Members are invited to the AGM weekend as it starts by welcoming ‘JUNO’ award winning Irish/Canadian singer, songwriter and guitarist Stephen Fearing to ‘Y Stesion’ in Caernarfon. The concert is part of a renewed effort to make better use of the station’s facilities and its ability to host external events. Stephen Fearing is an alluring entertainer – heart-breaking, expansive, and full of mirth – with a clear, honourable voice that lifts you out into his wide world and “brings you back home to yourself.” He says, “Getting on stage is the fun part, especially when the adrenaline kicks in. People want to escape and be taken on a journey. I build my shows so they do just that.”

Doors will open at 19:00 and the concert will start at 20:00. The bar will be open with drinks and snacks available.

Ticket prices: £14.00 (£14.84 inc. fee) in advance or £16.00 on the door.

On Saturday 17/9/22  10:00 - 16:00 - Take a look around Dinas Yard / Baldwin No.608 Shuttle Rides

The Society will be welcoming members to Dinas station during the day, where there will be opportunities to have a look at the NG15, admire the 16mm live steam model railway, chat to the NG15 team about progress and future plans, enjoy a cuppa at the café and buy some merchandise at the pop-up shop.

The WHR Society is delighted that Baldwin No.608, a privately owned locomotive, is spending some time here with us at the F&WHR courtesy of Graham Fairhurst. the loco must work up from Boston Lodge beforehand where it is based and recently repaired. It was built for use by the War Department in the First World War but spent most of its working life in India. A sister locomotive, No. 590, was used on the Welsh Highland Railway in the 1930’s but sadly did not survive except for a few parts at the WHHR. No.608 was rescued and returned to the UK ten years ago and has been the subject of a lengthy overhaul. Now at the commissioning and testing stage, it is hoped to see more of this loco as the F&WHR celebrate 100 years of the Welsh Highland Railway next year.

Members will be able to ride on short shuttle trains behind No.608 in Dinas, top & tailed by Lyd, and perhaps there will be opportunities for Footplate Rides too.

11:40 - 14:45 - Ride on the ‘Special Welcome back No.143 Train’ from Caernarfon - Rhyd Ddu and back

On Saturday, the group of volunteers who have worked to get No.143 back into traffic would like to invite members to join them on a special train from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu. This has been a huge effort which has seen many different volunteers lending a hand in the workshop at Dinas on a regular basic to get the job done despite all the difficulties of COVID.

The train will stop at Waunfawr station on the return journey, providing an opportunity for a short break at Snowdonia Parc Brewpub.

Caffi De Winton will be happy to sell visitors something to take on the train and there will be coffee and cold drinks at Waunfawr station.

17:30 onwards - Saturday Evening AGM at Caernarfon Station

On Saturday evening, the AGM will take place at Caernarfon Station, with a hot supper on offer to those attending, available between 17:30 and 18:30.

Pre-book your choice of main/dessert here: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/festrail/items/326305/availability/956385691/book/?full-items=yes

Sunday 18/9/22

10:00 - 16:00 - Take a look around Dinas Yard / Baldwin No.608 Shuttle Rides at Dinas (Lyd will not be available to top and tail in the afternoon)

10:15 - 13:00 - Glaslyn Venturer - Porthmadog to Beddgelert and return

It is possible to make a single journey from Porthmadog to Caernarfon changing at Beddgelert on the Sunday.

11:30 - 16:00 - Gelert Explorer - Caernarfon to Beddgelert and return (it should be possible to get off this and return via the Cwellyn e.g. at Rhyd Ddu)

12:30 - 15:00 - The Cwellyn – Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu and return

The Cwellyn service has been operating mid-week during the school holidays, in part as a suggestion by the WHRS Board and society members (not least your webmaster!). It has proved very popular – so here is a taste for members. This train will cease operation on Thursday 1/9/22 with the end of the Summer timetable but it appears Lyd may remain at Dinas specifically for this event.

A Reminder about Members’ Travel

Welsh Highland Society - Annual Members can book a standard class seating bay on their member railway at no charge, which covers two people. Any additional people in the compartment pay full individual ticket price as appropriate for that train. Members who will need their membership number with six numbers and prefixed by the letter W – e.g., W001234.

Family memberships with more than two members will need to telephone the Booking Office (on 01766 516024) to book their ticket.

Welsh Highland Society - Life members can book a First class or Standard class compartment at no charge, which covers two people. Any additional people in the compartment pay full individual ticket price as appropriate for that train. Life Members will need their membership number with six number and prefixed by the letters WL – e.g., WL000123.

A Reminder about Intermediate Travel

Don’t forget... intermediate travel is also available with an allocated carriage on each train specially for this purpose.

So, if members wish to travel from Waunfawr to Beddgelert, for instance, they should speak to the guard as the train arrives who will find you a seat. This is available to all passengers with tickets issued on board.

Garratt Nos.138/143 update 26/8/22

Both Beyer Garratt locomotives Nos.138/143 are stalwarts of the WHR fleet, having been in traffic almost continuously since the early years of the WHR redevelopment. However, both locomotives dropped out of traffic during the COVID lockdown and work started on the overhaul of the power units from No.138 which were very heavily worn. The left cylinder on the hind unit also had to be replaced as it had cracked and was beyond further use. No.138 was due to be the first in for overhaul but changing circumstances meant a change of plan.

A spare boiler was donated to the railway by the Puffing Billy Railway in Australia, and the F&WHR was immensely grateful to Mike Schumann for covering the costs of repatriating this boiler. The boiler, which had previously seen service on No.129 was overhauled at Locomotive Maintenance Services in Loughborough. No.143 will now be returned to traffic using the ex-Puffing Billy Railway boiler previously earmarked for No.138, meaning the boiler removed from No.143 in 2011 will now go to No.138 when that loco is eventually overhauled.

Nos.87/130 are currently in service in place of Nos.138/143 and once again we thank the sponsors that have made those locomotives available for traffic. Mindful that the railway requires three NGG16s to be available to cover the traffic on the WHR as well as effectively allowing for outages whilst covering the necessary maintenance routines, it was decided to use the newly overhauled power units from No.138 under No.143 as this gave the quickest route to seeing a fully overhauled locomotive with a ‘new’ boiler in traffic.

The power units from No.143 are currently beneath No.138 but not plumbed leaving them available as serviceable spares should they be needed. They will be overhauled commencing next year. The other spare boiler is currently with Israel Newton and should return for fitting to No.138 in 2023.

Returning to No.143 it passed a boiler hydraulic test on the 17/8/22 and thanks to the immense efforts of WHR Society volunteers and staff alike the F&WHR are looking forward to welcoming the last Garratt built in the UK back into service fleet this autumn and potentially having four Garratts in service in a few years time!

F&WHR 25/8/22

Thursday was forecast to be a day of sunny periods at Porthmadog with maximum temperatures of 19C. EIGHT trains were planned from Porthmadog (four Woodland Wanderer trains, two Mountain Spirit trains and two Glaslyn Venturer trains) while there were TWO from Caernarfon (the Gelert Explorer and the Cwellyn). The first Woodland Wanderer was fully booked by 10:00 as was the first Mountain Spirit train as many local campsites were fully booked for the week with Bank Holiday Monday approaching on 29/8/22.

No.130 arrived at 09:40 in the WHR platform. David Lloyd George arrived at 10:02 with the Mountain Spirit in the FR platform with run round coming at 10:12. Blanche was held at station limits until the Garratt had departed so the Woodland Wanderer could berth in the WHR platform at 10:19. Run round followed at 10:25 before the Fairlie departed. Merddin Emrys arrived into the FR platform at 11:20 with the last of the morning trains, the ECS for the 11:55 Woodland Wanderer. The loco ran round at 11:32 and departed on time.

The lunchtime rush saw No.130 return at 12:50 and detached to water at 13:05. At 13:20 Blanche shunted its rake into the yard to clear the FR platform for the next arrival. David Lloyd George arrived at 13:38 into the FR platform. blanche completed its run round in the yard at 13:40 as the Garratt departed. It then propelled its rake to the WHR platform, arriving at 13:47 for the 13:55 departure. David Lloyd George ran round at 14:12 and Merddin Emrys arrived in the WHR platform at 14:17, starting its light engine move to the yard at 14:23 but unusually had to wait until the 14:30 had departed. Merddin Emrys eventually ran round at 15:04 and departed 13 minutes late at 15:08.

At the end of the afternoon trains returned to Porthmadog with No.130 first at 16:20. This did not leave ECS until 16:55 begging the question as to where Blanche was. The answer came at 1721 when Upnor Castle arrived in the FR platform dragging Blanche and its rake. The diesel ran round at 17:28 and departed with the ECS at 17:31 with Blanche still attached to the rear. Blanche has arrived back over an hour late and had caused the two following trains to be late as well.

This easterly view (25/8/22) shows Upnor Castle dragging in Blanche on the 13:55 Woodland Wanderer delayed by an hour by an incident up the line. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Merddin Emrys arrived in the WHR platform at 17:54, some 44 minutes late due to Blanche's earlier problems. the loco ran to the yard to refuel/water before returning too the train at 18:05. The ECS had to await the arrival of David Lloyd George with the Mountain Spirit at 18:28, some 53 minutes late. the Fairlie ran round at 18:40 and departed with the ECS to close the day at 18:44.

As regards the earlier problem, Blanche had arrived at Tan-y-bwlch at 14:30 on time and shunted its train to the westbound platform at 14:43 after running round to allow the Mountain Spirit to pass by at 15:15. Blanche departed there at 15:47 with the returning Woodland Wanderer after Merddin Emrys arrived with the 14:55. The problem must have been in the woods as Upnor Castle and Blanche did not pass Minffordd until 17:12 and is reputed to be because of a dropped fusible plug near Plas Halt on the return journey. It seems likely Blanche will not be available for a while! 

Beddgelert lever frame 25/8/22

Work was underway today on the lever frame for Beddgelert Siding. The siding rodding and levers have remained in a dormant state for several years for some reason and access to the siding had depended on a padlock and screw as at Pen-y-Mount. Hopefully the work will rapidly progress to completion making this siding much more useful, especially for Gala events. Given the new 'Frontier' status of Beddgelert station in current F&WHR management forward planning, the siding might be required more frequently. Maybe the Pen-y-Mount ground frame might eventually appear too, housed in the signalbox at Pen-y-Mount (formerly intended for Cae Pawb Crossing). 

F&WHR 24/8/22

Wednesday was forecast to be a day of light cloud at Porthmadog with maximum temperatures of 17C. EIGHT trains were planned from Porthmadog (four Woodland Wanderer trains, two Mountain Spirit trains and two Glaslyn Venturer trains) while there were TWO from Caernarfon (the Gelert Explorer and the Cwellyn). The first three Woodland Wanderer trains were fully booked by 10:00 as were both Mountain Spirit trains as many local campsites were fully booked for the week with Bank Holiday Monday approaching on 29/8/22.

First train of the day was hauled by No.130 which pulled into the WHR platform at 09:24 with the ECS for the Glaslyn Venturer. David Lloyd George then arrived at 09:56 with the ECS Mountain Spirit into the FR platform. The Fairlie ran round at 10:09 with the ECS for the Woodland Wanderer arriving in the FR platform hauled by Blanche at 10:20 soon after the Garratt departed. Blanche ran round at 10:37 and departed on time after the Mountain Spirit departed, also on time. Merddin Emrys pulled into the FR platform at 10:21 with the ECS for 11:55 Woodland Wanderer. This ran round at 11:40 and departed on time.

Lunchtime activity began with the return of the Garratt at 12:56, running round at 13:00 and departing at 13:42. Blanche arrived at 13:14 and shunted the rake out of the FR platform at 13:20 to run round in the yard. At 13:44 the rake was shunted to the WHR platform. David Lloyd George arrived back into the FR platform as the Garratt departed and ran round at 14:14 as Criccieth Castle arrived in the WHR platform from the WHHR with brakevan No.51. With so much happening the freight was shunted into the seawall siding at 14:16 as the section ahead was occupied. Merddin Emrys arrived at 14:19 and the loco ran to the yard to coal and water at 14:22 while the other Fairlie departed on time at 14:30. This allowed the diesel to shunt out to the signal box at 14:34 and depart for Boston Lodge when the section was clear at 14:43 while Merddin Emrys was running round. The Woodland Wanderer departed 5 minutes late at 15:00.

This easterly view (24/8/22) shows Criccieth Castle apparently bringing the ex-VoR brakevan over from the WHHR. It is unclear if this a loan or a transfer of ownership. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Trains started returning in the late afternoon. First back was Blanche at 16:16 into the FR platform, running round at 16:25 and departing with the ECS at 16:35. At 16:20 the Garratt arrived and departed with the ECS Glaslyn Venturer at 16:27 as no run round or watering was required. Merddin Emrys returned at 17:06 into the WHR platform and ran light engine to coal and water in the yard at 17:09. At 17:15 it completed the run round and departed with the ECS at 17:38 as soon as David Lloyd George cleared The Cob section with the returning Mountain Spirit. The Fairlie ran round at 17:55 and departed with the ECS at 18:00 to close the day.

Mountaineer returns to Boston Lodge 23/8/22

Alco loco Mountaineer left Glan-y-pwll and was taken to Boston Lodge on the evening of 23/6/22 by Upnor Castle. Images may be found on the Friends of F&WHR Facebook page. This is in preparation for the Grand Pull of the loco across The Cob on Saturday 27/8/22 to raise funds for the loco.

This westerly view (23/8/22) shows Upnor Castle dragging Alco Mountaineer back to Boston Lodge during the evening after normal traffic had finished, passing through Tan-y-bwlch. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera by Colin Tucker. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

F&WHR 23/8/22

Tuesday was forecast to be a cloudy day at Porthmadog with maximum temperatures of 18C. EIGHT trains were planned from Porthmadog (four Woodland Wanderer trains, two Mountain Spirit trains and two Glaslyn Venturer train) while there were TWO from Caernarfon (the Gelert Explorer and the Cwellyn). The first two Woodland Wanderer trains were fully booked by 10:00 as was the first Mountain Spirit.

No.130 arrived at 09:21 into the WHR with the ECS for the Glaslyn Venturer in rather damp conditions. David Lloyd George arrived at 09:50 with the ECS for the Mountain Spirit which ran round at 10:05. Blanche arrived in the WHR platform at 10:26 with the ECS for the 10:55 after the Garratt had departed. Blanche had to wait for the Mountain Spirit to depart before completing the run round at 10:35. The final train of the morning was Merddin Emrys with the ECS for the 11:55 which arrived at 11:18 into the FR platform and ran round at 11:24, before departing on time.

No.130 was back at 12:59 and run round without going for water at 13:02. The weather had improved a little. Blanche arrived back at 13:15 and cleared the rake from the FR platform to the yard at 13:23. David Lloyd George arrived back at 13:41 and Blanche shunted its rake to the WHR platform at 13:46 after the Garratt departed. At 14:01 the Fairlie ran round after Blanche departed on time. Merddin Emrys pulled into the WHR platform at 14:17 and ran to coal and water at 14:20. Both Fairlies left on time.

At the end of the afternoon, Moelwyn came over with two loaded coal wagons for the fuelling point at 15:37. FR locos are running on coal but Garratts a mix of coal and ovoids loaded at Boston Lodge curve using the Loadall. A route was set for the diesel to return light to Boston Lodge but as it took some time to do the shunt, the route was cancelled at 15:41 with the Woodland Wanderer approaching. Blanche was back first at 16:11, allowing Moelwyn to leave light engine a minute later when The Cob section was clear. Blanche's run round was at 16:19 and it departed ECS at 16:32. The Garratt followed at 16:16 departing ECS at 16:23. Merddin Emrys arrived back at 17:13 with the 14:55 Woodland Wanderer into the WHR platform. At 17:18 the loco went to the yard to refuel and water before rejoining the rake at 17:35. David Lloyd George arrived back at 17:41 allowing Merddin Emrys to leave a minute later with the ECS of the Woodland Wanderer. The loco ran round at 17:54 and departed ECS at 17:58 to close the day's activities.

F&WHR 22/8/22

Monday was forecast to be a rainy day at Porthmadog with maximum temperatures of 18C but improving a little in the afternoon. SEVEN trains were planned from Porthmadog (four Woodland Wanderer trains, two Mountain Spirit trains and one Glaslyn Venturer train) while there was just ONE from Caernarfon (the Gelert Explorer). The first Mountain Spirit was fully booked by 10:00. 

No.130 arrived with the ECS Glaslyn Venturer at 09:34. David Lloyd George was second into the FR platform at 10:00 with the ECS Mountain Spirit, running round at 10:09. Blanche ran into the WHR platform at 10:21 with the ECS Woodland Wanderer. This ran round at 10:35 after the Mountain Spirit had left. Merddin Emrys arrived with the 11:55 ECS at 11:18, running round at 11:22 and departing on time.

The Garratt arrived back at 12:58 in the rain and was in the yard taking water as Blanche arrived back at 13:12. Instead of taking the ECS back to Boston Lodge the loco ran round for an extra Glaslyn Venturer which was not on the booking system in the morning! The rainy conditions must have increased the numbers booking beyond expectations. At 13:21 Blanche cleared the FR platform for the next arrival which was David Lloyd George at 13:41. Blanche then ran round in the yard and shunted its rake to the WHR platform at 13:53 in rather murky conditions that at least provided good condensation. The train left 7 minutes late at 14:02. At 14:07 the Fairlie ran round in the FR platform and left after the Woodland Wanderer returned. Merddin Emrys arrived back at 14:23 and ran round at 14:45 after refuelling and taking water. The train left at 15:00 some 5 minutes late.

At the end of the afternoon No.130 returned at 16:20 in better weather with the extra Glaslyn Venturer. The train left ECS at 16:29. Blanche pulled into the FR platform at 16:26 and ran round at 16:35 before departing ECS at 16:39. Merddin Emrys arrived at 17:06 with the returning Woodland Wanderer into the WHR platform, running round at 17:18 and departing ECS at 17:20. The final train of the day was hauled by David Lloyd George arriving back at 17:47 into the FR platform. Run round came at 18:03 and the ECS left at 18:06 to close the day's activities.

Timetable w/c 22/8/22

This timetable shows planned train services week commencing 22/8/22. Click on the image to enlarge. Click again for full size where available. This image is courtesy F&WHR.

F&WHR 21/8/22

Sunday was forecast to be a day of light cloud at Porthmadog with maximum temperatures of 18C. FIVE trains were planned from Porthmadog (two Woodland Wanderer trains, two Mountain Spirit trains and one Glaslyn Venturer train) while there was just ONE from Caernarfon (the Gelert Explorer). The afternoon Mountain Spirit is normally SuX but ran today. The 10:55 Woodland Wanderer was fully booked by 10:00.

No.130 was first today arriving at 09:25 with the ECS for the Glaslyn Venturer. This was followed by David Lloyd George that arrived at 09:51 into the FR platform with the ECS for the Mountain Spirit, running round at 10:00. Finally, Merddin Emrys came over ECS and waited at the home signal for 5 minutes until the Garratt departed to leave the WHR platform clear. The Woodland Wanderer then ran into the WHR platform at 11:19 but run round came at 10:35 after the Mountain Spirit had departed.

The Garratt returned at 12:55, departing ECS at 13:11 right after David Lloyd George arrived into the FR platform. The Fairlie ran round at 13:27. Merddin Emrys returned at 13:36 and ran round at 13:39. Both trains departed on time.

First back at the end of the afternoon was Merddin Emrys at 16:12, running round at 16.30 and departing ECS at 16:35. David Lloyd George arrived back at 17:35, ran round at 17:54 and departed with the ECS at 17:56 to close the day's activities.

F&WHR 20/8/22

Saturday 20/8/22 was forecast to be a day of sunny periods at Porthmadog and maximum temperatures of 19C. The F&WHR has reduced services for Saturday. There was ONE train from Caernarfon (the Snowdonia Star) and FIVE from Porthmadog (two Woodland Wanderer trains, two Mountain Spirit trains and the Harbourmaster train). No trains were fully booked in the morning..

First up today was No.130 arriving at 09:12 with the ECS for The Harbourmaster. This left on time as the Mountain Spirit was being prepared at Boston Lodge. Another usual movement occurred at 10:00 when Welsh Pony piloted Blanche into the FR platform with the ECS for the Mountain Spirit. This train has been hauled by a Fairlie for the last several weeks. The pair ran round each other and at 10:07 ran round their train so that the England was on the front for the trip to Blaenau Ffestiniog. Merddin Emrys arrived at 10:18 in the WHR platform with the ECS for the Woodland Wanderer. Moelwyn arrived light engine at 11:24.

No.87 arrived at 12:07 with the Snowdonia Star. The loco detached and ran to refuel and water at 12:11 coming back and running round at 12:24. David Lloyd George arrived light engine at 12:55. Merddin Emrys returned at 13:10 and shunted its rake to the yard at 13:15 to clear the FR platform for the return of the Mountain Spirit which arrived, this time led by Blanche somewhat surprisingly. David Lloyd George took over the train for the 14:55 departure. Merddin Emrys ran round at the same time and then shunted its rake into the far end of the FR platform at 13:44, departing on time at 13:55. The pair that had doubled headed the morning run left light engine at 14:07.

At 16:11 Merddin Emrys was first back with the Woodland Wanderer. Run round came at 16:22 and the train departed ECS at 16:26. 16:41 No.130 rolled in with Upnor Castle standing waiting beyond the king point but then came into the yard. At 16:47 the Garratt detached and ran direct to Boston Lodge and the diesel hooked up to The Harbourmaster to take the ECS back to Boston Lodge at 17:18. David Lloyd George arrived at 17:35 with the Mountain Spirit. The Fairlie ran round at 17:49 and departed with the ECS at 17:56 but was pulled up sharply by the signalbox when some youths caused trouble by hanging on the train and waving at the webcam as it was leaving. There was an altercation with station staff before the train was able to leave safely at 17:59. Respect must be given to staff and volunteers who have to deal with what appeared to be drunken loutish behaviour at Porthmadog Station.

F&WHR 19/8/22

Friday 19/8/22 was forecast to be a day of sunny periods at Porthmadog and maximum temperatures of 18C. The F&WHR has reduced services for Friday believing it to be a day that holidaymakers travel home. There was ONE train from Caernarfon (the Snowdonia Star) and FIVE from Porthmadog (two Woodland Wanderer trains, two Mountain Spirit trains and the Harbourmaster train). Unusually The Harbourmaster train was shown as Sold Out by 09:00, possibly a first.

No.130 was first today with The Harbourmaster at 09:15 followed by David Lloyd George at 10:02 arriving ECS in the FR platform. The Fairlie ran round at 10:15 and departed on time. A surprise was Merddin Emrys which arrived with the ECS for the Woodland Wanderer at 10:24. Run round had to await the 4 minute late departure of the Woodland Wanderer and came at 10:39.

This easterly view (19/8/22) shows Merddin Emrys allocated to the Woodland Wanderer on its first passenger turn for well over a month. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

No.87 arrived in sunshine at 12:111 with the Snowdonia Star with the loco running to refuel and water at 12:!8. Merddin Emrys arrived back at 13:17 and shunted the rake to the yard at 13:25 to clear the FR platform for the returning Mountain Spirit which arrived at 13:43. The Garratt ran round at 13:35 ready for the 14:15 return journey. Merddin Emrys ran round at 13:50 and shunted its rake to the end of the FR platform for the 13:55 Woodland Wanderer. David Lloyd George ran round at 14:15 and at 14:19 Britomart was noted running into the yard with two coaches. At 14:42 Britomart ran round the short rake before departing at 14:57 towards Boston Lodge. The train consisted on new 'Super Barn' coach No.808 and brake van No.11. It would appear that the event was for Bob Bloodworth's family as the coach was built in memory of him. The train went to Tan-y-bwlch and there are images and video on Friends of the F&WHR Facebook page.

The Harbourmaster arrived back in the hands of No.130 at 6:41 and departed ECS at 16:53. This was followed by Merddin Emrys at 16:34, over 20 minutes late. possibly after some teething problems? The loco ran round at 16:49 and departed ECS at 17:09. Britomart arrived back at 17:35 with its two coach rake into the WHR platform in association with the coach No.808 event. The loco eventually propelled back up the platform to wait by the signalbox for the delayed return of David Lloyd George at 17:56 and departed 1 minute later. The Fairlie ran round at 18:18 and departed at 18:22 ECS to close the day's activities.

This easterly view (19/8/22) shows Britomart with its short 2 coach rake on a special having just returned to Porthmadog. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Festiniog Round Robin available again

Rail Express magazine reports of a journey that uses rail to make a clockwise circular journey from Llandudno Junction back to the same station utilising both NR and the FR. The Day Ranger ticket costs £26.40 (with Railcard) which is good value! The journey includes a substantial loco hauled mileage along the North Wales coast to Chester and then to Shrewsbury. Cross platform interchange is possible at Minffordd and Blaenau Ffestiniog. A small add on fare allows journeys from Liverpool, Manchester and Wolverhampton to join the circular journey, which can also be made anticlockwise. It seems possible a version involving the WHR (FSO) could be marketed with a short bus link from Caernarfon to Bangor? See TfW website for full details.

F&WHR 18/8/22

Thursday 18/8/22 was forecast to be a day of showers at Porthmadog and maximum temperatures of 18C. The F&WHR continues to run the second rake on the Woodland Wanderer making four of these train services available. There were TWO trains from Caernarfon (the Gelert Explorer and the Cwellyn) and EIGHT from Porthmadog (four Woodland Wanderer trains, two Mountain Spirit trains and two Glaslyn Venturer trains). The first three Woodland Wanderer trains were fully booked as was the first Mountain Spirit. With the wet weather the train won out over the beach today and the 14:30 Mountain Spirit was also fully booked.

No.130 arrived with the ECS for the Glaslyn Venturer at 09:40. David Lloyd George arrived at 09:53 into the FR platform with the ECS for the Mountain Spirit. this might be the last week that the Fairlie has to haul this service unsupported as Merddin Emrys might be released to traffic by the end of August after its firebox repairs. The Fairlie ran round at 10:01. Once the Garratt had departed Blanche arrived with the ECS for the Woodland Wanderer into the WHR platform at 10:20. Run round came at 10:36, shortly after the Mountain Spirit had departed. At 11:21 Welsh Pony and Palmerston appeared double headed with the ECS for the 11:55 Woodland Wanderer. Welsh Pony then went to collect the two spare coaches stabled in the seawall siding to add to the rake. Palmerston then ran round at 11:40 and became the pilot loco. The pair left at 11:59 with the damp air creating good condensation effects.

This westerly view (18/8/22) shows Palmerston piloting Welsh Pony on the strengthened 11:55 Woodland Wanderer passing Minffordd in very damp conditions. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

The Garratt was back at 12:57 and ran round at 13:02. Blanche was back at 13:23 in the FR platform and shunted the rake to the yard before running round at 13:48. The Fairlie arrived back at 13:51 while people cowered from the awful weather. The loco ran round at 14:26 and shunted to the WHR platform at 13:55 before departing at 14:09. The Fairlie ran round at 14:25 and departed after the double headed England pulled in at 14:32. The England engines then ran round at 14:38 and departed at 15:09, some 13 minutes late. At 14:48 Merddin Emrys turned up light in the WHR loop presumably on test after its recent reassembly.

This easterly view (18/8/22) shows Merddin Emrys presumably on a light engine test run to Pont Croesor and back after it recent reassembly. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

At 15:21 Merddin Emrys returned from a light engine test run up the WHR presumably to Pont Croesor and back in the half hour it took and disappeared into the murk returning to Boston Lodge at 15:30. The Garratt arrived back at 16:22 and was unusually already signalled to depart ECS as it arrived. Actual departure came at 16:28. Blanche arrived back at 16:47 into the WHR some 35 minutes late possibly after problems with wet rail in the woods. At 16:53 Blanche went to coal and water in the yard before returning and departing ECS at 17:03. the double headed England working pulled in at 17:29 with Palmerston still on the front. The pair ran round at 17:35 and Welsh Pony detached to couple onto the front for the ECS followed by Palmerston which again became pilot loco. The ECS departed at 17:44. The last train to return was the Fairlie which rolled into the FR platform at 18:06. Run round came at 18:10 and the ECS departed at 18:15 to close a day of varied locos.

Mountaineer news

ALCO Mountaineer is now on Facebook and WhatsApp for those who want to follow the latest news. The ALCO pull will occur during the morning of 27/8/22.

F&WHR 17/8/22

Wednesday 17/8/22 was forecast to be a day of light cloud at Porthmadog and maximum temperatures of 20C. The F&WHR continues to run the second rake on the Woodland Wanderer making four of these train services available. There were TWO trains from Caernarfon (the Gelert Explorer and the Cwellyn) and EIGHT from Porthmadog (four Woodland Wanderer trains, two Mountain Spirit trains and two Glaslyn Venturer trains). Wednesday's first Woodland Wanderer and Mountain Spirit were sold out a day in advance and the Cwellyn was running. The 13:55 Woodland Wanderer was also sold out by 13:00.

The first surprise of the day was Upnor Castle bringing the ECS for the Glaslyn Venturer over at 09:35. It is possible the Garratt was not quite ready as the diesel returned light engine to the depot at 09:40. David Lloyd George arrived into the FR platform at 10:00 and No.130 arrived light engine at 10:15. The Fairlie ran round at 10:16 as the Garratt departed a few minutes late at 10:19. Blanche arrived in the WHR platform at 10:24 with the ECS for the 10:55 Woodland Wanderer. and ran round at 10:35 after the Fairlie had cleared The Cob shunt limit section. Welsh Pony arrived at 11:20 with the ECS for the 11:55 and steam was being raised at Boston Lodge for a mystery loco. Run round came at 11:32 and the train departed on time.

This easterly view (17/8/22) shows Upnor Castle with the ECS Glaslyn Venturer rake unusually diesel hauled. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

The Garratt arrived back at 13:08 and a minute later ran to the yard to refuel and water. Blanche arrived back at 13:16 and at 13:24 shunted its rake to the yard to clear the FR platform for the returning Mountain Spirit. The Fairlie arrived back at 13:42 as Blanche ran round in the yard and the Garratt departed. The rake was shunted over to the WHR platform at 13:54 and left a few minutes late. The Fairlie ran round at 14:11 and departed 5 minutes late at 14:35 after Welsh Pony arrived back at 14:19 into the WHR platform and ran to the yard at 14:25 to coal and water. Welsh Pony returned to its train at 14:46 and departed on time at 14:55 with the short 5 coach Woodland Wanderer rake.

At the end of the afternoon the train began to return in order. No.130 arrived at 16:21 with Blanche running into the FR platform at 16:23, ran round at 16:34 and departed with the ECS at 16:38. The Garratt left ECS at 16:50. Welsh Pony arrived in the WHR platform at 17:09 and ran round at 17:14 departing ECS by 17:28. The last train back was the Fairlie which departed ECS at around 18:00 to close the day's activities.

Sunak backs Wylfa B nuclear power station

Tory leadership contender Rishi Sunak has confirmed he is a big supporter of New Nuclear and is looking forward to seeing the plans for Wylfa B nuclear power station. Nothing has been heard from Liz Truss, the other contender, on the issue. See Daily Post story.

F&WHR 16/8/22

Tuesday 16/8/22 was forecast to be a day of light cloud and maximum temperatures of 19C with  possibility of a thunderstorm. The F&WHR continues to run the second rake on the Woodland Wanderer making four of these train services available. There were TWO trains from Caernarfon (the Gelert Explorer and the Cwellyn) and EIGHT from Porthmadog (four Woodland Wanderer trains, two Mountain Spirit trains and two Glaslyn Venturer trains). The first two Woodland Wanderer trains were fully booked by 10:00. Wednesday's first Woodland Wanderer and Mountain Spirit were sold out a day in advance and the Cwellyn was running.

Today's first train was No.130 again arriving ECS in the WHR platform at 09:55. This was followed by David Lloyd George arriving at 10:08 in the FR platform with the ECS for the Mountain Spirit followed by run round at 10:18. Blanche turned up at 10:25 arriving with the ECS for the Woodland Wanderer. Run round came at 10:35 after the Mountain Spirit had cleared the shunt limit. Welsh Pony was next arriving ECS in the FR platform with the short 5 coach 11:55 Woodland Wanderer at 11:17 and ran round at 11:22.

The Garratt was back at 13:02 and ran to the yard at 13:15 to refuel and water after blanche arrived at 13:!2. Blanche then shunted its rake to the yard before the Fairlie arrived in the FR platform at 13:39. Blanche shunted its rake to the WHR platform at 13:44 ready for the 13:55 Woodland Wanderer. the Fairlie ran round at 14:11 ready for the 14:30 Mountain Spirit. Welsh Pony arrived back at 14:18 into the WHR platform and ran to the yard light engine to refuel and water at 14:22. The loco returned to the train at 14:45 ready for the 14:55 Woodland Wanderer.

At the end of the afternoon, the trains began to return one by one. First back was the Garratt t 16:21 which departed ECS at 16:32. Blanche returned at 16:25, ran round at 16:34 and departed with the ECS at 16:46. Welsh Pony arrived back in the WHR platform at 17:07, ran round at 17:09 and departed with the ECS at 17:15. Last back was the Fairlie at 17:39 into the FR platform. The run round followed at 17:58 and the train departed ECS at 18:02 to complete the day's train movements.

Timetable w/c 15/8/22

This timetable shows planned train services week commencing 15/8/22. Click on the image to enlarge. Click again for full size where available. This image is courtesy F&WHR.

Loco progress 15/8/22

The F&WHR will be relieved to getting its second Fairlie back before the end of August. The loco has had attention to cracking of the firebox bottom corners near the foundation ring. New section of plate have been welded in and the welds checked with magnetic particles. The boiler has been hydraulically tested and the loco is coming back together in the next week or so. The tanks have been moved from the Heritage Shed and refitted to the loco as well as the power bogies. Work on James Spooner will resume as soon as Merddin Emrys is complete. Work on Castle Caernarfon will hopefully resume too and this loco will be back in traffic in September if all goes well  Linda is also been reassembled after attention to frame cracks and valves. With WHR 100 2023 (the opening throughout of the WHR) in prospect next year the F&WHR based Baldwin No.608 is nearing completion at Boston Lodge after its failure back in November 2019. This loco might appear as No.590 for the WHR 100 event, as the original No.590 arrived at Dinas Junction on 4/7/23. The WHHR is also attempting to create a version of Baldwin No.590 from the Imperial War Museum's No.794 and work is underway at the VoR, Aberystwyth. The F&WHR's ALCO Mountaineer will be restored at Glan-y-pwll depot after the depot is reroofed and rewired and will be worked on there rather than Boston Lodge. Funds are currently being raised, including a sponsored pull on 27/8/22. The loco will be disassembled and assessed to produce a costed restoration programme.

Moving Pictures No.70 15/8/22

Click on the YouTube link to watch 30 minutes 21 seconds of video covering progress with rolling stock in Boston Lodge. This video was published on 16/8/22 and is best viewed at 1080p with Chrome. This video was produced by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional 4K Betamax camcorder.

 F&WHR 15/8/22

Monday was forecast to be a day of light cloud at Porthmadog with maximum temperatures of 21C. EIGHT trains were planned from Porthmadog (four Woodland Wanderer trains, two Mountain Spirit trains and two Glaslyn Explorer trains) while there was just ONE from Caernarfon (the Gelert Explorer). No trains were fully booked as of 10:00. Tuesday's 10:55 Woodland Wanderer was shown as sold out the evening before.

No.130 pulled in first at 09:32 with the ECS for the 10:15 Glaslyn Venturer. Blanche arrived next at 10:14 with the ECS for the Woodland Wanderer and was directed to the WHR loop line as the FR platform was required by the 10:30 Mountain Spirit. Blanche ran round through the WHR platform at 10:23 but was held at signals waiting for the ECS for the 10:30 to arrive. David Lloyd George eventually rolled into the FR platform at 10:30, which was its departure time, the third time the train has run late in three days! Once The Cob section was clear, Blanche completed its run round at 10:32 while the Fairlie completed its run round at 10:34. Blanche's shunt to the WHR platform had to wait the departure of the Fairlie at 10:40 (some 10 minutes late) and eventually happened at 10:46 after checking the vacuum pipe few times. Arriving in the platform at 10:50, the Woodland Wanderer loaded the large crowd on the platform and was able to depart at 11:00, a few minutes late after a number of passengers arrived late after departure time.

This easterly view (15/8/22) shows Blanche and the Woodland Wanderer rake unusually stabled in the WHR loop as the Mountain Spirit ECS was running late out of Boston Lodge and required the FR platform. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Welsh Pony turned up in the FR platform at 11:28 with the ECS fro the 11:55. At 11:39 the loco shunted the rear two coaches to the seawall siding before departing on time with a short 5 coach rake. The Garratt arrived back at 12:38. At 13:00 the loco ran to the yard to refuel and water ready for the afternoon trip. The loco ran round at 13:13 and departed at 13:42. Blanche arrived at 13:34 and ran round at 13:50. The Fairlie arrived at 14:01 into the WHR platform in another unusual move as it was running 25 minutes late. This caused Blanche to depart 10 minutes late at 14:05 as the Fairlie ran round. The train eventually left 11 minutes late at 14:41.

First back at the end of the afternoon was No.130 at 16:21. The ECS left at 16:46 for Boston Lodge as soon as Blanche cleared The Cob section arriving back at 16:45 in the FR platform. Blanche ran round at 16:53 and departed with the ECS at 16:58. Welsh Pony arrived back in the FR platform at 17:27 and ran round at 17:33 before departing at 17:37 with its short 5 coach rake. The final train of the day was the Fairlie which returned at 18:02, over 25 minutes late again. A few passengers had detrained at Minffordd in order to catch a Cambrian Coast connection to get home. Upnor Castle turned up propelling two B wagons of coal for the fuelling point at 18:11. The Fairlie ran round at 18:17 before departing with the ECS at 18:21. Upnor Castle left light engine at 18:31 to close the day's activities.

Hop on/Hop off fares and one way First class upgrades

A table of special fares is now available which includes all trains except the Woodland Wanderer from intermediate stations. First class upgrades are now also available for single tickets. Intermediate fares are available for use on a special coach kept available on each rake but no doubt the guard can use their discretion if there are unbooked seats elsewhere in the rake.

See Hop On/Hop Off/First Upgrades fare tables website. The fares shown are Third Class return fares.

F&WHR 14/8/22

Sunday was forecast to be a sunny day at Porthmadog with maximum temperatures of 27C, possibly the end of the current heat wave. FIVE trains were planned from Porthmadog (two Woodland Wanderer trains, two Mountain Spirit trains and one Glaslyn Explorer train) while there was just ONE from Caernarfon (the Gelert Explorer). The afternoon Mountain Spirit is normally SuX but ran today. None of the today's trains was fully booked by 10:00.

No.130 was the first arrival at 09:36 with the ECS for the Glaslyn Venturer. David Lloyd George arrived next at 09:58 with the ECS for the Mountain Spirit, running round at 10:14. The last of the morning's trains was hauled by Blanche as expected which arrived somewhat later than normal with the ECS for the Woodland Wanderer at 10:31, followed by running round at 10:39.

No.130 was back at 13:02 and departed ECS at 13:27 immediately after Blanche arrived into the FR platform at 13:26. Blanche ran round at 13:51 but had to wait for the Fairlie to arrive into the WHR platform some 25 minutes late at 14:01 before departing with the 13:55 at 14:05. The Fairlie then ran round and departed at 14:37. This was the second day in succession the train has run late for no apparent reason.

The end of the afternoon saw Blanche return at 16:33 and run round at 16:44 before departing ECS at 16:48. The last train of the day was hauled by the Fairlie which returned at 17:48. The loco ran round at 18:05 and departed with the ECS at 18:09 to close the day's activities.

F&WHR 13/8/22

Saturday 12/8/22 was forecast to be a sunny day with temperatures of 30C so a day when many tourists might choose a dip in the sea. In fact the sea temperatures at Black Rock Sands were reputed to be some of the warmest ever experienced. As  result the service pattern was the same as Friday's with ONE train from Caernarfon (the Snowdonia Star) but FIVE from Porthmadog (two Woodland Wanderer trains, two Mountain Spirit trains and The Harbourmaster). No trains were fully booked in the morning with people possibly choosing the beach rather than the railway. The same is true of Sunday and the 5 train service will repeat last Sunday's offering, none of which are fully booked the day in advance.

No.130 was up first arriving ECS at 09:14 and departing for Caernarfon at 09:42. David Lloyd George arrived at 09:55 with the ECS for the Mountain Spirit into the FR platform. The Fairlie ran round at 10:05. Blanche arrived a little later than normal into the WHR platform with the ECS for the 10:55, but after detaching, waited in the WHR loop for the Fairlie to depart at 10:31. Blanche ran round at 10:34 and departed on time at 10:55.

No.87 arrived at 12:20 with the Snowdonia Star. Unusually the loco detached and ran to Boston Lodge, presumably to refuel and water. Blanche returned at 13:10. The Garratt returned at 13:22 and ran round ready to depart. a mystery developed when the Fairlie did not return at 13:35 as expected and no attempt was made by Blanche to remove the Woodland Wanderer rake from the FR platform. In fact Blanche ran round at 13:41 and departed on time at 13:55 despite the Mountain Spirit not returning. The late running train departed Tan-y-bwlch at 13:32, over half an hour late and passed the Woodland Wanderer at Minffordd. There appeared to be a crew change at Minffordd at 14:08 before the Fairlie resumed its journey a few minutes later. The train arrived back at Porthmadog at 14:20, some 45 minutes late and just10 minutes before its next turn of duty. The Fairlie eventually ran round at 14:45 after refuelling and taking water and the train departed at 14:50, some 20 minutes late.

Blanche was first back arriving in the FR platform at 16:26, running round at 16:33 and departing ECS at 16:35. No.130 was next, arriving in the WHR platform at 16:47 and departing ECS at 16:54. The final train of the day was the delayed Fairlie, which was still 25 minutes late when returning from Tan-y-bwlch. The train eventually rolled into the FR platform at 18:01, about 25 minutes late. Run round came at 18:15 and the ECS departed at 18:20 to close the day's activities.

Mountaineer 12/8/22

Alco No.1265 Mountaineer is currently languishing in Glan-y-pwll storage shed. It will soon be brought down to Boston Lodge for the sponsored pull 'Guess the Time' competition for its transit to Harbour Station on 27/8/22 (see below). The loco found use on lighter trains when the WHR opened as far as Dinas in 1997 and again to Waunfawr in 2000-2001. It will be restored as a coal fired loco requiring a new design of firebox. It will be interesting to see how it performs on the full WHR with its 1 in 40 grades if it is allocated to any such services.

This easterly view (12/8/22) shows Mountaineer stored in Glan-y-pwll new shed. The loco will soon be brought down to Boston Lodge and will need to be well oiled before the transit and, not least, the pull across The Cob! 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 northerly view (27/10/97) shows Mountaineer running round a late afternoon train at Caernarfon at the end of the first season. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was scanned from a slide taken on a Sigma SA300 with a Minolta DiMAGE Scan Dual III AF2840. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (29/04/01) shows Mountaineer running round at Waunfawr in the new lined black BR style livery it wore for the 2000-2001 season. The loco was soon to return to the FR. Rail stacks in Waunfawr yard show that work is about to start on track laying south from Waunfawr. It is a pity a siding was never laid in the yard for operational flexibility. The yard area has become completely overgrown over the last two decades since this photo. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was scanned from a slide taken on a Sigma SA300 with a Minolta DiMAGE Scan Dual III AF2840. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Llangollen latest

The Llangollen railway had its Class 47 out this weekend and its remaining Mk1 coaches. Previously the railway has run with its red suburban rake. Class 47 No.47449 (running as 1566) managed the 5 strong Mk1 rake with ease. The TSO coaches made a welcome return to the line offering panoramic views of the Vale of Llangollen. See Unofficial Llangollen Railway Facebook page for images. Diesel haulage will occur on Saturdays and the current hot spell may lead to the suspension of steam trains.

F&WHR 12/8/22

Friday 12/8/22 was forecast to be a sunny day with temperatures of 30C so a day when many tourists might choose the beach. As result only two Woodland Wanderer trains are booked today compared to the normal four. There was ONE train from Caernarfon (the Snowdonia Star) but FIVE from Porthmadog (two Woodland Wanderer trains, two Mountain Spirit trains and The Harbourmaster).

First up today was No.130 which arrived at 09:10 with the ECS for the 09:40 The Harbourmaster. Next was David Lloyd George with the ECS for the 10:30 Mountain Spirit which arrived at 10:01 into the FR platform. The loco ran round promptly at 10:05. It was no surprise when Blanche turned up at 10:18 with its regular ECS for the 10:55 Woodland Wanderer into the WHR platform. Blanche ran round promptly at 10:24.

No.87 pulled in at 12:26 with the Snowdonia Star and the loco detached and ran to the yard at 12:30. At 12:52 Harlech Castle with the well wagon and a brake van passed through the WHR loop from the Dinas direction while No.87 was still in the yard preparing to coal and water. At 12:55 the PW train reversed into the seawall siding and the Garratt ran round at 13:00 now the WHR loop was clear. Blanche arrived back at 13:15 and the PW train left the yard and crossed The Cob now the section was clear. The train passed through Minffordd at 13:27 heading towards Tan-y-bwlch. Blanche shunted its rake into the yard and ran round at 13:34. Now the FR platform was clear, the Fairlie ran in at 13:45 and Blanche shunted its rake into the far end of the FR platform at 13:47 for the 13:55 departure. The Fairlie ran round at 14:11 and departed on time.

This easterly view (12/8/22) shows Harlech Castle reversing into the yard. The Cob was required by a train in section and the WHR run round was required by the Garratt so the sea wall was the temporary bolt hole for this short freight with the well wagon and brake van. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

At the end of the afternoon, Blanche returned first at 16:21, running round at 16:32 and departing ECS at 16:36. The Garratt followed at 17:05, departing ECS at 17:10. The Fairlie arrived back last at 17:39 and ran round at 17:56 before departing ECS at 18:01 to close the day's activities.

Rail tales (Episode 1)-Summer at Beddgelert

Click on the YouTube link to watch 8 minutes 57 seconds of video covering Beddgelert Station. This is the first VLOG of a new series. The vlogger gives a guided tour of Beddgelert station and its new shop/cafe and sheltered seating area. This video was published on 12/8/22 and is best viewed at 1080p with Chrome. This video was produced by volunteers on a camcorder.

F&WHR 11/8/22

Thursday was forecast to be a sunny day at Porthmadog with maximum temperatures of 28C, when many holidaymakers might be expected to go to the beach. EIGHT trains were planned from Porthmadog (four Woodland Wanderer trains, two Mountain Spirit trains and two Glaslyn Explorer trains) and ONE from Caernarfon (the Gelert Explorer and the Cwellyn). The first Woodland Wanderer working was fully booked by 10am. Yesterday's missing Cwellyn train may have been due to a staff shortage. Anecdotal reports suggest the loadings have been good but never 'Sold Out' so far on Fareharbor.

No.130 was first again with the Glaslyn Venturer arriving ECS at 09:30. This was followed by David Lloyd George at 09:59 arriving ECS in the FR platform and running round at 10:10. After the Garratt left, Blanche arrived at 10:21 with the ECS for the 10:55 Woodland Wanderer, then ran round at 10:25. Both trains left on time. Welsh Pony arrived at 10:52 with the ECS for the 11:55 Woodland Wanderer, running round at 11:15.

No.130 arrived back at 12:59. At 13:14 No.130 ran round as Blanche arrived. Blanche cleared the FR platform for the Fairlie to arrive at 13:43 whilst Blanche ran round in the yard At 13:48 Blanche shunted its rake from the yard to the WHR platform. At 14:04 the Fairlie ran round. At 14:22 Welsh Pony arrived back and at 14:39 ran to the yard to refuel and water. At 14:47 the England completed its run round move and departed with the final Woodland Wanderer service at 14:55.

The Glaslyn Venturer was back at 16:21 with No.130, departing ECS at 16:29 and Blanche followed at 16:25, departing ECS at 16:39. Welsh Pony was back at 17:22 and ran round at 17:25. At 17:29 the England shunted the two spare carriages from the seawall siding back onto the rake and departing ECS at 17:33. The Fairlie arrived back at 17:53 before running round at 18:06 and departing ECS at 18:10 to close the day.

Aberystwyth log train becomes regular weekly working

Colas has confirmed that it has signed a contract with Kronospan of Chirk for a weekly freight train of logs from Aberystwyth. The working was trialled in the Spring and ran in recent weeks via Shrewsbury, Crewe and Chester to Chirk as there is no crossover at Chirk. The train uses the Aberystwyth station loop as a loading siding and utilises NR's Class 97s for haulage. See Rail Advent announcement. This is the third positive rail freight development in North Wales recently with the start of slate waste from Llandudno Junction yard and resumption of stone from Penmaenmawr. The move is reported to reflect the shortage of lorry drivers brought about by BREXIT as well as being a positive reduction in carbon footprint for UK industry.

F&WHR 10/8/22

Wednesday was forecast to be a sunny day at Porthmadog with maximum temperatures of 25C, when many holidaymakers might be expected to go to the beach. EIGHT trains were planned from Porthmadog (four Woodland Wanderer trains, two Mountain Spirit trains and two Glaslyn Explorer trains) and ONE from Caernarfon (the Gelert Explorer and the Cwellyn). The first two Woodland Wanderer workings were fully booked by 9am as was the first Mountain Spirit. Surprisingly, the Cwellyn service was not booked to run today whereas it was last Wednesday suggesting that the WHR needs more promotional advertising as the FR is running with almost half its trains fully booked! A few years ago plastic tags were issued to travellers on the FR reminding them of the WHR. If a small discount was offered on presentation of such a tag, it could encourage people to visit both railways, after all the modern A487 means a Porthmadog to Caernarfon drive to visit the WHR is just 30 minutes on average. By midday the 13:55 Woodland Wanderer was also fully booked.

No.130 was first again with the Glaslyn Venturer arriving ECS at 09:44. This was followed by David Lloyd George at 10:02 arriving ECS in the FR platform and running round at 10:10. After the Garratt left, Blanche arrived at 10:19 with the ECS for the 10:55 Woodland Wanderer, then running round at 10:24. Both trains left on time. Welsh Pony arrived at 11:18 with the ECS for the 11:55 Woodland Wanderer, running round at 11:32.

At 12:31 Harlech Castle arrived in the WHR platform from the WHR hauling the cherrypicker rake with a brake van. The token to proceed was issued almost immediately as the station was coming up on the lunchtime rush period. The rake was noted reversing into Minffordd Yard at 12:40. The Garratt arrived back at 12:58 and the loco ran to the yard at 13:02 to refuel and water before returning to run round at 13:11. Blanche arrived back at 13:18 and shunted its rake to the yard at 13:27. The Lady ran round at 13:43 and shunted its rake to the WHR platform after the Fairlie arrived in the FR platform at 13:45. The Fairlie ran round at 14:06. Welsh Pony arrived back at 14:26 and ran to the yard to refuel and water. The loco ran round at 14:58 and departed at 15:02, seven minutes late but arrived in Tan-y-bwlch at 15:50, some 20 minutes late.

Towards the end of the afternoon the Garratt arrived back at 16:22. Blanche arrived back at 16:35 allowing the ECS Garratt to depart at 16:36 once The Cob was clear. Blanche ran round at 16:43 and departed ECS at 16:48. Welsh Pony arrived back at 17:36, some 25 minutes later than booked (after departing Tan-y-bwlch 30 minutes late) and at 17:40 the loco ran to the yard to refuel and water. The Fairlie arrived back at 18:08, also over half an hour late, probably as a reaction to Welsh Pony's late running. The England departed at 18:09 with the ECS as soon as The Cob was clear. The Fairlie ran round at 18:20 and departed with the ECS at 18:24 to close the day's activities.

Vale of Rheidol Garratt No.60

Some photographers, like your webmaster, must have been disappointed on Tuesday 19/7/22 when all VoR services were suspended due to the risk of lineside fires in the heat wave, especially as we had travelled a long way to see it! It was to have been the inaugural run of the VoR's red Garratt No.60 hauling passenger services to Devil's Bridge. NG/G13 No.60 Drakensberg left Aberystwyth hauling its first official public passenger train on 26/7/22. The engine will be hauling the 10:30 & 14:00 every Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday until the 1/9/22, subject to availability.

F&WHR 9/8/22

Tuesday was forecast to be a day of sunny periods at Porthmadog with maximum temperatures of 23C. EIGHT trains were planned from Porthmadog (four Woodland Wanderer trains, two Mountain Spirit trains and two Glaslyn Explorer trains) and TWO from Caernarfon (the Gelert Explorer and the Cwellyn). The first two Woodland Wanderer workings were fully booked by 9am.

First up today was No.130 which arrived into the WHR platform at 09:18 with the ECS for the Glaslyn Venturer. David Lloyd George arrived at 09:56 with the ECS for the Mountain Spirit and ran round at 10:12 as the Garratt prepared to depart. Blanche turned up at 10:20 in the WHR platform with the ECS for the 10:55 Woodland Wanderer and ran round at 10:24 just before the Fairlie departed on the 10:30.

At 11:20 Welsh Pony arrived with the ECS for the 11:55. The loco ran round its short 5 coach rake at 11:33. One open coach and saloon apparently remain in the seawall siding available to be added at short notice if bookings exceed expectations.

No.130 arrived back at 12:59 and the loco shunted to the yard to water and coal emerging at 13:13 as Blanche approached, arriving at 13:14. The Garratt completed its run round at 13:20 as Blanche shunted its rake to the yard to clear the FR platform for the Fairlie's arrival. The Fairlie arrived at 13:38 as Blanche ran round in the yard and, after the Garratt left, Blanche shunted its rake to the WHR platform at 13:44 in good time for the 13:55 departure. The Fairlie ran round at 14:05 and Welsh Pony arrived back at 14:18, running to the yard to water and refuel at 14:23. The Fairlie departed on time with the 14:30 Mountain Spirit and the England engine returned to its train at 14:41, completing the run round.

The end of the sunny afternoon saw a simultaneous arrival of No.130 and Blanche at 16:19. Blanche ran round at 16:26 as the ECS Glaslyn Venturer departed before itself departing ECS at 16:36. Welsh Pony arrived back at 17:05 and ran round at 17:09. The England left with the ECS at 17:13. The final movements of the day came at 17:38 with the return of the Fairlie. Run round came at 17:57 with the ECS departing at 18:00 to close the day's activities.

Borth-y-gest Model Railway Exhibition 13-14/8/22

Visitors to the Porthmadog district next weekend, might consider also visiting the Model Railway Show at Borth-y-Gest Church Room, on 13/8/22 (11a.m. to 5 p.m.), and 14/8/22 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Entrance £2. Model railways from Paul Holmes, Phil Traxson, John Wooden, Martin Hallett and Joanna Vincent. Refreshments available. Second hand sales with Nick Lowe. It’s a great little show, in a beautiful setting, very friendly, a bit like a clubroom open day with time to sit and chat, ask questions, share tips, and watch the trains come and go. An N gauge layout may be under construction during the show.

F&WHR 8/8/22

Monday was forecast to be a sunny day at Porthmadog with maximum temperatures of 22C. EIGHT trains were planned from Porthmadog (four Woodland Wanderer trains, two Mountain Spirit trains and two Glaslyn Explorer trains) while there was just ONE from Caernarfon (the Gelert Explorer). The first Woodland Wanderer working was fully booked by 9am and the 14:55 was withdrawn.

No.130 rolled into the WHR platform at 09:34 with the ECS for the Glaslyn Venturer. David Lloyd George arrived at 09:58 with the ECS for the Mountain Spirit. Run round came at 10:16 as the Garratt departed. Blanche turned up at 10:22 in the WHR platform and ran round at 10:35 after the Fairlie had departed.

Welsh Pony arrived at 11:20 with the second Woodland Wanderer ECS into the FR platform with run round coming at 11:43. At 11:47 the open coach and another were shunted to the sea wall siding to reduce the loading and save coal before the 11:55 departed.

At 12:56 No.130 arrived at 12:57 with 8 saloons and the Observation car. Blanche returned at 13:14. The Garratt ran to the fuelling point and was noted running back and running round at 13:17. Blanche shunted its rake to the yard at 13:24 to clear the FR platform for the returning Fairlie. The Fairlie returned at 13:38 and Blanche ran round and shunted its rake from the yard to the WHR platform at 13:49 for the 13.55 departure which left on time. The Fairlie ran round at 14:02 and Welsh Pony arrived back at 14:17 with it short 5 coach rake and then ran light engine to refuel and water at 14:21.The Fairlie ran round at 14:04 and departed on time. Unusually the 14:55 Woodland Wanderer left at 14:46 ECS having been cancelled presumably because of lack of bookings.

First back towards the end of the day was Blanche at 16:12 with run round following at 16:18. At 16:24 Blanche left with the ECS just after No.130 arrived back at 16:22 in the WHR platform. The Garratt's train departed ECS at 16:35. The Fairlie was back at 17:40 and ran round at 17:57 before departing ECS at 18:00 to close the day's activities.

Timetable w/c 8/8/22

This timetable contains the new Cwellyn service which may be extended to additional midweek days if successful marketed. Click on the image to enlarge. Click again for full size where available. This image is courtesy F&WHR.

Alco competition 27/8/22

A group of up to 20 volunteers will be pulling the Alco across The Cob from Boston Lodge to Harbour Station on 27/8/22. Let's hope it is well oiled! The aim is to raise funds for the loco's restoration to working order. The loco has previously been used on the WHR both from the 1997 opening and again in 2000-2001 running to Waunfawr on lighter off season trains. The competition is to guess the transit time and a range of prizes are available. Full details are available on this website. The loco has been in store since February 2006 but plans were approved for its rebuild in March 2022.

F&WHR 7/8/22

Sunday was forecast to be a sunny day at Porthmadog with maximum temperatures of 19C. FIVE trains were planned from Porthmadog (two Woodland Wanderer trains, two Mountain Spirit trains and one Glaslyn Explorer train) while there was just ONE from Caernarfon (the Gelert Explorer). The first Mountain Spirit working was fully booked by 9am.

The first train of the day was No.130 which arrived at 09:34 with the Glaslyn Venturer. The skip train returned from the WHHR at 09:41 hauled by Moelwyn which waited in the WHR loop until the arrival of David Lloyd George with the ECS for the Mountain Spirit at 10:00. At 10:03 Moelwyn shunted the rake to the sea wall siding and remained in the yard until the afternoon after shunting towards the watering point. The Fairlie ran round at 10:14. Blanche arrived at 10:25 with the ECS for the Woodland Wanderer. Blanche had to wait until the Fairlie had cleared The Cob shunt limit before it could run round at 10:34 then departing on time.

No.130 arrived back at 12:57 followed by Blanche at 13:11, which allowed the Garratt to depart ECS at 13:13. Blanche then ran round at 13:23 and at 13:31 Moelwyn emerged from the yard with one bogie wagon.. At 13:33 Moelwyn was shunting the yard with a single wagon in the seawall siding as the Fairlie arrived into the WHR platform. The Fairlie ran round at 13:37 and Blanche departed at 13:57 with the afternoon Woodland Wanderer. At 14:02 Moelwyn departed with the wagon, skips and brakevan but a delay by the signal box blocked the Fairlie from running round for a while until 14:13. The PW train arrived at Minffordd at 14:25 wrong line, ready to shunt into the yard. The Fairlie departed Porthmadog at 14:30 with the afternoon Mountain Spirit.

This westerly view (7/8/22) shows Moelwyn arriving at Minffordd wrong line with the skip train ready to reverse into the yard. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

At 15:07 Moelwyn was back at Porthmadog FR platform with the bogie wagon and brakevan and ran round at 15:10 but was not observed departing before Blanche arrived back at 16:10 into the FR platform. Blanche ran round at 16:19 before departing ECS at 16:23. The Fairlie pulled in at 17:31 and ran round at 17:43. The final movement of the day saw the Fairlie depart ECS at 17:46.

F&WHR 6/8/22

Saturday 6/8/22 was forecast to be an improving day with temperatures of 18C. The service was planned to be a repeat of Friday's trains with ONE train from Caernarfon (the Snowdonia Star) but FIVE from Porthmadog (two Woodland Wanderer trains, two Mountain Spirit trains and The Harbourmaster).

No.130 arrived at 09:16 with the ECS for The Harbourmaster. David Lloyd George arrived into the FR platform with the 10:30 Mountain Spirit at 10:01 and ran round at 10:08. Blanche arrived in the WHR platform at 10:19 with the ECS for the 10:55 Woodland Wanderer, back to normal after yesterday afternoon's double headed England haulage. Run round came at 10:24 and both trains departed on time.

No.87 was back at 12:12 and detached and shunted to the yard to coal wand water. At 12:50 it completed its run round and was ready for the return journey to Caernarfon. At 13:05 Blanche arrived back and at 13:11 it shunted its rake to the station yard to clear the FR platform for the next arrival. At 13:38 the Fairlie arrived in the FR platform and Blanche shunted its rake out of the yard and back into the far end of the FR platform as soon as the signals cleared seconds later for the 13:55 Woodland Wanderer. Once Blanche has departed with the 13:55, the Fairlie was able to complete its run round at 14:01. The Garratt and the Fairlie both departed on time and the station fell quiet for a few hours.

Blanche arrived back at 16:13 and ran round at 16:29 before departing ECS at 16:33. Next back was No.130 which pulled in at 16:36 and departed ECS for the depot at 16:45. The final movements of the day saw the Fairlie return at 17:34, run round at 17:48 and depart ECS at 17:52.

Sunday saw the Woodland Wanderer reduced to two trips as on Friday and Saturday.

F&WHR 5/8/22

Friday 5/8/22 was forecast to be an improving day with temperatures of 17C after morning showers. There was ONE train from Caernarfon (the Snowdonia Star) but FIVE from Porthmadog (two Woodland Wanderer trains, two Mountain Spirit trains and The Harbourmaster). Today's first Woodland Wanderer was already fully booked as early as 12 hours in advance and both were fully booked by mid morning.

No.130 arrived at 09:13 with the ECS for The Harbourmaster. David Lloyd George arrived at 10:11 with the ECS for the Mountain Spirit into the FR platform. The loco ran round at 10:15. Welsh Pony arrived at 10:26 with the ECS for the 10:55 Woodland Wanderer, running round at 10:36 after the Fairlie had departed. This was a change from Blanche which normally hauled the first Woodland Wanderer working.

No.87 arrived at 12:15 with the Snowdonia Star. The loco ran to the yard to fuel and water at 12:18 and was back on the train by 12:50 ready for the return journey. Welsh Pony returned at 13:07 and shunted to the yard at 13:16. at 13:47 Welsh Pony shunted to the far end of the FR platform as the Garratt was still in the WHR platform and not due to depart until 14:15, after the 13:55 Woodland Wanderer departure. At 13:36 the Fairlie arrived back in the FR platform and ran round at 14:10. No.87 departed at 14:16 and the Fairlie at 14:31. By the time the Woodland Wanderer got back to Tan-y-bwlch it had taken on a pilot, Palmerston, possibly out on test.

This westerly view (5/8/22) shows Palmerston piloting Welsh Pony on the 13:55 Woodland Wanderer. Presumably the extra loco was added at Boston Lodge curve as the rake left Porthmadog with just Welsh Pony on the front. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

The afternoon lull in traffic at Porthmadog allowed a PW working when what was though to be Hugh Napier turned up light engine at 15:33 and departed from the seawall siding with three PW wagons at 16:13 immediately after Palmerston and Welsh Pony arrived. The pair ran round at 16:37 and departed ECS at 16:34 as No.130 arrived back from Caernarfon on the returning Harbourmaster. The Garratt departed ECS at 16:37. The Fairlie arrived back at 17:34 ran round at 17:59 and departed ECS at 18:04 as the last move of the day. 

This easterly view (5/8/22) shows Hugh Napier hauling a short train of PW wagons out of the seawall siding. These might be the two ex RAF four wheel Hudson wagons repainted recently during the Young Volunteers Training Week. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

F&WHR 4/8/22

Thursday 4/8/22 was forecast to be a day of improving weather with a sunny afternoon and a maximum temperature of 18C. The F&WHR continues to run the second rake on the Woodland Wanderer making four of these train services available. There were two trains from Caernarfon (the Gelert Explorer and the Cwellyn) and eight from Porthmadog (four Woodland Wanderer trains, two Mountain Spirit trains and two Glaslyn Venturer trains for the first time in a while). The first two Woodland Wanderer trains were fully booked by 0900 as was the afternoon Mountain Spirit. By early afternoon all four Woodland Wanderer were fully booked.

At 16:14 Blanche arrived back and ran round at 16:19 before departing ECS at 16:30. At 16:21 the Garratt rolled in with enthusiastic footplate staff waving at their friends watching on the webcam! As soon as The Cob section was clear the Garratt departed ECS at 16:40. Welsh Pony arrived back at 17:07 into the WHR platform. The loco ran to the yard at 17:11 to collect the two coaches formed up in the middle road by the diesel. These were shunted onto the head end of the rake which departed ECS at 17:38 after Fairlie's arrival at 17:35. The Fairlie ran round at 1746 and departed ECS at 17:51 as the last move of the day.

This easterly view (4/8/22) shows Harlech Castle hauling the weekly coal delivery to Harbour Station at 16:29 while No.130 waits to run the ECS Glaslyn Venturer back to Boston Lodge. The diesel was subsequently used to shunt the yard.  Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is courtesy F&WHR and was ten on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Beddgelert 4/8/22

This easterly view (4/8/22) shows No.130 taking water at Beddgelert  on the Glaslyn Venturer which overlaps with the Gelert Explorer at Beddgelert, this time hauled by No.87. These trains occasionally exchange locos when one needs a visit Boston Lodge. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright David Carpenter was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

More Russell Video

Simon Roberts of Steaming Around Yorkshire Films has provided a link to his latest production featuring the WHR 100 event. Click on this YouTube link to watch (353) Welsh Highland Railway 100: South Snowdon - 30th & 31st July 2022 - YouTube.

Former Star Picture

This westerly view (26/3/22) shows David Lloyd George hauling the 10:30 Mountain Spirit (see headboard) passing Minffordd station with the first train of the new season. 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.

F&WHR 3/8/22

Wednesday 3/8/22 was forecast to be a day of sunny periods and maximum temperature of 18C. The F&WHR continues to run the second rake on the Woodland Wanderer making four of these train services available. There were two trains from Caernarfon (the Gelert Explorer and the Cwellyn) and seven from Porthmadog (four Woodland Wanderer trains, two Mountain Spirit trains and a Glaslyn Venturer). All four Woodland Wanderer trains were fully booked by midday as was the afternoon Mountain Spirit. It is surprising that the Glaslyn Venturer is not as well booked as the FR trains when price sensitive passengers turn up at Booking Office and find the Woodland Wanderer (£25) is fully booked for the day. Their options are Glaslyn Venturer (£35) and Mountain Spirit (£40). One has to wonder if Booking Office staff are reminding people about the WHR's Glaslyn Venturer which last year often ran twice a day in the peak period.

At 16:18 Blanche arrived back and ran round at 16:29 before departing ECS at 16:31. At 16:21 the Garratt rolled in and as soon as The Cob section was clear the Garratt departed ECS at 16:41. Prince arrived back at 17:09 into the WHR platform, running round at 17:15 and departing ECS at 17:18. The Fairlie arrived back into the FR platform at 17:35. The last moves of the day saw the Fairlie run round at 17:49 and depart ECS at 17:54 to close the day's activities.

Friday's train services will see 2 Woodland Wanderer trains and the first is again fully booked a day in advance.

Moving Pictures No.69 3/8/22

Click on the YouTube link to watch 22 minutes 58 seconds of video covering the WHR 100 Event. This video was published on 3/8/22 and is best viewed at 1080p with Chrome. This video was produced by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional 4K Betamax camcorder.

F&WHR 2/8/22

Tuesday 2/8/22 was forecast to be a cloudy day with rain in the morning and maximum temperatures of 18C. The F&WHR continues to run the second rake on the Woodland Wanderer making four of these train services available. There were two trains from Caernarfon (the Gelert Explorer and the Cwellyn) and seven from Porthmadog (four Woodland Wanderer trains, two Mountain Spirit trains and a Glaslyn Venturer). The first two Woodland Wanderer trains were fully booked as was the Cwellyn by 09:00 showing the appeal of cheaper fares to family groups during the school summer holidays.

A decision has been made to extend the Cwellyn services to additional days of operation in view of their success. The Cwellyn was initially advertised as TThO but will operate additionally on Wednesday this week. It will be interesting to see if this becomes regular in the weeks ahead or if there is any further extension to other days. By midday all four Woodland Wanderer trains, the 13:55, was shown as sold out as was the 14:30 Mountain Spirit. However there was still room on the 13:40 Glaslyn Venturer and families on a budget could book a cheaper partial journey to Nantmor (for a short walk to Pont Aberglaslyn) or Pont Croesor (for the RSPB centre).

No.130 arrived back at 16:16 followed by Blanche at 16:26. As soon as The Cob section was clear the Garratt departed ECS at 16:27 and Blanche ran round at 16:30 before departing ECS at 16:36. Welsh Pony arrived back at 17:17 into the WHR platform, running round at 17:27. The Fairlie arrived back into the FR platform at 17:42 and Welsh Pony departed ECS as soon as the signals cleared a minute later. The last moves of the day saw the Fairlie run round at 18:07 and depart ECS at 18:10 to close the day's activities on what had been a dull day weatherwise.

Traffic is certainly increasing on the F&WHR as tomorrow's first two Woodland Wanderer trains and the afternoon Mountain Spirit were fully booked by 19:00 today.

Emma's return to WHHR 1/8/22

This easterly view (1/8/22) shows Emma returning to the WHHR crossing Bryn-y-felin bridge. This was the other WHHR Hunslet to be based at Dinas over WHR 100. The air braked loco was the nominated thunderbird rescue loco for Russell's train but was not needed. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Andrew Goodwin (WHHR) and was taken on a webcam. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

F&WHR 1/8/22

Monday 1/8/22 was forecast to be a day with light cloud and rain in the evening. The F&WHR expanded services today by running a second rake on the Woodland Wanderer making four of these train services available possibly for the first time this year, now the school holidays are in full swing.

The lunchtime movements saw No.130 arrive in the WHR platform at 12:58 with the Glaslyn Venturer. Palmerston then put in a appearance in the WHR loop line at 13:04 returning its heritage rake from the WHR 100 Event. Surprisingly the loco was hauling a wagon filled with ballast with the coaches on the rear, quite a load for the little loco on the 1 in 80 climb to Rhyd Ddu!

This easterly view (1/8/22) shows Palmerston with its 3 coach heritage train arriving back at Porthmadog from Dinas with a wagon loaded with ballast in the rake. 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 webcam. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Blanche arrived back at 13:14 allowing Palmerston to cross The Cob when the section was clear. At 13:20 Blanche shunted its rake to the station yard and at 13:39 the Fairlie returned into the FR platform. At 13:41 No.130 departed as Blanche, which had in the meantime run round, went forwards with its rake onto The Cob. Now the platform was clear Blanche set back into the WHR platform by 13:46. Welsh Pony returned at 14:16 and ran to the yard at 14:19 to refuel and water while the Fairlie ran round. Welsh Pony was back with the rake by 14:38 and ready for a possible record fourth Woodland Wanderer run of the day.

This easterly view (1/8/22) shows Welsh Pony returning with the second run of the Woodland Wanderer. 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 webcam. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Blanche arrived back at 16:13 and ran round at 16:22 as No.130 arrived back. Blanche departed ECS at 16:29 and No.130 followed ECS at 16:48. Welsh Pony arrived back at 17:11 into the WHR platform, running round at 17:14 and departing ECS at 17:37. Rain began to set in immediately after the Fairlie arrived back at 17:37. The last moves of the day saw the Fairlie run round at 17:50 and depart ECS at 1752 in rather wet conditions.

Russell's return to the WHHR 31/7/22

Several images and videos have come to hand covering the return of rolling stock to the WHHR. Thanks are due to the WHHR's Andrew Goodwin who joined the train at Rhyd Ddu after being supervisor at the Tremadog Road end of the WHR 100 Event all day. Russell took water from the heritage tank at Beddgelert offering an historical recreation tableau of 1930s scenes that several photographers took advantage of. The delay was caused by having to line up the small tank's delivery arm with the inlet on the top of Russell's tank. As Russell now faces south there are new photographic opportunities at the WHHR.

This easterly view (31/7/22) shows Russell taking water from the heritage tank at Beddgelert during its ECS return to the WHHR. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Andrew Goodwin (WHHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Click on the YouTube link to watch 28 minutes 19 seconds of video covering the ECS Russell return journey from Dinas to the WHHR on 31/7/22 taken from the train and its disposal at Porthmadog with the aid of Gelert. This video was published on 1/8/22 and is best viewed at 1080p with Chrome. This video was produced by Mark Herbert (WHHR) on a camcorder.

Click on the YouTube link to watch 11 minute 58 seconds of video covering the ECS Russell return journey from Dinas to the WHHR on 31/7/22 (first 3 mins) and earlier coverage of the WHR 100 Event. This video was published on 1/8/22 and is best viewed at 1080p with Chrome. This video was produced by Lee Davies (preservedrailway) on a camcorder.

Russell returned facing south 31/7/22

Photographers had a treat at the culmination of the WHR 100 event when Russell returned to the WHR at Pen-y-Mount with the loco facing south. The weather had been dire at times on Saturday and Sunday morning but cleared up nicely in the afternoon. After its last duty at Dinas arriving back about 16:00, the loco propelled its rake around the corner past the Loco Shed to allow No.87 to run round its shuttle and depart at 16:15. Russell then ran to the refuelling point to top up with water and coal for the long journey back to the WHHR before running round and departing on time at 16:35. Many volunteers were invited to join the train back to the WHHR and other positioned themselves along the line to take photos, particularly south of Rhyd Ddu, as the sun came out strongly in the afternoon. Sadly the sun was in the northwest so many locations featured illumination of the side of the train but not the front. The WHHR's thunderbird diesel Emma was retained at Dinas until the special had passed the summit and was due to follow later. Having turned the loco via a low loaded at Dinas and the loco retaining its orientation on return to the WHHR a whole new set of WHHR photo opportunities will now present themselves.

This northerly view (31/7/22) shows Russell passing through dappled light with its 4 coach heritage rake passing Hafod Ruffydd crossing at 17:47. The rapid tree growth since the replanting around 2000 has turned this section into a green tunnel much like many sections of the FR used to be. Spare rails are still stored just north of the crossing. There is a length in open fields just south of the crossing with a footpath crossing of the line from Hafod Ruffydd Ganol farmhouse. 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 webcam. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This easterly view (31/7/22) shows Russell passing through Aberglaslyn Pass with its 4 coach heritage rake at 18:26 after a protracted water stop at Beddgelert from the heritage tank. 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 webcam. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

New timetable leaflet details 31/7/22

The F&WHR has responded to passengers requests and published a timetable leaflet. Not everyone is on line or can access on line timetables when they are on holiday. Some new details appear on the timetable and some times changed, in particular the Woodland Wanderer has changed to an XX:55 standard departure time.. As regards the Woodland Wanderer the grey columns indicate the second set which might be activated if passenger numbers justify. This can run as one or two trips departing at 11:55 and 14:55. The Mountain Spirit is amended with the two train service running daily with the exception of the 14:30 which does not run Sundays. Both the FSO WHR through trains, The Harbourmaster and Snowdonia Star are shown as 'Additional trains may be added according to demand' but additional trains cannot be added on any single day so this must apply to additional DAYS in a week but that then would clash with the Gelert Explorer so there is some doubt about the meaning of this phrase!

The Glaslyn Venturer is marked as 10:15 SuO working and a 13:40 working FSSuX. However both paths are available FSX if demand justifies the extra train running. The new WHR TThO Cwellyn service is shown as 'Additional trains may be run according to demand'. The General Manager hinted this might include additional 'midweek days' i.e. Wednesdays, but there is nothing to prevent the train being used on Sunday/Monday too. However pathing this train on Fridays and Saturdays might be more difficult with the through WHR trains on the line.

This timetable contains the latest summer timetable details valid 23/7/22-2/9/22. Click on the image to enlarge. Click again for full size where available. This image is courtesy F&WHR.

F&WHR timetable w/c 1/8/22

This timetable contains the new Cwellyn service which may be extended to additional midweek days if successful marketed. Click on the image to enlarge. Click again for full size where available. This image is courtesy F&WHR.

Webmaster's holiday

Your webmaster is taking a break to visit the WHR 100 Event for the next few days. Normal service will be resumed on Monday 1/8/22.

Palmerston departs for WHR 100 event 29/7/22