Click on the YouTube link to watch 7 minutes 49 seconds of video covering the first Santa Special on 11/12/22 which operated in the snow for the first time in several years. This video was published on 25/12/22 and is best viewed at 1080p with Chrome. This video was produced by Barrie Hughes on a Panasonic HDC 5D700 camcorder and edited on NCH VideoPad.

North Wales Borderlands line dispute resolved

The convoluted story of GBRf's dispute with NR/TfW over use of the Borderlands Line, the Wrexham-New Brighton Line, has been settled by ORR, the Office of Rail and Road, which has ruled about the path clash over capacity on the route. GBRf has increased its cement trains to 3 days a week (MWFO) this year. The ORR has granted GBRf the 3 permanent paths it requested and TfW 24 of the 26 half hourly paths they requested in their expansion to 2 trains per hour (tph). The TfW paths denied are the ones where the cement trains operate. The Borderlands Line has now been identified as congested by NR (from 1/8/22) and they are now required to make plans and consult to improve it. For example the reinstatement of the Pen-y-ffordd Crossover (removed in 2008) could help as could extending signalbox shifts/reinstating a night shift.

The capacity problem arises from the fact that cement trains must split to shunt into the Padeswood Cement Works reception yard on arrival and run from there to Dee Marsh to reverse direction on departure. The loco runs round at Dee Marsh and then tackles the steepest gradient on the route, the Aston Hill Bank, which reduces train capacity to 13 wagons and speeds to as low as 6mph in adverse weather through Hawarden. See ORR report. The future of the 2 tph servicer is however in doubt as TfW says it is concerned about Vivarail going into liquidation on 1/12/22 and awaits developments about its contract with the company. The Class 230 trains are due to be introduced during 2023 and Class 197s will supplement them in the meantime. Other potential freight traffic is on offer at Dee Marsh Junction.

At one stage TfW suggested an alternative route for the cement trains via the Marches Line rather than the current route via Bescot. Other more radical solutions involving new construction/reinstatement were not considered. These could have been via a connection at Shotton High Level to the North Wales Coast Line using the disused ex-GCR Connah's Quay Docks spur and requiring a run round at a new siding near the former Crump's Wagon Works and also a run round at Chester. Another alternative was the ex-Mersey Docks and Harbour Board lines from Bidston to Rock Ferry then via Chester triangle avoiding line and Wrexham to regain their route to Avonmouth. However the MDBH tracks have been lifted in recent months having been lain out of use for many years.

The final plan is for afternoon departures from Pen-y-ffordd Cement Su/T/Th (6V41) and balancing workings from Avonmouth M/W/F (6M42). It is the Tuesday and Thursday evening departures that have clashed with TfW proposals and so TfW have lost these two paths. Due to weak bridges the line has a maximum speed of 40 mph (25 mph freight) which extends block occupation times. For the future, Hanson has suggested a new southern connection into its Padeswood reception sidings would help (avoiding the need for shunting on main line) along with the reinstated crossover at Pen-y-ffordd so that trains would not have to travel to Dee Marsh to reverse. The location of the new connection would be just north of the former Hope High level station and the new crossover could also be there rather than adjacent to Pen-y-ffordd signalbox to avoid 500m of wrong line running to Pen-y-ffordd. Some abandoned construction works lie in the area of the proposed new connection consisting of a never used northwest chord connection between the Mold Railway (LNWR) and the Wrexham Mold and Connah's Quay Railway (GCR). The ORR report is critical of NR's interaction with GBRf and TfW during this long running dispute over track access rights.

F&WHR 5/12/22

The Minffordd and Tan-y-bwlch webcams remained out of action all day and have now been unavailable for over a week suggesting a major problem or policy decision. Supporters hope the problem will be resolved soon as the Winter Wanderer starts in a few day's time on 10/12/22.

The weather forecast is firming up for snowfall in Cwm Gwyrfai between Waunfawr and Snowdon Ranger from Thursday onwards so it is possible there may be lying snow at Rhyd Ddu for the coming weekend's Santa Specials and at least on the mountains, Snowdon and Y Garn that surround the area.

Council workers erected a 30 mph sign today on The Cob footpath which appears to obscure the level crossing sign and might therefore create a hazard!

No train movements were noted at Harbour Station today.

Santa's Grotto and Winter Wanderer trains

While the WHR Santa Special trains are fully booked nothing more has been heard about them from the F&WHR and no images posted yet though they started on 4/12/22. In comparison the Porthmadog Santa's Grotto and Winter Wanderer trains are being promoted again as there are spare seats on the 10:30 and 13:30 departures from Porthmadog on all 5 days of operation. See F&WHR booking site to book.

SANTA'S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS CARRIAGE GROTTO & FESTIVE ‘WINTER WANDERER’ TRAINS

Bring the family to see Santa in his amazing Christmas Carriage Grotto at Harbour Station.

Our team of elves have worked around the clock to transform one of our carriages into a magical Christmas grotto, so expect to be wowed as you step inside to meet Santa..!

Santa will be visiting us on December 10th, 11th, 17th, 18th & 23rd. Due to his busy schedule at this time of year, we are asking visitors to pre-book a slot.

Tickets to the Grotto are £4.50 for young children, £6.50 for older children and include a present for each child.

Santa will be happy to greet children in English or Welsh..!

Book your tickets online @ festrail.co.uk/christmas

or by calling the Santa Hotline on 01766 516024

Why not combine your visit to see Santa with a festive train ride..? Our festive ‘Winter Wanderer’ service will also be running between Porthmadog and Tan-y-Bwlch on December 10th, 11th, 17th, 18th & 23rd.

Book your train tickets online @ festrail.co.uk/christmas

or by phoning the Booking Office on 01766 516024

Whether you choose to visit Santa, ride the train or do both, you can be sure to receive a warm, festive Ffestiniog welcome..!

F&WHR 4/12/22

The Minffordd and Tan-y-bwlch webcams remained out of action all day and have now been switched off for over a week suggesting a major problem or policy decision. Supporters hope the problem will be resolved soon as the Winter Wanderer starts in a few day's time on 10/12/22.

Today is the first day of the Santa Specials from Caernarfon and the train has been decorated by the volunteers in festive style. With No.130 heading for Dinas on 3/12/22 and No.143 for Boston Lodge with ECS movements, both No.87 and No.130 are at Dinas and available to haul the twice daily Santa Specials. Caernarfon Castle is also at Dinas having made its way there on 2/12/22 with a PW working, so is available as a rescue loco in case of any problems.

Snowdon is likely to have a covering of snow with snowfall forecast today by the Met Office and it will be chilly at Rhyd Ddu (though snowfall is unlikely) for the Santa Specials with temperatures of about 3C forecast before wind chill.

Snow forecast (8/12/22)

The Met Office is forecasting snowfall for Snowdon Ranger and even Beddgelert from Thursday 8/12/22 to Saturday so Rhyd Ddu which is even higher may have snow cover. Recent years have seen very limited snowfall around the F&WHR with global warming having its effect and no images have come to hand. Here are some useful resources to check if there is snow at the WHR. These include the A55 webcams. The Bangor webcam can be helpful though it is much nearer sea level than the WHR. These views refresh every five minutes rather than every minute as in previous years, giving time for them to be shut off if an incident occurs.

Traffic Wales

The F&WHR webcams are useful and might show snowfall at Tan-y-bwlch at a similar height to the area north of Meillionen Halt above Beddgelert.

F&WHR Webcams

The WHHR webcams would show the rare sea level snow cover at Porthmadog WHHR railway which is at sea level.

WHHR webcams

The Meteorological Office provides a useful animated radar weather map covering the last 2 days and shows the predicted rain/snow coming into Britain for 5 days ahead and can be watched as an animation updated every 15 minutes.

Rainfall radar

The main Meteorological Office website also has a page where you can enter e.g. Snowdon Summit/Snowdon Ranger/ Beddgelert that show the predicted weather for that area for the next seven days.

Meteorological Office

F&WHR 3/12/22

The Minffordd and Tan-y-bwlch webcams remained out of action all day for an unprecedented seventh day suggesting a major problem. Supporters hope the problem will be resolved soon as the Winter Wanderer starts in a week's time on 10/12/22.

Saturday was a bright sunny but chilly day at Porthmadog and No.130 arrived with a short rake at 11:08 in the WHR platform. The rake consisted of 3 WHR coaches recently released from the coachworks including Pullman Bodysgallen and left for Dinas at 11:12 having arrived for attention on 6/11/22.

This easterly view (3/12/22) shows the No.130 with a short transfer train of recently restored coaches for Dinas, possibly including No.2042 which was released from the Coach works on 25/11/22. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to enlarge to 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 13:43 No.143 (now repaired after its level crossing incident) arrived with a B wagon of coal and 3 coaches presumably for attention in the Coach Works. this train probably passed No.130 at Rhyd Ddu shortly after midday. The coach rake consisted of two Open coaches Nos.2021/2 sandwiching a Service Car (either No.2010/11). The loco and coal wagon detached and shunted to the yard at 13:46. The B wagon was deposited at the fuelling point and the loco remerged form the yard at 13:55 before departing with the coaches for Boston Lodge at 14:03.

This easterly view (3/12/22) shows the repaired No.143 shunting coal to the fuelling point after bringing the three coaches and B wagon from Dinas. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to enlarge to full size where available. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

SPOONER'S SEASONAL SPECIALS

Spooner's Cafe has produced a seasonal menu for supporters to treat themselves to which is now available every day, between 09:00 and 15:00.

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Turkey, Stuffing and Cranberry Sauce Ciabatta £ 6.75

Pork, Stuffing and Bramley Apple Sauce Ciabatta £ 6.75

Glass of Mulled Wine £ 2.00

Homemade Mince Pie £ 1.80

Christmas Tree Shortbread Biscuit £ 1.50

Mulled Wine and Mince Pie £ 3.50

F&WHR 2/12/22

The Minffordd and Tan-y-bwlch webcams remained out of action all day for a sixth day suggesting a network problem. Supporters hope the problem will be resolved soon as the Winter Wanderer starts in a week's time on 10/12/22.

Friday dawned sunny but chilly at Porthmadog and at 09:25 Caernarfon Castle arrived in the WHR platform from Boston Lodge hauling a B wagon, mess coach No.111, another B wagon and the well wagon with the shredder. The train advanced to the WHR starter at 09:31 and a lineside maintenance team joined the rake with tools to cut back foliage that might scratch the coach sides. The train departed towards Beddgelert at 09:35. This was followed by the KMX which arrived from Boston Lodge at 09:39 into the WHR platform and departed towards Beddgelert at 09:53 hauling its running truck carrying hand tools after the previous train had cleared the section to Pont Croesor.

This easterly view (2/12/22) shows the F&WHR's KMX tamper liner arriving in Porthmadog to consolidate the recently ballasted track on the WHR. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to enlarge to full size where available. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Steam was being raised at Boston Lodge at midday. Criccieth Castle arrived light engine at 16:10 from Boston Lodge and departed for the WHR at 16:15. As darkness fell Criccieth Castle retrieved the KMX from the WHR arriving back at Harbour Station at 16:58 and departing for Boston Lodge at 17:04, possibly after a failure.

Snow forecast 4/12/22

With the current colder weather the Met Office is forecasting snowfall on Snowdon from Sunday 4/12/22 and throughout next week. Snowfall is forecast to reach lower levels such as Snowdon Ranger Halt by Thursday 8/12/22. This may make a pleasing alpine backdrop for the Santa Specials from Caernarfon that begin on 4/12/22. While all the Santa Special trains are now fully booked, the Christmas Cwellyn and Christmas Mountain Spirit from 28/12/22-1/1/23 are all still bookable on the F&WHR website.

Rail Tales 3 vlog No.130 1/12/22

Click on the YouTube link to watch 10 minutes 33 seconds of video focussed on the starting up of Garratt No.130 and a special working to Boston Lodge Halt carrying local councillors on 17/11/22 published 1/12/22. This video was taken by a volunteer on a phone camera.

Tan-y-bwlch tea room closure 3-4/12/22

Unfortunately, the F&WHR is unable to open this coming weekend (3-4/12/22) as originally planned. Work is taking place on the driveway into Tan-y-Bwlch Station and this is taking longer than anticipated to complete, so there is currently no public access to the building. The cafe will be re-opening, as publicised, on dates when trains are running up to the New Year. Doors will be open from 10:00-16:00 on 10-11/12/22, 17-18/12/22, 22-23/12/22, 28-31/12/22 and 1/1/23. While the Tea Room is open on the 22/12/22 there is no train service but come along and enjoy Mince pies/cakes, hot drinks, festive baps, and more.

Barmouth bridge is set to reopen 10/10/22

The current 4 weeks of NR's restoration of this iconic viaduct are due to finish on Friday 9/12/22 for the year and resume next October 2023. The footpath has been accessible throughout this autumn but train services have been bustituted. Next year's work on the steel sections of the former swing bridge at the north end of the viaduct. See NR website.

F&WHR 1/12/22

The Minffordd and Tan-y-bwlch webcams remained out of action all day for a fifth day suggesting a network problem. Harbour station pointwork received attention during the afternoon. Caernarfon Castle arrived from Boston Lodge into the WHR platform at 14:37 hauling push pull mess coach No.111 and the well wagon carrying the shredder. The train advanced to the WHR starter then at 14:50 reversed down the platform and at 14:53 set off propelling its train across The Cob. It approached the station from Pen Cob junction again at 15:00, possibly testing the signals and track circuits, arriving at 15:02 and again reversing across The Cob at 15:07 to stable at Boston Lodge with the testing apparently complete.

This easterly view (1/12/22) shows Caernarfon Castle hauling mess car No.111 and the well wagon with the shredder. Staff are examining the correct operation of the pointwork in the distance. The train appeared to be testing the correct operation of the signalling system with repeated runs into the station. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to enlarge to full size where available. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Vivarail service suspended 1/12/22

With the Borderlands Vivarail Class 230 service just days away from advertised entry into passenger service, London North-western has announced suspension of it Bedford-Bletchley service operated by Class 230 as maintenance could no longer be guaranteed by Vivarail which has filed for administration. This has bad implications for the introduction of the TfW Borderlands Class 230s and the enhanced half hourly service proposed. See Rail Advent story and London Northwestern website. News is still awaited from TfW.

North Wales passengers passed over yet again!

North Wales users of TfW services must be concerned about the positive bias shown to South Wales by the Welsh Government with the release of the new timetables for 10/12/22 timetable revision. There is effectively no change on the Holyhead/Cardiff loco hauled route and no sign of reinstatement of Holyhead/Llandudno-Manchester/Birmingham route loco hauled trains. Instead the Mk4 Class 67 loco hauled trains will be operating seven trains a day on the Cardiff/ Shrewsbury/Manchester services with restaurant cars for First Class and Business Class (whatever that is). Four of the new trains even run on Saturdays when no Holyhead trains loco hauled trains operate!! Trains run at 2 hourly intervals and one of the trains even runs to/from Swansea. These trains call at Newport/Stations to Shrewsbury then Crewe, Wilmslow and Stockport before arriving at Manchester Piccadilly. It is coming to something when the Welsh Marches get a better service than the Cinderella Line, the North Wales Coast! See TfW pdf.

Monday to Friday

Saturdays

The unbalanced Swansea working on Saturdays places a set there for Monday morning.

Cambrian Heritage Railways Santa Specials (3/12/22)

The remaining three weekends leading up to Christmas see Santa Specials at Oswestry operated by the CHR using a steam loco or their Class 73 with Mk I coaches. Santa Specials operate between Oswestry Station and the new Weston Wharf station and started on 26-27/11/22. See CHR Santa Specials website. The CHR is working on restoring its three Mk I coaches at its Llynclys site BSK35334, CK16025 and TSO4610.

In an associated restoration project a 1 km extension of the Montgomeryshire Canal is now filling up with water in December, the leaks having been recently been sealed, and will open to Crickheath wharf thereby providing a turning point for narrow boats. The canal under the rebuilt B4396 Redwith bridge (used by many visitors from the Midlands to the F&WHR via the Berwyn Pass) has been in water for several years but seen no barge traffic as there was nowhere to turn until now. Crickheath wharf was the terminus of the Crickheath Tramway from Porth-y-waen limestone quarries which crossed the CHR's Llynclys station on a partially demolished bridge. The tramway was closed in 1913. Efforts continue to reconnect the canal to the restored section at Welshpool.

ORR approve new London-Wales service

The Office of the Rail Regulator has approved a new Paddington-Carmarthen service provided by independent open access operator Grand Union Trains using bi-mode dmu/emu trains. There will be 5 trains a day from Paddington calling at Bristol Parkway, Severn Tunnel Junction, Newport, Cardiff, Gowerton (for Swansea) and Llanelli. using the Swansea avoiding line. Trains will call at a new Swansea Parkway station at Felindre on the Swansea District Line which has good access to the M4 at Junction 46 when opened and will replace Gowerton. Train services are due to commence early 2025. See Rail Advent story.

This focus on South Wales (yet again!) begs the question as to why Open Access Operators are not offering new services to North Wales. Since ATW applied for permission to run Marylebone-Holyhead services (and was denied it by NR) there has been a dearth of interest in the route. TfW is proving that loco hauled services can be successful and will shortly introduce Swansea-Cardiff-Manchester trains using Mk 4/Class 67 sets. With such stock still available to purchase/hire, an enterprising Open Access Operator could reinstate the loco hauled Holyhead/Llandudno-Manchester/Birmingham International services and consider extending them to London Marylebone (if not Euston).

F&WHR 30/11/22

The Minffordd and Tan-y-bwlch webcams remained out of action all day for a fourth day suggesting a network problem.

The work may be part of a major revamp of S&T at Boston Lodge. Paul Lewin said of the work 'This is a top volunteer team, superbly organised and well led. What a pleasure to have this team as part of our family. During the course of this weekend they have stripped, refitted and will recommision the main switch room for Boston Lodge to the highest standard. We doff our caps to you all. This kind of help makes the world of difference.'

The platform lights came on at 16:00 and went off at 21:00 though no train movements were expected. They may be associated with Spooners opening times by providing an additional external lit seating area. No train movements were noted during the day.

Cwm Cloch level crossing incident (28/10/22)

F&WHR General Manager Paul Lewin has responded to Heritage Railways magazine about the Cwm Cloch Lower level crossing incident which happened on 28/10/22 praising the 'quick and professional response' of staff. No.143 was on only its second revenue earning trip, the final Snowdonia Star of the season, after being returned to service earlier in the month and had passed No.130 on The Harbourmaster at Rhyd Ddu. The car was driving downhill and was in collision with the front of the loco approaching Beddgelert. The car was pushed into the cutting immediately to the north of the un-gated crossing and came to rest leaning against the coaches. The incident was attended by police, fire crews, road and air ambulances after reports the driver was trapped in the car. The incident was not that serious as the driver's door was blocked and the driver was of an age such that they could not exit via the passenger door. Once freed, they walked to the ambulance by themselves.

The train involved in the incident was travelling at 10mph and stopped within two carriage lengths due to the vigilance of the fireman. WHR trains were cancelled for the rest of the day with The Harbourmaster stuck at Caernarfon and the Snowdonia Star at Cwm Cloch. Damage to No.143 was confined to a bent buffer beam, damaged lubrication pipework and scratched paint. The carriages were unaffected.

Paul Lewin added 'I am extremely proud of the professionalism of the staff and volunteers who kept everyone safe, looked after the passengers and were involved in an extensive recovery to get them all back to their starting points'. It is believed coach travel was arranged to return the passengers stuck at Caernarfon on The Harbourmaster to Porthmadog and No.130 was sent light engine to recover the Snowdonia Star to Caernarfon. No.130 returned with the ECS of The Harbourmaster from Caernarfon arriving at Harbour Station at 19:10, delayed by the recovery of the Snowdonia Star.

A55 roadworks drag on to the Spring

The A55 Abergwyngregyn roadworks and 40mph average speed cameras will drag on until the Spring, a year late, on the eastbound carriageway. However the westbound carriageway works will be complete by the end of December. These works have major impact on journeys to the WHR. See Daily Post story for full details.

Rhyl Marine Lake Santa Specials

The Rhyl Miniature Railway around the Marine Lake is running several Santa Specials this Christmas and has fitted headlights to its locos as some of the trains may operate in dull weather conditions. Trains run on 9 days from 3/12/22-24/12/22. See RMR website for full details

Midland Pullman 10/12/22

The Midland Pullman Blue HST set with Nos.43046/55 will run from Holyhead to the Bath Christmas Market picking up at stations along the North Wales coast on 10/12/22.

F&WHR 29/11/22

The Minffordd and Tan-y-bwlch webcams remained out of action all day for a third day suggesting a network problem. No trains were noted operating in Harbour station.

Santa/Winter train preparations

Preparations are being made at Dinas to roll out the first Santa Special on Sunday 4/12/22 with the weather becoming distinctly more wintery and snow forecast on Snowdon on Sunday, the first day of operation. All Santa trains are now fully booked but run on 4/12/22, 11/12/22, 17-18/11/22 and 23/12/22 offering potential snowy alpine photographic opportunities. All Christmas Cwellyn/Mountain Spirit trains are now bookable from 28/12/22-1/1/23.

The FR's Winter Wanderer trains are now bookable and match the dates of the separately bookable Porthmadog Santa's Grotto on 10-11/12/22, 17-18/12/22 and 23/12/22. During his time in North Wales, Santa will also be visiting the F&WHR's Christmas Carriage Grotto in Porthmadog – The FR team of elves have been working hard to transform one of their carriages into a magical Christmas Grotto so expect to be wowed as you step inside to meet Santa! The FR are asking visitors to pre-book a slot. Tickets to visit Santa include a gift per child and can be booked online at festrail.co.uk/christmas or by calling the Santa Hotline on 01766 516024.

F&WHR 28/11/22

The Minffordd and Tan-y-bwlch webcams remained out of action all day for a second day suggesting a network problem.

At 10:53 on a rather dull misty Monday morning Criccieth Castle arrived at Porthmadog WHR platform from Minffordd Yard with two loaded ballast wagons and headlights ablaze. The train departed for the WHR at 11:06 as the sun came out and returned at 14:11 having emptied its ballast on the southern half of the WHR, possibly in the Beddgelert Forest area. After collecting the token, the train departed at 14:18 for Minffordd Yard.

This easterly view (28/11/22) shows Criccieth Castle hauling SAR ballast wagon No.4022 and the Romanian ballast wagon No.4023, both loaded, onto the WHR for a PW job with three PW staff in the cab. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to enlarge to full size where available. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Daily Post reports on least used TfW stations

A surprising number of Cambrian Coast stations cater for just a handful of passengers a year. These request stop halts provide a vital service for isolated rural communities. See Daily Post report.

Edinburgh Christmas Statesman 30/11/22 cut back to Chester

The Edinburgh Christmas Statesman from Holyhead has been cut back and is now running from Chester at 08:25 with connections from Holyhead. It gives almost 3 hours in Edinburgh arriving back at 21:50 in Chester when only a bus service is offered back to Holyhead. Maybe there is overnight PW work programmed on the North Wales coast.

F&WHR 27/11/22

Sunday 27/11/22 saw two of the F&WHR webcams out of action all day with only the Harbour Station webcam operating which may be something to do with the recent S&T re-cabling along The Cob to Boston Lodge Halt. No train movements were noted in Harbour Station on Sunday.

Palmerston withdrawn for boiler overhaul?

It is reported in Heritage Railways magazine that after its recent photocharter use at the start of November, Palmerston was withdrawn for its 10 year boiler overhaul. However, Palmerston was last overhauled in 2015 so surely overhaul was not due until 2025 unless a problem has been found?

SMR to reopen Snowdon summit station in 2023

The Snowdon Mountain Railway only operated to Clogwyn in 2022 as COVID meant it was unable to complete winter maintenance on the uppermost section of the railway. The SMR has now announced the maintenance of this section is complete and services will recommence in the Spring to the Summit Station Hafod Eryri which will be reopened to the public. The date is set for 1/4/23 but uncertain depending on the severity of the Winter Weather. See SMR website for full details.

Llanberis Lake update

The LLR has cancelled its Santa Specials following months of vandalism at its Cei Llydan station towards the north end of the line where Santa's Grotto is situated. Windows have been broken, fencing and decking ripped up and fires lit. There is no public access to this station so it is unclear who the vandals are or how they are gaining access. See LLR website for more details.

Bala Lake Railway update

The BLR is running Santa Specials on 10-11/12/22 (fully booked already). Natural Resources Wales has almost completed work on the Bala Lake flood defences and included the formation of the Bala Town Extension in the scheme. The BLR will make a planning application to the SNPA in the Spring to complete the Bala Town Extension. Some sections of land for the new alignment still need to be acquired and the railway is looking for donations to help complete the project. The Red Dragon project includes a new level crossing of the B4403 at Pen-y-Bont station and sharing the existing bridge of the River Dee with the B4391 Berwyn Pass road in tramway style like Britannia Bridge on the WHR. See BLR website for full details.

F&WHR 26/11/22

Criccieth Castle was noted arrived at Porthmadog yard at 07:36 light engine from Boston Lodge. Caernarfon Castle and its rake had stabled overnight in the station again after arriving late Friday afternoon and the Funkey was noted running round at 07:45. At 07:48 Criccieth Castle was also shunting the yard and extracted the rake before propelling it into the WHR platform then, at 08:10 the rake headed off across The Cob towards Minffordd where the webcam was offline from 04:00 until 08:25 and missed the train passing. The train arrived at Tan-y-bwlch at 09:07 with plenty of PW volunteers on board before departing at 09:12 towards Tan-y-grisiau.

The train was back at Tan-y-bwlch at 15:00 and proceeded towards Minffordd at 15:04 with coach No.124 next to the loco. The train was propelled through Minffordd at 15:49. The train rolled into Porthmadog WHR platform at 16:04 propelled into the station by Criccieth Castle. At 16:14 Caernarfon Castle emerged from the station yard where it had stabled all day and coupled up to Criccieth Castle. The train departed at 16:22 for Boston Lodge to close the day's activities.

This westerly view (26/11/22) shows Criccieth Castle propelling the PW train back to Porthmadog with push-pull coach No.111 leading, a B wagon and the well wagon with the shredder and coaches Nos. 116/124 on the rear . Click on the image to enlarge and click again to enlarge to 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 25/11/22

At 07:52 Caernarfon Castle propelled its train out of the yard and into the WHR platform having unusually stabled there overnight. The loco received some attention from fitters in the engine compartment before the train eventually set off for Dinas at 08:46 with two coaches attached to the rear including FR coach No.116. Several PW workers joined the train. Criccieth Castle arrived at Minffordd light engine from Boston Lodge at 09:25. The loco ran down the mineral line to the yard at 09:29. At 09:50 Harlech Castle and the S&T train arrived at Tan-y-bwlch from the Tan-y-grisiau direction, departing at 09:58 for Minffordd. At 11:01 Harlech Castle hauled the S&T train into Minffordd Yard.

This westerly view (25/11/22) shows Harlech Castle with a S&T rake entering Minffordd Yard after apparently staying away at Glan-y-pwll Depot for 3 nights. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to enlarge to full size where available. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Caernarfon Castle arrived back at Porthmadog with the same train at 16:16, possible having clearing fallen trees in the Beddgelert Forest area. At 16:22 the train reversed into the station yard.

Coachworks report 25/11/22

WHR Observation Car No.2100 and third class saloon No.2042 both left the Carriage Workshop on 24/11/22. Both have had touch ups and a re-varnish, partitions removed and tables given a fresh coat of varnish. They may be moved to Dinas soon. FR Carriages Nos.117/119 will take their place after cleaning down. Service Carriage No.125 is already in Paint Shop receiving the same treatment and should be close to completion by Christmas.

Vivarail files for administration

Vivarail, which is supplying Class 230 battery EMUs to TfW, filed for Administration on 23/11/22 having failed to find a buyer and being short of funds. TfW had already scaled back the proposed Class 230 routes to just the Borderlands Line and Class 197s now operate the Conwy Valley Line instead of the proposed Class 230 EMUs.  Despite a year of testing, the Class 230 has still not entered service between Wrexham and Bidston after concerns about 'thermal incidents' on the steeply graded line through Buckley. There must be some doubt as to whether the class will ever see service in Wales. Class 230s are in use between Bedford and Bletchley and notices have appeared from West Midlands trains on theses services stating they are consulting with Vivarail about the future maintenance of these units. See Rail Advent story.

F&WHR 23-24/11/22

No train movements were noted on the F&WHR on 23/11/22. In fact the S&T train did not appear to return from Stwlan Dam road crossing on 21/11/22 so it may have stabled at Glan-y-pwll Depot. On 24/11/22 a violent storm hit North Wales with tornados suggested in some parts bringing down trees and blocking the main north -south trunk road, the A470, in Mid Wales.

On 24/11/22 Caernarfon Castle was noted arriving in the WHR platform at Porthmadog Harbour from Dinas at 14:51 with a PW train consisting of the well wagon carrying a shredder, a B wagon and mess coach No.111. The train shunted into the station yard and the Funkey extracted two coaches from the yard which were shunted onto the rake. The Funkey was noted shunting the yard at 15:57 light engine, possibly to run round before making its way back to Dinas later. Criccieth Castle appeared at the signalbox at 16:05 before departing light for Boston Lodge at 16:14. Caernarfon Castle remained in the station yard overnight.

This easterly view (24/11/22) shows Caernarfon Castle/Castell Caernarfon with a PW rake consisting of the well wagon and push pull fitted mess coach No.111 arriving from Dinas in a brief sunny period. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to enlarge to full size where available. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Moving Pictures No.73 22/11/22

Click on the YouTube link to watch 19 minutes 15 seconds of video focussed on the Ravenglass & Eskdale, the local councillors visit to Boston Lodge and Caernarfon Castle's trip to Dinas and unadvertised Santa appearance at Caernarfon on 19/11/22 . This video was taken by John Wooden (FR) on a professional 4K Betamax camcorder.

Christmas Fair at Minffordd 25-27/11/22

Crefftwyr Gwynedd Artisans are holding the first of their Christmas Markets in the Gweithdy, beside Minffordd Station, this weekend - 10:00-16:00 Friday, Saturday and Sunday 25-27/11/22. There's a small car park at the station but plenty of on-street parking in the nearby Business Park (off the roundabout at the top of the Porthmadog Bypass). Although there are no train shuttle services it is worth popping along to Minffordd this weekend and supporting local businesses, designers and creators whose products will be on display for sale. See Gwynedd Artisans Facebook page for more details.

W&LR to receive Taiwanese diesel loco

The Welshpool and Llanfair Railway will be loaned a 50 year old Taiwanese diesel loco, set to arrive early in the new year by sea. The railway is twinned with the Alishan Forest Railway (the highest narrow gauge line in Asia!) with which it shares a gauge. The Mitsubishi DL34 is a 523HP BoBo loco, similar in appearance to the WHR Funkey Caernarfon Castle. See Rail Advent story.

The W&LR is operating Santa Specials before Xmas and Mince Pie specials 28-30/12/22. See W&LR website for more details.

F&WHR 22/11/22

Harlech Castle propelled the S&T rake out of Minffordd Yard at 08:54 on a bright morning on the F&WHR, arriving at Tan-y-bwlch at 09:46. The train left at 10:05, still being propelled, presumably to the Stwlan Dam Road level crossing PW works. Criccieth Castle brought the Cable Drum train, which was moved to Boston Lodge last night, up to Minffordd, arriving at 12:54 and departing for the yard at 12:55.

Llangollen Railway news

While the main season has now ended, the LR is offering Santa Specials before Xmas and Mince Pie specials on 27-29/12/21. Trusses are under construction for the new Corwen station building roof and it is hoped that the station may open with the traditional start of the 2023 season on St David's Day 1/3/23. See LR timetable.

Snowdon Snow

After an unseasonably mild 'global warming' Autumn, Snowdon may finally get some snow cover on Wednesday 23/11/22 with heavy snowfall forecast for the top of the Snowdon massif area which may reach down to Rhyd Ddu where temperature are set to reach 4C maximum. See Daily Post story.

Corris Railway News

The new Hughes Falcon loco No.10 was steamed for the first time on 24/9/22 at Alan Keef's Works Open day but has now been partially disassembled to complete various jobs including painting. It is hoped it will be delivered in 2023 depending on additional funding. If so, double heading will be possible with No.4 until withdrawn for its 10 year overhaul. Santa Trains are running on 10-11/12/22. A new clerestory coach is nearing completion. The southwards extension to Pont Evans run round loop is progressing with fill for the new embankment delivered to the Coedwig site from the Afon Dyfi Bridge Bypass road scheme during the autumn. See Corris website for full details.

De Winton Cafe closure 23-24/11/22

Caffi De Winton in Caernarfon Station will be closed Wednesday and Thursday this week (23-24/11/22) so work can be undertaken to install new catering equipment. The Station Shop will be open as normal (from 10:00-14:00) - so those in the area can come down to St. Helen's Road and check out the fantastic range of gifts, souvenirs, clothing, books etc that the F&WHR has in stock there. There is something available for a wide range of ages and interests - not just railway items - which are ideal for Christmas presents.

Spooners match day special offers

This image shows the new Spooners offers in connection with World Cup football events. Click on the image to enlarge and click again for full size when available. This image is courtesy F&WHR. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

F&WHR 21/11/22

At 15:25 Criccieth Castle arrived in the WHR platform with headlights ablaze and ran round the S&T's cable drum wagon which had spent the week in the WHR run round loop. At 15:34 the train set off for Boston Lodge rather than Minffordd Yard with the loco propelling the cable drum wagon after briefly returning to the WHR platform for signalling purposes and departing at 15:42.

The KMX was also noted on Monday. It emerged from Minffordd yard at 09:48 and was back again at 14:40. It appeared to have been tamping between Minffordd and Boston Lodge Halt, perhaps the section re-laid last year.

Spooners opens longer for World Cup!

Spooners is to open until 22:00 on Monday 21/11/22 to help football supporters celebrate the opening matches of the 2022 World Cup from Qatar. Don't miss WALES v USA at 19:00 this evening.

North Wales London trains restart 11/12/22

Avanti, recently given a 6 month stay of execution by the Tories for poor service, has confirmed direct Holyhead -London trains will restart on 11/12/22. New 7/13 coach bi-mode Class 805 dmu/emus are also under test for introduction in 2023. See Daily Post story.

Santa Trains selling out fast 21/11/22

All First Class Santa Specials are sold out and only five family groups remain available for the 10:00 train on 23/12/22. With still two weeks to go surely it is time to add some additional trains as there are only 10 services this year compared to 24 in 2019. However shortage of volunteers may preclude this.

F&WHR 20/11/22

Harlech Castle departed Minffordd Yard at 09:14 and arrived at Tan-y-bwlch at 11:19 in the middle of the rake. The loco continued to propel the rake towards Tan-y-grisiau.. The train returned  to Tan-y-bwlch at 13:06 and departed at 13:08 for Minffordd, arriving there at 13:48 to close the day's activities. The S&T's cable drum wagon remained blocking the WHR run round overnight at Porthmadog.

Caernarfon Castle finally gets to Caernarfon 19/11/22

It appears the loco has not been renamed bilingually in accordance with the F&WHR's bilingual policy and retains its Welsh only nameplates on both sides. Staff confirm that the loco's roof profile is more curved on this new steel cab. The upper part of the interior cab paintwork still needs to be completed as it is bare metal. Windscreen wipers, which have been ordered, need to be fitted too, though the wiper motors are present. Otherwise the loco is complete and operating well according to staff.

Caernarfon station had Xmas stalls and a 'pop up Santa' event in two carriages at Caernarfon on 19/11/22 for the Caernarfon Christmas Fair 'Gwyl Fwyd', which rather strangely did not get any promotional advertising from the F&WHR's Facebook page! Caernarfon Castle was called on to take two carriages from Dinas down to the station to be Santa's Grotto on Saturday and retrieved them later. This was an opportunity to advertise the Xmas Santa trains which start on 4/12/22.

This northerly view (19/11/22) shows Caernarfon Castle/Castell Caernarfon running round a two coach rake consisting of an Observation Car and a Brake saloon. The loco took the two coaches down to Caernarfon to 'fly the flag' as Santa's Grotto as part of the Christmas Fair where the station was open with stalls, though no public services were run. The Christmas Market continued in Y Galeri on Sunday 10-16:30. The coaches were returned to Dinas on Saturday afternoon. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to enlarge to full size where available. This image is copyright Tom Waldren and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Young Rail Professionals PW gang 19/11/22

The FR's winter PW programme is benefitting from a visit by the Young Rail Professionals group who are getting their hands dirty assisting with the track relaying at Stwlan Dam Road level Crossing, Tan-y-Grisiau.

This westerly view (19/11/22) from Stwlan Dam road crossing shows progress with the track relaying in this area apparently using the new style plastic sleepers. In the distance Harlech Castle waits with the PW train by the Penstocks Road level crossing nearer the power station. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to enlarge to full size where available. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

TfW 'Late Bird' cheap tickets

Transport for Wales is giving Advance Fare discounts on the day of travel subject to availability. These fares will not be available from ticket machines but all other purchase options including the train guard/on board conductor, will be allowed. 

See TfW website for more details.

F&WHR 19/11/22

Harlech Castle departed Minffordd Yard at 08:40 hauling the PW rake towards Tan-y-bwlch and arriving at 09:22. The loco ran round at Tan-y-bwlch at 09:30 and propelled the rake towards the Stwlan Dam Level Crossing relay works, departing at 09:47. With darkness falling early the train arrived back at 15:51 and departed at 15:56 for Minffordd arriving there at 16:37. The S&T's cable drum wagon remained blocking the WHR run round overnight at Porthmadog.

WHR Santa trains booking fast

All First Class seats have now sold out 2 weeks before the first Santa Specials. Only 10 trips were planned this year, with two trips on each of 5 days, fewer than previous years e.g. at Xmas 2019, before COVID, there were 24 Santa Specials in total, 12 each from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu and Porthmadog to Beddgelert. Three of this year's five days are now fully booked with limited seats available only on 4/12 and 23/12. It is possible extra trips might be necessary to meet demand if trains become fully booked this far in advance. Bookings may be made at the F&WHR's Xmas website.

F&WHR 18/11/22

Harlech Castle departed Tan-y-bwlch propelling the PW rake towards the Stwlan Dam Level Crossing relay works at 08:44 having been left out on the main line in Tan-y-bwlch's westbound platform overnight again.

At 10:10, the Funkey turned up in the WHR platform with the B wagons and well wagon brought to Boston Lodge yesterday. Departure came for Dinas at 10:30, a most welcome return for this loco to the WHR after five and a half years out of action. for details of the loco's history see Festpedia webpage.

This easterly view (18/11/22) shows Caernarfon Castle/Castell Caernarfon with a rake of four B wagons and the well wagon in transit to Dinas now the loco has passed its test runs. These wagons had been used for coal delivery/ash disposal during the peak season. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to enlarge to full size where available. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Harlech Castle arrived back at Tan-y-bwlch at 13:11 with the PW rake and at 13:17 it left towards Minffordd Yard, arriving there at 14:12 to close the day's activities. The S&T's cable drum wagon was still stabled in the WHR run round in Harbour Station overnight.

New Small Loco Shed progress 17/11/22

This southerly view (17/11/22) shows progress with the new Small Loco Shed at Boston Lodge. On the left, the rebar is piled on the site of the current Garratt siding and future Garratt shed. There will be three roads in the new Small Loco Shed with the excavation for the inspection pit visible in the centre of the view next to the points for the Heritage Carriage Shed. There will be two roads to the left of this. The shed in the bottom right houses the elusive Chinese C2 loco on which progress is slowly being made. At the rear of the site the shuttering has been erected for the concrete rear wall of the shed. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to enlarge to full size where available. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Castell Caernarfon 17/11/22

The C.H. Funkey-built Castell Caernarfon is ready for a return to service following a major overhaul and rebuild. The loco has been missing from service on the WHR for over 5 years until a recent decision to expedite its refurbishment following shortage of a recue loco at Dinas. The work included a new steel cab replacing the fibreglass one previously carried, complete rewiring of the controls and replacement of the braking system (including the addition of a new type of vacuum exhauster taken from a BR Class 47). The loco has been undergoing final testing and should return to Dinas during the morning of 18/11/22.

This northerly view (17/11/22) shows Caernarfon Castle/Castell Caernarfon stabled at Porthmadog whilst awaiting a duty. With the F&R's bilingual naming policy it is not clear yet whether the nameplate on the other side of the loco is the English version of the name. Previously the loco carried the Welsh version on both sides in contravention of the policy. The loco has been turned out in this bright green livery rather than the WHR maroon it had when it last operated 5 years ago. The new livery has not met with universal acclamation from staff and volunteers. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to enlarge to 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 17/11/22

Harlech Castle had been left out on the main line in Tan-y-bwlch's westbound platform overnight. It departed propelling the rake towards the Stwlan Dam Level Crossing relay works at 08:50. The S&T rake did not appear to be used today but the cable drum wagon was still left blocking the WHR run round in Porthmadog.

Steam was raised in the morning at Boston Lodge and at 09:32 Caernarfon Castle/Castell Caernarfon appeared in the WHR platform, this time with an ECS 8 coach test rake and No.130 on the rear. The train hung round for over an hour after the Funkey was disconnected and, at 10:47, the Garratt hauled the rake back to Boston Lodge Halt with some staff/volunteers in the Observation Car. This was a visit by local councillors to see progress at Boston Lodge. At 10:48 the Funkey trundled up the platform to the starter signal once the train had cleared the starter and signal reset. The diesel then shunted into the station yard for the first time and remained stabled there for some time awaiting the return of the steam special.

This easterly view (17/11/22) shows Caernarfon Castle arrived at Porthmadog with an ECS working with No.130 on the far end of the 8 coach ECS rake. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This easterly view (17/11/22) shows Caernarfon Castle waiting in the yard for the first time for the return of the Local Councillors Special visit to Boston Lodge. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

At 11:15 there was steam shunting visible at Boston Lodge, possibly a run round manoeuvre in the new Carriage Shed after No.130 had hauled the rake into the new Carriage Shed after propelling from Boston Lodge halt. At 11:47 the Funkey shunted to the signalbox and remained there for over an hour. At 12:05, while the Funkey remained stationary, No.130 was noted emerging from Pen Cob Junction and then propelling the test rake back towards Boston Lodge Halt after apparently running round in the new Carriage Shed. At 12:39 No.130 arrived in the WHR platform with the rake and a minute later the Funkey shunted onto the rear. At 12:46 the diesel hauled the rake and No.130 on the rear back to Boston Lodge.

This easterly view (17/11/22) shows Caernarfon Castle attached to the rear of the rake that No.130 had just brought into the station. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

At 14:46 Criccieth Castle propelled 4 slate wagons up from Boston Lodge to Minffordd and at 14:49 hauled them into the yard via the Mineral Line. Almost an hour later there was further freight action at Minffordd when the same loco along with Upnor Castle inside, propelled 4 empty B wagons and the well wagon out of the yard at 15:38. A minute late they departed for Boston Lodge, reversing into the yard there at 15:50. Finally Harlech Castle arrived back in Tan-y-bwlch at 15:23 from the Stwlan Dam Road Crossing relay to stable overnight on the main line. The WHR loop line at Porthmadog was still blocked by the S&T Cable Drum wagon which was left overnight again.

F&WHR 16/11/22

Harlech Castle had been left out on the main line in Tan-y-bwlch's westbound platform overnight in conjunction with PW works at Stwlan Dam road level crossing. It departed propelling the rake towards Dduallt at 08:52. The S&T rake did not appear to be used today but the cable drum wagon was still left blocking the WHR run round in Porthmadog.

This easterly view (16/11/22) shows relaying work at Stwlan Dam Road crossing. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to enlarge to full size where available. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Rebuilt Funkey Caernarfon Castle/Castell Caernarfon arrived in the WHR platform again at 11:03 with a 6 coach ECS, presumably another test train, and posed in sunshine for photos before propelling the rake back to Boston Lodge at 11:42. Steam was being raised around midday at Boston Lodge.

Harlech Castle arrived back at 16:08 from the Dduallt direction and stabled on the westbound platform again overnight. The cable drum wagon was still left blocking the WHR run round in Porthmadog.

Spooners new Autumn opening hours and menu

This image shows the new Autumn opening hours for Spooners Cafe and Bar. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Spooners will offer a menu of simple fare from 09:00-15:00. The F&WHR has had problems recruiting staff to open the restaurant for the usual pre-COVID opening hours so the kitchen has no late afternoon/evening service.

These images shows the new Autumn Menu for Spooners Cafe. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

F&WHR 15/11/22

On Tuesday, Harlech Castle was shunting the PW rake out of Tan-y-bwlch yard at 08:10. The rake was propelled towards Dduallt at 08:15. Upnor Castle propelled the S&T rake out of Minffordd Yard at 09:30 and hauled the rake towards Boston Lodge curve at 09:32.

The PW train was back a Tan-y-bwlch at 16:00  with Harlech Castle and the rake was left on the westbound platform overnight apparently rather than shunted into the yard. Upnor Castle arrived back at Minffordd propelling the S&T rake at 16:07 and at 16:09 hauled the rake into the yard to close the day's activities.

North Wales Coast Main Line 25/10/22-14/11/22

Class 197s started operating on the Blaenau Ffestiniog branch from Monday 14/11/22. Monday also saw the Llandudno Junction slate waste train, apparently now a regular Monday working.

Class 67s are to be painted in a TfW black livery in future matching the ex-GC coaches. One of the first is No.67020 with black sides, red roof and a yellow front panel noted on 10/11/22.

Class 37 No.97302 was paired top and tail with 56049 on the RHTT working on 26/10/22 replacing 56105 which had worked the previous day.

F&WHR 14/11/22

Just for a change Criccieth Castle turned up at 08:07 on Monday in Porthmadog FR platform with a 3 coach rake, including the curly roofed van No.1 on the rear. The diesel left light engine at 08:20 and reversed into the WHR platform before departing at 08:24 light engine for the depot. This may have been a signalling test after the S&T works over the last few days.

This easterly view (14/11/22) shows Criccieth Castle arriving at Porthmadog with an ECS working on a rather grey damp morning. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Meanwhile down at Minffordd, Upnor Castle propelled the S&T rake out of the yard at 08:45 and departed at 08:52 towards Porthmadog. The rake was noted stabled on Boston Lodge curve by 09:00. Up at Tan-y-bwlch Harlech Castle arrived with a PW train at 10:14. A complicated shunt followed to arrange the Mess Car and wagons into the correct order before the loco propelled the rake towards Dduallt at 11:03.

This westerly view (14/11/22) shows Harlech Castle arriving at Tan-y-bwlch with a PW train. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Down at Porthmadog at 13:00, there was a turn up for the books when a strange green diesel turned up with an ECS into the WHR platform at 13:00. It turned out to be the long awaited Castell Caernarfon / Caernarfon Castle, complete with go faster stripes, hauling an 8 coach rake, possibly on test. The loco propelled the rake back onto The Cob at 13:09 and back to Boston Lodge. This loco has been out of action for over 5 years since May 2017 and the WHR has had to rely on sharing the other Funkey Vale of Ffestiniog with the FR for rescue and heavier PW duties.

This easterly view (14/11/22) shows Caernarfon Castle arriving at Porthmadog with an ECS working on a rather grey damp afternoon. The cab roof profile looks rounder than that the original. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Harlech Castle was back at Tan-y-bwlch at 16:03 with the PW rake which was shunted into the yard by 16:11. Upnor Castle propelled the S&T rake back from Boston Lodge curve to Minffordd arriving at 16:35 and hauled the rake into the yard at 16:37 to close the day's activities

F&WHR 13/11/22

Upnor Castle propelled the S&T rake out of Minffordd Yard at 07:59 and departed Minffordd at 08:01 for Porthmadog. The diesel arrived in the FR platform at 08:12 and propelled the S&T rake out onto The Cob at 08:29 for work to begin on the cable relaying with the cable drum wagon still in the WHR run round where it had been left overnight opposite the signalbox. The diesel hauled the rake back to the signalbox at 10:23 before returning to The Cob at 10:28.

Upnor Castle hauled the rake back into the FR platform at 12:53 before another short trip out onto The Cob at 13:05. At 13:22 the rake was back again probably for a lunch break as it did not leave for The Cob again until 13:48, when the S&T group was working in the Pen Cob Junction area for the afternoon. The train returned to the FR platform to run round and collect the Minffordd token at 17:06 and the loco ran round at 17:12. The train left for Minffordd at 17:21 leaving the cable drum wagon on the WHR run round line overnight as usual. Upnor Castle arrived at Minffordd wrong line at 17:32 and propelled the train down the Mineral Line back into the yard at 17:35 to close the day's activities, a day when Porthmadog recorded a new record UK November temperature of 21.2C.

F&WHR 12/11/22

Upnor Castle  propelled the S&T rake out of Minffordd yard at 08:58. The train departed Minffordd at 09:02 arriving in the FR platform at 09:11 to run round. However, apparently after second thoughts, the loco ran round again at 09:40 to the west end of the train before propelling the rake to the far end of The Cob. The diesel led the rake back into the platform at 11:12 before propelling the rake to the far end of The Cob at 11:55. Upnor Castle was back in the FR platform light engine at 12:15 and departing at 12:25. Work continued on The cob rewiring until Upnor Castle returned to the FR platform at 16:13 and ran round at 16:18. The train set off for Minffordd at 16:22, arriving wrong line at 16:32. The diesel propelled the rake back down the Mineral Line into the yard at 16:34 to close the day's activities with the cable drum wagon still stabled on the WHR run round in Porthmadog station.

Coachworks report 11/11/22

The first WHR carriage of the Winter maintenance programme left the Carriage Works on 11/11/22. Winson built Brake No.2091 and saloon No.2042 arrived in the workshop in early October, both needing the vestibule floors replacing due to rot issues around the doorways. Both now have recycled plastic floors in these areas and have received a fresh coat of cream finish and several coats of varnish all over. No.2091 has left, while No.2042 is not far behind. Observation car No.2100 Glaslyn has been cleaned and is now in paint shop for a quick touch up and re-varnish.

This easterly view (11/11/22) shows Winson built brake coach No.2041 ready to leave Boston Lodge. This coach was rebuilt from saloon No.2041 in 2017 to provide an additional brake coach for the F&WHR. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Preview 'A Year in the life of F&WHR 2022' YouTube 11/11/22

Click on the YouTube link to watch 4 minutes 33 seconds of video covering the F&WHR in 2022. The full 5 hour BluRay is available from the F&WHR's on line shop at £25 (or as 5 DVDs). This video was published on 11/11/22 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 11/11/22

Upnor Castle departed Minffordd Yard at 09:17 with Harlech Castle on the rear of the S&T rake and was noted arriving with the S&T container, well wagon and brake van at the WHR platform at 09:34 on Friday probably having dropped off the rear loco at Pen Cob Junction. At 09:35Upnor Castle shunted to the FR platform and ran round at 09:45. The orange army was again at work on buried cables next to The Cob footpath and at 10:15 the loco hauled the rake out on The Cob again. In the afternoon the train was noted working at the far end of The Cob but with the reel wagon still opposite the signalbox in the WHR loop line. At 14:55 the diesel returned to the platform propelling its rake. The train advanced to the WHR starter signal close to Spooners at 15:23 to load some more cable onto the well wagon before heading back to the other end of the platform at 15:26 and departing at 15:44 across The Cob, leaving the cable drum wagon in the WHR run round opposite the signal box as the previous night. Upnor Castle reversed the rake into Minffordd Yard at 16:03 to close the day's activities.

This westerly view (11/11/22) shows Harlech Castle leading the S&T rake out of Minffordd Yard with Upnor Castle on the rear. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

F&WHR 10/11/22

Upnor Castle was noted propelling an S&T rake out of the yard at 11:17. The train departed Minffordd at 11:22 with BZ1423, ex-MOD wagon No.191 with a reel of cable, brakevan No.51, the S&T container and the well wagon with more cable. This arrived at Porthmadog in the WHR run round line at 11:40. The loco ran round via the WHR platform at 11:47. At 13:00 the orange army was at work on buried cables next to The Cob footpath opposite the signalbox. At 17:00 the rolling stock appeared to be left out overnight on The Cob as the cable laying was incomplete but the loco probably returned to Minffordd yard.

Cold snap on the way

Snow may come to the mountains of North Wales next week with the jet stream steering cold weather towards North Wales. Snow flurries are expected in some parts after a very mild Autumn with record high temperatures in many parts.

Rolls Royce shortlist SMR sites

Rolls Royce has identified Trawsfynydd and Wylfa as potential sites for its proposed Small Modular Nuclear Reactors SMRs) to be constructed by 2030. However, other companies are looking at Wylfa for a major new large scale reactor Wylfa B to replace the recently closed power nuclear power station. The new Tory PM, Sunak, has confirmed the previous government plan to build a new large 3GW reactor at Wylfa. This could mean additional freight trains on the North Wales Coast line to bring in construction materials and deal with nuclear waste. See MSN report and Daily Post report.

F&WHR 9/11/22

On Wednesday 9/11/22 only one train was noted at 11:10 emerging from Minffordd Yard with Harlech Castle and the DZ wagon, full of spoil, Mess car and well wagon with excavator arriving at Tan-y-bwlch at 12:00. The train left to tip spoil at Dduallt at 12:03 and returned from the Dduallt direction at 14:28 having shunted the rake. Both DZ and well wagon were now behind the Mess Car. It departed towards Minffordd at 14:31, entering the yard at 15:10 to close the day's activities.

F&WHR 8/11/22

On Tuesday 8/11/22 there were only two PW trains planned to Rhiw Goch but other works trains ran as well. Upnor Castle appeared at Minffordd from Boston Lodge at 07:30 and crossed over to the Mineral Line to shunt the yard. The loco emerged at 08:00 propelling two DZ wagons (Nos. 1424/1412) up the FR. Harlech Castle emerged from the Tan-y-bwlch siding at 09:02 with the FR Mess Car and headed towards Dduallt at 09:04 with a spoil wagon containing what appeared to be loco ash accompanied by the well wagon in tow. At 12:24 Harlech Castle was back with 4 additional empty B wagons into tow, and an excavator on the well wagon, presumably having disposed of loco ash at Dduallt. At 12:35 the loco detached and ran up the eastbound platform to collect the token before returning to the train and departing at 12:43 for Minffordd, arriving there at 13:20.

At 12:49 Moel Hebog and Upnor Castle arrived top and tailing a DZ wagon in the sunshine at Minffordd from the yard and departed towards Porthmadog at 12:53 before dropping Moel Hebog off at Pen Cob a few minutes later and working forward to Porthmadog with just Upnor Castle leading.

This westerly view (8/11/22) shows Moel Hebog and Upnor Castle arriving with a wagon at Minffordd. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Upnor Castle arrived at Porthmadog station at 13:15 and headed up the WHR with one wagon and some volunteers at 13:19. The loco returned from the WHR at 14:00 propelling the wagon so it cannot have gone further than Pont Croesor. It departed for Minffordd at 14:14 arriving at 14:23 with a level crossing gate in the wagon. The loco ran round the wagon by reversing light engine back down the line and then back wrong line into the station. There does not seem to be a shunt limit at the east end of Minffordd as the wagon was then propelled towards Porthmadog and hauled back wrong line into the westbound platform before finally being propelled down the Mineral Line into the yard. Another alternative to a shunt token at Minffordd east to ease this type of complicated shunt is the long proposed direct access to the yard from the Porthmadog direction. This would also create a useful triangle for reversing stock when necessary.

This westerly view (8/11/22) shows Upnor Castle propelling a wagon with a level crossing gate from the WHR to be shunted into Minffordd Yard. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

F&WHR 7/11/22

Monday 7/11/22 was the first day of the Winter Major Works Programme and 5 PW trains ran, 3 to Dduallt, one of which has stabled at Tan-y-bwlch. Another train ran to Rhiw Goch and the KMX tamper-liner ran from Rhyd Ddu to Boston Lodge.

This easterly view (7/11/22) shows Moel Hebog and Criccieth Castle on duty with PW trains at Minffordd and scaffolding erected to repair the Minffordd station building. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Snow forecast

The Met Office's long range forecast suggests a cooling from November into early December and snow flurries in the north and Scotland in mountainous areas which could impact the F&WHR.

F&WHR 6/11/22

Sunday was forecast to be a day of rain showers at Porthmadog and a possible thunderstorm at midday with a maximum temperature of 13C. There are no public services on the F&WHR as the season finished on Thursday 3/11/22. The next trains will be the WHR Santa trains from 4/12/22 and Winter Wanderer trains from 10/12/22. The only trains likely over the rest of November are likely to be PW trains and stock transfers for maintenance.

Criccieth Castle arrived in the WHR platform at 08:58 with a stock transfer train. The train departed for Dinas with a saloon and an FR Observation Car at 09:03. The diesel was back at 13:54 with the Pullman coach No.2115 Bodysgallen and a saloon which are to receive attention this closed season in the Coach Works. The train left for Boston Lodge at 14:00.

This easterly view (6/11/22) shows Criccieth Castle departing Porthmadog with a stock transfer for Dinas on a rather grey damp morning. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

F&WHR 5/11/22

Saturday was forecast to be a day with a rainy morning but sunny afternoon at Porthmadog with a maximum temperature of 14C. There are no public services on the F&WHR as the season finished on Thursday. The next trains will be the WHR Santa Trains from 4/12/22 and Winter Wanderer trains from 10/12/22.

Lyd arrived in the WHR platform ECS at 09:09 carrying The Cwellyn headboard. The loco ran to fuel and water in the yard at 09:13. The train departed at 10:00 towards Beddgelert carrying photographers.

This easterly view (5/11/22) shows Lyd arriving at Porthmadog to run onto the WHR. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Merddin Emrys turned up at 11:24 in the WHR platform with a four coach ECS rake including an observation car on the rear. The train departed towards Beddgelert at 12:05 while another loco got up steam at Boston Lodge. The Fairlie trip may have been for the photocharter in the Beddgelert area.

This easterly view (5/11/22) shows Merddin Emrys arriving at Porthmadog to run onto the WHR. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

The Fairlie was back with the same rake arriving at 14:24 having probably been to Beddgelert. At 14:30 the loco ran to the fuelling/watering point and returned to the rake at 14:44. At 14:48 the loco left for the depot with the ECS as the sun came out. Lyd arrived back in the WHR platform at 15:59 with a four coach rake with a number of people on board who formed a photo gallery. Maybe this was an extra day of the photocharter? Lyd departed with the ECS at 16:26 for the depot to close the day's activities. What is surprising is that for the second night on the run the platform lights seem to have been left on with no trains arriving at the station. This may be for security as they remain on until about 23:30 and are switched back on about 05:30 which is a considerable cost to the F&WHR with electricity bills rising by 50%! Platform lights being on no longer signifies the presence of a train service on the line.

Harbour Station November opening hours

Following the end of the season's passenger services, the Booking Office and Shop at Harbour Station have amended their opening hours. The Booking Office will now be open from 10:00-16:00 Monday to Friday - and close on Saturdays and Sundays. Information on the F&WHR Christmas/ New Year trains and activities is available 24/7 at festrail.co.uk/christmas - where tickets can be booked for any of the F&WHR's trains and visits to Santa. The Shop will now be open from 10:00-16:00 Tuesday to Saturday - and close on Sundays and Mondays but the webshop is open online at - festrail.co.uk/shop - to buy presents and gifts for family and friends 24/7.

F&WHR 4/11/22

Friday was forecast to be a day of sunny morning but cloudy afternoon at Porthmadog with a maximum temperature of 11C. There are no public services on the F&WHR as the season finished yesterday. The next trains will be the Santa Trains and  This is the final day of the photocharter which has possession of the FR and Tan-y-bwlch cafe remained open to serve the participants and general visitors.

Photocharter members gathered on Harbour Station platform from 7am in bright dawn sunshine, the best weather they have had so far. Palmerston pulled in at 07:26 with the short rake including the curly roofed van to carry the photographers. Run round came at 07:33 and the train departed at 07:39 up the FR. Another steam train departed Boston Lodge at 08:31 reversing at Pen Cob Junction. This turned out to be Merddin Emrys (now with standard pattern smokebox latches) hauling the four wheelers with the slate wagon rake attached to the rear, passing Minffordd at 08:28. Palmerston arrived at Tan-y-bwlch at 08:59. The train departed for Dduallt at 09:12.

Down at Porthmadog Welsh Pony turned up light engine at 09:17 and ran to the yard to collect the mixed freight, departing for the FR at 09:30. The train arrived at Tan-y-bwlch at 09:50 and left for Dduallt at 10:05. Finally Welsh Pony arrived with the mixed freight at 10:38, departing at 10:50 towards Dduallt. At 14:36 the Fairlie and Palmerston were back in Tan-y-bwlch with the slate wagon and mixed freight before departing at 14:53 for Porthmadog. Welsh Pony appeared with the passenger train at 14:58 and departing at 15:42 for Porthmadog. So at some stage in the afternoon Welsh Pony and Palmerston exchanged duties.

Merddin Emrys detached at Minffordd at 15:40 and Palmerston hauled the two freight trains into the yard at 15:46. The loco spent a while shunting the yard before departing Minffordd for Boston Lodge at 16:29.

Merddin Emrys arrived light engine in the FR platform at 15:49 before departing light engine for the depot at 16:06 after fuelling and watering. Welsh Pony arrived back at Porthmadog with the coaching stock at 16:27 and ran round at 16:35 before departing at 16:43 with the ECS for the depot to close the day's activities.

This easterly view (4/11/22) shows Welsh Pony arriving at the end of the photocharter. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

WHR Santa Specials booking fast

With five weeks to go, one of the WHR Santa Specials is already fully booked (11/12/22). There is the possibility of adding extra dates/services as there are only 10 trains in all operating twice a day over 5 dates from 4/12/22, considerably less than the pre-COVID offering.

A55 Abergwyngregyn improvement

The A55 Abergwyngregyn improvement will be finished by the end of the year and its temporary speed limit removed with average speed cameras removed. A farm access road has been added along the north side. Improvements have also been made to carriageway widths and to reduce flooding. Passengers for the WHR will welcome this road improvement. This section was a very early section of the A55 dualled and followed the original alignment of the Roman Road between Chester (Deva) and Caernarfon (Segontium) west of Aber.

F&WHR 3/11/22

Thursday was forecast to be a day of sunny periods and showers at Porthmadog with a maximum temperature of 11C with the storm having abated overnight. This is the final day of the season with just two trains booked on the WHR (the morning Glaslyn Venturer and the Gelert Explorer) and none on the FR, as the photocharter has possession of the line.

It was an early start for the photographers with the arrival of Welsh Pony and the short rake they used yesterday into the FR platform at 07:09. Run round came at 07:17 followed by some run-pasts for the gallery from 07:27 including shunting the yard with the mixed freight from 07:37 as showers passed by. After joining the coaches and mixed freight and shunting them to the FR platform Welsh Pony departed light engine at 07:54 for the FR. This was a positioning move for later photocharter events and the light loco passed Minffordd at 08:03. Merddin Emrys arrived light engine at 08:15, coupling the photocharter rake in the FR platform and departing at 08:29 for FR photo locations with the photocharter and mixed freight on the rear.

No.130 arrived in the WHR platform with the ECS for the final Glaslyn Venturer of the year at 09:34 in a torrential downpour. The train departed on time at 10:15.  Meanwhile, up at Tan-y-bwlch, Welsh Pony arrived at 08:43 and, after surrendering the token, it ran back through the platform and up the westbound platform to extract the slate wagons from the yard where they had been left overnight. It might have been easier to signal the loco via the station limits towards the Dduallt and run into the westbound platform for the shunt. The loco then ran round at 09:26 and waited until the Fairlie arrived with the mixed photocharter at 11:00.

This westerly view (3/11/22) shows Welsh Pony extracting the slate wagons from Tan-y-bwlch yard. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

At 10:45 Palmerston emerged from Boston Lodge and headed up the line directly from Pen Cob Junction with a rake of 6 four wheelers comprising Van 8, Nos. 2/5/12/3/4/1 and the Sentry box Van 3, passing Minffordd at 10:53. At Tan-y-bwlch, Welsh Pony and the slate wagons left towards Dduallt at 11:14 and the mixed train left towards Dduallt at 11:44, clearing the platform for Palmerston to arrive with the bugboxes at 11:48. Palmerston departed towards Dduallt with the bugboxes at 12:10 leaving the station empty.

This westerly view (3/11/22) shows Welsh Pony departing with the slate wagons from Tan-y-bwlch yard while the Fairlie stands with the mixed trains consisting of the photocharter with curly roofed van and the mixed goods train in the other platform. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

No.130 returned to Porthmadog at 13:00 with the final train of the season, departing ECS for the depot at 13:11.

At 15:03 Welsh Pony returned to Tan-y-bwlch with the mixed freight and the slate wagons. At 15:08 the long rake departed for Porthmadog. The passenger rakes returned to Tan-y-bwlch at 15:30 with Palmerston on the front with the four-wheelers and the curly roof van rake on the rear with Merddin Emrys on the back. The long photocharter rake departed for Porthmadog at 15:37.

This westerly view (3/11/22) shows David Lloyd George on the rear consisting of the photocharter passing through Tan-y-bwlch with Palmerston on the front with the four wheelers. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

At 16:01 Welsh Pony arrived back at Porthmadog and shunted the rakes of wagons into the sidings with the slate wagons in the seawall siding. The mixed freight was shunted into the adjacent siding while Palmerston approached across The Cob at 16:33 with the long photocharter rake arriving at 16:37 with the Fairlie on the rear. Welsh Pony departed light engine a minute later. The Fairlie departed at 16:49 light engine but Palmerston collected the coaching stock from the platform and at 16:59 coupled to the slate wagons in the seawall siding. Palmerston struggled out of the station with the long heavy rake at 17:05 to close the day's activities.

Lightning strike 3/11/22

Harbour station was hit by lightning this morning and the booking office is out of action temporarily while the problem is fixed. Fortunately the last train of the season has already run.

WHR Photocharter video 2/11/22

Click on the YouTube link to watch 24 minutes 1 seconds of video focussed on the WHR photocharter 30/10/22 and 1/11/22 published 2/11/22 featuring Russell and Baldwin No.608 and the prototypical WHR 1020s rake featuring the Pickering brake. This video was taken by Lee Andrew Davies on a camcorder.

Tan-y-bwlch tea room opening

With the end of the season trains having run today, Tan-y-bwlch's tea room will be open intermittently on 4/11/22 and the first 3 weekends of December, 22-23/12/22, 28-31/12/22 and 1/1/23.

F&WHR 2/11/22

Wednesday was forecast to be a day of sunny periods and showers at Porthmadog with a maximum temperature of 14C but stormy gusts of up to 60mph at times from Storm Claudio. Two trains were booked on the WHR (the morning Glaslyn Venturer and the Gelert Explorer) and none on the FR, as the photocharter has possession of the line.

Photographers were gathered for the photocharter at Porthmadog when Welsh Pony arrived at 07:35 into the FR platform with a 4 coach heritage rake including the curly roofed van and a four wheeled coach. The loco had run round by 07:43 and departed at 07:53 to make a series of run-pasts of the gallery of photographers by the signalbox before returning to stable in the FR platform. At 08:27 Merddin Emrys propelled a slate wagon train and brakevan into the WHR platform and made some run-pasts towards onto The Cob before departing at 08:42 towards Minffordd, arriving wrong line at 08:52. Welsh Pony departed with the photocharter at 09:18 heading up the FR and passing Minffordd at 09:29.

This westerly view (2/11/22) shows Merddin Emrys entering the loop at Minffordd wrong line with the demonstration slate wagon train. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

No.130 arrived in the WHR platform at 09:43 with the ECS for the 10:15 Glaslyn Explorer. At 09:54 Palmerston and Upnor Castle arrived light engine in the yard to prepare demonstration freight trains for the photocharter. Also at 09:54 the photocharter group was watching Merddin Emrys propel its slate wagon rake onto the mineral line at Minffordd where it paused just beyond the level crossing. The Fairlie made a series of run-pasts from 10:04 from the mineral line but then went up to Tan-y-bwlch arriving at 10:53 before shunting into the westbound platform. At 10:25 Palmerston prepared a mixed freight at Harbour Station and departed at 10:41 for Minffordd and arriving at Minffordd with the mixed freight at 10:57. From 11:04 it was Palmerston's turn to do run past from the Mineral Line with the mixed freight of FR wagons. At 11:46 Upnor Castle propelled the skip train across The Cob from Harbour Station. After Palmerston's final run-past at 11:25 Upnor Castle showed up propelling the skip train at 11:55 at Minffordd Crossing.

This westerly view (2/11/22) shows Palmerston propelling a prototypical FR freight train onto the Mineral Line. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This westerly view (2/11/22) shows Upnor Castle propelling a prototypical FR freight train wrong line into Minffordd. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Welsh Pony arrived at 12:03 at Tan-y-bwlch with the photocharter and photographers had a break at the cafe. Meanwhile at Minffordd the skip train was hauled into the yard by Upnor Castle at 12:12. At 12:16 the charter was shunted to the westbound platform to await the arrival of Palmerston with the mixed freight at 12:48.

Down at Harbour Station the Glaslyn Venturer arrived back at 12:57 with Storm Claudio whipping up the waves at high tide and sending spray across The Cob. The ECS departed at 13:15 for the depot.

Meanwhile at 12:41 the photocharter headed towards Dduallt at 12:41. With the storm growing in intensity, Palmerston and Merddin Emrys hauled the mixed freight back through Tan-y-bwlch at 14:36 having left the slate wagon train in the yard at Tan-y-bwlch. Staff with tree clearance equipment had been out on the line to assist in removing any branches brought down by the storm. Welsh Pony was back in Tan-y-bwlch by 15:45 with Storm Claude battering the area and the possibility of fallen trees blocking the line. Welsh Pony departed at 15:58, passing through Minffordd at 16:31 and arriving at Porthmadog at 16.39. The loco ran round at 16:46 and departed with the ECS at 16:53 to close the day's activities.

F&WHR 1/11/22

Tuesday was forecast to be a day of sunny periods in the morning at Porthmadog with a maximum temperature of 13C but heavy rain in the afternoon. Three trains were booked on the FR (two Woodland Wanderer trains and the morning Mountain Spirit) and none on the WHR. In fact there are no trains on the WHR until Wednesday/Thursday because Russell and the Baldwin are being used on photocharter work on the WHR. Stormy weather was forecast for Porthmadog on Wednesday when the photocharter might switch to the FR as there are no services on that line on Wednesday/Thursday.

First up was the Baldwin which arrived light engine at 07:31 into the FR platform past a gallery of photographers. At 07:43 the Baldwin propelled the skip rake up to the signalbox from the yard while the photocharter rake approached across The Cob. Palmerston arrived with a three coach rake for the photocharter in the WHR platform at 07:46. The Baldwin was out on the Cob at 07:55 making run pasts with the skip rake onto the WHR loop line with the sun emerging dramatically from time to time from behind the low clouds. At 08:25 the Baldwin returned the skip train to the yard and Welsh Pony departed with the photocharter at 08:28 for locations on the WHR. At 08:48 the Baldwin left light engine for the depot.

This easterly view (1/11/22) shows the Baldwin returning to the depot after the photocharter departed. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Lyd arrived at 09:57 with the ECS for the Mountain Spirit into the FR platform, the first public service of the day. The loco ran round at 10:05 ready for the 10:30 departure. Palmerston arrived at 10:22 with the 7 coach rake for the Woodland Wanderer, a challenging load for this diminutive loco which is not superheated like the other two England engines. Palmerston ran round by 10:30 when Lyd departed with the Mountain Spirit and at 10:36 detached and shunted the first 3 coaches to the station yard before returning at 10:41 to the now more manageable 4 coach rake.

Palmerston arrived back into the FR platform at 13:15 with just 4 coaches as the rain swept in. Run round came at 13:33 ready for the 13:55 Woodland Wanderer. Lyd arrived back at 13:37 with the Mountain Spirit into the WHR platform and ran round shortly afterwards at 13:44. At 13:47 Lyd removed the front coach and shunted it to the WHR loop line before returning to the station yard to coal and water. After the departure of Palmerston with its short train at 13:55, Lyd returned emerged with a coach from the yard at 14:14 and shunted it onto its train followed at 14:21 by the coach from the WHR loop line. Lyd eventually departed with the ECS at 14:34.

The photocharter arrived back in the WHR platform at 14:42 with Welsh Pony. A few minutes later the loco ran to the fuelling/watering point while the soaked photographers detrained. The loco shunted the yard at 15:03 and extracted three coaches from the yard which were coupled up to the 3 coach photocharter rake, leaving ECS for the depot at 15:13. Palmerston returned at 16:25 with the Woodland Wanderer, running round at 16:45 and departing at 16:50 with the ECS to close the day's activities

Gelert Explorer

FSX until 3/11/22

The Cwellyn

TThO until 1/9/22

Additional trains may be added according to demand.

Glaslyn Venturer

FSX until 3/11/22

Both paths may operate according to demand.

The Harbourmaster

FSO until 28/10/22

Additional trains may be added according to demand.

Snowdonia Star

FSO until 28/10/22

Additional trains may be added according to demand.

Italicised times are variable according to necessary shunting duties/refuelling/watering etc.

More Cambrian Coast Expresses excursions

After the disappointment last season when a careless lorry driver working on the A487 Dyfi Bridge diversion hit Machynlleth station road bridge with his tipper up leading to cancellation of excursions, there are four from Pathfinder this year! The excursions will be hauled by NR's yellow Class 37s (aka Class 97) between Shrewsbury and Pwllheli.

Very few railtours will visit North Wales in the early part of the year with COVID suppressing the market.

Locos listed with an S prefix are steam engines, otherwise diesel locos.

Loco: TBA=To be announced

pu=pick up locations e.g.. NWC = principle stations on North Wales Coast

Promoters:

Branch Line Society

InterCity

Pathfinder

Midland Pullman

Northern Belle

Pathfinder

RTC (Railway Touring Company)

Saphos Trains

Statesman Rail

Steam Dreams

West Coast Railways

Vintage Trains

GVT goes for 2'3"

The Glyn Valley Tramway has decided on a gauge of 2'3" rather than the original gauge of 2'4.5" (724mm). This puts it in a common gauge with the Tal-y-llyn and Corris Railways with which it could exchange stock for gala events and seek help and advice. The initial railway will be from Chirk NR station to Pont Faen Trout Farm where another run round loop is required. The section between the station and Pont Faen involves a wooded valley side shelf descending at 1 in 60 into the Ceiriog Valley. The tramway used to run along the south side of the road to Glyn Ceiriog and the Granite Quarries beyond. See GVT promotional video.

This southerly view at Chirk station shows a section of 2"3" track laid alongside the exchange platform with NR over the fence to the left. Click on the advert to enlarge. This image is copyright GVT. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Cambrian Railways naming event

Class 73 No.73129 (as E6036 in light blue livery) was renamed with its original nameplates City of Winchester at a ceremony at the Cambrian Railways Weston Wharf temporary terminus at the end of October. This loco has been very popular pulling the CR's few Mk1 coaches compared to the CR recently acquired Pacers. See Rail Advent story. The event will be broadcast on Channel 5 on 11/11/22 at 8pm.

Great Musgrove bridge update

National Highways lost their case for retrospective planning permission to infill Great Musgrave B6259 bridge over the Eden Valley railway which blocked future heritage connection between the Stainmore Railway and the Eden Valley Railway. Now they have been given until October 2023 to restore the bridge to original condition and landscape the area.

F&WHR 31/10/22

Monday was forecast to be a day of sunny periods at Porthmadog with a maximum temperature of a mild 16C. Three trains were booked on the FR (two Woodland Wanderer trains and the morning Mountain Spirit) and none on the WHR. In fact there are no trains on the WHR until Wednesday/Thursday  because Russell and the Baldwin are being used on photocharter work on the WHR.

A surprise was the Baldwin No.608 which turned up at 07:20 to do some shunting and run pasts in the station area. At 07:26 the Baldwin extracted the 8 skip rake from the seawall siding and ran round the rake in the yard. The photocharter was next with Merddin Emrys arriving at 07:40 with its 4 coach special into the WHR platform and the Baldwin propelled its train out to the Trident signal. After hanging around at there for a while the Baldwin approached the station while some photographers took advantage of the low tide to photo from the foreshore! Eventually the recently repaired Baldwin turned up in the WHR loop line to surrender the token at 08:08 before making some run pasts at the footpath crossing and eventually shunting to the yard. The Baldwin ran round at 08:29 in the yard and departed at 08:30 light engine for the depot. After two failures on the WHR in successive years it seems the locos is still not trusted  north of Porthmadog! The Fairlie departed at 08:34 for the photoshoot WHR locations.

This easterly view (31/10/22) shows the Baldwin making run-pasts on The Cob with Merddin Emrys on the photocharter. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This easterly view (31/10/22) shows the Baldwin with the skip rake in the yard with Merddin Emrys on the photocharter. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This easterly view (31/10/22) shows the Baldwin ready to return to the depot with Merddin Emrys on the photocharter. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Lyd arrived at 09:53 with the first public train, the ECS for the10:30 Mountain Spirit. Lyd ran round at 09:58 as the Baldwin approached the yard light engine. Welsh Pony and Palmerston arrived in the WHR platform at 10:27 with the ECS Woodland Wanderer. The pair ran round at 10:40 while the Baldwin waited by the signalbox before departing light engine at 10:40 for the depot. The weather brightened up after the Woodland Wanderer departed at 10:55.

The England engines were back at 13:10 and Welsh Pony ran round at 13:26 in preparation for the 13:55 Woodland Wanderer. Lyd arrived back at 13:35 into the WHR platform with the returning Mountain Spirit. Palmerston ran round at 13:43 while Lyd shunted to the yard to coal and water returning to its train as soon as the 13:55 had departed. Lyd departed with the ECS at 14:08.

At 15:21 the Baldwin turned up again to shunt the station yard. At 16:04 the loco shunted the 8 skip rake back up the yard. The Fairlie arrived back at 16:10 with the photographers special at the same time as the Englands arrived back into the FR platform. Some run pasts took place at 16:16. No.5 and No.4 ran round in order at 16:20 and departing ECS at 16:24. At 16:28 the Fairlie ran to the fuelling point. At 16:30 the Baldwin revered the skips onto The Cob and then made some ran-pasts forwards onto the WHR loop line from 16:37 before returning to the yard at 16:45. At 16:52 the loco left light engine for the depot. The Fairlie ran round at 16:56 and the ECS photo charter rake returned to the depot at 17:00 to close the day's activities.

Timetable w/c 31/10/22

This timetable shows planned train services week commencing 31/10/22 with some additional trains for the Half Term holiday. Subject to traffic two or more trains may operate on certain services. The week finishes early on 3/11/22 and there are no more trains until December when Santa Trains commence on the WHR and Winter Wanderer trains on the FR followed by Xmas Holiday trains from 28/12/22 to 1/1/23. Click on the image to enlarge. Click again for full size where available. This image is courtesy F&WHR.

Baldwin FR gauging run 30/10/22

Speculation is growing about potential use of Baldwin No.608 on the FR, in addition to its natural home on the WHR. On Sunday evening 30/10/22 No.608 performed a gauging run to Minffordd and up Gwyndy Bank.

Russell 30/10/22

This northerly view (30/10/22) shows Russell taking water at Beddgelert during a photocharter day. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy Andrew Goodwin (WHHR) and was captured from a phone camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (30/10/22) shows Russell catching a brief period of sunshine at Pont Croesor during a photocharter day as the trains return home in the late afternoon. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy Andrew Goodwin (WHHR) and was captured from a phone camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

F&WHR 30/10/22

Sunday was forecast to be a day of showers and sunny periods at Porthmadog with a maximum temperature of a mild 15C. Three trains were booked on the FR (two Woodland Wanderer trains and the morning Mountain Spirit) and none on the WHR. In fact there are no trains on the WHR until Wednesday/Thursday when the final trains of the season run, the Gelert Explorer and the Glaslyn Venturer. The gap for the next few days is because Russell is being used on photocharter work on the WHR.

First train of the day was Merddin Emrys which arrived at 07:15 with a 4 coach rake into the WHR platform to pick photographers to take them to photo locations on the WHR. The train departed for the WHR at 07:54 on a rather damp cloudy morning. The WHHR contributed Russell and the heritage rake with prototypical carriages including the Pickering brake to form a typical 4 WHR coach train from the 1920s.

This easterly view (28/10/22) shows Moelwyn arriving with a mixed freight. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

The first public train was the Mountain Spirit which arrived at 09:48 into the FR platform hauled by Lyd, which ran round at 10:06. Welsh Pony and Palmerston arrived at 10:22 on the ECS for the Woodland Wanderer. Run round had to wait the departure of Lyd. The sun came out by 10:55 when the England pair departed with Palmerston as pilot.

The Woodland Wanderer was back at 13:16 with Welsh Pony as pilot in sunshine but the weather closed in by the time Welsh Pony ran round separately at 13:32. The shower was over by 13:37 when Lyd arrived with the returning Mountain Spirit into the WHR platform. At 13:43 Lyd ran to the depot to refuel. Palmerston ran round and coupled up at 13:46 to become pilot engine again on the 13:55. Lyd ran round at 14:00 after the Woodland Wanderer departed and left with the ECS for the depot at 14:08 as soon as The Cob section was clear.

The two England locos arrived back at Harbour station at 16:16 with Welsh Pony leading the returning Woodland Wanderer. The two locos ran round promptly at 16:19 and departed ECS at 16:25 for the depot. The Photoshoot Special returned at 16:30 with Merddin Emrys. The loco promptly detached and ran to the yard to fuel and water at 16:33. The loco soon returned and the train left ECS for the depot at 17:05 to close the day's activities. 

F&WHR 29/10/22

Saturday was forecast to be a day of showers at Porthmadog with a maximum temperature of a mild 17C. Three trains were booked on the FR (two Woodland Wanderer trains and the morning Mountain Spirit) and one on the WHR (the Gelert Explorer assuming the rake was passed fit for service after the accident at Cwm Cloch yesterday). As No.143 was in use on the Gelert Explorer on 26-27/10/22 this was the loco that was involved in the Cwm Cloch incident on 28/10/22 and some repairs are necessary. No.87 should be available instead.

The first train today was the 10:30 Mountain Spirit double headed by Merddin Emrys and Palmerston which arrived ECS at 10:15 into the FR platform. The pair ran round coupled at 10:23 and the train set off on time. Upnor Castle then arrived in the WHR platform at 10:28 with the ECS for the 10:55 Woodland Wanderer. The 10:30 left on time. At 10:40 Upnor Castle detached and started a run round but waited for a steam loco to come across The Cob. Lyd arrived at 10:55 and the train departed 5 minutes late at 11:00. The diesel was able to return to the depot when The Cob section was clear at 11:15.

Lyd was back at 13:13 and the Fairlie arrived back at 13:40 with the England engine on the rear. The Fairlie and Lyd ran round at 13:44 with the Fairlie going to refuel/water in the yard. At 13:51 a goods train arrived behind Moelwyn in the station yard and the diesel ran round at 13:51 as Lyd departed on the afternoon Woodland Wanderer. At 13:58 Moelwyn was shunting the freight in the yard. At 14:02 Palmerston uncoupled and ran to the king point with one coach where it remained until 14:05 after which the coach was shunted to the yard. Moelwyn then ran light engine to the king point at 14:12 before heading down the WHR loop line before coupling to the rear of the Mountain Spirit rake at 14:15 as the Fairlie emerged from the yard and coupled to the far end of the rake at 14:18. Palmerston departed light engine for the depot at 14:25. The Fairlie's assemblage departed for the depot at 14:32 as soon as The Cob section was clear.

This easterly view (28/10/22) shows Moelwyn arriving with a mixed freight maybe for a photocharter next week. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

There was only one train to return this afternoon. Lyd arrived back into the FR platform at 16:09 and ran round at 16:21. The ECS departed at 16:27 to close the day's activities.

New A494 Queensferry bridge scheme

Work may start in 2023-4 on the A494 Queensferry River Dee bridge bottleneck. This road scheme is not subject to the WAG road construction moratorium having been sufficiently advanced at the time the clamp down was enacted. This bottleneck currently restricts traffic flows into North Wales and to the F&WHR via the A55 from Liverpool/Manchester, the North of England and even the Midlands via the M6/M56. A new bridge is to be built on the south side of the existing span and then under the North Wales Coast Railway, hopefully providing a four track formation for future expansion of the railway as the existing bridge close to the site of Queensferry station was built in the early 1960s when the formation was still four track. The existing River Dee bridge will be partially rebuilt for eastbound traffic despite being said to be life expired in previous WAG reports. See Daily Post story for full details.

F&WHR 28/10/22

Friday was a mild day with sunny periods and a maximum temperature of 15C at Porthmadog. Two trains were booked on the FR (two Woodland Wanderer trains) and two on the WHR (the The Harbourmaster and the Snowdonia Star, the final planned workings of these two trains this season). The afternoon Woodland Wanderer was sold out so maybe the Half Term Holiday demand on the FR was underestimated?

First up was Moelwyn which arrived light engine to shunt the yard at 08:13. The diesel departed at 08:27 with one empty B wagon used for coal deliveries. No.130 arrived at 09:30 with the ECS for the 09:40 The Harbourmaster. Merddin Emrys arrived in the FR platform at 09:58 with the ECS for the Woodland Wanderer and ran round at 10:15. Meanwhile up at Minffordd Hugh Napier was hauling empty DZ wagon No.863 out of the yard and towards Boston Lodge, possibly for a loco ash run at the end of the season.

Moelwyn arrived back in the station propelling at loaded coal B wagon at 10:09 to complete the restocking of the coaling point. Hugh Napier was noted shunting Boston Lodge at 10:20 and set off towards Minffordd at 10:26. Moelwyn was back shunting Harbour Station yard at 10:25, departing light engine at 10:39. Hugh Napier was noted with the Skip Train passing Minffordd at 12:35 running towards Boston Lodge having started from the yard  or possibly run from Rhiw Goch loop as it was not observed at Tan-y-bwlch. Harlech Castle was noted arriving Tan-y-bwlch at 12:05 with a PW train but had to wait for the Fairlie to depart. It was later noted entering Minffordd yard at 13:29.

The advertised Snowdonia Star did not appear due to a level crossing incident at Cwm Cloch Isaf. This also means that The Harbourmaster is stuck at Caernarfon and cannot return while the line is blocked at Beddgelert.

Hugh Napier turned up unexpectedly in Harbour Station with the skip train at 12:47 and some demonstrations of shunting followed, including the rake being shunted into the seawall siding at 13:40 before the loco departed at 13:42 light engine for the depot. The Fairlie arrived back at 13:05 and ran round at 13:31 ready for the fully booked !3:55 Woodland Wanderer.

This easterly view (28/10/22) shows Hugh Napier and the skip train arriving at Harbour Station for some demonstration shunting. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Hugh Napier returned at 15:06 with a couple of coaches and shunted the yard before returning to the depot light engine at 15:15. Merddin Emrys arrived back at 16:02 and shunted some of the spare coaches at 16:21 onto the Woodland Wanderer rake. Hugh Napier was back at 16:28 with another two coaches.

This easterly view (28/10/22) shows Hugh Napier arriving with two coaches in the yard at 16:28. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Hugh Napier shunted the Open Coach at 16:55 and shunted  a 5 coach rake to the FR platform before departing for the depot at 17:18, a heavy load for this small engine!

No.130 returned with the ECS of The Harbourmaster from Caernarfon arriving at Harbour Station at 19:10, delayed by the level crossing accident at Cwm Cloch and the recovery of the Snowdonia Star from that location. No.130 and its rake went forward to Boston Lodge at 19:12.

The Snowdonia Star in Beddgelert Car Crash 28/10/22

The reason the Snowdonia Star did not reach Porthmadog today on its final run of the year was that the train was involved in a car crash at Cwm Cloch Isaf level crossing, a private road that serves farms in the area with good visibility of approaching trains running towards Beddgelert. This is the lower Cwm Cloch level crossing and the train would have been approaching there at 11:30. The F&WHR might have some difficulty repatriating passengers to their cars at Caernarfon as the RAIB might require the loco to remain in situ until their investigators arrive (if they require an inspection). The Police and Fire Brigade and air ambulance were called but the air ambulance was stood down and the car driver was taken to hospital. A spare loco (No.130?) set out from Caernarfon to recover the passengers stuck on the Snowdon Star. The F&WHR set up an investigation and informed the RAIB about the incident. As no rescue train set out from Porthmadog the passengers on the two stuck trains were probably rescued by a fleet of local coach operators at considerable expense to the F&WHR. See Daily Post report for more details and an update.

F&WHR 27/10/22

Thursday was a mild, cloudy day with a maximum temperature of 17C at Porthmadog after a damp start. Four trains were booked on the FR (two each Woodland Wanderer and Mountain Spirit) and two on the WHR (the Glaslyn Venturer and the Gelert Explorer).

Merddin Emrys was first up arriving in the FR platform at 10:00 with the ECS for the 10:30 Mountain Spirit. This was followed shortly by No.5 which arrived light engine into the WHR at 10:10 as the Fairlie was running round in the yard. By 10:16 it had shunted onto the front of the Fairlie to pilot it to Blaenau Ffestiniog, a precaution since the Fairlie ran 40 minutes late on 19/10/22, presumably having problems with wet rails in the woods. Lyd turned up at 10:23 into the WHR platform with the ECS for the 10:55 Woodland Wanderer. Run round followed the departure of the Mountain Spirit.

The afternoon trains started when No.130 arrived at 12:34 into the WHR platform with the ECS for the 13:40 Glaslyn Venturer. This was followed by Lyd with the returning Woodland Wanderer into the FR platform at 13:19. The Garratt departed on time making space in the WHR platform for the returning Mountain Spirit which arrived at 13:45. However the Fairlie ran into the FR platform after the Woodland Wanderer had been shunted to the yard. Palmerston was on the rear. Lyd was running round as the Fairlie came to a stop. The Woodland Wanderer would have to be shunted to the vacant WHR platform as a result of the previous moves whereas a less complicated shunt could have happened if the Mountain Spirit had run into the WHR platform and the train could have left on time! At 13:52 Lyd hauled the rake out on The Cob and shunted it back into the WHR platform for the 13:55 departure which was 5 minutes late as a result. Meanwhile Palmerston detached and shunted to the yard to refuel and water at 13:54 and departed light engine for the depot at 14:16. The Fairlie departed on time at 14:30 without the assistance of Palmerston as the rail was now dry in the woodlands

Towards the end of the afternoon the trains began to return one by one. First back was Lyd at 16:11 into the FR platform followed by No.130 into the WHR platform at 16:20. The Garratt left with the ECS at 16:25 and Lyd ran round at 16:29 before departing with the ECS at 16:34. Last to return was the Fairlie which pulled into the FR platform at 17:32. Run round came at 17:44 and the train departed ECS at 17:47 to close the day's activities.

North Wales Coast main line 26-28/10/22

On Wednesday 26/10/22 60026 hauled the Penmaenmawr-Tuebrook, normally a WSSuX working.

On Friday 28/10/22 had 60096 on the Penmaenmawr stone train. This appears to have become a Fridays working during October but is marked as an STP path operating to Hunslet Tilcon.

Work starts on Boston Lodge Small Loco Shed 26/10/22

Work has started at Boston Lodge on construction of the Small Loco Shed, a new three road building to enable small groups of visitors to see the F&WHR’s collection of locomotives. The shed will also provide some facilities for preparing and disposing locos for service. The building is the first to be started as part of the NLHF-funded Interpretation and Boston Lodge project. Initial work includes excavation for the construction of the concrete rear wall. Further ground works in the coming weeks will include construction of a loco inspection pit (eventually with extractor fans above), bases for the building’s steel columns and all-important drainage. Local small contractors are being used on the construction project.

Click on the plan to enlarge the view. The Small Loco Shed provides three roads for storage and maintenance (Nos.9-11) with an inspection pit on one road. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy F&WHR. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This westerly view (26/10/22) shows excavation for the rear concrete back wall of the new Small Loco Shed which lies between the existing loco shed and the Heritage Carriage Shed visible in the distance. A new Large Loco Shed suitable for the Garratt will be built over the existing Garratt pit road to the west of the existing Loco Shed. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This render of the future Boston Lodge Works (27/10/22) shows the new Small Loco Shed as the angled three road building with two Fairlies parked outside. A new single road Large Loco Shed suitable for the Garratt will be built over the existing Garratt pit road to the west of the existing Loco Shed. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

F&WHR 26/10/22

Wednesday was a mild day of sunny periods and a maximum temperature of 16C at Porthmadog after a damp start. Four trains were booked on the FR (two each Woodland Wanderer and Mountain Spirit) and two on the WHR (the unusual pairing of the retimed The Harbourmaster and the Gelert Explorer).

First up was No.130, arriving in the WHR platform at 09:23 with the ECS for the 10:15 retimed Harbourmaster running in the path of the Glaslyn Venturer. This must have crossed the Gelert Explorer at Waunfawr at 12:00. It was a rather gloomy damp start to the day. Merddin Emrys followed at 10:03 with the ECS for the 10:30 Mountain Spirit into the FR platform. There seems to have been a problem with the booked steam loco for the Woodland Wanderer today (or a lack of steam qualified rivers as two England locos were in steam yesterday!) as Vale of Ffestiniog turned up at 10:50 hauling the ECS into the FR platform half an hour later than the usual ECS. The Funkey ran round at 10:55 and departed with the service at 10:59, almost 5 minutes late.

The Funkey was back by 13:09 into the WHR platform and waited in the WHR run round while the Fairlie rolled into the FR platform at 13:34.At 13:44 two England engines arrived light engine and departed with the 13:55 at 13:58 with Palmerston piloting Welsh Pony. The Fairlie ran round at 14:09 and departed on time at 14:30.

At the of the day the trains began to return. No.5 led the two England locos back at 16:14 on the returning Woodland Wanderer. Welsh Pony ran round at 16:28 followed by Palmerston and the ECS departed double headed at 16:40. The Garratt returned at 16:56 and departed ECS at 17:02. Last to return was the Fairlie at 17:37. After running round at 18:00 it departed with the ECS at 18:02 to close the day's activities.

Snow forecast

The Met Office has predicted an end to the current mild Autumn weather with a cold spell from mid November and snow on higher ground such as the Snowdonian mountains. After recent Winters with minimal snowfall when the F&WHR operated trains it would be nice to be able to get some photos of trains in the snow in December with Santa and Winter/Xmas trains running until 1/1/23.

F&WHR 25/10/22

Tuesday was a day of sunny periods with showers later a maximum temperature of 15C. Four trains were booked on the FR (two each Woodland Wanderer and Mountain Spirit) and two on the WHR (the afternoon Glaslyn Venturer and the Gelert Explorer).

Merddin Emrys was first today with the ECS Mountain Spirit arriving in the FR platform at 09:58. Today it was not accompanied by Palmerston like the previous 2 days. instead, Welsh Pony arrived double headed with Palmerston at 10:18 on the ECS Woodland Wanderer. Palmerston was pilot when the train departed.

This westerly view (25/10/22) shows Palmerston and Welsh Pony entering Minffordd on the Woodland Wanderer. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

No.130 was on the afternoon Glaslyn Venturer. Welsh Pony and Palmerston arrived back in the FR platform at 13:25 and ran round shortly afterwards for the 13:55 service. The Fairlie arrived back at 13:50 into WHR platform at 13:50, shortly after the Garratt had left and while Welsh Pony was running round in the yard. The Fairlie visited the yard to refuel after the Woodland Wanderer had departed a little late at 14:01 behind the two England engines. No.130 arrived back at 16:20 followed by the two Englands at 16:27 led by No.5. The Garratt left ECS as soon as The Cob signals cleared seconds later. The ECS Woodland Wanderer left at 16:42 hauled by No.5. Palmerston departed light engine after refuelling at 17:18. Merddin Emrys arrived back at 17:51 into the FR platform. The Fairlie left with the ECS at 18:21 to close the day's activities.

Meanwhile, up at Dinas, it is understood that No.143 hauled its first public outing on the Gelert Explorer.

This northerly view (25/10/22) shows No.143 on what is reputed to be its first public outing on the Gelert Explorer. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is Andrew Wither and was captured with a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

F&WHR 24/10/22

Monday was a day of showers and a few sunny periods with a steady temperature of 14C. Four trains were booked on the FR (two each Woodland Wanderer and Mountain Spirit) and two on the WHR (the afternoon Glaslyn Venturer and the Gelert Explorer).

The first train today was the unusual pairing of Palmerston and Merddin Emrys on the ECS for the 10:30 Mountain Spirit which arrived at 09:55 into the FR platform. The two loco reversed their order before they ran round at 10:10 so that Palmerston was on the front. Lyd arrived with ECS for the 10:55 Woodland Wanderer at 10:21 into the WHR platform. Lyd waited for the 10:30 to depart before running round in the morning murk.

PW diesel Harlech Castle came over The Cob light engine at 11:19 and entered Harbour Station yard. For the second day running volunteers were working around the signalbox and relay cabin. The yard pointwork also received some attention from the greasers before Upnor Castle arrived light engine at 11:30. Harlech castle left with the PW train and Mess coach  that had been stabled in the station for a few days at 10:44. At 10:55 Harlech Castle shunted the rake into Minffordd Yard. Upnor Castle departed Porthmadog at 11:58 with an empty ex-SAR B coal wagon.

This westerly view (24/10/22) shows Harlech Castle entering Minffordd wrong line with the PW rake from Harbour Station in order to shunt down the Mineral Line to the yard. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

At 12:50 Upnor Castle was back with a loaded B wagon of coal for the refuelling point. No.130 arrived into the WHR platform at 13:02 with the ECS for the 13:40 Glaslyn Venturer while the diesel shunted the yard. Lyd arrived back at 13:13 and promptly ran round to prepare for the 13:55 Woodland Wanderer. The Fairlie arrived back in the sunshine into WHR platform at 13:50 with Palmerston on the rear again. Run round had to wait for Lyd to depart the Palmerston left for the depot at 14:08 light engine. Upnor Castle waited until 14:43 for a light engine path across The Cob after the Mountain Spirit had departed.

At the end of the afternoon, the three trains came back to Porthmadog. First was Lyd at 16:11 followed by No.130 at 16:22. Lyd departed ECS for the depot at 16:28 followed by No.130 when The Cob section was clear at 16:38. The Fairlie arrived back at 17:35 and departed ECS at 18:03 to close the day's activities.

Timetable w/c 24/10/22

This timetable shows planned train services week commencing 24/10/22 with some additional trains for the Half Term holiday. Subject to traffic two or more trains may operate on certain services. Click on the image to enlarge. Click again for full size where available. This image is courtesy F&WHR.

F&WHR 23/10/22

Sunday was a day of sunny periods with a maximum of 17C. Three trains were booked on the FR (two Woodland Wanderer and the morning Mountain Spirit) and two on the WHR (the morning Glaslyn Venturer and the Gelert Explorer).

First up was No.130 on the 10:15 Glaslyn Venturer. A surprise followed with Palmerston arriving in the FR platform with half of the Mountain Spirit rake used on the special the previous night. Palmerston then shunted the coaches from the seawall siding onto the rear of the rake to reform the Mountain Spirit set before shunting out of the way to let Merddin Emrys arrive light engine and couple up. Palmerston then went on the front to double head the train to Blaenau Ffestiniog. Lyd then arrived in the WHR platform at 10:29, clearing The Cob section. The Mountain Spirit left as soon as the signals cleared for The Cob.

This easterly view (23/10/22) shows No.130 on the Glaslyn Venturer and Palmerston arriving at 09:44 to reform the Mountain Spirit rake. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

At lunchtime No.130 arrived back at 12:57 and departed ECS for the depot immediately after Lyd arrived back at 13:13. Lyd ran round at 13:35 as the Fairlie arrived in the WHR platform with the returning Mountain Spirit with Palmerston strangely on the rear! Palmerston detached and ran to the yard before the Fairlie ran to the yard at 13:45. Lyd departed on time with the 13:55 Woodland Wanderer and Palmerston and Merddin Emrys coupled up to the ECS Mountain Spirit departing for the depot at 14:13. At the end of the afternoon Lyd arrived back at 16:17 and departed ECS at 16:35. Strangely, the platform lights remained on after the ECS had departed suggesting another train might be due but none was noted.

Train services w/c 31/10/22

Trains will operate in the second week of the school Half Term holiday as some schools use the first week of November as a holiday. The final trains of the season are on Thursday 3/11/22. There may be some retiming as the clocks go back an hour on Sunday 30/10/22.

Winter/Xmas Trains now bookable

The Winter Wanderer (10-11, 17-18 and 23/12/22) and WHR Santa Specials (4,11,17-18 and 23/12/22) are now bookable as well as the Christmas Mountain Spirit and Christmas Cwellyn services (28/12/22-1/1/23). It is possible to book slots in Santa's Grotto at Harbour Station on days when the Winter Wanderer is running. The Christmas break services operate for a day less than pre-COVID operations as normally the WHR would be open on December 27th. Previously December 26th Boxing Day was not allowed by NR as the Machynlleth powerbox was closed, which closed Cae Pawb crossing. However the Christmas Cwellyn does not run over this part of the WHR so it appears that the F&WHR management is being cautious with the approach to the demand for these services given COVID has risen quickly this autumn. The Christmas Cwellyn runs at 10:45 and 13:45 with a short break at Rhyd Ddu. The Christmas Mountain Spirit also runs earlier at 10:05 and 13:35 with a short break at Blaenau Ffestiniog (see suggested timetables at the top of this page).

F&WHR 22/10/22

Saturday 22/10/22 was a day of sunny periods and heavy showers in the evening with a maximum temperatures of 15C in Porthmadog. This is the first day of the school Half Term Holiday. Four trains booked on the FR (two Woodland Wanderer trains and the morning Mountain Spirit train) and two on the WHR (The Harbourmaster and the Snowdonia Star).

First up was Vale of Ffestiniog piloting No.130 with The Harbourmaster arriving ECS at 09:12 in the WHR platform. The Funkey detached at 09:13 and shunted to the WHR run round track. The reason for the diesel was probably that the Garratt was not up to steam and would build up pressure whilst waiting for its 09:40 departure. Merddin Emrys arrived at 09:31 with the ECS for the 10:30 Mountain Spirit and ran round a few minutes later. Lyd pulled in at 10:20 with the ECS for the 10:55 Woodland Wanderer clearing The Cob for the Funkey to return to the depot. All three services left on time.

This easterly view (22/10/22) shows Vale of Ffestiniog piloting No.130 with the ECS for The Harbourmaster arriving at 09:12. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

The Snowdonia Star arrived at 12:12 behind No.87 despite the appearance of No.143 on an ECS test with this train earlier in the week. The Garratt had run round by 13:34 as the Fairlie ran into the FR platform to prepare for the 14:30 Mountain Spirit. As the Snowdonia Star did not depart on its return journey until 14:15, the 13:55 Woodland Wanderer had to depart from the FR platform before the Fairlie on the ECS Mountain Spirit which departed at 14:13.

At the end of the afternoon the trains began to return. Lyd arrived back first at 16:13 followed by No.130 at 16:37. In the meantime, Lyd had run round in the FR platform and departed ECS at 16:38. The Garratt then shunted the lead Observation car into the seawall siding before departing with the ECS at 17:01. That should have been the end of the day but Lyd returned with an ECS rake into the FR platform at 17:19. After running round, Lyd departed with the train at 18:17 with lights on as darkness was falling. Passengers detrained at 19:02 in the dark and rain at Tan-y-bwlch and Lyd ran round. The participants seemed to have a party at the Tan-y-bwlch cafe before returning to the train. Lyd departed at 20:57 for Porthmadog, arriving at 21:39 after an unusual ride in the dark. After running round at 22:00, the train departed ECS for the depot at 22:04 to close the day's activities.

This easterly view (22/10/22) shows Lyd arriving with an evening special from Tan-y-bwlch. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

A5 Menai suspension bridge update 22/10/22

Following discussions with UK Highways and structural experts, the footway across the bridge has re-opened for pedestrians and dismounted cyclists with marshals in place until Monday, 24/10/22 to manage pedestrians flows. Monitoring will be put in place to ensure compliance moving forward, the Welsh Government has said. There has been no mention of improved TfW services to ease commuter flows into Bangor which will be hugely impacted by this bridge closure with diversions via the already congested A55 Britannia bridge.

Spooners problems continue

The F&WHR continues to find difficulty recruiting catering staff and as a result hot food is still not available at Spooners in Porthmadog station. On 8/10/22 outside vendors provided food which was allowed to be brought inside to have with a drink from the bar. It seems that all catering outlets, and particularly seasonal jobs have suffered since BREXIT when many east European workers returned home.

F&WHR 21/10/22

Friday 21/10/22 was a day of sunny periods and heavy showers with a maximum temperatures of 16C in Porthmadog. Like Monday, the F&WHR management judge that Friday is a day that holiday makers travel to/from the area so there are only two trains booked on the FR (two Woodland Wanderer trains) and none on the WHR.

Lyd arrived at 09:45 with the ECS for the 10:55 Woodland Wanderer and departed at 10:58. The same loco also hauled the 13:55. Upnor Castle turned up with a short PW train at 15:52 into the FR platform consisting of the FR Mess Car and a few wagons. After running round the diesel propelled the rake into the seawall siding at 16:03 with Lyd approaching on the returning afternoon Woodland Wanderer.

This easterly view (21/10/22) shows Upnor Castle with a short PW train arriving at Porthmadog at 15:52. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Lyd rolled into the FR platform at 16:07 in the afternoon sun and ran round at 16:15 after the diesel had departed light engine at 16:10. Lyd followed with the ECS at 16:20 to close the day's activities.

Menai suspension bridge closed

The A5 Menai suspension bridge is to be closed for an indefinite period until 2023 due to safety concerns. This is an ideal opportunity for TfW to cash in on the commuter run by offering additional services, maybe in the form of a Bangor-Llanfair PG shuttle. In the longer term a commuter route has been proposed from Llangefni on the Amlwch branch. See Daily Post webpage for full details. In more positive news the A498 Beddgelert to Pen-y-gwryd road has reopened after clearance of the huge landslip that occurred on 30/9/22. This is a major holiday route to reach Beddgelert and the WHR. See MSN news.

F&WHR 20/10/22

Thursday 20/10/22 was a day of sunny periods and maximum temperatures of 15C in Porthmadog. Four trains were booked on the FR (two each Woodland Wanderer and Mountain Spirit) and two on the WHR (the afternoon Glaslyn Venturer from Porthmadog and the Gelert Explorer from Caernarfon).

First up was Merddin Emrys with the 10:30 Mountain Spirit followed by Lyd with the 10:55 Woodland Wanderer. At 13:40 the afternoon Glaslyn Venturer  departed behind No.87 and Lyd ran round the 13:55 Woodland Wanderer. Merddin Emrys arrived back with the Mountain Spirit at 14:00. Lyd returned at 16:17 with the Woodland Wanderer. At 16:29 No.87 departed ECS for the depot in sunshine followed by Lyd with its ECS at 16:40. The Fairlie arrived back at 17:35 with the Mountain Spirit and was hauled away ECS at 17:58 to close the day's activities.

Carriage Works Winter Programme

FR Coach No.101 nearing completion after a mostly volunteer rebuild with only a couple of minor finishing jobs to complete, has moved to the carriage sheds for storage. This has made room for WHR Carriages No.2091/2042 to be brought in for their end vestibule floors to be replaced and some minor exterior repairs before being re-varnished. The Carriage Works will welcome any volunteers who would like to help over the winter.

F&WHR 19/10/22

Wednesday 19/10/22 was forecast to have sunshine and showers with a maximum temperature of 14C. Four trains were booked on the FR (two each Woodland Wanderer and Mountain Spirit) and just one (The Harbourmaster) on the WHR with no trains from Caernarfon.

No.87 was diagrammed for the 10:15 Harbourmaster and Merddin Emrys for the 10:30 Mountain Spirit with Lyd hauling the 10:55 Woodland Wanderer. Lyd did not depart until 1135, some 40 minutes late, due to a problem with the earlier Mountain Spirit service. The Fairlie did not arrive at Tan-y-bwlch until 11:46, having lost some 40 minutes after departing Minffordd on time.

A surprise working was the Snowdonia Star stock which arrived behind No.143 at 12:32. This appeared to be an ECS, so possibly a test working. The train left for Dinas at 13:06, again ECS. The Snowdonia Star and Gelert Explorer are set to run more regularly over the school Half Term Holiday weeks and it appears that newly out-shopped No.143 may replace No.130 on these duties.

This easterly view (19/10/22) shows No.143 running round its test train using the Snowdonia Star stock. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Lyd departed Tan-y-bwlch at 13:06 running about 25 minutes late and arrived back at 13:43 in breezy sunshine at 13:43, some 33 minutes late. Lyd was running round as the Fairlie appeared at 14:08, over half an hour late. Lyd departed at 14:30, some 25 minutes late and arrived at Tan-y-bwlch at 15:17 over 40 minutes late. The Fairlie departed at 15:01 some 30 minutes late.

Santa Specials bookable

The Santa Specials on the WHR are now bookable on the F&WHR's Fareharbor website. However the December/January Winter Wanderer/Christmas Cwellyn/Christmas Mountain Spirit trains are not yet bookable.

Review of Heljan Class 37426 Vale of Rheidol 18/10/22

Regular readers may have noticed some irregularity in updates recently as your webmaster has been winterising the garden 0 gauge railway and taking the opportunity to test out Heljan's 37426 Vale of Rheidol, a loco which featured on Cambrian Coast and probably North/South Wales duties in the 1990s. The loco is finished in BR large logo livery with very crisp printing of the number, name, data panels and livery. The loco is very heavy with two motors and flywheels and runs very well (once the rail head has been treated with a track rubber). The model is probably capable of hauling a long train up a substantial gradient. The Heljan 3 link coupling fitted has been found to be weak on other models in the past and owners might want to use small paper clips to connect rolling stock to the loco. The loco is fitted with working directional lights and a roof fan. DCC and sound versions are available and other liveries, including unnumbered examples. It will operate on 4' radius curves with ease and the sprung buffers avoid any buffer lock. An interesting feature are the fine bogie chains that retain the bogies. A nice detail touch is the grease smear on the face of the silvery buffers.

This garden railway view (18/10/22) shows 37426 hauling a scratch rake of Lima Mk1s as a test train on the garden 0 gauge railway with crab apples falling everywhere!. Click on the image to enlarge. Click again for full size where available. This image is from an iPhone 10X. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This garden railway view (18/10/22) shows Heljan 25313 hauling the Tunnel Cement Presflo wagons on the garden 0 gauge railway reviewed in the previous edition. The model is rather spoilt by the overly bright white roof over the engine compartment which is BR practice is grey translucent or later, rail blue. Click on the image to enlarge. Click again for full size where available. This image is from an iPhone 10X. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Timetable w/c 17/10/22

This timetable shows planned train services week commencing 17/10/22. Subject to traffic two or more trains may operate on certain services. Click on the image to enlarge. Click again for full size where available. This image is courtesy F&WHR.

F&WHR 12/10/22

Wednesday 12/10/22 was cloudy day with showers and a maximum temperature of 15C at Porthmadog. Four trains were booked on the FR (two each Woodland Wanderer and Mountain Spirit) and just one (The Harbourmaster) on the WHR.

No.87 was on The Harbourmaster and Merddin Emrys on the Mountain Spirit, followed by Lyd on the Woodland Wanderer. All three trains left in abysmally wet and misty weather conditions and conditions were not much better for the midday FR trains. Lyd arrived back at 16:15 in improved weather and, after a short run round, it departed with the ECS at 16:32.

Trawsfynydd SMR project goes ahead 11/10/22

The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and Cwmni Egino signed Memorandum of Understanding on 11/10/22 to support their development of a new small scale nuclear project at the former nuclear power station site at Trawsfynydd in North Wales. It is possible that some materials will be brought in by rail to develop the site following reconstruction of the Blaenau Ffestiniog to Trawsfynydd branch. As long term use of the branch for SMRs is not envisaged, the refurbished line could be released for heritage purposes after the new SMR power station is completed. See press release.

Moving Pictures Bygones 2022 10/10/22

Click on the YouTube link to watch 27 minutes 7 seconds of video focussed on the FR's Bygones Weekend published 10/10/22. This video was taken by John Wooden (FR) on a professional 4K Betamax camcorder.

Final trains of the Autumn season

With Autumn now well underway, the final FR trains of the season are now available to book. On the FR they are the Woodland Wanderer/Mountain Spirit which will be on Tuesday 1/11/22 catering for a late Half Term holiday for many schools in the UK. The final WHR trains will be on Thursday 3/11/22, the Glaslyn Venturer/Gelert Explorer. The through WHR trains, the Snowdonia Star/Harbourmaster will terminate on Friday 28/10/22. This leaves a period of 4 weeks for PW work under the Winter Major Works Programme before the WHR Santa Trains and FR Winter Wanderer trains (see below) which commence on 4/12/22.

F&WHR Xmas Trains

The F&WHR has released details of its Christmas services. As well as Santa Specials on the WHR and Winter Wanderer trains on the FR in December there will be Christmas Cwellyn/Mountain Spirit Trains over the festive season 29/12/22-1/1/23 (in previous years trains started on 27/12). The Winter Wanderer trains to Tan-y-bwlch are not Santa Specials but a Santa's Grotto will be open at Porthmadog on most of the same dates that these trains run. Although the literature features snowy scenes, snow has been more obvious by its absence in the last decade, no doubt a consequence of global warming. See F&WHR Christmas services webpage for more details.

The WHR Santa Trains run twice a day at 10:00 and 13:40 with a 2 hour 40 minute return schedule including a 15 minute layover at Rhyd Ddu. The dates are 4,11,17,18, 23/12/22. The Winter Wanderer will run Porthmadog-Tan-y-bwlch on 10-11, 17-18 and 23/12/22 but times are not currently available.

Main line news 10-21/10/22

December's timetable change sees the majority of North Wales Avanti services restored including direct trains to London and new weekend services to Wrexham.

On Monday 10/10/22 67014 rescued 67015 on the Holyhead-Cardiff. The slate waste train from Llandudno Junction ran to Walsall Freight Terminal rather than Wellingborough/Luton.

On 11/10/22 67017 was on Holyhead-Cardiff duties but on 12/10 67015 failed at Gaerwen and it had to wait 7 hours before recue came in the form of 67014. There is clearly a case for having a spare loco and crew somewhere such as Holyhead!

On Friday 14/10/22 66725 Sunderland was on the Penmaenmawr stone train.

On Monday 17/10/22 the Llandudno Junction slate waste train ran to Walsall Freight Terminal again. Mondays seem to be becoming regular for this working though still operating as an STP path. On 17/10/22 it was hauled by 66710 Phil Packer BRIT and had also run on 10/10/22.

On Tuesday 18/10/22 56049/105 top and tailed the RHTT and 67029 Royal Diamond was propelling the Cardiff-Holyhead.

On Wednesday 19/10/22 66725 Sunderland hauled the Penmaenmawr stone again, showing locos sometimes 'stick' to trains. 67029 Royal Diamond was back on the Cardiff-Holyhead.

On Friday 21/10/22 66769 Prostate Cancer was on the Penmaenmawr stone train, another Friday run.

Six additional Class 67s have been fitted to work with Mk4 sets and may soon be seen on the North Wales coast Nos.67008/12/14/17/20/25.

Colas 56s Nos. 56105 and 56049 Robin of Templecombe 1938-2013 have been top and tailing the Rail Head Treatment Train on regular trips down the coast line. These locos get very dirty as both have carried over spray when on the rear. Maybe there would be less need for these trains if NR stopped their re-wilding strategy which is basically a money saving move to avoid the need to cut back lineside growth.

Some  changes to NR's infrastructure have occurred recently with the start of demolition of the former LNWR loco shed at Bangor and the removal of scaffolding under the train shed at Holyhead now that maintenance of the overall roof is complete.

Timetable w/c 10/10/22

This timetable shows planned train services week commencing 10/10/22. Subject to traffic two or more trains may operate on certain services. Click on the image to enlarge. Click again for full size where available. This image is courtesy F&WHR.

F&WHR 6/10/22

Thursday was a cloudy day at Porthmadog with a maximum 15C. There were FOUR trains on the FR (two each of the Woodland Wanderer and Mountain Spirit) and just TWO on the WHR (the Gelert Explorer and afternoon Glaslyn Venturer).

Two double Fairlies were in action again today. First up was Merddin Emrys on the Mountain Spirit from the FR platform followed by David Lloyd George on the Woodland Wanderer from the WHR platform after shunting the open coach to the seawall siding. After the morning rush had subsided, Lyd appeared at 11:35 with a scratch rake, including the curly roofed van, to prepare for the Bygones Gala and proceeded to shunt the station yard. The loco ran round at midday and started reforming the rake before stabling while the afternoon rush required use of the station and sidings.

This easterly view (6/10/22) shows Lyd hauling a scratch rake to shunt in the yard in preparation for the Bygones Gala which starts tomorrow. Click on the image to enlarge. Click again for full size where available. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

David Lloyd George arrived back at 13:05 and ran round after a while before departing on the afternoon train. Lyd left light engine at 14:47 for Boston Lodge but was back at 15:05 to resume shunting. At 15:56 Moelwyn arrived with a demonstration freight and at 16:05 it was shunting the train in the yard. David Lloyd George arrived at 16:10 with the returning Woodland Wanderer allowing Moelwyn to return light engine to the depot at 16:12.

This easterly view (6/10/22) shows Moelwyn arriving to shunt a demonstration freight in the station yard in preparation for the Bygones weekend. Click on the image to enlarge. Click again for full size where available. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

There was more shunting by Lyd before No.87 arrived back with the Glaslyn Venturer at 16:25. It was certainly a busy period at Harbour Station with the Fairlie departing at 16:28 with the ECS and the Garratt departing at 16:38 with its ECS. At 16:48 Lyd propelled its sorted rake across The Cob to Boston Lodge Carriage Shed. Merddin Emrys arrived at 17:27 with the returning Mountain Spirit ran round and departed ECS at 17:47 in sunshine after Upnor Castle arrived light engine to complete the shunting of the yard. Once The Cob section was clear Upnor Castle departed ECS from the yard at 17:56 with a rake made up for the Bygones weekend..

Mainline Trains 5-6/10/22

Colas liveried 37099 made it to Bangor on 5/10/22 with an NR inspection train and the following day made its way back to Crewe via Blaenau Ffestiniog.

66725 was on the Penmaenmawr-Tuebrook stone train.

67025 was on the Crewe-Holyhead service and 67029 on test with ex-Grand Central liveried stock. The current Mk.4 rakes are due to go for selective door opening soon.

NR's research liveried 43251 was on an inspection train.

With the Autumn leaf fall season underway and NR saving money by 're-wilding' its routes the Rail Head Treatment Train has started again. 56105/049 top and tailed the train on 6/10/22 along the North Wales Coast routes.  

F&WHR 5/10/22

Wednesday was a stormy day at Porthmadog with showers and sunny periods and a maximum temperature of 14C. Today FOUR trains were booked on the FR (two Woodland Wanderer trains and two Mountain Spirit trains) but only ONE on the WHR (The Harbourmaster from Porthmadog).

No.87 was first out departing with The Harbourmaster at 10:15 (a recent retiming from the original 09:40 departures). Next up was David Lloyd George with the 10:30 Mountain Spirit. Lastly Merddin Emrys turned up in the WHR platform with the ECS for the 10:55 Woodland Wanderer, a duty normally reserved for a smaller loco.

At 11:47 a surprise was the arrival of No.143 and Lyd light engine from Dinas. Lyd was fresh back from L&BR and green liveried No.143, newly released for traffic, is set to make a cameo appearance at the FR's Bygones Weekend Gala 7-9/10/22.

This easterly view (5/10/22) shows No.143 hauling Lyd (fresh back from L&BR Gala) before going to Boston Lodge in preparation for the coming weekend's Bygones Gala. Click on the image to enlarge. Click again for full size where available. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was captured from a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Timetable w/c 3/10/22

This timetable shows planned train services week commencing 3/10/22. Subject to traffic two or more trains may operate on certain services. Click on the image to enlarge. Click again for full size where available. This image is courtesy F&WHR.