North Wales trains news 24/5/20

Five Class 70s were noted in use on the North Wales Coast between Rhyl and Bangor on Sunday 24/5/20, Nos. 70802/803/805/816/817 bringing welcome variety to the motive power scene in the absence of the TfW loco hauled expresses. Bustitution was provided between Holyhead and Rhyl.

F&WHR loco update 23/5/20

Palmerston is behind Welsh Pony in Boston Lodge's priority list. It hasn't run since 2019 Vintage Weekend and needs some work to the axleboxes to eliminate a knock. Welsh Pony needs drawgear, spark arrestor and plumbing completed but will not carry its nameplates until a ceremony at a launch event once the F&WHR reopens. Taliesin is currently out of ticket but the F&WHR has benefitted from a legacy aimed at getting it back into traffic. It needs boiler work and bogie work. New Fairlie James Spooner's boiler needs a hydraulic test and is likely to see traffic in 2021.

Double Fairlies Merddin Emrys and David Lloyd George will both be available after a steam test although the latter needs some work on its valve settings. Lyd was withdrawn for its 10 year overhaul in May and a new cylinder is available for the troublesome cylinder as detailed previously. It will need new boiler tubes. Diesel loco Moelwyn needs a new drive shaft. Linda and Blanche are both available for traffic.

No.87 was released in its new SAR black livery briefly in February before the lockdown which pleased its benefactor who always wanted it in black. The other sponsored Garratt No.130 still requires a few months work but must be completed for 2021 as No.143 reaches the end of its 10 year boiler ticket then. NG15 No.134 needs more work on axleboxes before it is wheeled. Some funding is available and the boiler is at David Wright's Loughborough works receiving attention.

No.138 has travelled 100,000 miles over its last 10 year boiler ticket which has now expired and is due to be fitted with the new boiler ex-Puffing Billy Railway No.129. A benefactor paid for the boiler to be imported from Australia and David Wright's Loughborough works has refurbished the boiler. The loco will be outshopped in red again with a refitted cowcatcher. No.138 should be in traffic sometime in 2021 but No.143 boiler's certificate expires Spring 2021 so it is essential that privately sponsored locos No.87/130 are in traffic.

£250,000 cheque supports F&WHR 23/5/20

Click on the YouTube window to watch 23 mins 16 seconds of video covering the latest update from the General Manager. This YouTube was published on 23/5/20 and was taken by John Wooden on a professional 4K camcorder. It is best watched in HD in Google Chrome browser as only 720p HD available on Windows. Alternatively click on YouTube link.

Cambrian Heritage Railways Sprinters 22/5/20

Cambrian Heritage Railways took delivery of two Pacers, Nos.144006/7 on 22/5/20. The pair worked under their own power from storage at the K&WVR to Gobowen arriving a few minutes early at 1426. They then shunted back into the Civil Engineers siding and across the boundary onto Cambrian tracks in Gobowen station being handed over at 1547. The Cambrian Heritage Railways intend to run a shuttle service between Gobowen and Oswestry in the future though permission must be obtained to cross the A5 Oswestry Bypass where there is an operating AHB level crossing. The Oswestry-Gobowen line has been cleared many times by volunteers and is probably passable with care. It is uncertain if a special working can be arranged or the units will remain stabled at Gobowen for the foreseeable future where the CHR owns the bay and run round. The units have been donated courtesy of Porterbrook and the Community Rail Partnership. See CHR website.

The CHR is completing its line from Oswestry to Weston Wharf (for Stonehouse Brewery) where a run round loop is being installed just north of the A483 level crossing. A similar issue about 'new' level crossings to that on the A5 north of Oswestry restricts further development to the isolated sections of the CHR at Llynclys North/Blodwel routes even though the track is all in place and has been cleared in recent years!

This southerly archive view (22/5/97) shows two Class 144s (No.144006 nearest) now stabled on the CHR at Gobowen along with the one item of rolling stock that declared the CHR's presence. Maybe the units will acquire the Brown/Cream GWR Skipper livery reminiscent of GWR colours as the CHR was eventually a GWR route. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is courtesy CHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

See CHR Press Release for full details and further images.

'Yesterday Cambrian Heritage Railways took delivery of two class 144 passenger trains. These trains were built in 1987 have recently been retired from front line passenger work and have been rail delivered to us, another first for CHR. The intention is for these trains to provide modern stock with which to operate the Oswestry to Gobowen Community Rail service we are promoting with others. This is another exciting step forward with this project which now means CHR has control of the railway, Parliamentary Powers and stock to run the service. The acquisition was organised following discussions between the Community Rail Partnership and Porterbrook CEO Mary Grant. CHR Chairman Roger Date said "We are immensely grateful to Porterbrook for all their help. It is ironic that these trains were built in part as a cost effective way to provide new stock for routes that would otherwise have shut, in their retirement they will once again provide cost effective modern stock to the travelling public".'

Serco Track Recording Train visits Holyhead 21/5/20

Class 67s Nos.67023/27 top and tailed the Serco Track Recording train on a run from Crewe to Holyhead on 21/5/97 bringing a welcome return of the class to the line after months with no TfW Holyhead/Llandudno-Cardiff/Manchester loco hauled expresses.

Waiting for the Tide to Turn

F&WHR statement: 'We are at a low point in our history with train services being suspended over the whole railway for the first time in the preservation era. However, in a similar fashion to the natural rhythm of the tides, we will return and trains will once more steam across the Cob and into the mountains. The F&WHR's priority now is to ensure the railway is ready to reopen to visitors once the current restrictions are lifted. The company has followed government advice and closed down the majority of their operations with most permanent staff being sent home under furlough arrangements. A skeleton staff are still at work handling essential planning and financial matters, as well as maintaining the social media, enquiries and online retail activities. However, there are still a number of fixed costs that have to be covered whether running trains or not.

The company has been examining every possible way of obtaining funds to secure the survival of the business - and are extremely grateful for the assistance they have received from supporting societies, as well as from individuals. The appeal fund is still open and the company will be very happy to receive donations, large or small, so that it can keep the railways in as near an operable position as possible, enabling a swift return to running trains again at the appropriate time.

Click here for more Appeal details.

Of course, the web shop remains ‘open for business’ selling a wide range of items to suit all tastes. Visit www.festshop.co.uk to see what is available - any money spent here also helps the railway. Purchasers are asked if they would kindly top up the sale to a whole number of pounds as your webmaster found out when buying replacement F&WHR cups for the treasured one his wife broke!

With various businesses being allowed to reopen, no date has been suggested for the Heritage Railways as the Government's much criticised easing strategy is very dependent on any second wave of the virus.

Colas PW on Central Wales this week

Class 37s Nos.97302/303 are booked to run from Crewe to Llandrindod Wells on Tuesday and Wednesday 26-27/5/20 and return from Llandovery Thursday 28/5/20 in connection with a major PW scheme on the Central Wales Line.

North Wales misses out

The general improvement in train services across the UK from 18/5/20 does not seem to have reached North Wales as all the Holyhead-Cardiff/Manchester loco hauled express services remain sidelined. However NR's Class 37s Nos. 97302/3 worked from Crewe to Pant-y-ffynnon during the evening 19/5/20 and will return during the morning of 20/5/20 bringing the rare sight of a loco to the Central Wales Line.

Gwili sees NR visit

A report in Heritage Railways states that Network Rail senior managers and engineers have visited the preserved Gwili Railway, near Carmarthen, to advise about some of the challenges faced by the heritage railway if it expands from Bridge 10 north towards Llanpumsaint. The Gwili Railway started in 1975 following closure of the remaining parts of the Aberystwyth-Carmarthen route by BR in 1973. This is intriguing in light of the Aberystwyth-Carmarthen Feasibility Study and the Government's 'Reverse Beeching' strategy...if that survives the current BREXIT/PANDEMIC recession. It may have a bearing on restoring rail access to North Wales and the WHR from South Wales, a difficult journey at the best of times. Gwili Chairman Matthew Bowen states that the railway has never had any communication about the proposed scheme which is surely unfair as it suggests using the Gwili trackbed.

The GR operates the line from Dan-y-coed to Abergwili Junction just outside Carmarthen based on Bronwydd Arms station. The recent Feasibility Study suggested the Aberystwyth-Carmarthen route could be reopened along the existing Gwili Railway as there was space along the west side of the Carmarthen Bypass to restore the 2 km route between Abergwili Junction and Carmarthen but needing a new 100m skew bridge across the Afon Tywi, just north of Carmarthen Station. It also included a sum for moving the Gwili Railway to another local branch line such as e.g. the 15km Pencader to Newcastle Emlyn route or Lampeter to Aberaeron as the report suggests an operating a mix of preserved and modern trains on the same route was not thought acceptable.

The Gwili Railway has used the advice given by NR to reconsider a northwards extension. The GR owns the 13km of trackbed northward from Abergwili Junction to Llanpumsaint but only operates the southern 7km leaving a possible extension to the north of 6km along the Afon Gwili valley. There are seven bridges over the Afon Gwili to restore north of Dan-y-coed. In the 1980's volunteers started laying a section south from Conwil station to Dan-y-coed but this was later ripped up to concentrate on the section south of Dan-y-coed. The Bronwydd Arms to Dan-y-coed Extension was reopened in 2001 and the Abergwili Junction section in 1/7/17. The GR wants to start clearing vegetation toward Llanpumsaint over the summer months and inspect bridges to see what restoration is required and prevent further damage. They are appealing for volunteers to help in the both the manual labour and the paperwork.

B&FRHT plan work parties

The Bala & Ffestiniog Railway Heritage Trust plan to resume work parties on 19-20/9/20 subject to Government pandemic advice. The location will not be on Network Rail land as the Trust is still working towards the necessary permissions from NR.

Class 70s on the Coast 17/5/97

There is bustitution west of Rhyl on the North Wales Coast line on 17/5/97 and Class 70s Nos.70805/816 made late night ballast runs from Basford Hall to Llandudno Junction the previous night in association with the project.

Concerns about Plas-y-nant bridge

The General Manager has expressed concerns about the state of Plas-y-nant bridge which cannot take double-headed Garratt locos and has speed limits. This bridge needs rebuilding or strengthening. When Phase 3 was opened the three bowstring bridges were treated differently, with the Betws Garmon replaced by an ex BR structure, the Salem bridge being removed and strengthened on site and the Plas-y-nant bridge having a cantilevered walkway added on the west side at the request of a local resident who was using the structure without permission. There is little evidence the walkway has been used. In fact there is a locked gate at the south end which suggests the resident claims the whole walkway is private property!

If the bridge had to be closed the railway could only operate a limited service between Caernarfon and Waunfawr and Porthmadog-Rhyd Ddu, cutting fares income considerably. There is the possibility of completing the loop at Plas-y-nant just south of the bridge as the formation was constructed with this in mind and a siding was present at the north end for a while. The point for the south end of the loop was dumped on the side of the line for a period before removal when the embankment started subsiding. This has since been stabilised by improved drainage though there is currently no plan to complete the loop.   

Four more versions of Lyd planned

Lyd is to receive a new right hand cylinder casting to cure its ongoing problems in that area. It has been revealed that a further four sets of castings will be ordered from Cerdic Foundry for the L&B railway who intend to recreate their fleet of four Manning Wardle locos Yeo, Exe, Taw and the later Lew (with an updated design of cab). The first three were scrapped on closure of the railway in 1935 but Lew was delivered to South America and has become lost.

Frames for a new Yeo were cut by Winsons in 2000. The L&B is raising money for an initial two Manning Wardle loco as it plans to extend its line to Blackmoor Gate/Wistland Pound temporary terminus but has ordered the cylinder castings for all four. The first two pairs will go to Boston Lodge along with Lyd's new cylinder and will be prepared for assembly. Following this wheel casting and motion components will be forged as these have long lead times. For the same reason tyres will soon be ordered from South Africa. Lyd's design will be used for the new Manning Wardle locos but with improvements based on the 10 years of experience with Lyd. Each loco is estimated to cost £500,000.

The 762 Club which funded the building of Baldwin No.762 Lyn (the L&BR loco that appeared on the WHR last year) will be raising funds for the new L&B fleet and over £100,000 has currently been raised. It is hoped that when the pandemic is over, the committee can meet and kick start the process, encouraging more donations. If all four locos are constructed there could be many new visitors to the F&WHR and in return visits, up to an unprecedented 5 Manning Wardle locos on the L&B!

On the downside, Exmoor Associates who are acquiring sold off L&B trackbed and stations for the future extension of the L&B to Barnstaple were unsuccessful in a recent bid to win Bratton Fleming station on the section south of the temporary terminus at Wistland Pound. The purchasers must be unaware of the project to build a railway through their garden!!

No.134 progress 11/5/20

Laurence Armstrong has been making pony truck axlebox covers as a homework project for NG15 No.134. After making replacements for those beyond repair, Laurence has decided to go and make the full set at home. See NG15 No.134 Facebook page.

WHHR 10/5/20

The Welsh Highland Heritage Railway is like the F&WHR in lockdown and nothing moves. Gelert, stabled at a very quiet Gelert's Farm, has become the proud owner of a bird's nest and a bunch of fledglings!

Welsh Pony progress 9/5/20

Click on the YouTube window to watch 1 mins 58 seconds of video covering the General Manager's update about Welsh Pony. This YouTube was published on 9/5/20 and was taken by John Wooden on a professional 4K camcorder. It is best watched in HD in Google Chrome browser as only 720p HD available on Windows. Alternatively click on YouTube link.

Click on the YouTube window to watch 5 mins 2 seconds of video covering the best of the F&WHR from 2019. This YouTube was published on 9/5/20 and was taken by John Wooden on a professional 4K camcorder. It is best watched in HD in Google Chrome browser as only 720p HD available on Windows. Alternatively click on YouTube link.

Gowrie project progress 9/5/20

With one side effect of the current pandemic being that all public events are cancelled, The Gowrie Locomotive Trust has lost a large number of fundraising opportunities at railway events it was due to attend. One of these would have been the Trust organised model railway show on the 2/5/20 at which it was hoped to raise a significant 4 figure sum. Despite the current circumstances the Trust hope to maintain momentum with the project and build on all recent progress. They have had a number of components cast recently with more due immediately after lock down is lifted. Funds permitting, the cutting of frame components and casting of the bogie pivot should follow shortly after.

A Fundraiser was launched on 1/5/20 and has so far raised £230 out of a hoped for £5000. This will cover the cost of an axlebox pattern. The fundraiser is open until the end of May. See Facebook Fundraiser.

Boston Lodge Project YouTube 9/5/20

Click on the YouTube window to watch 57 mins 47 seconds of video covering the latest update from the General Manager on the Boston Lodge Project. This YouTube was published on 9/5/20 and was taken by John Wooden on a professional 4K camcorder. It is best watched in HD in Google Chrome browser as only 720p HD available on Windows. Alternatively click on YouTube link.

Class 70s on North Wales coast 9/5/20

Class 70 locos worked ballast duties from Basford Hall Yard to Llandudno Junction on 9/5/20. All Sunday trains on the North Wales Coast were bustituted until the normal timetable resumed on Monday 11/5/20 while the PW continued near Rhyl with Nos.70803/812/816 in attendance.

Ffestiniog Tunnel lit up 7/5/20

Network Rail lit up the south portal of Ffestiniog Tunnel on 7/5/20 to give thanks to the NHS. Although train services are not operating, the portal is visible from the A470 for those driving up the Crimea Pass towards Betws-y-coed. See NR story.

This northerly view (7/5/20) shows the south portal of Ffestiniog Tunnel lit up by Network Rail to express public thanks the NHS for their hard work in dealing with the current pandemic. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is courtesy Network Rail and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Aerial views of F&WHR 7/5/20

Click on the YouTube window to watch 1 mins 27 seconds of video covering the F&WHR. This YouTube was published on 7/5/20 and was taken by John Wooden on a professional 4K camcorder. It is best watched in HD in Google Chrome browser as only 720p HD available on Windows. Alternatively click on YouTube link.

Network Rail increasing lockdown services from 18/5/20

NR is proposing to ramp up services to 70% of normal by Monday 18/5/20 after running a Sunday service through the pandemic lockdown. Most of these additional services are likely to be commuter trains rather than long distance services. The Conwy Valley line is still closed and there is only one Euston-Holyhead train.

'Ready to Resume' train run to Dinas 5/5/20

As part of the 'Ready to Resume' plan, an ECS ran from Porthmadog Harbour to Dinas on 5/5/20 taking stock that was cut off in Harbour Station to Dinas Carriage Shed for safe storage. The train was hauled by Vale of Ffestiniog and checked all the signalling and pointwork operated correctly as well as checking for debris on the line and plant growth that might scratch the carriages. The four carriages were stored in the Dinas Carriage Shed and there were no problems on the route except for the occasional sheep that had found their way onto the line.

Click on the YouTube window to watch 24 mins 02 seconds of video covering the ECS/Inspection train from Porthmadog to Dinas. This YouTube was published on 9/5/20 and was taken by John Wooden on a professional 4K camcorder. It is best watched in HD in Google Chrome browser as only 720p HD available on Windows. Alternatively click on YouTube link.

This westerly view (5/5/20) shows Vale of Ffestiniog heading north on a stock transfer/inspection train from Porthmadog Harbour to Dinas as it crossed Britannia Bridge. 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 southerly view (5/5/20) shows Vale of Ffestiniog arrived at Dinas with the inspection train/ECS. The four coaches were shunted into the Carriage Shed for safe storage. It is strange to see the bay platform and even the release road empty of stock. No doubt stock is in safe storage against any metal thieves who might be tempted to take advantage of the lockdown. 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.

A line inspection train also operated on the FR on 4/5/20. See YouTube.

Second attempt at 'Behind the Scenes' F&WHR Facebook Event 6/5/20

There will be a Facebook Premiere event at 11:00 this Saturday, 9/5/20 for a little ‘Bank Holiday’ entertainment, in which the F&WHR will be streaming a video presentation on the F&WHR Insider Facebook page featuring ‘Behind the Scenes’ topics from around the F&WHR. The Premiere will launch with a look back at some of the best F&WHR footage from years gone by, before giving an update on the progress of Welsh Pony. The film will run for 1 hour, and will be repeated at 14:00 on Sunday 10/5/20. Facebook Premiere presentations ‘stream’ automatically at a preset time - so all watchers have to do is go to the ‘F&WHR Insider’ page a couple of minutes before show time and wait for the video to start. If you cannot watch it at that time, the video will be available to watch at a later date or time that suits individuals.

Network Rail celebrates F&WHR link 5/5/20

Network Rail has published a web page emphasising its strong links to the F&WHR and is featured in the new series The Architecture the Railways Built (airing 5/5/20 at 8pm on the Yesterday Channel and repeated Saturday at 11pm. See NR website.

TrainSim F&WHR 2020

The new 2020 edition of TrainSim for the F&WHR route is packed full of new content. Phase 1 includes a fully detailed FR and basic detail on WHR. Phase 2, to come, will include improved detail on WHR. Purchasers of Phase 1 will be a discount on Phase 2 when it is released. All proceeds from sales will go to the F&WHR Trust. The product features realistic terrain from digital terrain data, accurate track layout and gradients. Rolling stock has 90% photorealistic textures, opening doors, interior passengers views as well as loco steam and sound effects. As well as the FR stock and steam locos (including Welsh Pony), the three existing WHR Garratts are included but there are no diesel locos and no freight stock other than the FR's Gravity train. The price is £5.99 but you also have to have purchased a copy of TrainSim 2020 and certain other routes from which content is borrowed.

FR Society virtual AGM video 2-3/5/20 cancelled?

With social distancing continuing the FR Society Virtual AGM will feature a video presentation which will illustrate progress with Welsh Pony. This video is 1 hour 15 mins long and will be shown on both Saturday and Sunday on line. News of these events strangely disappeared from the F&WHR sources shortly after publication on 1/5/20.

Welsh Pony launch event cancelled 30/5/20

The Welsh Pony launch event planned for 20-21/6/20 has been cancelled because of the pandemic. There maybe an opportunity to launch Welsh Pony at the FR's Victorian Weekend that might also see some events on the WHR, especially if the WHR SuperPower event is also cancelled.