This westerly view (4/8/15) shows the Prince and Taliesin passing Minffordd reprising the first steam train 60 years previously on 3/8/55. 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 easterly view (4/8/15) shows the Tuesday Gang improving Weighbridge Crossing (Minffordd Yard access) to the same standard as the WHR crossings. 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 (4/8/15) shows the Tuesday Gang improving Weighbridge Crossing (Minffordd Yard access) to the same standard as the WHR crossings. 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 easterly view (4/8/15) shows the finished job with the Tuesday Gang improving Weighbridge Crossing (Minffordd Yard access) to the same standard as the WHR crossings. 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 report 4/8/15

Clive Briscoe reports: Well that was different! Regret no work on No.134 at all this week. Pete was away on business, John is on his annual trip around the UK visiting his sisters and Dennis called in sick. I rang one of our reserves and he thought he could meet me at Dinas - that was Plan A. Got to Dinas and he called in that he couldn't make it after all so I had to invoke Plan B - only used a couple of times before, call one of my work colleagues who lives in the Caernarfon area to act as safety man. I would call him every half hour until I'd finished carriage inspection & oiling. If I didn't call, he was to 'call out the troops'. Mission accomplished safely- carriages checked and oiled, safe to run. Locked up by 9pm, early night!

Kid's Today! Special 3/8/15

This northerly view (3/8/15) shows Prince and Taliesin watering whilst running around at Beddgelert. This train is carrying the participants of the 24th Kids' Week as a special treat. The two locos had hauled the 60th Anniversary special commemorating the first FR steam train on 3/8/55. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

KS No.4415 2-6/8/14

David High's volunteer working party has made a start on the rebuilding of KS No.4415. They have lifted the engine and gearbox off the body of the loco and stripped out them out. They have also dismantled the brake gear and taken the frame off the wheels for grit blasting.

Ron Walker reports: Last week I was at Boston Lodge works helping with the FR Kids' Training week. At the same time some of the team that are working on heritage diesel KS-4415 were there (see Festipedia page for full details of this loco numbered as No.8 in FR hierarchy-Ed). The chassis has now had almost all of the components removed, during the week the chassis was lifted onto its side for cleaning underneath. Soon a contractor will come in to sand blast it clean ready for a few minor repairs then re-painting. The wheel are out and will be re-profiled soon, the springs have gone away for refurbishment. A section of the old foundry has been cleared for the components. Some have already been cleaned other await cleaning. Turning the chassis on its side you can now see when the locomotive was converted to a wider gauge, I think 3ft?

This Boston Lodge view (2/8/15) shows KS-4415 reduced to a frame. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Ron Walker and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This Boston Lodge view (2/8/15) shows KS-4415 chain-driven sprocket wheelsets. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Ron Walker and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This Boston Lodge view (6/8/15) shows KS-4415 frames being cleaned. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Ron Walker and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This Boston Lodge view (6/8/15) shows KS-4415 frames being cleaned. The brackets show signs of being moved at one time in the locos history to accommodate the wider gauge, Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Ron Walker and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This Boston Lodge view (6/8/15) shows KS-4415 frames cleaned up and ready for sandblasting. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Ron Walker and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

'No' to WHHR's Russell SuperPower offer 1/8/15

At the WHR Ltd AGM on Saturday 1/8/15 the departing chairman, Martyn Owen, confirmed Russell had been offered to the F&WHR for their WHR Super Power weekend in September in exchange for a couple of WHHR trains to Beddgelert and the F&WHR had said "No". Many WHRS members (including your webmaster!) will be very disappointed to hear this. The issue seems to be the ongoing dispute over land at Pen-y-Mount. The F&WHR apparently approached the WHHR to negotiate a settlement some considerable time ago without any progress being made despite promises made to deal with the matter by the WHHR.

This northerly view (5/8/15) shows Russell running around at Pen-y-Mount where land is apparently in dispute between the F&WHR and the WHHR. Many must be wondering when, if ever, Russell will cross the junction onto the F&WHR. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy WHHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Hot food menu

A new hot food menu has been introduced on the WHR. This will be an upgraded lunch menu initially for first class passengers and extended to third class passengers if successful.

Taliesin repaint 30/7/15

This northerly view (30/7/15) shows Taliesin repainted at Boston Lodge. The loco was to be used with Prince double heading on the FR. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Moel Tryfan update

There are new images on the Moel Tryfan Facebook page, some dating back to 1948.

Team Wylfa report 28/7/15

Clive Briscoe reports: As usual we started with carriage inspections and oiling up. Then a quick visit to the Clip Shed to clear the last bits of No.134 from under the old benches and find space on the racking. Finally, we got back to the Loco Shed. Dennis and Pete started fitting a shelf under our steel bench by the loco on which we'll store the valve jigger. Yours truly had to do drill sharpening duties as Dennis was finding the angle iron frame of the bench very tough. I wonder if it's old angle iron from the 1950's which were often re-rolled old tram rails having a high manganese content?

Last North Wales freight

With the announcement that Wylfa Nuclear Power station is to close on 30/12/15 it is clear that an end is in sight to freight on the North Wales coast line west of Saltney Junction. As with Trawsfynydd Nuclear Power station there will be a period of continuing flask traffic as fuel rods are removed from the reactor. This follows the loss of the coal traffic from Llandudno Junction, freightliner traffic from Holyhead, Octel chemical traffic from Amlwch, Aluminium products from Anglesey Aluminium and even ballast from Penmaenmawr quarry. On the positive side it is hoped that there will be construction traffic for Wylfa B, the proposed nuclear power station to be built next to the closing power station and then flask traffic when it comes on line.

The closure of Wylfa Nuclear Power station takes another 0.5GW baseload out of the National Grid who have admitted the margin will be just 1% this winter between electricity demand and supply meaning the lights could go out. Governments over the last 20 years have prevaricated over 'New Nuclear' and only now are new baseload nuclear power stations being progressed, often with French and Chinese support.

Holiday

There will be a short break in updates until 2/8/15 as your webmaster takes a well earned break on the Cumbrian Coast for a change!

WHHR Anniversary 2/8/15

On 2/8/15 it will be 35 years since the first WHHR train ran from their Tremadog Road terminus on 2/8/80. The WHHR has now been operating longer than the original WHR did. Ruston diesel Kinnerley ran with one coach between Porthmadog and Pen-y-Mount.

North Wales August Excursions

There has been a big decline in special trains on North Wales coast compared with recent years. With the recent post Wotton Bassett restrictions, there are only two offered in August providing further interest to those taking a railway hobby holiday. It is now several years since an excursion ran via the Cambrian Coast due to the ERTMS restrictions as apparently no one likes a yellow Class 37/9 haulage and NR is still avoiding the cost of developing the promised solution for visiting heritage traction or for that matter an HST. This is damaging excursion traffic to the F&WHR which benefitted from circular tours via the Cambrian and Conway Valley in the past.

There is some doubt about whether the North Wales Coast express will serve Llandudno, making a bit of a white elephant of the newly relaid excursion sidings there which, apparently, have yet to see any use. Galatea was removed from the last North Wales Coast Express on 19/7/15 at Llandudno Junction when it ran a hot box. The train continued to Holyhead 34 minutes late using the Class 47 No.47760 that was on the rear. The steam loco limped back to Carnforth with its support coach.

2/8/15 North Wales Coast Express (Liverpool-Holyhead steam hauled)

4/8/15 Welsh Mountaineer (Preston-Blaenau Ffestiniog steam hauled)

Prince 60th Anniversary train

A further event in the Summer of Fun will occur on 3/8/15. On that date in 1955 Prince hauled its first passenger train of the restoration era, comprising WHR carriage No.23 (now in regular use on the WHR) and brake composite No.12. Prince entered regular passenger service two days later, although Simplex Mary Ann had hauled the first preservation train a few days earlier on 23/7/55. To mark the 60th anniversary of this landmark in steam preservation, the 152 year-old Prince will double head (with Taliesin in new livery) the 1010 and 1335 departures from Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog for the three days 3-5/8/15 no doubt bedecked with UK and Welsh flags as in the original working.

Archive views Double Fairlies to Rhyd Ddu 7-10/4/12

Click on the YouTube box above to watch 9 mins 10 secs from 7-10/4/12 showing Earl of Merioneth and Merddin Emrys (on test) in snowy conditions. The late afternoon working between Porthmadog, Beddgelert and Rhyd Ddu was lightly used and not repeated in subsequent years. The video is best watched in 1080p HD large screen format. This video is copyright Cutting Edge video (Dave Waldren).

WAG TRAWS scoping study

The Welsh Assembly Government has now appointed the consultants for the Scoping Study into reopening the Carmarthen-Aberystwyth line. This is the first stage in reconnecting the Caernarfon-Carmarthen Cambrian Coast route to provide a North Wales-South Wales route within Wales. TRAWS volunteers are fully included in the study and have already input much information, maps etc. The study should be concluded by mid-September. This is the preliminary stage prior to getting a full feasibility study.

Alan Pegler documentary

The Alan Pegler documentary partly filmed in June at Harbour Station is to screen in the Xmas-New Year period. The film features Robson Green and Penny Vaudoyer, daughter of Alan Pegler, who travelled to Tan-y-Bwlch on the train. The production crew are the same people who did The Golden Age of Steam programme.

Lyd to kick off Summer of Fun 25/7/15

Saturday 25/7/15 sees Lyd offering free footplate rides at Porthmadog Harbour station as the first event in the 'Summer of Fun' added value offers aimed at families.

Gasworks Siding progress 22/7/15

This northerly view (22/7/15) shows the start of construction of the concrete loading dock at Gasworks Siding. Although the stub of the point exists, the siding was never laid and its projected use for turnover locos during Galas is now less likely following completion of the new track layout at Harbour Station. 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.

Quadcopter view of WHR

Vertical Horizons Media has published their recent Quadcopter footage of the WHR. The impressive Vimeo contains aerial views of Boston Lodge, Harbour Station and along the WHR as far as Rhyd Ddu. Some early clips are shown in reverse but a re-edit has been made to correct this. Eventually a DVD will be released showing full edited footage of the railway and will be sold in the F&WHR shop.

A selection of shots lasting 3 mins and 11 secs from recent weeks in Porthmadog, Beddgelert and Rhyd Ddu best watched in HD large screen format. This Vimeo is copyright Vertical Horizons Media.

This westerly view (21/7/15) shows a quadcopter still view from the Vimeo above. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Vertical Horizons Media and was taken on an video camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Team Wylfa report 21/7/15

Clive Briscoe reports: Same as last week, but F instead of E Set last night and because our B Team (Thursday evenings) are on their holidays this week, we had to inspect and service the whole consist.

With most of the clear-up work done in the Clip Shed, we 'should' be able to continue work on No.134 itself again next week.

Double diesels 21/7/18

Castell Caernarfon and Upnor Castle are to haul the 1000 from Caernarfon on 21/7/15 and 1315 return from Porthmadog. This unusual pairing will probably allow a full length train to be hauled at linespeed whereas the Funkey on its own is usually limited to six coaches. The diesel hauled substitution is probably due to planned preventative maintenance on a Garratt as the line is currently operating with only two Garratts. Upnor Castle itself is a heritage loco and, at 61, it is older than the NG16 it is replacing today (No.138 was diagrammed for this duty). The loco rarely hauls passenger trains.

Superpower plans 11-13/9/15

SuperPower 2015 is on 11-13/9/15. There will be 13 layouts present at Dinas, mostly of 009 scale. Bron Hebog based on Beddgelert will feature in its final incarnation, along with layouts of Dinas and Tan-yr-allt and FR layouts. There will be a live steam layout as well as a Fairbourne stand and trade support from Chris Ward. Sausage and real ale will be provided at Dinas on Saturday night. It is anticipated that an interesting selection of trains will be provided with both freight and passenger trains but the focus will be on the north end of the line this year with Caernarfon-Waunfawr shuttles and cab rides on several Penrhyn engines in Dinas yard.

School's out for Summer!

Many school's broke up on 17/9/15 but some (including mine! -Ed) don't break up until 23/7/15. The F&WHR Summer of Fun programme (starting on the 25/7/15) includes free and cheap events such as family fun days, chip shop trips (but not on the WHR after early trials out of Caernarfon were not successful), footplate rides, clay & craft days and much more.

Lilla back in action 15/7/15

Click on the YouTube box above to watch 45 seconds of video of Lilla on steam test in Boston Lodge yard after a major rebuild. The loco has a new chimney and now has a regular exhaust beat. This video is best viewed in 360p mode. This video was taken by Andrew Thomas (F&WHR).

Tuesday Gang report 14/7/15

Tony Baker reports: Spent the day at Weighbridge Crossing, Minffordd completing the installation of the outer crossing timbers. The next step is contractors will lay concrete on the crossing approaches and then we will go back and install the centre crossing timbers on the main line and mineral line. Pictures show work on the yard side, the yard side completed and work on the roadside. Only one outer timber could be fitted on the roadside due to the close proximity of a drain.

This easterly view (14/7/15) shows the Tuesday Gang improving Weighbridge Crossing (Minffordd Yard access) to the same standard as the WHR crossings. 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 easterly view (14/7/15) shows the Tuesday Gang working on Weighbridge Crossing (Minffordd Yard access). 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 westerly view (14/7/15) shows the Tuesday Gang working on Weighbridge Crossing (Minffordd Yard access). 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 report 14/7/15

Clive Briscoe reports: After the carriage checks, we had been asked by the Works Manager, Tony, to see if we could clear some of the shelves in our old abode, the Dinas Clip Shed. We went in and made a start - one set of shelves at the back in front of our tool lockers had a few bits of No.134 still stored but these easily fitted onto the main racking at the side. Once these rickety shelves were cleared, we dismantled them and also moved out our former signing on desk. It's made quite a difference and there's now room for him to erect some new racking to store other things on. We also cleared some shelving on the LHS at the front - there was some junk but also parts for Garratt K1 so these were moved to the K1 section of racking. As soon as either he or us dismantles these rickety shelves, he'll have still more room to erect his new racking.

Hopefully two items off No.134 that we've been recently looking for have come to light during the clean up - the reach rod support bracket from the side of the boiler (well, I THINK it is...) and a bag of countersunk bolts and nuts, so it has been a useful exercise!

Bont Briwet finally opens 13/7/15

The new road bridge at Bont Briwet opened on 13/7/15 after several months of delays. This improves access between the Harlech-Barmouth area and Porthmadog and will be a major benefit for travellers on the F&WHR as well as local traffic. See BBC News story. The Cambrian Coast railway bridge has been open for some time.

This southerly view (13/7/15) shows cars approaching Bont Briwet which was opened earlier that day. The railway is protected by a crash barrier on the approaches and a footpath/cycleway has been included on the east side across the bridge. The repositioned Llandecwyn Halt is visible in the distance. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy Lez Watson and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Observation coach No.150 stored at Dinas 13/7/15

New FR Observation car No.150 is being stored in Dinas Carriage shed awaiting the next visit in its tour of Britain to promote the F&WHR.

Britomart returns 12/7/15

Britomart has returned to the F&WHR after loan to the WHHR for their weekend Gala. After several such gestures of friendship from the F&WHR it might now be time for the WHHR to lend Russell for this year's SuperPower on 12-13/9/15. The loco has only operated between Caernarfon and Waunfawr since the WHR has been reopened and the sight of the loco working a short WHHR rake to Beddgelert or Rhyd Ddu would be a big draw to the event. The WHHR rake was tested to Beddgelert last year though Russell itself has not been tested on the section south from Waunfawr.

This northerly view (12/7/15) shows Britomart returning the slate empties from the WHHR Gala. The loco is propelling the rake out on the WHR main line at Pen-y-Mount. 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.

This easterly view (12/7/15) shows Britomart returning the slate empties from the WHHR Gala. The loco is crossing the Cambrian Coast Line at Cae Pawb. 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.

This westerly view (12/7/15) shows Britomart on the slate empties from the WHHR Gala arriving at Porthmadog 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.

Britomart at WHHR 9/7/15

Click on the YouTube box above to watch 1 minute 9 seconds of video of Britomart taking slate wagons to the WHHR's Slate, Steam and Sail Gala (11-12/7/15) on 9/7/15. This video is best viewed in 1080p HD mode. This video was taken by Matthew Hall courtesy F&WHR.

Blanche to feature at L&B Gala 25-27/9/15

Lyd has paved the way and now Blanche will feature the L&B Gala at the end of September. Meanwhile the L&BR opened public consultation of its southerly extension to Blackmoor Gate (to be the engineering centre) and Wistlandpound Reservoir on 18/4/15 (see L&B website). The L&B's fourth restored carriage No.11, a seven compartment 3rd class coach, entered service on 9/5/15.

Meanwhile assembly of its replica 2-4-2T Lyn is due to start at Alan Keef's in July with the final contracts let for the manufacture of components. The loco was planned to be visible to the public on Alan Keef's Open Day on 19/9/15 but this has now been cancelled. See Keef's website. It is hoped to steam the loco in December this year and next year could see a visit to F&WHR as a thank you for the loan of Lyd and Blanche.

Team Wylfa report 7/7/15

There was no Team Wylfa this week.

Tuesday Gang report 7/7/15

Tony Baker reports: On 7/7/15 the Tuesday Gang made a start installing crossing timbers in the Weighbridge level crossing at Minffordd. Due to frequency of traffic both road and rail this job will take time and we are expecting to be continuing there next week.

This easterly view (7/7/15) shows the Tuesday Gang making a rare foray onto the FR at Minffordd Yard access. Minffordd Yard is now the infrastructure base for the WHR. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Andy Dawson and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Penrhyn Quarry Railway Gala 19-20/9/15

This year is the 50th year since steam ceased in the quarry and the Felin Fawr site was closed. To mark the occasion the PQR has 3 steam locomotives coming to the railway. Two of them will be working on passenger and demonstration trains and the other will be on static display. The PQR's resident Ruston loco (No.26) will also be hauling demonstration trains throughout the weekend which will add to the 1960's atmosphere. The PQR has local businesses coming along to advertise, along with a few model railways and displays. There will be a vintage bus service running to Porth Penrhyn following the old line as much as possible, and then returning to the site via the local village of Bethesda. The Saturday will be 1960's period where possible and then the PQR will bring the event to modern day on the Sunday. The site will open early on both days for those wishing to see the locos being prepared for their duties. There will also be a miniature railway operating on site. This event will also see the launch of the PQR's new quarryman's coaches and our very own restored PQR slate wagon. In the future maybe one or the Penrhyn Ladies will visit the line.

If you would like to bring a vintage vehicle or have a display stand at the event then please email: penrhynquarriesltd@gmail.com.

Prince and Russell at TR150 5/7/15

Click on the YouTube box above to watch 1 minute 4 seconds of video of Prince and Russell running on parallel special demonstration tracks at Tywyn Wharf station on 5/7/15. This video is best viewed in 1080p HD mode. This video was taken by John Wooden (F&WHR).

Click on the YouTube box above to watch 12 minute 1 seconds of video of Prince and Russell running on parallel special demonstration tracks at Tywyn Wharf station with the TR's own locos celebrating TR150. This YouTube was published 6/7/15 with a compendium of video from the weekend and is best viewed in 1080p HD mode. This video was taken by John Wooden (F&WHR).

ROWG July working week 4-10/7/15

Phil Nock reports: In the ROWG working week earlier this month, we dealt with a number of track faults as a part of the routine maintenance of the permanent way. Three of the days we spent servicing seized, loose, South African track clips, between the bufferstops at Caernarfon Station and Fron Goch Crossing (LC21.87), so nearly 2 kilometres worth. The rest of the week we were working between Cemetery Crossing (LC47.36) and Bryn-y-Felin, kango-packing a considerable number of sleeper voids, restoring lost cant and raising one or two dips. Hopefully tea will now remain in cups over this section of track.

This westerly view (6/7/15) shows a very wet ROWG team kango packing the track behind Bryn-y-felin house in pouring rain. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Bob Zeepvat and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (6/7/15) shows track fettling near Fron Goch crossing Bontnewydd. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Bob Zeepvat and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

NG15 No.134 report 4-5/7/15

The July working party was moved forward from the usual third weekend of the month and so it was only two weeks after the June working party. This weekend however, was also chosen to hold their annual barbeque on the Saturday evening. As to be expected the areas of work covered were similar to the June working party, with one of those being the continuation of the grease lubrication pipework, including the attachment onto the frames of the grease point block for the front pony truck's side-control arm ball joints. The manufacture of the lubricator mounting brackets was another job progressed, and one that was continued from last month as was the refurbishment and re-assembly of the valve gear.

A new job started was the final fitting and sealing into place of the cylinder drain cocks. Volunteers did the left hand cylinder on Saturday by removing the drain cocks that had been trial fitted into place and refitting them with all the joints hemp sealed and fully tightened into their correct alignment. The right hand cylinder's drain cocks were started on Sunday but one drain needs further attention and so will be completed next time.

Clive Briscoe from Team Wylfa is manufacturing the connecting pipes for the vacuum chambers. There are four vacuum tanks that the group inherited from Boston Lodge and these are being fitted into the tender. All four require connecting together and this will be in a series/parallel combination, i.e. two pairs of two in series with them then joined in parallel to in effect form one large chamber. On Saturday Clive was therefore continuing in his task of cutting and threading all the required pipework, a job he's also pursuing during the Thursday evening Team Wylfa working parties.

One of the team's members had picked up a consignment of SAR fittings from Tilbury Docks in London. These were a selection of safety valves, Ejectors, and Vacuum Brake equipment that the group had purchased from its contacts in South Africa. Most of these are all complete, however, where there are some bits missing the group checked compatibility with those on the existing equipment on the NGG16s. Some of these have patterns already made so it will be easy to manufacture replacements. The group had acquired NGG16 safety valves to standardise with those we already have and whilst they anticipated they should be the same 'fitting' they nevertheless did do a quick check on No 134's boiler to make sure!

For more details and images see NG15 website.

NG15 weekend 4-5/7/15

Clive Briscoe reports: A brief note that this last weekend was the July working weekend for the NG15 Group. There will be a full update with pictures soon on the NG15 Group's webpage.

There was also work done on K1 - grinding off the welds on the tube ends in the firebox ready for tube removal.

Russell and Prince at the TR 3/7/15

This westerly view (3/7/15) shows Russell (left) and Prince (right) on specially laid 2' gauge track at Tywyn Wharf station during the TR150 Gala. 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.

Castle Caernarfon haulage 3/7/15

Due to essential preventative maintenance on No.138, Funkey diesel Castell Caernarfon was rostered for the 1000 from Caernarfon on 3/7/15. This is a relatively rare event since reliability of the Garratts has been improved in recent years due to the preventative maintenance regime that anticipates problems. The return service was double headed with Castell Caernarfon and Vale of Ffestiniog as far as Rhyd Ddu before the FR Funkey returned to Porthmadog on the rear of the 1415 from Caernarfon when the trains crossed at 1515.

Click on the YouTube box above to watch 2 minutes 8 seconds of video of Vale of Ffestiniog double heading with Castell Caernarfon on 3/7/15 on the 1405 return to Caernarfon. This video is best viewed in 720p HD mode. This video was taken by Andrew Thomas (F&WHR).

This easterly view (1/7/15) shows Vale of Ffestiniog returning to Porthmadog on the rear of the 1405 from Caernarfon hauled by No.87 after dropping off the northbound train at Rhyd Ddu at 1515. 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.

Lein Amlwch new website

The Anglesey Central Railway (ACR) has a new website to promote the future of the Gaerwen to Amlwch line (Lein Amlwch) on the Isle of Anglesey. While rails remain the trackbed is overgrown and the junction with the main line at Gaerwen disconnected. There is some official backing for a reopening by NR to Llangefni for commuter services to Bangor and use of the former Rhosgoch tank farm siding for transfer of construction materials for the proposed Wylfa B Nuclear Power Station. ACR hopes to promote a heritage railway on the route which was finally used as a freight branch for Associated Octel at Amlwch, carrying liquid chemical traffic until the traffic was lost to road in 1994. See ACR website.

Prince off to Tywyn 1-2/7/15

It is the Talyllyn Railway's 150th Anniversary event this weekend and Prince is going from the F&WHR. See TR website for full details.

This northerly view (1/7/15) shows Prince at Pen Cob being prepared for its weekend visit to the Talyllyn Railway where it will presumably steam on a short piece of 2' gauge track due to the difference in gauges. 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 Tywyn view (2/7/15) shows Prince at Tywyn Wharf station on a specially constructed 2 foot gauge track. 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 at TR 1/7/15

The WHHR has sent Russell to the TR for display at the TR 150 event. Russell spent some time on display at Tywyn Wharf from 1955 before eventually moving to Beddgelert Farm.

This Tywyn view (1/7/15) shows Russell being delivered to Tywyn Wharf for display at the TR150 event. 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.

Rhyd Ddu memorial garden 29/6/15-2/7/15

The flat area between the station entrance and the car park once used for temporary public toilets is now to become a memorial garden. The intention is for the standard triangular slate memorial stones to go in the far slated area. Low level planting is envisaged for the soil beds at the front and the side.

This easterly view (29/6/15) shows the start of excavation on the Rhyd Ddu memorial garden. 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 (2/7/15) shows the Rhyd Ddu memorial garden nearing completion with the slated memorial area at the back and soil beds at the front and side for low level planting. 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.

Team Wylfa report 30/6/15

Clive Briscoe reports: It was a bit of a workout at Dinas on Tuesday evening this week. Expect the unexpected!

This is the second brake cylinder problem in a couple of weeks - this hot, dry weather is taking starting to take its toll.

Tuesday Gang report 30/6/15

Tony Baker reports: Today was spent replacing old and broken wooden gates with new metal gates. Firstly at Cae'r Gors crossing LC 41.34, the double gate on the forestry crossing (just south of Pont Cae'r Gors) was replaced. Then it was off to Hafod-y-Llyn where a single field gate at LC 51.53 was replaced. Passing trains well loaded especially ex-Porthmadog.

This northerly view (30/6/15) shows the Tuesday Gang removing the broken gate at Pont Cae'r Gors Forestry road 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 southerly view (30/6/15) shows No.138 on the 0940 ex-Porthmadog passing Pont Cae'r Gors Forestry road 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 (30/6/15) shows No.87 on the 1000 ex-Caernarfon passing the Pont Cae'r Gors Forestry road 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 westerly view (30/6/15) shows the Tuesday Gang completing the broken gate at Pont Cae'r Gors Forestry road 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.

New Observation Car No.150 on WHR 29/6/15

The new FR Observation Car No.150 has returned to the F&WHR after display at Paddington from 7-28/6/15. The carriage was returned to Dinas by road on 29/6/15 and then made a brief visit to Caernarfon where Paul Lewin and Dafydd Thomas gave a briefing on the plans for the new Caernarfon station to Ken Skates AM, Deputy Minister for Culture, Sports and Tourism.

The new coach was seen by thousands of travellers every day at Paddington. Some 2,500 copies of the new edition of TLC magazine were handed to commuters passing through the station and copies were left for collection when the display was unmanned.

Amongst the VIPs examining the carriage were Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas AM and the new Westminster MP for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, Liz Saville-Roberts (both Plaid Cymru). New Network Rail Chairman Sir Peter Hendy visited, just before his appointment was announced, in his capacity of Commissioner of Transport for London. Sir Peter presented Paul Lewin and John Prideaux with an enamel London Underground roundel - an honour accorded to few organisations or individuals. As a result of Sir Peter’s visit, links between the F&WHR and TfL have been further strengthened and a group of TfL apprentices will be visiting the railway during Kids’ Training Week later this year.

This westerly view (13/6/15) shows Observation Car No.150 in Paddington Station on 13/6/15. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on an iPhone 4. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This westerly view (28/6/15) shows No.150 being removed along temporary track from Paddington 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.

West Shore Miniature Railway 27/6/15

The West Shore Miniature Railway runs on a track on the west shore of Llandudno. It opened a few years ago and an extension was opened on 27/6/15 giving a circular track some 600m long. The welcome appearance of the railway follows the demise of the Great Orme summit railway (the trackbed of which can still be seen around the summit complex), and more recently the Colwyn Bay Promenade Railway and a railway built on Colwyn Bay's Up island platform. Llandudno Town Council has purchased a new diesel loco to operate the WSMR line, though members provide their own locos too.

The WSMR is open Saturday afternoons (12-4pm) and Bank Holidays until the end of October (weather permitting) and rides are free of charge. See WSMR website for full details.

Garratt No.130 comes to WHR 26/6/15

Steam Powered Services (SPS) of Gloucester acquired NG/G16 Garratt No.130 from The Exmoor Steam Railway last year and major components have now been delivered to Dinas. This is the same source as No.109, currently stored at Dinas and owned by The Pete Waterman Trust. Two power units, the boiler cradle, bunker and water tank arrived by road from the Exmoor Steam Railway, having been acquired by Gloucester-based Steam Powered Services Limited at the end of 2014. The boiler is being assessed at the South Devon Railway boiler works.

SPS intends to restore the locomotive to service with an anticipated first steaming date in the spring of 2018. The locomotive is expected to run on the Welsh Highland Railway. SPS Managing Director Peter Best will manage the project with the work being done by contractors. The F&WHR has already secured the contract to build a new bunker, water tank and cab, along with examining the power bogies to draw up a list of the work needed to return them to service.

This archive view (19/6/15) shows No.130 stored at the Exmoor Steam Railway. The loco has been judged inappropriate for use on the L&BR and has been sold on. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

F&WHR Works Manager Tony Williams commented: "We're very much looking forward to working with Peter and seeing another Garratt in action in Snowdonia." Peter Best added: "I am delighted to own No.130 and to bring it to Dinas for evaluation prior to restoration. I would like to thank the Stirland family from the Exmoor Steam Railway for all their help in preparing the locomotive for shipping and for being so supportive to me during the purchase phase." No.130 was last operational on the Port Shepstone-Harding branch in Natal and was withdrawn in 1985. It was imported for the abortive Whitby to Robin Hood's Bay Railway in the 1990s before being moved to the Exmoor Steam Railway.

This northerly Dinas view (26/6/15) shows the power bogies from No.130 being unloaded. The loco joins No.140 and No.109 awaiting restoration at Dinas. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

The locomotive was one of a batch of 12 built by the Manchester firm of Beyer Peacock in 1951 and exported to South Africa for use on the extensive two foot gauge railways of the Cape and Natal. The design dates from 1937 and various batches were made by four different manufacturers, with the last of the class being built in South Africa in 1968. The WHR currently has five NG/G16 Garratts, Nos. 87/138/143 are in service, with Nos.109/140 awaiting restoration. No.87 was built by Cockerill in Belgium with the remaining locos by Beyer Peacock.

Tuesday Gang report 23/6/15

Tony Baker reports: On Tuesday 23/6/15 we replaced rotten crossing timbers at LC 37.66 Clogwyn-y-Gwyn. There were 6 volunteers, with sunny and warm weather and plenty of passengers on the trains.

This northerly view (23/6/15) shows the original state of Clogwyn-y-Gwyn level crossing before work started. 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 (23/6/15) shows the final state of Clogwyn-y-Gwyn 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.

Team Wylfa report 23/6/15

Clive Briscoe reports: On Tuesday evening this week, the team was again in action at Dinas and, after servicing the F Set, onwards with No.134 work.

Meanwhile, John scavenged around our former 'home' to find some Dexion angle iron we'd left in there. He found it and Pete and Dennis then cut it to length to fit between the uprights of the small steel bench by No.134's frames. Next week they'll drill these uprights and bolt the Dexion on. Its purpose? To make a shelf under the bench top on which to store the new valve jigger modules.

TRAWS gains scoping grant 22/6/15

TRAWS' campaign to reopen the Aberystwyth-Carmarthen line (and eventually Afon-Wen-Bangor) gained a major step forward on 22/6/15 when Edwina Hart (WAG's Transport Minister) gave a £30k scoping survey to the scheme. See TRAWS website. The survey will report back in the Autumn and may lead to a full feasibility study.

Bont Briwet to open 13/7/15

The long running saga of the Bont Briwet replacement road/rail bridge comes to an end in July just in time for the summer tourist traffic. The bridge links the Harlech area with Penrhyndeudraeth and Porthmadog and avoids an 8 mile diversion via Maentwrog that has been in place since the wooden structure had to demolished when it unexpectedly became unsafe during the reconstruction.

See Gwynedd website for full details.

Travelling to the WHR

Those travelling by car to the F&WHR from the Midlands should note the ongoing works on the M54 providing a central reservation concrete barrier between junction 3 and 4 on the approaches to Telford which can cause delays. On the other hand the traffic island improvements on the A5 either side of the Severn bridge on the approaches to Shrewsbury are now complete and jams are less likely at the end of the dual carriageway from Telford. The North Wales train service from Manchester was improved late last year with the addition of Class 67 loco-hauled trains from Crewe and Manchester and these are proving popular along with the bus link from Bangor to Caernarfon.

LAG Special 19/6/15

The LAG Special ran on 19/6/15 to celebrate 50 years of London based volunteer activism on the FR. David Lloyd George hauled 6 coaches with no problems at all over the 1 in 40 sections. After a quick turn around at Caernarfon the party dropped off at Waunfawr for a meal at the Snowdonia Park Brewpub whilst the train ran back to Dinas for servicing before returning to Waunfawr to pick up the party.

This easterly view (19/6/15) shows David Lloyd George hauling the London Area Group Special which covered the whole F&WHR route celebrating 50 years of the group. The train is pictured at 0843 ready to depart Porthmadog station. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Kim Winter and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (19/6/15) shows David Lloyd George approaching Coed Mawr at 1436 just before Beddgelert Forest Campsite. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Kim Winter and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly Beddgelert view (19/6/15) shows David Lloyd George hauling the London Area Group Special which covered the whole F&WHR route celebrating 50 years of the group. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly Beddgelert view (19/6/15) shows David Lloyd George rounding the curve at Bryn-y-felin at 1452. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Kim Winter and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Caernarfon 17/6/15

This northerly Caernarfon view (17/6/15) shows No.138 running around at Caernarfon taken from an unusual location near to the water tower. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Team Wylfa report 16/6/15

On Tuesday evening this week, Team Wylfa's A Team were back in action. Our German friend and colleague, Ulrich is over for a few weeks so will again be joining in. It's always a pleasure having him work with us.

On Wednesday morning, the apprentices and tutors from Llandrillo College came along to complete the valve jigger - they have been machining the axles for us. The bearings were duly pressed on and the 4 modules of the jigger finally assembled (One either side of a wheel then the same for the other wheel at the end of the axle). There were no wheeled NGG16 power units yet to try the jigger on but the driving wheels were adjacent to No.143's power bogies so the now completed jigger was set up with a wheelset. It effortlessly lifted them clear of the railhead and they could be easily turned. So, success! There is one minor snag in that the jigger pairs on each side tend to kick out and jam on the loco's wheels so two new tie bars will be acquired and fitted to the outboard ends which will cure the problem - just two lengths of 75 x 10 flat which will be drilled to suit each end. These will then be fixed using the existing M20 bolts which hold the angle uprights to the respective base plates.

This Dinas view (16/6/15) shows the valve jigger placed against a wheelset for a trial lift. The conical faces of the bearings fit the wheel's cone angle so are self aligning. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Clive Briscoe and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Tuesday Gang report 16/6/15

Tony Baker reports: On Tuesday 16/6/15 we replaced the rotten left hand outer crossing timbers at LC 42.54, Hafod Ruffydd. Six volunteers took part.

This northerly view (16/6/15) shows the original state of Hafod Ruffydd 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 (16/6/15) shows No.87 passing the site of the former Hafod Ruffydd siding 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 westerly view (16/6/15) shows the Tuesday Gang cutting the new timbers to size. 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 (16/6/15) shows the completed job at Hafod Ruffydd 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.

Porthmadog 13/6/15

This westerly Porthmadog view (13/6/15) shows a filming crew with actor Robson Green and Penny Vaudoyer (nee Pegler). It is understood they were filming a documentary about her late father, Alan Pegler, to be shown on TV. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Richard Watson and was taken on a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ38 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This westerly Porthmadog view (13/6/15) shows Criccieth Castle arriving from the WHR on a tree lopping train. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Richard Watson and was taken on a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ38 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly Porthmadog view (13/6/15) shows wagon No.5003 arriving from the WHR on a tree lopping train. The wagon had been performing its intended function as barrier wagon between the Hudson bogie No.63 which has chopper couplings, and FR Van No.6 which has slate wagon type central buffer with hook and chain. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Richard Watson and was taken on a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ38 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This easterly Porthmadog view (13/6/15) shows wagon No.5003 arriving from the WHR on a tree lopping train. The wagon had been performing its intended function as barrier wagon between the Hudson bogie No.63 which has chopper couplings, and FR Van No.6 which has slate wagon type central buffer with hook and chain. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Richard Watson and was taken on a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ38 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Tuesday Gang report 9/6/15

Tony Baker reports: The Tuesday Gang spent 9/6/15 doing a variety of fencing and level crossing maintenance jobs at St. Helens Rd.

No.138 views 9/6/15

This southerly view (9/6/15) shows No.138 running around at Caernarfon preparing to haul the 1600 to Porthmadog. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Andie Shaw and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Andrew Hughes and was taken on a Panasonic Lumix digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (9/6/15) shows No.138 approaching Rhyd Ddu with the 1600 to Porthmadog. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Andrew Hughes and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Andrew Hughes and was taken on a Panasonic Lumix digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

The train was later held at Rhyd Ddu for 45 minutes because of a small fire in Beddgelert Forest. The weather was glorious, trains were busy and buffet staff report that a new menu will begin shortly, including a variety of new hot dishes in First Class such as curries.

K1 report Spring 2015

In February the K1 Group worked with the NG15 Group to start refurbishment of K1. Parts already dismantled have been stored in a container. boiler fittings were removed but work was not started on the boiler tubes as other volunteers were working on No.134. K1 was then shunted into the yard using the diesel to remove heavy items such as the smokebox door. A compressed air cutter was used to removed welded boiler tubes, taking up to 30 minutes per tube, so only six tubes were cut. K1 volunteers did not attend the March working party but the five younger members of the NG15 Group made some further progress with K1. They removed another 16 tubes as well as other parts from the cab.

This northerly view (15/3/15) shows K1 with the front tank and firebox door removed outside the Loco Shed, with Conway Castle as depot pilot on the right. This allows access to cut and remove boiler tubes. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Andie Shaw and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

The April working party saw more cab fittings removed prior to removing the cab. There have been difficulties with the tube removing tool and volunteers had to resort to the angle grinder but a modification is proposed. Andie Shaw offered to do the CAD drawings for the steelwork for the new front water tank complete with fake rivets. The rivet spacings on the front and rear tanks are different. Some thought is also being given to providing a proper manifold for the steam auxiliaries as it has proved difficult to removed the steel pipes that carried steam to the auxiliaries such as the oil firing.

The next working party is 20-21/6/15, the same weekend as the NG16 Group.

Weed Killing special 4/6/15

Howard Wilson reports: The weed-killing train was out on 4/5/15, with Driver Rudd on Upnor Castle. They covered the line from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu using DZ1424, adapted for spraying the two foot.

This westerly view (4/6/15) shows the weed killing train at Dinas with Upnor Castle and DZ1424. Dafydd Wyn Roberts is seen here spraying the weeds on the
platform at Dinas. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Howard Wilson and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (4/6/15) shows the weed killing train spraying the platform at Dinas with Upnor Castle propelling DZ1424. Having treated the weeds on the platform at Dinas, the train then moved off towards Rhyd Ddu using the array of spray heads at the front of the wagon to kill the weeds in the two foot. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Howard Wilson and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Tuesday Gang South 3/6/15

Steve Broomfield reports: On Wednesday 3/6/15 we added we added 'anti-slip' material to LC58.33, footpath crossing (Pen-y-Mount).

This westerly view (3/6/15) shows the completed footpath crossing with newly applied anti-slip material. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Steve Broomfield and was taken on a Panasonic Lumix DSC-FS3 digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

PW roundup Spring 2015

While the KMX tamper, the Romanian and SAR ballast wagons, modified DZ wagons and Daffodil the ballast plough have been used for relaying Dragon Curve on the FR, the WHR has not been forgotten. Early morning shifts have seen tamping of the trouble spots on the WHR and examination of Play-y-Nant bridge which needs monitoring as it is built on a curve. The PW team hope to bring the FR track up to the standard of the WHR. Network Rail trainees were used on the major FR projects at Dragon Curve and Minffordd as well as the contributions of many volunteers and it is planned to complete more FR projects next Winter.

WHR on TV 31/5/15

BBC TV presenter Sian Lloyd led a programme 'My Real North Wales' broadcast on BBC1 Wales at 2230 on Sunday 31/5/15. The programme featured the WHR and the Beer Festival. It was available on Sky Channel 952/978 for those who do not live in Wales. It is available on the BBC's iPlayer until the end of June.

No.134 report

The current team has been working No.134 for 5 years, though preparatory work started a couple of years before that. After examination it was found that all the springs needed replacing. The new springs have finally arrived sourced from South Africa and after calibration will be fitted to level the loco following weighing of the loco using weighing equipment from Boston Lodge. A package of brass valves and other components also arrived recently. The axleboxes are now underway and re-wheeling is finally approaching. Last year it was hoped the task might be completed during September's SuperPower event. The mechanical lubricators are nearing completion and the lubrication pipework is also nearing completion.

Tuesday Gang 26/5/15

Tony Baker reports: On 26/5/15 the Tuesday Gang were at Tryfan Junction doing fence repairs.

No.138 26/5/15

This westerly view (26/5/15) shows No.138 as seen from the unusual location of a hydraulic lift platform positioned near the Relay Cabin. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tim Prent and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Spring Workshop roundup

The DZ wagon conversion has proved successful and seen the wagons in use across the whole F&WHR system e.g. carrying loco ash on the WHR. It is intended to convert the remaining wagons when funding allows. The new well wagon should be complete and in use. It can carry a flail to reduce scratching of the coach sides by lineside vegetation or, for example, a 360 degree excavator up to 7 tonnes on the WHR (less on the FR). There will be a covered van to carry the support equipment for the lineside vegetation clearance team.

The two Garratts in action are Nos. 87/138 with No.87 moving light engine to Boston Lodge on 20/3/15 to operate the northbound service at the start of the season. These are the only two locos available until No.143 becomes available later in the year. If there is a problem with either of the working Garratts, it is likely that two FR locos will be required or an FR loco with Castell Caernarfon. The high chrome grates trialled on No.138 have lasted well and have been fitted to No.87. No.143 will use up the remaining plain cast iron grate spares when it returns to traffic before being converted.

The two working Garratts have a lot of preventative maintenance over Winter: alterations to the fusible plug bosses so that they are a common size, new brick arches in the firebox, attention to all cab valves, new brake shoes, reversing mechanism, new fire hole doorplates.

Work on No.143 has included attention to the hornstays, which were a bad fit and could lead to the frames cracking. New deeper hornstays are being fitted as well as new hardened horns with deeper cheeks to reduce chaffing of the horn in the frame, which should also reduce frame wear. An experimental electro-acoustic method is being used to detect cracks in the frame.

Fitted bolts that hold the rear pony truck compensating link were loose and required replacement with the brackets needing much build-up welding to obtain the correct tolerances. The front pony truck brackets also needed attention. The drive cranks have been machined, connecting rod bushes white metalled and all rods fitted to the power units. The brakes have been altered to fit the slightly narrower gauge. The vacuum brake gear will soon receive attention.

LAG Special Train 19/6/15

Kim winter reports: On 19/6/15 the London Area Group of the Ffestiniog Railway Society will celebrate 60 years with the running of a special train over both the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways. Members of the Group have been given priority in booking seats but there are still some places left which are being offered to anyone who would care to join us. The price is £65 and there is an optional buffet lunch at £10.50 at The Snowdonia Parc at Waunfawr. There will be a long stop here so that there is no rush. The train will leave Porthmadog at 9am, traverse the WHR first passing through Porthmadog on the return (non-stop we hope) about 15:30 on the way to Blaenau Ffestiniog and finishing at Porthmadog about 18:30. The usual drinks & light refreshments will be available on the train at normal prices. Anyone interested in joining us on this memorable trip should contact Kim Winter, 223, Camp Road, St. Albans, Herts. AL1 5NE, Phone: 01727 762343 or email k.winter@imperial.ac.uk.

Team Wylfa report 26/5/15

Clive Briscoe reports: On Tuesday this week, we were down to just 3 of us - Pete, Den and myself. Because Martin and Rod are still having a break this week, we had to service the whole E Set first before carrying on with NG15 No.134 work. On No.134, we continued much as we had last week but on the way to the Loco Shed, called in on No.133 so Den could see where all the electrics need to be located when No.134 comes to fitting out. He then continued freeing off external nuts and bolts on the turbo-generator whilst Pete undid further vacuum brake train pipe brackets to hand to me for final fettling and tidying up.
The A Team are not at Dinas for the next two Tuesdays, some of the team will be joining Martin and Rod on Thursdays to keep the (carriage) wheels rolling. Normal service returns on Tuesday 16/6/15.

Titbits Spring 2015

PW diesel No.9, currently being rebuilt at Dinas, now has secure funding courtesy of the Snowdon Ranger appeal. Some 60% of the £20k needed to get two diesel locos (No.9 and Bill) has been raised so far. Duties will include PW loco and depot shunter as Castell Caernarfon is required as rescue loco.

Reviews are taking place of the station design at Caernarfon. The main sewer which underlies the car park will need to be moved to the perimeter of the site. There are concerns that TRAWS' proposals to reopen Bangor-Afonwen have been catered for. There may be space for a standard gauge track interleaved with the run round loop against the retaining wall on the east side. Decking to the rear of Caernarfon Station building has been replaced after been repeatedly flooded and becoming rotten.

The 200th anniversary of the Nantlle Railway will occur in 2025 and may be celebrated in some way on the WHR. Parts of the trackbed between Pen-y-groes and Caernarfon were utilised by the Caernarvonshire Railway built from Afonwen to Caernarfon (later the LNWR/LMS/BR route). The WHR uses the BR route between Dinas and Caernarfon.

A new WHR Guide Book is on sale in station shops as well as a 2016 calendar, now produced locally.

Prince will be taking promotional trips to Paddington, Shrewsbury Flower Show (14-15/8/15) and Bristol.

Team Wylfa report 19/5/15

Clive Briscoe reports: It was the usual Tuesday evening's workload again this week. Thursday's B Team are taking a rest for the next two weeks so it was a full check and oil-up of the F Set to start with. We were joined by a long-term FR volunteer, John Huxley this week and with David O away busy revising for his final exams at Bangor Uni, it was good to have a spare pair of hands to assist.

Your scribe set to adjusting and tidying up some of the vacuum brake train pipe brackets.

Tuesday Gang report 19/5/15

Tony Baker reports: On Tuesday 19/5/15 we were back at Nantmor replacing a broken post in the coral fencing. The post was embedded in concrete and we have learned that the most effective way of dealing with this is to dig a new hole as near as possible to the original. This we did and added an extra 2 triangles to the APG to cover the extra space.

This northerly view (19/5/15) shows the Tuesday Gang starting work on the broken fence post at Nantmor Halt. 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 (19/5/15) shows the Tuesday Gang completing work on the broken fence post at Nantmor Halt. 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.

Pont Croesor 18/5/15

This northerly view (18/5/15) shows No.138 being waved across the level crossing at Pont Croesor with the 1415 from Caernarfon. The level crossing electronics cabinet was demolished by a car crash in February. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Roger Dimmick (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Beer Festival 16/5/15

It is reported that the WHR Beer Festival almost ran out of beer for the third year on the run despite increasing the order for beer every year! The Beer Festival is the WHR's most financially successful event.

This northerly view (16/5/15) shows newly released David Lloyd George being watered at Waunfawr whilst running round on a Beer Festival shuttle at 1203. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tom Waldren and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (16/5/15) shows double Fairlie David Lloyd George receiving attention at Caernarfon whilst running round on a Beer Festival shuttle at 1252. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tom Waldren and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Click on the YouTube box above to watch 7 min 12 seconds of video of the opening of Rail Ale dated 16/5/15, including views of David Lloyd George on shuttle trains. This video is courtesy Tom Waldren and is best watched in 1080p high definition mode.

Rest of the World Gang report 9-15/5/15

Phil Nock reports: We started our week shovelling ash at Caernarfon, lots of ash, clearing it off the running lines and down to sleeper level, ostensibly because wet coal ash corrodes the track fittings, but really because there was just so much of it. This kept us busy for much of Saturday and resulted in a large pile against the retaining wall. We were doing the same thing on Sunday morning at Cefn Werthyd, just north of Bontnewydd, where a quantity of ash has been used to widen the embankment. Much of the rest of the week we spent kangoing in the Forest. The first site was around 44.05, in Coed Mawr, just up the hill (officially Down) and out of the trees from the camp-site. Here a dip had recently developed over half a panel (9m), where the track runs over rather boggy ground and was in danger of becoming a derailing twist, so we jacked and packed it. Then we moved on to the series of sharp curves between Cwm Du (42.20) and Tro Elain (41.90), above the Natural Resources Wales car park. Natural Resources Wales has recently taken over the responsibilities of the former Forestry Commission Wales agency. A general lack of gap is causing the spade ends of the tin sleepers to dig in and out of the ballast on the high rail side, as the track expands and contracts, leading to voids forming under the sleepers and making for spilt tea on the trains. We also rebuilt the wall around the access point to the TOTP cabinet at the Up (south) end of Pont Croesor station.

This southerly view (9/5/15) shows the clearance of the large amount of loco ash at the south end of Caernarfon station. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Phil Nock and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (9/5/15) shows the loco ash now clear at the south end of Caernarfon station with No.138 at 1404 ready to depart on the 1415 to Porthmadog. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Phil Nock and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (11/5/15) shows the ROWG kango-packing a dip in the track at Coed Mawr, near the Forest campsite removal of a trackbed dip just north of Beddgelert Forest campsite. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Phil Nock and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (9/5/15) shows the RoWG kango-packing sleeper voids at Cwm Du, in Beddgelert Forest. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Phil Nock and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Sian Lloyd opens Rail Ale Beer Festival 15/5/15

BBC presenter Sian Lloyd opened Rail Ale at Dinas Goods Shed on the first day of the event. See Daily Post story also including video and photographs.

Click on the YouTube box above to watch 2 min 26 seconds of video of the opening of Rail Ale 15/5/15, including views of David Lloyd George on shuttle trains. This video is courtesy John Wooden (F&WHR) and is best watched in 1080p high definition mode.

Bank Holiday at Beddgelert 25-28/5/15

There will be Bank Holiday weekend events at Beddgelert Station. There are some family activities beside the platform and the ladies from Beddgelert church will be providing everyone with tea and a selection of their home made cakes. See F&WHR website for full details.

Campaign extends for Caernarfon-Bangor rail link 14/5/15

The Daily Post has carried more on the TRAWS campaign to re-instate the Bangor-Caernarfon rail link and extend it to Porthmadog to complete a Bangor-Carmarthen Cambrian Coast rail link and allow direct services within Wales between North Wales and Cardiff. See Daily Post story.

David Lloyd George at Rail Ale Beer Festival 15-17/5/15

This long weekend festival begins on Friday 15/5/15 and has its own microsite with full details of additional shuttle trains between Caernarfon and the variety of brews available. Newly painted David Lloyd George will haul steam shuttle during the day with diesel locos hauling the evening shuttles. See F&WHR website for full details. Photos would be welcome.

East Anglian Group meeting 21/5/15

David Gander advises: The next WHRS East Anglian Group meeting will take place on Thursday 21/5/15. We welcome Ellis Morey, who will be talking about ‘the Penrhyn Quarry Railway Revival’. Do come along, and please bring a friend. This is the last meeting before our Summer break. Meetings will resume in October, running through to May 2016.

Fulbourn is easily accessible from the A14 and M11 and is served from Cambridge 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.

Team Wylfa report 12/5/15

Clive Briscoe reports: The Team were at Dinas as usual on Tuesday evening. We started with the carriage checks and oiling up (F Set) then went to the Loco Shed to work on No.134. On the way, we liberated the Stone's turbo-generator that will ultimately be fitted on No.134.

We had a surprise visit by The Management at 21:40, the Duty Manager - Trish Doyle and IT guru, Mark Gardener. He had been out driving No.87 earlier and had left his bag. Well, that was the excuse anyway. They actually found us WORKING. It's good to see The Management every now and then - we don't normally see anyone else but ourselves!

Welsh Pony progress 12/5/15

The £150,000 restoration of Welsh Pony has reached a major milestone with the delivery of parts for the loco’s new boiler. Designs for the new boiler were completed in early February. The major components delivered for the new welded boiler include the long boiler barrel - a section of which will be cut away to leave the top side of the outer firebox – the dome and the firebox sides. These have been delivered rolled and cut to shape as much as possible, leaving lots of work still to be done, including drilling and preparation for welding, before they are ready to be assembled. See F&WHR website for full story and images.

Tuesday Gang 12/5/15

Tony Baker reports: The Tuesday Gang started with fence repairs this week at Cae'r Gors where a broken coral rail was replaced and a wooded gate damaged beyond repair was measured up for replacement. Next we went to Nantmor where the fence beside roadway was replaced and the station path fence was repaired with the replacement of 2 broken posts. Finally we went to Hafod-y-Llyn where a section of damaged fence at LC 50.42 was repaired. The weather was fine and 5 volunteers were present.

This northerly view (12/5/15) shows the Tuesday Gang starting work on the broken fence at Nantmor Halt. 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 easterly view (12/5/15) shows No.138 passing Nantmor Halt at 1113. 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 easterly view (12/5/15) shows No.87 passing Tuesday Gang at Nantmor Halt at 1155. 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 easterly view (12/5/15) shows the Tuesday Gang completing work on the fence at Nantmor Halt. 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.

Traws campaign boost 9/5/15

The re-election of Mark Williams as Liberal Democrat MP for Ceredigion in the General Election on 8/5/15 has boosted the Traws Campaign's hopes of a re-opening of the Aberystwyth-Carmarthen line and the Cambrian Coast extension from Afon Wen to Bangor. Mark Williams has committed to supporting Traws' campaign in the new parliament but there is some doubt as to whether the new Conservative government will fund Network Rail's expansion plans under their unbridled austerity measures.

Gala YouTube 8/5/15

Click on the YouTube box above to watch 34 min 32 seconds of video of the FR 150 years of Passenger Trains Gala published on 8/5/15 featuring some WHR footage and all four days of action on the FR from 1-4/5/15. This video is courtesy John Wooden (F&WHR) and is best watched in 1080p high definition mode.

Team Wylfa report 5/5/15

On Tuesday this week it was the usual carriages first, and it was a full visual inspection of F Set. There's been a rotation due to running 'yellow' services over the Bank Holiday Weekend. Team Wylfa's B Team will do the oiling up on Thursday evening. Then it was down to the Loco Shed and No.134. There was a small painting job to be done - the castings holding the front K-H truck side control spring rods to the frames needed undercoating - top coat of black gloss next week. It was mainly housekeeping that got done as there was a lot of dust and grit on the running plates and frames so they got brushed down.

We also investigated the side and con rods - the caps for the oil reservoirs were all removed from the rod ends in South Africa (they were brass!). The threads for them needed checking for damage - and a lot were - also for the sizes so we can get the taps out next week to recover most of the threads. We found two that will be difficult - one has been bored out smooth and we'll probably have to weld a tapped sleeve in. Another appears to be a non-standard size so may need boring out and sleeving likewise.

Tuesday Gang 5/5/15

Tony Baker reports: The Tuesday gang were back at Pitt's Head on 5/5/15 to complete ditch clearance started last week. We were able to finish job because thankfully the weather was not as bad as had been promised.

These northerly view (5/5/15) shows the Tuesday Gang completing work on the overgrown drainage ditch on the west side of Pitt's Head Cutting. Click on the image to enlarge. These images are copyright Tony Baker and were taken on an Olympus digital camera. Images post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

These northerly view (5/5/15) shows the Tuesday Gang completing work on the overgrown drainage ditch on the east side of Pitt's Head Cutting. Click on the image to enlarge. These images are copyright Tony Baker and were taken on an Olympus digital camera. Images post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Gala views 1-4/5/15

This easterly view (1/5/15) shows David Lloyd George crossing Britannia Bridge. 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 easterly view (4/5/15) shows No.138 shunting out of the station in the afternoon sunshine on the final day of the Gala. 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.

Britomart 4/5/15

This easterly view (4/5/15) shows Britomart on a short FR rake on a sunny Monday afternoon. Upnor Castle is back at Porthmadog after its recent visit to Dinas and was used on the 0815 'Early Bird' service to Blaenau Ffestiniog earlier in the day. A WHR service train has just arrived in the WHR platform. 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.

Boston Lodge 3/5/15

This Boston Lodge view (3/5/15) shows pw loco Harlech Castle B wagon No.1834 up on the ex-Channel Tunnel jacks receiving attention. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman and was taken on a Sony Xperia™ smartphone. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This Boston Lodge view (3/5/15) shows B wagon No.1834 receiving attention. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman and was taken on a Sony Xperia™ smartphone. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This Boston Lodge view (3/5/15) shows work starting on the historic Kerr-Stuart diesel loco No.4415 that was tested on the Bryngwyn branch in 1928-29. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman and was taken on a Sony Xperia™ smartphone. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This Boston Lodge view (3/5/15) shows work starting on the historic Kerr-Stuart diesel loco No.4415 with the disassembly of the loco. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman and was taken on a Sony Xperia™ smartphone. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Easter on the WHR YouTube 2/5/15

Click on the YouTube box above to watch 23 min 20 seconds of video of the WHR at Easter published 2/5/15 featuring some WHR footage. This video is copyright Penny Steam  (K F Baker) and is best watched in 1080p high definition mode.

Russell 2/5/15

This WHHR view (2/5/15) shows Russell at the Tremadog Road terminus. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman and was taken on a Sony Xperia™ smartphone. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Gala 2/5/15

Merddin Emrys hauled the afternoon working to Rhyd Ddu on 2/5/15. Views of Taliesin on the morning working would be welcome.

This southerly view (2/5/15) shows Merddin Emrys on a short prototypical WHR rake running to Rhyd Ddu on a wet afternoon just north of Pont Croesor. 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 (2/5/15) shows Merddin Emrys on a short prototypical WHR rake running to Rhyd Ddu on a wet afternoon just 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.

David Lloyd George special 1/5/15

David Lloyd George, on its first public outing after overhaul and repaint, carried Network Rail Chairman Richard Parry-Jones from Beddgelert to Minffordd to see the results of tracklaying work carried out by Network Rail apprentices over the winter. He also paid a visit to Boston Lodge to see progress on new Pullman observation car No.150 taking shape in the carriage works. David Lloyd George is named after the last Liberal prime minister and MP for Caernarfon. Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas AM also joined the train, which was hosted by F &WHR Chairman Dr John Prideaux.

Click on the YouTube box above to watch 2 min 35 seconds of video of David Lloyd George being on the special train from Porthmadog to Beddgelert on 1/5/15. This video is courtesy John Wooden (F&WHR) and is best watched in 1080p high definition mode.

This easterly view (1/5/15) shows David Lloyd George on a train returning from Minffordd to Beddgelert at 1405 passing through Porthmadog Station. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman and was taken on a Sonia Xperia smartphone. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

WHHR mini-event 2/5/15

Michael Chapman reports: This weekend the WHHR are holding a behind the scenes/'Open All' access gala. On Saturday evening you'll be able to drive Gertrude and a train! See WHHR Facebook for more details.

This westerly view (5/4/15) shows Gertrude on a WHHR train at the WHHR's Porthmadog (Tremadog Road) terminus. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman and was taken on a Sonia Xperia smartphone. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

FR Gala events of the WHR 1-4/5/15

David Lloyd George will appear at this weekend's FR '150 Years of Passenger Trains' Gala from 1-4/5/15. The loco's first train will be a special from Beddgelert to Minffordd on Friday morning, returning later in the day. This follows a major repaint following refurbishment of the loco. Taliesin will work at train from Porthmadog to Rhyd Ddu on Saturday at 0810 (return 0940). A double Fairlie will repeat the working at 1410 (return at 1545). See F&WHR website for full timetable details.

This easterly aerial view (30/4/15) shows David Lloyd George on test at Porthmadog with No.87 on the 1015 to Caernarfon. The double Fairlie will make a run to Beddgelert on test on 1/5/15. 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 aerial view (30/4/15) shows David Lloyd George on test at Porthmadog. The double Fairlie will make a run to Beddgelert on test on 1/5/15 before potential use on a service to Rhyd Ddu on Saturday afternoon. 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 aerial view (30/4/15) shows David Lloyd George on test at Porthmadog. Merddin Emrys is on an FR service train and Vale of Ffestiniog shunting stock in the stabling 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.

Click on the YouTube box above to watch 3 min 50 seconds of video of David Lloyd George being repainted at Boston Lodge published on 29/4/15. This video is courtesy John Wooden (F&WHR) and is best watched in 1080p high definition mode.

Volunteering on the WHR YouTube 29/4/15

Click on the YouTube box above to watch 3 mins 34 secs about volunteering on the F&WHR published 29/4/15. This video is by Llinos Griffin and is best watched in 1080p high definition mode.

Team Wylfa report 28/4/15

Clive Briscoe reports: This week, the Team had to do a complete check and oil-up of the carriages (E Set) because of sickness meaning B Team wouldn't be there on Thursday evening. It turned out to be something of a marathon due to issues with the oil.

With all this 'excitement' there was little time left to do anything on NG15 No.134 beyond collecting the self-aligning bearings that will form the rollers on the new valve jigger that have at last been delivered. We only need the apprentices from Llandrillo College to come over with the axles and they're finished - BUT - we really need either one of the two power bogies of No.143 or No.134 itself re-wheeling so that the jigger can be demonstrated to them. One of No.143's bogies looks about ready with horn guides lined up with new slippers and wedges and No.134's re-wheeling is likely very soon too.

Water carrier update

Martin Kressman reports: The fire water wagon DZT 2003 is now deployed at Beddgelert.

Water carrier

Martin Kressman reports: At present there are no fire water tank wagons deployed anywhere on the WHR. Currently, the horizontal fire water tank wagon, DZT 2003, is being fitted with internal baffle plates to enable it to be deployed as soon as possible.

Tuesday Gang report 28/4/15

Tony Baker reports: On 28/4/15 the Tuesday Gang were at Pitt's Head clearing the drainage ditches of blocking vegetation. We were fortunate in having one of our regulars present who was ex-RAF, Dambusters (geddit? Ed). The weather sunny periods but there was no rain. There were nine volunteers present.

This northerly view (28/4/15) shows the Tuesday Gang starting work on the overgrown drainage ditch at Pitt's Head. 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 (28/4/15) shows No.138 passing with the 1000 at Pitt's Head. 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 (28/4/15) shows the Tuesday Gang hard at work clearing the Pitt's Head ditch. 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 (28/4/15) shows No.138 passing the Tuesday Gang at Pitt's Head with the well loaded 1405 ex-Porthmadog. 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 (28/4/15) shows the finished ditch clearance at Pitt's Head. 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 (28/4/15) shows No.87 passing with the 1415 ex-Caernarfon at Pitt's Head. 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.

Appeal for Beer Festival volunteers

Volunteers needed for this year's Beer Festival at Dinas, 15-17/5/15. Working on the bar or at the door selling tickets/glasses, or just general assistance. Help also needed to set up on 9/5/15 and 14/5/15 on 18/5/15 to take it all down again. Anyone interested please contact andy@tymcrowther.eclipse.co.uk with dates and times available.

Tryfan Junction WHHG presentation 2/5/14

Michael Hadley reports: The formal presentation of the NHR Award will take place at Tryfan Junction next Saturday 2/5/15. The presentation itself will take place at 12.15. Nick Booker (WHR Heritage Group Chairman) will introduce John Ellis, Chairman of the NHRA. Immediately afterwards David Allan (immediate past chairman of WHRHG) will unveil a slate to John Keylock who was very much the driving force behind the Tryfan Junction Station restoration. The WHR Heritage Group AGM is the following day (Sunday 3/5/15) at 14.15 at Prenteg Village Hall.

WHR 26/4/15

This northerly view (26/4/15) shows No.138 hauling the 1000 from Caernarfon waiting to pass No.87 at Beddgelert at 1122 on a bright sunny day. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Andrew Hughes and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (26/4/15) from South Snowdon Wharf shows No.138 at the Porthmadog Harbour stabling point at 1306 having arrived with the 1000 from Caernarfon. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Andrew Hughes and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (26/4/15) shows Linda crossing Britannia Bridge at 1311 having on a Driver Experience working. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Andrew Hughes and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This easterly view (26/4/15) shows Linda crossing Britannia Bridge at 1312 on a Driver Experience working. The green painted cycleway is beginning to wear out already. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Andrew Hughes and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Dinas aerial view 23/4/15

This southerly aerial view (26/4/15) shows the current situation at Dinas with No.134's new tender in the Dock Road, bottom left, and Castell Caernarfon in the siding, top right. 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 21/4/15

This northerly view (21/4/15) shows No.87 hauling the 1000 from Caernarfon crossing Britannia Bridge as viewed over a tranquil harbour scene. 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 21/4/15

Clive Briscoe reports: Not a lot to report this week - more or less a re-run of the last couple of weeks. Only three of us this Tuesday - Dennis, David and myself. Pete has been poorly these last two weeks and is hopefully now making a recovery. We started as usual, with the carriages. Still E Set as we're still running on the 'Blue' timetable with just a return journey from each end of the line. After that was done, it was down to the Loco Shed where we assembled all the now painted components of the valve jigger. Despite having labelled all the pieces into the 4 sets of components, it still took a couple of hasty rebuilds to get them all in the right order! All they need now are the bearings fitting to the axles (which are ready and waiting at Llandrillo College) and they're 'ready to roll'.

Diesel No. 9 has had more paintwork done - the top of the engine casing is now in a pleasing green gloss and the green gloss has been added to the reinforcing band around the cab. Very smart! In the Carriage Shed, it was noted that NGG 16 No.140's front tank has been grit blasted and primed and a new rear bunker has appeared - it had been known for a while that there was one being fabricated at Boston Lodge.

Tuesday Gang report 21/4/15

Tony Baker reports: On Tuesday 21/4/15 we were mending fences, firstly at Cwm Cloch where a falling tree branch had flattened the fence breaking 6 posts, then at Cemetery crossing where the fence on the valley side had been flattened, presumably by wind. The 10:45 ex Porthmadog was particularly well loaded and it was warm and sunny. Eight volunteers took part.

This southerly view (21/4/15) shows No.87 passing the Tuesday Gang at Cwmcloch with the 1000 from 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 southerly view (21/4/15) shows the Tuesday Gang repairing fencing near Cemetery 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 (21/4/15) shows the Tuesday Gang completing fencing near Cemetery 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 (21/4/15) shows the Tuesday Gang doing some gardening at Beddgelert Forest Campsite Halt (Meillionen). 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.

Dinas 18/4/15

This northerly view (18/4/15) shows No.143's tanks on a flat wagon along with No.134's tender behind in the Dock Road at Dinas. 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 northerly view (18/4/15) shows ex-Shotton Steelworks stockyard shunter (probably Ben) grounded above the Dock Road at Dinas. 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 northerly view (18/4/15) shows FR wagon No.291 fitted with the Farma grab and stabilising legs at Dinas. 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 (18/4/15) shows No.133 with K1's tank at Dinas. 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 northerly view (18/4/15) shows Castell Caernarfon at Dinas. 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 (18/4/15) shows grounded cab components grounded from No.140 at Dinas, still in its ex-SAR lined red livery. No.143 may reappear as No.140 as well over 50% of the loco is No.140, including the frames which usually define the loco identity. 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 southerly view (18/4/15) shows Upnor Castle at Dinas many years after use as the main construction loco for the project. It has replaced Conway Castle as depot shunter which languishes in the Loco Shed headshunt and requires attention. 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 easterly view (18/4/15) shows No.109's tank, owned by the Waterman Railways Trust stored at Dinas. Recent news suggests that funds from the sale of Pete Waterman's large scale loco models will go towards the refurbishment of this loco for use 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.

The Snowdonian 18/4/15

This coach view (18/4/15) shows The Snowdonian label reprising BR destination labels of years gone by. 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 easterly view shows two double Fairlies hauling The Snowdonian across Britannia Bridge a few years ago. It looks like there will be fine weather for today's train. Images would be welcome. 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.

Terry Scott reports: I was on this year's Snowdonian and what a good day we had. The day started fine, but with a bracing wind. Heating was switched on in the carriages. Taliesin and Lyd led us out on the first leg to Blaenau Ffestiniog, hauling a ten carriage train consisting of Nos.100, 103, 124, 121, 108, 119, 106, 118, 113 and 123 lightly loaded to give us room to move about. This was Lyd's first passenger run following a spell in Boston Lodge after a problem was found with the valve lubrication. Lyd had a light engine test on Thursday and a ECS run to Rhiw Goch on Friday afternoon. You might think this was tempting fate and you would be right. Lyd failed on the return leg from Blaenau Ffestiniog just short of Rhiw Goch, resulting in an un-scheduled stop. As Lyd was leading, it was decided to leave the loco in the loop at Rhiw Goch and proceed on with just Taliesin.

This easterly view (18/4/15) shows Prince hauling The Snowdonian with Blanche and Linda approaching Porthmadog Harbour Station having changed locos at Boston Lodge. 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 (18/4/15) shows Russell on display at the WHHR. Staff at Gelert's Farm have towed the loco out and given it an extra polish so passengers on The Snowdonian can see the loco as they passed by. 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.

The loco swap at Boston Lodge proceeded without a hitch with Taliesin being replaced by Prince, Blanche and Linda. All three loco's were facing the 'wrong way', Blanche having been turned since Easter. With short stop at Porthmadog to exchange the taken, we were off on the second leg. Being late because of Lyd, we were held at Cae Pawb to allow a Cambrian Coast train to pass. We crossed the service train, hauled by No. 87, at Pont Croesor, the points being un-clamped for this purpose.

This westerly view (18/4/15) shows Prince leading The Snowdonian with Blanche and Linda passing the Porthmadog Bypass bridge with the WHHR's Gelert's farm depot in the background. 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 easterly view (18/4/15) shows Prince leading The Snowdonian through the Aberglaslyn Pass with Blanche and Linda. 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 easterly view (18/4/15) shows Prince leading The Snowdonian at Beddgelert with Blanche and Linda behind at 1255. 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 southerly view (18/4/15) shows Prince hauling The Snowdonian with Blanche and Linda passing Meillionen (Beddgelert Forest Campsite) Halt. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Roger Dimmick courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

A buffet lunch was taken at The Goat Hotel in Beddgelert before leaving almost on-time from the Up-platform, a dummy departure having been performed from the Down platform for photographers. There was a throaty run up through the forest before going on to Rhyd Ddu and Caernarfon. We passed the service train, hauled by No.138, at Waunfawr. We were held at Caernarfon due to a lineside fire in the forest preventing the service train from leaving Beddgelert on its return run. We were due to cross this train at Dinas, eventually crossing at Waunfawr, having had the token transferred to us by road to Dinas. As we passed back through the forest, you could see the remains of the fire. Return to Porthmadog was around 40-45 mins down.

This southerly view (18/4/15) shows Prince leading The Snowdonian passing Beddgelert Forest Campsite with Blanche and Linda. 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 northerly view (18/4/15) shows Prince leading The Snowdonian passing Beddgelert Forest Campsite with Blanche and Linda. 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 southerly view (18/4/15) shows Prince leading The Snowdonian on the straight between Pitt's Head and Rhyd Ddu with Blanche and Linda. 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 northerly view (18/4/15) shows Prince leading The Snowdonian on the straight between Pitt's Head and Rhyd Ddu with Blanche and Linda. 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 southerly view (18/4/15) shows Prince leading The Snowdonian at Rhyd Ddu with Blanche and Linda. 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 northerly view (18/4/15) shows Prince leading The Snowdonian rounding Ffridd Isaf curve at Rhyd Ddu with Blanche and Linda. 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 northerly view (18/4/15) shows Prince leading The Snowdonian rounding Ffridd Isaf curve at Rhyd Ddu with Blanche and Linda. 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 northerly view (18/4/15) shows Prince leading The Snowdonian passing the site of Clogwyn siding near Rhyd Ddu with Blanche and Linda. 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 southerly view (18/4/15) shows Prince leading The Snowdonian with Blanche and Linda arriving at Waunfawr and passing the service train hauled by No.138. 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 southerly view (18/4/15) shows Prince leading The Snowdonian with Blanche and Linda arriving at Dinas. 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 northerly view (18/4/15) shows Linda hauling The Snowdonian with Blanche and Prince crossing Britannia Bridge on the return to Porthmadog. 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 (18/4/15) shows Linda hauling The Snowdonian with Blanche and Prince crossing Britannia Bridge on the return to Porthmadog. 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 (18/4/15) shows Prince with The Snowdonian at Porthmadog (Blanche and Linda behind) on the return to Porthmadog at 1857. 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.

Around £6,000 was raised for the Diamond Jubilee Appeal. One person had the honour of taking the headboard home as a result of making the highest donation. Photos of The Snowdonian on the WHR section would be welcome.

Lyd to haul Beer Festival shuttle 15-17/5/15

In addition to the normal service trains, Lyd is set to haul the Caernarfon-Dinas/Waunfawr shuttle trains over the period of the Beer Festival from Friday 15/5/15 to Sunday 17/5/15. There will be a diesel hauled service on Friday and Saturday evenings until midnight with an ECS back to Dinas in the early hours of the morning. See F&WHR website for full timetable details.

WHR Russell driver's memory 7/4/15

Michael Chapman reports: Back in 1987/1988, Goronwy Wynne Roberts, an original WHR driver back in the 1920s, came out of retirement to drive Russell on the restored railway between Porthmadog and Pen-y-Mount, now operating as the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway. On the 7/4/15, his son paid a visit to the WHHR (from Vietnam!) along with his own son and grandchildren. Goronwy's son, Mr Leslie Wynne Roberts, reminisced about his father and said how in the 1980s he kept pointing out all the things the WHR Ltd. were doing wrong with the restoration! However, he said his father loved the locomotive and was very pleased and proud to see her overhauled.

This westerly view (1988?) shows Russell being driven by original WHR driver Goronwy Roberts. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Dave Allan and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Russell was re-launched on the WHHR following a six-figure sum overhaul in 2014; the original drawings were available this time courtesy of the Statfold Barn Railway and the errors the late Mr Roberts referred to such as the shape of the cab have now been rectified. Leslie was clearly quite emotional to be allowed on to the footplate of the locomotive and the family posed for photographs. The grandchildren, Danny and Sam, brought a black and white photo of Goronwy with Russell with them and posed for photos in front of the locomotive. When the train returned to Porthmadog, Leslie joined the WHR Ltd and asked to kept informed about the locomotive.

This Gelert's Farm view (Easter 2015) shows Russell with Goronwy Roberts' son, grandson and great grandchildren. 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.

WHR West Midlands Group Meeting 23/4/15

This Thursday (23/4/15) in the Dennis Carson Room, Dame Elizabeth Hall, Firbank Close (off Oak Tree Lane), Bournville, Birmingham B30 1UA. The meeting will start at 7.30 pm and end at about 10.00 pm. 'From Standard to Broad' by Phil Brown. Phil is the Operations Manager of the Severn Valley Railway, but previously held the same post on the F&WHR and is still a volunteer driver there. This is a talk about the operations of the SVR right through to the Santa operation, and is linked to the operation of the F&WHR for contrast. This will give some background about the complications of running heritage lines.

Team Wylfa report 14/4/15

Clive Briscoe reports: Another Tuesday evening, another Team Wylfa working party. It was much the same as last week but with a slightly different Team - Pete was off sick but David was back in Bangor University for his last term so came to fill the gap. We started with the carriages - E Set again and had to go through the whole set since there is no B Team on Thursday this week with Rod being away and no takers to help Martin. With E Set duly checked and oiled, it was down to the Loco Shed and a repeat of what we did last week, more painting - a final top coat on the valve jigger parts. It will be ready for final assembly next week.

Other Loco Shed news: It was noted that Diesel No. 9 has steadily progressed with half of the new engine bay doors now primed and the cab having been fully undercoated. Starting to look a very smart loco. No.143's power bogies also have moved forward with more new horn guide slippers and stays fitted and lining up now in progress. It won't be long now before one of the bogies is re-wheeled.

Tony Baker reports: The Tuesday Gang worked at Plas-y-Nant LC 35.95 on 14/4/15 replacing the centre crossing timbers and cutting up scrap ex-fencing material to return to Dinas. We needed a works train to access this location as carrying heavy tools and material for nearly a mile was not an option.

This southerly view (14/4/15) shows Upnor Castle on the works train at Plas-y-Nant at the end of 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.

This northerly view (14/4/15) shows No.87 on the 10am from Caernarfon passing the sight of the proposed Plas-y-Nant loop where the Tuesday Gang were working. The works train had departed for refuge, presumably in the Rhyd Ddu sidings, a case where the former Plas-y-Nant siding would have been helpful. 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 (14/4/15) shows the Tuesday Gang shaping crossing timbers. 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 (14/4/15) shows the Tuesday Gang fitting the new crossing timbers. 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.

Beer Festival volunteer appeal

Volunteers are needed for this year’s Beer Festival, which will be held 15-17/5/15. As usual lots of volunteers are needed for various duties, mostly bar work. Full training will be given. If you are interested in helping out please reply with dates and times when you will be available. Help is also needed at Dinas to set up and take down on 14/5/15 and 18/5/15. It would be useful to know if you may be available to turn up on either of those days. Email: andy@tymcrowther.eclipse.co.uk.

Deviation 50th Anniversary celebration

Many WHR volunteers have previously worked on the FR's Deviation (including your then teenaged webmaster). This year is the 50th Anniversary of the start of the project on 2/1/65. A series of events are being organised over the period 19-21/6/15. A special train for anyone who volunteered on the project will operate from Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog with a stop to inspect the spiral. If you would like to join the Deviationists on the special train on 20/6/15 or make a booking at Plas Tan y Bwlch for the event you can get a booking form by sending an email to event@frdeviation50.org.uk or by writing to Moragh Bradshaw, Plas-y-Graig, Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd LL48 6LS.

Webcams back 13/4/15

The F&WHR webcams were off line on 12/4/15 due a problem reported to the streaming company but are back on line today.

No.134 progress 11/4/15

New patterns for the bottom cap to the front and rear pony trucks have been made at Boston Lodge along with the core box and the adapter plates for converting the tender bogies to roller bearings.

Linda Driver Experience special 11/4/15

Linda was used on a three coach Driver Experience special on the morning of 11/4/15 from Porthmadog to Rhyd Ddu, where it passed the service train.

This easterly view (11/4/15) shows Linda negotiating the Aberglaslyn Pass at 1044 with the Driver Experience special. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Alan Frewin courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (11/4/15) shows Linda approaching Pont Cae'r Gors at 1110 with the Driver Experience special. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Alan Frewin courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (11/4/15) shows Linda with the Driver Experience special having just arrived at Rhyd Ddu at 1135, waiting for No.87 to pass on the 1000 from Caernarfon. The loco was then set to run round and return to Porthmadog. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Alan Frewin courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

NG16 No.109 news

Peter Waterman's NG16, No.109, currently stored as a kit of parts at Dinas may benefit from the auction of his collection of 55 Gauge 1 and larger locos in London on 16/4/15. Pete hopes to raise over £1 million and intends to support the rebuild of the Waterman Trust's four standard gauge locos as well as the NG16 stored at Dinas. There will a further sale of models.

Dearth of WHR Railtours

Despite the upgrading of the Cambrian Coast line to Aberystwyth and the double track sections, the railtour operators seem to have found no market for the Cambrian Coast railtour of old. This may be due NR's failure to deliver a portable ERTMS signalling option and the unwillingness of participants to be hauled by NR's yellow livery Class 97/3s. This failure led to WCR pulling out of the Cambrian Coast Express steam specials a few years ago. In previous years there has also been the issue of unavailability of Class 97/3 drivers! Pathfinder's 'The Snowdonian' Nottingham-Pwllheli of 9/5/15 has disappeared from their website. Meanwhile even North Wales Coast railtours to the WHR remain subdued with Nenta Railtour's Welsh Highlander Norwich (and stations to Peterborough)-Holyhead of 16/5/15 including coach option for WHR from Bangor to Caernarfon or Rhyd Ddu being the only one notified so far. West Coast Rail's licence is apparently suspended following an incident at Wootton Bassett Junction recently.

Tryfan Junction 11/4/15

This westerly view (11/4/15) shows No.87 passing Tryfan Junction heading the 10am train from Caernarfon to Porthmadog. While passengers may alight or join the train with a clear hand signal to drivers the station is usually locked up unless a member of the Heritage Group is available. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Roger Dimmick courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Final snow 11/4/15!

The cooler weather over the weekend saw a final snowfall on the Snowdon massif making some fine alpine views. Snow levels were seen down to 700m above Rhyd Ddu on 11/4/15 though the F&WHR saw sunny weather over the weekend. This is the final snow report of the year-the second year in a row in which no images of trains in the snow have reached this website.

This easterly view (11/4/15) shows Linda with the Driver Experience special having just run round to return to Porthmadog. Snowdon has a smattering of snow above the 700m mark. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Alan Frewin taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Aerial views

Some great aerial views are available on the F&WHR Facebook page. The view shown on this link shows a WHR train heading towards Porthmadog between the site of Hafod Garregog Halt and the Afon Dylif bridge.

No.138 7/4/15

This westerly view (7/4/15) shows No.138 crossing The Cob light engine at 1230. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Michael Chapman courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Team Wylfa report 7/4/15

Clive Briscoe reports: Tuesday evening this week was much the same as last week - except that for the first time this year, we didn't need to wear our coats as it was a fine, warm evening with a fantastic sunset over Caernarfon Bay. We started with the carriages - because of the more intensive service over Easter, there had been a stock rotation and we had E Set to deal with. Since we haven't seen it for a few weeks, we gave it a thorough inspection and oiled up the few plain bearing bogie axleboxes that remain on this set, oiled the couplings and topped up the flange lube grease sticks.

It was noted that new diesel No. 9 has now had the vent louvres fixed into the new engine bay doors and that the radiator grill has been fitted. The cab has had more undercoat applied and the engine bay doors now look to be ready for priming. NGG16 No.143's power bogies are also making progress with new horn guide slippers, horn stays being fitted and lining up starting on the hind unit.

EAG meeting 16/4/15

Richard Watson reports: The next East Anglian Group meeting will take place on Thursday 16/4/15. Following a short AGM and election of officers for the coming year, members of the Group will be presenting an Evening of Railway Slides. Some interesting and unusual railway topics are promised, so it should be a great evening! 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.

Tuesday Gang report 7/4/15

Tony Baker reports: The Tuesday Gang spent 7/4/15 taking down the marquee at Beddgelert which had been used over the Easter break as a family fun area. The marquee was packed away and returned to store in Dinas. It may come out again for the May Bank Holiday.

Ceredigion's Lib Dem MP supports Traws proposal

Mark Williams, Ceredigion's Liberal Democrat MP secured a meeting with the Secretary of State for Wales and Traws Link to reopen the Aberystwyth-Carmarthen line, part of Traws' proposals to link Bangor to Carmarthen and provide a rail link from North Wales to South Wales down the west coast. See Mark Williams webpage.

Easter sunshine 6/4/15

North Wales saw a sunny Bank Holiday Monday and high temperatures.

This westerly view (6/4/15) shows No.87 on the 10am from Caernarfon at the site of Croesor Junction with a 10 coach rake, including NWNGR No.24 and Observation car Glaslyn. This unusual view from above Plas Brodanw shows the line snaking backwards across The Traeth with the Afon Dylif bridge in the background and 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.

Beddgelert views 4/4/15

This northerly view (4/4/15) shows the North Wales Track Gang completing retaining walls alongside the new catch point. Note the new CP sign and Castell Caernarfon in the distance. The Funkey was used giving cab rides within shunt limits and stabled in the other platform when a service train passed. The Funkey did not use the siding as work was underway in that area. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tom Waldren and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (4/4/15) shows No.138 on the 1320 from Caernarfon with the Funkey shunted out of the way in the nb platform. Castell Caernarfon joined the back of this rake on its return at 1640 to return to Dinas. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tom Waldren and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (4/4/15) shows Castell Caernarfon arriving at Dinas on the rear of 1640 from Beddgelert. The Funkey may have been detached and shunted to the yard. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Tom Waldren and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Upnor Castle back at Dinas 4/4/15

After some year's of absence Upnor Castle was noted at Dinas in the Loco Shed headshunt on 4/4/15. The loco was used extensively during the WHR's construction phase and received some long deserved attention following its return to Boston Lodge, including a repaint. The loco is probably back on the WHR to replace Conway Castle, the long serving Dinas shunter, which needs refurbishment.

Easter Funkey YouTube 4/4/15

Click on the YouTube box above to watch 12 mins 8 secs of video of Castell Caernarfon giving cab rides at Beddgelert on 4/4/15 and returning to Dinas on the rear of the 1640 from Beddgelert. The day was blessed with beautiful spring sunshine. This video was taken by Tom Waldren on a camcorder and is best watched at 1080p high definition quality. The video was published on 26/3/15.

Bont Briwet update

Bont Briwet remains on target for reopening in June. The last of the wooden viaduct was removed in November. Coffer dams in the channel have been constructed to allow excavation to bedrock for the piers to carry the road bridge. Several of these columns have already been cast. The abutments have also been cast. The final crossheads are due to be fitted to the completed piers in mid-April followed by the fitting of the U beams that will carry the road deck. These have been manufactured in Ireland, imported via Holyhead and delivered by road to the site. Finally the channel will need to be re-excavated to remove the access embankments. See GC website.

Locals feel that the area is depressed because of the difficulties of transport with the closure of the road bridge and the convoy system on the narrowest section of the A496 between Llandecwyn and Machynlleth. The new road bridge seems to be only 6m wide, narrower than the approach roads, leading some to believe that large vehicles, including coaches and caravans may have some difficulty passing each other on the bridge. There are also concerns about traffic congestion in Penrhyndeudraeth with the possibility of traffic lights necessary to permit right turning traffic from Porthmadog on the A487 onto the Bont Briwet access road. The road across the bridge may become an extension of the A4085 Caernarfon-Penrhyndeudraeth road. Eventually a bypass may be necessary following the Cambrian Coast railway from Penrhyndeudraeth station, passing Ffestiniog Travel's offices and emerging at the current roundabout in Minffordd with the Porthmadog Bypass but this seems unlikely.

New views are visible of Bont Briwet Flickr page updated to 27/3/15 where good progress can be seen with the piers, crossheads and beams. A good view can be had from the former Cooke's Explosives site (closed 1997), the Gwaith Powdwr Nature Reserve where a couple of paths climb up the hill overlooking the bridge on the north side.

Titbits Spring 2015

The Caernarfon shop held its own last year with new staff replacing the long-serving Euros Roberts. A new edition of TLC is due soon. The buffet cars had a disappointing season last year (possibly due to the economic situation). A new Buffet Car Supervisor is being looked for to hopefully improve the situation.

The Kerr Stuart diesel project may see an advance this year after the disappointing news about grant applications. David High will have a little more time to spend of the project and is looking at alternative sources of grant funding.

The decking between the station building and the toilets at Caernarfon has been replaced. The supports had rotted due to frequent flooding of the car park area.

Welsh Pony funding has exceeded £100,000 but £150,000 is needed to complete the loco so the Welsh Pony Appeal continues. The restoration is being dedicated to Allan Garraway, one of the founding father's of the FR revival, who regarded the refurbishment of Welsh Pony as 'unfinished business'.

The WHR ended up 8% down in 2014 after a poor Easter. Ticket prices have risen by 2.2%. There are some concerns about the strength of the pound against the euro. This may make euro area holidays cheaper and deter euro area holiday makers from coming to the UK. However, a determined marketing programme is underway. With more people using the internet to access timetables, fewer timetable leaflets will be printed and booklets with much more information are being tried out this year. Porthmadog needs a boost this year after several shops closing and being boarded up last year due to the recession and lower visitor numbers.

Spring Workshop News

The WHR loco fleet is in good condition. There have been signs of fatigue breakages on the Garratt hornstays, a sign of aging. A new, slightly deeper, design is planned. The recent improvements of the valve gear pins/bushes has paid off with very little wear being apparent.

• No.87 in service at Easter
• No.138 in service at Easter
• No.143 power bogies being overhauled

The FR's Double Fairlie fleet is ready for action and may appear on the WHR on Gala days and special services.

• David Lloyd George has been repainted and lined and has new tops to the domes but needs a bogie check after the cylinder casting sand issue
• Merddin Emrys is fit for use but will have its 10 year boiler overhaul at the end of the year when the bogies will be also be checked
• Earl of Merioneth is having leaking stays repaired before use this season

Work on other locos continues:

• Blanche was out at Easter after conversion to coal burning
• Lilla continues to have work done on it though the main fleet takes priority
• Lyd is receiving attention after discovery of valve problems

Work on DZ wagons for PW work has stopped for the moment but there are plans to convert a few more. Work is also underway on modifications to WHR coach drawbars. There have been annoying jerks when restarting on a gradient and these are due to over 40cm of slack in a 10 coach rake. It will take some time to modify the whole fleet.

Funkey cab rides at Beddgelert over Easter 4/4/15

Castell Caernarfon is on duty giving cab rides at Beddgelert over Easter 4-6/4/15. The loco is making use of the shunt token to shunt around within station limits between trains and presumably stables in the siding if two trains pass following out of course running. The loco is present from 1030-1630 and presumably arrives with the 0940 from Porthmadog or runs light engine from Dinas. The loco could return light engine to Porthmadog or pilot the 1640 from Beddgelert back to Caernarfon.

This northerly view (4/4/15) shows Blanche on Easter cab ride duty at Porthmadog 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.

Team Wylfa report 31/3/15

Clive Briscoe reports: Team Wylfa is now getting back into the 'dual site' working mode again - Carriage Shed first followed by the Loco Shed for No.134. It was a change of personnel last night though - Pete and myself as core team then Dennis was back after his extended holidays and the Clarke family joined us for one of their infrequent visits to North Wales - Pip and his two sons Ben & Nathan. Always good to have extra hands around and it made light work of the jobs in hand such that we finished on time at 10pm.

It was a thorough visual exam of F Set and oil the couplings (B Team will oil up the remaining plain bearing bogies and top up the flange lube grease sticks on Thursday) then off to the Loco Shed where all the previously primed parts of the new valve jigger got undercoated. We also did some more 'housekeeping' on No.134 - we'd noted the new horn guide slippers had rusted a few weeks ago but noted this week, that the crosshead slide bars had gone rusty again so cleaned off what oil was left on them, lightly abraded the rust patches then re-oiled them.

Tuesday Gang report 31/3/15

Tony Baker reports: The Tuesday Gang were down at Pont Croesor replacing the centre crossing timbers at LC 55.93 which were well wasted. Trains were reasonably loaded considering the cold wind that was blasting across the Traeth. When we first arrived the fields were flooded but as the tide went out it subsided.

This westerly view (31/3/15) shows the preparation for the replacement of a crossing timber at the southern end of Pont Croesor loop. 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 (31/3/15) shows the replacement of a crossing timber at the southern end of Pont Croesor loop. The westerly track is still OOU following the RTA earlier this year at the north end of the 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.

Brake Parts for WHR 29/3/15

Trevor Heath reports: I am currently working with Mainline Steam in Plimmerton, New Zealand on the restoration of 14A 509. As New Zealand is an air braked country, these vacuum/steam parts are not needed here and it is likely that they would have eventually been scrapped. This transfer of parts was the result of an inquiry by fellow WHR volunteer, Martin Coombs.

This Plimmerton (NZ) image (29/3/14) shows the steam and vacuum brake parts removed from former Rhodesia Railways 14A Beyer-Garratt No.509 (BP7582/1953) currently under overhaul at the Mainline Steam depot in Plimmerton. The parts are being shipped to Boston Lodge. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Trevor Heath and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Summit Cutting grass cutting 28/3/15

At the end of March volunteers took some time off from the Minffordd Yard clearance to clear dead grass at Summit Cutting. This location has a type of grass that is prone to collect dead stalks from year to year which can easily catch fire. There was a major fire here a few years back, presumably from loco sparks, which led to the whole field to the west burning out. The F&WHR has left a wagon with additional water supplies at Rhyd Ddu in the operating season since that time. The annual clearance of dead grass from this cutting has reduced the incidence of fires. Blanche hauled the grass clearance train this year.

This northerly view (28/3/15) shows Blanche stopping for a blow-up  near Beddgelert on the Minffordd-Rhyd Ddu infrastructure working. PW materials were dropped off at Pen-y-Mount Junction and Beddgelert before running around at Rhyd Ddu and picking up previously cut grass in Summit Cutting. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Adrian Strachan and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (28/3/15) shows Blanche stopping to collect cut grass in Summit Cutting after running around at Rhyd Ddu. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Adrian Strachan and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Three Thousand Editions!

...and still going strong. There have been almost daily editions of Version 4 covering construction and train services on the completed full length of the WHR for the last six years!!

Good Friday Lyd haulage on the WHHR

Giant Romanian diesel No.60 Eryri will be hauling trains on the WHHR from their Tremadog Road terminus to Pen-y-Mount. Cab rides are available for additional £15. See WHHR Facebook page for more details.

Family Goody Box competition!

Visitors to the F&WHR can win a 'Goody Box' by sharing their family photos this Easter. The competition runs until 12/4/15. See F&WHR Facebook page for more details.

Aberglaslyn Pass 25/3/15

This southerly view (25/3/15) shows the General Manager inspecting the line from the cab of No.87 as the train runs north on the morning working through the Aberglaslyn Pass. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Maurice Wilsdon and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Dinas Loco Shed news

Diesel No. 9 has had more work done - the new engine bay side doors have been made and mounted for the last few weeks but now cut outs are being made in these and new vent louvres are going in. The final painting is being started too with the cab now partly undercoated. The two connecting rods have been brought across from the workshop complete with newly machined brasses so it's not long until we see this loco being tested.

NGG16 No. 143's bogies are slowly coming together with new horn guide slippers and deeper horn stays being fitted (fatigue cracks had been noted in the original, lighter pattern stays so these new, stronger, deeper ones should cure that problem).

Blanche for Easter cab rides