WHR

News Archive Page

2014

V4.24 updated 15/2/15

with news to 31/12/14

Newly archived sections are placed at the top of this page. This page contains archived news from 2014.

Final trains of 2014 season

The final train of the 2014 season was due to operate on 1/1/15. There are no Half Term holiday trains in mid February on the WHR yet again in 2015, though there are on the FR. The next passenger train on the WHR will be on 28/2/14 when a weekend only Green timetable service will operate between Porthmadog and Beddgelert. There can be snow at this time of year.

WHR 29-30/12/14

The fine snowy conditions continued for another day with cold crisp weather and snow on the tops of the mountains. This was set to change over the New Year with milder wetter weather predominating.

Click on the YouTube box above to watch a compilation of 4 mins 37 secs of video of No.87 hauling the Xmas service near Ynysfor. There are also FR scenes with Prince and Taliesin. This video was published on 30/12/14 and is best viewed in 1080p high definition mode. This video was taken by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional camcorder.

Xmas trains 28/12/14

The snowfall on Boxing Day followed by icy conditions led to difficult travelling to the WHR. While there was lying snow in North Wales it faded from east to west, as usual, from sea level at Queensferry, Flintshire to 300m in Snowdonia, just above Rhyd Ddu. Nevertheless the Alpine scenery was very impressive with strong sunshine and cold crisp conditions and all the mountain tops covered in snow.

This northerly view (28/12/14) shows No.87 ready to leave Caernarfon at 9:50 on the second day of the Xmas service. There was no snow at sea level in Caernarfon. 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 iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

This easterly view (28/12/14) shows Snowdon covered in snow at 10:45 as seen approaching Snowdon Ranger. 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 iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (28/12/14) shows No.87 ready to leave Rhyd Ddu at 10:56. There was snow just above Rhyd Ddu at the 300m (1000 foot) contour. 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 iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

This easterly view (28/12/14) shows Snowdon covered in snow at 10:56 as seen from 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 iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

This westerly view (28/12/14) shows No.87 unusually shunting into the sidings at 1211 rather than stable in the WHR platform. The reason for this became apparent later as the 'Cold Turkey' special ran through for Beddgelert. There was no snow at sea level at 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 iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (28/12/14) shows the snowclad summits of Snowdonia from Snowdon on the left to Cnicht at 1304 on the right as seen over Llyn Bach from Britannia Bridge. The reason for this became apparent later. There was no snow at sea level at 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 iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

This westerly view (28/12/14) shows Prince with Taliesin ready to depart on an FR service at 1333. No.87 runs around the WHR rake in the sidings. 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 iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (28/12/14) shows the construction of the point rodding at Beddgelert at 1448 which will form a crossover controlling both the turnout and the trap point. Work on this has been ongoing since September and some difficulties have been encountered. The 'cold Turkey' special can be seen utilising FR stock in the southbound platform. 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 iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

'Cold Turkey' special 28/12/14

A special train for volunteers and FR employees was run on 28/12/14. It ran from Porthmadog to Tan-y-bwlch and then to Beddgelert before finally returning to Pt sunset. Palmerston and Linda were used hauling a six coach FR rake. Palmerston was run around to be on the front on the return from Beddgelert as well as on the outbound leg of the journey. The train carried the headboard 'Cambrian Radio Cruise', harking back to the circular tours of North Wales operated by BR between 1951 and 1961, after which increasing competition from cars rendered special trains for tourists unprofitable. Your keenly observant (then 10 year old) webmaster noted the rake stabled just west of Llandudno Junction with coach 'Cambrian Radio Cruise' destination boards around 1960. See Cambrian Radio Cruise website.

This westerly view (28/12/14) shows Palmerston with Linda leaving Porthmadog for Beddgelert on the 'Cold Turkey Special' for volunteers and F&WHR employees. This train had run through Porthmadog earlier and was reason for the WHR rake being put in the sidings. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This westerly view (28/12/14) shows Palmerston with Linda crossing Traeth Mawr approaching the Tellytubby bridges on the 'Cold Turkey Special' for volunteers and F&WHR employees. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (28/12/14) shows Palmerston with Linda crossing the Afon Glaslyn after leaving Pont Croesor Halt on the 'Cold Turkey Special' for volunteers and F&WHR employees. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (28/12/14) shows Palmerston with Linda after leaving Pont Croesor Halt on the 'Cold Turkey Special' for volunteers and F&WHR employees. The train is carrying the headboard for the Cambrian Radio Cruise. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This westerly view (28/12/14) shows Palmerston with Linda tackling the 1 in 40 Nantmor Incline on the 'Cold Turkey Special' for volunteers and F&WHR employees. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (28/12/14) shows Palmerston with Linda in the Aberglaslyn Pass on the 'Cold Turkey Special' for volunteers and F&WHR employees. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (28/12/14) shows Palmerston with Linda having arrived at Beddgelert on the 'Cold Turkey Special' for volunteers and F&WHR employees. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (28/12/14) shows Palmerston with Linda at 1450 ready to depart Beddgelert on the 'Cold Turkey Special' for volunteers and F&WHR employees. This train had run through Porthmadog earlier and was reason for the WHR rake being put in the sidings. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This easterly view (28/12/14) shows Palmerston with Linda rounding the curve at the former Croesor Junction on the 'Cold Turkey Special' for volunteers and F&WHR employees. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

No.87 Xmas train 27/12/14

This northerly view (27/12/14) shows No.87 hauling the Xmas service just south of Snowdon Ranger, dwarfed by the snow clad Mynydd Eilio. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Alasdair Stewart and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This easterly view (27/12/14) shows No.87 hauling the Xmas service approaching Ffridd Isaf curve. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Alasdair Stewart and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (27/12/14) shows No.87 hauling the Xmas service crossing the summit with the snow clad Moel Hebog in the background. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Alasdair Stewart and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (27/12/14) shows No.87 returning north with the Xmas service at Tro Ffridd with the snow clad Yr Aran ridge in the background. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Alasdair Stewart and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Snow forecast 26/12/14

The 26/12/14 Met Office 5-day forecast shows heavy snowfall on Snowdon Summit every day until and including Sunday 28/12/14. It is also forecasting snow at Caernarfon, Beddgelert and Porthmadog on Saturday afternoon/evening 27/12/14, but it may not settle at lower levels. Sunday and Monday 28-29/12/14 will have cold sunny days and the alpine scenery will be at its best after Saturday's snowfall for the Xmas Caernarfon-Porthmadog trains. A snow warning was out for the Midlands for those driving along the A14/M6/M54 towards North Wales with a blizzard on the evening of 26/12/14.

Catering turn down

It seems that the recession has caused people to hold onto their purse strings more in 2014. The buffet cars have not performed as well as 2013 and have not met the lower targets set after that record year. Levels were similar to 2012 but wage inflation has occurred since then. On the other hand Spooner's has done well and the kitchens are to be expanded to deal with the greater demand for hot food.

Happy Xmas/Nadolig Llawen

Your webmaster would like to wish all readers a Happy Xmas and a prosperous New Year.

Xmas Snow forecast

The WHR will have snowy alpine scenery, at least on the mountain tops, and sunshine for the start of the Xmas service on 27/12/14, which is likely to continue for the first three days of trains. The current Met Office 5-day forecast shows heavy snowfall on Snowdon Summit every day until and including Sunday. While there will be no snow at lower levels, the 28-29/12/14 will have cold sunny days, ideal for a trip out on the WHR with its heated coaches. As with the Santa Specials, the Xmas service may be supported by Castell Caernarfon to assist in case of poor adhesion. No.87 was the last loco in steam on the WHR Santa Specials.

Autumn traffic improvement

After a weak start earlier in the year, traffic figures improved markedly in September and October and the Green timetable trains (from Porthmadog to Beddgelert) were very popular. The success of the service makes questionable the decision to cut it back next year from 22 days in November and December this year to 8 days over November weekends next year. The Green timetable returns on 28/2/15, sadly missing the two school Half Term holiday weeks from 16/2/15, though the FR will operate services over those two weeks.

The Snowdonian 2015

The Snowdonian will run again over the full 80 miles of the round trip of the whole F&WHR. The special train will run on Saturday 18/4/15 with a trip around Boston Lodge on Friday afternoon 17/4/15 by special train from Harbour station with a meal booked at Spooners on return. While there is no charge for this, participants do need to book and pay for their meal at Spooners.

The price is £180 including breakfast, buffet lunch and afternoon tea with a buffet car provided. All profits go the F&WHR Trust's Diamond Jubilee Appeal which raised £500,000 from all sources in 2014. Bookings received before 31/1/15 will receive a £10 discount. First class is now fully booked. See The Snowdonian website for booking form.

FR Appeal

The FR annual appeal covers Welsh Pony and a Lineside Maintenance Vehicle this year. Over £83,000 has been raised towards the cost of the Welsh Pony rebuild, which is hoped will be completed in time for its 150th anniversary in 2017. The total needed will exceed £100,000.

With the wet start to the year and record temperatures, the lineside growth has been challenging this year leaving to restricted visibility, scratches on rolling stock and possible injury to staff (and passengers looking out from open coaches!). A long wheel base bogie vehicle is to be constructed with large covered platforms each end and a central van body for tool storage. The vehicle will only cost about £15,000 but will make clearance on the F&WHR much easier. Donation forms have been included with the Winter edition of the FR Magazine.

WHR Santa Special YouTube 21/12/14

The WHR was fully booked for all its Santa Specials. On each of the six days Castell Caernarfon was attached to the rear of the train on the ECS to Caernarfon and was positioned behind the steam locomotive on the first train of the day on account of the risk of slipping, especially between Caernarfon and Dinas. The diesel was removed from the train at Dinas on the way down to Caernarfon on the return journey.

Click on the YouTube box above to watch a compilation of 10 mins 33 secs of video of No.87 with Castell Caernarfon hauling the seven coach Santa Special between Caernarfon and Waunfawr. The Funkey was attached to the rear on the return journey. This video was published on 21/12/14 and is best viewed in 1080p high definition mode. This video was taken by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional camcorder.

Hope for snow at Xmas

After a mild spell from Sunday 21/12/14 to Tuesday 23/12/14 the Met Office is (on 21/12/14) predicting heavy snow on Snowdon Summit (1000m) for Xmas Eve and Xmas Day. This will at the very least set up some nice Alpine scenery for the WHR's Xmas Holiday service over the six days from Saturday 27/12/14 to Thursday 1/1/15. There is always hope that the snow may extend down to the WHR at Rhyd Ddu (200m). If there is heavy snow the F&WHR may well send a test train from Porthmadog as in previous years to ensure the line is clear enough to operate a service. The Xmas service consists of a 10am from Caernarfon which gets to Porthmadog at 1205 and returns at 1405 (allowing a 2 hour break for lunch at Spooners!), arriving back at Caernarfon at 1620.

Final Santa Special 21/12/14

No.87 is set to haul the final Santa Specials on 21/12/14. The trains are fully booked but sadly there is no sign of snow.

Appeal for Christmas Holiday volunteers 27-30/12/14

Any volunteers wanting to take a break from Christmas over-indulgence might like to come and join the North Wales Track Gang working from 27-30/12/14 working on lineside clearance. This is part of an ongoing campaign to improve visibility, reduce leaf fall on the railhead and scratching of the paintwork on coaches. Every Wednesday from the beginning of May to the end of August there was an evening lineside clearance train. The train, usually hauled by Castell Caernarfon, never went south of Rhyd Ddu as it was not able to leave Waunfawr until the last service train had passed there at 17.40. This shows the need for a loop or siding at Plas-y-nant as originally planned to reduce the length of the long Waunfawr-Rhyd Ddu section. With the Winter shutdown, volunteers and members of the PW staff have been blitzing some of the more southerly stretches of the line. The original proposal for the Xmas break to install all the ducting and other components for the Waunfawr Shunt Token has now been dropped. Contact Dafydd Thomas (Infrastructure Manager), see Contacts page.

Winter infrastructure work

The Rest of the World Gang have been busy introducing staggered joints on the section of track from Glan-yr-afon viaduct to Tro Ffridd (past the Rhosclogwyn Quarry incline). The parallel joints on this sharply curved section have always been a problem and led to sharp jolts when running at even the reduced line speed of 10 mph limit through this section. The Black Hand Gang (aka North Wales Gang) has been installing the lever frame to control access to the siding at Beddgelert station. This has proved a far longer job than anticipated. It has been a sharp learning curve for all involved as they have not done this type of job previously and help was received from FR experts. The installation of the frame at Rhyd Ddu should be easier as a result of the experience.

Volunteers have been carrying out inspections of structures on the WHR although a specialist contractor was required to check the larger WHR structures such as Pont Seiont (the ex-BR viaduct over the River Seiont at Caernarfon), Pont Gwyrfai (the ex-BR viaduct over the Afon Gwyrfai at Bontnewydd) and Pont Glanrafon (the Glan-yr-afon viaduct), where access is difficult. No major problems were reported.

Another SAR loco restoration 17/12/14

Steam Powered Services of Avening, Gloucestershire has purchased NG16 No.130 from the Exmoor Steam Railway. There is speculation the loco may be guest run on the WHR at some stage following its completion. The loco could not be used on the ESR which only has a half mile test track for 2 foot gauge locos and is no longer a tourist attraction. Withdrawn in 1985, No.130 was last operational on the Port Shepstone-Harding branch in Natal. It was imported for the proposed Whitby-Robin Hood Railway in the 1990s before finally being moved to the Exmoor Steam Railway. This will be the fifth loco that SPS has restored and a 3 year overhaul is likely with the loco planned to appear in traffic during the Spring of 2018. No.130 is one of a batch of 15 Beyer Peacock locos built in 1951 for SAR. No.77/115 remain at the ESR. See ESR webpage.

Team Wylfa report 16/12/14

Clive Briscoe reports: There was no Team Wylfa last week (9/12/14) as the number of volunteers fell to one (myself!).

Tuesday this week (16/12/14) was the Team's last working party of 2014. It was just the two of us again - Pete and myself, nevertheless, there was work to do on No.134. A couple of months ago, I designed a set of rollers to fit and lift No.134's driving wheels 'just' off the railhead so that they can be rotated to enable accurate setting of the valves. I was very lucky in obtaining a sponsorship for the raw materials and these had arrived - we're very indebted to one of Wylfa power station's mechanical contractors for these. Not only had they procured the materials - base plates, various angles and nuts and bolts but they'd cut them to size for us too. All that remains is to drill, and tap where necessary and bolt together.

That's it for 2014. Could 2015 be the year of the NG15 - a '15 in 15? It's 'just' possible but there's still a mountain of work to do. All that remains now is to thank the Team, both A and B, for all their hard work and comradeship through 2014 and for me to wish all of our readers a Merry Christmas and a Peaceful and Prosperous New Year.

Changes in first class bookings system

Using the new MERAC ticket reservation system a better system is being trialled for booking First Class in observation cars on the F&WHR. Tickets may be reserved right up to departure time from a terminus station. The seat number will be printed on the ticket but there will be no seat labels so intending passengers will only be allowed to board if the have a ticket for that particular departure and coach. The guard will still be able to sell unbooked seats. Seats may be booked in both directions from originating terminus subject to availability.

Tuesday Gang Xmas break 16/12/14

There was no Tuesday Gang on 16/12/14 as Tuesday Gang is having an Xmas break and will return on 6/1/14.

K1 Update 16/12/14

With a surfeit of volunteers working on the NG15, spare volunteers transferred to working on K1 on 6-7/12/14. The loco is now being stripped down for its 10 year boiler examination so the loco needs a number of its major components removing to enable the boiler to be inspected. On the Saturday a few of the NG15 team therefore removed K1's ashpan and then removed the brick arch from inside the firebox. On the Sunday they then lifted the front tank off the front power unit.

NG15 Update 16/12/14

Work was progressed with the overhaul of the Chinese lubricator to ensure its correct function. It is interesting to note that this is almost an exact copy of a US Nathan DV type lubricator known to be one of the most reliable to be found. With the left hand (fireman's side) grease pipework complete volunteers are now concentrating of the driver's side as well as progressing a new pipe run to lubricate the ball joints where the two rear pony truck side compensation arms connect to the frames. The driver's side run consisted of the annealing of a number of pipes and their final bending into shape followed by the silver soldering of the end nipples. There are still some of these to be finished off followed by their final fitting and coaxing into the correct position in the pipework run.

For the new pony truck ball joints run, a suitable path for them to take was marked out and some suitable locations for attachment clips marked as well. This was followed by the manufacture of suitable clips and a start made on drilling and tapping attachment bolt holes for them. The continuing work on the vacuum pipe run is being mostly completed by Team Wylfa during their weekly evening working parties.

For full details and images see NG15 website.

Standard gauge wagons removed 15/12/14

A long standing connection with BR days has disappeared with the removal of the two BR box vans from Minffordd Yard, the F&WHR's infrastructure maintenance base. The status of the short length of standard gauge track in the yard is unknown. While the yard was primarily the FR's slate transhipment location, the WHR transhipped slate at Beddgelert Siding, now the site of the WHHR's yard on the north side of Porthmadog. The wagons were loaded onto a lorry on 15/12/14 for the journey to Nemesis Rail in Burton upon Trent, where they will be refurbished for eventual use on the Battlefield Railway at Shackerstone.

NG15 News Autumn 2014

The planned re-wheeling of No.134 at SuperPower is September did not happen as there were issues with machining the faces of the axleboxes. These had been built up to counter wear. A good fit in the horns is required as well as the lateral movement to prevent binding or rough riding. The NG15 Group raised £300 from the few visitors who came to Dinas. The group also benefitted from some of the profits from Martin Coombs' new book 'Railways of Patagonia'.

Investigations have been made into the match between the loco's profile and the WHR's loading gauge. A slight taper has been made to the top of the cab to ensure good clearance through bridges. The tender has already passed through the line as far as Pen-y-Mount in an unloaded state, whereas when carrying a coal and water load it will obviously travel lower on its springs. The tender was visiting Gelert's Farm depot on the WHHR.

Sister loco No.133 has been shunted through all the sharp pointwork in Dinas Yard without problems so the line's sharp curvature should not be a problem. The front end overhang caused by the maximum movement of the front pony truck is about 11.5cm and discussions are underway with the F&WHR to see if this is an issue at any location on the WHR. At the worst a taper could be introduced on the running plate with no problems.

The main focus of the October or November weekend working parties has been that of finishing off the copper grease pipework on the left hand (fireman's) side of the loco. This consisted tweaking the pipework into its final position and then silver soldering on the end nipples that will attach into the terminating fittings at the various fixtures that are being lubricated by grease. Work also moved onto the pipework on the right hand (driver's) side, although there is much more still to be done on this side. Finally, work is underway on the Chinese mechanical lubricator to be used for the axleboxes. Although it had been inspected and cleaned earlier, some further detailed investigation work is needed to check it is correctly assembled.

Santa shunt 14/12/14

This westerly view (14/12/14) shows Prince running around and shunting a van onto the FR Victorian Santa rake as though arriving from Beddgelert. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Next generation webcams

The F&WHR are introducing next generation webcams. One is already in action at Tan-y-bwlch on the FR and two more are set to appear shortly at Porthmadog which may be working next weekend. See www.festrail.co.uk/webcam_single.htm. The webcams will also be viewable on Apple and Android devices.

Snow go!

The promised for snow did not appear last week. Not even Mynydd Mawr (aka Elephant Mountain) had a dusting and temperatures were forecast to rise to 12 degrees by next Thursday in advance of Xmas.

Pont Croesor car park disposed

Visitors to Pont Croesor will have been disappointed that the car park was closed this year. Parking on the road at this location is difficult, potentially dangerous and cars will not be secure as the area is isolated. This 'Northern Gateway' station functioned as a good place to terminate trains for a while. Part of the WHR's car park is to be retained by the farmer as a hard standing for his own use. The remainder is to returned to agriculture in the next few days. The Osprey site is to make its own arrangements.

Dusting of snow 11/12/14

North Wales is set to get a dusting of snow on Friday night and offer a marvellous alpine view of the mountains for the Santa Specials this weekend, which is forecast to have sunny periods. Sadly there are no Green timetable weekend trains but these continue WThO until 18/12/14.

Classic Car visit 10/12/14

The F&WHR was host to a visit by Practical Classics magazine on 10/12/14. The photographs will feature in an edition of the magazine early in the New Year.

This easterly view (10/12/14) shows Linda and the Classic Car team staging the start of a simulated road race on the WHR between Linda and the Polish Fiat, which continued later on the long straight between Pont Croesor and Ynysfor level crossing. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Keolis teambuilding event 9-10/12/14

Transport company Keolis had a team building event over the period 9-10/12/14 at the F&WHR with staff involved operating the railway. They worked on the FR on 9/12/14 and the WHR the following day.

This view (10/12/14) shows Linda and the Keolis group at Beddgelert on the final day of their team building event. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Tuesday Gang report 9/12/14

Tony Baker reports: On 9/12/14 we replaced 2 broken grid triangles at LC 39.08 Rhyd Ddu and replaced the anti slip material at LC 44.39 Meillionen foot crossing. The weather was awful and we were soaked through by the time we had finished.

WHR Santa Specials selling out fast 9/12/14

A small number of tickets are still available on the 1000 Welsh Highland service on Sunday 14/9/12/14, all other WHR trains are now SOLD OUT. In contrast tickets are still available on the FR Santa Trains.

K1 workings 2014

Richard Douglas reports: Railway holiday company PTG ran a private charter on 2/6/14 – run as part of PTG’s “Snowdonia in Style” tour, but also available as an ‘early booking bonus’ for other clients like myself. The day started with a trip across the Cob (in dreadful weather!) to Boston Lodge, where K1 amongst others was being prepared for the day. Then K1 pulled us to Caernarfon (in improving weather) and back to Porthmadog, where she was replaced by Lyd for a run up to Blaenau and back. It ended with dinner in Spooners and a fascinating talk from Mr Lewin. A thoroughly enjoyable day out!

This view (2/6/14) shows K1 being readied for the PTG 'Snowdonia in Style' Special. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Richard Douglas and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This view (2/6/14) shows K1 hauling the PTG 'Snowdonia in Style' Special, being re-watered at Beddgelert. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Richard Douglas and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This view (2/6/14) shows K1 hauling the PTG 'Snowdonia in Style' Special, at Waunfawr. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Richard Douglas and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This view (2/6/14) shows K1 hauling the PTG 'Snowdonia in Style' Special, returning through Beddgelert. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Richard Douglas and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This view (2/6/14) shows K1 being replaced on the PTG 'Snowdonia in Style' Special by Lyd at Porthmadog. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Richard Douglas and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

After repair earlier in the year K1 worked the following trains in 2014:

• 2/6/14      PTG 'Snowdonia in Style' Tour
• 28/6/14    Marriage reception train
• 5-7/9/14   SuperPower
• 8/10/14    Trustees Day special
• 3/11/14    Photocharter

The loco was withdrawn on 5/11/14 after the expiry of its boiler certificate that day. The K1 volunteers hoped to finish the steam supply to the turbogenerators and the electrical circuits to power the headlights and charge its battery. Other jobs on the list before withdrawal include:

• Overhaul the rear power unit pivot
• A connecting rod bush
• The blast pipe
• A suspected warm axlebox

The K1 Supporters Group met on 14/9/14 and voted to wind up the organisation in October 2015, hopefully following completion of the loco's boiler refurbishment. No volunteers had come forward to take over the running of the group. Remaining funds would then be passed to the WHRS and it is hoped a support group would continue to maintain the loco in working condition. The F&WHR is supporting a volunteer effort to fit new boiler tubes.

EAG meeting 11/12/14

Richard Watson reports: The next WHR East Anglian Group meeting will be on Thursday 11/12/14. (Because of the festive season this is on the second Thursday of the month). It's our Christmas get together where traditionally members bring their own slides and DVDs. Richard Watson will open with 'A Narrow Gauge Enigma.'

We hope to see you all at Fulbourn!

Six millionth visitor competition 7/12/14

Thanks to everyone for trying the competition and your congratulations. The competition closed at 1100 today. There are still well over 1,000 a day hits on the website, which is still updated almost daily, despite the availability of other channels of news.

The results are as follows:

Paul Kent (Treharris, South Wales) 6,000,001 at 1438 WINNER

Nick Oldfield                                    6,000,002 at 1440

Alan Frewin                                      6,000,006 at 1441

Andrew Sharpe                                 6,000,025 at 1513

Frank Nicholas                                  6,000,035 at 1509

Huw Kendall                                     6,000,111 at 1619

Richard Booth                                   6,000,150 at 1655

Phil Raynes (Ohio)                            6,000,241 at 1801

Darien Goodwin                                6,000,266 at 1819

Steve Holland                                    6,000,351 at 1959

Andy Pearson                                    6,000,356 at 1959

Ben Brampton                                   6,000,490 at 2203

Mike Docker                                      6,000,614 at 0149

Lee Williams                                      6,000,616 at 0212   

Improvements to rail travel to WHR

Since the demise of the Cambrian Coast Express in 1991 and abortive attempts by ATW to obtain paths for 158s to Euston or Marylebone it has been impossible to travel by through train services to Porthmadog from London with multiple changes being required. Virgin will commence a new service from 14/12/14 using a Voyager from London to Shrewsbury with four trains a day. The train also calls at Rugby, Coventry, Birmingham International, Wolverhampton, Telford and Wellington. See Shropshire Star story for more information, including train times. In a competition organised by the newspaper the train will be named 'The Wrekin Giant' after the isolated hill that towers over Telford.

On the North Wales Coast too journeys to the WHR are improving from December. The 'Irish Mancunian' is set to bring a welcome return of loco hauls SSuX from Monday 15/12/14 on the Manchester to Holyhead/Llandudno route using Class 67s in push/pull mode and four refurbished MkIII coaches in ATW colours. See North Wales Coast website. The timings shown are approximately correct, though some headcodes have changed and the 1913 Llandudno-Llandudno Junction shuttle and return has been dropped. The service starts from Crewe Carriage sidings, turns back in Longsight DGL and is advertised as Standard Only with trolley service.

First WHR Santa Special 6/12/14

This view (6/12/14) shows the return of Bob, the miniature snowman, with No.87 running round the first Santa Special of the season at Waunfawr, sadly with the absence of any snow. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Six million hits competition 6/12/14

The Construction website is approaching 6 million hits. There is a small prize for the nearest screen grab to six million on the page counter. Please send a screengrab image by email (email address above) within 24 hours of capture to my email address. The web editor's decision is final.

Santa Trains 6/12/14

The WHR's Santa Trains start this weekend with three trains at 1000, 1215 and 1430 on Saturday and Sunday from Caernarfon to Waunfawr. Seats on the Santa trains are selling out fast. There are additional services on the weekends of 13-14/12/14 and 20-21/12/14.

This northerly view (23/12/10) shows No.138 at 1128, pausing for refreshments whilst running around at Waunfawr, on the first train of the final day of Santa Specials. 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 iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

Moel Tryfan wheels 5/12/14

This view (5/12/14) shows Moel Tryfan's trailing bogie wheels which were fitted to Blanche. Blanche is likely to receive a new pony truck wheelset due to wear of Moel Tryfan's. This could be the start of a Moel Tryfan rebuild project if funds come in. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

NRHA signalling award for Harbour Station project 3/12/14

John Sreeves reports: Not only Tryfan Junction won an award, but also the Porthmadog Harbour signalling scheme scooped an award at yesterday’s National Railway Heritage Awards ceremony. A great achievement to all for both. All the projects on show were superb and of very high calibre.

This view (3/12/14) shows the plaque awarded to the F&WHR for the Harbour Station signalling project by the NRHA supported by the Heritage Railway Association. The plaque may be affixed to a publically visible location such as the signalbox. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Tryfan Junction wins NRHA Volunteers Award 3/12/14

This southerly view (unknown date) shows Tryfan Junction station building with Lewis Esposito (left) relaxing in the sunshine with the finished project he helped create. The Welsh Highland Heritage Group has won the Volunteers' Award at the Railway Heritage Trust Annual Awards on 3/12/14 for the restoration of Tryfan Junction Station building. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Team Wylfa report 2/12/14

Clive Briscoe reports: Just the two of us again this week. Pete got straight on with dusting down and then painting the LHS of No.134's frames with its gloss topcoat whilst yours truly carried on fitting flanges to the vacuum brake train pipe down the centre top of the frames. The front end flange that I tacked up last week was first and I did a really good weld on that. However, when it came to the rear end's flange, I don't know whether I was tired or what but produced an absolutely horrible weld. I got the penetration but the finish was very uneven and blobby and I had to spend quite a bit of time dressing it with an angle grinder. Basically, it all comes down to practice and if you're not doing it frequently, then 'it' happens. Hard to believe that 35 years ago, I was a 'coded' welder... More practice required me thinks!

There's the last working weekend of 2014 on No.134 this coming weekend so if anyone fancies joining in, please contact me or Andie Shaw beforehand - contact details for me here: See Contacts page or contact Andie by email.

Tuesday Gang 2/12/14

Tony Baker reports: On Tuesday 2/12/14 we were at LC 44.30, Coed Mawr, where the line enters the Meillionen (Beddgelert Forest-Ed) camp site. The level crossing had one badly rotted timber which it was our task to replace. As this is phase 4 territory the rails are fixed to the sleepers with Pandrol style clips which means that on one side of the crossing timber slots for the clips have to be cut out. The job was completed just as the light began to fade, not much in the way of daylight hours at this time of the year.

This northerly view (2/12/14) shows the Tuesday Gang replacing rotted crossing timbers at the level crossing just north of Beddgelert Forest Campsite. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (2/12/14) shows the Tuesday Gang replacing rotted crossing timbers at the level crossing just north of Beddgelert Forest Campsite. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (2/12/14) shows the finished job after the Tuesday Gang had replaced rotted crossing timbers at Beddgelert Forest Campsite. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

WHHR news

Press release:

HISTORIC LOCOMOTIVES TO BE SAVED FOR THE FUTURE

The Eclipse and The Coalition are electric locos built in 1927 and 1930 using the chassis and wheels of two 19th century steam locomotives. They played an important role in keeping Llechwedd quarry working, and now tell the little-known story of 20th century innovation in the Welsh slate industry. (The locos were previously stored in the open at Llechwedd and suffered from the heavy rainfall-Ed).

Events 2014-15

Linda and Taliesin on 27/11/14

This southerly view (27/11/14) shows Linda with Taliesin heading to Beddgelert with an 8-coach Green timetable service, passing Hafod-y-llyn loop with its newly extended headshunt. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (27/11/14) shows Linda with Taliesin heading to Beddgelert with an 8-coach Green timetable service, between Bryn-y-felin and Cemetery Crossing, a rarely photographed section of the line despite the parallel footpath on the hillside above the train. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (27/11/14) shows Taliesin with Linda with returning from Beddgelert with an 8-coach Green timetable service, passing the site of Hafod Garregog Halt. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Click on the YouTube box taken on 27//11/14 above to watch 3 mins 48 secs of video of Linda and Taliesin between Hafod-y-llyn and Beddgelert and returning to Hafod Garregog in the sunshine hauling the Green timetable service. This video was taken by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional camcorder and is best watched in 1080p high definition mode.

Permanent Way programme Winter 2014-15

The programme is as follows:

• Staggering of joints Tro Ffridd to raise speed limits/ride quality
• Caernarfon station track maintenance
• Lever frames for sidings at Beddgelert, Hafod-y-llyn loop and Rhyd Ddu Yard
• New set of points at Pont Croesor
• Realignment from Cae Pawb (NR Crossing) to Pont-y-Cyt

Network Rail apprentices will be working on the railway for five weeks in 2015, up from four weeks in 2014. Several temporary workers will be joining the team soon. After sponsoring a summer placement last year, Gerald Usher sponsored two in 2014 and will increase this to three next year. Pete Proctor will be joining the PW team over Winter after his contract with the operating department comes to an end. It is also possible that a chainsaw gang will be volunteering on the railway to clear lineside vegetation which is turning the railway into a 'green tunnel' in some areas.

Permanent Way progress

The KMX tamper has worked well this year and has even ventured to Boston Lodge curve, though it did require a service at Boston Lodge. More progress has been made at Plas-y-nant where the trackbed is subsiding. A new fence has been constructed on the east side from the platform to the first accommodation crossing. The ditch on the left side will also be cleared and trees removed to allow a better drainage. Work at Castell Cidwm bridge, a frequent trouble spot for flooding, has improved the flow of water there and so far in 2014 there has been no disruption to services.

Coach No.2047 ordered

Thanks to WHRS volunteer contributions an order has been placed with Boston Lodge Carriage Works for a further saloon coach similar to No.2046, to be numbered as No.2047. This order is a year earlier than previously planned and should see the carriage in service at Easter 2016.

Tryfan Junction restoration short-listed for award

On 25/9/14 the National Railway Heritage awards committee met and shortlisted the Welsh Highland Heritage Group's Tryfan Junction station building restoration project for an award. The final announcement will be made on 3/12/14 in London. The competition has been running for over 30 years and the F&WHR has been entered previously, with the WHR winning its first award in 2000 and again in 2009 'Best in Show' for heritage conservation work.

No.9 news

Progress continues in Dinas Loco Shed in restoring diesel No.9 to operational use for the first time on the WHR following its purchase in a derelict state a few years ago. The loco was briefly started when it first came to the railway and, although of 2' gauge, was briefly run up and down the sidings at Dinas. The loco is now on its re-gauged wheels. Work has recently taken place on the engine and cab roof and refitting the control panel after overhaul in early September. Unusually the control panel fits vertically between the two front windows of the cab. This intermediate power diesel will provide useful relief for the aging Conway Castle as Dinas shunter and maybe on PW duties and short passenger shuttles on event days.

Team Wylfa report 27/11/14

Clive Briscoe reports: We were down to the core Team this week - just Pete and myself. However, upwards and onwards with No.134! Pete brought some Aluminium Oxide sand paper to lightly abrade the paint on the LHS of the frames ready for the topcoat - last week, we found that glass paper just skidded off the surface of the undercoats. By 10pm, it was complete so next week, out with the paint brushes.

Whilst Pete did his work, yours truly continued on the vacuum brake train-pipe - more of the flanges got welded on and by the end of the evening, the spools just ahead of the RHS cylinder had been completed and were bolted together - hopefully for good. I'd already welded a flange to the spool that goes around the smokebox saddle but the next spool that goes aft down the middle of the frames needed a final trim to length. The flange was tacked up ready for completion next week. With everything coming together (at last!), hopefully, the pipework across the front bufferbeam is not coming off again and was finally clipped in place

Linda 25/11/14

This southerly view (25/11/14) shows Linda with Taliesin on the Porthmadog-Beddgelert Green timetable working catching the sun as its rounds the curve at Parry's pig farm just south of Hafod-y-llyn Halt. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Tuesday Gang report 25/11/14

Tony Baker reports: Today we replaced a rotten crossing timber at Pont Cae'r Gors LC 41.16. Strangely one of the centre timbers had rotted badly but the second one was as good as new. So only one was changed. After this we went to Meillionen (Beddgelert Forest Campsite) Halt and cleared up piles of dead leaves from the platform and lineside.

This southerly view (25/11/14) shows the Tuesday Gang replacing rotted crossing timbers at Pont Cae'r Gors. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (25/11/14) shows the finished job at Pont Cae'r Gors. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Titbits Autumn 2014

The WHR is having a very good Autumn but overall the figures are still down on last year, whilst the FR is up. Thought is being given to adding some 'Summer of Fun' events at Beddgelert next season as these have been well received by children at Tan-y-Bwlch on the FR. These could be based in a marquee on the unused concrete plinth built for the station building. With the longer WHR journeys, free colouring sheets for children could be reinstated. The lock up carriages are not popular but new coach No.2046 has helped. The WHRS is sponsoring another similar coach which will relieve the problem.

The Beer Festival has grown in popularity and revenue for the WHR with last year's raising ten times (£37,000) as much as the first event in 2005. The 2014 event raised over £10,000 in profit for the F&WHR. Volunteers are always wanted and are advised to contact the Volunteer Coordinator.

Bont Briwet Update

The old road-rail viaduct at Bont Briwet has been removed. See Flickr website. The latest Gwynedd Council Update (4/11/14) confirms that the wooden viaduct has been cut into transportable section and removed to the causeway for transporting away. The road bridge will be completed by June 2015. Bont Briwet has its own Facebook page which features up to date images, video and comments, some in Welsh.

Imperial College assist ROWG 22/11/14

Kim Winter reports: The Rest Of The World Gang were joined by eight students from the Imperial College Rail & Transport Society (ICRTS) for the Saturday 22/11/14 and Sunday morning 23/11/14. The gang was joint staggering on the curves to the north of and not far from Rhyd Ddu (Ffridd Isaf curve-Ed). On the Sunday afternoon the students joined the 14:15 train from Porthmadog to Beddgelert. Footplate passes were very kindly arranged for them by the F&WHR and they took turns riding on the footplate between Pont Croesor and Nantmor.

Phil Nock reports: The Rest of the World Gang spent the rest of the week carrying on dragging rail to form a half stagger, having started at Ch.38.50, (just below Tro Ffridd Isaf, which we staggered 2 years ago). By Friday we had staggered 900m of track, all with South African fittings, the latter being very labour-intensive. This is equivalent to about 50 track panels. We reached our target of 37.60, just above Glan-yr-Afon siding and consequently, with all the reverse curves between Glan-yr-Afon siding and just short of Rhyd Ddu now staggered, the speed limit on this length of track can be raised from 10 to 15mph.

This easterly view (22/11/14) shows the Imperial College Railway Society working with the Rest of the World Gang at Clogwyn-y-gwin curves to introduce staggered joints. Imperial College continues to attract Chinese students as the Chinese High Speed rail network continues to develop apace. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Alasdair Stewart (F&WHR) and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This easterly view (22/11/14) shows the Imperial College Railway Society volunteers and the Rest of the World Gang at Clogwyn-y-gwin curves. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Alasdair Stewart (F&WHR) and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This easterly view (22/11/14) shows the Imperial College Railway Society volunteers unscrewing track clips to allow staggering of the joints at Clogwyn-y-gwin curves. It is good to see female students engaged in railway civil engineering courses. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Alasdair Stewart (F&WHR) and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This easterly view (22/11/14) shows the 'old lags' of the Rest of the World Gang at Ffridd Isaf curve to introduce staggered joints at Clogwyn-y-gwin curves. Some ROWG members have been volunteering on the project for almost 20 years! Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Alasdair Stewart (F&WHR) and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This easterly view (22/11/14) shows the Rest of the World Gang working with the Imperial College Railway Society at Clogwyn-y-gwin curves to introduce staggered joints. The dark Glan-yr-afon slate tips are visible in the background. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Alasdair Stewart (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Warley Show 22/11/14

The F&WHR had a stand at the Warley Model Railway show at the NEC again last weekend selling shop items and answering enquiries from visitors. The possible rebuild of Moel Tryfan was a frequently asked question.

WHR on the Lottery 22/11/14

There was a short feature on The Lottery on 22/11/14. The WHR was an early beneficiary of the scheme. Paul Lewin (F&WHR GM) was present and a short video showed the railway.

Great and Small II appeal

John Wooden (F&WHR Shops Manager) has appealed for quality layouts of the F&WHR to show at Dinas during Superpower 2015, to be entitled 'Great and Small II'. Click on the link to contact John Wooden.

Loco news Autumn 2015

With three Garratt's to rotate in service for two service trains there have been less problems this year. However, both injectors and grates have caused problems from time to time. Slacker tolerances seems to have cured the injector problems. High chrome grate fittings have been installed on No.138 this season and next year another Garratt will be fitted with the third using up the cast iron spares before fitting the high chrome units. Welsh coal rather than Russian coal has been used this year. No.143 will be receiving attention to its power bogies this Winter as it has been in service the longest.

K1 needed to be re-tubed next year following withdrawal on 5/11/4. Some 170 tubes need taking out and this will be a volunteer effort as will preparation of new tubes before permanent staff fit them. Volunteers are advised to contact the K1 Group.

Some DZ wagons have been modified for use on the FR Winter relaying programme. There are only four with sides so some of the DZ flats will have newly fabricated sides fitted. End flaps, in the form of fall plates that can allowed excavators to cross from wagon to wagon, will also be fitted. A few should be ready in time. Now doubt they will see similar use of the WHR.

This westerly view (21/11/14) shows Vale of Ffestiniog with the new drop-plate fitted DZ wagons being used on relaying Dragon Curve on the FR. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Green timetable sees more fine weather 20/11/14

This westerly view (20/11/14) shows Taliesin with Linda running around its Porthmadog-Beddgelert at Harbour station. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Welsh Pony plates arrive 19/11/14

This Boston Lodge view (19/11/14) shows the newly arrived plates purchased for Welsh Pony. These 21mm plates (13/16 inch) cost less than £600 each. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

For further information see Welsh Pony's website.

Tuesday Gang South report 18/11/14

Steve Broomfield reports: The TGS were at Beddgelert on 18/11/14, rebuilding the end of the wall at the 'viewing area'. The tension on the straining post had proved too much and the top section of the wall had broken away. The four fence wires will be re-attached after the mortar has properly set.

This easterly view (18/11/14) shows the TGS volunteers working on the Beddgelert station viewing area. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Steve Broomfield and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Team Wylfa report 18/11/14

Clive Briscoe reports: On Tuesday evening this week, the Team were back to work properly on No.134. Over last weekend, the main No.134 Group were hard at work on a variety of tasks, one of which was annealing, brazing the ferrules on the ends of and final fitting of the grease lubrication pipework on the LHS (Fireman's Side) of the loco's frames. (The RHS will be done in 3 weeks' time over the next working weekend). So the task this week was to prime all the pipes ready for a final top coat of gloss next week - when the LHS of the frames will also get its top coat.

Another task undertaken was to start welding some of the flanges onto the vacuum brake train pipe - the spools of which have been waiting for this for some time so they can be finally joined and clipped into place.

Tuesday Gang Update 18/11/14

Tony Baker reports: On Tuesday we were at Harbour Station pulling in an additional power cable from beehive 2 to the old Goods Shed. This is required for an additional charging point. There were 7 volunteers and warm sunny weather, almost spring-like. Afterwards we retired to Minffordd and recovered a redundant wire fence as part of the general upgrading of the yard.

Welsh Pony update 18/11/14

Click on the YouTube box taken on 18//11/14 above to watch 15 mins 3secs of video voiced by John Whalley (F&WHR CME) covering the sixth update about Welsh Pony's disassembled and plans for completion. This video was taken by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional camcorder.

Disassembly of Welsh Pony has revealed that new frames and cylinders will be needed. The loco is now basically a kit of parts, many of which can be refurbished and reused. The wheels and tyres seem OK but need checking for cracks. A new boiler will be necessary and plans are for identical dimensions to the current design. It will be of welded construction and built at Boston Lodge, looking very similar to Lilla's, which is currently under refurbishment. A new tender needs building and fortunately, Boston Lodge has the original plans. The flared sides will be recreated as on Taliesin.

Linda 16/11/14

This westerly view (16/11/14) shows Linda with Taliesin on the 1130 Porthmadog-Beddgelert hauling an eight coach rake crossing Pont Croesor in a new distant view from high above Llanfrothen. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Titbits Autumn 2014

Although traffic improved over the Summer and Autumn it looks like the WHR numbers will be down this year due to the poor start in the Spring. The Tuesday Gang will be working on repair of some of the 135 level crossings over the Winter. Although treated wood has been used, some level crossings have deteriorated badly and thoughts are being given to trialling recycled plastic components at one location, following the successful introduction of recycled plastic sleepers during the Porthmadog Harbour station relaying. The ROWG will be working on introducing staggered joints between Tro Ffridd and Glan-yr-afon. While the North Wales Gang will help with this task, their main task is to introduce lever frames at Beddgelert, Rhyd Ddu Yard and both ends of Hafod-y-llyn loop. The Xmas Working Party (27-30/12/14) will be tasked with introducing a shunt token at Waunfawr for use in 2015. Waunfawr is the terminus for special trains at some events such as the Beer Festival, Superpower and Santa trains. The WHRS is polling members asking if they would use the proposed Dinas volunteer hostel.

'Autumn Gold' YouTube 16/11/14

Click on the YouTube box taken on 16//11/14 above to watch 10 mins 9secs of video of Linda and Taliesin on the 1130 Porthmadog-Beddgelert working, hauling 8 coaches. This video was taken by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional camcorder.

Linda and Taliesin to haul Green timetable 15/11/14

The F&WHR website has confirmed that Linda and Taliesin will haul the Green timetable trains from today. With two locos, up to 8 coaches can be hauled as it is anticipated this Porthmadog-Beddgelert service will be popular as there are no through trains on the WHR. Trains depart Porthmadog at 1130 and 1415 MTFX. The service allows two hours between trains for a walk around Beddgelert or a walk to Nantmor through the Aberglaslyn Pass to catch the second return service there. Alternatively, the 1220 from Beddgelert allows an hour and a quarter in Porthmadog, enough time for a meal in Spooners before the return service.

This easterly view (15/11/14) shows Linda turned to face north, with Taliesin on the 1130 Porthmadog-Beddgelert hauling an eight coach rake in amazingly sunny weather for November. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This easterly view (15/11/14) shows Taliesin leading Linda on the 1220 return working from Beddgelert. This loco arrangement allows one loco to work boiler first in both directions. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Lighting up time 13/11/14!

This easterly view (13/11/14) shows Harlech Castle on an FR rake in the WHR platform with the lights switched on for the first time to welcome an arrival. The new signal lights blaze in the distance by the signalbox. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Bron Hebog layout at Hull 8-9/11/14

Rob Waller reports: We had a great time promoting the WHR at the Hull Model Railway show at the weekend with our layout of Beddgelert ‘Bron Hebog’ on only its second showing at its full extent, showing the line all the way from Cemetery Crossing to Bron Hebog Crossing as the railway enters Beddgelert Forest.

This image (8/11/14) shows one of the snaps taken of the Bron Hebog layout at the Hull show. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Francis Gomme courtesy of Rob Waller and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

For anyone who’d like to see more, there’s an album on the layout’s Facebook page (You don't have to be a member of Facebook to visit the page-Ed).

Linda to haul Green Timetable trains 12/11/14

Linda was turned to face north at Boston Lodge on 12/11/12 and had its all weather tender cab fitted . The loco was attached to the back of the 1130 Porthmadog-Beddgelert and hauled the train back to Porthmadog after No.138 detached and ran light engine to Dinas for Winter maintenance. Having the loco facing north allows use of the sanders for better adhesion on the 1 in 40 approaching Beddgelert if the loco is to be used regularly on the Green timetable now that No.138 has gone home. Linda was assisted by Criccieth Castle on the second trip.

This easterly view (12/11/14) shows Linda turned to face north, about to join the rear of the 1130 Porthmadog-Beddgelert hauled by No.138. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Team Wylfa report 11/11/14

Clive Briscoe reports: After all the sorting out in the Clip Shed these last couple of weeks, on Tuesday evening this week, it was time to start moving tools and equipment for the Team and No.134 Group out to the Loco Shed. We were joined by an old friend who hasn't been with us for a couple of years - Pip Clark. This extra pair of hands was just what was needed as some of the things we moved were quite heavy. Thanks Pip!

Altogether, a very busy and productive night. The tool cupboards will have to be next - when space has been found! We really could do with our tools to hand now as we're starting the final phase of No.134's rebuild and it's a pain having to walk down to the South Yard and back if you're short of just one tool..!

Tuesday Gang report 11/11/14

Tony Baker reports: On 11/11/14 the Tuesday Gang prepared timbers for the next crossings and spent time rationalising our tool storage.

NGGT 9/11/14

On the final day of the Narrow Gauge get together participants were treated to a special double Fairlie working from Porthmadog to Caernarfon. The NGGT trip from Porthmadog to Caernarfon and back to Dinas where it terminated. NGGT participants went onto visit the Slate Museum in Llanberis and then back to Porthmadog by road via Pen-y-Pass. This allowed the E set to be stabled at Dinas for the winter. The two Fairlies, having done the shunt at Dinas, returned light engine to Beddgelert where they hooked onto the Green service train (Beddgelert – Porthmadog) that had been hauled by No.138. The Garratt continued north light engine in order to get back to Dinas for Winter storage.

More from the Narrow Gauge Get Together 9/11/14

This southerly view (9/11/14) shows Merddin Emrys leading David Lloyd George in the Aberglaslyn Pass as it heads for Caernarfon an unadvertised special for the Narrow Gauge Get Together, the second weekend of charters on the WHR. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright FRS and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (9/11/14) shows Merddin Emrys leading David Lloyd George out on test in undercoat at Beddgelert on the Narrow Gauge Get Together special. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This easterly view (9/11/14) shows Merddin Emrys leading David Lloyd George rounding Canal Curve as it heads for Caernarfon an unadvertised special for the Narrow Gauge Get Together. To the left of the loco can be seen the Boston Lodge ash used for embankment strengthening. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright FRS and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (9/11/14) shows Merddin Emrys leading David Lloyd George at Hafod Ruffydd on an unadvertised special Porthmadog-Caernarfon working for the Narrow Gauge Get Together, the second weekend of charters on the WHR. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This easterly view (9/11/14) shows Merddin Emrys leading David Lloyd George passing Caeau Gwynion as it heads for Caernarfon. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright FRS and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (9/11/14) shows Merddin Emrys leading David Lloyd George arriving at Waunfawr as it heads for Caernarfon an unadvertised special for the Narrow Gauge Get Together. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright FRS and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (9/11/14) shows Merddin Emrys leading David Lloyd George out on test in undercoat at Caernarfon on the Narrow Gauge Get Together special. Note the large amount of loco ash between the tracks. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (9/11/14) shows David Lloyd George out on test in undercoat leading Merddin Emrys at Dinas on the Narrow Gauge Get Together special. The passengers left at this point went to the slate museum at Llanberis, returning by coach. The set stayed at Dinas but the locos returned light engine to Beddgelert. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This easterly view (9/11/14) shows David Lloyd George leading Merddin Emrys and No.138 crossing Pont Croesor on the 1505 Beddgelert-Porthmadog working for the Narrow Gauge Get Together, the second weekend of charters on the WHR. The locos were returning to Boston Lodge after service on the NGGT special to Caernarfon and back to Dinas earlier in the day. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

First cross-platform interchange at Pen-y-Mount 7/11/14

The Narrow Gauge Get Together made a bit of history on Friday afternoon (7/11/14) with a hastily arranged cross platform change of trains at Pen-y-Mount Junction so participants at the NGGT could travel from Harbour to see Russell in action, visit the WHHR museum and then catch a subsequent WHR train back to Harbour, (though they did have to go via Pont Croesor!). They think this may have been a “first” but are not exactly sure. They got off on the grass by the junction on the way out but rejoined the WHR on the 'platform' on the way back. The WHHR confirms this was a first. Funds raised the NGGT will be used towards the new cylinder block for Welsh Pony.

This northerly view (7/11/14) shows the first ever exchange of passengers at Pen-y-Mount during the NGGT event. Passengers swopped trains between the two railways. Britomart was en-route to Pont Croesor while RUSSELL was waiting to depart for Gelert's Farm. A few people disembarked the WHR train for the WHHR to visit the museum, whilst a few others disembarked the WHHR and headed to Pont Croesor on the WHR train. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright WHHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Welsh Pony progress 7/11/14

This Boston Lodge view (7/11/14) shows Welsh Pony's wheels following the final disassembly of the loco. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Over the last week the rolling chassis has been reduced to its basic components. The cylinders have been found to be beyond repair due to corrosion, cracking and general wear. A new cylinder casting is to be made using the same patterns used for Palmerston's rebuild. See Welsh Pony Facebook page for more details.

Narrow Gauge Get Together 7/11/14

Britomart ran Minffordd-Pont Croesor shuttles on the first day of the Narrow Gauge Get Together weekend in heavy rain at times. No.138 is hauling the scheduled weekend Porthmadog-Beddgelert Green timetable services. Russell was also in action on the WHHR.

Tuesday Gang report 4/11/14

Tony Baker reports: The gang were at Snowdon Ranger on 4/11/14 where new centre timbers were fitted at LC 35.79. Also all loose SA clips between 35.63 and 35.85 were rectified.

This northerly view 4/11/14 shows the decayed timbers at the farm crossing just north of Snowdon Ranger level crossing. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view 4/11/14 shows the decayed timbers replaced with new at the farm crossing just north of Snowdon Ranger level crossing. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Trident complete 4/11/14

The trident signal on The Cob was commissioned on 4/11/14 at 1615 and all temporary signalling arrangements removed.

WHRS East Anglian Group meeting 20/11/14

The next WHR East Anglian Group meeting of the season will be on Thursday 20/11/14. We’re pleased to welcome back Cedric Lodge, who is well known to all of us in Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland circles. Cedric will be speaking about “The Steam Locomotive in the 21st Century” It’s sure to be extremely interesting, so do come along and please bring a friend!

We hope to see you all at Fulbourn!

First snows of Winter 4/11/14

The Snowdon massif had a covering of snow for the first time this Winter on 4/11/14 just in time for the new Green timetable with two return services from Porthmadog to Beddgelert at 1130 and 1415. A return service from Beddgelert is possible at 1220 allowing over an hour for lunch at Spooners.

Team Wylfa Report 4/11/14

Clive Briscoe reports: Three of us continued work in our former home - the Clip Shed. More clearing, junk chucking and sweeping up. All the benches were finally cleared and items off NG15 No.134 carefully found homes for on the existing north side racking. Obvious scrap metal was consigned to one bin, general rubbish to another. The small steel bench complete with vice and welding bench are now ready to be moved to the Loco Shed. The long wooden bench is clear and is probably destined for kindling to light up the locos. Once all these benches are moved, new storage racking will be erected along this wall - initially for low value components off K1 (high value items will be stored securely off-site).

Bit by bit, Teams Wylfa and No.134 are vacating our home of the last 11 years.

30742 Charters' Photo shoot 2014 3/11/14

This northerly view (3/11/14) shows K1 making a run past at Pitt's Head at 1023 on an unadvertised special Caernarfon-Porthmadog freight working for the 30742 Charters. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Richard Hay and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (3/11/14) shows K1 making a run past at Pitt's Head at 1040 on an unadvertised special Caernarfon-Porthmadog freight working for the 30742 Charters. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Richard Hay and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (3/11/14) shows K1 making a run past at Ffridd Isaf at 1118 on an unadvertised special Caernarfon-Porthmadog freight working for the 30742 Charters. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Richard Hay and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (3/11/14) shows K1 making a run past at Ffridd Isaf at 1118 on an unadvertised special Caernarfon-Porthmadog freight working for the 30742 Charters. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Richard Hay and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

30742 Charters' Photo shoot 2014 2/11/14

This northerly view (2/11/14) shows No.87 leading No.138 making a run past at Pitt's Head at 0945 on an unadvertised special Caernarfon-Porthmadog freight working for the 30742 Charters. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Richard Hay and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (2/11/14) shows No.87 leading No.138 making a second run past at Pitt's Head at 0952 on an unadvertised special Caernarfon-Porthmadog freight working for the 30742 Charters. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Richard Hay and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (2/11/14) shows No.87 leading No.138 approaching Pont Croesor at 1406 on an unadvertised special Caernarfon-Porthmadog freight working for the 30742 Charters. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Richard Hay and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (2/11/14) shows No.87 leading No.138 rounding Ffridd Isaf curve at 1020 on an unadvertised special Caernarfon-Porthmadog freight working for the 30742 Charters. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Richard Hay and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

2015 services

The 2015 services have appeared on the F&WHR website with services until 31/12/15. The Green timetable kicks in from Saturday 28/2/14 SSuO until 15/3/15, for a second year missing the potential half term holiday traffic the week before which often features trains in alpine conditions. This is despite the FR operating trains at half term proving there is a market. The blue timetable starts on 21/3/14 with some Mondays and Fridays missing. The Yellow peak timetable runs over the Easter period 3-9/4/15, with two return workings from each end of the line, crossing (as last year) at Rhyd Ddu.

In May, there are no services on Mondays and Fridays from 17/4/15. The yellow timetable appears for the 3 day May Day Bank Holiday from 2/5/15. There are no services on 8/5/14. The Yellow timetable reappears strangely on Friday 15/4/15 and Saturday 16/5/15 but not the Sunday. The Half Term holiday sees the Yellow timetable from Sunday 24/5/15 to Friday 28/5/15.

In June there are no Friday services but the peak Yellow timetable operates TWThO as in 2014. July also sees the TWThO yellow timetable with a special timetable on 13/7/15 to allow for an excursion. The daily summer peak Yellow timetable kicks in from Monday 27/7/15, whereas this year the Yellow timetable was in action on Monday 20/7/14 and Friday 24/7/14. The Yellow timetable continues throughout August.

There are services every day in September with the Yellow timetable offering TWThO peak shoulder services until 17/9/15 and the blue timetable on other days. October reverts to the Blue timetable with Mondays and Fridays missing until the Half term holiday week on 24/10/15. Even before the success of this year's Green timetable has been judged, it has been cut back severely for 2015! It will only operate on Saturdays in November and not at all in December.

Santa services operate between Caernarfon and Waunfawr on the three weekends leading up to Christmas. The Christmas Holiday Purple timetable with a single return service at 1000 from Caernarfon runs from 27-31/12/15 with no Boxing Day service, though there are services on the FR. It is possible a New Year's Day service may operate on 1/1/16 as in previous years, though this is not currently shown in the timetable.

In total there will be trains on 230 days in 2015 compared to 248 days in 2014, a 5% cut, mostly caused by a reduction in the Green timetable days. The figures for 2015 (2014 in bracket) are 83 (87) Yellow days, 125 (119) Blue days, 10 (25) Green days, 6 (6) Santa days and 6 (6) Pink days, assuming a 1/1/16 service. It appears that the reduction in Yellow timetable days has been matched by an increase in Blue timetable days.

DZ wagon conversion 2/11/14

The first DZ wagon conversion for the mechanised ballast handling train was completed by 2/11/14. Further vehicles are planned which will allow relaying with fewer volunteers throughout the F&WHR. The alterations involve fall plates that will allow a small excavator to drive along the deck of the wagons. Displaced life expired FR Hudson wagons (as well as skip frames) have been sold for scrap.

North Wales Track Gang 2/11/14

The North Wales track gang were working on the lever frame for the siding at Beddgelert on 2/11/14, sometimes in heavy rain.

30742 Charters' Photo shoot 2014 1-2/11/14

30742 Charters organise an annual photo shoot event on the F&WHR. This year featured four days of action with special trains provided on both the FR and WHR. See 20742 Charters' Facebook page for more details.

This easterly view 1/11/14 shows the freight photo shoot with No.87 and No.138 at Ffridd Isaf curve. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Phil Brown and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This easterly view 3/11/14 shows the freight photo shoot with K1 at Ffridd Isaf curve. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Neil Scott and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This easterly view 2/11/14 shows the freight photo shoot with No.138 and No.87 in the Aberglaslyn Pass in the rain. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Photoshoot YouTube 1-2/11/14

Click on the YouTube box published 5/11/14 above to watch 15 mins 59secs of video of various locos on the Photoshoot weekend 1-2/11/14 including K1 working its last photo-charter before the expiration of its boiler certificate and some FR scenes. This video was taken by Austin Whitehead of ACW videos on a camcorder.

End of the Season 1/11/14

The end of the Blue timetable main season trains on the WHR occurred on a Saturday (1/11/14), unusually as many families held their half term holidays over the weekend until Sunday 2/11/14 and missed out on a ride. Mondays and Fridays had also had no WHR train services in October. Nos.138/143 hauled the final round trips. The new green timetable commences on 5/11/14 with two round trips from Porthmadog to Beddgelert MTFX based on Porthmadog with No.138 rostered from the first week rather than the expected Taliesin as in previous years. The loco and rake will be serviced at Porthmadog with no ecs runs from Dinas. The Green weekend timetable terminates at the end of November, however the WThO green timetable continues until 18/12/14. There are 3 Santa Trains a day for the three weekends from 6-21/12/14. The Christmas period sees one return working from Caernarfon in the purple timetable from 27/12/14 to 1/1/15. There is still no Boxing Day service even though it is a regular feature on the FR proving there is a demand.

Welsh Pony Facebook webpage 30/10/14

Work continues on dismantling Welsh Pony. Following separation of the boiler from the frames on 13/10/14 attention is being given to the motion. The chassis was rolled into Boston Lodge on 30/10/14 and work commenced on removing pistons, slide bars and motion. A new Christmas Card featuring Welsh Pony in a snowy scene on the FR's Cei Mawr embankment is available. Welsh Pony has a Facebook page now, accessible by non-Facebook members, as the F&WHR's microsite appears to be down.

This Boston Lodge view 30/10/14 shows Welsh Pony's chassis with the motion being dismantled. In the background is Earl of Merioneth. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

NG16 No.109 29/10/14

Martin Kressman reports: The second power bogie arrived at Dinas from Crewe on Wednesday along with a number of other smaller parts e.g. cylinder block, superheater header, superheater elements etc. We have more or less the complete loco now. What is to happen with it now, I don't know. It still probably still owned by Pete Waterman who is just storing it at Dinas. The VoR van was a backload to Aberystwyth.

Vale of Rheidol van goes home 29/10/14

The FR's van No.59, returned to the Vale of Rheidol on 29/10/14. It was its first and last trip on the WHR. The van was built as a cattle truck by the GWR's Swindon works in 1923 for the VoR. Seeing little use, it was converted to 2'6" gauge for the W&LlR in 1937. After closure of the line in 1956, the van was acquired from there by the FR upon disposal of stock in 1959, being suitable for back conversion to 2' gauge. It entered service as van No.9 but more recently as van No.59 and actually carried a horse on 12/2/72 on the FR. The move will allow the VoR to start to build an authentic freight train. The van was moved to Dinas for onward road transfer to the VoR, its first and last trip along the WHR.

This northerly view 30/10/14 shows Vale of Ffestiniog hauling the VoR van out of Porthmadog Harbour station with two more wagons full of loco ash (for embankment strengthening on the WHR). Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Tuesday Gang report 28/10/14

Tony Baker reports: The Tuesday Gang were servicing SA clips at Snowdon Ranger on 28/10/14 until heavy rain at 2:30 put paid to things.

Team Wylfa report 28/10/14

Clive Briscoe reports: On Tuesday this week, there was a lack of people. Pete, my No. 2, was down south on business. So it was a quick visual check of the F Set, show a visitor around No.134 and home!

Since it is the end of the running season this coming weekend, most of our time over the closed season will now be spent working on NG15 No.134 so some extra hands would be very welcome. See the Contacts page for details if you'd like to swell our now dwindling team.

NG15 No.134 progress

With SuperPower focussed on the Porthmadog end of the line and problems with machining of the axleboxes it was decided not to re-wheel the loco on 14/9/14 during the September working party. Some vacuum pipes were painted and the two tender bogies that were stacked on top of each other to create working space have been separated to give attention to a misalignment of one of the axlebox guides. Preparations were made to convert the ball joints to grease on the two side thrust compensation arms that are located on the loco frames. While one was done earlier, the remaining three of these proved a hard job and will be completed later.

There were a few visitors over SuperPower and the sales stand made £400 overall towards the project. Following the working party on 18-19/10/14, the next working parties are 15-16/11/14 and 6-7/12/14 (advanced by a week).

Halloween sold out!

All tickets for Halloween on both the FR and WHR have been sold. The single WHR train on 31/10/14 leaves Caernarfon at 1830 for Waunfawr and arrives back at 2100 hauled by Castell Caernarfon. The FR has three services dated 29-30-31/10/14.

New book 'The Bryngwyn Branch'

A new book by Dave Southern and John Keylock (posthumously) has been published entitled 'The Bryngwyn Branch'. Research and new photos have revealed a wealth of detail about the NWNGR main line. Map experts will notice how the Rhyd Ddu branch peels off the curve for the Bryngwyn branch but unfortunately the book does not feature a full map of the line, much of which is now occupied by the Slate Trail. With 72 pages the book also features the connections to the quarries from the drumhead of the NWNGR's Bryngwyn Incline. The book is published by the Welsh Highland Heritage Group and is available from the WHHR's online shop or Adrian Gray for £15 post paid - cheques payable to Welsh Highland Heritage Group.

YouTube taster for F&WHR 2014 video 23/10/14

Click on the YouTube link to view 4 mins 5 secs of video advertising the F&WHR's Year 2014 published 23/10/14. This video is best watched in 1080p quality. The video is produced by John Wooden (F&WHR).

Team Wylfa report 21/10/14

Clive Briscoe reports: On Tuesday this week, the A Team were down to the core team of two. Since B Team had oiled the remaining plain bearing axleboxes on F Set on Friday of last week and the set is only doing one return journey per day on the low season timetable, all we had to do was a visual inspection, oil the couplings and top up the flange lube grease sticks. This only took us an hour and the rest of the time was spent de-planting the Clip Shed – Team Wylfa’s spiritual home since 2003. The shed is reverting to storage for spare plant and loco bits not required for immediate service. Ex NGG16 No.129’s boiler from Puffing Billy Railway, Australia sits where No134’s frames used to sit and where No.134’s tender chassis currently sits will be used to store K1’s cab and tanks during its forthcoming 10 year ‘heavy’ overhaul.

New racking will be going up in there shortly so we needed to remove our vices and other semi-fixed ‘hardware’ from the old wooden benches. These will be turned into kindling for the locos to release the space for the racking. Over last weekend, the No.134 Group did a major tidy and throw out in there and this included putting the partly overhauled bogies back under the tender chassis to make it mobile once more. Once back on its wheels, it was partially rolled out of the shed on Jubilee track to allow some stillages of spare NGG16 components – again some ex No.129 but also some off Pete Waterman’s No.109 – to be loaded on top to get them off the floor for now. The ones ex No.129 were usable components not required by No.129 in its conversion to 2’ 6” gauge but that are common with our 2’ gauge Garratts so will ultimately prove useful.

Tuesday Gang report 21/10/14

The gang spent a showery day finishing off LC 35.63 at Snowdon Ranger. This consisted of fitting the final bits of metal work to the timbers. Whilst the timbers were absent we took the opportunity to service the South African clips within the crossing. Some were seized up and had to be replaced. The last hour was spent servicing loose clips back toward the road crossing.

Aerial views 17-24/10/14

The era of the quadcopter is upon us! John Rawlings was on holiday in the WHR area in mid-October and took the following images with his new radio controlled quadcopter drone.

This aerial southerly view 17/10/14 shows the Porthmadog Bypass viaduct over the WHR and WHHR. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright John Rawlings and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This aerial northerly view 17/10/14 shows the Porthmadog Bypass viaduct over the WHR and WHHR. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright John Rawlings and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This aerial southerly view 22/10/14 shows No.143 at the more southerly of the two tellytubby bridges with the first train of the day from Porthmadog to Caernarfon. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright John Rawlings and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This aerial northerly view 24/10/14 shows the general layout at Pont Croesor. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright John Rawlings and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This aerial southerly view 24/10/14 shows the general layout at Pont Croesor. The alignment of the partially completed Beddgelert Railway (Standard Gauge) can be seen diverging to the right and passing through the farmyard. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright John Rawlings and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Trackwork programme for Winter

A number of trackwork jobs are scheduled to be completed over Winter on the WHR. These include the installation of a lever frame for the yard at Rhyd Ddu, attention to the Caernarfon loop and points, lever frames at Hafod-y-Llyn, installing a stagger between Tro Ffridd and Glanrafon, point maintenance at Pont Croesor and Porthmadog Harbour and realignment of the kink between Cae Pawb and Pont-y-Cyt (the site of Porthmadog New station 1924). Contractors will be flailing the WHR. Volunteers are always welcome and some additional days may be organised between Christmas and the New Year. See Contacts page.

Team Wylfa report 14/10/14

On Tuesday this week, the A Team paid a rare 'flying squad' visit to Boston Lodge to service the E Set - it's been stabled overnight at the Porthmadog end of the line for the last few weeks since the high season timetable finished. The remaining plain bearinged axleboxes in the set definitely needed oil and by we had finished, nearly all the oil in our faithful 25 litre bowser had gone. It was easy to 'do' the set from the comfort of a full length pit although there were 3 carriages sticking out of the shed each end and we had to resort to our usual lying in the ballast for them!

All being well, apart from a visual inspection each week, this should be 'it' for oiling-up until just before the Christmas consist gets made up. Where has this season gone? It just seems to have flown by.

Tuesday Gang report 14/10/14

Tony Baker reports: The gang spent 14/10/14 replacing the centre crossing timbers at LC 35.63. The metalwork to secure the timbers was found in the PW workshops. The job took a while to complete as everything had to be carried about 200 m from the nearest road access including a generator.

Minffordd 12/10/14

The Welsh Highland Railway Subscribers' tour on 12/10/14 included a tour of Minffordd Yard guided by Paul Lewin. The yard is now the infrastructure centre for the whole F&WHR system. One proposal is for a new rail access towards Boston Lodge giving an easier exit for works trains towards Porthmadog and the WHR without reversal at Minffordd station. Land is available for this within the FR boundary. The new track would also create a triangle at Minffordd allowing locos to be turned easily if they can access the yard via the existing sharp curve. The General Manager is not, however, keen on the idea as it passes through a laydown/work area e.g. where the trident signal post was made. Garratts cannot be turned by this method though as they cannot travel past Boston Lodge Halt as Rhiw Plas bridge is too narrow for them. The 1960s bridge would be better replaced by a level crossing that existed previously now that the Porthmadog Bypass is open.

This Minffordd view 12/10/14 shows Welsh Pony's cab stored at Minffordd in undercoat. The large number of sleepers in the background are believed to be for the FR's Winter tracklaying campaign. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Keith Holland and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This Minffordd view 12/10/14 shows the new store at Minffordd. Various items have been recycled to scrap and the yard is a lot tidier now whilst retaining its heritage character. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Mark Bishop and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Boston Lodge 12/10/14

It was Welsh Highland Railway Supporters' tour on 12/10/14 and a tour of Boston Lodge was included.

This Boston Lodge view 12/10/14 shows the steel frame of FR coach No.150 and, on the right, the repaired saddle tank of Welsh Pony. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Mark Bishop and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This Boston Lodge view 12/10/14 shows the repaired saddle tank of Welsh Pony, the first part of the loco to be refurbished. The new steel plate has been sympathetically added (using rivets) where the corroded sections were cut out. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Mark Bishop and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This Boston Lodge view 12/10/14 shows the steel frame of FR coach No.150. This style of coach is being built to accommodate the more ample proportions of today's clientele and is to the maximum profile allowed by the FR. It will be the first of a new set of coaches that can work throughout the F&WHR. It is likely that no more WHR profile coaches will be built. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Mark Bishop and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Welsh Pony news 12/10/14

During SuperPower weekend further dismantling of Welsh Pony occurred. The side frames were removed and there was work to remove the smokebox to allow the boiler to be removed. It was intended this would happen during the October Vintage Weekend after which the boiler can be assessed to determine whether it needs to be replaced. However, Boston Lodge was not open to the public during that event. Meanwhile the saddle tank repairs are progressing and only necessary pieces of sheeting are being replaced. These are riveted to the existing sound sheeting to maintain the character of the loco.

This westerly view 12/10/14 shows Welsh Pony's frames revealed at Boston Lodge after the removal of the boiler (on 11/10/14) with Mike Hart looking on. The frames appear to be in reasonable condition. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Keith Holland and was taken on an Pentax digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This easterly view 12/10/14 shows Welsh Pony's boiler at Boston Lodge. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Keith Holland and was taken on an Pentax digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Hafod-y-llyn loop 11/10/14

This northerly view 11/10/14 shows the completed headshunt at Hafod-y-llyn. a rail carrying wagon is locked in the loop which also functions as a siding. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Mark Bishop and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view 11/10/14 shows the point for the completed headshunt at Hafod-y-llyn. The lever frame has yet to appear. The headshunt is being described as a tamper siding. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Mark Bishop and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view 11/10/14 shows the catchpoint at the north end of Hafod-y-llyn loop. The level frame has yet to appear. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Mark Bishop and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

K1 Group plans

Andy Rutter reports: After K1’s Boiler Certificate expires this November (5/11/14) the F&WHR has confirmed that it will support the Group’s intention to complete the essential work required to overhaul the boiler, which includes fitting new tubes. Before that date the K1 volunteers hope to finish the steam supply and electrical circuits for the turbo-generator that will power and charge the batteries for the headlights. Other work will include overhauling the rear engine pivot, a connecting rod bush and the problematic blast pipe arrangement. A warm axle box has also been reported.

We have some funds available to rebuild one or other of the water tanks/coal bunker, however no decision has been made as yet on which one.

The K1 Group intends to wind down by October of 2015 as most of the committee are retiring and have been involved since 1995! May we make an appeal for volunteers for working parties & anyone who wants to help out with the Group and/or take over from the existing committee? As no one has yet come forward, we are aiming to do as much as possible this Winter on this iconic locomotive so that she can be put back into service ASAP. Then any Group funds remaining will be transferred to the WHRS for future support of K1 if the Group is wound up. A WHRS locomotive support group could take on the role of supporting the WHRS funded locomotive projects and other WHR locomotive work.

The Company plans to use K1 for a special train for Trustees Day on 8/10/14 & a photo-charter on 3/11/14 just before the boiler ticket expires on 5/11/14. Provisional K1 Group working parties at Dinas are on 15-16/11/14, and on 17-18/01/15.

Contact the Chairman, John Startin for working party information. Contact the Secretary, Robin Rees-Jones for other information.

Moel Tryfan 'buzz'

According to informants, there was a buzz of discussion about the possible Moel Tryfan project at the FR's Vintage Weekend Gala. While all the other Fairlies have interchangeable two axles power bogies, Moel Tryfan's, if rebuilt, would be a three axle power bogie.

Diamond Jubilee Appeal passes £1/2 million

On 22/9/14 the Diamond Jubilee Appeal total stood in excess of £502,000.

Beddgelert's historic water tower progress 7/10/14

This northerly view (7/10/14) shows Beddgelert's historic water tower being reconnected whilst the North Wales gang made progress with the siding point rodding in the background. There is more work to do on both tasks but it may soon be possible to recreate historical WHR scenes here in the future with England engines being re-watered in the siding. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Tuesday Gang report 7/10/14

Tony Baker reports: We spent the day preparing crossing timbers at Dinas which are earmarked for 2 crossings in the Snowdon Ranger area. We were called out toward the end of the afternoon to clean out the points outside of the Engine Shed which had become obstructed with debris.

David Lloyd George repaint

>David Lloyd George, currently running in works grey livery, is to be repainted into its previous red livery around Christmas time. The loco returned to service in May 2014 after conversion to coal firing (oil costs too much these days) and an extensive rebuild. The works grey livery was a recreation of double Fairlie loco Taliesin’s (aka Livingston Thompson) 1956 appearance when it returned to service on the reborn FR. It was originally intended to repaint David Lloyd George before the FR's Vintage Weekend, but as Earl of Merioneth failed, David Lloyd George was needed to haul service trains until the end of the season.

Any volunteers willing to help in the repaint the loco should contact Norman Bond. Merddin Emrys’ paintwork also needs a touch up but it seems likely that the loco will be repainted at its next scheduled overhaul in a year’s time.

East Anglian Group meeting 16/10/14

Richard Watson advises: The first WHR East Anglian Group meeting of the new season will be on Thursday 16/10/14. We’re pleased to welcome guest speaker Alan Rampley, who will be talking about The Gloucester and Warwickshire Railway Project: Past, Present and Future. It’s sure to be a fascinating story, so do come along and please bring a friend!

The Group meets at The Six Bells Pub, 9 High Street, Fulbourn, Cambridge CB21 5DH normally on the third Thursday of the month. We gather at any time after 6-6.30pm; good evening meals are available in the restaurant or bar at reasonable prices. Meetings start around 8pm, with a halfway break for coffee (£1.20 per person), and proceedings are rounded off around 10pm. Fulbourn is easily accessible from the A14/M11 corridors and is served by Stagecoach bus Citi 1 (Note: Bus runs every 30 minutes). Car parking can be busy at the pub, but there is space available on Church Lane, a 3-5 minute walk away.

Future events include:

Thursday 20/11/14: Cedric Lodge, well known of course from the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways, on “The Steam Locomotive in the 21st Century”.

Thursday 11/12/14: Members’ slides and social evening. We don’t have a slide projector any more(!) so members are invited to bring photographs on CD, DVD or USB stick. Note that this meeting is on the second Thursday of the month, and not the third.

We hope to see you all at Fulbourn!

Team Wylfa report 7/10/14

Clive Briscoe reports: Another Tuesday evening at Dinas and just the core team (of two of us!) were present to firstly check the F Set. After a full visual check, we oiled the couplings and just the axleboxes on the NWNGR carriage No. 23 - the other carriages with plain bearings having ex-SAR bogies and, with the reduced mileage due to the off peak timetable, won't need doing until next week. (With this timetable, there are no stock rotations with each set doing a single return journey from each end of the line per day).

After that it was down to the Loco Shed to do some more work on No.134. It was light work - just put another coat of gloss paint on the new vacuum brake train-pipe.

Next Tuesday, we are creating the Team Wylfa Flying Squad again and taking our tools down to Porthmadog to service the E Set.

Moel Tryfan gets Facebook community page

The Moel Tryfan campaign seems to be gaining steam with the launch of a Moel Tryfan Facebook page on 30/9/14. Anyone can view the page-viewers do not have to be Facebook members. The page contains rarely seen views of the NWNGR loco in 1954 condition and as cut up. Your web editor has received several requests as to whom to contact to offer donations.

Tryfan Junction station nears completion

The station building at Tryfan Junction is nearing completion. The request stop between Dinas and Waunfawr is the start of the Bryngwyn Slate Trail along the trackbed of the old Bryngwyn branch. Following approval of the project in 2005, the project waited time until 2008 while Stuart McNair prepared plans for the platform. Work on the station building started in February 2009 with an insulated concrete floor. Materials recovered from the demolished Waunfawr station building were used to repair the structure from both Waunfawr and Dinas South Yard.

February 2010 saw the platform completed and on 1/5/10 a special train from Caernarfon called there for members of the Heritage Group with replica WHR tickets. The lower section of the slate Trail from Rhostryfan to Tryfan Junction was opened on 21/5/11. By November 2011 the building was ready for its roof and chimney. The WHRS West Midlands group provided the windows. February 2013 saw the completion of footpath access to the platform. In the last 12 months an antique fireplace has been fitted and internal doors from Port Dinorwic (Y Felinheli as it is now known) railway station. There is also fixed memorial seating and oil lamps. While the interior looks almost finished now some minor finishing works are ongoing.

FR Victorian Weekend 10-12/10/14

The FR has its Victorian Weekend from 10-12/10/14 where many people will be dressed in Victorian dress. The event is centred on the FR and there will be no special services on the WHR. Hugh Napier will offer cab rides in Harbour Station. Lyd has returned from the L&BR Gala and will haul a special train visiting various locations. There will be Minffordd Yard tours but Boston Lodge Works will be closed. For full details see F&WHR website.

Halloween Trains 31/10/14

The F&WHR is operating the annual Halloween train from Caernarfon (depart 1830) to Waunfawr where the event centres on the Snowdonia Park brewpub. Advance booking is advised (phone 01286 677018). The FR offers three Halloween trains over the period 29-31/10/14. For full details see F&WHR website.

Titbits Autumn 2013

As with many North Wales attractions, the WHR suffered reduced passenger numbers in the early part of 2014. The warm Summer kept people on the beaches. With fewer services on offer than the FR, WHR traffic receipts were 11% down at one stage (compared with 2% for the FR) but have improved more recently. The 'Summer of Fun' free add-ons, such as the Harbour Station cab rides, have helped attract visitors.

The new Harbour Station signalling has worked well with only a few failures that have easily been worked around with minimal disruption. One issue for trainee signallers is the 1 minute or so 'timeout' after accidentally clearing the wrong signal. Guards now have time to check that passengers are on the right train as a few have found themselves on the wrong train with simultaneous departures. Maybe a train indicator display or more traditional finger boards are required?

David Lloyd George, back in service following a major refurbishment, was withdrawn from traffic in the Spring with an odd exhaust beat. It returned to traffic at the end of August after a disappointing start with wearing cylinder liners. This was caused by residual casting sand in the steam spaces of the new cylinder block. Merddin Emrys covered for the loco whilst it was out of traffic. Moel Tryfan's pony truck wheels are wearing away under Linda and Blanche and will probably be replaced with new wheels.

Following examination of its boiler, it now seems likely that Welsh Pony will require a new boiler. However repairs to the saddle tank are underway with new lower sheeting panels welded in. The appeal leaflets brought in £42,000 and the total fund stood at £75,000 at the end of the Summer.

New FR Super Barn coach No.119 is having its tables etched with a map of the F&WHR as it may be used on WHR trains.

Contributions to the Harbour Station resignalling appeal produced £67,000 and enabled heritage style semaphore signals. While all the finials have now been fitted to the signals, the trident signal out on the Cob needs two days with no trains in order to be fully tested so it may not be commissioned until November. The Diamond Jubilee Appeal has raised £460,000 so far if all the monthly contributions come in.

Moel Tryfan proposal

On the 60th anniversary of the cutting up of Moel Tryfan at Harbour Station (4/10/54) some volunteers are floating a project to build a replica Moel Tryfan, an 0-6-4 single Fairlie that ran on the WHR. The loco would be a more powerful version of Taliesin, the FR's single Fairlie, which has a standard FR Fairlie bogie. One suggestion is a Moel Tryfan 2020 project and volunteers think the estimated £350k cost could be raised by volunteer donations. The next step is to get a design for an uprated engine rather than another low powered 'coffee pot' and the volunteer group think they nearly have that. Parts of Moel Tryfan still exist as it was acquired by the FR in 1937 and remained at Boston Lodge until being cut up in 1954. See Wikipedia Moel Tryfan for more details on the loco.

Team Wylfa report 30/9/14

Clive Briscoe reports: On Tuesday evening this week, it was back to normal for Team Wylfa. As usual, it was start with the carriages - the F Set, then move down to the Loco Shed for work on No.134. The target was the new vacuum brake train-pipe and it received its first coat of gloss paint.

Progress will unfortunately be slower from now on with a much reduced workforce. Luckily there were actually 3 members so the task was completed.

Also in the Loco Shed:-Steady progress was noted on diesel No.9 - the cab floor is now in, likewise the refurbished 'dashboard' containing light switches, engine instrumentation and gauges is now mounted and in process of wiring up. In the engine bay, the refurbished fuel and vacuum brake tanks have also been refitted. In the workshop, the connecting rods are being fettled ready for new bearing brasses.

NGG16 No.140 - one of the pony truck frames has now been cleaned and painted.

Tuesday Gang report 30/9/14

The Tuesday Gang went to Minffordd yard to look for cranks for point rodding in the vegetation. They found some and took them back to Dinas for refurbishment.

Lyd at L&BR 27-28/9/14

Lyd attended the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway's Gala at Woody Bay, Devon, over the weekend of 27-28/9/14. Three original/replica coaches were used with a fourth on the way (No.11 at Great Yeldham). Additional news and video available on the L&BR website. Lyd is staying to operate all trains this week.

Click on the YouTube box above to watch 12 mins 37 secs of video published 27/9/14 covering Lyd at the L&BR Gala. This video was taken by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional camcorder and is best watched in 1080p mode.

Tuesday Gang report 23/9/14

Tony Baker reports: The gang were at Rhyd Ddu today where level crossing 39.16 was the centre of our attention. The APG's were full of detritus washed down from above and needed cleaning out. In addition there were many broken and rotten triangles and the foundation timbers, originally 6" x 1" were life expired. So we took the whole thing apart, cleared away all the detritus and rebuilt it using 3" x 1.5" timber as the foundation. A light drizzle started about 2 pm and the trains were well loaded.

This northerly view 23/9/14 shows No.138 arriving at Rhyd Ddu on the 1000 ex-Caernarfon. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view 23/9/14 shows the Rhyd Ddu crossing being repaired. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Tait and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view 23/9/14 shows the completed crossing at 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 and displayed at 96dpi.

Team Wylfa appeal 18/9/14

The A Team joined B team on Thursday 18/9/14 to service the carriages and a team went to Boston Lodge on Thursday 25/9/14) to catch the E Set.

Normal service resumes again from next Tuesday, 30/9/14 but the Team is now desperately looking for new hands following the recent departure of 2 of the core members of Tuesday's A Team due to 1. Health reasons and 2. Redeployment to another area of the country. Both A & B Teams are down to a core team of 2 each with occasional help from some of our irregulars. We really could do with at least one extra permanent hand for each team. The A Team starts with carriage work but moves on to working on NG15 No.134 each Tuesday evening with the B Team completing carriage work begun on Tuesdays. Nothing too strenuous with Tuesday's team having the satisfaction of helping to return No.134 to service with the interesting smaller jobs and painting. Fancy joining us - we're a happy team? Find contact details here on the Contacts page.

Bron Hebog model update

The 009 model railway layout of Beddgelert ‘Bron Hebog’ will be on show this weekend coming 20th/21st September at the exhibition organised by the Railway Enthusiasts Club at Woking Leisure Centre in Surrey.

This will be the first opportunity to see this very large layout at its full extent after more than 10 years in the building. (It’s not finished yet – but the track layout – including whole the S bend above Beddgelert is now modelled and has trains running on it. (Even the team who built it haven’t seen it erected yet – it’s too big to fit in a house!)

There’s much more information about the layout on our blog http://bronhebog.blogspot.com or on our Facebook and Twitter feeds (search for Bron Hebog).

This image of the Bron Hebog model railway shows the work in progress on section of the layout which includes the Oberon Wood housing estate. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Rob Waller and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Tuesday Gang report 16/9/14

Tony Baker reports: The Tuesday Gang were at Tros-y-Gol repairing level crossings 32.46 and 32.63 where APG grids were missing or rotting. We were passed by No.87 on the 13.20 ex-Caernarfon and No.138 on the 13.15 ex-Porthmadog. The weather was warm and sunny and the trains were well filled.

This northerly view 16/9/14 shows No.87 passing Tros-y-Gol south of Betws Garmon. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view 16/9/14 shows the Tuesday Gang working on a level crossing at Tros-y-Gol just north of Salem as No.138 passes. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Superpower 14/9/14

This northerly view 14/9/14 shows K1 waiting time at Rhyd Ddu with Vale of Ffestiniog in support at 1102. The Garratt is still sporting its MOSI 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 and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view 14/9/14 shows No.143 waiting the arrival of No.138 on a second freight from the south at Rhyd Ddu at 1116 having shunted around its train in the 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 and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view 14/9/14 shows No.143 waiting the arrival of No.138 on a second freight from the south at Rhyd Ddu at 1128 having shunted the rake into the southbound platform in preparation. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view 14/9/14 shows No.87 running around at Caernarfon at 1302. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Dinas 14/9/14

There were few visitors to Dinas on Sunday once it was announced that No.134 would not be re-wheeled.

This southerly Dinas Loco Shed view 14/9/14 shows No.134's tender bogies under restoration, with No.143's boiler on No140's boiler frame. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly Dinas Loco Shed view 14/9/14 shows No.9 under construction. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly Dinas Loco Shed view 14/9/14 shows No.134 under construction. It is hoped the loco project will soon be re-wheeled. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly Dinas Loco Shed view 14/9/14 shows an NG16 power bogie under construction for No.140. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly Dinas Loco Shed view 14/9/14 shows No.9 under construction. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly Dinas Loco Shed view 14/9/14 shows No.140 under construction with No.143's boiler on No.140s boiler frame. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly Dinas Loco Shed view 14/9/14 shows No.140's cab roof ready for re-construction. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly Dinas Loco Shed view 14/9/14 shows the Loco Shed facia. This view has changed over the years with the area in front of the shed now concreted. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly Dinas Loco Shed view 14/9/14 shows Conway Castle, Dinas depot shunter, stabled in the depot headshunt. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Mark Bishop and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly Dinas Loco Shed view 14/9/14 shows No.143 passing Dinas Loco Shed at 1428, Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Mark Bishop and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

WHHR 14/9/14

This westerly WHHR view 14/9/14 shows Russell running around at the Tremadog Road terminus at 1557. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This westerly WHHR view 14/9/14 shows Russell ready to depart with the final train of the day at the Tremadog Road terminus at 1602 (with permission to cross the tracks). Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

SuperPower 13/9/14

This southerly view 13/9/14 shows David Lloyd George in undercoat on an FR service at 1005. No.87 stands in the FR yard awaiting service on a WHR service. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view 13/9/14 shows No.143 on a demonstration freight working approaching the summit at 1045. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view 13/9/14 shows K1 with Vale of Ffestiniog assisting at 1115 approaching Pitt's Head. This was one of K1's last outings before withdrawal for its 10 year boiler refurbishment in November. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view 13/9/14 shows K1 with Vale of Ffestiniog assisting at 1115 approaching Pitt's Head. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view 13/9/14 shows No.87 passing Pitt's Head at 1154. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view 13/9/14 shows No.87 passing Pitt's Head at 1154. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view 13/9/14 shows No.143 with No.138 in the middle of the freight rake at 1208 approaching Pitt's Head. This method of working reduced the jerking experienced between double-headed Garratts and reduced coupling forces within the 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 and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view 13/9/14 shows No.143 with No.138 in the middle of the freight rake at 1208 approaching Pitt's Head. The new watertank wagon can be seen behind the loco. This type of wagon used to operate with NG15s to extend their range in the dry climate of Namibia with few water stops. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Pont Croesor 13/9/14

This southerly view 13/9/14 shows No.138 with a freight at 1319 waiting to cross a second freight in Pont Croesor loop. The car park at Pont Croesor was locked as were the toilets despite the interesting trains that were passing through. It was a request stop during Superpower. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view 13/9/14 shows Castell Caernarfon with a freight at 1321 arriving at Pont Croesor loop. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view 13/9/14 shows No.138 departing Pont Croesor with the freight at 1326. The weather became quite dull at various times in the afternoon. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Hafod-y-llyn 13/9/14

This southerly view 13/9/14 shows the Rest of the World Gang increasing the width of the ballast bed at the south end of Hafod-y-llyn loop for a headshunt. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view 13/9/14 shows the Rest of the World Gang replacing crossing timbers in the middle of the Hafod-y-llyn loop. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view 13/9/14 shows the Rest of the World Gang adding a catch point at the north end of the Hafod-y-llyn loop. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Boston Lodge 13/9/14

This Boston Lodge view 13/9/14 shows the 3' gauge IOM wheels. The recently purchased Garratt wheels are in the Clip Shed at Dinas. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This Boston Lodge view 13/9/14 shows Prince and historic Kerr Stuart diesel No.8. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This Boston Lodge view 13/9/14 shows a spare Fairlie power bogie being refurbished, believed to be from Earl of Merioneth. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This Boston Lodge view 13/9/14 shows the recently disassembled Lilla. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This Boston Lodge view 13/9/14 shows the new power unit for Kerr Stuart No.8. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This Boston Lodge view 13/9/14 shows a DZ wagon in for repair. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This Boston Lodge view 13/9/14 shows the recently repaired saddle tank for Welsh Pony incorporating new metal. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This Boston Lodge view 13/9/14 shows the ex-Shotton Steelworks stockyard loco Bill nearing completion (Ben aka No.2 remains at Dinas). Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This Boston Lodge view 13/9/14 shows the No.11 Moelwyn standing on the new inspection pit with the siding now extended into the rock excavation. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This Boston Lodge view 13/9/14 shows the ex-Chinese Railways C2 project making steady progress in conversion to 2 foot gauge. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This Boston Lodge view 13/9/14 shows the ex-Glasgow Tram making steady progress. The spiral stair goes through the slot to the right and the upper deck has been removed. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This Boston Lodge view 13/9/14 shows the current layout of the headshunt area. The tracks here will be altered with a longer headshunt to allow an extended 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 and displayed at 96dpi.

This Boston Lodge view 13/9/14 shows the Castell Caernarfon stabled awaiting freight duties. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This Boston Lodge view 13/9/14 shows the KMX tamper-liner being readied for a major programme on the FR this 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 and displayed at 96dpi.

This Boston Lodge view 13/9/14 shows the Upnor Castle and a B wagon in use for loco coal. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This Boston Lodge view 13/9/14 shows Welsh Pony dissembled. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This Boston Lodge view 13/9/14 shows Welsh Pony's smokebox removed with the sledgehammer in the capable hands of Bob Yates! Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Porthmadog Harbour 13/9/14

This westerly view 13/9/14 shows No.87 arriving from Caernarfon at 1633. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This westerly view 13/9/14 shows David Lloyd George ready for an FR departure at 1634. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This westerly view 13/9/14 shows the No.87 shunting in the FR yard at 1700 having arrived from Caernarfon. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

SuperPower 12-14/9/14

Click on the YouTube box above to watch 20 mins 26 secs of video published 18/9/14 covering all three days of SuperPower. This video was taken by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional camcorder and is best watched in 1080p mode.

SuperPower 12-13/9/14

This easterly view 12/9/14 shows Prince at Rhyd Ddu having run around its heritage rake at 1320. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Keith Holland and was taken on a Pentax digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This easterly view 13/9/14 shows No.143 at Porthmadog with the new water wagon at 1345 on a demonstration freight. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Keith Holland and was taken on a Pentax digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This westerly view 13/9/14 shows Taliesin at Porthmadog with Lyd at 1347. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Keith Holland and was taken on a Pentax digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Tamping Porthmadog 11/9/14

Following some ballasting of the station area last week, the KMX tamper liner was used to tamp Harbour Station on 11/9/14 prior to the SuperPower weekend.

This easterly view 11/9/14 shows the KMX tamper liner being used to tamp the FR's platform road to tidy up the station before SuperPower this weekend. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Weather set fine for SuperPower

The Met Office 5 day forecast is showing mild weather and sunny periods for Porthmadog on all three days for the SuperPower weekend 12-14/9/14. See F&WHR website for full details of SuperPower weekend.

Team Wylfa report 9/9/14

Clive Briscoe reports: Another busy Tuesday evening for the A Team and we didn't have to head South to service the carriages - with me having misread the carriage rotation spreadsheet!

So, the E Set got a fast once over then down to the Loco Shed to carry on with NG15 No.134. Uli unclipped the front sections of the new vacuum brake train pipe, rubbed it down and primed it plus the pipe clips and brackets. Pete and Matt undercoated the running plates that were primed last week so the whole top of the loco is a uniform colour now. Meanwhile, your scribe gloss painted the running plate support angles on both sides. At the end of the evening, laminated paper number plates were stuck on the front buffer beam - 'NG15' on the driver's side and 'NG134' - SAR style - on the fireman's. An oval '134' was stuck on the rear of the new tender tank on the way back to the mess room in the North Yard. All very photogenic for this coming Super-power Weekend!!

Other items of note: Diesel No.9's radiator has now been remounted and No.140's boiler cradle is changing colour from the red oxide primer - it's now being undercoated black.

We're now another man down with Andy having had to retire on ill health grounds a couple of months ago and now Matt, after two years as an extremely useful and valuable team member, is having to pack his bags from Trawsfynydd Power Station and is moving to Cumbria. Hopefully, he'll be able to join the main No.134 Group on our working weekends from time to time so I don't think we've seen the last of him! Thanks Matt. (Also thanks Uli for the last 3 week's work, have a safe trip back to Germany and we look forward to seeing you again in a few months' time).

So, that means the core A Team is down to just two of us - Pete and myself plus our occasional 'irregular' members. Would anyone like to come and join us? Plenty of interesting work besides the carriages.

VoR Palmerston special offer

VoR Press release: The Vale of Rheidol Railway is running a series of special trains to celebrate 25 years of private ownership and 100 years since Ffestiniog Locomotive No. 4 Palmerston was hired to help with the demands of the First World War. We have borrowed Palmerston from our friends at the Ffestiniog to help raise money for the Welsh Pony restoration fund and help us celebrate! As the Vale of Rheidol doesn't have a volunteer group we would like to offer F&WHR volunteers a discount to reflect the close working relationship the Great Little Trains of Wales have. Our Special weekends are 20-21/9/14, 27-28/9/14 when we are running a series of special trains with Palmerston and double-headed Rheidol tanks. This is the only time we will be doing this, so it's a unique opportunity.

This westerly view 9/14 shows Palmerston at Aberystwyth with the VoR's No.9 Prince of Wales passing on a train to Devil's Bridge. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

The discounted prices are as follows:

Weekend Rover all trains and one run up with Palmerston £30 Adults Children £10

Weekend Rover without Palmerston £25 Adults Children £9

One return trip with Palmerston £20 Adults Children £8

These tickets are available to members either on the day or in advance with the production of a valid membership card if in the ticket office or over the phone 01970 625819 if booking in advance. If you have already bought your ticket and are a member, then we will refund the difference with the production of a valid membership card in the booking office. NOTE THESE TICKETS ARE LIMITED SO EARLY BOOKING IS BEST BUT NOT ESSENTIAL

Many thanks, Vale of Rheidol Railway.

Tuesday Gang report 9/9/14

Tony Baker reports: The Tuesday Gang spent the day inspecting level crossings in Snowdon Ranger area and putting up notice boards there and at Caernarfon, Dinas and Beddgelert.

Driver's Eye view 5/9/14

Click on the YouTube box above to watch 3 mins 31 secs of video published 5/9/14 showing a driver's eye view from Rhyd Ddu to Caernarfon. The full video will be the final part of the trilogy and will be available soon in the F&WHR shop. This video was taken by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional camcorder and is best watched in 1080p mode.

Team Wylfa report 4/9/14

It was much the same as last week for the team on Tuesday this week - get the F Set checked then straight down to the loco shed to work on NG15 No.134. Yet again, we managed another 8 man-hours work on it. The top platform is now totally painted in grey primer/undercoat and the new vacuum brake train pipe was dismantled, all screwed joints finally sealed and angles correctly set then the pipework was lightly abraded and primed. Another good night's work.

Unfortunately, it doesn't look as though we'll get any work done on No.134 next week as with the high season timetable now finished, the sets are stabled at Dinas and Porthmadog with no rotations for some weeks to come. This was the second week of F Set so we need to do another 'Team Wylfa Flying Squad' visit to Porthmadog to service the E Set next week.

It was noted that work is still ongoing on Diesel No.9 in the Loco Shed - the engine has been thoroughly cleaned and repainted in correct Gardener grey engine enamel and now looks very smart. The majority of the upperworks (including bufferbeams) have been painted in grey primer and now some of the engine compartment cladding has been painted in green undercoat.

Tuesday Gang report 2/9/14

The gang started today repairing the wooden steps to the GPO caravan at Dinas. Then it was down to Caernarfon Station to fit a gate at the back of the car park. Next came a trip to Betws Garmon Station to recover some APG components that had been left there. We then used some of these components to repair LC 31.40. Finally we visited Tros-y-Gol, LC 32.46 crossing and replaced 3 broken triangles.

This northerly view 2/9/14 shows the Tuesday Gang working on a level crossing at the site of Betws Garmon station. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view 2/9/14 shows No.87 with the 1315 ex-Porthmadog passing at the site of Betws Garmon station crossing the Afon Gwyrfai bridge. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Bont Briwet latest 1/9/14

Passenger trains are now running over Bont Briwet. Trains started on 1/9/14 after two weeks of testing. According to RealTime Trains website the 2018 from Harlech to Pwllheli was the first passenger service the previous evening and the rail replacement bus service has now been stopped. Passengers may join at Llandecwyn station though there is a drop off point with a short walk to the station as work continues on the road access. Roadworks continue with the widening of the approaches to Penrhyndeudraeth crossroads where a traffic lights is surely required to cope with the additional traffic that will use the bridge that used to go via Maentwrog.

Phil Brown adds: The first passenger train was actually on Saturday 30/8/14 when the 0857 Machynlleth to Pwllheli was accidently entered in TRUST as a service to Pwllheli. This formed a 10:30 to Pwllheli and a return at 11:30. ATW then honoured this mistake.

This southerly view (1/9/14) shows No.158819 at Minffordd said to be the first passenger train to stop at Minffordd in 10 months (but see above). Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

The rail bridge is opening late having missed the summer tourist traffic. Worse still, problems transferring the telephone and water main have caused further delays to the opening of the parallel road bridge element of the viaduct and this will not now open until Spring 2015. A Daily Post story includes a video of a class 97 crossing the viaduct. The Gwynedd Council website expresses dismay that contractors Hochtief will not complete the road bridge to the promised earlier deadline.

Palmerston back at VoR 31/8/14

This westerly view (31/8/14) shows Palmerston at Aberystwyth. The loco had some secret tests on the line in July but will now haul several public trains on the Vale of Rheidol (see story below for full details and booking forms). Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Loco news Summer 2014

No.143 had a grate problem early in the season and there was a diesel substitution. Locos have been starting well on the 1 in 40 using the steam sanders at Beddgelert and the Forest Campsite Halt. Your webmaster did not notice any slips in the second half of August. K1's boiler ticket runs out on 5/11/14 so SuperPower this weekend will be one of the last outings for this loco. When No.143's new tank was constructed enough pre-cut steel was ordered for a second tank and work has now started on this. Work has started removing tubes from No.143's old boiler, though rumours about starting work on No.140 cannot be confirmed. Another NG16 boiler has been donated by the Puffing Billy Railway in Australia (now under cover at Dinas) and the railway has bought a new set of Garratt tyres as part of the deal.

Volunteer teams in Dinas shed are working together with some cross fertilisation between those working on the water tank wagon and No.9, the new diesel shunter. The tank wagon, partly designed to assist fire fighting, had not yet appeared in the Rhyd Ddu siding by late August. The diesel is on its wheels and the brake gear has been refurbished. The rods need refitting and the radiator is being cleaned inside and out. The bonnet is being sandblasted and repainted to prevent any more rusting. The buffer beam has had various brackets used for connection to sugar cane wagons removed and work is underway to reduce the coupler height to the WHR standard.

Aberglaslyn Pass 27/8/14

This southerly view 27/8/14 shows No.138 approaching Bryn-y-felin bridge on one of the few sunny day in the second half of August. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view 27/8/14 shows No.87 crossing Bryn-y-felin bridge on one of the few sunny day in the second half of August. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Welsh Highland Heritage newsletter

Issue No. 63 of the WH Heritage newsletter was published in May after missing an issue at the start of the year and copies are now available in the FR shop. The delay was due to the resignation of David Allan and the death of John Keylock and, as a result, there are likely to be only 3 issues this year. The issue contains a Fond Farewell to John Keylock, news about the completion of Tryfan Junction Halt buildings, Four NWNGR characters, an analysis of station and halts, and a photo-analysis about Porthmadog New (1929).

Dinas 26/8/14

This northerly view 26/8/14 shows Dinas Yard was levelled between the Goods Shed road and the roadway in the Spring for the Beer Festival. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view 26/8/14 shows Castell Caernarfon in Dinas Yard with the recently erected Llanwnda signal. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view 26/8/14 shows the component parts of NG16 No.109 in Dinas 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 and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view 26/8/14 shows wagon No.2005 in Dinas Yard. Interestingly, this wagon has WHR on one side and FR on the other. In the background is the new tender for No.134 with No.133. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Beddgelert Station point 25/8/14

This southerly view 25/8/14 shows the North Wales Track Gang adding a lever frame to the Beddgelert Station siding turnout. Presumably this will also control the catch point and will make the siding much easier to use. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Stuart McNair and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Let's Finish the Job

The booklet 'Let's Finish the Job', available from the F&WHR shop (£5) shows outline plans showing the new facilities planned as part of the Sustainable Railway. This year's Snowdonian (12/4/14) raised £17,000 towards the project. One interesting diagram shows a comparison between the FR Superbarn and the WHR's coaches. It is intended that future builds will be Superbarns capable of running through or being switched between rakes running on either railway according to traffic. A new Observation Car like Glaslyn will be part of the new build.

Kerr Stuart No.8 news

No.8 (KS No.4415) was a pioneer diesel loco built by Kerr Stuart in Stoke on Trent in 1928. It was used as a demonstrator loco on free loan on the WHR and FR, first hauling freight on the Bryngwyn branch in the summer of 1928. After the fitting of a vacuum brake hauled winter passenger services on the WHR. The loco then moved to the FR in March 1929 to be used as bottom end shunter. After a year on the WHR/FR it was returned to Kerr Stuart in August 1929 as the impecunious railway could not afford it.

The loco went to Ireland and then Mauritius where it hauled sugar cane at the Union Vale Sugar Factory until 1971, after which it was plinthed. The loco came to the FR in October 1997 through the auspices of the Greenwich and District Narrow Gauge Society and was stored in Minffordd Yard. A suitable replacement McLaren power unit has been obtained. An applications was made to the Association of Industrial Archaeology but the grant application was unsuccessful.

Volunteers are aiming to prepare some information boards on the project such as a set of drawings. The support group is also hoping to make application to PRISM & the Pilgrim Trust to help restore the loco to working condition as seen on the WHR in 1928-9.

WHHR Baldwin news

The Imperial War Museum's Baldwin No.794 is being worked on at Alan Keef's for the WHHR to be renumbered as No.590, the loco that ran on the WHR. It is intended that the loco will be in steam for 2017, when it will be 100 years old. The project has received a major boost with a donation of £150,000, some 75% of the estimated total rebuild cost. A new boiler will cost £45,000. A few parts of the original No.590 survive. When complete the loco will operate on the WHHR and like Russell it is hoped that it will make occasional forays onto the WHR to allow recreations of historic tableaux at WHR locations such as Beddgelert on historic rakes.

Loco news

As well as Palmerston visiting the VoR, Britomart is visiting the Beamish Museum, where it will haul trains from 4-7/9/14 on the colliery line. Lyd was the subject of a £6,000 donation from Accucraft who have made a model of the loco. The funds will be put towards the next 10 year overhaul of the loco. The loco will be visiting the L&BR for their Gala on 27-28/9/14 hauling their restored original coaches. Lilla has been disassembled in Boston Lodge works.

Russell 25/8/14

This westerly view 25/8/14 shows Russell about to depart the WHHR terminus at Porthmadog on the 1600 departure in very heavy rain with several passengers. Many hope that the loco will be available during SuperPower if only on the WHHR. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This westerly view 25/8/14 shows the WHHR terminus at Pen-y-Mount in very heavy rain. Safety fencing has been erected to form a viewing area around the signal box with access to the nearby lane. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

WHR 24/8/14

This southerly view 24/8/14 shows No.138 about to depart the Rhyd Ddu on the 0940 from Porthmadog. Almost all trains stopped at Meillonen/Beddgelert Forest campsite in the last two weeks of August. The loco announced its arrival with its distinctive chime whistle. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view 24/8/14 shows No.143 arriving at Rhyd Ddu on the 1000 from Caernarfon. The loco saw a lot of use in the last two weeks of August, whereas No.138 and No.87 shared turns. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This westerly view 24/8/14 shows No.143 at Porthmadog on the 1000 from Caernarfon on a damp day typical of late August. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This easterly view 24/8/14 shows No.143 at Porthmadog having prepared for the return service. Fiji (on cab ride duties) and Lyd are also visible. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This westerly view 24/8/14 shows Lyd, Fiji and No.143 at Porthmadog in at line up at 1240. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

SuperPower Volunteer Appeal

David Firth appeals: This year's Superpower will be based at the southern end of the line we will therefore be putting a marquee up on the future station building slab at Beddgelert. We therefore need volunteers to help erect the marquee on Thursday the 11/9/14 and set up the Society stand. We will also need to take it down on Monday the 15/9/14 and return all the equipment to Dinas. Over the weekend we will need volunteers to man the stand at Beddgelert. In addition we will need volunteers to help with the tours of the Infrastructure site at Minffordd, ideally somebody who is very familiar with Minffordd yard; otherwise if you are willing but a little unsure Dafydd Thomas will give a quick briefing session on the Friday morning. Boston Lodge will also be open over the weekend any anyone who is familiar with the site would be most welcome to assist with helping visitors. Other volunteers would also be very useful to assist with passengers and give out information on the platform at Porthmadog. Anybody able to help over all or any of the five days please let Tym Crowther know by emailing him at andy@tymcrowther.eclipse.co.uk or telephone David Firth at 01766 890367.

Lyd 23/8/14

This westerly view 23/8/14 shows Lyd running round at Beddgelert on the Ysgol Eifion Wyn School Special. This was a fund raising trip so that the school could purchase an Adventure Trail for the playground. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Bont Briwet rail works 21/8/14

This westerly view 21/8/14 shows 97303 stabled in Porthmadog siding after a week of ballasting and tamping the approaches to the bridge. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This westerly view 21/8/14 shows 97303 hauling Colas Rail's tamper Panther wrong line back to Shrewsbury. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This westerly view 21/8/14 shows 97303 hauling Colas Rail's tamper Panther leaving Porthmadog making a surprise closing of the level crossing barriers for many drivers who had been used to the closure of the line for the last 10 months. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This westerly view 21/8/14 shows 97303 hauling Colas Rail's tamper Panther approaching Bont Briwet with the newly widened road approach in the foreground. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Talyllyn goes home 19/8/14

The use of the WHR as far as Snowdon Street where stock may be transferred to a low loader is now becoming the preferred method of receiving/returning rolling stock.

Click on the YouTube box above to watch 5 mins 32 secs of video on 19/8/14 (published 20/8/14) showing Criccieth Castle moving the TR's Talyllyn from Boston Lodge to Snowdon Street to transfer the loco by lowloader back to the TR following repair at Boston Lodge. This video was taken by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional camcorder and is best watched in 1080p mode.

Team Wylfa report 19-26/8/14

Clive Briscoe reports: After only being able to service the carriages last Tuesday, this week, with a full team (including our good friend from Germany, Ulrich) we were able to service the carriages in double quick time and managed 8 man-hours of work on NG15 No.134.

The remaining two running plates were sanded down and re-primed and the vacuum brake train pipe was completed as far as the cab. Some weeks ago, I had made up a 'plumber's nightmare' - up, over, down and then across assembly using f-f elbows and hex nipples to cross the ashpan door operating lever. However, there was a problem. It was vertically challenged by about 20mm and would have clashed with the bottom of the boiler barrel. In order to gain the clearance required, I looked at the options. To put a vertical joggle (bend) in the pipe wasn't an option because of horizontal clearance on the cab side - unless I was to put say a 45 deg horizontal bend before the joggle and take the pipe diagonally across with a further 45 deg bend on the far end. I decided it would look a bit untidy so looked at Option B - use an f-f elbow initially but then see if a m-f elbow would work with the male end screwed into the vertical facing female end of the first elbow. Yes, it screwed up much tighter and gave the clearance.

So, having acquired 2-off m-f 1½" BSP elbows, I made up the assembly fitting a barrel nipple across the top to the 2nd m-f elbow. Beyond the assembly, once it reaches the top of the frames and faces rearwards, there was another elbow required to take the pipe outboard to where the ejector will fit in the cab. It needs to cross under the rear driving wheel spring in the gap between the hanger and the central push rod to the axlebox so a short length of pipe had to carefully measured, be cut and screwed to create the correct length spool to fit between the two elbows and allow this. With Uli on the other end of the pipe threading dies, the threads were quickly cut and the whole rear section of pipe fitted into place. All that now remains is to weld 6-off flanges to the bare ends of the 3 sections from front to back and the line will be finished - at last!

Tuesday Gang report 19-26/8/14

Tony Baker reports: Last week we spent the day replacing a gate post that had rotted and broken off at ground level at Parry's pig farm Hafod-y-Llyn. The hard part was getting the rotten stump out. The week before we had replaced 8 rotten fence posts between cycle path and railway at Coed Helen.

Moelwyn 16/8/14

FR diesel Moelwyn was noted passing Beddgelert Forest Campsite southbound at about 1600 on 16/8/14 with a four wheel van in tow on a bridges/structures inspection train. This was the only variation on a diet of Nos. 87/138/143 passing the campsite during the 12 days your webmaster was on holiday there.

Busman's Holiday

Your webmaster will be on holiday in the Beddgelert area from 16/8/14 until 28/8/14. Please do not repeatedly hit the website looking for updates as this will cause problems with the server. Full service will be resumed on 28/8/14.

Wave wall to be topped with rocks 15/8/14

This easterly view (15/8/14) shows Linda hauling flat wagons with large flat slabs to top out the wave wall. The loco had earlier been used for footplate rides but it had been hoped that Fiji would be available for footplate rides from 15-17/8/14. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Network Rail to reopen Cambrian Coast Line

Network Rail advise that works trains will be running on the Cambrian Coast Line from this Sunday 17/8/14 following completion of the rail part of the Bont Briwet bridge at Penrhyndeudraeth. Route learning empty stock passenger trains will be running from the following weekend 23-24/8/14 and the full passenger service will start from Monday 1/9/14 (although the new parallel road bridge will not open until later in the year).

Super Power timetables and booking form now available

The timetables and booking form for SuperPower have now been published. There are a number of mixed and freight trains. In addition to normal service trains, Friday will see a vintage and a mixed train operate (no buffet car/toilet). Prince will haul a vintage train on two return trips from Porthmadog at 1135 to Rhyd Ddu and at 1500 Porthmadog-Beddgelert. Saturday sees three Porthmadog-Rhyd Ddu vintage trains. Sunday includes 2 vintage trains with the 1105 from Minffordd running through to Rhyd Ddu, the first to do so other than The Snowdonian. Castell Caernarfon will be moved from Dinas to Porthmadog to haul freight trains for the weekend.

An early morning vintage train will run on Saturday and Sunday so that photographers can reach vantage points ahead of the freight trains - full details and times will be available in the 'Super-Power Guide' (£2.50). The longer freight trains will haven a loco at the head and one in the middle. Boston Lodge will be open Saturday and Sunday and Minffordd Yard will be open for guided tours. Dinas Loco Shed will be open on Sunday lunchtime to see the NG15 No.134 being re-wheeled. Dinas and Pont Croesor have been identified as Request Stops.

Friday includes:

• Three mixed trains: K1 hauled - Caernarfon to Porthmadog (maybe the last chance to sample this loco as its boiler ticket expires on 5/11/14) and NG/G16 hauled - Porthmadog to Caernarfon and return

Supplementary fares apply to all three trains.

Booking in advance essential due to limited seats.

Friday Freight Train: There will be a NG/G16 hauled freight train - Caernarfon to Porthmadog with up to 15 wagons.

Saturday includes:

• Merddin Emrys and 1920s Train hauling three trips Porthmadog to Rhyd Ddu return and one Porthmadog to Minffordd return
• Lyd and Victorian Train working four trips from Porthmadog to Minffordd return and one Minffordd to Porthmadog
• Numerous Freight Trains with locos - Castell Caernarfon • NG/G16 • K1 working singly or in pairs as train and banking loco between Porthmadog and Rhyd Ddu involving several shunting/transfer manoeuvres at Pont Croesor, Beddgelert and Rhyd Ddu.

Sunday includes:

• Prince and 1920s Train working two trips - Porthmadog to Rhyd Ddu return
• Lyd and Victorian Train working six trips - Porthmadog to Minffordd return
• Numerous Freight Trains as Saturday
• Mixed Trains:

  10:45 ex-Port double-headed by NG/G16s to Rhyd Ddu (wagons added for Pont Croesor to Rhyd Ddu)

  14:05 ex-Port double-headed by NG/G16s to Dinas (wagons added for Pont Croesor to Dinas)

See F&WHR website for full details.

Team Wylfa report 12/8/14

Clive Briscoe reports: Much the same as last week - check and oil F Set (this week) in the carriage shed then on with NG15 No.134 in the Loco Shed. On No.134, the running plates are now almost completely undercoated - just one small area left on the RHS to rub down to get a key for the primer / undercoat then top coat the lot (the LHS is ready). The vacuum brake train pipe was advanced again - a couple of new spools were made which now brings it to the front RHS of where the cab will be and a branch up to the ejector needs to be fitted. There are several breaks in the line where flanges need to be welded in, these need ends trimming to exact length then tacking and welding in place shortly.

Because of the steamy atmosphere in the Loco Shed, the newly reground crosshead slidebars have been going rusty. They were oiled a few weeks ago but had to be attacked in places with a Scotchbrite pad where rust had formed. Unfortunately, it had got a hold and fine emery had to be resorted to as well. Still a few spots to be treated next week. We now await the return of the refurbished axleboxes from Boston Lodge so that re-wheeling of the loco can take place. Everything else is clean and tidy ready for the jacks to be moved into place.

Dinas Loco Shed news

Slow but steady work is ongoing with diesel No 9 and No.140's boiler cradle (with ex-No.143's boiler). Also, the valve chests on what was No.143's hind unit are in the process of being re-bored. On No 9, the cab has been de-rusted and some platework repairs made, it is now partially primed. The engine has been thoroughly cleaned and external components are being refitted. On No.140's boiler module, in the firebox the welds between tube and tubeplate are being ground off prior to the boiler being de-tubed and around the boiler cradle, the running plates are being removed to reveal the badly cracked support angles beneath. These need renewing.

Ex-Conwy Transport Chief calls for Caernarfon-Bangor rail link

The Daily Post story reveals that the NR Caernarfon-Bangor link could cost less than the Caernarfon Bypass. A joint station would be essential to ensure ease of access for rail passengers. The Snowdon Ranger reveals that the F&WHR is to promote Caernarfon (and its proposals for a new station on the existing site) to the North Wales/North West tourist/daytripper. As a result of this and the possible NR link, the historic Five Valleys Tour might be possible by rail again. If the NR rail link is extended to a new station site near Morrisons, the WHR could be extended through the road tunnel to a simple joint station on the same site. Provision for such has a link has been made in the current F&WHR station plans for Caernarfon.

Tuesday Gang report 12/8/14

Tony Baker reports: The first job was at Beddgelert where we replaced a gate post which had rotted and snapped off. This was at the back of the viewing area in the station. Next it was down to Hafod y Llyn LC 51.53 where we replaced an APG grid that had been removed and not put back. Also at LC 51.73 we splinted the top rail of a broken field gate. All trains seen were well loaded.

Tamper visits Boston Lodge 6/8/14

This easterly view (28/7/14) shows the KMX tamper passing through Porthmadog on its way to Boston Lodge for maintenance. Behind it is another maintenance train with the cherry-picker due to install cameras on Britannia Bridge. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Team Wylfa report 5/8/14

Clive Briscoe reports: This week, Team Wylfa's 'A' Team lost one of its core members for the night but gained two who normally help the 'B 'Team on Thursdays - Ben and Andy K. We had the E Set to look at first - and only just got the two outside carriages checked and oiled before the heavens opened! Luckily by the time we'd finished inside the Carriage Shed and it was time to move to the Loco Shed, it had eased but once inside there the heavens opened yet again. We tackled the running plates and gave them a rub down in preparation for further painting. Also, a couple of rough welds on the new cab angle were fettled smooth. Ben drilled the top of the frames to bolt pipe clips for the vacuum brake train pipe which was then bolted into position - it's a good fit.

Next week should see all the running plates undercoated and following that, they will be top coated before Superpower Weekend. Also, the final pipe spool should get completed to take the train pipe from mid-chassis across to the RHS where it will ultimately 1. enter the cab to the ejector and 2. Pass under the footplate to the rear dragbox and then, with a flexi pipe, cross to the tender. It is partially complete and just needs a further two bends pressing.

Kids' Week Special to Beddgelert 4/8/14

Linda piloted Fiji from Porthmadog to Beddgelert on 4/8/14 hauling a 7 coach FR rake for the 21st Kids' Week Special.

Click on the YouTube box above to watch 8 mins 35 secs of video from the evening of 4/8/14 showing Linda and Fiji hauling the Kids' Week Special from Porthmadog to Beddgelert. This video was taken by Matt Hall on a camcorder and is best viewed at 720p HD definition.

SuperPower update

SuperPower will be based around Porthmadog this year. There will be numerous freight trains and recreations of early WHR trains. A special train will enable photographers to move around the railway. There will be some guided tours of Minffordd Yard, now the stronghold for the Civil Engineering Department for both railways. There are several exciting plans for this yard so it is well worth a visit. At Boston Lodge, the workshops will be open on both Saturday and Sunday. At Beddgelert there will be a marquee with displays and refreshments. This will include the exciting plans for a new Caernarfon station building. At Dinas, a team of volunteers are working hard to restore NG15 locomotive, No.134. During this weekend, the team are planning an exciting move forward in the loco's restoration. On Sunday lunchtime, it is hoped to be able to re-wheel the locomotive (or at least the drivers) which would be a significant step. Beyer Garratt, K1, will be in steam for what could be its last Super Power as its boiler ticket expires in November and an extensive overhaul is required. It is hauling a mixed train from Caernarfon on Friday; possibly the last chance to ride, followed by freight trains over the weekend.

See F&WHR website for full details.

Tuesday Gang report 5/8/14

Tony Baker reports: Today we stripped down and rebuilt one of the 4 APG's at LC 33.95 Plas Isaf. Originally built with the foundations consisting of 6x1 planking which was now showing signs of rotting we replaced this with 3x2 and refitted the triangles, replacing any broken or rotten ones. We then moved to LC 33.25 and replaced 3 broken triangles. Passing trains were well loaded despite the day being a bit grey and overcast.

Russell Returns event 2-3/8/14

Russell was officially rededicated by Martyn Owen and Mark Smith from the HRA, but later in the day the loco was rededicated for a second time by Martyn and Julianna Moats, railway systems engineer from Birmingham University. At the Welsh Highland Railway Ltd AGM on Saturday night it was reiterated Russell will be staying on the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway for the first twelve months so it seems very unlikely it will appear at Super Power.

This westerly view (2/8/14) shows Russell preparing for the first day back in service with the Russell Returns headboard ready for the event on 2-3/8/14. The weather confounded the Met Office and was fine for much of Saturday. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This westerly view (2/8/14) shows Russell on the first day back in service with the Russell Returns headboard hauling a train during the event on 2-3/8/14. The threatening storm clouds provided a dramatic background for some of Saturday but there was plenty of warm sunshine too. F&WHR General Manager Paul Lewin was present later in the day checking out the loco after some quiet help from the F&WHR. Many hope Russell might appear at SuperPower in September on the WHR. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This westerly view (2/8/14) shows Russell on the first day back in service with the Russell Returns headboard hauling a train during the event on 2-3/8/14 at Gelert's Farm Halt. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Russell Returns video 2/8/14

Click on the YouTube box above to watch 9 mins 48 secs of video from 3/8/14 showing Russell being relaunched and its return to passenger service on the WHHR. This video was taken by Tony Cox on a camcorder and is best viewed at 1080p HD definition.

Russell on test 1/8/14

This northerly view (1/8/14) shows Russell on test at Pen-y-Mount with the Russell Returns headboard ready for the event on 2-3/8/14. Sadly, the weather for the weekend has deteriorated but there may be some sunshine and showers Sunday afternoon. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Russell Pearn and was taken on a iPhone digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Palmerston returns?

Palmerston is said to be returning to the F&WHR next week after extensive tests on the Vale of Rheidol. The loco will however be back on the VoR for the September Palmerston event. The loco will haul 8 special trains over two weekends between 20-28/9/14 as well as two photo-charters on 10-11/9/14. See VoR website for full details and how to book the trains including photo-charters. Additional attractions include double headers and full length GWR livery trains. This is probably Palmerston's last visit to another railway before its boiler ticket runs out and it is the first visiting loco on the VoR since privatisation 25 years ago.

Russell on test 31/7/14

This westerly view (31/7/14) shows Russell on test at Gelert's Farm Halt with the Russell Returns headboard ready for the event on 2-3/8/14. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright WHHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Click on the YouTube box above to watch 0 mins 46 secs of video from 31/7/14 showing Russell on test at Gelert's Farm. This video was taken by WHHR on a professional camcorder.

Double Fairlies 31/7/14

This westerly view (31/7/14) shows David Lloyd George departing with the 10.10 to Blaenau whilst Merddin Emrys unusually sits in the WHR platform on a second FR rake, due to form the 10.45 to Blaenau. It is interesting to see this use of the WHR platform for FR trains in the high season ‘yellow’ timetable. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright David Carpenter and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Russell arrives at Porthmadog 30/7/14

It is reported that Russell has arrived at Porthmadog ready for this week's Russell Returns event. Photos would be welcome. The brass tickets for Russell's first public passenger train have arrived! See Flickr website.

Visit the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway in Porthmadog this weekend (2-3/8/14) and soak up the atmosphere as you ride in the historic WHHR heritage train. Saturday is the date of the WHR Ltd AGM and also the 34th Anniversary of the first train on the revived WHHR.

Yellow timetable every day 28/7/14-31/8/14

The daily yellow timetable finally started on 28/7/14 offering two return services the full length of the WHR. The first weekend of the school holidays 26-27/8/14 however saw some families caught out with the blue timetable in operation offering only one full length return service from Caernarfon at 1000, though a Rhyd Ddu return was possible on the 1415 ex-Caernarfon. The yellow timetable continues until 31/8/14 and reappears briefly TWThO from 2-18/9/14. Late afternoon/early evening Food and Jazz trains are being offered again on the FR but after a disappointing early experiment providing food on an evening trip to Rhyd Ddu several years ago, there has been no further attempt to capture this potential market from Caernarfon. There are also 9 days in Autumn/Winter when the FR has services but not the WHR.

Team Wylfa report 29/7/14

Clive Briscoe reports: With the high season timetable now in force, there has been a stock rotation at last and F Set came our way for checking and servicing on the evening of 29/7/14. Not that it has been forgotten - whilst not a full check to our usual standards, B Team have been down to Caernarfon during the daytime once a week these last few weeks to catch it during the lunchtime layovers to ensure the few remaining plain bearing axleboxes got oiled.

After checking the carriages, it was, as usual, down to the Loco Shed to continue work on NG15 No.134. It had been the last No.134 Working Weekend before the summer break last weekend and the big clear up on and around the loco was in full swing. This is in preparation for re-wheeling the loco over September's Superpower Weekend. We continued the clear-up and moved the last few components and tools from on top of the frames. This released the remaining areas of running plates to be dusted off and repainted. Almost all of the running plates now are at least primed with some undercoated.

Tuesday Gang report 29/7/14

Tony Baker reports: The gang spent the 29/7/14 at Pen-y-Mount LC 58.11 where the APG grids were cleared out and 4 broken triangles replaced. Vegetation in the form of gorse bushes was cut back to improve sightings. At 58.33 a considerable amount of gorse bushes were also cut back and again at 57.97. We then moved down to Hafod-y-Llyn and surveyed all crossings to prepare for future work.

This northerly view (29/7/14) shows the initial state of LC58.11 at Pen-y-Mount. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (29/7/14) shows the No.87 hauling the 1000 ex-Caernarfon on the Asperger's Flyer passing Pen-y-Mount, presumably a second working of the train. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (29/7/14) shows the finished state of LC58.11 at Pen-y-Mount. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (29/7/14) shows the return 1315 ex-Porthmadog with No.87 passing on the Asperger's Flyer at Pen-y-Mount. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Asperger's Flyer 28/7/14

An Asperger's support group has organised a tour of UK railways and they are in North Wales this week. See the Asperger's Fundraiser Facebook page.

This northerly view (28/7/14) shows No.87 passing Snowdon ranger Halt with the Asperger's Flyer. The train was strengthened to 10 coaches to accommodate supporters. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (28/7/14) shows Merddin Emrys and David Lloyd George about to haul the FR leg of the Asperger's Flyer. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Russell Returns event brass tickets still available 2/8/14

There are still a few commemorative brass tickets available for the WHHR's Russell Returns event on 2/8/14.

This view (27/6/14) shows the WHHR's commemorative Russell Return's brass Edmondson ticket. This image is copyright WHHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Fiji 27/7/14

This westerly view (27/7/14) shows Fiji preparing for cab ride duties in the WHR run round track whilst No.87 arrives with a train from Caernarfon. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright David Carpenter and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Russell nears completion 27/7/14

This Keef's view (27/7/14) shows Russell's nameplate has been fitted at Alan Keef's works Ross-on-Wye. Some coupling rods and cab fittings are still required. The loco is due at the WHHR's Russell Returns event on 2/8/14 in less than a week so all have their fingers crossed it will be completed and delivered on time. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Alan Keef's and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Scorchio!

Porthmadog reached record temperatures of 29.2C on 23/7/14 with day-long sunshine. Similar weather is forecast until the weekend.

Russell race to the finish 23/7/14

This Keef's view (23/7/14) shows Russell's tanks having been lined out at Alan Keef's works Ross-on-Wye. The driving wheels have been fitted but coupling rods are still required. The loco is due at the WHHR's Russell Returns event on 2/8/14 in a week's time so all have their fingers crossed it will be completed and delivered on time. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Alan Keef's and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Palmerston goes to VoR YouTube 23/7/14

Click on the YouTube box above to watch 5 mins 58 secs of video from 26/6/14 (published 23/7/14) of Palmerston at the Vale of Rheidol under test light engine to Devil's Bridge. This video was taken by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional camcorder.

Click on the YouTube box above to watch 12 mins 17 secs of video from 1/7/14 (published 23/7/14) of Palmerston at the Vale of Rheidol under test with a trial load of VoR stock to Devil's Bridge. This video was taken by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional camcorder.

Fiji cab rides 22/7/14

This easterly view (22/7/14) shows Fiji in the foreground offering cab rides at Porthmadog Harbour Station. No.138, Linda, Hugh Napier and Criccieth Castle are also visible from left to right, with Vale of Festiniog approaching in the distance. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Click on the YouTube box above to watch 4 mins 27 secs of video (published 18/7/14) of various locos in action as well as the entertainment on offer during the Summer of Fun aimed at children (including free Fiji cab rides). This video was taken by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional camcorder.

Fiji will be offering cab rides at Porthmadog from 25-27/7/14 and 1-3/8/14. Lilla will be offering cab rides 8-10/8/14, 15-17/8/14 and 22-25/8/14 in its final season before a major refit. See F&WHR website for full details.

Team Wylfa report 22/7/14

Clive Briscoe reports: It was a much diminished A Team that attended Dinas on 22/7/14 and we had double the work to do. The B Team have literally jumped ship and are sailing to the Isle of Man this week for the annual WHRS North Wales Group holiday - this time visiting the railways on the Isle of Man. So no working party on Thursday. We had the E Set to check and service in its entirety and at the beginning, there were only two of us. We found Big John in the Carriage Shed assisting the wash down and he only joined us later on after the carriages had been cleaned. Doing the whole set took until nearly 21:30 so there was no time to do any work on No.134 this week. There is the last of the monthly working weekends on No.134 before the summer break this weekend. Any new volunteers are kindly requested to get hold of Andie Shaw, Pete Randall or myself beforehand (F&WHR safety requirement). Contact details on the No.134 website.

Tuesday Gang report 22/7/14

Tony Baker reports: On 22/7/14 the gang were doing level crossing maintenance between Waunfawr and Plas-y-Nant.

• LC 30.48 2 APG triangles replaced. Sighting improved
• LC 30.74 1 APG triangle replaced and grid repaired. Sighting improved
• LC 30.93 Sighting improved LC 32.85 APG grid repaired
• LC 33. 66 Signs cleaned and APG grid repaired.

Recent views of the WHR 20-22/7/14

This southerly view (20/7/14) shows two ash wagons still stabled in the siding at Beddgelert. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Huw Kendall and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This easterly view (20/7/14) shows a History Points QR label at the end of station fence out on The Cob. Unfortunately, not everyone can receive 3G at this location. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Huw Kendall and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This westerly view (22/7/14) shows Linda on an FR train unusually stabled in the WHR platform. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Huw Kendall and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

ROWG Working Week 19-25/7/14

Phil Nock reports: In a change to our usual duties on the permanent way, ROWG was lent to the FR's Buildings, Historic Buildings and S&T departments for our July working week, which started on Saturday 19/7/13. Our first three days involved painting a considerable quantity of new joinery, ultimately intended for Harbour and Tan-y-Bwlch stations, before repairing to Lottie's Cottage on Monday afternoon to fettle it between tenants. The remaining four days we spent sorting and moving S&T's stores from the old smithy building at Boston Lodge, to a new, purpose built shed in Minffordd Yard and helping to relocate their ex-GPO storage van from between the PW stores and joinery shop to over by the polytunnel.

Bachmann Baldwin

Bachmann, the producer of model railway items, is to produce an 009 scale model of Baldwin No.778 and a range of wagons to coincide with the outbreak of WW1. The WHHR is recreating No.590 as their next project after the completion of Russell this Summer. Bachmann even had the Leighton Buzzard Railway's No.778 at Barwell, near Leicester, for the launch event. See Bachmann website.

Palmerston visiting VoR

Palmerston is currently visiting the Vale of Rheidol railway to raise funds for the Welsh Pony restoration. The VoR has recently completed a project to improve its halts to original appearance. The loco arrived in late June and ran a light engine trip to Devil's Bridge on 26/6/14, followed by a loaded test run on 1/7/14. The F&WHR's 'spare' England engine was used in both the construction of the VoR and the WHR and will be present at Aberystwyth over the coming weeks of the school Summer Holidays and used on special trains on 20-21/9/14 and 27-28/9/14. See F&WHR news story.

Prince at DRS Open Day 19/7/14

Prince was in light steam at Direct Rail Services Open Day at Gresty Bridge Depot, Crewe on Saturday 19/7/14. It was a question of little and large as Prince was parked alongside the newest class of loco operating on NR, the Class 68, named after ships of the Royal Navy. The loco was placed alongside No. 68002 Intrepid, possibly the oldest and youngest pairing of locos numbered 2 in the world. There was also a stand manned by F&WHR employees and volunteers handing out promotional material. As well as hauling DRS freight, the Class 68 locos are set to replace Class 67 locos on Chiltern's Birmingham-Marylebone Inter-City passenger services later this year.

This westerly view 19/7/14 shows Prince, the F&WHR's No.2, alongside DRS's No.68002 Intrepid at the DRS Open Day at Gresty Bridge Depot, Crewe. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This westerly view 19/7/14 shows Prince, the F&WHR's No.2, alongside DRS's No.68002 Intrepid at the DRS Open Day at Gresty Bridge Depot, Crewe. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This westerly view 19/7/14 shows Prince, the F&WHR's No.2, alongside DRS's No.68002 Intrepid at the DRS Open Day at Gresty Bridge Depot, Crewe. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Beer Festival YouTube (published 16/7/14)

Click on the YouTube box above to watch 19 mins 52 secs of video (published 16/7/14) of various locos in action as well as the entertainment on offer at Rail Ale 2014, 16-18/5/14. This video was taken by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional camcorder.

SuperPower 2014 latest

An intensively timetabled service is planned for SuperPower over the period 12-14/9/14. According to adverts placed in the railway press, all four Garratts, including K1, will be in action. There will also be a Funkey, a Fairlie and two England locos, singly or in multiple with a 'never seen before highlight'. A dedicated microsite will be launched as soon as details are available. Many supporters hope the WHHR's Russell will put in appearance and run the full length of the WHR for the first time since 1936, following its launch at the WHHR on 2-3/8/14.

Tuesday Gang South 15/7/14

On Tuesday 15/7/14, the following tasks were undertaken by the Tuesday Gang South:-

1) Two additional benches (seats) were correctly positioned and bolted down, at Beddgelert.

2) The posts for the second Pont Croesor running-in board were trimmed to height and capped.

3) "History.org" signs were attached at Harbour Station (3) and on the Cob footpath fencing (3).

4) Fixing a F&WHR notice board to the Chapel railings in Porthmadog High Street was evaluated.

This northerly view (15/7/14) shows the new benches at Beddgelert. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Steve Broomfield and was taken on an Panasonic Lumix DSC-FS3 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (15/7/14) shows the new Pont Croesor Halt running in board. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Steve Broomfield and was taken on an Panasonic Lumix DSC-FS3 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Team Wylfa report 15/7/14

Quite a busy Tuesday evening for Team Wylfa's A Team this week. We had two visitors - firstly Tim Heeks from the Puffing Billy Railway in Australia - he's ex-WHHR/F&WHR and has recently designed the new all-welded boiler for their NGG16 No.129 that is currently being converted to 2' 6" gauge, and sent its old 1958 Hunslet built boiler back to the WHR. Secondly our German colleagues (also BHG members) Ulrich & Gabi Daemmgen - but only on a flying visit being good ambassadors for the railways by bringing and showing some of their German friends around. They'll be back on a working visit later in the year.

With a set of sharp drills, next week should see the train-pipe clipped down and possibly the flanges tack welded in position.

Bont Briwet Facebook page

For up-to-date images of Bont Briwet and commentary (some in Welsh) see Bont Briwet Facebook page.

Tuesday Gang report 15/7/14

Tony Baker reports: The morning was spent at Caernarfon Station. Previously we had assisted S & T with the provision of a telephone line to the water tower. This line had been accidentally damaged by the discharge of hot ashes. S & T engineers have repaired the cable, splicing in a new piece. It is now longer and can be buried at the base of the wall avoiding the hot ash dispersal area. This was completed by lunch time.

After lunch we set off to LC 42.75 Hafod Ruffydd Ganol where we replaced 6 broken APG triangles. Another broken triangle was replaced at 42.54 Hafod Ruffydd. The remains of a fence was also recovered from 42.75. While this was going on one gang member was cutting back vegetation at LC44.30 Camp Site to improve the sightings. It was noted at this location that the crossing timbers will require attention before too long. All wooden debris was deposited in South Yard to be used for lighting up.

This easterly view (15/7/14) shows No.138 on the 1320 from Caernarfon approaching Hafod Ruffydd Ganol. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Russell sponsors train delayed until 2/8/14

During the latter stages of Russell’s overhaul a technical issue has arisen. The WHHR's contractor, Alan Keef Ltd, is working with a specialist contractor to resolve this issue as quickly as possible, and a timetable for the necessary work has been agreed and is now underway. However, as a precautionary measure it has been decided to re-schedule the Sponsors/Donors Event planned for 26-27/7/14 to 2/9/14, in order to avoid the possibility that Russell is not quite ready, and guests arriving on the 26-27/7/14 and being disappointed by the locomotive not being available. The Sponsors/Donors Special Train will now run on the morning of Saturday 2/8/14. The WHR Ltd Shuttle Service planned for that day, which includes the First Public Service Train, will start at a slightly later time than planned at 11:00, and will then continue to operate for the rest of the day as originally scheduled.

Royal Scotsman tour 14/7/14

This westerly view (14/7/14) shows No.87 arriving at Porthmadog station with the Royal Scotsman Tour Special. This working required service trains to be retimed to work later, the only special of the year to require this advertised alteration to the timetable. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Fiji kicks off 'Summer of Fun' 18/7/14

Fiji is due to start the child-friendly cab experience opportunities, probably at Harbour Station, at the start of the school Summer holiday on 18/7/14.

Titbits Spring 2014

The Welsh Pony Appeal has raised more than £50,000 for the continued restoration of this loco.

Easter saw disappointing traffic on both the WHR and FR following the severe weather across the country.

A return visit by the F&WHR promotional team to the Shrewsbury Flower show on 8-9/8/14 might see Prince on a short running track as last year.

David Lloyd George was released from Boston Lodge in temporary grey livery. The loco has reduced coal and water space due to having been designed for oil firing. It is hoped that the new piston valve bogies will compensate for this. Three Fairlies were available for the May Adventure weekend. Merddin Emrys then came into the works for its annual boiler exam. It should be back in action for the Summer. There is no planned use of the Fairlies for timetabled WHR trains this Summer with all trains being diagrammed for NGG16 haulage.

Spring Carriage News

The Boston Lodge Coach Works have sent four carriages out after overhaul/maintenance of varying degrees. The curved glass of Observation Car Glaslyn which cracked in the first winter has been replaced. The sides below waist level were originally constructed using two layers of plywood glued together in situ. This delaminated in places and has been replaced with one layer of ply. It has obviously had a full repaint and full sign-writing. Open car No.2022 has been fitted with panoramic windows in the middle two bays making a second 'Gladstone Coach'. The coach has also had a repaint and vinyl upholstery has been fitted along with new Formica topped tables which it is hoped will look tidier for longer. WHR 2090 has had a repaint and a varnish and fitted with reupholstered seats. Replica Ashbury No.24 has been in for a light clean and a varnish.

No dogs in Spooners

Dogs have been banned from Spooners for hygiene reasons but they are still allowed in the new beer garden area.

Harbour station progress

Various finishing off jobs have made steady progress over the last month. Following the erection of the trident signal in mid-May further progress is being made behind the scenes. All the parts are now in stock and much painting is going on before the final assembly and fixing the finials. Volunteers are refurbishing the remaining signal motors required to move the arms. Once this has been completed they will be attached, followed by testing and commissioning.

The remaining old spiky top railings near Spooner's have been replaced with new bow top style railings by North Wales Fencing. The old fence sections have been put into stock for use elsewhere. Tuesday Gang South volunteers have been busy completing the foot crossings at the end of the platform, building the walkway crossing by the water tower across to 4 road to enable the buffet stewards to wheel their supplies to the train, making ‘anti-trip’ shields around all the new point levers, and installing an anti-trespass grid across the track by signal 10. The water supply on the platform for making tea and coffee on the trains has been connected to the mains and the electric supply has been commissioned (beehives). Water for cleaning the new toilet pumping stations is now connected, but the pumps have not yet been installed.

Gelli return to site in early July to fit the correct lids to the remaining 17 manholes around the site which up to now have had only plywood lids. They should have completed these by mid-July, so that work can continue with more track packing and ballast spreading around the site, helping to improve the overall appearance of the new station. One of the final jobs will be to connect up the platform lights and decide on external lighting for the beer garden.

The organisers of Kids Week 2014 have expressed an interest in tackling the new station garden. This will involve increasing the height of the rear wall with stone blocks from Minffordd and filling the new flower bed area with soil in time for the planting out weekend later in the year.

Fiji returns for the Summer 9/7/14

The 'Summer of Fun' initiative will be featuring footplate rides throughout the summer at a number of locations using Statfold Barn's Fiji, which returned to Dinas on 9/7/14. K1 and Lilla will also feature in the programme. As usual, rides will be free but visitors will be encouraged to give a small donation in the buckets provided. And, for the whole of August, all proceeds will go to Ysgol Eifion Wyn to help the Porthmadog primary school buy new playground equipment.

Many supporters hope the loco will stay on for SuperPower and be in action over that weekend (12-14/9/14).

Team Wylfa postscript 8/7/14

This Dinas Loco Shed view (8/7/14) shows the top platform of No.134 clear of debris, components and tools. The new vacuum brake train pipe coming rearwards from the smokebox saddle with the next spool with a curved upwards joggle almost ready on the left. This will come through the boiler mounting bracket from the triangular flange, diagonally to the right - up and over the black ashpan door operating lever then a further bend to bring it out to the side of the platform. NGG16 No.143 can be seen ahead to the left sans rear bunker for repairs to the reversing gear reach rod and NGG16 No.87 - the in-service loco ahead of No.134. This image is copyright Clive Briscoe and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Team Wylfa report 8/7/14

Clive Briscoe reports: On Tuesday evening this week, the A Team assembled as usual and first visited the Carriage Shed to do a visual exam of the F Set, oil the couplings and service the two carriages parked outside of the shed - NWNGR No.23 and FR No.116. The B Team will service the remaining two plain bearinged bogies and top up the flange lubricators on the rest of the set inside the shed on Thursday evening.

With the carriages out of the way, it was straight down to the Loco Shed to continue work on NG15 No.134. Basically, we carried on with last week's work - finished off clearing the top of the frames of tools, spare gear and raw materials. After this it was out with brushes to sweep all the grinding and other accumulated dust off the top and give the old girl a final wash up top. It looks a lot better and will be a LOT safer for us to work up there from now on with a platform to walk on with no slippery dust or bits and pieces to trip over. With full access to the new vacuum brake train pipe now, next week should see the top of the frames drilled and tapped for pipe clips to mount it in its final position, also, to make a template for, and hopefully make, the final spool piece at the rear.

Other items worthy of comment: The station yard looks strangely empty now that the last vestiges of oil firing days have gone - the big green fuel tank has gone to a new home along with a similar one plus another tank from the FR's Minffordd Yard.

After last week's woes with NGG16 No.87 having to have the hind unit run out to sort a lubrication failure of the rear pivot and rear spherical steam pipe joint, this week it was NGG16 No.143's turn to have urgent repairs requiring the rear tank/bunker lifting off to repair the reversing gear reach rod (hence its replacement by No.87 on Tuesday-Ed).

Tuesday Gang report 8/7/14

Tony Baker reports: The gang were once again on Level Crossing Maintenance. We fitted 'Shut and Fasten Gates' signs to new gates at LC 21.64 Pant, changed out a broken APG at 42.54 Hafod Ruffydd and at the same time fitting ballast retaining wing timbers to the APG's at this crossing. LC 42.75 Hafod Ruffydd Ganol needed 4 broken APG replacing but we had no sooner moved down to this site than there was a clap of thunder and the heavens opened. We sat in the van for a while but it got worse so we finished for the day. On the way down we had stopped off to plant a missing chainage marker at 28.30.

This easterly view (8/7/14) shows No.87 on the 0940 from Porthmadog vice the booked No.138. This view is near the 'Ugly Bridge' just east of Tryfan Junction station. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

SuperPower latest

Porthmadog Harbour Station will feature in this Autumn's WHR event, SuperPower, 12-14/9/14. Freight trains will be the order of the day. Boston Lodge will have an Open Day to show some of the work in progress and there will be some tours of Minffordd Yard which is both the stronghold of all outdoor engineering and the site of several exciting projects. Over the weekend there will also be a chance to look at the progress with No.134 at Dinas when they will making an exciting move forward re-wheeling the loco. Visitors should expect some very large mixed trains and double headed Garratt action. With the planned return of Russell to the WHHR on 2/8/14 many supporters hope that Russell might for the first time since 1936 travel the full length of the WHR on some special workings if agreement can be agreed between the two railways.

Prince on tour 19/7/14

The F&WHR has been invited to take Prince to the Direct Rail Services Open Day at their Crewe Gresty Bridge depot on Saturday 19/7/14. They will be launching their new Class 68 loco at the event and the plan is to do an 'Oldest and Newest' display with Prince. We'd like to have the loco in light steam, which means the F&WHR needs volunteers to warm the loco up on the Friday in Crewe, and generally mind the loco and help greet the public, hand out TLCs and so on during the show. Contact cparry@ffwr.com if you are able to help. For full event details see DRS website.

'Summer of Fun'

The F&WHR is organising a Summer of Fun promotion for the upcoming school holidays in late July until the end of August. This is the busiest time of year for the railways but families are on tight budgets and still need to keep the kids entertained. There will be a series of free or cheap add-on events such as footplate rides or face painting. We will also be promoting good family things to do such as the new playground at Beddgelert which was part-sponsored by the F&WHR. There will be a section on the website with a calendar of events and there will be posters and point of sale advertising too. If you have any good ideas and are able to carry them out, they can soon be added to the calendar. An appeal has been made for volunteers on days when extra activities are happening.

Moelwyn visits WHHR 6/7/14

Encouraging signs of further cooperation between the F&WHR and the WHHR were seen at the weekend when Moelwyn visited the WHHR and hauled a rake of empty slate wagons. Many hope that Russell will visit the F&WHR during the SuperPower event over the weekend of 12-14/9/14.

This northerly view (6/7/14) shows Moelwyn hauling slate empties at Pen-y-Mount. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman (WHHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Click on the YouTube box above to watch 3 mins 4 secs of video showing Moelwyn hauling slate empties on the WHHR on 6/7/14. This video is best watched in 1080p HD mode. This video was taken by Andy Goodwin (WHHR) on a professional camcorder.

Porthmadog platform shelters

Holes have been cast on the new long platform to support platform shelters if they can be afforded at some time in the future.

Russell painted red 4/7/14

This northerly view (4/7/14) shows Russell's tanks having been painted in a new red shade at Alan Keef's works Ross-on-Wye. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Alan Keef's and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Oil tank removed

The Dinas bunded oil tank along with that from Minffordd was noted going east on the A55 just before the start of the 50mph limit at Colwyn Bay at about 07.45 on 2/7/14. The lorry was operated by Cawley Bros, who are based in Llanwrst.

Team Wylfa report 1/7/14

Clive Briscoe reports: The A Team were at Dinas as usual on Tuesday evening and started as normal with carriage checks and oiling up. E Set was the target this week and after a thorough visual check and topping up of the flange lube grease sticks, we oiled up several of the carriage axleboxes on the top end, leaving the rest of the carriage bogies for B Team on Thursday. With that out of the way, we had a clear 2 hours to work on No.134 and achieved much. With re-wheeling just 10 weeks away, the top of the loco’s frames had become a dump / repository for raw materials and components. These all need to be cleared off and we carried on with the weekend’s purge (an extra No.134 Group working party). The running board plates needed to go back on too so that we can locate the new lube line and their pipe clips. During the course of the evening, all of the plates were relocated and temporarily bolted down. This has now made it a lot safer to work up top too as there is no loose gear to step on/over and there’s actually a proper walkway to work from – there’s some work on the vacuum brake train pipe still to finish. Overall, an excellent nights’ work with lots of visible progress. NB. The plates will need to be lifted just one more time for final painting in due course, after which, they will be bolted down permanently.

We returned to the Station Yard to find our cars had been blocked in by a rather large artic lorry with an equally large HIAB crane on the rear end of the tractor. It had arrived to move the last remains of oil firing days – the big green fuel tank. Not only was he blocking us in but it seemed we were blocking his best lifting position so we came to a compromise, he de-rigged and we moved our cars! We also moved a stack of Heras fence bases that were stacked in front of the tank for him. As his tachograph time was almost up (he had come from Lowestoft) he decided the best thing to do was park up in the yard and wait for first light and lift the tank at 6am. So, by the time you read this report, there will be another huge area of yard free.

Tuesday Gang 1/7/14

Tony Baker reports: The gang spent the 1/7/14 on level crossing maintenance firstly at LC 22.70 Bontnewydd Station where one pedestrian gate had disintegrated to the point where it had to be replaced and on the other side of the crossing the life of the gate was extended by inserting coach screws into a split top timber. Then it was on to LC 21.87 Fron Goch where we made up the road surface where the garden centre folk trundle the trolleys of plants over the line. Meanwhile other gang members were gathering timber from life expired pallets at a local builders' merchants and taking it back to Dinas for fire lighting.

This Bontnewydd view (1/7/14) shows the rebuilt gate. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (1/7/14) shows the 9:40 ex-Porthmadog with No.138 in charge passing Bont Newydd at midday. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Aerial view of Harbour Station 30/6/14

This westerly view (30/6/14) shows No.143 running round in Harbour Station. A blue tent near Spooners was for a special event on the Sunday and was taken down later that day. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Mark Gardner and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Bont Briwet

Gwynedd Council has announced that the reopening of Bont Briwet railway bridge on the Cambrian Coast Line at Penrhyndeudraeth will be delayed over the summer holidays and is likely to open on or before 1/9/14. See GC website. The parallel road bridge element, to be constructed on the same piers, will open by Xmas. Rail traffic is running from Porthmadog NR yard to the bridge delivering rail materials. See BBC story. Up to date images are available towards the end of the Flickr website.

Trains every day

Trains operate every day on the WHR for the whole of July, August and September. Fridays in June had no services this year. October loses the Monday and Friday services except for the Half Term Holiday.

Team Wylfa report 24/6/14

On Tuesday evening this week, we had only a short inspection / oil up to do on the F Set carriages - Martin's B Team will be topping up the flange lube grease sticks and oiling the couplers on Thursday so this gave us over 2 hours to work on No.134. We did some setting out of previously cut spools and measured up for further pipe spools on the new vacuum brake train pipe - we had some random offcuts of pipe that we had left from previously cutting full lengths for other spools and found most were just about right to take us effectively to the rear buffer beam - just needs some of the spool ends threading for elbows, other ends fitting with flanges. We temporarily mounted the ashpan operating rod so we could check clearances and where to end spools and cross it (using my 'plumbers nightmare' piece that I'd made up last week). I found that I need to modify this as it is about 10 mm too high to mount it vertically - it will foul the bottom of the boiler. 2-off M-F elbows will sort this instead of the F-F elbows with hex. nipple between on the vertical legs. Hopefully I can acquire some from my local engineers merchants on Saturday morning ready for the extra No.134 working party this weekend.

We also had a visitor - Urias von Meyenburg on holiday from Switzerland who was bringing us a present - the LOAN of a genuine ex-SAR chime whistle to get us started when No.134 comes back to life. I had expected just to show him around but no, he came with the idea of giving us a hand and promptly borrowed a spare pair of overalls and got stuck in with the team and promised to come back and help us whenever he comes over. So, Team Wylfa have gained another international member! Many thanks for your loan of the whistle - we look forward to hearing it before too long and many thanks again for giving us a hand and look forward to seeing you again.

No.87 in the sun 24/6/14

This northerly view (24/6/14) shows No.87 winding through the sharp curves at Salem with the 1320 from Caernarfon. Here three modes of transport come close with WHR river (with very occasional boats!) and road close together. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Tuesday Gang report 24/6/14

Tony Baker reports: We completed our survey of the level crossings between Dinas and Caernarfon and have selected our next targets for maintenance. The work needed ranges from complete renewal of at least one gate, several crossing timbers to be replaced and elimination of any trip hazards. Some sites where there is no road access will have to wait until train services finish and we can visit with a works train.

Russell Returns tickets

After a mammoth fund-raising effort and countless hours of work Russell is finished and will be re-launched into traffic at a special ceremony on the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway at the beginning of August. Russell will haul the first public passenger train; made up from the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway’s unique collection of heritage carriages at 10:00 on Saturday 2/8/14. To commemorate the occasion limited-edition Edmondson tickets have been produced. These are made from brass, are individually numbered from 0001 to 0250 and are supplied in a special presentation box.

Only 120 tickets will be available for the very first train, and are now being advertised to members and interested parties for only £25. They are offered for sale on a first-come, first-served basis and will guarantee holders a place on the first train and are also valid for travel on all trains between Porthmadog and Pen-y-Mount on Saturday and Sunday. A further 100 tickets will be available which will give travel on Russell’s second train and also allow unlimited travel on Welsh Highland Heritage Railway trains throughout the weekend. These are available for £20 each. These very special tickets are sure to become a collector’s item amongst ticket collectors and fans of narrow gauge memorabilia so order now to avoid disappointment!

When ordering please specify if you require disabled access and post along with your remittance or deliver in person to the Welsh Highland Railway Ltd, Tremadog Road, Porthmadog, Gwynedd, LL49 9DY. A range of other limited-edition Russell-related items will also be on sale over the weekend; Russell enamel badges £2.75, limited edition first day cover £6.00, miniature replica Russell 12" nameplate £25, limited edition hand-engraved Russell pint glass/tankard £33.

F&WHR in the June sunshine 19/6/14

Click on the YouTube box above to watch 4 mins 10 secs of video showing the F&WHR in the sunshine published on 19/6/14. This video is best watched in 1080p HD mode. This video was taken by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional camcorder.

Russell returns WHHR press release

Following ten years out of action, the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway is delighted to announce that Russell (Hunslet 2-6-2, works number 901 of 1906) will be returning to active service during the 2014 season. The overhaul at Alan Keef’s works in Ross-on-Wye is rapidly drawing to a close and a delivery date has been agreed which will see Russell finally return to its home in Porthmadog in North Wales this summer. Russell will be launched back into public traffic on Saturday 2/8/14. The Russell Returns event will run over the Company’s AGM weekend of 2-3/8/14. There will be an intensive shuttle train service, with passenger trains hauled by Russell. Trains will run from 10.30am till 5.30pm Saturday and Sunday.

For more information visit: http://www.whr.co.uk/news/2014/russell-returns.

Team Wylfa report 17/6/14

Clive Briscoe reports: On Tuesday 17/6/14, it was back to normal for the A Team - carriages (E Set) followed by a bit of work on NG15 No.134. Regrettably one of the core team was away on business and another is not very well at the moment but the small crew who turned up did well. After servicing the carriages there was just enough time to solve a tricky problem on No.134's new vacuum brake train pipe - how to get it over the ashpan operating rod. I had tried to put an upwards joggle in the pipe to take it over but the clearance on the rear was not sufficient to fit an elbow to then take it sideways to the edge of the platform - it would have fouled on the front face of the firebox. I'd acquired 4-off 1½" hex nipples and we have a fair number of elbows in stock so made up an up-over-down and sideways assembly. Quite a plumber's nightmare but will do the job nicely! Will need a second one making up in due course for the line from the vacuum ejector (which is to be mounted on the side of the smokebox) to the setter in the cab.

B Team (Martin & Rod) will be completing the oiling up of E Set during its Friday lay-over in Dinas as it is out and about on a charter train on Thursday evening until very late. Whilst your scribe has been away, there has been quite a turn-around in the Loco Shed. The water wagon is out and undergoing brake tests; diesel No.9 is now back on its wheels, the cab being sanded down and the engine cover framing removed for repair and painting. No.143's old boiler (in No.140's boiler cradle) is now back in the shed and looks like it is about to be worked upon - No.140's resurrection at last.

Our visitor, John Birch from the Port Elizabeth Apple Express (home to the NG15's) was shown around Boston Lodge on Monday by Tony, the Works Manager who then gave him a cab pass for a ride from Porthmadog to Beddgelert. Unfortunately, he didn't have time to see No.134's progress at Dinas but otherwise John thoroughly enjoyed his visit and the discussions of mutual interest. The Apple Express volunteers are desperately trying to come to an arrangement with Transnet to get it up and running again. They have gained undercover access - to use the Humewood diesel depot and are currently refurbishing the carriages and have partially stripped NG15 No.119 to get it into an operable state again. Unfortunately, since it last ran 2 years ago, many of the superheater elements have rotted through. Your scribe got a quote for John for new ones from the people that we will be using for No.134's new set. They are in a cleft stick - no money available until they start running again but to get running again requires a loco! They may have to charter one of the Class 91 diesels to restart services. In less than a month, we are due some more visitors - one from Switzerland who hopefully will be bringing something special for No.134 and then a group from Puffing Billy in Australia. It's going to be busy!

SuperPower 2014 NG15 event

The F&WHR is currently planning the 2014 SuperPower event which is programmed for 12-14/9/14. One event already planned is the re-wheeling of the frames of NG15 No.134 if the support group make the anticipated progress. In order to push the project along a new NG15 Group working weekend is planned for 28-29/6/14 and the September date has been coordinated with SuperPower so will be 13-14/9/14. There is also a working party on July 26-27/7/14, though no August working party is planned at present.

Tuesday Gang report 17/6/14

Tony Baker reports: Today we replaced rotten crossing timbers in LC 24.37 Dinas Station crossing. New tanalised timbers were purchased and the job completed without problems.

This northerly view (17/6/14) shows the rebuilt Dinas Station level crossing at the south end of the platforms. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Russell launch date 2/8/14

Following 10 years out of action Russell will shortly be returning to active service. The overhaul at Alan Keef’s works in Ross-on-Wye is rapidly drawing to a close and a delivery date has been agreed which will see Russell finally return home. Following a period of testing, Russell will be launched back into public traffic on the morning of 2/8/14.

Tickets to the first Russell-hauled public passenger train (10.00am Saturday 2/8/14 following the public unveiling at 9.30am) will be available on a first-come first-served basis; this train will only be available to holders of a special Brass Ticket. This strictly limited edition souvenir ticket will entitle the holder to travel on both days of the re-launch, as well as providing a unique chance to be on the first public Russell-hauled train. Details of how and where to purchase one will follow shortly.

Cheaper ATW travel to F&WHR

Arriva Trains Wales has reduced fares on the Conwy Valley Line by up to 21% to improve traffic over the coming months. This makes rail travel to the F&WHR cheaper until September. See F&WHR story.

Loco ash empties return to WHR 12/6/14

This easterly view (12/6/14) shows No.138 hauling the 5 B wagons used for loco ash back to the WHR. It looks like this duty has finished for the time being. The ex-SAR brake van is attached to the rear of the rake. General Manager Paul Lewin looks on. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Team Wylfa report 12/6/14

Clive Briscoe reports: The A & B Teams combined on Thursday and serviced the F Set. Normal Team Wylfa service resumes next week.

Harbour Station wide angle view 11/6/14

This (very) wide angle view (11/6/14) shows the full FR platform at the rebuilt Harbour Station. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

K1 at the WHHR Gala 2-4/5/14

This southerly view (2/5/14) shows K1 being prepared for duty at Gelert's Farm for the WHHR Gala. It is hoped Russell will return later in the year. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman and was taken on a Canon Powershot SX20 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This westerly view (3/5/14) shows K1 running round at the WHHR's Porthmadog terminus on Tremadog Road for the WHHR Gala. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman and was taken on a Canon Powershot SX20 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (3/5/14) shows K1 running round at the WHHR's Pen-y-Mount terminus with the new signal that controls the junction with the WHR main line. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman and was taken on a Canon Powershot SX20 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (3/5/14) shows K1 with the FR set lent to the WHHR for the Gala standing in platform 2 at Pen-y-Mount. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman and was taken on a Canon Powershot SX20 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (3/5/14) shows K1 with the FR set with the point set for platform 1 at Pen-y-Mount with the bypass viaduct in the background. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman and was taken on a Canon Powershot SX20 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (3/5/14) shows K1 passing the WHHR yard as viewed from the bypass. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman and was taken on a Canon Powershot SX20 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This easterly view (4/5/14) shows K1 running round at Porthmadog. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman and was taken on a Canon Powershot SX20 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This westerly view (4/5/14) shows K1 passing Gelert's Farm works. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman and was taken on a Canon Powershot SX20 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (4/5/14) shows LyD No.60 hauling the WHHR rake. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman and was taken on a Canon Powershot SX20 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Team Wylfa report 30/4/14

Clive Briscoe reports: This last weekend was the monthly No.134 Group working weekend and as usual, quite a lot done. There will be a full report with pictures on the No.134 website shortly (see http://ng15-134.co.uk). A flavour of what went on reads like this: Front dragbox finally removed from buffer beam thus allowing design of new one incorporating some springing – as built, the locos were only expected to haul trains from the rear (tender) dragbox which does incorporate a bonded steel and rubber type spring in the drawbar to give a softer pull. The front drawbar is solid with simply a pin to locate it in the dragbox. When hauling passenger trains with loco going in reverse, this would likely cause damage or at least, a rough ride for the passengers in the Obs or Pullman! Continued grinding horn guide slippers true; RHS new cab support angle now tacked in place; Vacuum brake train pipe has at last reached the rear of the smokebox saddle – I made a cut-out in the platform support angle to allow the pipe up vertically from below, it should be an easier run from here now. Finally, some maintenance has had to be undertaken on the new tender.

Tuesday evening’s work by Team Wylfa started with a quick check and minor routine maintenance work on the E Set (B Team will oil up the axleboxes on Thursday evening) followed by continuing work on diesel No.9 (front buffer beam old dragbox FINALLY removed and buffer beam dressed smooth, hopefully will complete the rear next week). On the water wagon, work on grinding smooth all the jagged edges on the DZ base is all but complete and further work on the new train pipe continued – a clear way forward should see it completed soon, especially as the flat strip to form new pipe clips has arrived.

With work on No.9 and the water wagon almost completed, we’ll be able to give more time to No.134 again.

Tuesday Gang report 30/4/14

Tony Baker reports: Following the heavy Easter traffic it was deemed necessary to check the vertical and horizontal position of the track relating to the platform edge in the WHR platform road at Harbour Station. Using a refurbished platform gauge it was soon established that a certain amount of settling had occurred so a session of jacking and shovel packing was carried out. This of course had to be done with care as trains were running. Strict liaison with the signal box was established. About a quarter of the platform length was covered beginning at the Caernarfon end points. This work is expected to continue for the next two weeks.

This northerly view (29/4/14) shows the Tuesday Gang jacking and packing the WHR platform road after the intensive initial use over Easter. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Easter YouTube 29/4/14

Click on the YouTube box above to watch 7 mins 5 secs of video/photos of WHR trains over the Easter week published on 29/4/14. This video is best watched in 1080p HD mode. This video was taken by Tom Waldren on a Panasonic SD900 camcorder and edited with Sony Vegas.

Llanwnda distant signal 27/4/14

The former Llanwnda signal that has lain at Dinas since its donation in 2004 has after 10 years of lying in Dinas Yard been refurbished and erected as a feature. It is believed to be the former distant signal for Dinas that stood at the north end of Llanwnda station platform, near the Railway Inn. For further information see this Llanwnda station link kindly provided by Tim Evans. Images on the Llanwnda station website clearly show a signal standing there as late as 1976. However, the donated loading gauge was positioned at the south end of the site and there may have been a distant signal for Groeslon at this location too behind the Goat Hotel referred to in the notes below from 2004.

This easterly view (27/4/14) shows the former Llanwnda distant signal that was donated to the WHR several years ago, now reinstated and erected in Dinas Yard. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Laurence Armstrong and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

The following blue text/images are copied from the Archived News 2004 page for ease of reference.

On Saturday, 25/9/04, three of the North Wales Track Gang - Elwyn Jones, Alf Williams and Dafydd Thomas aided by Maldwyn Evans with his six wheeler flatbed lorry with Hiab crane, moved the original Dinas Up Distant signal post from the rear of the Goat Hotel, Llanwnda to Dinas North yard. The post is approximately 34 feet long and caused a few heads to turn on its short journey.

This northerly view (2/10/04) at Dinas shows the Dinas Distant signal that formerly stood at Llanwnda. Also visible are a siding point lever and loading gauge frame believed to be from Llanwnda siding. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B.W.Hughes and was taken on a Concord 3340z 3.1 Mega pixel) digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.

The signal is complete with its arm, the yellow enamel is remarkably undamaged apart from some slight rusting around the attachment bolts. It still has its counterweights, ladder (slightly bent at the bottom) and stays. The signal post had been at the rear of the Goat Hotel since 1965/66 when it was rescued from the scrap man by Mr. Griffith, the coal merchant who used Llanwnda station yard as his base.

Although the signal was actually located within the environs of Llanwnda station, it was operated from Dinas Signal Box. Llanwnda itself had no signalling; it was in the token section Dinas to Groeslon and access to the single siding was by means of a key on the token. The Llanwnda siding point lever and loading gauge are also included in the donation.

The signal post lay at the rear of the Goat, forgotten by most, for almost 40 years. However Miss Ann Griffith, daughter of previously mentioned Mr. Griffith and owner of the Goat Hotel, had not forgotten it and with all the local interest in the Welsh Highland Railway nearby she decided to donate the signal post to the Society for possible use on the Railway.

Now that the WHR have the signal post at Dinas, it needs to be restored. The NWTG is looking for volunteers who would like to do a bit of wire brushing and painting. There is also need of some heat and persuasion on the base of the ladder to get it back into shape. If anybody can locate the appropriate lenses for the arm the NWTG would be most grateful. The signal also needs a signal lamp but this will probably have to be a reproduction one.

Once restored, the signal post will be erected at Dinas as an item of local history and a relevant railway feature. It will not of course be operational. At the moment it is positioned in the laydown area next to No.134.

More has emerged on the history of the Llanwnda signal generously donated to the WHR recently. Photo evidence from Dave Plimmer shows this signal has not after all been behind the Goat Hotel for 40 years. It remained in position adjacent to the road bridge at Llanwnda until the late 1970's.

This image (28/02/76) shows the signal and station buildings at Llanwnda and Dave Plimmer recalls it was still there after the road was diverted away from the bridge and across the trackbed possibly in 1978. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy/copyright Dave Plimmer. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.

For more pictures of North Wales main line railways covering diesel loco operations from 1975-83 visit Dave Plimmer's website www.2d53.co.uk

Dinas 14/4/14

This northerly view (14/4/14) shows Castell Caernarfon in Dinas Yard. This loco was in heavy use for shunting Dinas Yard over the week before 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 and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (14/4/14) shows No.9 in Dinas Loco Shed. This loco is being refurbished. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (14/4/14) shows the new emergency water tank wagon (for use at Rhyd Ddu in the dry season for fire fighting) in Dinas Loco Shed. This vehicle could also be paired with the NG15 as a extra water carrier as used in the arid lands of Namibia. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (14/4/14) shows the spare point in Dinas Yard with the PW train 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 and displayed at 96dpi.

NG15 No.133/134 14/4/14

This northerly view (14/4/14) shows the remains of No.133 with No.134's new tender. In the foreground are a set of accommodation bogies. The local BR signal that way lying on the ground here has moved into the Goods Shed for restoration. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

More progress was made with No.134 in March. See No.134 website.

Old Star Picture

This southerly view (3/4/13) shows No.138 on the morning train passing Beddgelert Forest Campsite at 1040 in the bright Spring sunshine. This train passes the morning southbound 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.

Dinas 14/4/14

This northerly view 14/4/14 shows the remains of No.109. Most of the loco, including its power bogies and wheels, appears to be present. The loco was moved to Dinas in January following the sale of Peter Waterman's LNWR works at Crewe. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

See LNWR website to see Pete Waterman's original plan for this loco, which was cancelled when the Government pulled out of his apprenticeship scheme.

Lautoka No.11 12-13/4/13

The loco was trialled on the weekend of 12-13/4/14 on a 4 vehicle freight rake as a test train load. The rake used consisted of Nos.1424, 921 (with bad wheel flat), 922 and the ex-SAR brake van. On 12/4/14 the train ran from Dinas to Beddgelert and was turned out immaculately to be a surprise guest as the Snowdonian Special paused there for lunch.

The late arrival at Rhyd Ddu and the need to water lead eventually to three trains present at Rhyd Ddu with a token having to be taken forward by car (and delayed by a road accident). The northbound tank was unusable so No.11 had to water at the southbound tank. First the test train shunted past the south points to stable the rake on the main line and then the loco ran back through the northbound platform and reversed through the southbound platform to water in the southbound tank before collecting its rake again.

This southerly view 12/4/14 shows No.11 working hard on its test train on the final section of 1 in 40 before the summit. The train was running late due to having to stop repeatedly for blow ups. It was designed for relatively flat sugar fields in Fiji. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view 12/4/14 shows No.11 working hard on its test train on the final section of 1 in 40 before the summit at 14.51 passing Pont Cae'r Gors level crossing. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view 12/4/14 shows No.11 arriving at Rhyd Ddu at 14.55. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view 12/4/14 shows No.11 and its test load freight wagons at Rhyd Ddu at 14.57. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view 12/4/14 shows No.11 at Rhyd Ddu at 14.58. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view 12/4/14 shows No.11 at Rhyd Ddu at 1500. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view 12/4/14 shows No.11 at Rhyd Ddu at 15.05 whilst running through the southbound track to water at the south water tower after propelling its rake out of the station to stable on the south side. The loco had been through the north end points within shunt limits to make this manoeuvre as the north end tank was unusable, apparently because the hose was too short. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

No.87 12/4/14

This northerly view 12/4/14 shows No.87 drifting down towards Beddgelert Forest Campsite at 1554. The train was running late due to having to wait for a path after Fiji's late running and difficulties getting a token. The train was due to depart Beddgelert at 1540. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

The Snowdonian 12/4/14

K1 and No.143 (the first and last Garratts) hauled the WHR legs of The Snowdonian special train this year in rather grey weather, fundraising for Phase 5 and the Diamond Jubilee 'Lets Finish the Job' Appeal. An FR rake is used so that the special working can cover the whole system. The train passed Lautoka No.11 at Dinas on a test train using a freight rake. the YouTube link below shows extensive coverage of the train's progress to Beddgelert. At Beddgelert the loco ran round and watered before shunting into the northbound platform in advance of the arrival of The Snowdonian on its return from Caernarfon. due to late running, the train did not do a non stop run through Porthmadog as the FR service was arriving from Minffordd. The loco change to Prince and Lyd must have taken place at the far end of The Cob as the WHR engines are two large for the FR loading gauge past Pen Cob Halt.

This westerly view 12/4/14 shows K1 and No.143 on the Snowdonian passing Pen-y-Mount. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Click on the YouTube box above to watch 28 mins 25 secs of video of The Snowdonian special train on 12/4/14. This video is best watched in 1080p HD mode. This video was taken by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional camcorder.

Busman's holiday 12-18/4/14

This website will not be updated until 18/4/14 as your webmaster is taking a well earned break in North Wales staying at the Beddgelert Forest Campsite.

Welsh Pony latest 10/4/14

The F&WHR has released a 3 minute 47 second video about the restoration of Welsh Pony which is due to begin on 4/5/14. The video is called Unfinished Business Part one and featured F&WHR chief Mechanical engineer Jon Whalley. He reveals that the loco may need a new copper firebox and boiler which would be built at Boston Lodge. The loco was withdrawn in 1939 and has had only cosmetic restoration since then having been plinthed at various times. Visitors are invited to see the start of the dismantling process at Boston Lodge at 10am on that date. The loco has had its nameplate removed presumably for safe keeping. See F&WHR story.

Views from 9/4/14

This northerly view 9/4/14 shows No.138 near the Relay Room crossing. The loco did not require watering and so just ran round before departing for Caernarfon at 1405. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Nigel Kendall and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view 9/4/14 shows No.143 arriving at Beddgelert as viewed through the historic tableau of the water tower and lamp room. It does not yet appear that the water supply is connected to the tank. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Nigel Kendall and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This westerly view 9/4/14 shows the platform seating chained down over the water supply fittings on the newly extended platform at Harbour Station. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Nigel Kendall and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This westerly view 9/4/14 shows Merddin Emrys departing the extended platform at Harbour Station on the 1335 departure to Blaenau Ffestiniog. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Nigel Kendall and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Lautoka No.11 9-10/4/13

Lautoka No.11 visited Waunfawr on 9/4/13 on a steam test and on 10/4/14, Porthmadog for gauging purposes, with two flat wagon (No.863 and another) and the Combination Car No.1001. See F&WHR Facebook page for 19 photos on those dates on the timeline.

Pont Croesor facilities closed for 2014

Pont Croesor station car park and toilets are closed for the 2014 season. Level access to the platforms can only be made via the footpath from the road bridge over the Afon Glaslyn (so it appears the station car park and toilets will be locked-Ed). The Glaslyn Wildlife Project has announced that they now have the funding in place to redevelop the site and plan to be fully open again for the 2015 season. However, during 2014 it is proposed to open the Viewing Hide during most of the Bank Holiday weekends and some other weekends from Easter onwards whilst the ospreys are in the area. The ospreys are still being monitored and there are improved camera facilities at the nest to enable better video coverage which will be available later in the year. See F&WHR story.

Russell, the sole surviving original steam locomotive from the original Welsh Highland Railway is currently being restored for use on the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway and should be in steam later this year. For more information visit the WHHR web site at www.whr.co.uk and Facebook page.

Harbour Station progress 11/3/14

Click on the YouTube box above to watch 7 mins 39 secs of video of progress (Part Seven) with Harbour Station published 11/3/14. This video is best watched in 1080p HD mode. This video was taken by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional camcorder.

This westerly view 11/3/14 shows the FR yard being constructed with 3 road and 4 road being laid. The layout must be ready for the new season on 22/3/14 so its 'all hands to the pumps'! Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Team Wylfa report 11/3/14

Clive Briscoe reports: The A Team were busy on both NG15 No.134 and diesel No.9 again this week: On No.134, yours truly continued to work on the new vacuum brake train pipe spools. A way to route the pipe rearwards past the smokebox support casting then down and across the top of the frames to the middle was sought, not easy but two new spools completed. I had to resort to cutting lengths of 1½" pipe, threading the ends and using elbows for these sections. They'll end in flanges so we can easily remove sections for maintenance in future. Andy gloss painted the front and rear pony truck centering spring housings. No.9 had the rusty cab steps, some brake stretchers and the sand pots cleaned down to bare metal and primed by Pete, Matt and Andy.

Harbour Station 11/3/14

Tony Baker reports: The combined Tuesday Gangs plus a couple of permanent staff were at Harbour Station today where they topped up ballast, shovel packed and finally Kango tamped the FR platform Rd. This work will continue for the rest of this week and if you can help just turn up and report to Ian Andrew or Steve Pritchard.

This easterly view 11/3/14 shows the Tuesday Gang tamping the FR platform. Test running began on 10/3/14 and the layout must be ready for the new season on 22/3/14 so its 'all hands to the pumps'! Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

ROWG Report 10-16/3/14

Phil Nock gives the March 2014 ROWG Report: The Rest of the World Gang March working week began on Monday 10/3/14, when we spent the whole week completing laying and a part in fettling the trackwork for the new Harbour Station layout. On the first day our attention was given initially to the water tower end of the line, jacking and packing the 3 road extension point, (that's the one connecting 3 road to the spur next to the water tower and the fuel road under the water tower) and reconnecting it to the extant track of these two spurs. The point is in S30 flat-bottom rail, while the spurs are both in Penrhyn bull-head, requiring composite fishplates (and not a few shims) for the job. At The Cob end of 3 road, as the point is in IoM 75lb, but 3 road is in S30, a pair each of 75lb and S30 stub rails were fixed down, in readiness for welding together, to form transition rails between the two rail types; (there are four different rail types in the new trackwork of Harbour station). The remaining sleepers from around the site were gathered up and laid out to form part of 3 road.

On Tuesday we started relaying 4 road from the water tower end of the site. This is in Penrhyn bullhead, a relative novelty for us, having been brought up on flat-bottom on the Northern Branch, but it doesn't take too much getting used to and, being rather dainty in character, readily lends itself, (usually), to curves without the need for pre-curving with a jim-crow. There was also a large delivery of hardwood sleepers for 3 road, which were unloaded and laid out. However, the most fun was had taking two pairs of RRM's across to Llyn Bach to pick up the last four remaining full length, (18m), S30 pre-curved rails from the stock pile there, to use in laying 3 road. Sans locomotive, it was all done by muscle power, but by the book, so we had musical accompaniment from the wig-wags as we crossed Britannia Bridge and from nowhere appeared hoards of photographers.

This easterly view 11/3/14 shows the start of relaying 4 road in Penrhyn bullhead. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Simon Banbury and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view 11/3/14 shows the ROWG collecting the pre-curved rails from the Llyn Bach stockpile. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Simon Banbury and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This easterly view 12/3/14 shows 4 road approaching completion. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Simon Banbury and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This easterly view 11/3/14 shows the ROWG fixing the closure rails on 4 road, with the sleepers of 3 road beckoning for our attention next. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tim Evans and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

The next two days saw 4 road completed and half the gang syphoned off to help shovel-pack 1 road, much to their chagrin, as shovel-packing is no fun and lots of shovel-packing is no fun at all! On Wednesday assistance was rendered to a welder, hired in to splice composite rails together and the rails over 3 road pit. On Friday, having completed 4 road, we turned through 180º and started laying 3 road, but not before we had manhandled the four pre-curved rails, collected from Llyn Bach on Tuesday, across the new island platform from the WHR loop line to the six foot, parallel to 3 road, having to turn three of them by 180º, because they were curved the wrong way! As it stood, two full 18m lengths of very straight S30 rail had been previously laid out to start 3 road off the up end point and their alignment would have taken 3 road straight through Spooners. They were removed, replaced by two of the pre-curved rails. The four pre-curved rails almost got us to the inspection pit, but not quite, so two suitable dog-ends had to be found, to use as closure rails. What was found was straight, so both had to be run through the jim-crow, in order that the sharp but smooth curve could be maintained and the finished alignment looks just grand. Over our last three days, there was also more shovel-packing, a lot more shovel-packing, finishing 1 road and doing all of 2 and 4 roads. The contents of six ballast hoppers was dropped on these three roads to lock the track in place. That's about 200 tons, but a relative drop in the Harbour Station ballast ocean. More was to follow.

This westerly view 12/3/14 shows 4 road is complete and 3 road is about to be started. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tim Evans and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view 12/3/14 show some of the gang take a welcome rest from shovel-packing 1 road to pose for the camera. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tim Evans and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This easterly view 15/3/14 shows rapid progress being made on laying 3 road, with the rail laid nearly up to the inspection pit. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tim Evans and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This westerly view 16/3/14 shows 3 road has just been completed and thus basic track-laying on Phase 5 is complete. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tim Evans and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This westerly view 17/3/14 shows the recently shovel packed 4 road getting the ballast hopper treatment to lock the track in place. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tim Evans and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Harbour Station progress 7-8/3/14

The signalling was tested and used for the first time on 7/3/14. The whole layout has been checked and found working except for the FR yard crossover. Over 40 volunteers were present as well as Gelli contractors working on the beer garden area.

This easterly view 8/3/14 shows Moel Hebog running round on the new WHR platform near Spooner's. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This easterly view 8/3/14 shows the completed FR platform and the entrance to the beer garden. The wall will be completed with plate glass panels to the height of the pilasters. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This westerly view 8/3/14 shows the Spooner's beer garden walling nearing completion. The block paving for this will be a warmer rustic brown bracken colour to distinguish it from the blue gray platform paving blocks. There will be no entrance at the new platform end. Instead there will be entrances alongside the FR platform top the left, near the WHR loop point and near the end of the existing FR platform canopy. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a digital camera and edited using Zoner Photo Studio 16. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This westerly view 8/3/14 shows Moel Hebog running round on the new WHR loop. The block paving of the WHR platform is nearing completion. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a digital camera and edited using Zoner Photo Studio 16. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This easterly view 8/3/14 shows the signals at the end of the new platform lit up for testing. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a digital camera and edited using Zoner Photo Studio 16. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This westerly view 8/3/14 shows Criccieth Castle ballasting the new WHR platform line prior to shovel/kango packing. The KMX cannot be used as the ballast bed is not deep enough. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a digital camera and edited using Zoner Photo Studio 16. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This signalbox view 8/3/14 shows the token instrument under maintenance. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a digital camera and edited using Zoner Photo Studio 16 Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This signalbox view 8/3/14 shows Phil Brown (SVR) operating the new signalling system. The indicator diagram is lit up with LEDs. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a digital camera and edited using Zoner Photo Studio 16. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This signalbox view 8/3/14 shows the complete panel with temporary instructions. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a digital camera and edited using Zoner Photo Studio 16. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This westerly view 8/3/14 shows the 'breadbin' location boxes next to the FR yard headshunt. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a digital camera and edited using Zoner Photo Studio 16. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This easterly view 8/3/14 shows the Tuesday Gang South completing the barrow crossing at the end of the new platform. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a digital camera and edited using Zoner Photo Studio 16. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This easterly view 8/3/14 shows the signals being operated to give a green aspect and allow Criccieth Castle to leave for Minffordd yard with the empty ballast train. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a digital camera and edited using Zoner Photo Studio 16. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This easterly view 8/3/14 shows the counterweights on the starter signals. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a digital camera and edited using Zoner Photo Studio 16. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This westerly view 8/3/14 shows volunteers packing the FR platform road near the Relay Cabin. Packing is working from east to west with track completed on the left. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a digital camera and edited using Zoner Photo Studio 16. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.