Amlwch line reopening?

The Welsh Assembly Economy and Infrastructure Secretary has indicated that the Amlwch Branch might be a good candidate for reopening. A volunteer group has been clearing the line with NR's permission. See Daily Post report.

Sorry for delays 20/12/17

Your webmaster has been recovering from a bad cold and chest infection so apologies for the lack of updates. Normal service is resumed today.

Santa Special update 19/12/17

There are still tickets available for Santa Specials on Friday 22/12/17 but Saturday 23/12/17 is now fully booked. Contact booking office for details on 01766 516024. Locos in use continue to be Lyd and Earl of Merioneth on the Porthmadog-Beddgelert Santa Special and No.138 on the Dinas-Rhyd Ddu Santa Special.

Boston Lodge progress 15/12/17

Phase 1 work will be completed on time for Christmas holiday on 22/12/17. This includes the work to strengthen the embankment at Boston Lodge and stabilise the land. Piling work has been completed and ground levels are being brought up to final level using the available material on site (rock excavated to create space for the Heritage Carriage Shed). The whole area is still a construction site and so remains off limits to any railway staff who have not received a site induction and to members of the public. The foreshore clear of the worksite remains open to the public. See also F&WHR story. The following images have been approved by site contractor BRELL.

Snow reports 29/11/17

With Winter upon us regular snow reports will be made on the website as many like to take WHR pictures in the snow. The first comes from Martin Kressman dated 29/11/17: For the last few days we have woken to snow on the tops of Snowdon, the Glyders (between the Llanberis and Nant Ffrancon Passes-Ed), the Elidirs and the Carneddau (east of Bangor-Ed).

Winter has started cold with snowfall across much of the UK, though just flurries in the South. After the paucity of snowfall in recent years any reports will be welcome. To see snow images of the WHR from the past see Snow Scenes Page.

This southerly view (31/12/00) at Waunfawr shows No.143 departing on a Mince Pie special after running round. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes. Slide scanned using Minolta DiMage Scan Dual III and iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology.

Boston Lodge 29/11/17

Blanche returns to service 22/11/17

Blanche returned to Porthmadog Harbour station on 22/11/17 with a running in trip from Boston Lodge. It is hoped the loco will be available for the 125th Birthday Hunslet Gala planned for Linda and Blanche over the long weekend 22-25/6/18. The loco double headed with Prince to Hafod-y-llyn that afternoon.

This easterly view (22/11/17) shows Blanche on a running in turn from Boston Lodge after its recent major overhaul. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This westerly view (22/11/17) shows Blanche on a running in turn double heading Prince crossing Britannia Bridge on its afternoon working returning from Hafod-y-llyn. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is courtesy F&WHR and is a screengrab from the Porthmadog Harbour station camcorder. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Tuesday Gang report 21/11/17

Tony Baker reports: The gang spent a thoroughly wet day changing a rotten timber on the foot crossing at Beddgelert. It had been noted during the operating season that the anti-slip was coming away. We did a temporary fix at the time by putting in longer screws. We realized then that the problem lay with a rotten timber that could not be seen hence our return later to change it. We all ended up soaked through but got the job finished.

No.130 update 20/11/17-27/11/17

On 20/11/17 work was about to start on straightening the bent regulator handle at Dalgleish's boiler works. All the rivets are in on the sling stay hanger angles and the tubeplate gusset stay to barrel brackets.

By 21/11/17 most of the rivets were in the tubeplate. The ones either side of the longitudinal weld will have to be done after welding is completed and there are a few on the bottom of the tubeplate that will have to be done when the boiler is on its side or upside down.

On 27/11/17 work had taken place on the plates that bolt each side of the pivot to minimise the extent to which the cradle rocks on the bogies.

Boston Lodge seawall report 19-20/11/17

Good progress is being made with the Boston Lodge sea defences, which also gains additional ground for the expanded Carriage Shed to accommodate the WHR rake stabled at Boston Lodge. For both rows of piles at the east end of the site, towards the cliff, the piles are going into pockets ‘chiselled’ into the rock, which is quite hard in places. These are then secured with quick setting concrete and also possibly additional rock bolts before the surrounding space is back filled and compacted with the rock already on site.

This northerly view from the foreshore near the south end of Boston Lodge (19/11/17) shows progress with the new sea defence works. It appears that the seaward pile wall is near complete. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Ian Hartill (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This easterly view from The Cob near the Boston Lodge headshunt (20/11/17) shows progress with the new sea defence works. It appears that the seaward pile wall is near complete up to the rock armoured section of The Cob by the depot headshunt in the foreground. Piling works underway in the mid distance involve a secondary line of piles. Rock from the Heritage Carriage shed excavations is being used to backfill the space behind the new seawall. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Ian Hartill (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view from The Cob near the Boston Lodge carriage shed (20/11/17) shows progress with the new sea defence works. It appears that the second line of piles is being driven inland about 4 metres from the sea wall. Rock from the Heritage Carriage shed excavations is being used to backfill the space between the pile walls and inland of the new seawall. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Ian Hartill (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Caernarfon booking office reopens 23/11/17

Caernarfon station booking office is open for sales of Santa Special tickets and presents ThFSO from 23/11/17 to 15/12/17 (ThFO from 7/12/17). Opening times are 1100 until 1600 Thursday/Friday and 1000 until 1700 Saturdays. Outside these dates tickets can be obtained by phoning 01766 516070. See Santa Trains website.

Prince for Orange timetable w/c 18/11/17

Prince has again been rostered to haul the Porthmadog to Hafod-y-llyn shuttles SWTO. The final shuttles of the year run week commencing Saturday 25/11/17 as Santa trains start after that.

2018 events

Dates for 2018 events have been added at the bottom of this page. See also F&WHR Events page.

Prince rostered for Hafod-y-llyn shuttles 18/11/17

Prince has again been rostered for the SWThO Hafod-y-llyn shuttles from 18/11/17. Any photos would be welcome for publication.

Caernarfon station progress 16/11/17

This westerly view from Segontium Terrace (16/11/17) shows progress with the new Caernarfon station. The ground floor is being prepared for cast in situ concrete. The steel reinforcing mesh is being cut to size and placed with supporting fibre reinforced concrete rods to hold the mesh off the blue plastic waterproof layer. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Stuart McNair (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

No.130 progress 15-19/11/17

A large lorry load of super heater elements was delivered to the Stockton boilermakers on 15/11/17. The boiler backhead has now been assembled and is awaiting tack welding. The front tubeplate is being riveted in and the smokebox door has been fixed in place. Se No.130 website for images.

Julie Walters Coastal Railways series

The C4 series on Coastal Railways starts Sunday 26/11/17 presented by Birmingham actress Julie Walters who starred in the several Harry Potter films. The F&WHR will feature in Episode 4 currently scheduled for transmission Sunday 17/12/17 and features Boston Lodge and a trip on the WHR to Caernarfon recorded in October 2016. See Channel 4 Coastal Railways website for further details.

Welsh Pony progress 15/11/17

This Boston Lodge view (15/11/17) shows Welsh Pony's cab completed in a heritage grey interior colour that was found under layers of paint. The exterior black colour is a temporary measure. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Work starts on Boston Lodge sea defences 15/11/17

Although an exhaustive search for alternative local locations has been made with a view to creating a replacement facility, a suitable site with both rail and road connections within operating distance of Harbour Station could not be found. Thus the railway company faces the challenge of refreshing and rebuilding the workshops whilst they remain operational. The first area for attention has been the land and facilities underpinning the operation. Road access has already been improved. It has to be remembered that historically the works was not connected to the road in any way.

The second step has been to ensure that the interface with the surrounding area has been given proper consideration, bearing in mind that this is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation. Work to manage the flow from sewage, surface water and rainwater has already been completed requiring significant investment.

The third step was the construction of the new Heritage Carriage Store, which provides undercover accommodation for rolling stock and equipment whilst other buildings receive attention. This was completed in September this year.

The fourth step is to improve the sea defences at the eastern end of The Cob in keeping with similar work undertaken in Porthmadog. This offers the site enhanced protection making it possible to use the land on the seaward side of the current carriage sheds which was previously exposed to the actions of the sea. Sheet piling work is underway alongside the Carriage Shed. The new defences will be completed by Christmas 2017.

This easterly view (11/17) shows sheet piles being driven into the foreshore along the property boundary alongside the Carriage Shed. The final level is indicated to the right by the completed level of sheet piling and the pile of rock from the Heritage Carriage Shed excavations seen behind may be used to level the ground for the new Carriage Shed to accommodate the WHR rake based at Boston Lodge. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital webcam. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

The next phases of the construction will most likely include improved carriage storage facilities before attention turns to the main workshops and conservation of the historic parts of the works.

Paul Lewin said: 'There has long been a desire to see the deeply historic Boston Lodge works effectively secured for future generations. This programme, which will see modern buildings taking the brunt of the daily work and providing better facilities for our staff, will also release the very old buildings to be restored and used for purposes aligned with heritage.'

See F&WHR Press Release for full details and images.

Tuesday Gang report 14/11/17

Tony Baker reports: This week the Tuesday Gang were again at Bodaden Straight. This time we were armed with a set of rods to unblock the ditch where it runs into a pipe. Once this was achieved we carried on clearing. Several clumps of reeds were encountered which required the use of a pick to get the roots out. This section of track was under a possession so the procedure is that we contact the Person in charge of Possession and get permission to enter their possession.

This view (14/11/17) shows the Tuesday Gang starting to clear a blocked pipe on the Plas Bodaden straight. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This view (14/11/17) shows the pipe on the Plas Bodaden straight now with running water after rodding. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This easterly view (14/11/17) shows the Tuesday Gang starting to clear clumps and roots in the blocked ditch on the Plas Bodaden straight. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This westerly view (14/11/17) shows the Tuesday Gang starting to clear clumps and roots in the blocked ditch on the Plas Bodaden straight. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This easterly view (14/11/17) shows the way ahead on the Plas Bodaden straight. An excavator on the new well wagon might make a faster job of this and many similar overgrown ditches on the WHR. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Tony Baker and was taken on an Olympus digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Conwy valley Line reopens 13/11/17

The Conwy Valley Line, closed for repair on 20/10/17, reopened on 13/11/17 after rebuilding a supporting pillar just inside the northern tunnel mouth of Blaenau Ffestiniog tunnel and clearing recent storm damage from other areas. See Daily post report and NR Press release.

Work stops on BF&TR clearance

Heritage Railway Magazine reports that work on clearing the track between Blaenau and Trawsfynydd was stopped in early November after NR engineers identified a problem with a bridge near the proposed Trawsfynydd Lake terminus. The bridge appears to have been damaged and NR has closed a footpath on H&S concerns. The Blaenau Ffestiniog & Trawsfynydd Railway claim the damage to the bridge is 'slippage' and point out NR has not maintained the structures for 30 years and the area suffers heavy rainfall. The BF&TR has a licence to clear the track but it remains in NR ownership. The BF&TR website has not been updated for a while and there is no mention of the problem on social media.

The BF&TR has an initial goal of operating trains in 18 months time for a mile from Trawsfynydd Road Yard to Trawsfynydd Lake Halt near the decommissioned Nuclear Power Station using the Class 414 EMU from the recently closed Coventry Electric Railway Museum as hauled stock. So far £1,400 of the £11,500 target has been donated and the Heritage Lottery Fund has indicated it will match fund the remainder when the appeal reaches half way. See 2HAP Appeal.

East Anglian Group meeting 16/11/17

David Ganger reports: Our next meeting takes place this coming Thursday 16/11/17. We welcome back Alasdair Stewart who will be talking to us about his latest narrow gauge trips and adventures.

Our December meeting will be on Thursday 14/12/17 (note, the second Thursday) and will be our now traditional ‘Mince Pies and Members’ Slides event. We will then meet again in February.

We meet at the Six Bells Pub, 9 High Street, Fulbourn, Cambridge CB21 5DH. We meet up any time after 6-6.30pm and an evening meal is available in the restaurant or bar. Prices are reasonable. The meetings are usually held in the Function Rooms, accessed from the car park at the rear of the pub, and start around 8pm with a halfway break for coffee (£1.20 per person). We finish around 10pm.

There is a charge of £2 per meeting for Group members, £3 for non-members.

Fulbourn is easily accessible from the A14/M11 corridors and is served by Stagecoach bus Citi 1 (This bus runs every 30 minutes until 23.36, via Cambridge railway station where it arrives at 00.05) Car parking can be busy but there is space available on Church Lane, a 3-5 minute walk to the pub.

You are most welcome to join us. We meet on the third Thursday of the month (excepting December when it’s the second Thursday), with meetings held until May – with a break in January.

Caernarfon Station progress 10/11/17

This southerly view from Segontium Terrace (10/11/17) shows progress with the new Caernarfon station. The upper level has been concreted and a stairwell is visible in the foreground. The lower floor has a blinding layer before laying slabs next week. This completes Phase 1 of the project. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Stuart McNair (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Thanks for your support

Thanks to the several people who have recently sent me PayPal payments via my email address to support the cost of running this website. It is much appreciated. Now I am a pensioner, 'every little helps'!

Prince 8/11/17

After the minor collision with a wall at the SVR a more thorough inspection was made at Boston Lodge before the loco was returned to traffic. Prince has been operating the Orange timetable Hafod-y-llyn shuttles this week.

This easterly view (8/11/17) shows Prince departing on the afternoon train to Hafod-y-llyn. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

WHHR Baldwin Appeal relaunch

The WHHR has relaunched its appeal for funds for completion of the Imperial War Museum's Baldwin No.794 in its care. The loco has been moved from Keef's to Aberystwyth Vale of Rheidol workshops. About £60,000 is needed to complete the project for the pipe-work, brass-work and cab fittings and most importantly a complete new set of motion. The existing set is 'very worn'. The new boiler is already built and paid for, being completed in 2012 by Israel Newton.

Work should start in early 2018 and when completed the loco will run as 590, reprising the role of the WHR's original Baldwin 590 in the 1920s and 1930s. Although the loco is to be completed air braked, there is still hope that agreement can be reached with the F&WHR to run both 590 and Russell on the WHR during Galas in coming years. Both would be sure to draw the crowds providing historical tableaux scenes at Beddgelert where the two locos were often to be seen during the 'frontier years'. See Baldwin Appeal website.

All being well in April/May 2018 the sale of Bachmann R-T-R 009 Baldwin 590 models will help raise funds for the Appeal. See Facebook story.

This Gelert's Farm view (5/12) shows the Baldwin's new boilermaker's plate. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Michael Chapman and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This Gelert's Farm view (5/12) shows the Baldwin's new boiler on display at Gelert's Farm. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Michael Chapman and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Orange timetable starts Wednesday 8/11/17

From 8-11-17 to 30/11/17 the WHR is running the Orange timetable service from Porthmadog to Hafod-y-llyn. The timetable advises that these trains can only be joined at Porthmadog so both Hafod-y-llyn and Pont Croesor Halt are out of use. In face the short platform at Hafod-y-llyn has not been available for some years as it is only on the loop line. Hafod-y-llyn is used for running round in this service and sees use for occasional PW trains. The service runs SWThO and reappears in March from 3/3/18-15/3/18 MTFX. Prince is diagrammed this week for the Orange timetable 11:15 and 14:45 departures from Porthmadog.

Tuesday Gang report 7/11/17

Tony Baker reports: On 7/11/17 the Tuesday Gang were continuing with ditch clearance at Bodaden Straight (between Dinas and Waunfawr-Ed).

End of season ECS movement 5/11/17

With the end of the Yellow timetable on Saturday 4/11/17 there was a ECS movement with locos and carriages being hauled from Boston Lodge to Dinas for repair/winter storage the following day. Vale of Ffestiniog assisted No.138 hauling a B wagon, No.87 and Glaslyn with the Porthmadog based rake back to Dinas. At Dinas, Bill was used to shunt No.87 to store. The train left Porthmadog at 09:30, paused at Beddgelert 10:20 - 10:37 and arrived at Dinas at 12:13.

This westerly view (5/11/17) shows No.138 dragging the failed No.87 on the WHR platform. Vale of Ffestiniog is collecting the WHR rake from the station sidings to form the end of season ECS from Boston Lodge to Dinas. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Sean Thomas and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This westerly view (5/11/17) shows Vale of Ffestiniog is collecting the WHR rake from the station sidings to form the end of season ECS from Boston Lodge to Dinas. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Sean Thomas and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This westerly view (5/11/17) shows Vale of Ffestiniog double heading with No.138 dragging the failed No.87 on the end of season ECS from Boston Lodge to Dinas. The train is crossing Pont Croesor. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Sean Thomas and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This westerly view (5/11/17) shows Vale of Ffestiniog double heading with No.138 on the end of season ECS from Boston Lodge to Dinas crossing Pont Croesor bridge. No.87 is being towed dead in the formation. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Sean Thomas and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (5/11/17) shows Vale of Ffestiniog double heading with No.138 on the end of season ECS from Boston Lodge to Dinas crossing Pont Croesor bridge. No.87 is being towed dead in the formation and appears to have had some of its motion removed on the nearer power bogie. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Sean Thomas and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (5/11/17) shows Vale of Ffestiniog double heading with No.138 on the end of season ECS from Boston Lodge to Dinas crossing Pont Croesor bridge. Glaslyn is also in the formation and Cnicht dominates the scene. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Sean Thomas and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This easterly view (5/11/17) shows Vale of Ffestiniog double heading with No.138 on the end of season ECS from Boston Lodge to Dinas at Beddgelert with the failed No.87 in the rake. No.138 may have required water so the train stopped for nearly 20 minutes in the station. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Sean Thomas and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (5/11/17) shows Vale of Ffestiniog shunting the B wagon with No.87 into the North Yard. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Sean Thomas and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (5/11/17) shows Bill shunting the failed No.87 in the North Yard. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Sean Thomas and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (5/11/17) shows Bill shunting the failed No.87 in the North Yard. The loco livery looks quite appropriate with the diamond style yellow and black warning panel borrowed from BR shunting locos. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Sean Thomas and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

No.130 update 3-12/11/17

By 3/11/17 the boiler's backhead had been completed and drilled. By the 11/11/17 the regulator valve, J pipe and gauge frames had been sent to Stockton for fitting to the boiler. By 12/11/17 there was progress to report on the two power units. The front unit had its coupling assembled and was more or less complete as well as the pony truck spring. The rear truck has most of its springs fitted. Soon they will be moveable under their own wheels. A day later the reverser and handbrake stands had been fitted to the boiler frame. For images see No.130 Facebook page.

Caernarfon station progress 3/11/17

There will be no station canopy or awning over the track next to the station building. Room has been allowed for at least two and probably even three Garratt locos in the headshunt. There will be a service walkway between the station building and the headshunt for delivery of food and removal of bin waste. There will be a forecourt area next to the current gate between the station building and the existing platforms and loop where the station canopy is retained. The forecourt will be open to at least to start with. The architect has been asked to look at possibilities of covering the forecourt over but this is very much in the background until the building is up and running. Initially, when the station opens next Summer, passengers must run the risk of the weather between the station buildings and the platform.

This northerly view from Segontium Terrace (3/11/17) shows progress with the new Caernarfon station. The steel section flooring for the first floor cafe are now in place. The cafe will offer a view over the trains as there is no platform awning in this area. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Stuart McNair (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Aerial view 2/11/17

This easterly view (2/11/17) shows Linda, with demountable tender cab fitted, passing Boston Lodge on the 1340 from Blaenau Ffestiniog. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright John Rawlings on a Phantom 4 Pro Quadcopter digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Quadcopter views 2/11/17

This easterly view (2/11/17) shows No.138 on the afternoon train crossing Pont Croesor at 15:50. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright John Rawlings on a Phantom 4 Pro Quadcopter digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This easterly view (2/11/17) shows No.138 crossing Pont Croesor level crossings at 15:50. The Glaslyn Wildlife Osprey hide can be seen above the loco. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright John Rawlings on a Phantom 4 Pro Quadcopter digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (3/11/17) shows No.138 waiting in Pont Croesor halt for the token to proceed to Porthmadog. The rake has been shortened to 8 coaches in this Autumn Season train with reduced loadings. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright John Rawlings on a Phantom 4 Pro Quadcopter digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Revised timetable 1-3/11/17

The WHR operated an amended timetable on 1/11/17 probably due to NR refusing the Cae Pawb Crossing path due to an engineering possession during the Cambrian Coast closure for engineering work on the Artro Viaduct. Apparently the request to release the crossing had to go all the way up to NR Headquarters in Cardiff! The train from Porthmadog ran about an hour later all day as a result.

The FR Facebook page advised: 'Due to operational difficulties beyond our control'... the 1045 from Porthmadog was retimed to depart at 1155, passing Beddgelert at 1235, Rhyd Ddu at 1305, Waunfawr at 1300 (sic!) and Caernarfon at 1405. The retimed train must have crossed the southbound train at Pont Croesor as the latter was due to arrive in Porthmadog at 1210. The retiming also affected the return working with departure from Caernarfon at 1505, passing Waunfawr a 1545 (cross trains), Rhyd Ddu at 1610, Beddgelert at 1640 and arriving back in Porthmadog at 1725. However No.138 was noted arriving in Porthmadog at 1711. Earl of Merioneth was on its normal FR duties.

However, continuing loco shortages following No.143's ashpan support cruxiform failure on 31/10/17 have made providing traction more difficult in the last week of the Yellow timetable. To compound the problems No.87 was not available either as it has been on the Boston Lodge Garratt pit all week with its left hand motion removed. No.143 was back in action on 3/11/17 taking the 1045 out of Porthmadog.

The Operations Department must be longing for the end of the season on Saturday 4/11/17 and the reinstatement of recently repaired No.87, not to mention the completion of No.130 next year.