No.87 arrived at 09:45 into the WHR platform for the 10:05 The Harbourmaster with a goodly crowd already waiting on the platform. Merddin Emrys arrived in the FR platform at10:12 with the 10:45 Mountain Spirit. At 10:23 the Fairlie shunted the lead Observation Car to the seawall siding. David Lloyd George arrived with the ECS for the 11:10 Woodland Wanderer and ran round after the Mountain Prince had departed. Vale of Ffestiniog took the 12:05 additional Woodland Wanderer to Tan-y-bwlch as Welsh Pony did not seem to be available for the duty today.

This westerly view (31/8/23) shows a busy scene at Tan-y-bwlch with the Vale of Ffestiniog substituting for Welsh Pony on the 12:05 Woodland Wanderer and carrying the second headboard. The 11:10 Woodland Wanderer waits to depart from the westbound platform. Click on the image to enlarge. Click again to enlarge fully (if available) This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a webcam. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

At 15:35 David Lloyd George was shunting the Woodland Wanderer at Tan-y-bwlch having swopped duties with Merddin Emrys to clear the platform for the returning working of The Quarryman. Blanche arrived at 15:40 with a well loaded The Quarryman. The 15:30 additional Woodland Wanderer left Porthmadog on time for possibly the last time in pouring rain. The additional 12:05/15:30 Woodland Wanderer trains are not likely in the off peak season.

No.143 hauled the ECS for The Aberglaslyn into the WHR platform by 10:00. David Lloyd George was waiting on the 10:45 Mountain Spirit in the FR platform. Merddin Emrys arrived into the WHR platform at 10:35 with the ECS for the Woodland Wanderer and started its run round immediately afterwards and was completed by 10:50. Welsh Pony arrived in the FR platform at 11:35 with the 12:05 additional Woodland Wanderer. The Fairlie swop occurred at lunchtime. Blanche was noted on The Quarryman passing Minffordd on its return journey at 15:16.

It was a murky start at Porthmadog with some light drizzle. Merddin Emrys was running round the Mountain Spirit in the FR platform at 10:15 and coupled up by 10:30 ready for the 10:45 departure as David Lloyd George pulled into the WHR platform with the ECS for the 11:10 Woodland Wanderer. Welsh Pony was noted passing Minffordd at 12:16 on the 12:05 Woodland Wanderer with the short rake. Down at Porthmadog. Blanche passed Minffordd at 12:46 with The Quarryman heading for Porthmadog. No.87 had arrived in the WHR platform with the Snowdonia Star and had run round by 12:53 in preparation for the 14:05 return working.

The Fairlie swap occurred and DLG departed from Porthmadog with the Mountain Spirit at 14:13. The Harbourmaster arrived back in Porthmadog at 16:34 but waited for the return of the Woodland Wanderer which was in section. In an unusual move the rake was shunted over to the through line by 17:00. Merddin Emrys was shunting the seawall siding at 17:09 having come off the Woodland Wanderer in the FR platform and added an open coach to the rake. DLG rolled into the WHR platform at 17:15, allowing the Garratt to depart from the through line ECS to the depot.

This easterly view (29/8/23) shows a busy scene in the late afternoon peak at Porthmadog with the weather clearing up nicely. The Garratt has shunted its rake to the WHR through line as two trains were arriving in quick succession from the FR.. In the WHR platform David Lloyd George has just arrived with the Mountain Spirit while in the FR platform Merddin Emrys shunts an open coach onto the Woodland Wanderer before departing with the ECS. Click on the image to enlarge. Click again to enlarge fully (if available) This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a webcam. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Welsh Pony arrived at 17:42 into the FR platform with the additional Woodland Wanderer allowing DLG to depart with the ECS Mountain Spirit a few minutes later. After fuelling and watering, Welsh Pony ran round at 17:50 in the evening sunshine and departed with the ECS at 17:57 to close the day's activities.

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F&WHR 28/8/23

Monday's weather forecast for Porthmadog was for a day of light cloud, sunny periods and shower with temperatures of 14-17C. Monday's service pattern was for five FR trains and just two The Aberglaslyn trains on the WHR and the Gelert Explorer. This looked very light for a Bank Holiday weekend with just one train from Caernarfon!

At 10:25 Hugh Napier and Moelwyn arrived in the yard with an empty B wagon for loco ash. The steam loco went on to do footplate duties while the diesel shunted the wagon to the refuelling point. David Lloyd George was already in the platform on the 10:45 Mountain Spirit as Merddin Emrys arrived into the WHR platform at 10:35 with the ECS for the Woodland Wanderer. As the Mountain Spirit was signalled to depart at 10:39, Merddin Emrys had to pause in the loop awaiting completion of the run round. Some signallers will allow a run round just 2 minutes before departure!

Steam shunting was underway at the Boston Lodge Carriage shed at 11:20 and Blanche turned up in the FR platform at 11:30 with a short ECS rake for the 12:05 additional Woodland Wanderer. At 13:20 No.87 was running round The Aberglaslyn in the WHR platform ready for the 13:40 departure.

At 15:48 Moelwyn emerged from the yard with the empty B wagon. Hugh Napier coupled up to the rear. The train left for the depot at 15:53. No.87 was back by 16:25 in the WHR platform but left ECS after the Woodland Wanderer arrived. DLG was running round in the FR platform at 16:54 and left with the ECS by 17:35. Merddin Emrys ran to the yard to fuel and water and departed with the ECS at 17:34 to finish the day's activities.

F&WHR 27/8/23

Sunday's weather forecast for Porthmadog was for an overcast day with occasional drizzle with temperatures of 10-16C. Sunday's service pattern was for four FR trains and just three The Aberglaslyn trains and the Gelert Explorer on the WHR. This looked very light for a Bank Holiday weekend with just one train from Caernarfon!

No.143 was on The Aberglaslyn which was already in the WHR platform at 9:45. At 10:00 Merddin Emrys came over with the Mountain Spirit and at 10:12 shunted the Observation Car onto the front. Hugh Napier arrived at 10:23 having to wait on The Cob at station limits for the shunt to be completed. David Lloyd George arrived in the WHR platform at 10:33 with the ECS Woodland Wanderer.

The lunchtime Fairlie swop occurred and Merddin Emrys arrived at Tan-y-bwlch at 15:20 on the afternoon Woodland Wanderer running round by 15:30. At the end of the afternoon Merddin Emrys was waiting in the FR platform for the return working of the Mountain Spirit which arrived at 17:14. The ECS departed a minute later as DLG started its run round. The Fairlie went to coal and water in the yard before returning at 17:30. The ECS departed at 17:34 to close the normal day's activities. However, Blanche arrived into the FR platform at 17:54 with a private working consisting of what appeared to be The Quarryman set ECS from Boston Lodge. Run round came at 18:05 and the train departed at 19:04 with a considerable crowd of spectators on the platform. The train passed Minffordd at 19:15 and appeared well loaded with guests. The train arrived at Tan-y-bwlch at 19:47 and departed towards Blaenau Ffestiniog at 19:53. The train was noted passing Minffordd in the dark on the way back at 22:03 and arrived at Porthmadog at 22:16. The loco was coaled and watered, running round and departing with the ECS at 22:30 to close a very long day on the FR.

Traffic Report

The F&WHR had a quiet Easter with many families being concerned about inflation, fuel and food prices etc. May-August have been much better with trains filling up nicely. There have still been concerns about lineside fires due to a dry period in the Spring and a few delays caused by loco issues and a small derailment. The F&WHR is back on budget by matching number of trains run to demand and also reducing train length when appropriate to save coal consumption.

Winter Major Works Programme

The 1 in 40 section of the WHR north of Dinas is a tree lined cutting that sometimes gets a sticky rail head covering which can cause slipping when going uphill and braking problems when descending. Fifteen years ago some £35,000 was spent with contractors to reduce the tree canopy to let some light on the rails and dry them up. This now needs doing again and also the section to Waunfawr and the section below Tan-y-bwlch in the woods. There is also the question of tree husbandry to ensure trees do not get blown down across the line in storms or damage lineside cabling on the pole route. Another consideration is the obstruction of passengers' views, scratches to vehicle paintwork and concerns about lineside bushes hitting passengers in open cars, an issue identified to all heritage railways recently by RAIB. The 40 year old Porthmadog water tank is being replaced by a like for like tank constructed locally by Brunswick Ironworks of Caernarfon.

As regards stations, there is no mention of the new station building at Beddgelert yet as this is subject to raising funds. The station at Blaenau Ffestiniog has been subject to joint proposals with NR/WAG in the last few years but plans fizzled out during COVID and the external funding has since disappeared. The F&WHR can no longer wait and will upgrade its facilities independently. Drains need attending to as well as the platform surface and edgings. After trying to block public access by the water tower for many years, the F&WHR is accepting that the public will always come through there and intend to make the access to the platform safer.

F&WHR 26/8/23

Saturday's weather forecast for Porthmadog was for a mixed day with drizzle, a thunderstorm and sunny periods later with temperatures of 12-18C. Saturday's service pattern was for five FR trains, including The Quarryman, and just two through trains on the WHR. This looked very light for a Bank Holiday weekend!

At 10:15 Hugh Napier was shunting by the signalbox, already performing footplate ride duties. The Mountain Spirit was in the FR platform.

At 13:40 Merddin Emrys propelled its rake out of the platform and then back into the yard to make space for the next arrival. David Lloyd George arrived at 14:00 with the Mountain Spirit and the Fairlie swop occurred just before No.87 departed at 14:05 from the WHR platform with the return working of the Snowdonia Star. DLG shunted onto the Woodland Wanderer at 14:20 and moved it back to the FR platform. At 14:25 Blanche shunted out of the seawall siding to collect The Quarryman rake from the yard for the 15:05 departure.

The Garratt left with the ECS The Harbourmaster at 16:48 after the Woodland Wanderer had arrived. Merddin Emrys arrived at 17:15 with the Mountain Spirit into the WHR platform allowing the ECS Woodland Wanderer to depart with DLG. The final movement of the day was Merddin Emrys taking the ECS back to Boston Lodge at about 17:30.

Timetable 26/8/23-1/9/23

Click on the image to enlarge. Image copyright F&WHR.

Loco Roster 26/8/23-1/9/23

Once again, there will be a total of SEVEN steam locomotives in action on passenger trains this week, plus TWO locos on footplate ride duties...
On the Ffestiniog Railway: David Lloyd George, Merddin Emrys, Blanche and Welsh Pony will be working the usual train services.
Blanche will also be in charge of a Private Train on Sunday evening - while Hugh Napier is rostered for footplate rides in Harbour Station on Saturday, Sunday and Monday...
On the Welsh Highland Railway: NG/G16s Nos.87/143 will once again be rotating duties throughout the week, with Lyd taking charge of the trains to Rhyd Ddu.
Following her recent appearance at the Welsh National Eisteddfod, Lilla will be providing footplate rides in Y Stesion, Caernarfon on Sunday and Monday...
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NOTE: This information is provided in good faith, solely as a guide, but could be subject to change at any time according to loco availability.

Local residents' discount extended for September

The F&WHR's LOCALS’ DISCOUNT scheme has been very popular over the Summer. The railway has announced that it will also be available throughout September - and on a wider variety of train services.
The F&WHR is offering a 50% discount (for the whole family) to local residents with their primary address in postcode areas LL22 to LL78 inclusive.
This discount will be available in Standard Class on the following trains:
• WOODLAND WANDERER (Porthmadog to Tan-y-Bwlch return)
- on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays only.
• MOUNTAIN SPIRIT (Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog return)
- on Saturdays and Sundays only.
• THE QUARRYMAN (Blaenau Ffestiniog to Porthmadog return)
- on Saturdays only.
• GELERT EXPLORER (Caernarfon to Beddgelert return)
• SNOWDONIA STAR (Caernarfon to Porthmadog return)

Passengers should use voucher code SEP50 to receive the discount when buying tickets online, by phone, at one of the Booking Offices or from the Guard on a train.
Customers must bring proof of residency (e.g. Driver’s Licence) on the day of travel to show at the check-in desk.
PLEASE NOTE: the Discount offer is for tickets only and does not include Guidebooks or Food & Drink. The code will not work on train services running before or after September 2023, or on trains other than those listed above.
More details and online tickets www.festrail.co.uk/trains.

F&WHR 25/8/23

Friday's weather forecast for Porthmadog was for an improving day with sunny periods, a thunderstorm later and temperatures of 13-17C. Friday's service pattern was for four FR trains and three trains on the WHR, including the two The Aberglaslyn trains and the Gelert Explorer. Although many School Summer Holidays go on until the first week of September, the F&WHR's peak timetable finished at the end of August with fewer trains offered in the Autumn shoulder period when traffic consists largely of retired couples and those without children. The last run of The Cwellyn is on 31/8/23 and the additional Woodland Wanderer trains finish on the same date.

No.87 was on the 10:15 The Aberglaslyn. At 10:35 David Lloyd George arrived into the WHR platform on the ECS for the 11:10 Woodland Wanderer while Merddin Emrys waited in the FR platform for its 10:45 departure on the Mountain Spirit. DLG ran round immediately. Steam shunting was noted at Boston Lodge Carriage sheds at 11:45 even though no additional passenger train departures were timetabled.

At 13:00 the Garratt was back, the loco detached and shunted to the yard to water. The loco was signalled to return at 13:15 and ready for the 13:40 afternoon run but the Woodland Wanderer was in section so the signals were cancelled and DLG arrived in the FR platform at 13:20. The Aberglaslyn left as the Mountain Spirit approached at 13:42 and followed it into the now vacant WHR platform. The Fairlie swop now took place so the 14:10 Mountain Spirit was ready to depart while Merddin Emrys went to coal and water in the yard ready for the 14:35 Woodland Wanderer in the FR platform.

Vale of Ffestiniog came over from Boston Lodge into the WHR through line. After a brief pause it headed towards Dinas light engine at 14:00. At 14:08 Hugh Napier propelled two empty B wagons into Minffordd from the Boston Lodge direction At 14:12 the wagons were hauled into the yard presumably to collect coal.

Hugh Napier emerged from Minffordd Yard at 17:14 with the two B wagons now loaded with coal just after the Mountain Spirit passed. The passenger train was back at Porthmadog at about 17:20. Once the section was clear Hugh Napier followed the Mountain Spirit at 17:21, presumably arriving at Porthmadog yard about 17:35. After the Fairlie fuelled and watered, it left about 20 minutes later with the ECS but it is likely Hugh Napier was the last to leave to close the day's activities.

F&WHR 24/8/23

Thursday's weather forecast for Porthmadog was for an improving day with a sunny afternoon and temperatures of 11-17C. Thursday's service pattern was for seven FR trains, including the additional 12:05/15:30 Woodland Wanderer services, and four trains on the WHR, including the two through trains and two The Cwellyn trains.

No.87 arrived in the WHR platform at 09:33 with the ECS for the 10:05 The Harbourmaster. David Lloyd George had already arrived with the ECS Mountain Spirit into at about 10:00 and at 10:15 shunted the additional Observation Car onto the front of the rake. Merddin Emrys turned up at 10:38 with the ECS for the 11:10 Woodland Wanderer and ran round immediately, completing the manoeuvre just 2 minutes before the 10:43 was due to depart. However this was delayed a few minutes by late passengers. Welsh Pony was running round its ECS in the FR platform preparing for the 12:05 additional Woodland Wanderer.

At 13:50 No.130 was waiting in the WHR platform to haul the return working of the Snowdonia Star due at 14:05. The 14:10 Mountain spirit was also ready to depart the FR platform but was delayed for some reason, lost its path and had to wait for the return of Welsh Pony into the WHR platform at 14:30 which was on time. The Fairlie shunted the Woodland Wanderer into the FR platform at 14:35 and Blanche started shunting its rake. At 14:45 the 14:35 Woodland Wanderer departed from the FR platform and Blanche subsequently shunted The Quarryman rake into the same platform for the 15:05 departure. At 15:24 Welsh Pony was coupled up to the 15:30 Woodland Wanderer in the WHR platform which left on time to complete the lunchtime departures.

The signaller locked the box at17:55 to close the day's activities.

Porthmadog Bank holiday footplate rides (26-28/8/23)

It promises to be a busy Bank Holiday Weekend, with visitors making the most of the remaining School Summer Holiday period. The F&WHR has lots of trains running (up to eight trips a day) but there will also be also have some family friendly footplate rides for visitors to enjoy.
Come along to Harbour Station in Porthmadog any day of the Bank Holiday weekend and you'll find beautifully restored Quarry Hunslet HUGH NAPIER steaming around the station sidings. Now long retired from its hard work in the Penrhyn Slate Quarry, this loco is a perfect size to introduce people to a working steam locomotive.
Footplate rides are free of charge - although donations are always welcome. There is no booking required, just turn up and take your turn on the loco. You don't even need to have a train ticket. Footplate rides are open to everyone who comes to Harbour Station - and don't forget, there is also the station Gift Shop to explore and Spooner's Café-Bar to provide tasty treats and refreshments while you are here.
Come along and enjoy a great weekend - the F&WHR are looking forward to seeing you here!

Caernarfon Bank Holiday footplate rides (27-28/8/23)

Lilla will be offering footplate rides at Caernarfon Station Sunday 27th and Monday 28th August from 10:00-16:00. Following its 'starring' role as the centrepiece of the F&WHR stand at the recent Welsh National Eisteddfod in Boduan, the F&WHR is delighted to confirm that Lilla will in steam at 'Y Stesion' (on St. Helen's Road in Caernarfon) this coming Sunday and Monday.
This time though she won't just be on display, but you will be able to take a ride on the footplate, as Lilla steams up and down the station tracks between 10:00 and 16:00. There is no charge for footplate rides, but donations are always welcome.
So, come along and join in the fun, let the driver show you what makes the loco work - and do not forget, Caffi de Winton will be open throughout the day with a great choice of tasty treats and refreshing drinks to help make the most of your visit to Caernarfon Station as well as the Gift Shop!

F&WHR 23/8/23

Wednesday's weather forecast for Porthmadog was for an overcast drizzly day with temperatures of 15-17C. Wednesday's service pattern was for seven FR trains, including the additional 12:05/15:30 Woodland Wanderer services, and four trains on the WHR, including the two The Aberglaslyn trains, the Gelert Explorer and one The Cwellyn train. With traffic anticipated to be high approaching the Bank Holiday weekend the 15:30 Woodland Wanderer has appeared in the timetable TWThO this week, the largest number of times it has appeared this summer. The Cwellyn trains from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu operate until 31/8/23.

No.130 was on The Aberglaslyn duties today with the 10:15 leaving on time. The Fairlie was running round the Mountain Spirit in the FR platform at 10:28. David Lloyd George arrived at 10:34 with the ECS for the Woodland Wanderer into the WHR platform. There was time to run round before Merddin Emrys departed at 10:45. At 11:15 Welsh Pony was running round the 12:05 additional Woodland Wanderer in the FR platform.

The Aberglaslyn was back by 13:05 and Blanche was shunting its rake clear of the FR platform into the yard, following which the Garratt then ran to the yard to water. The Garratt was back at 13:30 having completed its run round and coupled up ready for the 13:40 departure. In the meantime DLG had arrived back with the Woodland Wanderer and was preparing for the Fairlie swop. Merddin Emrys returned at 13:45 into the WHR platform with the Mountain Spirit. The Fairlie promptly detached while the loco swop took place at 13:50, running to the yard to coal and water afterwards. The swop equalises loco mileage and crew shifts. DLG left with the Mountain Spirit on time and at 14:20 Merddin Emrys ran round and Blanche was shunting the yard ready for the return The Quarryman. Welsh Pony arrived back at 14:35 into the WHR platform with the return working of the 12:05 additional Woodland Wanderer. Welsh Pony shunted to coal and water in the yard at 14:50 after Blanche shunted its return working of The Quarryman into the FR platform.

The Cwellyn views
Make the most of the summer break and visit historic Caernarfon with its magnificent castle and narrow streets inside impressive town walls - there's even a Ferris wheel on the old slate quay for you to enjoy views over the castle, harbour and Menai Strait to Anglesey and do not forget the pleasure boat trips you can take from the harbour along the Menai Strait!
After a morning exploring the town, come along to the F&WHR's modern station in St. Helen's Road and take a trip on The Cwellyn train to Rhyd Ddu and back. It is an afternoon trip to remember, as your train climbs from sea level at Caernarfon, steaming past breath-taking views of verdant fields and meadows, a tumbling rivers, waterfalls and a stunning lake surrounded by steep mountain slopes to reach Rhyd Ddu - the highest station on the line, situated on the slopes of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). There is time to take a break here for photographs and to stretch your legs and toilet facilities (in addition to those on the train) before a return to Caernarfon.
It's a great day out - come and see for yourselves!
----------------------------------------
The Cwellyn service runs every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday until 31/8/23. More information and tickets are available online @ https://www.festrail.co.uk/the-cwellyn/

This northerly view (8/23) shows Lyd arriving at Waunfawr station with The Cwellyn passing the sympathetically restored station building. Click on the image to enlarge. Click again to enlarge fully (if available) This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (8/23) shows Lyd winding along the Gwyrfai valley with The Cwellyn passing the site of Salem Halt. Click on the image to enlarge. Click again to enlarge fully (if available) This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This easterly view (8/23) shows Lyd rounding Ffridd Isaf curves with The Cwellyn approaching Rhyd Ddu terminus with Snowdon summit in the background. Click on the image to enlarge. Click again to enlarge fully (if available) This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

F&WHR 22/8/23

Tuesday's weather forecast for Porthmadog was for a cloudy, breezy day at first with temperatures of 15-18C. Tuesday's service pattern was for seven FR trains, including the additional 12:05/15:30 Woodland Wanderer services, and four trains on the WHR, including the two through trains and two The Cwellyn services. With traffic anticipated to be high approaching the Bank Holiday weekend the 15:30 Woodland Wanderer has appeared in the timetable TWThO this week, the largest number of times it has appeared this summer.

No.130 appeared with the ECS The Harbourmaster at 09:30 into the WHR platform. The train left on time as David Lloyd George arrived ECS in the FR platform with the ECS for the 10:45 Mountain Spirit. The loco ran round and coupled at 10:15 removing the lead Observation Car to the seawall siding at 10:17, a feature of the last several days when first class bookings are lighter. Merddin Emrys arrived at 10:42 with the ECS for the 11:10 Woodland Wanderer and waited for DLG to depart at 10:45 before running round. Welsh Pony departed on the 12:05 additional Woodland Wanderer from the FR platform.

The Snowdonia Star arrived at about 12:30 and No.87 ran to the yard to water. It was back and coupled up ready for the return working at 14:05 as Blanche arrived with The Quarryman in the FR platform about 13:04. At 13:27 Blanche had run round and started to shunt the rake to the yard to clear the platform for further arrivals. Merddin Emrys arrived at 13:43 into the FR platform with the returning 11.10 Woodland Wanderer. The Fairlie ran round at 14:03 to move the rake to the yard and clear the FR platform for later arrivals. Large crowds gathered on the platform waiting for the late running 14:10 Mountain Spirit and the Fairlie waited by the signalbox as well for the Fairlie swop. DLG arrived at 14:21 (35 minutes late). The Fairlie swop was signalled immediately but DLG did not depart until 14:30 (20 minutes late). Merddin Emrys ran to the yard soon afterwards to coal and water. The 14:35 Woodland Wanderer eventually left at about 14:55, some 20 minutes late.

The return of the 12:05 Woodland Wanderer was delayed by the previous late running Mountain Spirit but it was back by 14:55 (about 25 minutes late) after which Welsh Pony went to coal and water. At 15:22 The Quarryman departed with Blanche some 15 minutes late followed by Welsh Pony on the 15:30 additional Woodland Wanderer at 15:51, some 20 minutes late to complete the lunchtime rush.

Trains began to return after 16:00 with the return of The Harbourmaster about 16:30 this was quickly disposed ECS due to late running of FR services. Three trains were due from the FR but all departed 20minutes late or so. DLG was running round at 17:25 in the FR platform Merddin Emrys arrived with the Mountain Spirit at 17:43 (over 30 minutes late) allowing the ECS to depart. The loco ran to the yard to refuel and water straight afterwards and returned at 17:55. The ECS had to await the arrival of the return working of the 15:30 Woodland Wanderer which was in section. Welsh Pony arrived at 18:25 some 45 minutes late and then the ECS quickly departed. Welsh Pony coaled and watered then ran round and departed at 18:42 with its ECS to close the day's activities.

New Summer hamper offers

Hampers are now available on the Mountain Spirit and The Quarryman available to collect at Blaenau Ffestiniog. See F&WHR hampers page for full details. One new offering is turkey with stuffing and cranberry rolls! Hampers must be ordered when purchasing tickets.

F&WHR 21/8/23

Monday's weather forecast for Porthmadog was for an overcast and windy day with temperatures of 16-19C. Monday's service pattern was for five FR trains, including the additional 12:05 Woodland Wanderer, and three trains on the WHR, including the two The Aberglaslyn trains and the Gelert Explorer.

Vale of Ffestiniog brought the ECS rake for The Aberglaslyn over at 10:03. This happens on occasions when the Garratt is not quite ready or had failed. At 10:22 Merddin Emrys was shunting the spare Observation Car onto the front of the 10:45 Mountain Spirit in the FR platform. David Lloyd George was running round the 11:10 Woodland Wanderer in the WHR platform at 10:45 as the Mountain Spirit departed. Welsh Pony departed on the 12:05 additional Woodland Wanderer on time from a rather damp looking Porthmadog.

This easterly view (21/8/23) shows Vale of Ffestiniog arriving at Porthmadog with the ECS The Aberglaslyn in overcast and damp conditions that persisted throughout most of the day. Click on the image to enlarge. Click again to enlarge fully (if available) This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a webcam. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

The Funkey arrived back at 12:08 with The Aberglaslyn showing the Garratt was not available. No.87 turned up light engine from the north at 13:25 into the WHR loop line and presumably went to Boston Lodge. Merddin Emrys returned with the Mountain Spirit at 13:50 and the Fairlie swop took place with David Lloyd George working from the yard to couple to the front ready for the 14.10 departure. Merddin Emrys ran round the Woodland Wanderer rake in the FR platform at 14:20 ready for the 14:35 departure. Welsh Pony arrived at 14:34 on the return working of the 12:05 additional Woodland Wanderer into the WHR platform and Merddin Emrys departed on time shortly afterwards. Welsh Pony departed with the ECS by 15:10.

The weather improved a little and the sun came out in the late afternoon as the trains started to return home. At 16:40 the Funkey was waiting for an ECS path back to the depot as Merddin Emrys rolled into the FR platform with the returning Woodland Wanderer. David Lloyd George arrived with the returning Mountain Spirit at 17:07 and Merddin Emrys left with its ECS a minute later. The Fairlie ran round at 17:23 after coaling and watering and departed with the ECS at a few minutes later to close the day's activities.

Barmouth Viaduct closures

The steelwork for Barmouth Viaduct is being replaced this autumn and the line will be closed from 2/9/23 to 25/11/23. There is a possible extension until 3/12/23 inclusive for track renewals at Toll House Curve at the north end of the viaduct. There will be replacement bus services and train services during the closure. The footpath over the viaduct will be closed during this period.

This westerly view (16/8/23) shows the new steel girders for Barmouth bridge being erected on a concrete pad alongside Morfa Mawddach station. The girders are attached to a support frame that will be used to assist in their placement on the existing refurbished piers. Click on the image to enlarge. Click again to enlarge fully (if available) This image is copyright John Rawlings and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (16/8/23) shows the old steel girders for Barmouth Bridge being fitted with additions to assist in their removal. Work is underway refurbishing the piers and a safety boat is standing by just in case a worker falls in the estuary. Click on the image to enlarge. Click again to enlarge fully (if available) This image is copyright John Rawlings and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

F&WHR 20/8/23

Sunday's weather forecast for Porthmadog was for an improving sunny day with temperatures of 16-19C, The F&WHR seems to have got away without any serious damage from Storm Betty as all trains operated to time yesterday. Sunday's service pattern was for four FR trains and three trains on the WHR, including the two The Aberglaslyn trains and the Gelert Explorer. At 0925 09:32 Upnor Castle arrived at Minffordd wrong line from Boston Lodge with a train consisting of Van No.7, FR wagon No.63, and B wagons Nos.1621/un-numbered full of loco ash. At 09:32 the rake was propelled into the yard. A large group of volunteers was shown how the point mechanism worked.

No.87 had arrived with the ECS for the 10:15 The Aberglaslyn by 09:45 during a heavy un-forecast shower into the WHR platform. David Lloyd George followed at 09:58 into the FR platform with the ECS for the Mountain Spirit as the showers continued. The loco removed the leading Observation Car again to save fuel when the rear Observation Car was sufficient for first class bookings. The weather had cleared up a bit by the time Merddin Emrys arrived with the ECS for the 11:10 Woodland Wanderer at 10:28 into the WHR platform. There was plenty of time to run round before the Mountain Spirit departed. At 11:48 Upnor Castle emerged from Minffordd Yard with the same train having deposited one wagon of loco ash in the yard and headed east, presumably to the Dduallt disposal point.

No.87 was back again and ready for departure on the 13:40 The Aberglaslyn from the WHR platform by 13:30. At 14:00 The Mountain Spirit rake was back in the WHR platform and the Fairlie swop occurred before departing on time.

Merddin Emrys arrived back into the WHR platform at 17:06 with the Mountain Spirit allowing David Lloyd George to depart on the ECS Woodland Wanderer a minute later from the FR platform. Merddin Emrys ran to the depot at 17:10 to coal and water. The Fairlie returned to the rake at 17:24 and departed with the ECS at 17:32 to close the day's activities.

Eden Valley railway bridge restored

Click on the image to enlarge. Image copyright F&WHR.

Russell problems 4/8/23

According to a post of the WHHR's Loco Dept. Facebook page Russell has developed a significant hairline crack in the driver's side connecting rod. The loco will be out of traffic until a new con rod can be manufactured and fitted. This adds to the woes of the WHHR whose Baldwin No.590 failed just before the WHR 100 event with a hot axle box. See WHHR Loco Dept. Facebook page for images. It seems unlikely the loco will be going to the L&BR Gala at the end of September as was planned.

Loco roster 4-11/8/23

There will be a total of SEVEN steam locomotives in action on passenger trains this week.
On the Ffestiniog Railway: David Lloyd George, Merddin Emrys, Blanche and Welsh Pony will be working the usual train services.
On the Welsh Highland Railway: NG/G16s Nos.87/143 will once again be rotating duties throughout the week, with Lyd taking charge of the Cwellyn trains to Rhyd Ddu.
______________________________
NOTE: This information is provided in good faith, solely as a guide, but could be subject to change at any time.

F&WHR 4/8/23

Friday's weather forecast for Porthmadog was for a day of sunny periods with temperatures of 12-17C. Friday's service pattern was four FR trains. Meanwhile there were three on the WHR, with two Aberglaslyn trains and the Gelert Explorer. At 07:08 a PW train emerged from Minffordd Yard with Harlech Castle, Mess Car No.1111, a DZ1424, the cherrypicker and another DZ on the rear.

At 10:10 No.143 was standing in the WHR platform with the 10:15 The Aberglaslyn while David Lloyd George arrived in the FR platform with the 10:45 Mountain Spirit.

Upnor Castle emerged from Minffordd Yard at 11:31 with a DZ wagon and young volunteers. At 11:44 Upnor Castle headed towards Boston Lodge with a DZ wagon, returning at 12:07 and reversing into Minffordd Yard at 12:10.

The Woodland Wanderer returned at 13:27 into the FR platform and the Fairlies swopped duties as normal. At 14:49 Upnor Castle emerged light engine from Minffordd Yard and reversed towards Boston Lodge.

At 16:43 Hugh Napier led Welsh Pony in a light engine move into Minffordd Yard from the east.

At the end of the afternoon David Lloyd George arrived around 16:45 with the Woodland Wanderer and ran round at 17:00, departing with the ECS at about 17:07 after the Mountain Spirit had arrived into the WHR platform at 17:15. Merddin Emrys was the last ECS to 'put to bed'.

The final movement of the day came at 17:35 when Harlech Castle led the PW train back into Minffordd Yard.

Cab rides cancelled over Storm Antoni (5/8/23)

Heavy rain and storm force winds are forecast for Porthmadog on Saturday 5/8/23. This has led to the cancellation of the Hugh Napier cab rides in Porthmadog station.

James Spooner steam test 4/8/23

The recently purchased diesel loco obtained from auction of Adrian shooter's Beeches Light Railway at the same time as the Darjeeling B loco has been accepted into traffic and will be named after Moel-yr-Hydd, a mountain which overlooks Tan-y-grisiau, just to the north of Moelwyn Mawr. The loco is currently in the same blue livery as the Darjeeling B class. Two second hand electric locos have also arrived but details are still awaited.

This westerly view (4/8/23) shows the FR's new works diesel loco likely on test hauling 3 coaches possibly to Glan-y-pwll for storage passing Minffordd at 11:39. Click on the image to enlarge. Click again to enlarge fully (if available) This image is courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a webcam. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

YouTube NLHF Project July 2023 Update (4/8/23)

Click on the YouTube link to watch 4 minutes 53 seconds of video covering the construction of the Training and Research Centre at Boston Lodge, the Wagon Repair Shed and the Small Loco Shed etc. This video is dated 27/7/23 and was published on 4/8/23. It is best viewed at 1080p with Chrome. This video was produced by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional Betamax 4k camcorder.

Moving Pictures James Spooner special (4/8/23)

Click on the YouTube link to watch 3 minutes 26 seconds of video covering the steam test of James Spooner at Boston Lodge on 4/8/23. This video was published on 4/8/23. It is best viewed at 1080p with Chrome. This video was produced by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional Betamax 4k camcorder.

Wednesday's incident (2/8/23)

The WHHR had a bumper afternoon on Wednesday 2/8/23 as the FR was closed down reportedly by a derailment at Tan-y-bwlch. Prospective passengers transferred to the WHHR in the absence of any FR train services from early afternoon. Given all the FR locos were in action the following day the derailment is likely to have involved a carriage or carriages. Details are hard to come by but the likely sequence of events is as follows. Corrections are welcome.

1) The 10:45 Mountain Spirit set out from Porthmadog with Merddin Emrys

2) The 11:10 Woodland Wanderer set out from Porthmadog with David Lloyd George

3) The 11:40 The Quarryman set out from Blaenau Ffestiniog with Blanche and passed the Mountain Spirit at Tan-y-grisiau at about 11:45

4) The 12:05 Woodland Wanderer set out from Porthmadog with Welsh Pony

5) The Quarryman passed Tan-y-bwlch at about 12:10 and arrived at Porthmadog at about 12:50

6) Once The Quarryman had passed Tan-y-bwlch David Lloyd George, which had arrived there at about 11:45 on the 11:10 Woodland Wanderer, ran round and then propelled the rake out of Tan-y-bwlch towards Dduallt at around 12:20 in order to change platforms and make space for the arrival of the arrival of the 12:05 Woodland Wanderer due at 12:40

7) During the propel move the leading coach or coaches became derailed, possibly on the catch points

8) This left four trains stuck in various locations:

the 11:10 Woodland Wanderer (partially derailed) due to depart Tan-y-bwlch 12:45

the Mountain Spirit stuck at Blaenau Ffestiniog due to depart at 12:35

The Quarryman stuck at Porthmadog due to depart 15:05

and the 12:05 Woodland Wanderer stuck in section or having entered Tan-y-bwlch wrong line and unable to run round

9) Blanche was apparently the only rescue loco available (though where was Vale of Ffestiniog?) and it was removed from The Quarryman and departed Porthmadog light engine at about 13:45

10) Blanche recovered the trapped 12:05 Woodland Wanderer and arrived back at Porthmadog at 15:10, passengers from the two trains may have been combined or the earlier train's passengers bussed back

11) Blanche took The Quarryman rake back to Blaenau Ffestiniog ECS departing Porthmadog at around 15:55, the passengers presumably having been bussed back

12) The derailment must have been put right after a few hours as Welsh Pony returned with the Woodland Wanderer ECS arriving at Porthmadog at about 16:20

13) The Mountain Spirit returned from Blaenau Ffestiniog ECS arriving at Porthmadog at 17:25 behind David Lloyd George, the passengers presumably having been bussed back to Porthmadog

14) Merddin Emrys was not noted returning but was seen on its normal duty on the 10:45 Mountain Spirit the next day

15) A works train with Youth Week volunteers went to Tan-y-bwlch in the evening and the rake was propelled through the pointwork with no problems showing that no track damage was done.

F&WHR 3/8/23

Thursday's weather forecast for Porthmadog was for a day of showers and sunny periods with temperatures of 13-17C. Thursday's service pattern was six FR trains, including one additional Woodland Wanderer trains and The Quarryman. Meanwhile there were the maximum four services on the WHR, with two through trains and two The Cwellyn trains.

No.143 arrived in the WHR with the ECS for the 10:05 The Harbourmaster at 09:42. Merddin Emrys arrived at 10:06 into the FR platform with the 10:45 Mountain Spirit. There cannot have been that much wrong yesterday as David Lloyd George turned up with the ECS for the Woodland Wanderer rake at 10:30 into the WHR platform. Welsh Pony departed Porthmadog on time on the 12:05 Woodland Wanderer.

Things seemed to be operating a bit late today with No.87 on the Snowdonia Star pulling into the WHR platform at about 12:55 (30 minutes late) and Blanche arriving in the FR platform at 13:10 (20 minutes late). Blanche ran round minutes later to shunt the rake into the sidings while the Garratt was watering. No.87 ran round as David Lloyd George arrived with the Woodland Wanderer at 13:45 (20 minutes late). This was also rapidly shunted to the yard to clear the FR platform for the arrival of the returning Mountain Spirit which came at 14:03. The Snowdonia Star left a couple of minute late. At 14:19 a wedding party seemed to surround the Mountain Spirit as it departed on the afternoon working.

Welsh Pony was back with its rake into the WHR platform around 14:40 (about 10 minutes late) and the loco was coaling and watering the yard by 15:10 by which time Blanche had shunted The Quarryman back into the FR platform. It departed 11 minutes late at 15:16. Welsh Pony then shunted out of the yard to rejoin its rake a few minutes later. Although the 15:30 Woodland Wanderer was not advertised in the morning, it must have been added later as it departed with a good load of passengers at 15:35 to complete the lunchtime departures.

The first of the afternoon returning trains was No.143 at 16:54 with The Harbourmaster (30 minutes late). Merddin Emrys arrived at 17:00 with the Woodland Wanderer (15 minutes late). No.143 departed with the ECS at 17:01 as soon as The Cob section was clear. Merddin Emrys departed with its ECS at 17:14. Next came David Lloyd George at 17:33 ( 23 minutes late). The final arrival was the additional 15:30 Woodland Wanderer which pulled into the WHR platform at 18:08 (28 minutes late). Merddin Emrys departed with its ECS two minutes later while Welsh Pony ran to yard to refuel and water once The Cob section was clear. The final movement came when the loco rejoined the train and departed ECS at 18:30 to close the day.

C2 Garnedd test 3/8/23

Having reached Tan-y-bwlch on 1/8/23 a second gauging trial was made with Chinese 0-8-0 C2 on Thursday 3/8/23 with staff checking the new wooden mock up cab and tender profile against Garnedd Tunnel. See Nic Byrne's images and Matthew Hall's video on Friends of the F&WHR Facebook page.

Heavy Traffic to National Eisteddfod (5/8/23-13/8/23)

Roads approaching Porthmadog and Caernarfon, particularly the A487, are likely to be busy for the week commencing Saturday 5/8/23. The Welsh National Eisteddfod (Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Cymru) is taking place in Boduan, north-west of Pwllheli, this year.
Starting on Saturday 5/8/23, this event is considered the largest music and poetry festival in Europe - but it is much more than just another festival. It is a major social event for visitors from all over Wales (and beyond) who come together to celebrate their Welsh heritage and traditions.
⚠As a result many of the roads in the area will be very busy (especially in the mornings) and some diversions will be in place to manage traffic flow.
This will mainly affect vehicles approaching Porthmadog from the south and east, vehicles approaching Caernarfon from the north and traffic from Pen Llŷn (Lleyn Peninsula).
Please allow extra time for your journey if your route to the F&WHR involves the roads mentioned above...
ℹ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Eisteddfod_of_Wales
https://youtu.be/WOn3GtV18u4
https://youtu.be/4iFql6CzFlw

Lyd charter

Lyd is currently based at Dinas and is set to haul a charter this week, possibly on Friday 4/8/23 as it is in use on The Cwellyn services on other days.

F&WHR 2/8/23

The weather forecast for Porthmadog on Wednesday 2/8/23 was for a day of thundery showers and sunny periods with temperatures of 13-20C. Wednesday's service pattern was seven FR trains, including two additional Woodland Wanderer trains and The Quarryman. Meanwhile there were the maximum four services on the WHR, with two Aberglaslyn trains, the Gelert Explorer and one The Cwellyn trains.

The first train was the ECS for the Aberglaslyn which arrived into the WHR platform at 09:3 behind No.87.

It was difficult to work out what happened in the afternoon but David Lloyd George was on the 11:10 Woodland Wanderer passing Minffordd at 11:22. Welsh Pony followed on the 12:05 Woodland Wanderer passing Minffordd at 12:16. Things seemed to go haywire after this as the Fairlie did not return and instead Blanche ran light engine at 13:56 through Minffordd towards the east and brought the rake back passing Minffordd at 15:01 ( 2 hours late?). Blanche should have been on The Quarryman but the return service seems to have been cancelled. Blanche passed Minffordd with an ECS rake at 16:05 heading towards Blaenau Ffestiniog. The last movement noted was Welsh Pony returning and passing Minffordd at 16:11 but ECS (almost 2 hour late?). If this late running is correct there was no opportunity to run the 15:30 additional Woodland Wanderer which was advertised as running WO this week and available for the Locals' Discount. In fact this is the only FR train out of Porthmadog on which the discount is available.

At the end of the day David Lloyd George passed Minffordd at 17:15 ECS on the returning Mountain Spirit. It appeared that both the 10:45 and the 11:10 had been terminated and passengers bussed back to Porthmadog. At 17:20 Upnor Castle and Harlech Castle double headed a works train eastbound through Minffordd out of the yard with mess coach No.111 two DZ wagons with Young Volunteers Week participants and Mess coach No.1111. The volunteers had been working on the gable end of the Maenofferen Slate shed at Minffordd Yard. At 17:30 Upnor Castle ran round to the rear of the train. The train had arrived in Tan-y-bwlch around 18:00 and at 18:08 Upnor Castle was propelling the rake up to the east end of the platform.

Moving Pictures No.82 2/8/23

Click on the YouTube link to watch 22 minutes 59 seconds of video covering a variety of topics on the F&WHR. This video was published on 2/8/23 and is best viewed at 1080p with Chrome. This video was produced by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional Betamax 4k camcorder.

C2 gauging run 1/8/23

The F&WHR saw an unusual event on 1/8/23 when Chinese 0-8-0 loco C2 emerged from Boston Lodge for a gauging run on the FR with its new wooden mock up cab. It has already been determined that the loco is within the WHR structure gauge but there were concerns about the FR, hence the new wooden reduced size cab and tender body. Upnor Castle dragged the train to Rhiw Goch loop and back, which is also the limit of Russell's tests in recent years. Although the project seems well advanced, the Russian designed boiler would not pass British boiler inspectors and so a new boiler is being designed and cash will need to be raised for the purchase. See C2 project page.

See Friends of F&WHR to watch video of the gauging run published by Matthew Hall.

Lilla and bug boxes at National Eisteddfod 2023 (5-12/8/23)

The F&WHR will be sending a train to the 2023 Welsh National Eisteddfod which this year takes place in Boduan, half way between Pwllheli and Nefyn on both sides of the A497. The venue is in fields around Bodfel Hall about 1 mile south of the village.

F&WHR 1/8/23

The weather forecast for Porthmadog on Tuesday 1/8/23 was for an overcast day with temperatures of 15-17C. Tuesday's service pattern was six FR trains, including the additional 12:05 Woodland Wanderer and The Quarryman. Meanwhile there were the maximum four services on the WHR, with two through trains and two The Cwellyn trains.

No.87 arrived at 09:33 with the ECS for The Harbourmaster. Merddin Emrys arrived with the ECS Mountain Spirit next and had run round by the time David Lloyd George arrived with the ECS Woodland Wanderer at 10:40. Fast work by staff an signaller allowed the run round and the signals to be cleared seconds later for the 10:45 departure of the Mountain Spirit which was operating with Observation cars on both ends, No.150 Gwynedd on the east end and No.152 Eryri-Snowdonia at the rear.

At lunchtime Welsh Pony hauled the 12:05 extra Woodland Wanderer. No.143 arrived first at 12:30 with the loco running to water in the yard a few minutes later. Blanche arrived with The Quarryman at 13:02 and the loco ran round 3 minutes later to shunt the rake to a siding. The Fairlie swop took place as normal.

At the end of the day David Lloyd George pulled in with the Mountain Spirit into the WHR platform at 17:15 and the ECS Woodland Wanderer departed immediately. The Fairlie ran to the yard to coal and water at 17:20 and then hauled the ECS back to Boston Lodge to close the day's activities.

New advice for Heritage Railways from the ORR 1/8/23

Following the story about the Jacobite suspension, ORR has released new guidance for in a document dated 1/8/23 for Minor and Heritage Railways. After the spot check on the Jacobite turned up ORR concerns can we expect further, more regular, spot checks on Heritage Railways? See ORR advice.

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