by the college students. Next Tuesday, it is planned to fit the roof trusses to the Signal Box (weather permitting).
This westerly view (19/4/13) shows volunteers adding extra wall panels to the new signal box. Roof trusses visible stored inside the signal box to be fitted on Tuesday 23/4/13 (weather permitting!). Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Steve Broomfield and was taken on a Panasonic Lumix DSC-FS3 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (19/4/13) shows college students completing the roof of the Relay Cabin. The recently extended FR platform track can be seen on the right. Further extension awaits the removal of the scaffolding now the Relay Cabin roofing is complete. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Steve Broomfield and was taken on a Panasonic Lumix DSC-FS3 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Team Wylfa report 16/4/13
Clive Briscoe reports: Team Wylfa A hit the ground running last night with a big team. F Set yet again for the carriage checks – visual safety check, oil couplings and top up wheel flange lubricators then return to the Clip Shed for some more work associated with No.134. Martin and B Team will be oiling the axleboxes on Thursday. Over half this set is now fitted with roller bearing axlebox bogies – No.2045 received the latest modified set over the winter, so there are not so many axleboxes left to oil up.
Tuesday Gang report 16/4/13
Tony Baker reports: The plan was for the gang to make a start fitting the roof trusses to the new Porthmadog signal box. However, the weather had other ideas. A strong wind meant that fitting the large triangular trusses into place would have been difficult if not well nigh impossible. So the day was spent instead fitting more of the wall panels in the signal box and painting the outside of the Relay Room. When finished this will look a real treat. The walls are a soft cream and the barge boards, soffits and fascias are "Signal Box Red". Trains on both lines were quite well loaded. The plan is to have a go at the trusses in a fortnight's time on our next visit to Harbour Station.
This view (16/4/13) shows the Tuesday Gang erecting more of the wall panels in the Harbour Station signalbox. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This view (16/4/13) shows No.143 arriving on the 1000 from Caernarfon with Criccieth Castle ready to do the shunt into the platform. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Prince at Acton 13-14/4/13
Click on the YouTube box above to watch 2 mins 1 sec of video of Prince operating at TfL's Acton Depot Open Day dated 13-14/4/13. This video was taken by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional camcorder and is best watched at 1080p HD quality.
Russell appeal
Michael Chapman reports: On Thursday 18/4/13 it was 26 years since Russell pulled its first passenger train out of Porthmadog (WHHR) Station. It was a pretty cool and dull Saturday when Russell, still in grey undercoat, left with the 10.30 train. The WHR Ltd is on the last lap of fundraising for the locomotive's restoration - only £35,000.00 needs to be raised and Russell will be back in service early in 2014. See Russell Appeal.
This view (18/4/87) shows Russell operating at the WHHR. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Geoff Jenkins. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Prince at London Transport Museum 13-14/4/13
David Gander reports: Although overcast all Saturday, Prince looked superb in its new livery, and the amended arrangements to provide seating in the front section of the tender meant that there was a long queue all day to take a short ride up the line and back. Alongside, and in light steam, was Metropolitan Railway No.1, plus the Metropolitan coach (No.353 restored by Boston Lodge-Ed). Again there seemed to be a healthy queue all day to have a sit in the coach (See F&WHR story-Ed).
This view (13/4/13) shows Prince operating at the London Transport Museum's Acton Depot Open Day. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright David Gander and was taken on a Samsung Galaxy S2 mobile phone camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This view (14/4/13) shows Prince with Y Cymro headboard carrying passengers in its tender at the London Transport Museum's Acton Depot Open Day. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Keith Holland and was taken on a Pentax digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
The Snowdonian 13/4/13
Click on the YouTube box above to watch 10 mins of video of No.87 (on its first outing with new tyres) working north from Porthmadog. This is followed by Lyd and No.87 working south on its return journey and with Britomart, Palmerston and Merddin Emrys added from Pont Croesor for the non stop run through Porthmadog. Receipts were over £18,000 with profits going to Phase 5. This video was taken by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional camcorder and is best watched at 1080p HD quality.
Cob Tracklaying 13/4/13
This westerly view (13/4/13) shows volunteers laying the new FR track towards the new joint platform panels. However the scaffolding and work underway on the Relay Cabin precludes and further extension of this track. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Steve Broomfield and was taken on a Panasonic Lumix DSC-FS3 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Tracklaying and signalbox progress 12/4/13
Chris Price reports: Friday 12/4/13 saw first day of the Rest of World Gang tracklaying sessions at Porthmadog. The first panels were in place on the signalbox and some paint applied to the Relay Room. Rails were placed on wagons in new track lengths from king point and the track gang were laying out sleepers for the WHR platform line The weather milder and reasonably dry. Spooners was better patronised than last time, and trains well filled with coach parties and ordinary passengers.
This easterly view (12/4/13) shows wooden panels erected in the signalbox at Porthmadog and some paint applied to the relay room. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Chris Price and was taken on a Samsung digital WB 750 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (12/4/13) shows a new point parked on a wagon in the new FR track at Porthmadog Harbour station with wooden sleepers ready to lay out in the WHR platform. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Chris Price and was taken on a Samsung digital WB 750 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (12/4/13) shows Earl of Merioneth passing the new signalbox. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Chris Price and was taken on a Samsung digital WB 750 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (12/4/13) shows the ROWG laying wooden sleepers towards the new WHR platform with the newly painted yellow relay room to the left. Track was to be laid as far as possible in the FR and WHR platforms to allow delivery and storage of track and ballast etc. by rail. Earl of Merioneth is about to depart in the distance at 1335. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Chris Price and was taken on a Samsung digital WB 750 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (12/4/13) shows the ROWG laying wooden sleepers alongside the new WHR platform. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Chris Price and was taken on a Samsung digital WB 750 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
A good Easter for the WHR 11/4/13
There were good loadings on the WHR over Easter though traffic dropped back in the third week, which was still a school holiday for some. Train lengths were variable with replica NWNGR No.24 back (though not WHR No.23) in use and an FR coach too. There were no Monday or Friday trains during the third week of Easter despite the school holidays continuing until 14/4/13. The weather provided several days of blue cloudless skies which offered excellent lighting conditions for the photographers, though freezing nights! Daytime temperatures were also only a few degrees above freezing. The alpine vistas of the snow clad Snowdon massif were outstanding and there was lying snow down to Rhyd Ddu for a while, though trains had no difficulty. Road access was more difficult in the third week with two sets of roadworks on the A55 and the A5 and there still were heavy snow drifts alongside the A543 Denbigh Moors route, B5105 Clocaenog Forest routes, A5104 Corwen-Treuddyn route and A4212/B4391 Trawsfynndd-Bala-Llangynog routes as late as 11/4/13, though all were clear for traffic.
This northerly view (3/4/13) shows No.138 on the morning train passing Beddgelert Forest Campsite at 1120 in excellent Spring sunshine. This train passes the morning northbound service at Rhyd Ddu. There were several days of brilliant sunny, if cold, weather around Easter 2013 and the mountains put on a good alpine display covered in snow down to Rhyd Ddu. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
The cold weather saw the Beddgelert Forest campsite rather deserted but those that were staying made frequent use of the trains following the 'Visit Wales' advert featuring the WHR as the lead item and many trains had to stop at Meillionen (Beddgelert Forest Campsite) halt as a result.
Princess returns/Prince leaves 10/4/12
Click on the YouTube box above to watch 4 mins 18 secs of video in Minffordd yard of Princess being unloaded on return from Paddington and Prince being loaded for operation at the London Transport Acton Open day. A horse was being acclimatised next to the locos for use in hauling slate wagons in a timeline tableaux planned for Steam 150 in May. This video was taken by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional camcorder and is best watched at 1080p standard.
Team Wylfa report 9-11/4/13
Clive Briscoe reports: The A Team were there on Tuesday 9/4/13 and as is usual at this time of year, attended to the F Set again – we won’t see E Set for a couple of weeks due to the low season ‘Blue’ timetable currently in force with this set doing a single round trip from Caernarfon and E Set a single round trip from Porthmadog. So, visual inspection, axlebox oiling and top up wheel flange lubrication grease sticks. Martin and the B Team completed the oiling on Thursday evening 11/4/13 with the new (to us) pneumatic oiler – the small pressure vessel/oil reservoir previously used for oiling the locos has been replaced by a much larger wheeled unit and the small one cascaded to Team Wylfa. WHRS has kindly sponsored and supplied a small air compressor to charge it up. Martin reports it is a great success and will make life a lot easier to oil the axleboxes than with our original hand pump bowser.
An in-depth assessment of the Clip Shed lighting followed as the wiring needs alteration to take account of new shed doors that will shortly be fitted. They will be higher than the current doors and a good deal of the lighting circuitry is clipped to the wooden lintels of the existing doors – which are below the full height steel lintel. As your scribe installed the lighting not much short of 10years ago (Doesn’t time fly?), he is aware of which wires feed which lights and from which circuits in the Clip Shed’s distribution box. It was hoped to do a complete rewire and relight of the shed but the scheme is low down in the F&WHR’s financial priorities at the moment so all that will be done at this time is extending the cables in most cases so they will go across the higher lintels and move the light switches.
Former star picture
This northerly view (13/8/12) shows Merddin Emrys ready to return from Rhyd Ddu on the 1830 evening train to Porthmadog having watered and run around. This loco was also allocated for the last four days of the Red timetable until 30/8/12. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Tuesday Gang report 9/4/13
Tony Baker reports: The gang spent Tuesday 9/4/13 assembling a further 4 panels to the fence at Dinas which separates our land from that of the bungalow in the corner by the entrance gate. Nine panels were assembled in total and the job is completed.
This southerly view (7/4/13) shows the fencing a few days before it was finished by the Tuesday Gang at the entrance to Dinas station. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
Beddgelert Station siding 8/4/13
This northerly view (8/4/13) shows the WHHG's Heritage water tank at Beddgelert in the siding awaiting a lift onto the original concrete water tower. The tank was stored in Dinas yard last year so has been available for a while now. A new water supply was provided to the water tower when the station was reconstructed several years ago. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (8/4/13) shows the DZ1412 at Beddgelert in the siding with new signage. Marcus Ingram had originally painted the wagons and applied SAR labels. This wagon has had FR applied, not F&WHR as might be expected. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
New F&WHR shop website
The F&WHR has opened a newly upgraded on-line shop.
Lyd to visit L&BR May Gala
With the arrival at Woody Bay of the two replica Lynton &Barnstaple Railway coaches on 19/4/13 (shunted by visiting F&WHR loco Lilla which has been on loan to the L&BR for Easter) it has now been confirmed that Lyd will visit in SR green livery for the first time for the L&BR Gala on 10-12/5/13. Lyd appeared in black at an earlier gala. Video of the arrival of the coaches can be found here. Details of the L&BR Gala can be found here. The L&BR is slowly reconstructing the route of the railway in North Devon and plans a new terminus at Lynton as well as a southern extension to, initially, Whistlandpound Reservoir. Details of the project are on the L&BR's updated website. A supporters' group, Exmoor Associates, is buying up and restoring sections of the trackbed to assist the return of the railway to the outskirts of Barnstaple.
This easterly view (7/4/13) shows Lyd at Rhyd Ddu about to run round after a driver experience special. This train passed the northbound service at Beddgelert. A snow covered Snowdon is visible in the background. There were several days of brilliant sunny, if cold, weather around Easter 2013 and the mountains put on a good alpine display covered in snow down to Rhyd Ddu. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Paint your wagon 7/4/13!
This northerly view (7/4/13) shows the rake of six B wagons repainted with the restored brakevan to the rear. This impressive rake will feature in many events on the WHR this year. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Dinas site changes 7/4/13
This northerly view (7/4/13) shows the clearance of the former Civil Engineers office at Dinas providing additional car parking space. The infrastructure office remains. The staff have moved to Minffordd Yard. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
WHR views 7/4/13
This southerly view (7/4/13) shows No.138 on the morning train stopping at Rhyd Ddu. There were several days of brilliant sunny, if cold, weather around Easter 2013 and the mountains put on a good alpine display covered in snow down to Rhyd Ddu. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (7/4/13) shows the new station sign at Caernarfon. As the shelter hides the train from passing cars to some extent, a large sign will help people identify the station location for first time visitors. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (7/4/13) shows No.138 on the morning train stopped for coal loading at Dinas. Time is allowed in the schedule for this process. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Driver Experience courses 6-7/4/13
Linda and Lyd were used for Driver Experience courses over the weekend of 6-7/4/13. The short Heritage rake was utilised with a trip to Tan-y-bwlch in the morning followed by a trip to Rhyd Ddu in the afternoon, passing the service train at Beddgelert on return.
This northerly view (6/4/13) shows Linda at Beddgelert on a Driver Experience course returning from Rhyd Ddu and passing the service train. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This southerly view (7/4/13) shows Lyd at Pont Cae'r Gors on a Driver Experience course. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (7/4/13) shows Lyd at Rhyd Ddu on a Driver Experience course, running around the short rake hidden behind the waiting shelter. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (7/4/13) shows Lyd at Rhyd Ddu on a Driver Experience course, setting back onto its rake. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (7/4/13) shows Lyd at Pont Cae'r Gors on a Driver Experience course, returning to Porthmadog. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (7/4/13) shows Lyd at passing the Beddgelert Forest Campsite on a Driver Experience course, returning to Porthmadog. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
North Wales Track Gang report 6-7/4/13
Dafydd Thomas reports: Over the weekend of 6-7/4/13 we were engaged in rebuilding an embankment retaining wall at Tro Ffridd (just north of Rhyd Ddu station). Blocks were brought up by works train and the job slowly progressed over the weekend; a return visit in 2 weeks time should see the job completed. A slight dip in the track was also rectified by jacking and packing using Kango hammers.
This northerly view (7/4/13) shows Upnor Castle in the Rhyd Ddu siding with the NWTG works train where it stabled to allow the service trains to pass. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (7/4/13) shows No.138 passing the North Wales Track Gang at Tro Ffridd, just north of Rhyd Ddu station. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright David Firth and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (7/4/13) shows Upnor Castle with the works train assisting the North Wales Track Gang at Tro Ffridd with retaining wall works. The embankment, built across marshy ground, is slowly subsiding and the works are necessary to retain levels. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright David Firth and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (7/4/13) shows the large supplies of retaining wall blocks at Dinas station. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
Sunny Spring 6/4/13
This northerly view (6/4/13) shows No.143 on the morning train stopping at Beddgelert Forest Campsite at 1040 in the bright Spring sunshine. There were several days of brilliant sunny, if cold, weather around Easter 2013 and the mountains put on a good alpine display covered in snow down to Rhyd Ddu. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (6/4/13) shows Criccieth Castle resting after shunting the WHR rake clear of the platform at Porthmadog Harbour Station in the bright Spring sunshine. This is the last year of the shunting operation as next year it is hoped to have a separate WHR platform. The rake has an FR coach and the new 'Gladstone Car' style semi-open next to the diesel loco. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (6/4/13) shows Merddin Emrys about to depart Porthmadog Harbour Station in the bright Spring sunshine. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (6/4/13) shows Criccieth Castle about to draw the WHR rake out of the sidings to shunt back into the platform. The wagon to the left carries rails destined for use in the new yard. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (6/4/13) shows No.143 passing through the Aberglaslyn Pass as seen from the train. The curve onto the Bryn-y-felin bridge was notably smoother following the ROWG work a few weeks before. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Harbour Station progress 6/4/13
This southerly view (6/4/13) shows cladding being added to the Relay Cabin by volunteers including Tuesday Gang South. Slating has been finished with the ridge tiles need completion. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (6/4/13) shows the new point on a wagon stored on the new FR track with the WHR platform point to the right. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (6/4/13) shows the FR track with the new point stored on the wagon. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (6/4/13) shows the end of the new joint platform. It was proposed to extend the FR track to the Relay Cabin in mid-April but further progress is impeded by the scaffolding. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This southerly view (6/4/13) shows cladding being added to the Relay Cabin with a little work still necessary on the bargeboard and ridge tiles to make the building water tight. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (6/4/13) shows scaffolding erected around the signalbox. It was intended to make progress with the wall panels in mid-April. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (6/4/13) shows the new joint platform with the signalbox to the right. This is the limit of work for this year as the point of view is the existing signal cabin which must remain in use until next Winter. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio 13 and displayed at 96dpi.
Tryfan Junction internal doors 6/4/13
This Worcestershire view (6/4/13) shows the West Midland Group members Tom Waldren (Left) and Mike Hadley preparing internal doors for Tryfan Junction station building, last Saturday at Mike’s house in Worcestershire. The pair of doors are believed to have originated from Port Dinorwic LNWR station and have been professionally acid-dipped. They will be returned to North Wales by Mike next weekend for imminent installation. Although not original doors, they may well be contemporary and anyhow have a railway heritage! Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Dave Waldren and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
Volunteer tracklaying appeal for 12-15/4/13
Paul Bradshaw appeals: This is another cry for urgent help. There is time critical track laying to complete on the Cob outside Harbour Station. We need to extend the track coming off the King and Queen points to provide room for stabling vehicles which bring materials to that end of the new layout. This has to be completed before the end of April. So we will be running a track laying team from Friday 12/4/13 to Monday 15/4/13. Any days in that period you can join us will help get the job done in the timescale. If you can help get in touch with me as soon as possible. Click on this link to find my contact details. If you can join us please email me at the address you will find there.
Tuesday Gang 3/4/13
Clive Briscoe reports: Team Wylfa A were at Dinas as usual on Tuesday this week. As it’s now the running season again, COAO has reconvened (Confederation of Axlebox Oilers – Team Wylfa A & B Team). So, first job, oil up top end of F Set, refill all the set’s flange lube grease sticks and oil the coupling chopper pivots. Then, back to the Clip Shed to do some more pipe bending and fitting of No.134’s new lubrication system. B Team under Martin will meet on Thursday evening to complete the oiling of F Set.
EAG meeting 18/4/13
Richard Watson advises: A reminder that the next WHR East Anglian Group meeting will be on Thursday next, 18/4/13. Our speaker will be Peter Miles, who will be updating us on Recent Developments on the Lynton & Barnstaple. Peter is the Chairman of the L&BR Trust. His last talk was very popular, and we look forward to catching up with the news from the West Country as the L&B continues to stride forward.
As always, we will be meeting at The Six Bells Pub, 9 High Street, Fulbourn, Cambridge CB21 5DH. The pub is located in Fulbourn village centre and has a large meeting room. Fulbourn is easily accessible from A14/M11 corridors and is also located on CamBus route 1. Car parking can be busy but there is spaces available on Church Lane 3-5 minute walk to the pub.
We meet after 6-6.30pm and an evening meal is available in the restaurant or bar; prices are reasonable. The meetings starts around 8pm with a halfway break for coffee (£1.20 per person), and we finish around 10pm.
See you all there!
Richard
Easter YouTube
Click on the YouTube box above to watch 13 mins 54 secs of video of No.143 and No.138 operating trains on the WHR the week before Easter with FR Observation coach No.123 and views from the Custom House Porthmadog. This video was taken by Tom and Matt Waldren on an SD900 camcorder and is best watched at 1080p standard.
Pen-y-Mount Junction Signal box 31/3/13
This northerly view (31/3/13) shows the brick base for the Pen-y-Mount Junction signalbox being constructed on the concrete foundation laid at Xmas. The signalbox will hold the frame for Pen-y-Mount Junction and may house the Cae Pawb crossing control unit. The WHHG provided a replica Cambrian Crossing signalbox that will be used here as agreement between NR/WHHR/F&WHR could not be reached for the original site in the north west corner of the crossing. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
Tuesday Gang South report 29/3/13
Steve Broomfield reports: Taking advantage of the improvement in weather, we ventured to Beddgelert on 29/3/13 and completed the attachment of the remaining four benches to the platform surface, using the formerly-identified strategy of studs into epoxy-filled holes. This task is now complete (hopefully this will deter vandals who had previously damaged benches and thrown them onto the track-Ed).
Snow shots of FR Facebook 28/3/13
See FR's Facebook page which shows 9 views of Nos.138/143 amidst lying snow on 28/3/13 around Rhyd Ddu.
Spring Trip on WHR 28/3/13
Click on the YouTube box above, taken shortly after the start of services on 23/3/13, to watch 6 min 5 secs of video of No.143 working north from Porthmadog including snowy backgrounds. This is followed by No.138 working north (captured from Rhyd Ddu northwards) on its return journey in the afternoon, including a snow shower at Rhyd Ddu. This video was taken by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional camcorder and is best watched at 1080p HD quality.
Mixed weather 27/3/13
This northerly view (27/3/13) shows No.138 on Bryn-y-felin curve in a snow storm which pursued the train from Pont Croesor. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Huw Kendall and was taken on a Canon S90 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This southerly view (27/3/13) shows No.143 on Bryn-y-felin curve and, with the snow storm having moved north, the sun came out and the snow rapidly melted with blue sky and sunshine predominating. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Huw Kendall and was taken on a Canon S90 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
FR Observation coach No.123 in use 27/3/13
This northerly view (27/3/13) shows No.138 at Beddgelert Station with snow still on the track. The 3rd class FR Observation coach No.123 was in use along with other FR coaches. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright David Firth and was taken on a Canon S90 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
Team Wylfa report 26/3/13
Clive Briscoe reports: A large team assembled at Dinas on Tuesday this week. It was time to restart COAO - Confederation of Axlebox Oilers in earnest... Martin and the B Team had oiled up last week with me having finished off (as previously reported) but now it is for real after the first few days running of the 2013 season. The A Team thus oiled the top half of the E Set, replaced all the flange lube grease sticks and did a general visual inspection of the set. After that, we moved back to the freezing Clip Shed to continue a few jobs on No.134. We removed the temporarily mounted reverser frame from the cab area and stripped the die nut to remove some shims between the two halves to remove some fore and aft slack. A couple of the team went outside to look at No.133's reverser as we need to borrow a piece off the cab end reach rod yoke to act as a pattern for the missing one on No.134. Also, our portable 230 - 110V transformer had a fault reported by the PAT Tester - the cable gland into the transformer required maintenance as it was slack - this was duly sorted out.
Tuesday Gang report 26/3/13
Tony Baker reports: On the 26/3/13 the Tuesday Gang were tasked with replacing a life expired boundary fence at Dinas. The fence lies between the railway's land and the land belonging to an adjacent house by the entrance to the North Yard. The fence is to consist of concrete posts, gravel boards and wooden panels. This proved to be a slow job as we encountered a concrete raft 4 inches below the surface when digging the post holes. A Kango and chisel bit had to be used and only one panel was successfully installed by close of play. Trains were well supported as far as we could see and the sun shone, no doubt giving the passengers a good view of the snow scenes.
Snow scenes 23-24/3/13
This northerly view (23/3/13) shows No.138 at Beddgelert with snow still evident and the works train in the siding. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright David Firth and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This southerly view (23/3/13) shows No.143 departing Beddgelert with snow still evident and the works train in the siding. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright David Firth and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (24/3/13) shows No.138 departing Beddgelert with snow still evident. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright David Firth and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
Steam 150 timetables on line
The F&WHR's Steam 150 website now contains the timetables because of the event on 3-6/5/13.
Click here for Saturday WHR timetable.
Click here for Sunday WHR timetable.
Click here for Monday WHR timetable.
Rover tickets are £60 for the four days or £25 per day. The 'Queens of the Hill' train on 5/5/13 has an additional fare of £34 and a £5 supplement can paid on a first come first served basis for the FR observation cars either end of this train. It is possible to do a full round trip of the WHR/FR on this train if a Steam 150 Day Rover is held which runs non-stop through Porthmadog. On 6/3/13 there is a special 'England to Beddgelert' with only 50 seats bookable at £5 a seat.
WHR events in Steam 150
The Steam 150 Gala takes place from 3-6/5/13 to celebrate 150 years of steam on the FR.
On Friday there are no special events on the WHR but the standard 'Blue' timetable service of two round-trips from Porthmadog and Caernarfon will operate. This is NOT included in 'Steam 150' Event and Friday Rover tickets.
On Saturday the 'Yellow' timetable service will operate with three trains in each direction between Porthmadog and Caernarfon. Again these are NOT included in 'Steam 150' Event and Saturday Rover tickets. However, an additional 17:45 Porthmadog to Rhyd Ddu round-trip with a Double-Fairlie and Ffestiniog Railway carriage-rake will run which is included in 'Steam 150' Event and Saturday Rover tickets.
On Sunday the 'Yellow' timetable service will operate with three trains in each direction between Porthmadog and Caernarfon, NOT included in 'Steam 150' Event and Saturday Rover tickets. There will be an England hauled slate empties to and from Pont Croesor and an additional train to Pont Croesor to view England loco and slate empties. This is included in 'Steam 150' Event and Sunday Rover tickets. There will be an additional 'Queens of the Hill' train - double-headed by Linda and Blanche - from Porthmadog to Caernarfon, returning via FR train from Minffordd, and including a non-stop run through Porthmadog. Both locomotives will have been turned to run chimney first to Caernarfon. A separate 'Queens of the Hill' ticket is required for travel on this train. The 'Queens of the Hill' train continues to Blaenau Ffestiniog - following a change of locomotives - before a return to Porthmadog, enabling a full round-trip over the nearly eighty-mile Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways system! A 'Steam 150' Event or Sunday Rover must be held for this portion of the journey.
On Monday a 'Yellow' timetable service with three trains in each direction between Porthmadog and Caernarfon. These are NOT included in 'Steam 150' Event and Saturday Rover tickets. There will be an early morning - Prince and Palmerston top‘n’tail train an extra 12-carriage train from Porthmadog - Boston Lodge - Hafod-y-llyn (WHR) - Boston Lodge - Porthmadog. This includes a non-stop run through Porthmadog. One locomotive will be turned to run chimney first towards Beddgelert. This train is included in 'Steam 150' Event and Monday Rover tickets. There is also an additional 'England to Beddgelert' vintage train with a single England loco - with the locomotive turned to run chimney first towards Beddgelert. There will be limited capacity on this train - a 'Steam 150' Event or Day Rover plus a separate 'England to Beddgelert' ticket will be required for travel. Advance Booking is recommended. There will be a morning Garratt hauled heavy goods train from Dinas to Porthmadog and an afternoon trip working of wagons from Porthmadog to Pont Croesor. Two Garratt locos double-head the 1540 Porthmadog to Caernarfon train. This is NOT included in 'Steam 150' Event and Monday Rover tickets. Finally, wagons added to 15:40 ex-Porthmadog at Pont Croesor, which continues as a heavy-haul mixed train as far as Dinas, then passenger only to Caernarfon.
Full details including FR events and to be found on the F&WHR website.
Steam 150 advance bookings available
Steam 150 will be the major FR gala of the year and celebrates the delivery of the England engines to the FR 150 years ago. The gala also features events on the WHR as the England engines regular featured on WHR services. Advance booking tickets are now available for the four day event which takes place from Friday-Monday 3-6/5/13. See F&WHR website for full details.
North Wales Track Gang report 23-24/3/13
Dafydd Thomas reports: All over the weekend 23-24/3/13 the North Wales/Black Hand Gang were busy at Caernarfon and Beddgelert. The first job on Saturday morning was a litter pick-up at Caernarfon station before the first train. This is a perennial problem at this station with mainly bottles and cans being thrown from the footpath above the station. The F&WHR Co. will be asking Gwynedd Council and North Wales Police to assist with reducing or even eliminating this serious anti-social and hazardous problem.
We then went on to collect new planter boxes for the station at Beddgelert. The new planter boxes will soon be filled with soil and planted with plants that sheep do not like. When we arrived at Beddgelert we were greeted by a winter snow scene of the platform and track bed covered in snow, with only the rails visible. We could not do the job that we had been tasked with as it is not advisable to pack under sleepers with frozen ballast - as the status of the track would change once the ballast thawed out. We therefore set about clearing the platform and steps of snow; quite a task if you think about the size of Beddgelert's platform. We finished off by spreading rock salt over the platform and steps.
This northerly view (23/3/13) shows Upnor Castle on a PW train with volunteers from the North Wales Track Gang clearing snow from the platform at Beddgelert station. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Andy Forsyth and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
Sunday was a somewhat better day, some of the snow had gone and the temperature had risen slightly allowing the ballast to thaw. Our efforts on the platform the previous day had paid off as it was clear and dry. The thawed ballast allowed us to continue with the job of fettling the track following the disturbances of installing the new turnout.
This northerly view (24/3/13) shows volunteers from the North Wales Track Gang tamping the Beddgelert south end point with snow still evident. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright David Firth and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
Start of new season 23/3/13
A little snow fell around the WHR and the main roads to the WHR were clear, though some mountain passes were blocked and North East Wales had a very heavy snowfall. Porthmadog was bleak on Saturday 23/3/13 when the first train of the 2013 Season, the 10.50 WHR departure, left. The train departed on time in a snow shower (though sadly none on the ground!) with about 70 on board. The green Garratt No.143 hauled seven carriages, though the new semi-open 'Gladstone Car' was left behind as it was thought unlikely to be popular given the weather! Porthmadog was very quiet and Spooners was empty at that time but both cheered up in the afternoon. There was no snow at sea level though there was snow from the Aberglaslyn Pass onwards and the mountains were covered making for Alpine scenery. Photographs would be welcome.
This easterly view (23/3/13) shows No.143 shunting off Porthmadog Station ready to haul the 1050 to Caernarfon. The signal box and relay cabin can be seen. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Chris Price and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (23/3/13) shows No.143 shunting at Porthmadog Station ready to haul the 1050 to Caernarfon while Vale of Ffestiniog couples up to drag the train out onto The Cob. This point network will be replaced next Winter during the closed season. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Chris Price and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (23/3/13) shows No.143 shunting at Porthmadog Station ready to haul the 1050 to Caernarfon while Vale of Ffestiniog couples up to drag the train out onto The Cob. This may be the final year of this method of working the WHR departures. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Chris Price and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (23/3/13) shows No.143 hauling the 1050 to Caernarfon, the first train of the new season. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Chris Price and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This southerly view (23/3/13) shows No.143 on the 1050 from Porthmadog passing through a snowy Aberglaslyn Pass. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Andy Forsyth and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
Birthday special 22/3/13
This northerly view (22/3/13) shows Lyd running around the Birthday Special at Rhyd Ddu with snow. The F&WHR hires out trains for special events where stock and the timetable allows. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright John Hopkins and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
Snow alert 22/3/13
Snow is forecast for the start of WHR services on 23/3/13 with up to a foot likely across North Wales, declining from east to west. Martin Kressman reports: There is still snow quite well down on Snowdon and the other mountain tops on Thursday. With the current forecast, this is unlikely to change before the weekend and there is a slight chance of snow on the railway itself on Saturday.
Team Wylfa report 21/3/13
Clive Briscoe reports: It was a very strange Team Wylfa on Thursday evening this week. It composed of 1½ people... I was expecting 4 of us but two signed in sick just before I left for Dinas then, just before I arrived, another phoned in saying he had a problem. That just left your scribe AND his good lady who is currently on crutches having had an operation on her foot. She was going to stay in the warm of the mess cabin whilst we worked. So, as the E Set needed the final tweaks - recharging the flange lubricators on the bogies, with Martin and Rod (B Team) having already oiled the axleboxes ready for the weekend 'off' of the new running season, I made a quick safety assessment and made the decision that she could act as my safety person. If I hadn't returned from the carriage shed in 30 mins, call out the troops. With a visual inspection of the set and flange lube grease sticks recharged, all is now ready for Saturday... There was just one small task left to do that was not using anything more dangerous than a tape measure - check the dimensions of 134's existing eccentric rods for Andie Shaw (No.134 Project Engineer). This was to confirm that they were solid section rather than fluted 'I' cross section and to confirm the centre to centre dimension. This is because a mod is going to be carried out - change the rotating bearing end from plain to roller bearing. One of a number of significant changes which will make No.134 possibly a sub class NG15a when completed.
K1 progress 21/3/13
K1 has at long last had significant work done on the front power bogie following a working party on 16-17/3/13. Hopefully we will see her back in action at some point this year.
Tuesday Gang report 19/3/13
On Tuesday, 19/3/13, the gang were at Harbour Station ballasting and shovel packing Road 6 which we reassembled a fortnight ago. The ballast used was second hand and possibly originated from the New Moelwyn Tunnel. This was apparent because of the size of some of the lumps. This did not make the task of shovel packing to get a level siding an easy one. However, we persevered and the result was quite acceptable.
This easterly view (19/3/13) shows the ballasting of 6 Road in Porthmadog harbour station following its reinstatement for the new season. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
Bont Briwet bridge contract let 18/3/13
Hochtief Construction (UK) is set to start work on a £20m project to replace the wooden Pont Briwet road/rail bridge near Penrhyndeudraeth with a new viaduct. Network Rail has awarded the contract to replace the bridge, dating back to 1860s, which links Penrhyndeudraeth and Llandecwyn. Hochtief was originally a German company with worldwide engineering contracts but is now more than 50% owned by a Spanish construction company Grupo ACS. The existing 22-span wooden viaduct carries the single track Cambrian Coast railway from Dovey Junction to Pwllheli and a single track toll road with traffic lights across the Afon Dwyryd, which is only suitable for cars. Replacement work on site is scheduled to start in May 2013 and is expected to be completed in February 2015. Both rail services and the road link will be cut for a while but a temporary road bridge will be provided to avoid unnecessary disruption to local traffic. Holiday traffic to the F&WHR from the Harlech area is important as the diversion via Maentwrog will extend road journey times considerably. See Network Rail website or Railway Technology website for further details.
Tim Evans has kindly provided the following Tinyurl links to web-links featuring details of the plans (some previously published here).
Bont Briwet road closure from 8/4/13
There will be a road closure from 8/4/13 for 3-4 weeks to allow Scottish Power to alter power lines and some potentially loud rock blasting on the approach road to the toll booth. See Gwynedd Council website.
Snowdonia Parc Easter Week Beerfest
The Snowdonia Parc brew-pub is holding a beer festival from 29/3-6/4/13 at the pub/campsite adjacent to Waunfawr station with Welsh Highland Bitter (ABV 5.2) on tap. See F&WHR website for more details.
Ospreys return
Martin Kressman reports: The Glaslyn ospreys at Pont Croesor were seen on the nest on 24/3/13 for the first time this year. Bywyd Gwyllt Glaslyn Wildlife Community take over from the RSPB at the end of this season in September. See F&WHR website for more details.
Harbour station progress 17/3/13
This westerly view (17/3/13) shows work to finish off the relay cabin with scaffolding erected. The FR tracks passes between the relay cabin and the new joint platform to the right. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (17/3/13) shows work to finish off the relay cabin with ornamental barge boards added. The relay cabin is built at the point where The Cob widening begins to narrow and the wave wall bends towards the original alignment. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly raised view (17/3/13) shows work on the signal box with scaffolding erected to allow cladding. The FR tracks will pass between the signal box and the new joint platform. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
ROWG working week 16-22/3/13
The ROWG March working week ran from Saturday 16/3/13. For the first few days we were charged with realigning the perennially troublesome curve at Bryn-y-Felin. Fred Howes had re-measured the curve and calculated a better alignment. He then supervised us putting his plan into action. Either end of the curve is on timber sleepers and slewing with bars was comparatively easy. However, the majority of the curve is on steel sleepers, for which bars are useless and instead we used slewing jacks. This is the tightest radius curve on the railway. When we started it was just 38m, with poor alignment and very irregular cant, such that the vertical rubber flaps on the carriage vestibule ends were being caused to turn in, with the disastrous result that train staff could not get the tea trolley through!
This southerly view (16/3/13) shows Upnor Castle with the PW train supporting the ROWG working on Bryn-y-felin curve. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Dr. Simon Melhuish and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (16/3/13) shows the ROWG building the ballast retaining wall on the outside of Bryn-y-felin curve. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Dr. Simon Melhuish and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (16/3/13) shows the ROWG realigning Bryn-y-felin curve with a snow-clad Snowdon massif in the background. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Bob Zeepvat and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
At the end of the job we had only managed to increase the radius to 42m, but the curve is now a curve, (rather than the squiggle it had been when we started), and appropriate and uniform cant has been restored. A ballast wall was also constructed on the outside centre of the curve, which should keep the ballast where it is wanted, rather than cascading down the embankment as it had been. As the curve is too tight for the KMX tamper to work on, the realigned track had to be tamped using Kango-hammers and that is an awful lot of hard work; we are grateful to have been helped in this task by the FR p-way team. Hopefully our work will last for at least a season, but ultimately the whole lot wants ragging up and the formation moved out a bit in order that it can be relayed at a more realistic radius.
This northerly view (16/3/13) shows the ROWG volunteers George Thomas and Bob Le Marchant kangoing Bryn-y-felin curve. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Bob Zeepvat and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
The remainder of our working week was spent at Beddgelert station. A long overdue ballast wall was built by the water tower, the siding was realigned to remove an awful it comes off the point and a ballast wall constructed to preserve this alignment. Additionally, the half-stagger on the curve on the up loop had a kinked joint at one end, due to the half rail having been put in the curve rather than in the preceding straight. This was corrected by swapping adjacent rails around. There were a number of closed joints here as well and a certain amount of re-gapping was chased into this section. A number of voids (lack of ballast under sleepers) were identified within the station and these were made good by kangoing.
This easterly view (20/3/13) shows the ROWG building a ballast wall near the Beddgelert water tower. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Bob Zeepvat and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
Porthmadog progress 16/3/13
This easterly view (16/3/13) shows the final external work on the Relay Cabin. This telephoto view, taken from the signal box scaffolding during the FR's Gigabash weekend, emphasises the sharp curves and tight clearances in this area with the long joint platform curved at the far end of the for the FR tracks. The furthest point is the FR point and the nearer one the WHR run round point. The new FR tracks will be extended alongside the platform when the scaffolding is removed. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Simon Starr and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
Good news for Russell project
This northerly view (/9/00) shows Russell visiting the WHR seen running round at Caernarfon during SuperPower 2000. There is hope the loco will visit the WHR again when it is completed. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
Michael Chapman reports: Russell is the only surviving steam locomotive from the original Welsh Highland Railway. In April 2012 the Board of the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway, Porthmadog, decided to send Russell’s rolling chassis, boiler and fabricated components to Alan Keef Ltd, Ross-on-Wye, to continue the restoration work. In June 2012 we made an appeal for £125,000 to complete the work. We have received a terrific response from our Russell donors, WHHR members, Welsh Highland Railway Society members and readers of Heritage Railway and Narrow Gauge World magazines. To complete the work and have Russell back in steam on the WHHR at the beginning of next season we still needed £65,000 at the end of January.
This westerly view (20/4/03) shows Russell at the WHHR's Porthmadog terminus on what is believed to be its last day of steaming. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
In mid-February we received a single donation of £25,000 from one of our longstanding donors. The donor wishes to remain anonymous. However, our donor has offered to match other donations we receive before the end of May 2013 pound for pound up to another £25,000. WOW! This is a fantastic opportunity - please consider making a donation now.
And it goes without saying, a huge thank you to the mystery donor. Please visit: Russell Appeal for further information/to donate.
Tuesday Gang report 12/3/13
Tony Baker reports: We spent Tuesday 12/3/13 at Pitt's Head on our bi-annual task of raking off the dead Molina grass as a fire precaution measure. There was a bitter cold wind. Caernarfon Castle plus 2 DZ wagons and mess van attended. There were 11 people in all with 7 WHRS volunteers plus 4 F&WHR permanent staff.
This northerly view (12/3/13) shows Castell Caernarfon on duty with the Tuesday Gang who were removing Molina grass, which is a fire risk in Summit Cutting. There was a lot of snow on Snowdon Summit. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright David Firth and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
EAG meeting 21/3/13
Richard Watson advises: A reminder that the next WHR East Anglian Group meeting will be on Thursday next, 21 March 2013: There will be a short AGM, followed by David Barnes: Developments on the Bure Valley Railway. The Bure Valley Railway is a lovely 15" gauge railway running through the heart of Norfolk between Aylsham and Wroxham. David is a Director of the BVR, and a member of East Anglian Group.
As always, we will be meeting at The Six Bells Pub, 9 High Street, Fulbourn, Cambridge CB21 5DH. On this occasion we will be meeting in the restaurant. The pub is located in Fulbourn village centre and has a large meeting room. Fulbourn is easily accessible from A14/M11 corridors and is also located on CamBus route 1. Car parking can be busy but there is spaces available on Church Lane 3-5 minute walk to the pub.
We meet after 6-6.30pm and an evening meal is available in the restaurant or bar; prices are reasonable. The meetings starts around 8pm with a halfway break for coffee (£1.20 per person), and we finish around 10pm.
See you all there!
Team Wylfa report 12/3/13
Clive Briscoe reports: Team Wylfa wasn’t able to assemble this week. I’m away on business next Tuesday too so some of us are going to assemble a week today instead. Hence the next Team Wylfa ‘A’ evening working party will be on Thursday 21/3/13. Martin Kressman and the B Team will be servicing the carriages on 14/3/13 and next Thursday too during the daytime ready for the new season’s running starting on Saturday 23/3/13.
S30 points delivered 11/3/13
This easterly view (11/3/13) shows the delivery of the S30 points for the Porthmadog Harbour station upgrade project being delivered from South Wales. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
North Wales Track Gang report 9-10/3/13
Dafydd Thomas reports: Over the weekend we completed the installation of the new turnout at the south end of Beddgelert station. There are just a few tweeks needed by the full time staff to bring it into service. This is the second (the first being at Hafod-y-Llyn) of three new S30 turnouts sponsored by Cymdeithas Rheilffordd Eryri for Phase 4; the third (the south end-Ed?) at Pont Croesor will go in next Winter. This will then leave just the north end point (at Pont Croesor-Ed?) and the siding point at Beddgelert as ex-South African turnouts on Phase 4.
This southerly view (9/3/13) shows fitting of the S30 point at Beddgelert south. Work must be finished by the permanent staff for the start of the new WHR season on 23/3/13. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright John Hine and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
Tryfan Junction progress 8-10/3/13
As re-opened, the platform to Tryfan Junction Station was off-set (to the east-Ed), i.e. not directly in front of the building. Two three-day weekends of volunteering by a joint WH Heritage Group and West Midland Group working party have rectified this. Over the three days 22-24/2/13 we installed the kerbs forming the platform edging, and over last weekend Friday to Sunday we virtually completed the platform extension. Last Friday morning started with the arrival of Castell Caernarfon (driven by Ben Rosen) plus three DZ wagons full of loco ash. This was off-loaded with a mini excavator, then we spread it out and tamped it, covered it with a sheet of weed resistant material and then put slate waste on top and tamped it again. Finally, Lewis Esposito laid slabs on the rail edge of the platform behind the platform edge/ kerbs, all to match the existing platform. The job was completed under the direction of Lewis Esposito. Heritage Group members present were Lewis Esposito, Ian Lord and Dave Southern. West Midland Group members present were Paul Townsend, Mike Homer, Peter Hadley and Mike Hadley plus, for the earlier session, John Hine and Rob Darby. All that remains is to add a thin top coat of fine slate waste. Two other members of the West Midland Group were working at Beddgelert completing the dry lining and insulation of the booking office (see below).
This westerly view (8/3/13) shows Castell Caernarfon delivering loco ash to make up the westerly platform extension outside the station building at Tryfan Junction. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Hadley and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (8/3/13) shows volunteers tamping the loco ash to make up the sub base of the westerly platform extension outside the station building at Tryfan Junction. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Hadley and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (9/3/13) shows volunteers tamping the slate waste surface to make up the westerly platform extension outside the station building at Tryfan Junction. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Hadley and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (10/3/13) shows volunteers with the completed westerly platform extension outside the station building at Tryfan Junction. All that remains now is to construct a replica NWNGR signal box on the foundations which have been preserved to the left;-) Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Hadley and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
West Midlands Gang report 8-10/3/13
John Hine reports: WHRS (West Midland Group) volunteers were back on the railway over the period 8-10/3/13. One party (Michael and Peter Hadley, Mike Homer, Paul Townsend) returned to work with the Heritage Group on the platform extension at Tryfan Junction. Mike Hodges and John Hine completed the ticket office improvements at Beddgelert, a project which the WM Group started in December 2012. The ceiling was finished, all the new plywood lining was varnished and carpet tiles were laid. Other activities at Beddgelert provided extra interest. On Friday Dafydd Roberts, Emlyn Davies and Upnor Castle moved the replica water tank nearer to its future perch on the old concrete column. On Saturday the Black Hand Gang were busy with k work – and kindly invited us to share their breaks in coach No.1001. Many thanks for the drinks, BHG!
This northerly view (8/3/13) shows the WHHG funded water tank on a wagon in Beddgelert Station siding ready for lifting onto the original MacAlpine's concrete water tower adjacent. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright John Hine and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly internal view (9/3/13) shows the fitting out of the Beddgelert Station ticket office for the start of the new WHR season on 23/3/13 with Mike Hodges completing his work. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright John Hine and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
Porthmadog Signal posts delivered to Minffordd Yard 7/3/13
This Minffordd Yard view (7/3/13) shows the new tapered signal posts for the Porthmadog Harbour station upgrade project next to the rail stack. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
Beer Festival Appeal May 2013
Andrew Tym-Crowther appeals: I am the person to contact if anyone is interested in volunteering for the Society’s forthcoming Rail Ale Festival, to be held from Friday 17/5/13 to Sunday 19/5/13. Volunteers are needed for :-
All willing volunteers, however short a shift, will be most welcome. Contact Andrew Tym-Crowther.
Princess goes to Paddington YouTube 6/3/13
Click on the YouTube box above to watch 10 min 32 secs of video of Princess being delivered to Paddington across the Lawn in late February and the assembly of the display and opening Ceremony on 1/3/13. This video published on 6/3/13 was taken by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional camcorder and is best watched in 1080p HD mode.
North Wales Group Trips 2013
Elwyn Jones reports:
Trip No.1 Day trip to Llandudno 8/6/13
On 8/6/13 the North Wales Group are organising a trip to Llandudno incorporating the Welsh Highland Railway/Ffestiniog Railway/Conway Valley Railway to Llandudno arriving there approx 6.30 -7.00 pm for a meal @the Albert Inn Llandudno with a coach return to our destinations. For further information please contact E Jones on 07840910460 or send e-mail to elwynjos@hotmail.co.uk
Trip No. 2 The Railways of Norfolk Long weekend Friday 26/7/13 to Tuesday 30/7/13
We start off from various pick up points starting from Pen-y-groes near Caernarfon towards The Battlefield Line Market Bosworth, here we may use our Rover ticket for the day and there just happens to be a real ale festival on that same day. We stay overnight in nearby Leicester for 1 night before continuing the next day to the Nene valley Railway Peterborough where we have a full day using our Rover tickets once again. We continue by coach to our overnight stay in Norwich where we stay for 2 nights. Next day we travel by rail to the North Norfolk Railway again a rover ticket will be issued. On Monday 29/7/13 we travel to the Bure Valley Railway where we travel by train and a cruise on the Broads included with an option of the engineering works tour. We return by coach to our hotel in Peterborough. On the last day Tuesday 30/7/13 we visit the Great Central Railway for a full day on the line before we set off for home at approx 5.00pm. On any day of the trip there will be an opportunity for the ladies to visit nearby towns for shopping which will be arranged with our coach driver when required as the coach is ours for the weekend. For further information please contact me Elwyn Jones on the contact details shown above.
Team Wylfa report 5/3/13
Clive Briscoe reports: It was a different small team of 2 at Dinas this week – your scribe and Ben. Further progress was made with No.134’s new centralised lubrication system with several more new oil delivery pipes cut, bent and fitted. Not as easy as it sounds as the pipes, small as they are, have to be carefully threaded through various cut-outs and around brackets outboard of the loco’s frames and all without kinking and flattening the pipe.
Brakevan news 5/3/13
On 5/3/13 the ex-SAR brakevan No.3172 was noted outside the Goods Shed looking resplendent with its new roof and paint job.
This westerly view (5/3/13) shows completed restoration of ex-SAR brakevan No.3172 at Dinas. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
Micro ETS progress
Clive Briscoe reports: It was reported that progress with the Micro-ETS has been going very well with successful meetings with the appropriate authorities and external verifier recently held. It is hoped that at some point during the new season, that the Porthmadog-Beddgelert section will receive Regulator approval. A back-up to the hard wired telephone network for the internet connection may have been found using the digital microwave GSM system. This would be achieved with a small add-on to the current Modem and would work seamlessly – if the telephone line were to go down, the signal for the token would automatically be routed over the microwave network. Reliability testing of the system’s software is being carried out in a unique way using £18 ‘raspberry pie’ skeleton computers, as used by high school children to learn assembly language and computer basics. These are set up to give random token requests from each end and will work automatically for weeks, logging the results for scrutiny by the MicroETS Team, external verifier and Regulators.
Ed Harris adds: The GSM Cellular Telephone system uses UHF radio frequencies (typically around 900MHz), which is well below the microwave wavelengths (from 2GHz up). Microwaves are used in cell-phone systems, but as fixed links between cell base stations, as an alternative to wires, not as the link between the base station and the phone.
Tuesday Gang report 5/3/13
Tony Baker reports: The Tuesday Gang were at Porthmadog on the 5/3/13. The main job was to reinstate 6 Road. This had been lifted up by panels to allow the contractors to work on the wave wall. We were assisted by a contractor with a mini digger thank goodness. Other jobs done were ballasting the points leading to 4 & 5 Roads where the points had been replaced by the north end points from Hafod-y-Llyn. Also rails were unloaded for future work by the FR Dee & Mersey gang.
This westerly view (5/3/13) shows the siding 6 stacked on top of siding 5. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (5/3/13) shows the contractor helping moving the track panels for siding 6 into the correct location. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (5/3/13) shows the completed siding 6. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (5/3/13) shows the blockwork and provision of a water supply to the signalbox. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
Results of the 5 Million Competition 4/3/12
The competition is now closed and the web editor's decision is final. Some 20 entries were received from North Wales to Spain and even Canada! The counter passed 5,000,000 just before 11am on Sunday morning. The results are as follows:
Tony Ellis Trefriw 5,000,002 WINNER
John Low Stourport 5,000,009
Dr. Richard Kirk 5,000,011
Duncan Mclachlan 5,000,150
Mike Docker Nantwich 5,000,155
Terry Morris Spain 5,000,159
John Pratt 5,000,194
Pete Roughley 5,000,202
Chris Hunter Hook 5,000,264
Malcolm Peakman 5,000,333
Dan Gollins 5,000,351
Mark Hambly 5,000,389
Ian Smith Coventry 5,000,453
Colin Smith 5,000,509
Pete Sykes 5,000,548
Dave Bargh Liverpool 5,000,857
Huw Davies Leicester 5,001,180
Keith Holland 5,001,444
Michael Leivesley 5,001,561
Harry Gow Canada 5,001,563
Five Million Website Views Competition 2/3/13
To celebrate 5 million views of this website Mike Hart and Paul Lewin have offered a copy of Welsh Highland Railway Renaissance, the expensive and detailed reference book published last year that covers the story of the pre-build politics and rebuild of the WHR, with many photos, maps and plans. The 5 millionth visitor is expected within the next few days as there are still over 1,000 visits a day to this website, down from 2,000+ at the peak of construction a couple of years ago. Please make a screen grab of this headline page once the counter reaches 5,000,000 showing the counter (e.g. using the PrtScr button) and attach the image to your email. Entries must be made on the day of the event with name and address provided and the winner will be announced promptly. Your web-editor's decision as to who is nearest to 5,000,000 is final and all entries near the 5,000,000 mark will be listed in the news story with the results.
Princess at Paddington 1/3/13
Chris Meakin reports: Princess was unveiled at Paddington, St David's Day, 1/3/13. The event was attended by many well-known F&WHR figures, with others like Pete Waterman, Tornado chairman Mark Allatt and Heritage luminary David Morgan in the crowd. Unfortunately John Prideaux's introductory remarks were drowned out by an unhelpful Class 125 on an adjacent platform, but the loco itself looked splendid in its new repaint.
This Paddington view (1/3/13) shows FR volunteers working on the Princess display on platform 9 at Paddington with mainline trains in the background. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Alan Frewin and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This Paddington view (1/3/13) shows FR volunteers dressed in period Victorian wear at the opening of the Princess display on platform 9 at Paddington. with mainline trains in the background. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Chris Meakin and was taken on a Nikon P100 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
See Mail-on-line story.
Conway Castle repaired
Conway Castle was back in action as Dinas shunter in February after a long period of ill health.
Handover of ex-SAR brakevan No.3172 on 27/2/13
Following the visit of SAR farmer/preservationist Wilfred Mole of the Sandstone Railway in South Africa in March 2003, the WHR was twinned with the Sandstone Railway that July and he subsequently donated a brakevan which arrived at Dinas on 16/2/04. A £6,000 upgrade was authorised which did not include roof or doors. Most of this was used on new plywood walls. The fragile brass duckets were stored by Marcus Ingram, who also renovated the wagon fleet. From mid-2006 the van was used during the construction phases as a tool van fitted with a site toilet.
The current project has seen the roof and doors dealt with and paintwork completed both externally and internally. Other work involved repairing a bent external step and adding non slip surfaces to steps. Work started in June 2012 in the Carriage Shed where space was available as the second set was based at Porthmadog for the Summer.
The roof was stripped, the makeshift shelving removed and the seats were taken out for refurbishment. A new scaffold tower platform helped access to the roof. Some design changes followed with the stable type doors including glass panels being replaced. The door glass panel was moved to an end panel. The scale of the work sometimes necessitated volunteers attending 2/3 days a week. The roof was replaced with a double layer of 5mm ply instead of tongue and groove wood and the seized brake setter refurbished.
At the end of October work moved to the Goods Shed and was approaching completion by the end of the year. Some final painting ensued with RhE/WHR branding added as well as retaining original SAR signage. The brakevan was handed over on 27/2/13.
This westerly view (27/2/13) shows completed restoration of ex-SAR brakevan No.3172 at Dinas. The handing over ceremony. Team members who were able to attend were (l. to r.) Tym Crowther, Phil Ankers, Paul Harries, John Ellis Williams, Dafydd Jones-Morris, Elwyn Jones and Tony Rowland. WHRS Chairman Dafydd Thomas is in the cab of the newly repaired Conway Castle. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is by Bryn Jones [John Ellis Williams collection] and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (27/2/13) shows completed restoration of ex-SAR brakevan No.3172 at Dinas. WHRS Chairman Dafydd Thomas congratulates team leader Dafydd Jones-Morris on completion of the refurbishment. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is by Bryn Jones [John Ellis Williams collection] and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (27/2/13) shows completed restoration of ex-SAR brakevan No.3172 at Dinas. Dafydd Thomas hands over the brake/tool van into the care of Alun Tomlinson, Permanent Way Manager, F&WHR. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright John Ellis Williams and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (27/2/13) shows completed restoration of ex-SAR brakevan No.3172 at Dinas. Phil Ankers explains his new electrical installations to Dafydd Thomas. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright John Ellis Williams and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (27/2/13) shows completed restoration of ex-SAR brakevan No.3172 at Dinas. The ex-BR (LMR) tail lamp, presented to the Society by Tony Rowland, will be used on the brake/tool van on special occasions. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright John Ellis Williams and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (27/2/13) shows the completed restoration of ex-SAR brakevan No.3172 at Dinas. The ex-BR (LMR) tail lamp, presented to the Society by Tony Rowland, will be used on the brake/tool van on special occasions. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright John Ellis Williams and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (27/2/13) shows the completed restoration of ex-SAR brakevan No.3172 at Dinas. The new end widows are in evidence in this view. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright John Ellis Williams and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This internal northerly view (27/2/13) shows the completed restoration of ex-SAR brakevan No.3172 at Dinas. The refurbished workbench, the replacement vice and new electrical fittings are visible. Also featured, at the far end of the van, is the newly built rack for permanent way tools. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright John Ellis Williams and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This internal southerly view (27/2/13) shows the completed restoration of ex-SAR brakevan No.3172 at Dinas. The new end widows are in evidence in this view along with the refurbished seats, brake setter and vacuum gauge. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright John Ellis Williams and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
The Snowdonian Appeal 13/4/13
Andy Savage reports: The Snowdonian special train is booking well with over 100 booked already, but plenty of seats are left if others want to join us. The special train offers 80 miles of two foot gauge extravaganza for £150, including meals and goodies. For details click on www.phase5.org.uk.
Team Wylfa report 26/2/13
With the leader, Clive, not able to attend this week, Pete and Andy continued work on No.134 – the reverser reach rod was undercoated and further work done on the new loco lubrication system.
ROWG March Working week
Paul Bradshaw reports: Our working week for March starts on Saturday 16/3/13 and continues through until Friday 22/3/13. So far 2013 weather has been kind to us. Let’s hope we get another spell of fine days as we did on our previous outings this year. Our two working parties so far this year have been very productive. Now it’s time for a third one. This will be the last occasion in this Winter’s major maintenance works programme when we can take on a major job requiring a full possession of the track. The project is an important one. The aim is to improve the alignment of the track on the Blaenau side of the Bryn-y-Felin river bridge. To achieve this in the time available a goodly number of enthusiastic people will be needed. We will work under the experienced guidance of P-Way maestro, Fred Howes. So please do join us. Come for the whole week or just a few days or even just a day. We will be pleased to see you whichever it is. Contact me to let me know when you plan to join us or if you need more information. See Contacts page.
Tuesday Gang report 26/2/13
Tony Baker reports: Tuesday 26/2/13 was spent firstly at Pont Croesor where we built a ladder platform out of precast interlocking concrete blocks to the side of the driver's white light at the south end of the station. This was needed in order to make it safe for a lone S&T person to go up a ladder to change the LED. in the point indicator. The embankment here was a mixture of ash and sand, not a stable base for a ladder. This job was completed by 13:30 and then we moved on to Beddgelert. Here we ballasted the new points at the south end of the station using the ballast recently dug out during the point replacement exercise carried out by the North Wales Track Gang.
This northerly view (26/2/13) shows the Tuesday Gang working party building the base for the ladder at the point lamp for Pont Croesor loop south turnout. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (26/2/13) shows the completed base for the ladder at the point lamp for Pont Croesor loop south turnout. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
Kerr Stuart No.4415 progress 24/2/13
Kerr Stuart (Stoke-on-Trent) built an experimental loco in 1928-9. The 6-wheeled diesel was tested on the WHR and eventually returned from Mauritius in 1997. It is now in store at Minffordd and a group now supports this loco with the aim of restoration in view of its historic significance. The Board of the F&WHR Heritage Company has agreed a Conservation Management Plan and a strategy for restoration has been drawn up. It is hoped to see progress with this loco in 2013.
Tryfan Junction progress 22-24/2/13
John Hine reports: Michael Hadley, Rob Darby, Paul Townsend, Peter Hadley and John Hine from the WHRS West Midland Group enjoyed helping the Heritage Group at Tryfan Junction 22-24/2/13, despite the cold. The task was to start the extension of the existing platform downhill (i.e. “railroad north”) to the front of the rebuilt station building. A concrete foundation for the platform edging blocks was poured on Friday and most of the blocks were in place by mid-afternoon on Saturday. John Hine took a break from this work on Friday and hastened to Beddgelert, arriving in time to photograph the works train which brought – along with some pre-assembled track – the replica water tank which will soon be on top of the old concrete water column. It should be in place before the public trains start running on 23/3/13.
This southerly view (22/2/13) shows the construction train carrying the Beddgelert heritage tank and the new point to fill the gap at the south end of the station visible to the left. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright John Hine and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (22/2/13) shows the formwork for the platform extension in front of Tryfan Junction station building. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright John Hine and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (22/2/13) shows the completed foundation for the platform extension in front of Tryfan Junction station building with the West Midlands Group (and Lewis Esposito to the left). Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright John Hine and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
Cob progress 23/2/13
This easterly view (23/2/13) shows Harlech Castle with the construction train. Battens appear to be added to the steelwork of the signalbox. Some slating and ridge tiles are still needed on the Relay Cabin to the right. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
New research resource
The National Library of Wales is currently undertaking a project to digitise 2 million pages of historical newspapers and journals relating to Wales. It will be completely free of charge. This project began in 2009 and the National Library of Wales (Aberystwyth) aims to launch the new digital learning resource on its website early in 2013. The project aims to digitise all of the National Library's paper holdings of out-of-copyright newspapers and journals - generally those published in Wales up to 1911 (the NWNGR and PBSSR periods) and comprising hundreds of different titles touching all corners of Wales. Learners worldwide will be able to search for words, phrases and dates across 2 million pages and discover countless nuggets of information that would otherwise remain hidden within the covers of heavy bound volumes. This will be the largest body of searchable text relating to Wales. See the National Library's website.
Hafod-y-llyn point moves to Porthmadog 23/2/13
The SAR point displaced from Hafod-y-llyn (see ROWG report 17/2/13) has been moved for reuse at Harbour Station as the turnout for the FR's 4/5 roads as it was deemed to have some life left in it for use in sidings and will fishplate easily to the rail used there. This allowed the existing point for 4/5 roads, which is in good condition, to be removed for reuse as one half of the FR yard crossover close to the new signalbox.
Abbey Light Railway locos come to WHHR 22-23/2/13
The Abbey Light Railway based at Kirstall Abbey, Leeds, closed recently after its owner Peter Lowe, who built the line, died last October. The locos have been sold to the WHR and the track was lifted recently. See Yorkshire Evening Post website for more details. On Friday 22/2/13 the locos were loaded on a Buckley (Glan Conwy) crane lorry for transport to the WHHR's Beddgelert Siding depot where they arrived on Saturday and were unloaded. In recent years the WHHR has become a refuge for a considerable number of vintage (and not so vintage!) 2' gauge diesel locos.
This Leeds view (22/2/13) shows the ALR locos loaded onto a lorry for transport to the WHR. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This Leeds view (22/2/13) shows a second load of ALR locos loaded onto a lorry for transport to the WHR. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (23/2/13) shows the delivery of the ALR locos to the WHHR's car park at Tremadog Road, Porthmadog. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This southerly view (23/2/13) shows the ALR locos safely on WHHR rails at Gelert's Farm depot. The 1918 built Baguley loco started first time when tested. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This southerly view (23/2/13) shows the ALR locos safely on WHHR rails at Gelert's Farm depot. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This southerly view (23/2/13) shows the ALR locos safely on WHHR rails at Gelert's Farm depot. This loco needs a lot of work done and is not parked next to the skip for scrapping! Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
Steam 150 event details 3-6/5/13
Saturday 3/5/13 sees a 'Horses to Steam' day where all four England engines will feature amongst other events. Sunday 4/5/13 sees a 'Narrow Gauge Explosion' day with an England engine photocall and unusual trains from Porthmadog to Beddgelert etc. The event finishes on Monday 6/5/13 with an 'Ultimate Narrow Gauge' day with an early morning locomotive line up (first to last), extra trains, heavy freight on Welsh Highland and mixed freight and passenger services. See F&WHR website for more details.
Team Wylfa report 19/2/13
Clive Briscoe reports: During Tuesday evening's working party 19/2/13, it was again No.134 and again, it was plumbing up the new lube oil lines on the driver's side. While Pete and I got on with this, Andy did some painting of the rear end of the loco's frames in way of where the new drag box will fit and also top coated some of the recently fettled and primed components for the cylinder drain cock operating and ashpan door lever systems. Out in the yard was noticed a rake of flat DZ wagons behind Castell Caernarfon. Obviously Beddgelert bound very soon, on one wagon was the new Beddgelert South end point and on the other, amongst other things, was the replica water tank to go on 'Concrete Bob's pillars (adjacent to the siding and former inspection pit at Beddgelert, this is a Welsh Highland Heritage Group project to recreate historical tableaux in the siding area of Beddgelert station-Ed).
Princess unveiling ceremony 1/3/13
On 1/3/13 Princess, the world's first narrow gauge steam engine, celebrates its 150th birthday and returns to the city where it was constructed for the first time. There will be an unveiling event on Friday March 1st 2013 at 1100 at Paddington Station where Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas, PC, AM, Lord Richard Faulkner, President, Heritage Railway Association, Sir William McAlpine (Chairman, Railway Heritage Trust), Sir Simon Jenkins (Chairman, National Trust), Dr. John Prideaux CBE (Chairman, Ffestiniog Railway) and Pete Waterman OBE will speak.
Princess has been painstakingly restored by craftsmen at the Ffestiniog Railway and will be unveiled on St David's Day, remaining on display at Paddington for six weeks in the 'lawn' concourse area at the head of the platforms. A series of events celebrating the 150th anniversary of narrow gauge steam will take place on the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway throughout 2013.
See F&WHR webpage.
YouTube progress 19/2/13
The new YouTube from John Wooden shows welding of the points to the tracks leading to the WHR and FR platform roads was undertaken by a specialist contractor as the rail profiles were different. Roofing of the Relay Cabin is near complete with some of the ridge tiles added to the completed slating. NR apprentices spent time reballasting the FR platform's run round points near the water tower which had previously had trenches dug through them for new service ducts for The Cob extension. Finally work on the kerbing for the new platform edges is shown which are backed by a concrete shoulder to retain them in place.
Click on the YouTube box above to watch 6 min 19 secs of video of work on The Cob extension up to 19/2/13. Harlech Castle attends with a ballast working and Lyd is later seen departing on an FR service. This video was taken by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional camcorder and is best watched in 1080p HD quality.
Tuesday Gang report 19/2/13
Tony Baker reports: The Gang spent the 19/2/13 continuing with the replacement of life expired sleepers at the Boston Lodge end of the Cob. Tuesday's working party was joint one with a FRS working party and replaced a further 23 sleepers completing the job started on the 22/1/13. The sun shone all day from a cloudless blue sky and there was no wind on the Cob. Ideal working conditions.
This westerly view (19/2/13) shows the Tuesday Gang joint working party replacing life expired sleepers on The Cob. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
K1 progress 16-17/2/13
With help from the Railway an enhanced team from the K1 Group achieved quite substantial progress in restoring K1 towards being a serviceable locomotive. The main job was to refit the repaired front engine pivot bearing onto the front engine frame. The bearing casting had been machined in Warwickshire, the new brass inner liner had been inserted using the modern technique of cooling it with liquid nitrogen at a firm near Wolverhampton last week, and the brass pivot base had been machined, as can be seen in the picture of the parts on the bench ready for fitting. The base was lowered in after the main boiler frame had been lifted to, firstly remove the temporary pivot base, and then as shown, the refurbished one lowered into position. Other work attended to included the cab floor, various steam, lubrication, and vacuum pipework and preparation for the fitting up of the steam pipes, etc. More detailed news and pictures on this and other progress will be in a K1 newsletter to members soon, and then in Snowdon Ranger.
This Dinas view (16/2/13) shows K1's front engine pivot ready for assembly. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Andy Rutter and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly Dinas view (16/2/13) shows K1's front engine pivot being lifted into position with the loader. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Andy Rutter and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
New Rhyd Ddu-Beddgelert footpath under construction 16/2/13
Work started in January on a new 7.4km (4.6 mile) multi-user path between Rhyd Ddu and Beddgelert paid for by the Snowdonia National Park Authority. It will be known as Lon Gwyrfai. Starting from opposite Rhyd Ddu station car park, the route improves existing footpaths and adds new rights of way to link them. After passing around the west side of Llyn-y-Gader it follows the Parc-y-gader forest boundary (affording new distant views of the WHR on the straight between Rhyd Ddu and Pitt's Head. The route crosses the railway at Cae'r Gors. (Cae'r Gors cutting lends itself to a new footbridge which would reduce the speed restriction at this limited visibility crossing-Ed). Existing unmade up Forestry Commission tracks are modified for use from there, via Hafod Ruffydd level crossing, to run along the west side of the WHR at Meillionen Beddgelert Forest Campsite Halt.
The high level path that already exists between Meillionen Halt and Cwmcloch is being improved rather than extending the new track from Ty'n-y-coed, just uphill of the railway to Cwmcloch, as this more sensible alternative became mired in disputes with a local landowner. There are often complaints from tourists to SNPA about the lack of a roadside footpath between the Beddgelert Forest Campsite and Beddgelert as this road is relatively narrow and can be busy in the summer and this new footpath, while good for hill walkers, will do nothing to relieve this problem, rising as it does to nearly 150' above the railway at Parc Ty'n-y-coed. The new 2m wide path will be available to walkers, cyclists and horse riders (a bridleway) by Summer 2013 and will eventually form part of the Snowdon Circuit. Work is being completed by the contractor G H James of Trawsfynydd. The full story, including detailed maps, can be seen on the SNPA website.
This westerly view (16/2/13) shows the new SNPA footpath being constructed across the fields from Rhyd Ddu car park. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tim Evans and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
ROWG report 15-18/2/13
Paul Bradshaw reports: Perhaps it was because they like a challenge or maybe they sensed we were going to be blessed with excellent weather, that the long weekend just gone was well supported by ROWG regulars as well as by a number of volunteers who have not been with us for some time. We were glad to see all of them. The challenge was to complete the replacement of the north end point at Hafod-y-llyn, taking out the SAR one and moving in a new S30 one; the object to improve the ride at the start of the long haul up to Pitt's Head summit. The exercise started on Friday when seven of us disconnected the SAR point from the adjoining track, the point lever and its platform. Then came the digging out of the ballast , a job for which a small 360 excavator would have been useful. The rails of the plain track on either side of the point were pulled back as the S30 point is slightly longer than the one it replaces. While it could be done we also adjusted a number of joint gaps and eliminated dips in the track on the approach to the point.
Saturday saw our numbers swell to a round dozen. We started the day by digging out yet more ballast while we waited for the Hiab lorry to arrive with the new point. This it did mid-morning. Fortunately the location of the point with the road just over the fence allowed the Hiab to lift out the SAR point and to place the S30 one almost exactly where it needed to be. The rest of the day was occupied with getting the new point aligned firstly with the location of the point lever and then with the track on either side of it. From there on it was a matter of getting the vertical alignment right, cutting short and fishplating the connecting rails, checking the horizontal alignment again, shovelling more ballast under the point sleepers and giving the sleepers the Kango treatment. All of this kept us occupied through Sunday and into Monday morning.
We finished the weekend by moving further towards Blaenau to sort out some unhappy joints near Hafod-y-llyn Isaf which were trying to become fifty pence piece shaped. Here the slewing jacks came into their own. Over the four days thirteen volunteers had put in just short of 280 hours closing off one more item on the Winter Major Works Programme list.
This northerly view (17/2/13) shows the six new B wagons in Dinas bay platform with SAR couplers in evidence. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tim Evans and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (16/2/13) shows the removal of the old SAR point at Hafod-y-llyn with the Hiab lorry with the new S30 point 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 Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (17/2/13) shows the new points at Hafod-y-llyn laid by the ROWG and the loop rail being rotabroached for new fishbolt holes after being cut short to fit the new point. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tim Evans and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (17/2/13) shows the new points at Hafod-y-llyn laid by the ROWG being kangoed to bed them in. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tim Evans and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (17/2/13) shows Snowdon with a light dusting of snow on the summit at the end of the day. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tim Evans and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
K1 news Winter 2012-13
K1 has not been used for a couple of years and many enthusiasts miss the original Garratt loco. The last time the loco was in service was for the Santa Specials in 2010 paired with a diesel and it was obvious that problems were developing from the noises the loco was making. K1 was held in reserve due to loco shortages and no major work could be progressed as a result. The team hope to reduce steam leaks and cure the front pivot issues. Indeed a new front pivot liner has been cast and is being machined to fit. It is hoped to return the loco to 210lbs/sq inch (1.45MPa) pressure and an ability to work at 25mph hauling a 7 coach 'shoulder' train such as the evening services from Porthmadog to Beddgelert.
The Group reports that it has been unable to secure a commitment from the F&WHR to provide support for K1 and would continue to welcome volunteer contributions. Where possible work was offered to the F&WHR but work to complete the pivot components was refused even when the time would be paid for. The loco is currently disassembled and the group is preparing to replace the water tanks and rear pivot which will also eventually fail. Money has also been set aside for the boiler inspection. The next working party is on 16-17/3/13. Contact John Startin for details. See K1 Group website for more details.
Titbits Winter 2012-3
While Santa trains were the busiest yet, overall the year showed poorer traffic figures with the atrocious weather during the main holiday periods (and difficulty getting there for day trippers!), fewer charter trains and more lightly patronised railtours due to the recession.
The new till system for 2013 will issue personal tickets rather than family tickets so adding souvenir value.
Coach No.2046 progress 14/2/13
This southerly view (14/2/13) shows No.2046 posing outside Boston Lodge works with the new concrete apron prominent in the foreground. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Norman Bond (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
The FR Trust will fund No.2047 in 2014 to increase both rakes to 8 WHR profile coaches. This will reduce the number of FR coaches required on the WHR and allow trolley access to all coaches in a rake. The eventual aim is to have two 9 coach rakes to maximise income per train mile. This would also allow three six coach rakes if the longer train/less frequent policy is changed.
The double glazing and roller bearings add some £20,000 to the cost of the coach and donations are being sought from WHRS members by appeal in the current membership renewal.
EAG Meeting 21/2/13
Richard Watson reports: A reminder that the next WHR East Anglian Group meeting will be on Thursday next, 21/2/13. Our speaker will be Richard Booth, who will be giving us fascinating insights into The Ashover Railway Past & Present. Richard is the Chairman of the Ashover Light Railway Society, which aims to revive a 2½ mile stretch of this lovely, and late lamented narrow gauge railway. As always, we will be meeting at The Six Bells Pub, 9 High Street, Fulbourn, Cambridge CB21 5DH. The pub is located in Fulbourn village centre and has a large meeting room. Fulbourn is easily accessible from A14/M11 corridors and is also located on CamBus route 1. Car parking can be busy but there is spaces available on Church Lane 3-5 minute walk to the pub. We meet after 6-6.30pm and an evening meal is available in the restaurant or bar; prices are reasonable. The meetings starts around 8pm with a halfway break for coffee (£1.20 per person), and we finish around 10pm. See you all there!
SuperPower 2013
Planning is underway for SuperPower 2013 dated 6-8/9/13. There will be model railways and extra trains, based at the Caernarfon end of the line. Dinas station will feature model railway layouts, a cafe and a bar. The event will be centred around Caernarfon, Dinas and Waunfawr. There will be an enhanced timetable incorporating some large freight trains (utilising the six new B wagons and the refurbished brakevan) and other surprises. See F&WHR website for full details.
Team Wylfa report 12/2/13
Clive Briscoe: A very much depleted Team Wylfa was at Dinas on Tuesday evening due to some of our members having Half Term commitments. However, this did not put Andy W and myself off. In fact we had a very productive evening. The remaining new oil distribution blocks were counter-bored and tapped ¼"BSP to start the evening. Then, with most of the new lube line pipe clips now fitted on the Driver's side, we made a start threading and bending the new lube oil lines down the side of the chassis and through the platform support brackets. You needed to be a contortionist in places... By the end of the evening, we had fitted 3 of the lines. There is a NG15 No.134 Group working weekend coming up at the end of the week. As usual, if you'd like to give a hand, please let Andie Shaw, Pete Randall or myself, Clive Briscoe know beforehand in order to keep within the Dinas Site access rules. Contact details on No.134's restoration dedicated website.
Tuesday Gang report 12/2/13
Tony Baker reports: The Tuesday Gang spent 12/2/13 painting the steelwork of the new Porthmadog signal box with a black bitumastic waterproof paint. Harbour station was a hive of activity with contractors laying in the new platform kerbs and elsewhere apprentices fitting out the Relay Room. Half term trains were running and attachments show Lyd passing the just completed platform kerbing. It was not so cold on The Cob as last week and the sun was actually shining.
This westerly view (12/2/13) shows the Tuesday Gang painting the steelwork of the signalbox with bitumastic waterproof paint given the location close to the sea. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (12/2/13) shows Lyd passing the newly constructed joint FR/WHR platform. Lyd is travelling along the future position of the WHR run round track. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (12/2/13) shows Lyd passing the newly constructed joint FR/WHR platform. Lyd is travelling along the future position of the WHR run round track. The FR tracks will pass between the platform and the Relay Cabin in the background. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
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This plan (29/2/12) shows the latest plans for track and platform arrangements at Porthmadog. This image may be enlarged to a large size. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
Inversys team building exercise 10/2/13
Tim Maynard reports: Twenty graduates and apprentices from Invensys Rail arrived in North Wales on Sunday 10/2/13 for a week’s Team Building Exercise supporting the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways. They will be working on the new signalling system at Porthmadog Harbour station, with tasks such as fitting out the new Relay Room with equipment racks, pulling new cables in recently installed cable ducts and various other works. This is a great opportunity for engineers new to the signalling industry to get together as a team and learn some practical skills associated with working on a railway. During the week they will be given the opportunity to see behind the scenes including a demonstration of how Network Rail and the F&WHR have implemented the unique rail to rail level crossing at Cae Pawb on the Cambrian Coast Line. They will also have the opportunity to meet with apprentices from Network Rail who will be working on various jobs elsewhere on the F&WHR. Hopefully during the week, photographs will come available, and that the F&WHR Facebook site will show the team in action (any contributions welcome-Ed).
North Wales track Gang report 9-10/2/13
Andy Forsyth reports: There was an early finish on 10/2/13 for North Wales Track Gang after lifting the Beddgelert south end point and clearing the ballast ready for installing the new point in two weeks time.
This southerly view (10/2/13) shows passing the southern end point at Beddgelert removed and the ballast cleared. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Andy Forsyth and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This southerly view (10/2/13) shows the rails removed on DZ1403 with ballast piled to the left ready for reuse. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Andy Forsyth and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
First train of new FR season passes The Cob works 9/2/13
It was a proud moment on 9/2/13 for the F&WHR construction engineers Stuart McNair and Alastair Stewart and the various volunteers involved that The Cob works were finished as planned to allow the FR Half Term holiday trains to run from Saturday 9/2/13. Work continues independently of the running lines.
This westerly view (9/2/13) shows Lyd passing the new Relay Room and Porthmadog Signalbox. Ridge tiles are being added to slate roof of the Relay Room. Two new concrete bases for signals are visible with plastic ducting protruding. The steel frame of the new Signalbox is visible in the background. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
No WHR Half Term services
Paul Lewin (F&WHR General Manager) explains: This Winter we did need to do some construction related work. Firstly there is all the work on The Cob. Secondly we want to do consolidation tamping between Hafod-y-Llyn and Porthmadog after a couple of years running. We have previously done this consolidation tamping on the rest of the WHR. Our plan is to have a clear run at a number of areas on the WHR with Network Rail apprentices as well as our usual gangs. This involves several consecutive severances of the line. The benefit of getting this work done is much extended life of track materials and rolling stock. Weigh this up against weak Winter demand and the decision was quite clear. February Half Term warrants trains on one line. We have chosen the FR this year. It could vary year by year depending on what engineering is needed.
New Cob pointwork ballasted 6/2/13
Moel Hebog and Moelwyn hauled a ballast train using the WHR ballast wagon to ballast the new pointwork out on The Cob just three days prior to the start of the FR's February school half term holiday service on 9/2/13.
This westerly view (6/2/13) shows the PW train ballasting the newly laid points out on The Cob. The short remaining section of the original wave wall can be seen next to Moelwyn. This has been left to avoid disturbing the disc signalling at this location. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Andrew Thomas (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
Prince/Princess volunteer appeal
Ron Walker appeals: For the first time in 150 years these two locomotives built by George England at Hatcham Iron works in Pomeroy Street, New Cross SE14, will be visiting London as part of their 150th. birthday celebrations and the 150th. birthday celebration of London Underground. Late in February in the dead of night Princess will be delivered to Paddington Station and be set down on the concourse and covered up. On Friday 1/3/13 (St. David's Day) she will be unveiled, this is where the F&WHR Company has asked the London Area Group members to help. There are twelve special days during her six week stay when extra help in the way of stewards to give out a special leaflet and to answer questions. On these special days an F&WHR Company manger will be on duty to guide the volunteer stewards.
I think we are looking for four volunteers each day from 09.00 to 17.00. On all the other days the F&WHR Co. has asked the LAG to organise a rota of volunteers to call in at Paddington to check that Princess is clean and tidy, if necessary to give the brass a clean and wipe off any finger marks and dust. She needs to look her best, sparkling every day.
Volunteers will be loaned fleeces with F&WHR Company Logo & Steam 150 logo.
Special Days
1-3/3/13 weekend – Friday evening 7-9pm The Great Western Railway- Paddington Band will perform a St. David's Day Concert with a Welsh Theme – on Platform 9
9-10/3/13 Weekend – Visit Wales Festival. www.visitwales.co.uk
12-15/3/13 – Cheltenham Festival days. www.cheltenham.co.uk/festival
16-17/3/13 weekend Promotion of the Railway Children Charity. www.railwaychildren.org.uk
23-24/3/13 Promotion of London Transport Museum's Depot at Acton Open Days
30-31/3/13 Promotion of London Transport Museum's Depot at Acton Open Days
In the early hours of Sunday 14/4/13 Princess will be removed from Paddington and be taken west to Acton to join Prince for the day.
ACTON
Then over the weekend of 12-14/4/13 at the London Transport's Museum Depot at Acton
Prince will be in steam running on a section of temporary track. Friday will be a Press Day from 09.00 to 15.00 then Saturday and Sunday 09.00 to 17.00. The F&WHR Company will have a manager on duty but this person will require local help in the shape of at least four volunteer stewards, possibly more. Most volunteers should go by underground to Acton Town Station and walk down the access road opposite. See www.ltmuseum.co.uk/acton.
To offer help contact ;- Martin Cook who will set up the various rosters.
Phone ;- 01732 452706
or E-Mail ;- Martinelizabeth.cook@btinternet.com
or write to: Martin Cook, 8 Pinewood Ave., Sevenoaks Kent TN14 5AF
Team Wylfa report 5/2/13
Clive Briscoe reports: In bitterly cold conditions in the Clip Shed, the Team carried on working on NG15 No.134's new lubrication system. More lube pipe clip positions were drilled, also new splitter blocks were drilled and tapped for brass compression fittings which will be connected to the copper oil lines from the new mechanical lubricator in due course.Your scribe was back with the Team but on light duties for the next week or two and spent most of the evening collating last year's timesheets and inputting the hours worked onto a spreadsheet on his laptop. With not having been to Dinas since before Christmas, this is a task that needed doing as Boston Lodge needs to know how many hours we've worked on each project or on carriage oiling to give it a nominal cost.
We've asked for a heater and sincerely hope that one can be sourced before next Tuesday as the working conditions with such low temperatures are not nice at all.
Tuesday Gang report 5/2/13
Tony Baker reports: The Tuesday Gang spent the 5/2/13 changing life expired sleepers on The Cob at Porthmadog. A cold northwesterly wind guaranteed that everyone worked hard in order to keep warm. Thirteen sleepers which had been dug out a fortnight ago were pulled out and changed for new sleepers. It is anticipated that the rest of the candidates for replacement will be dealt with in a fortnight's time on our next visit to the FfR. Further toward the station itself a gang of Network Rail apprentices were dealing with a dip and kango packing. It is certainly a hive of activity these days at the Harbour station and The Cob area.
This easterly view (5/2/13) shows the Tuesday Gang pulling a rotten sleeper out on The Cob. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (5/2/13) shows the Tuesday Gang placing a new sleeper out on The Cob with PW loco Harlech Castle in the background. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (5/2/13) shows the Tuesday Gang fixing a new sleeper in place out on The Cob. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
Relay Cabin progress 4/2/13
Ross Williams reports: During a three day working party, F.R.E.D (Ffestiniog Railway Electrical Department) volunteers installed sockets, light fittings, heating and emergency lights in the relay room. In the afternoon of Monday 4/2/13, only one heater and three double sockets remained to be fitted, the sockets will be done after new racking is installed in the future. Once the signal box armoured cable is installed, a second armoured cable will carry the supply to the relay room from the signal box.
Guest driver packages 2013
For £1250, enthusiasts can book a Guest Driver package on the F&WHR. This involves driving a medium sized loco from Boston Lodge to Tan-y-bwlch, back to Rhyd Ddu on the challenging 1 in 40 and finally returning to Boston Lodge. Many Saturday or Sundays are available from 6/4/13 to 2/6/13. The loco preferred can be requested but not guaranteed. Guests can take 3 family/friends in the short rake behind the loco. See F&WHR website for full story.
Cob progress 2/2/13
This easterly view (2/2/13) shows the Cob works as seen from a local hill. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Dave Thurlow and was taken on a Canon 5D2 DLSR digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (2/2/13) shows the Cob works with a group of volunteers putting in an extra day to complete outstanding trackwork tasks so that the FR can start Half Term services on 9/2/13 (the WHR unusually has no Half Term services this year). Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Dave Thurlow and was taken on a Canon 5D2 DLSR digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
Relay Cabin progress 1/2/13
Steve Broomfield reports: This is not the most exciting photo you've ever seen, but it does show that the interior of the Relay Room is now fully lined and painted, just in time for the electricians to start fitting it out (2/2/13). The device standing on the floor is for making holes in slates.
This easterly view (1/2/13) shows the completed interior of the Relay Cabin with the electricians about to start fitting out the following day. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Steve Broomfield and was taken on a Panasonic Lumix DSC-FS3 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
ROWG appeal
Paul Bradshaw appeals: The next outing of the Rest of the World Gang on the WHR is our February long weekend starting Friday 15/2/13 running through to Monday 18/2/13. A major task that needs to be completed before the train service restarts on 23/3/13 is to replace one set of points at Hafod-y-Llyn. A new S30 set of points will be installed to replace the rather tired SAR ones there now. Sounds simple but it never is!
The existing set from Hafod-y-Llyn is destined to do further duty in the sidings at Harbour Station and will be installed there over this summer. It is important that we complete the task at Hafod-y-Llyn during the February long weekend so we need to be able to field a reasonable sized work force. If you can join us even for only part of the period we will be very glad to see you.
Contact Paul Bradshaw if you can help.
Signalbox progress 31/1/13
On 31/1/13 the steel frame for the Porthmadog Harbour station signalbox was erected on the cast concrete base slightly to the west of the Relay Cabin. Wood cladding is being added to the Relay Cabin beyond of a suitable quality to resist the attention of the salty environment out of The Cob.
This easterly view (31/1/13) shows the start of work to erect the steel frame for the Porthmadog signalbox. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (31/1/13) shows the work on the steel frame for the Porthmadog signalbox nearing completion. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This southerly view (31/1/13) shows the steel frame for the Porthmadog signalbox near complete. In the foreground are cast signal bases. The floor level of the signalbox is indicated by the transverse framing about a metre above the level of the cast concrete base. Extra transverse beams at the east end will support the ex-Darlington lever frame which is being refurbished for erection in the box. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
Princess emerges from Paint Shop 30/1/13
Click on the YouTube box above to watch 3 mins 26 secs of video of works' shunter Moel-y-gest hauling Princess from the Boston Lodge Paint Shop on 30/1/13. Princess is now complete with its tender which had previously been borrowed by Welsh Pony. This video was taken by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional camcorder and is best viewed at 1080p standard.
Team Wylfa report 29/1/13
Clive Briscoe reports: Team Wylfa continued work on NG15 No.134 again this week. With most of the work done on the bell cranks for the cylinder drain cock rodding, they turned their hand to other jobs: The lube pipework/clips is at an advanced stage on the fireman's side but little done on the driver's side so measurements were taken for the pipe clips from the fireman's side and mirrored to the driver's side and a start on drilling and tapping the frames to mount the clips. Also, cleaning up of the reverser reach rod was completed and the tender chassis was surveyed and measured for possible runs for the vacuum brake piping. I should be back with the Team next Tuesday.
Tuesday Gang report 29/1/13
The Tuesday Gang spent 29/1/13 at Porthmadog working on the Relay Room. We had previously installed the roof trusses and today we turned our attention to the internal floor and walls. A plastic membrane was stapled to the floor and then hardboard panels were screwed down on top of it. After lunch we fitted wall panels. It poured with rain most of the day and we were glad that we were inside the building relatively dry. Not so fortunate were the lads from Coleg Meirion Dwyfor who were visiting for 2 days to install slates on the roof.
This easterly view (29/1/13) shows the Tuesday Gang laying a plastic membrane on the floor of the Relay Cabin. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (29/1/13) shows the Tuesday Gang laying the floor of the Relay Cabin from hardboard panels. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (29/1/13) shows the Tuesday Gang fixing of the wall panels to Relay Cabin. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (29/1/13) shows the Coleg Merion Dwyfor students fixing slates to the roof of the Relay Cabin dressed to cope with the heavy rain. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
New points under construction 21-29/1/13
The next two new points for the Harbour Station Project have been made by K.J.G Price Ltd of Bedwas near Caerphilly, South Wales. A left hand point constructed from new S30 rail has been assembled for the FR platform road to form the first part of the yard cross over. The second point is a 75lb right hand point to be placed at the western end of the WHR platform tracks outside of Spooners. This has been constructed from good quality second hand 75lb rail rather than S30 rail in order to match the approach tracks over Britannia Bridge which are also 75lb rail. Following a final inspection visit in mid-February, it is planned to delivery the two points by the end of February.
This Bedwas view (21/1/13) shows the new left hand point for the FR yard turnout. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright KJG Price Ltd. courtesy of the F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This Bedwas view (29/1/13) shows the new right hand point for the west end of the WHR platform loop outside Spooners. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright KJG Price Ltd. courtesy of the F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This latest plan shows the track works on The Cob due to be completed this year. The two points shown in red have now been fitted and work is well underway on the Signalbox and Relay Room. Also shown is the first second of the new platform in yellow which will lie between the final positions of the FR and WHR. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy of the Stuart McNair and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
A new set of points has been purchased to replace the rough set at the south end of Beddgelert Station. Replacement of these points is in the Winter Works programme.
Trackwork appeal
Dafydd Thomas appeals: Firstly a big thank you to all of you who turned out over this last weekend to fettle the new sections of track on The Cob that is part of the Harbour Station redevelopment to give better facilities for WHR trains. There are still a number of items that need to be completed before trains can run over this section, which they are due to do so on Saturday, 9/2/13. In order to complete the necessary jobs we intend to have an additional day on Saturday, 2/2/13. So if you could be available to help I would be most grateful. It will be the usual set up of meet at Dinas at 8:00 or Harbour station at 9:30. If you are not able to do Saturday, the Ffestiniog P Way team would appreciate help during the coming week with some of these jobs; contact Chris Mace or telephone 07919 414878.
Cob Progress 27/1/13
Dafydd Thomas reports: Over the weekend of 26-27/1/13 the North Wales/Black Hand Gang continued with the work started by the ROW Gang to install the new turnouts and rail on the Cob in connection with the Harbour station redevelopment. Ballast was dropped, rail levelled and packed. The initial spurs of track for both WHR platform road and FfR platform road were laid in readiness for welding the joints.
This easterly view (27/1/13) shows the concreted base for a signal with ducts. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (27/1/13) shows the track being levelled. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Andy Forsyth and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (27/1/13) shows the track being tamped. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Andy Forsyth and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (27/1/13) shows the track being screwed down with gauge bars still clipped in place. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (27/1/13) shows the track being levelled and tamped with Dafydd Thomas walking by the mobile generator. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (27/1/13) shows the interior of the Relay Cabin. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Andy Forsyth and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
Cob Progress 26/1/13
This westerly view (26/1/13) shows the North Wales Gang packing the wooden sleepers around the new Cob Extension King point. The weather was rather poor. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (26/1/13) shows rails being brought up to the King point to extend the track that leads to the new FR platform/siding layout. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (26/1/13) shows the rails in place. At least one length will be laid to allow work to continue laying the track towards the station without interfering with the F&WHR's regular operations. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
Coach No.2046 started 26/1/13
This Boston Lodge view (26/1/13) shows the frame for No.2046 which was started in January. The coach has a similar format to the most recent slightly longer WHR standard saloons. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Norman Bond (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
Cob Widening Progress 24-25/1/13
This westerly view (24/1/13) shows the new king point in place ready to be ballasted. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Mike Schumann and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This southerly view (25/1/13) shows the completed king point (and WHR loop point beyond) at the start of The Cob widening. Roland rail movers are being used to carry rails to the site. Ballasting and packing are yet to be completed. The North Wales/Black Hand Gang may be doing that, this coming weekend. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Steve Broomfield and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
Click on the YouTube box above to watch 9 mins 45 secs of video of Harbour Station works to complete the king point tracklaying and other works dated 24/1/13. This video was taken by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional camcorder and is best viewed at 1080p standard.
Over the weekend of 19-20/1/13 volunteers placed the king point and the WHR loop point at their final locations out on The Cob extension. As usual, both points were delivered in two parts and unloaded onto the trackbed near to the station. A back-actor and a winch were used to drag the sections along the trackbed to their planned position following delivery on a Hughes lorry (no relation-Ed:-)). Following the placing of the WHR loop point nearer the station, the king point was dragged over the top of it to its final position. Fitting out of services is continuing and the trench to carry the signalbox power cable has been back filled. The FR station platform and run round, Nos. 1 & 3 roads, have been reinstated while No. 2 road will follow shortly. Four welded joints and ballasting/tamping need to be completed before the line can be returned to use for the FR's Half Term trains in mid-February. Students from Group Llandrillo-Menai College were practising their skills by roofing the Relay Cabin with slates. Some of the signalling ducts and signal bases were concreted in.
Russell update 24/1/13
Ken Farrance reports: In June 2012 we appealed for £125,000 to complete Russell’s restoration. There was an encouraging response from WHHR and WHRS members, as well as readers of Heritage Railway and Narrow Gauge World magazines, which got us nearly halfway to the target. Thanks to you the restoration work is progressing at pace. The WHHR board decided in April 2012 to send Russell’s rolling frame, boiler and fabricated components to Alan Keef Ltd, Light Railway Engineers, Ross-on-Wye to continue the restoration work. Following a visit to Keef's by Martyn Owen on 24/1/13 we can report that the valve gear assembly is now complete, and timing adjusted. Also, the pistons have been installed with new rings and the slide valves fitted into the steam chests. Completing this work is a major milestone towards turning a rolling frame into a powered one. The next task is to assemble the brake mechanism and to do this the boiler will be positioned temporarily on the frame. This should be complete by mid-February. The boiler will then be removed so that the smoke box and ash pan can be fitted permanently. However, to complete the restoration and see RUSSELL back in steam we still need to raise £65,000. There is a little money left in the fund, but, at the rapid progress being made by Keef’s this will soon run out. So, to keep the ball rolling, we are again asking for your help.
If you, like us, want to see Russell back in working order on the WHHR (and hopefully the WHR too-Ed) at the beginning of the 2014 season please make a contribution to the fund. See WHHR Appeal leaflet. See Russell Newsletter for full details and progress images.
Six B wagons delivered 24/1/13
Mike Schumann reports: Six ex-SAR wagons were delivered to Dinas last Thursday morning (24/1/13). They arrived at Immingham last Sunday afternoon (20/1/13) from Durban. New couplings to FR/WHR design will need to be made for these wagons before they can be used. They will probably be used for coal, ash and general maintenance purposes. There are now however enough SAR wagons around to do a proper freight train photo charter. (There are 14 B wagons-Ed)
Keith Holland has identified the numbers as Nos. 921/922/1125/1146/1680/2436.
See F&WHR website for full story.
This southerly view (24/1/13) shows the new B wagons with Castell Caernarfon in the still snowy bay platform at Dinas. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Mike Schumann and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
Alun Tomlinson
Alun Tomlinson has been appointed as Permanent Way Manager for the F&WHR. Many will remember Tom, as he is known, as a worker on Phase 2. Tom is also a WHR Society director.
Tuesday Gang 22/1/13
Pete Tabord reports: Team Wylfa were busy at Dinas again on Tuesday evening 22/1/13 on NG15 No.134 work and continued fettling rodding and bell cranks for the cylinder drain cocks and the reverser reach rod. Clive Briscoe hopes to be back with the Team a week Tuesday as the new 'big ends' fitted in his right knee have been gently 'running in' smoothly at home and his surgeon is happy to release him for light duties in a week's time
The Snowdonian 13/4/13
Tickets are now available for The Snowdonian, a special train which offers a full round trip on the whole length of both the FR and WHR with a variety of motive power. Tickets will be £150, or £130 if booked early. Ffestiniog Travel are also doing a special package for The Snowdonian. Click on this link for more details.On the Saturday morning the train will depart Porthmadog at 0845, direct to Caernarfon with Garratt haulage. At Dinas surprise motive power will be added to the front for the trip to Caernarfon and back. A buffet lunch at the Goat Hotel Beddgelert will operate from 1336 to 1505. A change of motive power will take place at Pont Croesor with Palmerston leading Merddin Emrys, assisted to Minffordd by small engines - a spectacular trip across town! The train then runs to Blaenau Ffestiniog and back to Porthmadog arriving back at 18.50
An FR set will be used with two observation cars and early booking is advised for the limited seating available. Bacon butties and coffee will be provided to Caernarfon with buffet lunch at the Goat Hotel, in Beddgelert and, finally, cream with scone tea from Porthmadog to Blaenau. A buffet service throughout the journey and toilets are available on the train.
Photo opportunities include Porthmadog before starting, Dinas 15 mins whilst attaching surprise power, Caernarfon 28 mins for run round and watering, Beddgelert 1hr 25mins (if you miss lunch), Pont Croesor 10 mins for loco change, Minffordd 15 mins and finally Blaenau Ffestiniog 20 mins.
There will be a raffle/draw for a Jonathan Clay original painting of the two Penrhyn Ladies in Blaenau Ffestiniog. All of the profits from this train go to Phase 5. See FR website for full details.
Coaching building strategy
The current coach building strategy is to complete two nine car rakes to the WHR profile, which allows the catering trolley access to all parts of the train as the FR coaches are not wide enough for this profitable service to be provided. The WHR sets, known as the E and F sets currently operate with seven WHR coaches and additional FR coaches added as necessary and heritage 'lock up' coaches. The cycle/baggage wagon has disappeared from normal operation in the last few years.
Saloon No.2046 will be under construction in 2013 and the FR Trust is set to order No.2047 in 2014. The new WHR coaches should include double glazing and roller bearing bogies, which should give a warmer environment for Winter services and a substantially improved ride. The cost of the added extras is £20,000 and an appeal is being made for the extra money necessary along with this year's membership renewal.
Adding to the number of number of coaches also gives the option of making a third rake if the fewer/longer trains policy changes in future years e.g. three 6 coach rakes. This would however require another Pullman coach and another service car to provide a uniform standard of service throughout the timetable. Having one train every 3 hours or more may not be the ideal way to maximise passenger numbers as those who arrive at Caernarfon without access to a timetable may just miss a train and then may be unlikely to wait the three hours necessary to catch the next train under the current timetable.
Tuesday Gang report 22/1/13
The Tuesday gang spent the 22/1/13 working at Porthmadog. The first part of the day was spent in Minffordd Yard unloading and stacking recovered sleepers that had been changed for new by the Network Rail gang. The second part of the day was spent on the cob digging out life expired sleepers. The surrounding ballast was dug out but the sleepers left in situ for a future working party when they will be replaced. Some 34 sleepers were dealt with by the gang.
This northerly view (22/1/13) shows Snowdon living up to its name. The snow line would seem to include Rhyd Ddu. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (22/1/13) shows the Tuesday Gang changing sleepers on The Cob. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
Roofing the Relay Cabin 20-22/1/13
Progress has been made with roofing the new Relay Cabin at Porthmadog. At the weekend the slates were delivered and by Tuesday the waterproof insulation had been placed and the battens fixed in place ready for fixing the slates.
This southerly view (20/1/13) shows the slates delivered and preparations for roofing. A little snow still lies on the ground at sea level having fallen the day before. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This southerly view (20/1/13) shows preparation for fitting the traditional slates to the roof that will help it blend in to the other local structures. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Andrew Thomas (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
New carriage No.2046
With the completion of semi-open No.2021 (the WHR's 'Gladstone coach'-see below), workspace is free in Boston Lodge Carriage Works to start on the new WHR coach No.2046. This is a WHR Soc. project and will be funded by the WHRS. The coach will be a further saloon to the design of the most recent batch Nos.2043-5, with the slightly longer frame and double doors at one end to accommodate prams etc. Work starts in January.
Santa Special success
Santa Specials loaded well in December despite the wet weather and the absence of snow. Passengers now come from as far away as Greater Manchester and Shropshire, showing the attraction of the WHR Santa experience compared with alternative offerings.
King Point installed 20/1/13
This easterly view (20/1/13) shows the fitting of the roof structure to the previously erected trusses on the Relay Cabin. A little snow still lies on the ground at sea level having fallen the day before. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (20/1/13) shows the laying of the new king point with the WHR loop point freshly installed beyond. A little snow still lies on the ground at sea level having fallen the day before. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
ROWG report 19-25/1/13
Paul Bradshaw reports: Before the start of the ROWG January working week the omens were not propitious. The pickup carrying tools from Dinas to Minffordd on Friday before the start of the week only just got through after battling through the snow and overcoming the drifts near Pant Glas. Saturday was a complete contrast and for the rest of the week the weather was kind to us even if that kindness included strong cold winds. We experienced very little sunshine of the liquid variety and several days of the radiant kind. The weather away from Porthmadog was rather different. A number of prospective volunteers found it impossible to make the journey. Despite this our numbers through the week were in the fifteen to nineteen range on four days and never less than ten except on the last.
The new king and queen points (WHR loop point-Ed) had been delivered to site by road but had been off loaded some distance on the Harbour Station side of the gap in the main line which had been made in readiness for the new track work. The first two days were largely occupied with moving the new points into position. This was done by sliding each half section of point first along the existing track and then onto rails temporarily positioned for the purpose. A length of S30 was laid between the two points. While this was going on another team was working at the water tank end of the track in the station putting back the double head and bull head rails which had been lifted for the contractors to dig a trench across the station site for drains and cables. This proved to be far from straight forward and those involved are to be congratulated with overcoming the difficulties of working with unfamiliar materials of considerable antiquity.
This easterly view (20/1/13) shows the king point slowly being winched over the track laid earlier. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Simon Banbury and was taken on a Fuji FinePix S5700 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (20/1/13) shows the king point slowly being winched over the toe of the WHR loop point which has already been laid. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Simon Banbury and was taken on a Fuji FinePix S5700 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (20/1/13) shows the two points in position and waiting to be aligned. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Simon Banbury and was taken on a Fuji FinePix S5700 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
Some lengths of 75lb rail were laid to connect the new points to the existing track on either side. The join between the 75lb rail of the mainline and the S30 of the points will be made by welding short stubs of S30 to the 75lb thus avoiding the need to make composite fishplates. By the end of the week the FR mainline was just about complete again though as yet un-ballasted and still needing the ministrations of the welder. In all 22 volunteers took part in the week putting just under 790 hours of valuable work.
This westerly view (21/1/13) shows the 75lb rail cut back for a new insulated joint. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Simon Banbury and was taken on a Fuji FinePix S5700 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (22/1/13) shows the track leading in to the station platform was being reinstated after excavations for new ducts. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Simon Banbury and was taken on a Fuji FinePix S5700 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
Snow at Rhyd Ddu 19/1/13
The line was blocked by snowdrifts around Rhyd Ddu on 19/1/13. Over 20 cm of snow fell but the blizzard caused it collect in drifts in places. Only works trains are currently operating over the line.
This southerly view (19/1/13) shows snowdrifts across the line at Rhyd Ddu. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Dr. Simon Melhuish and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (19/1/13) shows Rhyd Ddu platform covered in windblown snow. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Dr. Simon Melhuish and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
Phasing of Harbour Station works
With the widening work completed and the Spring of 2012, Autumn saw the commencement of the wave wall work, built to the same height as the 1939 wall in agreement with the Environment Agency. This is in order to provide a final defence against extreme storms in preparation for the more extreme weather we are experience with global warming. The foundation of wave wall was laid on 16/10/12 and completed in early November. Some 379 blocks were cast and had slate dust added to allow them to blend in. Ten spare blocks remain stored on site. The new wall was completed in December and parts of the old wall broken out. This proved difficult at times as the blocks were anchored to large boulders in The Cob sub-structure. Some sections near the king point and nearer the existing Signal Cabin were left to avoid disturbing the points and signalling infrastructure. As work re-started in January further sections of the old wave wall were demolished by a hydraulic rock pecker.
The new station layout is scheduled to be complete and operational by the start of the 2014 season whilst avoiding affecting the 2013 season adversely. Planning includes provision for many 'nice to haves' which will hopefully appear over the next several years including:-
Emergency provision includes the Control position in the Signal Box primarily designed to exercise Control functions in off peak periods when two staff cannot be justified. It is fully able to replace the upstairs Control office if the latter is evacuated e.g. during a fire. The signal box will control the whole of Harbour Station and it is intended to take over control of the Britannia Bridge and NR Crossings at a later stage.
With the completion of Phase 1, Phase 2 is now underway. This involves:-
Phase 3 involves extension of the new WHR and FR tracks along the section of isolated platform built out on The Cob extension. This includes the crossover to the station sidings.
Phase 4 involves more remodelling:-
Subsequent phases likely to start in Winter 2013/14 include:-
Ian Harthill has been appointed Project Manager until a permanent replacement is recruited. The Phase 2 pointwork must be complete before the start of the FR Half Term Holiday trains from 9/2/13. The F&WHR website explains that because 'of continuing construction work, there will be no service on the Welsh Highland Railway until March 23rd.' without further explanation. Some are wondering where these WHR construction works are as clearly the Harbour Station works are still allowing a FR service to run so it cannot be them. A WHR February Half Term service has operated on most years since the railway opened, sometimes for 2 weeks as on the FR this year.
Snow report 18-19/1/13
A significant snowfall occurred across the WHR on 18/1/13 and the WHHR webcams show lying snow at Porthmadog which was still present on 19/1/13. Access to North Wales via the A55 will involve delays in the Conway Tunnel where LED lighting is being installed in the closed westbound tube and a 40mph restriction is in place in the eastbound tube that will operate in a bidirectional mode until 10/2/13 at the latest. Unfortunately only works trains are likely on the WHR including the ROWG, which is having a working week from 19-25/1/13.
Unusually, passenger trains will not be operating on the WHR during the February school holidays and services do not recommence until as late as 23/3/13. Here are some useful resources to check if there is snow at the WHR. First Hydro has four webcams in the Llanberis valley. If the one pointed at Llanberis shows snow, this would give a good indication of snow in the Gwyrfai valley as they are around the same height. However, it should be noted that snow cover generally decreases from east to west.
Other useful resources include the A55 webcams (pages 7-13). The Treborth Interchange (Bangor) webcam can be helpful though it is nearer sea level than the WHR.
The WHR(P) webcams would show the rare sea level snow cover at Porthmadog. http://www.webcam.whr.co.uk/gelertsfarm/
The Meteorological Office provides a useful radar weather map covering the last 6 hours that shows the rain/snow coming into Britain and can be watched as an animation updated every 30 minutes. See Rainfall radar
The main Meteorological Office website also has a Porthmadog/Wales page that shows the predicted weather for the Porthmadog area for the next five days.
King Point delivered 17/1/13
A lorry delivered the new king point to The Cob Extension on 17/1/13 ahead of the ROWG's working week that was due to start on 19/1/13. A section of wave wall next to existing king point disc signals has been left in place to avoid disturbing them. Some marking out with surveyors' posts has taken place.
Team Wylfa report 15/1/13
Pete Tabord reports: Three volunteers turned up on 15/1/13. The object was to continue work on NG15 No.134. While Andy got on with his nuts Matt and I checked out No.133 to make sure we had the brackets for the cylinder drain cock valve rodding on the right way round, also to look at what the missing piece of reverser rod looked like. We actually had the brackets on right, so I bolted up the LHS one and then had a brief search for the missing bit of reverser while Matt fettled and painted one of the numerous other pieces of bracketry that need to go back on. Matt and I then turned our attention to getting the arm off the rod that Dave had been working on – we eventually managed to drive the cotter out and separate the two. The rod has a nice S bend in it that will need straightening and the arm can now have some welding to rectify some South African ‘clearance adjustments’. Meanwhile Andy finished the rear piston nuts/thread fettling and started on some of the front ones. Incidentally the floor of the Clip Shed is now very clean – the tidemarks suggest that natural events have aided us in this! Hopefully, Clive, the team leader will be returning with his new knee in the next couple of weeks.
Tuesday Gang 15/1/13
Tony Baker reports: The Tuesday Gang spent 15/1/13 installing a pedestrian gate at the tunnel end of the car park at Caernarfon Station. A gate was found that had been recovered from Bron Hebog LC and which fitted perfectly between two of the existing fence posts.
Harbour Station progress 14/1/13
This westerly view (14/1/13) shows the removal of a further section of the wave wall opposite the Custom House using the hydraulic rock pecker. The mound of shattered stone represents the remains of the wave wall. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (14/1/13) shows a section of the wave wall near the king point left in place for technical reasons. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
North Wales Track Gang report 12-13/1/13
Dafydd Thomas reports: The North Wales/Black Hand Gang's first job for 2013 was the realignment of one half of the large S curve at Tro Ffridd. On Saturday, 12/1/13, with a bitterly cold wind howling down from the gap between Yr Wyddfa and Yr Aran, we separated the track in the middle of the S curve. We then set about digging out the ballast from the sleeper ends and commenced the process of realigning the curve. This is a bit of a back and forth job with men heaving on pinch bars whilst the supervisor shouts directions at them. By 15:30 we had nice alignment with a reasonable transition into the curve from the Rhyd Ddu direction; but we also had a 100mm gap in the rails where we had separated the track earlier in the day. However that was job for Sunday.
This easterly view (13/1/13) shows Castell Caernarfon standing on Ffridd Isaf Curve on the works train with a stop block in the foreground guarding the section under realignment. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Andy Forsyth and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
Sunday morning, 13/1/13 was equally as cold as Saturday but without the wind. We now set about re-gapping the rails; this involves loosening the track bolts and moving the rails up, putting the correct gap at the rail joints. The idea being that eventually to lose the 100mm gap. However after doing this on about 10 rails there was still a considerable gap and it was 16:00. There was no choice but to call a halt, fading light, falling snow and tired volunteers dictating this action. Some of the volunteers had spent the day shovelling the ballast back into the voids at the sleeper ends; this will give the tamper something to work with. The works train finally trundled into Dinas at almost 18:00. It was now up to the Network Rail apprentices to finish the job on Monday, 14/1/13 which I'm glad to say they did ably supervised by Paul Bradshaw a CRhE/WHRS volunteer supervisor.
This easterly view (13/1/13) shows members of the North Wales Track Gang working on the re-gapping of the track. A 10cm gap has accumulated at this point. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Andy Forsyth and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
Harbour Station progress 12/1/13
With the F&WHR's closed season underway, rapid progress is being made with the alteration to the Harbour Station layout, starting with ducting. A further section of wave wall has been demolished by breaking out, though a section near the king point and near the existing signal cabin has been retained for technical reasons.
This northerly view (12/1/13) shows the removal of a further section of the wave wall opposite the Custom House. A trench has been dug under the tracks for new ducts. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (12/1/13) shows the removal of a further section of the wave wall opposite the Custom House, however a short section has been left in place near the existing king point to avoid disturbing the existing signalling. A trench has been dug for new ducts along the line of the new platform to be constructed between the new FR and WHR tracks. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
WHHR Cambrian Crossing box to be used at Pen-y-Mount Junction
The Welsh Highland Railway Heritage Group has confirmed that the Cambrian Crossing box intended for the north west corner of the NR crossing (its original location) is to be erected on the recently constructed concrete base at Pen-y-Mount Junction (see below). The junction will be upgraded with the installation of a lever frame and signalling which would allow more regular use in future. A suitable lever frame as been delivered to Gelert's Farm from Minffordd yard for refurbishment. The frame is planned to control the crossover point motors and associated signals and will be locked by the tokens of both WHHR and F&WHR.
The box is a replica of the Cambrian Crossing box, which was constructed in 2007 by the Welsh Highland Heritage Group for use at the modern day Cae Pawb crossing at a cost of £9,500 including the Welsh slate roof. However, ongoing disagreements about the location of the box has meant the flat pack box has remained in store in Dinas Carriage Shed. Experience has led to NR being happy with remote control of Cae Pawb by request from the Harbour Station Controller. If this is made permanent, other than the rare days when there is no signaller at Machynlleth, the Cae Pawb crossing release mechanism does not require manning and so there may be no need for a crossing box other than recreating the scene. The WHHG sponsors of the signal box have decided that it is better for the box to be used at Pen-y-Mount where it will be installed in the near future. See Welsh Highland Heritage Group story.
Currently, discussions are underway about installing an internet based Electronic Token system (ETS) throughout the F&WHR following a successful three month trial completed last Summer between Beddgelert and Pont Croesor to assess the robustness of the system. If the Porthmadog Harbour Station to Pont Croesor section is upgraded to this system at some stage in the future, an intermediate token machine at Pen-y-Mount Junction would ease movements between the WHHR and the F&WHR.
Coach report-Winter 2012-13
The current project is WHR Open coach No.2021. The plywood cladding on this ten year old coach has begun to rot. A new layer of marine plywood is being applied on top of this and beading is being added to seal the edges to prevent further water penetration damage. The coach will emerge looking like the original WHR Gladstone coach as the central two bays of the six bay coach will be enclosed. The hope is that the coach will be see more use by passengers during inclement weather. Some of the seats are to be made more comfortable for passengers by covering them with marine quality vinyl upholstery. One of the new style roller bearing bogies has been fitted to coach No. 2045. These are fitted with flange lubricators to reduce flange wear and associated squeal on curves.
KERR-STUART- 4415
Ron Walker gives an End of Year Report about experimental diesel No.KS4415 which made test runs on the WHR and FR in the 1928-9. The loco is stored in Minffordd Yard having been repatriated from a plinth outside a sugar plantation in Mauritius. See Festipedia website.
Replica worksplate courtesy of Ron Walker.
About a year ago there was a flurry of progress on KS-4415 when a missing suspension adjuster was made and fitted so that the locomotives three axles all ran in line and the locomotive could be pulled out and pushed back into its shed. This in practice meant that it could be pushed further into the (Minffordd -Ed) shed giving room for more heritage wagons to be put in front. At the same time the newer McLaren engine was put on a flat old slate wagon making that more manoeuvrable. You may remember that this new engine was not tested before it arrived in Minffordd. For the last few years plans have been made to test run it. The first try under the leadership of the late Andy Putman failed to get it started.
In 2010 the Great Dorset Steam Fair featured McLaren products as its special manufacturer. I visited as usual and found a McLaren engine like ours working. On quizzing one exhibiter he told me that the donkey engine needs to build up 300lbs of air in the tank to start the main engine. During the Andy Putman test we stopped at 200lbs of air, so that is why I think we failed. Before we try again the air tank had to be tested at Boston Lodge and inspected by the F&WHR’s pressure vessel inspector. This has now been done and the tank is approved for use, even if it is for only a few times to test the newer engine unit. The Petter donkey engine now refuses to start and it is thought there might be a problem with the magneto that creates the spark. This will need checking. Then it all can be reassembled for another test to take place. We are in the course of asking people that know about magnetos for advice.
Ownership
The locomotive is part of the stock of Ffestiniog Railway Heritage Ltd., (FRHCo.) This part of the F&WHR Group of companies has gone through some changes over the past years. Now with a new chairman Dafydd Gwyn to steer the company he in turn has some new board members to help him. So hopefully KS-4415 will make more progress in the year to come. I have spoken to Dafydd and in turn I received a phone call from Dave Allen of WHR Heritage Group, who asked several questions about KS-4415. At the next meeting of FRHCo. they will discuss KS-4415. One proposal is for it to go on display in the WHHR's Museum at Gelert's Farm. For this to happen it would need to go via Boston Lodge Works for a minor make over, such as tack welding the side and cab roof together again as well as putting the radiator in place again. I have two replica builders plates to give the locomotive back its identity. So that visitors to the museum appreciated what they were looking at an information board would need to be written, designed and built.
Finance
The FR Society holds the funds for KS-4415’s restoration. At the end of the FRS financial year 30/9/12 the fund stood at £19,310.00.
The last estimate for the restoration was from Alan Keef Ltd., and was between £80 & 90 K. This was for all paid labour (Materials cost about £20k). The FR H Co. could ask Boston Lodge for an estimate. So further fund raising will be required. Previously the FR H Co. looked at a PRISM Fund application. This fund has been moved by the government to become part of the Arts Council and is now accepting applications again up to grants of up to £20k. Then the FRHCo. looked at The Association of Industrial Archaeology awards. An application for one of these can be up to £15k.
Other heritage railways have taken advantage of The Big Give project where The Big Give will match funding. Bluebell Railway have had two in last year. Then there is also the Heritage Lottery Fund. So if applications are to be made a plan would be required putting the spending in place to carry them out. I hope this has brought interested parties up to date. Looking forward to a productive new year.
Loco report Winter 2012-3
The ten year overhaul of Prince is well underway. The cylinders have been rebored and refitted with new pistons and piston rods. All the valve gear has been re-bushed. The boiler has received new tubes, new superheater and a new stainless steel smokebox. The boiler has passed its hydraulic test and has been lagged and clad. A new stainless steel ashpan has been fitted and a new spark arrestor is on the way. The cab and cab fittings were being added at the end of the year. The saddle tank needs a few holes repaired and the tender oil tank has been replaced by a coal bunker. Room has been made for footplate guests in the tender as the loco is the centre of attention during the 150th Year of Steam celebrations this year. Palmerston has also been re-tubed and fitted with a new spark arrestor. The two locos were due to be side by side in the Paint Shop over Christmas.
Meanwhile Lyd now has reduced coal consumption following reduction of the diameter of its blast pipe. The damaged transmission from Vale of Ffestiniog has been returned and should be fitted in January. Some work will also be done on its bogies. Work is also underway on new Fairlie bogies. The refurbished No.138 worked well when released just before Xmas with no hot boxes or warm bearings.
Open coach No.2021 9/1/13
This Boston Lodge view (9/1/13) shows No.2021 with the central two bays enclosed to provide a weather proof area. This is a response to the relatively poor use of the coaches through the wet summer of 2012. The coach now has a similar format to the original WHR's Gladstone Car, now restored on the WHHR. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Norman Bond (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This Boston Lodge view (9/1/13) shows No.2021 with the new marine quality vinyl seating that replaces the slatted wooden seating that allowed water that fell on the seats to drain away. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Norman Bond (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This Boston Lodge view (9/1/13) shows No.2021 with the new marine quality vinyl seating and the new plastic shelves. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Norman Bond (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This Boston Lodge view (9/1/13) shows No.2021 with the marine quality vinyl seating that replaces the slatted seating that allowed water that fell on the seats to drain away. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Norman Bond (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
Progress with The Cob track layout 6-8/1/13
Work is now underway on the next phase of works on The Cob with the king point, way out along The Cob, and various trenching underway. With the F&WHR now in its closed season, track alterations can begin.
This westerly view (6/1/13) shows the removal of sleepers from the area where the king point is to be at the location where the new wave wall begins. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (6/1/13) shows the removal of sleepers from the area where the king point is to be at the location where the new wave wall begins. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (7/1/13) shows the trench excavated for all the signalling and the power feeds from the area where the king point is to be at the location where the new wave wall begins. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (7/1/13) shows the trench across the headshunt of Harbour Station revealing all the water pipes and other services. Various new service routes must be provided during the Harbour Station remodelling. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This westerly view (8/1/13) shows the trench across alongside Spooners. Various parts of Harbour Station are now fenced off during the remodelling. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
On 3/1/13 the sleepers were removed from the track where the new king point is to be placed. This also left the cable duct which previously ran alongside the old wave wall free to be lowered as it will need to run under the points. On 7/1/13 the contractors were digging the trench into which the cable duct is to be lowered. On 8/1/13 a further trench was being dug outside Spooners. A trench for the power supply had also been dug at the headshunt end of the platform.
Locos to be coal fired?
The high cost of oil firing sidelined several F&WHR locos in 2012, including Linda, Blanche and David Lloyd George, all of which only appeared in action a few times during 2012. It seems likely these locos will be back-converted to coal. Coal firing the Penrhyn Ladies may reduce their timing loads however. A change to Welsh steam coal in 2012 saved approximately £100,000 against the previously imported supplies.
K1 Working Party Update 5/1/13
Andrew Rutter advises: The proposed working party on K1 at Dinas for the weekend of 12-13/1/13 is cancelled. The reason is :- Although the front pivot bearing is machined, the liner will not be ready until next week and it will be too much of a rush to gather all the parts for that weekend, so it would be better to do this work over the next working parties of 16-17/2/13 and 16-17/3/13.
Final trains of New Year's Day 1/1/13
This westerly view (1/1/13) shows No.138 being prepared for the final working of the Xmas Season at Porthmadog just before the FR train departs behind Merddin Emrys at 1335. When then platform is clear, Criccieth Castle will shunt the WHR rake to the left into the platform and drag it out onto The Cob when loaded. No.138 will then attach to the rear to proceed on the WHR. On this occasion the train had to stop at Cae Pawb Crossing (a rare occurrence) as the ATW Class 158 departure from Porthmadog was timed to cross about the same time. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This northerly view (1/1/13) shows No.138 being readied for the final service of the Mince Pie Specials. The rail carrier to the right carries the ex-IoM rail ready for the new layout. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
This easterly view (1/1/13) shows Merddin Emrys about arriving on the 1150 from Blaenau at 1300. This loco had substituted for Lyd that had developed a leaking fusible plug since the previous day's services. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Mark Bishop and was taken on a Canon EOS 40D digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
Caernarfon waiting shelter 1/1/13
This southerly view (1/1/13) shows the completed Caernarfon Station waiting shelter that will hopefully provide shelter if the increasingly rainy weather of 2012 returns again in 2013. No lighting has yet been provided so some Perspex side panels might have made the shelter a bit lighter rather than steel throughout. The effect is similar to that of the old FR LNWR station in Blaenau Ffestiniog. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
Dinas South Yard clear-up 1/1/13
Dinas South Yard has seen a major clear up for the first time in its 17 year life. This has revealed many items that might have been deemed 'lost'. A large clear area now exists in the centre of the yard and thoughts may be given to how best to use it. Volunteer accommodation has been mentioned.
Tuesday Gang South 1/1/13
Steve Broomfield reports: Guttering was fitted to the rear of the station buildings at Rhyd Ddu and Beddgelert today. The task to attach guttering at Snowdon Ranger, Meillionen and Nantmor was evaluated. We intend to complete Waunfawr (x 2) and Snowdon Ranger on our next working day.
This northerly view (1/1/13) shows the guttering added to the temporary station building at Beddgelert. The station also has a photocell array to provide an electrical supply. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Panasonic Lumix DSC-FS3 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
Pen-y-Mount junction 1/1/13
During the Quarry Power weekend there was a meeting between WHHR and WHR officials. This was to discuss a scheme for a more permanent link between the two railways. A full signalling diagram should result and progress is expected in 2013.
This northerly view (1/1/13) shows the concrete pad constructed between the two systems at Pen-y-Mount Junction during the last few days of the year for the purpose of a ground frame for the junction between the two railways. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using Zoner Photo Studio and displayed at 96dpi.
John Crosskey explains: The concrete base is for a six lever ground frame (for Pen-y-Mount Junction-Ed).
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