WHR

News Archive Page

2023

December

V4.2 updated 4/3/24

with news to 31/12/23

 

Newly archived sections are placed at the top of this page.

 

Loco repaints

The team of volunteers led by David Jones, have been working in the Carriage Works paint shops from just after Christmas until (1/1/24). They have repainted and varnished Bill the Dinas yard shunter and repainted the lower part of Moel-yr-hydd the new blue infrastructure loco. The team have also been working on Linda, more on this in a week or so. Bill is now stationed at Glan-y-pwll for the next few months, assisting with Blaenau Ffestiniog station works. Moel-yr-hydd requires a quick visit to the erecting shop to have some minor attention and then back to the teams at Minffordd, where it is currently based. For David Jones photos see F&WHR Facebook page.

 

F&WHR 31/12/23

The unseasonably mild Xmas weather continued into Sunday with temperatures of 5-8C forecast and showers and sunny periods later. The storms that have passed Porthmadog are now calming down but the Conwy Valley and Central Wales lines were closed by flooding. Two trains were planned today on both the FR and the WHR and it seems likely that the WMWP has been paused until 2/1/24 though volunteer groups are said to be working off the Xmas cheer! The WHR line in Porthmadog is looking very rusty as there have been no movements for some weeks on this route though a stock transfer is anticipated for 2/1/24. The three wagons left at Tan-y-bwlch from the Whistling Curve relay blocking the Down line were still present on Saturday so the Christmas Mountain Spirit will have to continue to pass through Tan-y-bwlch using the Up platform reversibly.

Trains seems to be having a late start on Sunday but some steam shunting was noted at Boston Lodge at 09:30. The ECS for the Christmas Mountain Spirit eventually came across The Cob hauled by Blanche, arriving at 09:52 with James Spooner attached to the rear to save time. Blanche then ran round at 09:56 before being coupled up as pilot. Departure came a few minutes late at 10:03. The train made good time and arrived at Minffordd at 10:11 and Tan-y-bwlch at 10:38, departing 7 minutes later. Vale of Ffestiniog was noted shunting the new Carriage Shed  at Boston Lodge at 10:35.

The return working passed Minffordd at 12:48 and arrived at Porthmadog about 10 minutes later. The two locos fuelled, watered and ran round and the train departed on time, passing Minffordd at 13:41. The afternoon train passed Minffordd on return at 16:33, rather later than expected. It arrived back at Porthmadog at 16:43. Two locos ran round together at 16:48, departing with the ECS at 16:56 to close the day's activities. New Year's Day will see the last of these Festive Trains.

 

Amlwch branch developments

The debate about reuse of the Amlwch Branch has heated up again recently with a group wanting to rip up the track and convert it into a long distance footpath/cycleway/bridleway. Meanwhile the Lein Amlwch Group continue to make good progress clearing the undergrowth and restoring the line under NR licence for future use as a commuter line into Bangor, as a preserved railway or Rolling Back Beeching project. Since 2021, Lein Amlwch has a 99 year lease of the 17.5 mile route which is disconnected at Gaerwen Junction on the Holyhead Line. See Daily Post story on current progress and alternative uses of this route.

 

F&WHR 30/12/23

The mild Xmas weather continued into Saturday with temperatures of 7-10C forecast and heavy rain. Further storms were forecast to arrive Saturday by midday with torrential downpours and 75mph gusts for the Porthmadog. The wind was set to continue overnight into Sunday morning. Two trains were planned today on both the FR and the WHR and it seems likely that the WMWP has been paused until 2/1/24 though volunteer groups are said to be working off the Xmas cheer! The WHR line in Porthmadog is looking very rusty as there have been no movements for some weeks on this route though a stock transfer is anticipated for 2/1/24. The three wagons left at Tan-y-bwlch from the Whistling Curve relay blocking the Down line were still present on Saturday so the Christmas Mountain Spirit will have to continue to pass through Tan-y-bwlch using the Up platform reversibly.

At 09:30 shunting was taking place at Boston Lodge and the ECS for the Christmas Mountain Spirit came across The Cob hauled by Blanche, arriving at 09:40. The second loco came across light engine today at 09:52 with the Fairlie coupling up and Blanche then being added as pilot. Departure was delayed until 10:09 possibly awaiting late passengers. The train arrived at Minffordd at 10:18 and Tan-y-bwlch at 10:47, departing 6 minutes later.

The return working passed Minffordd at 12:57 and arrived at Porthmadog at 13:07. James Spooner ran round at 13:25 and Blanche coupled to the front at 13:32. The train departed at 13:36, only 6 minutes late and passed Minffordd at 13:46. The train passed Minffordd on return at 16:13 and arrived back at Porthmadog at.16:24. Two locos ran round together at 16:30, departing with the ECS at 16:37 to close the day's activities.

 

Aber Log train problems 29-30/12/23

Running the Chirk log train just before New Year presented several problems for NR. The booked Friday working on 29/12 with 97303 saw the loco trapped in the run round loop at Aberystwyth by a broken ground frame key and so an early morning light engine move was authorised for Saturday morning from Coleham with 97304. The rescue loco extracted the rake from the run round and propelled it back into the main platform allowing the original train engine to remain on the rear to top and tail the logs. The train (6C56) departed Aberystwyth 17 minutes early at 09:50 and ran to time over Talerddig Summit. However it seems 97303 developed a problem and the train struggled into Welshpool almost an hour late causing delays to other services and the need for one train to pass wrong line through Welshpool to avoid the log train stuck in platform 1. 97304 took the train forward after 97303 was shunted to a refuge siding.

This was not the end of the problems though. 56094 replaced the Class 37 at Coleham but itself experienced traction problems and the train was terminated at Gobowen 35 minutes late. This led to the following Cardiff-Holyhead being terminated trapped behind it and subsequent northbound trains passing wrong line through the Up platform. There does not seem to be a record of the train completing its journey over the next several days on RTT so it may still remain in the refuge siding at Gobowen or shunted onto the Cambrian Heritage Railways exchange sidings. The Aberystwyth Logs did not run on Friday 5/1/24 or as the 09:50 6C56 Saturday 6/1/24 (the back-up path).

 

F&WHR 29/12/23

The mild Xmas weather continued into Friday with temperatures of 5-8C and light cloud. Further storms were forecast for Saturday with torrential downpours and 75mph gusts for the Porthmadog area with the wind continuing overnight into Sunday. Two trains were planned today on both the FR and the WHR and it seems likely that the WMWP has been paused until 2/1/24 though volunteer groups are said to be working off the Xmas cheer! The WHR line in Porthmadog is looking very rusty as there have been no movements for some weeks on this route though a stock transfer is anticipated for 2/1/24. The three wagons left at Tan-y-bwlch from the Whistling Curve relay blocking the Down line were not removed before the first Christmas Mountain Spirit runs yesterday as reversible working was instituted at Tan-y-bwlch on the Up platform road.

Today trains started on time with the 10:00 passing Minffordd in the hands of Blanche and James Spooner at 10:10, continuing 3 minutes later. This was followed at 10:23 by Lilla hauling B2436 (ex Sandstone delivered 1/13) and the curly roofed van. The three wagons are still blocking the line at Tan-y-bwlch ready for the WMWP to continue after the Festive Trains. It was possible to book the returning 11:40 from Blaenau Ffestiniog as an out and back train service to Porthmadog. No similar facility was offered from Rhyd Ddu on the Christmas Cwellyn but was possible if room was available. The return service passed through Tan-y-bwlch at 12:23 on the reversible Up line, a little later than expected and was on its way 3 minutes later with a car seemingly transferring the token. The return servicer arrived at Minffordd at 12:57 and departed 6 minutes later. The train arrived back in Porthmadog at 13:13. The afternoon train was set to depart at 13:30, leaving just enough time for coaling, watering and run round.

 

This southerly view (29/12/23) shows Blanche and James Spooner taking water at Blaenau Ffestiniog. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright Clive Briscoe and was taken a digital camera.

 

Thunderstorm damages signalling

Wednesday evening's thunderstorm knocked out the FR's signalling and it appears tokens had to be moved manually between stations to permit trains to enter the next section. This explains the extreme late running yesterday afternoon. Trains were well loaded and nearly fully booked. Many houses in Ceredigion were left without power following the lightning strikes damaging a local substation.

 

F&WHR 28/12/23

The mild Xmas weather continued into Thursday with temperatures of 7-10C and heavy rain with wind gusts of 88 mph recorded on Anglesey as Storm Gerrit crossed North Wales. The storm is set to fade out today, Two trains were planned today on both the FR and the WHR and it seems likely that the WMWP has been paused until 2/1/24 though volunteer groups are said to be working off the Xmas cheer! It is possible a track inspection will be made of the FR in preparation for the 5 day Festive Season starting today as branches and trees may have fallen across looking very rusty as there have been no movements for some weeks on this route though a stock transfer is anticipated for 2/1/24. The three wagons left at Tan-y-bwlch from the Whistling Curve relay blocking the Down line might have to be removed before the first Christmas Mountain Spirit runs today or wrong line working instituted at Tan-y-bwlch.

Vale of Ffestiniog arrived at Minffordd home signal at 08:30 with the same rake of heritage vehicles as yesterday and waited for a few minutes before proceeding into the loop at 08:33. The signaller arrived at Porthmadog at 08:55 as steam shunting was occurring at Boston Lodge. High tide and strong gusts of wind were causing seaspray to go across The Cob at times. Blanche arrived at the signalbox at 09:15 with Lilla (not in steam) and the Santa Grotto rake and pulled into the yard at 09:24 while steam shunting was underway at Boston Lodge.

Vale of Ffestiniog arrived at Tan-y-bwlch at 09:30 with the heritage rake and at the same moment James Spooner arrived in the FR platform with the 9 coach rake for the 10:00 Christmas Mountain Spirit which included Observation Car Snowdonia on the rear. Maybe the heritage rake movement was originally planned for yesterday as a line inspection train but was curtailed by some tree falls caused by the storm which have since been cleared? Blanche was coupled to the front of James Spooner and the pair coupled up to the Christmas Mountain Spirit at 09:48 but departure was delayed with the Heritage rake still at Tan-y-bwlch and the wagons still blocking the Down line there. The Heritage rake departed Tan-y-bwlch at 10:11 probably for Glan-y-pwll storage shed and the 10:00 Christmas Mountain Spirit departed at 10:19 and arrived at Minffordd at 10:27. The train left for Tan-y-bwlch at 10:33 and arrived there half an hour later. Departure came at 11:11 with the wagons still intriguingly blocking the Down platform. It may be possible to use the Up platform reversibly to pass the wagons.

The 11:40 return service seemed to be carrying a significant delay which would probably impact the afternoon train too, the 13:30 from Porthmadog. The train arrived back at Tan-y-bwlch at 12:57 with the Fairlie leading wrong line through the Up platform using Blanche and departing at 13:02. The train passed Minffordd at 13:32 and arrived in Porthmadog at 13:42. The locos detached to coal and water before running round ands departing at 14:00, over 30 minutes late, the consolation being that the sun came out!

 

This westerly view (28/12/23) shows Blanche and James Spooner with the afternoon Christmas Mountain Spirit waiting at Porthmadog for Vale of Ffestiniog to arrive with an ECS stock transfer of The Quarryman from Glan-y-pwll. This was later shunted to Boston Lodge for annual maintenance. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera.

 

At 14:19 Vale of Ffestiniog passed through Minffordd returning to Porthmadog with a six coach rake, possibly The Quarryman rake with a small brake van. The 13:30 Christmas Mountain Spirit departed an hour late at around 14:30, arriving in Minffordd at 14:39 and departing 3 minutes later. As a result of the late running the train would be returning after dark.

At 15:43 the Santa's Grotto rake was removed from Porthmadog yard with Lilla on the rear, presumably by the Funkey. The Fairlie and Blanche arrived back at 17:37 without the platform lights being turned on, an hour and 17 minutes late. Run round came at 17:46 and the ECS departed at 17:55 to close the day's activities.

 

Loco roster 28/12/23-1/1/24

On the Ffestiniog Railway - JAMES SPOONER and BLANCHE are rostered to work together, double-heading the CHRISTMAS MOUNTAIN SPIRIT service:
▫Porthmadog - Blaenau Ffestiniog return
▫Twice a day at 10:00 and 13:30
▫Blaenau Ffestiniog - Porthmadog return
▫Once a day at 11:40
On the Welsh Highland Railway - NG/G16 No.143 is rostered to work the CHRISTMAS CWELLYN service:
▫Caernarfon - Rhyd Ddu return
▫Twice a day at 10:45 and 13:45
ℹ Tickets can be bought on the day, but - as trains are filling well - the F&WHR recommend you buy your tickets online to avoid disappointment. Go to festrail.co.uk/christmas/ for further information and to book your tickets.

 

F&WHR 27/12/23

The mild Xmas weather continued into Wednesday with temperatures of 8-12C and heavy rain with wind gusts of over 50mph as Storm Gerrit barrelled through North Wales and continued into Thursday. No trains were planned today and a break was probably taken from work on the WMWP though volunteer groups are said to be working off the Xmas cheer! It is possible some line checks may be made in preparation for the 5 day Festive Season starting on 28/12/23 as branches and trees may fall across the line in the storm. The WHR line in Porthmadog is looking very rusty as there have been no movements for some weeks on this route. The three wagons left at Tan-y-bwlch from the Whistling Curve relay blocking the Down line might have to be removed before the first Christmas Mountain Spirit starting its 5 day Xmas season on the morning of Thursday 28/12/23. They were still present at the end of the afternoon so will probably be removed early on Thursday unless reversible working is possible through the Up line.

At 11:08 a rake of 16 heritage coaches was hauled into Minffordd from Boston Lodge by Vale of Ffestiniog. The rake consisted of 3 four wheelers (Nos.10/1/2), 3 bowsiders (Nos. 15/18/19?), 2 bogies (Nos. 16/10), 2 four-wheelers (Nos.3/4), NWNGR coach No.24, Quarryman's coach No.8, Flying bench No.11, bogies coach No.22 and Sentry Van No.3. At 11:17 the rake was pulled forward a little and at 11:29 the Funkey ran round. It is unclear what the purpose was of this short return trip of a heritage rake to Minffordd. At 11:39 the rake departed Minffordd back towards Boston Lodge. At 14:00 a loco was noted in steam at Boston Lodge probably being readied for the start of the Festive Trains on Thursday.

Caernarfon Castle made a run from Dinas to Rhyd Ddu in heavy rain to check the line was clear following storms and heavy rainfall in advance of the Christmas Cwellyn service from 28/12/23-1/1/24. It did not appear that a line inspection train ran on the FR despite the Christmas Mountain Spirit starting tomorrow.

 

F&WHR 26/12/23

The mild Xmas weather continued into Boxing Day with temperatures of 7-8C and light cloud. No trains were planned today and a break was taken from work on the WMWP though volunteer groups are said to be working off the Xmas cheer! The resignalling at Waunfawr has been completed with shunt tokens and wrong line running allowed which will permit much easier run round movements during special events such as shuttles and galas. The WHR line in Porthmadog is looking very rusty as there have been no movements for some weeks on this route. The three wagons left at Tan-y-bwlch from the whistling Curve relay were still present on 26/12/23 blocking the Down line.

 

Attempt to revive Wrexham Intercity service

The Wrexham Shropshire & Midlands Railway is a new open access company that is consulting about reviving the Wrexham & Shropshire Railway operation. The new company might receive encouragement from TfW whose North Wales offering is pretty dire! The company is based in Birmingham and is seeking an OR&R licence to run trains from Wrexham calling at Gobowen (for Oswestry), Shrewsbury, Telford, Wolverhampton and Walsall before avoiding Birmingham and running via the Sutton Park freight only line to Coleshill Parkway (for M6 Toll/M42), Nuneaton and Milton Keynes to Euston. A stop at Rugby should be considered for the Northampton traffic.

The WS&MR seeks to offer better connectivity between the North/Mid Wales border, the Midlands and London. The aim is to run 5 trains SX and 4 SO. Although the nature of the stock is not identified, the fact that the Transpennine Nova 3 trains have just come off lease with their very new Mk5 coaches and Class 68 haulage makes for interesting speculation. As the company has expressed an interest in Mid Wales, they could even offer a summer dated Cambrian Coast service London to Aberystwyth if a Class 97 came on the back at Shrewsbury! Let us hope that they fare better than W&SR which launched in the Great Recession with lower than expected traffic and services ceased almost 13 years ago on 20/1/11.

 

Sadly no snow forecast for Festive Trains!

Porthmadog had temperatures of 7-10C on Xmas Day with almost record high temperatures! There were floods blocking the A487 Dyfi Bridge at Machynlleth, a pinch point location to be eliminated next Spring by the new Dyfi Bridge bypass. There is no snow in the Met Office forecast up to 1/1/24 though the peaks will have snowfall from 27/12/23 onwards and provide an alpine background for the F&WHR Festive season trains which start running for 5 days from 28/12/23. A good place to check for snow around the F&WHR is on the Met Office website for Capel Curig which is approximately the same height as Rhyd Ddu and Blaenau Ffestiniog. Temperatures at Capel Curig are forecast to drop to 4C by 30/12/23 and continue at a similar level through to New Year's Day with no snow forecast.

 

Happy Christmas!

The webmaster wishes to extends Season's Greeting to all readers of this website. The website will cover rail related developments over the Xmas holidays on the F&WHR, NR and other railways in North Wales.

 

This northerly view (23/12/23) shows No.143 with Santa Special headboard running round at Caernarfon. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera.

 

This southerly view (12/23) shows Lilla with Santa Grotto rake dressed in Christmas decorations at Porthmadog. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera.

 

Mainline news

After some months of missing its path the Aberystwyth-Chirk Kronspan log train ran on Saturday 23/12/23. The train was the 6C56 09:50 from Aberystwyth to Chirk Kronospan reversing at Chester. The train ran early departing at 09:35 and arriving at its destination at 18:30 in darkness. NR unusually provided two Class 97s (Nos.97302/4) rather than a 97/Colas 37 pairing. If it had been a passenger working it could justifiably have carried a Yule Logs headboard!

The false economy of removing passing loops on the North Wales Coast came home to roost on 19/12/23 when the Midland Pullman operating the Holyhead-Edinburgh Xmas Pullman got stuck behind the failed Class 67 on the 1V91 0530 Holyhead-Cardiff which was terminated at Rhyl with a brake problem. The delay to trains behind was caused by waiting a fitter. The Blue Pullman operating as 1Z43 the 06:05 to Edinburgh was held at Llandudno Junction and accumulated 103 delay minutes. After some good juggling of paths by NR, the train was given its head on the WCML and arrived in Edinburgh only 29 minutes late! The return working departed 31 minutes late as 1Z44 at 16:44 in the dark after giving the passengers their promised time in the Scottish Capital and arrived back at Holyhead on time at 22:02.

 

F&WHR 24/12/23

Sunday was forecast to be an overcast day at Porthmadog and temperatures of 10-12C. A weather warning was issued for potential flooding and gusts of over 40mph on 24/12/23. There may be PW trains, with the WMWP underway but these will probably close down over the Xmas period. Christmas Cwellyn specials will run from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu, twice a day with No.143 usually assisted by Caernarfon Castle inside for 5 days from 28/12/23 to 1/1/24. All Gwynedd Council car parks are free after 11:00 until 26/12/23 inclusive. The WHR tracks in Porthmadog station are looking very rusty as no trains have run this way for a while. In pre-COVID years there were Santa Specials/Festive trains to Beddgelert as well as the Caernarfon-Rhyd Ddu workings and this remains an option for the future or if the FR's WMWP is not finished in time for the FR's Christmas Mountain Spirit which runs twice a day Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog. tickets are available for the once a day Blaenau Ffestiniog-Porthmadog return run of the same train but no such option is offered for Rhyd Ddu-Caernarfon return.

No trains were noted moving today.

 

General Manager's Christmas Message 24/12/23

This northerly view (12/23) shows a painting for the F&WHR Xmas card of a Garratt on a southbound service crossing Bryn-y-felin bridge in rare snowy conditions. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Original painting by Frederick Lea. Image copyright F&WHR.

 

Click on the YouTube link to watch 11 minutes 09 seconds of video showing Linda back in steam, work on the Alco, Santa Trains and S&T Work at Waunfawr. This video is copyright F&WHR and was published on 20/12/23. It is best viewed at 1080p with Chrome and was videod on a 4K camcorder by John Wooden (F&WHR).

 

This westerly view (12/23) shows a painting for the F&WHR Xmas card of a Fairlie on a westbound vintage service at Tan-y-bwlch in rare snowy conditions. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Original painting by Frederick Lea. Image copyright F&WHR.

 

F&WHR 23/12/23

Saturday was forecast to be an overcast day at Porthmadog and daylong temperatures of 10C. There may be PW trains, with the WMWP underway. On Saturday 23/12/23 Linda and Lilla were back on the final Porthmadog Grotto fully booked workings. Santa Specials will run from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu, twice a day with No.143 usually assisted by Caernarfon Castle inside. All Gwynedd Council car parks are free after 11:00 until 26/12/23 inclusive. The WHR tracks in Porthmadog station are looking very rusty as no trains have run this way for a while. In pre-COVID years there were Santa Specials/Festive trains to Beddgelert as well as the Caernarfon-Rhyd Ddu workings and this remains an option for the future or if the FR's WMWP is not finished in time for the FR's Christmas Mountain Spirit.

At 09:35 Blanche arrived in Harbour Station propelling Lilla several minutes late for its first 09:30 duty. Blanche shunted up to the signalbox along the platform road before 10:00 for its first cab ride after depositing Lilla with the Grotto train in the FR platform. The day was very busy with Blanche giving many cab rides.

The final footplate rides came at about 16:30 as darkness fell. Blanche hauled the Grotto train out of Porthmadog at 17:22 to Boston Lodge with Lilla, the Curly Roofed van, two support coaches and Vale of Ffestiniog on the rear to close the Santa Season at Porthmadog.

 

Yule Logs at Talerddig 23/12/23

Click on the link to watch 97302/4 hauling the Aberystwyth Logs. Video copyright Jamie Smith and lasts 1 minute 47 seconds.

 

Central locking concerns

West Coast Rail has lost its legal appeal over Central Locking of its Mk1 carriages used on The Jacobite Fort William-Mallaig steam trains and other mainline railtours. WCR says the £7 million cost of retrofitting its fleet is a major challenge to the business and will inevitably end up causing higher fares and discouraging passengers. They liken the obsessive safety culture to having 'handrails on the footpaths up Ben Nevis'.

The ORR has offered a transition period to WCR. While the ruling only applies to main line passed stock, any future attempt to extend the ruling to heritage railway would cause extreme problems e.g. on the F&WHR where speeds do not exceed 25 mph. If central locking were to fail on one coach the train might have to be cancelled or the offending vehicle shunted out of the rake, leading to service delays in departures.

See MSN news report for more details.

 

F&WHR 22/12/23

Friday was forecast to be a day of light cloud at Porthmadog with Storm Pia fading, though still with 40 mph gusts and temperatures of 10-11C. There may be PW trains, with the WMWP underway. On Friday and Saturday 22-23/12/23 Linda and Lilla will be back on the final Porthmadog Grotto workings but Saturday's Grotto is fully booked. Santa Specials will run from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu, twice a day with No.143 usually assisted by Caernarfon Castle inside. All Gwynedd Council car parks are free after 11:00 until 26/12/23 inclusive. The WHR tracks in Porthmadog station are looking very rusty as no trains have run this way for a while. In pre-COVID years there were Santa Specials/Festive trains to Beddgelert as well as the Caernarfon-Rhyd Ddu workings and this remains an option for the future or if the FR's WMWP is not finished in time for the FR's Christmas Mountain Spirit.

Vale of Ffestiniog was shunting at Boston Lodge at 08:50. At 09:25 Blanche arrived in Harbour Station propelling Lilla. The loco was changed as Blanche has the protective cab rear sheet to keep Storm Pia off the people taking the cab ride. Blanche shunted up to the signalbox along the platform road at 09:40 for its first cab ride after depositing Lilla with the Grotto train in the FR platform.

 

This easterly view (22/12/23) shows Blanche propelling Lilla into Porthmadog station for it penultimate Grotto duty. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a web camera.

 

The three DZ/BZ wagons were still stabled in Tan-=y-bwlch on the Down line all day. Blanche had a busy day and continued to offer cab rides after the nominal 16:30. It took the last cab ride at 16:40. The loco departed with Lilla for the depot at 17:05to close the day's activities.

 

TfW Menai Crossings report 21/12/23

The North Wales Transport Commission reported in mid December and has recommended changes to the layout of the tracks. Whether this means redoubling and moving the pipes occupying the eastbound trackbed is not clear. They also recommend reopening the Amlwch branch for commuter services into Bangor and lengthening platforms, improving car parking and asking Avanti to stop at Llanfair PG station (or more worryingly 'active travel'-see yesterday's Amlwch Branch story). For full details see TfW's NWTC Menai Crossings Report.

 

TfW North Wales report criticises previous route rationalisation 21/12/23

TfW's report on North Wales Railways covers all the lines from the Cambrian Coast to the North Wales Coast Main Line and several branches, including Chester-Crewe. The report criticises previous route rationalisation which has removed overtaking locations, crossovers and platforms which are now needed to be urgently restored. At one time, quadruple track extended from Chester to Llandudno Junction with a couple of short exceptions at  Flint and Old Colwyn. Now if a train breaks down it causes hour of delays to services stuck behind with no ability to overtake the obstruction and no rescue Thunderbirds available.

The report even deals with the Borderlands Line where it agrees that a new access to Padeswood Cement Works would remove the current timetable clashes that are preventing 4tph being instituted between Wrexham and Bidston. The Shrewsbury-Wrexham line should be redoubled throughout with the remaining 5 mile single track section at Gresford being the most expensive involving a new double track bridge over the A483 dual carriageway and extending services from Bidston onto the Liverpool Loop using Class 777/1 units. Resignalling at Gobowen is required to facilitate trains onto the Oswestry Branch which the Government intends to reopen under the Rolling Back Beeching scheme. The report also recommends 'capacity enhancements' on both Conwy Valley and Cambrian Coast routes, meaning reinstating passing loops at stations or extending the existing double track near Welshpool.

As regards the North Wales Coast line itself, route improvements must be made before the planned £1bn spend on electrification. In outline, Crewe-Chester would be re-signalled and a separate scheme would reopen a station at Beeston-See BBC report. Three phases are proposed for the North Wales Coast Main Line upgrade. Phase 1 at Chester should include additional approach tracks, a new platform (presumably a through platform), additional crossovers, The overall aim is to provide 4tph plus 1 express path and 1 freight path. Phase 1 should also include upgrades to level crossings and track, a new platform at Llandudno Junction (presumably making the Down island complete again) and a new crossover east of Bangor.

Phase 2 should include resignalling Llandudno Junction to Bangor, improvements to level crossings and track and a new platform at Bangor. This could either be the former Down island or the former up island exterior face. The final element is reducing capacity constraints on the Britannia Bridge (see above). The report also calls for additional coaches in the summer tourist season or additional trains like the Jacobite on the Mallaig line in Scotland.

 

NR copies F&WHR

NR have recently announced that they will cease to procure hardwood sleepers from June 2024. The F&WHR has not purchased hardwood sleepers since 2015. Just under 20% of the FR mainline now sits on sleepers made from recycled plastic whereas the WHR railway is mostly metallic sleepers between stations. The F&WHR Carriage Works adds that they use recycled plastic in the doorways of modern coaches.

 

F&WHR 21/12/23

Thursday was forecast to be a stormy day at Porthmadog with Storm Pia passing through with 40 mph gusts, temperatures of 10-12C and light cloud. There may be PW trains, with the WMWP underway. On Friday and Saturday 22-23/12/23 Linda and Lilla will be back on the final Porthmadog Grotto workings and Santa Specials will run from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu, twice a day with No.143 usually assisted by Caernarfon Castle inside. All Gwynedd Council car parks are free after 11:00 until 26/12/23 inclusive. The WHR tracks in Porthmadog station are looking very rusty as no trains have run this way for a while. In pre-COVID years there were Santa Specials/Festive trains to Beddgelert as well as the Caernarfon-Rhyd Ddu workings and this remains an option for the future or if the FR's WMWP is not finished in time for the FR's Christmas Mountain Spirit.

At 09:07 Harlech Castle emerged from Minffordd Yard propelling the Mess Car No.1111. The loco was back light engine at 09:50 and re-entered Minffordd yard. At 13:03 the loco hauled empty B wagon No.1680 out of the yard. Four minutes later the wagon was propelled towards Porthmadog. Harlech Castle arrived back light engine at 13:39 and reversed into the yard at 13:42. A steam test seemed to be underway at Boston Lodge at 14:00. Meanwhile up at Tan-y-bwlch the three wagons deposited yesterday were still stabled against the stop block on the Down line. The signalbox and relay cabin received some electrical maintenance today.

Harlech Castle emerged from Minffordd yard light engine and departed towards Tan-y-bwlch at 14:26. The loco returned at 15:51 with the Mess Car to close the day's activities.

 

Spooner's Xmas opening times

Click on the advert to enlarge. This advert is copyright F&WHR.

 

Here are details of when Spooner's will be open or closed over the festive period - along with advance notice of a short 'refurbishment' closure.
✅ Christmas Eve - Sunday 24/12/23
Café: 09:00-16:00
Standard Menu served until 16:00
NO Carvery Bar: 12:00-20:00
❎ Christmas Day, Boxing Day & Wednesday 27/1/23
CLOSED
✅ Thursday 28/12/23
Café: 09:00-16:00
Hot Meals (Blackboard Menu) until 20:00 Bar: 12:00-22:00
✅ Friday 29/1/23 & Saturday 30/12/23
Café: 09:00-16:00
Hot Meals (Blackboard Menu) until 20:00 Bar: 12:00-23:00
✅ New Year's Eve - Sunday 31/12/23
Café: 09:00-16:00
 Sunday Carvery 12:00-15:00 Bar: 12:00-24:00 (Last Orders)
✅ New Year's Day - Monday 1/1/24
Café: 09:00-16:00
Hot Meals (Blackboard Menu) until 16:00 Bar: 12:00-20:00
❎ Tuesday 2/1/24 - Wednesday 10/1/24
CLOSED for refurbishment / upgrades to electrics
✅ Thursday 11/1/24
RE-OPEN FOR 2024 SEASON.

 

F&WHR 20/12/23

Wednesday was forecast to be an overcast day at Porthmadog with temperatures of 10-11C and a few showers. There may be PW trains, with the WMWP underway. On Friday and Saturday 22-23/12/23 Linda and Lilla will be back on the final Porthmadog Grotto workings and Santa Specials will run from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu, twice a day with No.143 usually assisted by Caernarfon Castle inside. All Gwynedd Council car parks are free after 11:00 until 26/12/23 inclusive. The WHR tracks in Porthmadog station are looking very rusty as no trains have run this way for a while. In pre-COVID years there were Santa Specials/Festive trains to Beddgelert as well as the Caernarfon-Rhyd Ddu workings and this remains an option for the future or if the FR's WMWP is not finished in time for the FR's Christmas Mountain Spirit.

At 09:40 Vale of Ffestiniog emerged from Minffordd Yard hauling the Mess Car No.1111 with 3 bogie wagons on the rear carrying what appeared to be in order, DZ1424 with rubbish, a second wagon empty and on the rear BZ2004 with plastic sleepers and other track materials. The Funkey headed towards Tan-y-bwlch and was noted reversing into the Up platform at 12:09 presumably after dumping the rubbish at the Dduallt disposal site. A trackblock was positioned on the Down line and the train was shunted up to the block from the east end of the station. The Funkey and Mess Coach reappeared in the Up line at 12:33 and set off to the west.

 

This westerly view (20/12/23) shows Vale of Ffestiniog propelling FR's Mess Car away from Tan-y-bwlch after shunting the wagons into the Down line platform. The train departed for Minffordd after a probable journey to Dduallt to deposit waste. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a web camera.

 

The Funkey arrived back at Minffordd at 14:40 and deposited the Mess Car in Minffordd Yard before emerging light engine at 14:58 and heading for the depot at 15:06. At 15:36 the KMX tamper liner arrived from Boston Lodge with its running truck possibly after an electrical repair to the problem mentioned last week and set back into the yard at 15:39. It may be used to tamp the Whistling Curve relay tomorrow.

 

Moving Pictures No.86 20/12/23

Click on the YouTube link to watch 30 minutes 53 seconds of video showing Linda back in steam, work on the Alco, Santa Trains and S&T Work at Waunfawr. This video is copyright F&WHR and was published on 20/12/23. It is best viewed at 1080p with Chrome and was videod on a 4K camcorder by John Wooden (F&WHR).

 

Boston Lodge Archaeology Workshop 16/1/24

On Tuesday 16/1/24, the F&WHR will be hosting a Practical Archaeology workshop in Boston Lodge, where we will be revealing and recording the remains of the stables in front of Cottages Nos. 1 & 2, ahead of groundworks in that area.
The workshop - which is Free Admission - will take place between 13:00 and 16:00, so if you want to work off some of those festive calories, come and find out more and get involved uncovering the historic floors and walls!
The F&WHR archaeologist, Bob Zeepvat, will also talk about some of the other archaeology uncovered on site during the works.
Please email James Kindberg if you wish to attend this workshop.

 

F&WHR 19/12/23

Tuesday was forecast to be a day of sunny periods at Porthmadog with temperatures of 7-9C. There may be PW trains, with the WMWP underway. On 22-23/12/23 Linda and Lilla will be back on the Porthmadog on Grotto workings and Santa Specials will run from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu, twice a day with No.143 usually assisted by Caernarfon Castle inside. All Gwynedd Council car parks are free after 11:00 until 26/12/23 inclusive. The WHR tracks in Porthmadog station are looking very rusty as no trains have run this way for a while. In pre-COVID years there were Santa Specials/Festive trains to Beddgelert as well as the Caernarfon-Rhyd Ddu workings and this remains an option for the future or if the FR's WMWP is not finished in time for the FR's Christmas Mountain Spirit.

At 08:40 Moel-yr-hydd emerged from Minffordd Yard top and tailing the Mess Car No.1111 with Vale of Ffestiniog on the rear. The Funkey led the train towards Boston Lodge at 08:47 and the train shunted into Boston Lodge at Pen Cob Junction at 08:55. The Funkey and Mess Car set out for Porthmadog at 09:00 but had to stop at the King Point to set the junction for the station yard as there was no signaller on duty. Moel-y-hydd remained behind at Boston Lodge. The loco ran round at 09:26.

 

This easterly view (19/12/23) shows Vale of Ffestiniog arriving at Porthmadog yard with headlight ablaze on a dull day, dragging the FR's Mess Car. The train departed for Tan-y-bwlch a little later as its purpose in Porthmadog was not clear. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a web camera.

 

The train departed at 10:07 and headed for Minffordd, passing through at 10:17. The train arrived at Tan-y-bwlch by 11:01 in rather dull conditions and at 11:04 the loco ran round the Mess Car and had departed towards the west by 11:30. The train returned to Minffordd at 14:39, passing directly into the yard to close the day's activities.

 

The Snowdonian ticket sales open 18/12/23

The Snowdonian takes place on 20/4/24 and ticket sales opened on 18/12/23. The WHHR has been asked if Russell can be involved in the haulage plans as this is the last year before its 10 year overhaul. Incidentally, assuming Baldwin No.590 is repaired in time, 2024 is the final year Russell and No.590 can be seen or work together for a while. JAMES SPOONER may also feature and NG15 No.134 Kalahari might at least be seen outside the shed.

 

Temporary closure of iBase photo archive

Chris Jones - F&WHR Archivist advises:

The software behind iBase requires updating. In agreement with the Welsh Highland Heritage Group and the Festiniog Railway Heritage Group, we are re-launching the website in a way that will benefit both - and so provide funds to support the heritage of the railways. At present, any member of the public can register for access to iBase. Following the update, iBase will remain accessible to all, but now at a limited resolution and with a watermark. As a benefit to members of either Heritage Group, they will be able to register to have access to all images and without a watermark.
The update to iBase features many new images, including the best in our old photographic archive, a selection of our archive drawings, some older film items (from pre-war and the early days of preservation) and newly scanned items from the collections of Tom Davies and Norman Gurley. Searchability has been improved and we have now made use of ‘Collections’ to gather together, items from a common source.
iBase was withdrawn for update on 18/12/23 - we will post an announcement on this Facebook page when the update is complete and it is available again. If you are a member of either Heritage Group, and would like to have detailed access to the enhanced iBase, you will be invited to register yourself once the new system is up and running. Instructions will be given at that time.
Your status will then be verified as a Member by the Admin (but it may take a day or two to happen - the Groups have not in the past recorded all members’ email addresses - your identity will be checked with the relevant Heritage Group). You will be notified of your access by an email from: photo.archive@ffwhr.com.
Should your membership of either Heritage Group lapse, then of course, your membership of iBase will also lapse - thus providing a good reason for maintaining or joining one (or both!) of the Heritage Groups.

 

F&WHR 18/12/23

Monday was forecast to be an overcast rainy day at Porthmadog, murky at times with temperatures of 11C. There may be PW trains, with the WMWP underway. On 22-23/12/23 Linda and Lilla will be back on the Porthmadog Grotto workings and Santa Specials will run from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu, twice a day with No.143 usually assisted by Caernarfon Castle. All Gwynedd Council car parks are free after 11:00 until 26/12/23 inclusive. The WHR tracks in Porthmadog station are looking very rusty as no trains have run this way for a while. In pre-COVID years there were Santa Specials/Festive trains to Beddgelert as well as the Caernarfon-Rhyd Ddu workings and this remains an option for the future or if the FR's WMWP is not finished in time for the FR's Festive Mountain Spirit.

At 09:17 Vale of Ffestiniog left Minffordd yard hauling the Mess Car No.1111 a DZ wagon and a BZ wagon  No.2004 with a mini 360 degree excavator. At 11:00 the Funkey was standing light engine on the Up line at Tan-y-bwlch but was gone half an hour later. Fog descended on Porthmadog in the afternoon. The train returned, passing through Minffordd at 14:46 to close the day's activities.

 

Winter weather!

Another storm is forecast for Thursday 21/12/23 with 80mph winds across North Wales, however temperatures remind relatively mild up to 12C some days in the week ahead. It seems things will cool down a little by Christmas Eve but there is no sign of snow on Christmas Day as yet as the forecast is for a 10C. There is time for the weather to change and give some snow around the WHR on the days it operates the Christmas Cwellyn trains to Rhyd Ddu, 28/12/23-1/1/24, at least on the peaks. The Snow Scenes page has been updated recently to show scenes of WHR Winter snow in 2022/3.

 

20 mph Zone fines start 18/12/23

The 20mph cautionary introductory period ended on 17/12/23 and from Monday 18/12/23 fines will be applied to drivers exceeding the new 20mph built up area speed limit. With the Welsh Senedd Leader Mark Drakeford, who many feel is to blame for the unpopular policy, stepping down (as promised) after his five year session, drivers are hoping for a new direction from WAG but this seems unlikely.

 

F&WHR 17/12/23

Sunday was forecast to be an overcast day at Porthmadog, murky at times with temperatures of 10C to 11C. There may be PW trains, with the WMWP underway. Linda and Lilla will be back on the Porthmadog Grotto workings and Santa Specials will run from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu, twice a day with No.143 usually assisted by Caernarfon Castle today. All Gwynedd Council car parks are free after 11:00 until 26/12/23 inclusive. The WHR tracks in Porthmadog station are looking very rusty as no trains have run this way for a while. In pre-COVID years there were Santa Specials/Festive trains to Beddgelert as well as the Caernarfon-Rhyd Ddu working and this remains an option for the future or if the FR's WMWP is not finished in time for the FR's Festive Mountain Spirit.

At 09:14 Linda propelled the decorated Lilla into the FR platform for Santa's Grotto 09:30 start. Linda started running its trips down the FR platform at 09:39 with people sitting in the tender. The Porthmadog webcam was offline for a short while after 15:00. The pair of locos probably returned to the depot before 16:25 to close the day's activities.

 

February Half Term trains?

It seems that since COVID, the F&WHR has forgotten about the February Half Term trains it used to operate despite these still being popular with other heritage railways in North Wales and elsewhere in the UK. Indeed, the F&WHR used to operate such trains over two weeks to catch both the English school's Half Term holidays and the Welsh school's Half Term Holidays which were often a week later. These trains often operated in the snow at the end of the Winter season from mid February and afforded great views of the Snowdonia peaks covered in snow if not always around the railway itself. Photographers often flocked to the area to photograph the rare occurrence of F&WHR trains operating in snowy conditions which are most common in mid February. The current F&WHR plans are to start the new season on 23/3/24 when there is very little chance of snow despite the success of February Half Term trains it used to run pre-COVID.

 

F&WHR 16/12/23

Saturday was forecast to be an overcast day at Porthmadog, starting off very murky with temperatures of 9C to 11C. There may be PW trains, with the WMWP underway. No passenger trains were due to run today though this weekend Linda and Lilla will be back on the Porthmadog Grotto workings and Santa Specials will run from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu, twice a day with No.143 usually assisted by Caernarfon Castle. All Gwynedd Council car parks are free after 11:00 until 26/12/23 inclusive. The WHR tracks in Porthmadog station are looking very rusty as no trains have run this way for a while. In pre-COVID years there were Santa Specials/Festive trains to Beddgelert as well as the Caernarfon-Rhyd Ddu working and this remains an option for the future or if the FR's WMWP is not finished in time for the Festive Mountain Spirit.

At 09:23 Linda propelled Lilla into the FR platform for Santa's Grotto after waiting by the signalbox for 5 minutes. Linda started cab/tender rides at 09:53 running up to the signalbox and back. Linda was due to go back about 16:30.

No.143 was assisted by Caernarfon Castle inside and today made an unusual use of the Down platform at Waunfawr  while heading southbound.

 

This northerly view (16/12/23) shows No.143 with Caernarfon Castle assisting inside on the WHR Santa Special from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu passing Waunfawr wrong line. The reason for this unusual move is unknown at present. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera.

 

No works trains were noted today.

 

F&WHR 15/12/23

Friday was forecast to be an overcast day at Porthmadog with temperatures of 7C to 10C. There may be PW trains, with the WMWP underway. No passenger trains were due to run today though this weekend Linda and Lilla will be back on the Porthmadog Grotto workings and Santa Specials will run from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu, twice a day with No.143 usually assisted by Caernarfon Castle. All Gwynedd Council car parks are free after 11:00 until 26/12/23 inclusive. The WHR tracks in Porthmadog station are looking very rusty as no trains have run this way for a while. In pre-COVID years there were Santa Specials to Beddgelert as well as the Caernarfon-Rhyd Ddu working.

At 08:58 Moel-yr-Hydd propelled van No.51, Vale of Ffestiniog the Romanian ballast wagon and the Mess Car No.1111 out of Minffordd Yard towards the relay site. Harlech Castle arrived at Minffordd from Boston Lodge at 09:33 and worked wrong line into the loop propelling the cable drum wagon before reversing into the yard 5 minutes later. The loco emerged from Minffordd Yard at 11:08 with a BZ wagon and a DZ wagon. BZ No.2004 carried a small 360 degree mini excavator. The loco was noted propelling the same train back into Minffordd Yard at 11:44. At 12:27 the Funkey led a convoy back into the yard consisting of the Romanian ballast wagon and the Mess Car with the PW train and Harlech Castle on the rear. Moel-yr-hydd and van No.51 were the last to return at 14:31 to close the day's activities.

 

Official Opening of Barmouth Bridge

NR produced a press release on 13/12/23 celebrating the £30 million completion of the Barmouth Bridge project. Temporary scaffolding is currently been removed now the bridge is open. The TfW Customer Experience Director Jo Foxall referred to the North Wales Coast Line Electrification Project which is estimated to cost £1 billion (Tory 'wish list' following cancellation of HS2) and planned improvements to Aberystwyth.

 

Mainline news 7-15/12/23

The Christmas Northern Belle ran from Liverpool to Holyhead on 14/12/23. The 12:00 departure ran via Crewe and Chester rather than the direct route via the Halton Curve in order to gain more affluent customers in Cheshire. The train arrived at Holyhead more or less on time at 14:53 in the hands of Pullman liveried 57601 Windsor Castle top and tailed 57603 Scarborough Castle which would lead on the way back departing Holyhead at 15:06. The train might be back again on Sunday 17/12/23 on an excursion from Coventry to Chester. Another excursion operated along the coast on 19/12/23 with the Midland Pullman set to run from Holyhead and principal stations to Preston using the Midland Pullman HST set.

The 7/12/23 was the last RHTT of the season. The Borderlands Line has now seen an improvement in service with a 40 minute interval and two Class 197s in service alongside the battery powered Class 230.

The 15:48 Aberystwyth -Chirk wood train did not run again on 15/12/23 and in fact in recent months it seems rarely run.

 

F&WHR 14/12/23

Thursday was forecast to be a day of sunny periods at Porthmadog with temperatures of 4C to 10C. There may be PW trains, with the WMWP underway. No passenger trains were due to run today though next weekend Linda and Lilla will be back on the Porthmadog Grotto workings and Santa Specials will run from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu, twice a day with No.143 usually assisted by Caernarfon Castle. All Gwynedd Council car parks are free after 11:00 until 26/12/23 inclusive. The WHR tracks in Porthmadog station are looking very rusty as no trains have run this way for a while. In pre-COVID years there were Santa Specials to Beddgelert as well as the Caernarfon-Rhyd Ddu working.

First train out today was Vale of Ffestiniog at 09:14 which propelled a full Romanian Ballast wagon and the Mess Car No.1111 out of Minffordd Yard. This was followed at 09:47 by Moel-y-hydd which propelled van No.51 out of Minffordd Yard towards the relay site at Whistling Curve. At 15:30 Moel-y-hydd returned with the van No.51 hauling Vale of Ffestiniog, the Romanian ballast wagon and the Mess Car No.1111 to close the day's activities.

 

KS4415 report

KS4415 is the experimental Kerr Stuart diesel loco that was on trial at the FR/WHR in 1928/9. Work continued on the rectangular brass window frames which fit in the cab below the standard porthole style spectacle brass viewing glasses and assisted with coupling and driving from a seated position. The castings had some machining allowance on them, and as it is all a bit of a tight fit between the bits of bodywork, this had to come off. The original bonnet side was a bit warped and bent, so we straightened that out before carrying on with fitting the frames. Hopefully we will finish this job off next time we are on the loco. Some missing fuel pump components for the McLaren engine were made in early December by Grange Square Engineering (Whitacre, near Birmingham). For images see KS4415 Facebook page.

 

NG15 No.134 report

Further good progress was made on the locomotive during the December Working Party (9-10/12/23) though the tender was left in the Carriage Shed. It is hoped the loco might be completed and put into traffic in 2024. The front LED spotlight unit was fitted and a repeat homework project will see the tender's lighting unit fitted next year. All the motion pins have been removed and sent away for hardening. Work is still underway on the boiler insulation and cladding, which is being painted in the cleaner environment of the Goods Shed. For full detail and images see Lawrence Armstrong's latest update of the NG15 No.134 Restoration Page.

 

F&WHR 13/12/23

Wednesday was forecast to be a day of sunny periods at Porthmadog with temperatures of 2C to 8C. There may be PW trains, with the WMWP underway. No passenger trains were due to run today though next weekend Linda and Lilla will be back on the Porthmadog Grotto workings and Santa Specials will run from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu, twice a day with No.143 usually assisted by Caernarfon Castle. All Gwynedd Council car parks are free after 11:00 until 26/12/23 inclusive.

Vale of Ffestiniog propelled the Mess Car No.1111 and Romanian ballast wagon out of Minffordd Yard at 09:01 heading towards the relay site at Whistling Curve followed by Moel-yr-hydd propelling van No.51 at 09:24. The PW train was in the Up line at Tan-y-bwlch at 11:50 today. At 15:38 Moel-yr hydd appeared at Minffordd hauling a combined works train into the yard. The loco hauled van No.51, the Funkey with its train and Harlech Castle with four BZ bogies carrying excavators. The train entered Minffordd Yard to close the day's activities.

 

Bill goes to Blaenau!

Dinas shed pilot Bill, seen recently at Minffordd, is being reallocated to Glan-y-pwll depot at Blaenau Ffestiniog for the planned WMWP at Blaenau Ffestiniog station. It will pass up the line as soon as the Whistling Curve relay works are complete.

Bill has arrived at Boston Lodge for a service, before going to Glan-y-pwll. While it is passing, the Carriage Works team have decided to give it a quick repaint as the loco lives outside most of the time and is looking a little tired. This needs to be finished by the end of the year to get above the next lot of Infrastructure track work. The Carriage Works is appealing for volunteers to help with this paint job and other loco repainting.
Bill forms part of the Christmas & New Year working party program, and the team led by David Jones will be doing the prep and repaint of Linda (excluding tender) as well as some work to Moel-yr-Hydd, the new blue diesel. The team have also been asked if doing Taliesin’s boiler cladding is possible and in order to achieve this David needs people. There is a lot of quite simple prep work and, should the Carriage Works get too many people offering help, Matt Ellis can always use people on the Loco Working Party to prepare for next season.

If you would like to get stuck in and burn off the Christmas lunch please get in contact with the Volunteer Coordinator, Volunteer@ffwhr.com.

 

F&WHR 12/12/23

Tuesday was forecast to be a day of showers and sunny periods at Porthmadog with temperatures of 6C to 10C. There may be PW trains, with the WMWP underway. No passenger trains were due to run today though next weekend Linda and Lilla will be back on the Porthmadog Grotto workings and  Santa Specials will run from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu, twice a day with No.143 usually assisted by Caernarfon Castle. All Gwynedd Council car parks are free after 11:00 until 26/12/23 inclusive.

Vale of Ffestiniog was noted shunting Boston Lodge at about 09:30 and at 10:00 arrived at Minffordd wrong line propelling the empty Romanian ballast wagon. The loco pulled the wagon into the yard at 10:04. The Funkey emerged from Minffordd Yard at 10:59 propelling the newly filled ballast wagon with the Mess Car No.1111 on the front. The PW train was noted departing Tan-y-bwlch on the Down line at 11:15, presumably with Harlech Castle, towards the relay site and the loco was noted running round at 12:08 and heading east but the loco did not reappear in the Down platform where the PW rake was stabled. The Funkey and its ballast train was noted returning at 15:35, passing through Minffordd to access the yard with little of the ballast used. There were no trains or stopblocks visible at Tan-y-bwlch as dusk fell at 16:00.

 

TV coverage of reopening of Barmouth bridge a week late!

Both BBC and ITV have covered the reopening of Barmouth Bridge almost a week late. ITV's coverage includes some video whereas the BBC reports a plaque was unveiled to record the official reopening ceremony on 8/12/23.

 

F&WHR 11/12/23

Monday was forecast to be a day of sunny periods at Porthmadog and temperatures of 3C to 10C. There may be PW trains, with the WMWP underway. No passenger trains were due to run today though next weekend Linda and Lilla will be back on the Porthmadog Grotto workings and  Santa Specials will run from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu, twice a day. All Gwynedd Council car parks are free after 11:00 until 26/12/23 inclusive.

At 10:09 Vale of Ffestiniog propelled the Romanian ballast wagon out of  Minffordd Yard with the Mess Car No.1111 on the rear towards  the Whistling Curve relay site. The Tan-y-bwlch  track block was removed today so PW trains were probably operating with Harlech Castle. The train returned early passing through Minffordd and into the yard at 13:33 with the ballast wagon empty. The Funkey re-emerged from the yard at 14:10 with a second load of ballast but leaving the Mess Car in the yard. At 16:07 the Funkey hauled empty ballast wagon through Minffordd towards Boston Lodge to close the day's activities. With all the ballasting it was originally planned that the KMX was to be called later in the week to tamp and align the new section of track.

After 24 shifts of hard graft the PW team linked the new track to the old on 11/12/23 adding another 234m of track on plastic sleepers. Unfortunately, due to an electrical fault in the KMX tamping machine, staff now have eight shifts to lift and pack the track to a safe condition ready for the Christmas Mountain Spirit due to run from 28/12/23-1/1/24!

 

F&WHR 10/12/23

Sunday was forecast to be a stormy day at Porthmadog with rain at first, sunny periods in the afternoon and temperatures of 8C to 11C. Storm Elin is passing Porthmadog with gusts of up to 53mph at Porthmadog in the late evening. There may be PW trains, with the WMWP underway. No passenger trains were due to run today though a morning run of Linda propelling Lilla saw the Santa's Grotto in Porthmadog station on Sunday. Santa visits were available from 09:30 to 16:00 so the train was expected to arrive shortly before 09:30 ready for the first Santa visit and was expected to leave shortly after 16:30 after the final visit. On Sunday Santa Specials ran from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu, twice a day and Gwynedd Council car parks around Caernarfon Station were free after 11:00.

The Porthmadog signaller arrived at 09:15 as a steam loco was seen leaving Boston Lodge to cross The Cob. Linda arrived propelling Lilla (not in steam) at 09:20 and Lilla was deposited in the FR platform where curly roofed Van No.1 was connected to the lighting and decorated as Santa's Grotto. At 09:53 Linda started shunting up and down the FR platform giving cab/tender rides. The ride was very popular and often operated at 10 minute intervals. Linda left at 16.25, a little earlier than expected taking Lilla with it to close the day's activities.

 

This southerly view (10/12/23) shows No.143 with Caernarfon Castle assisting inside on the WHR Santa Special from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu. The Funkey normally starts the day on the rear for the ECS down to Caernarfon about 30 minutes before the advertised departure. It remains on the rear for the return journey. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image courtesy Tom Waldren and was taken on a digital camera.

 

This easterly view (10/12/23) shows LINDA decorated in Xmas style giving cab rides at Porthmadog. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a web camera.

 

At 16:26 Linda dragged Lilla back to Boston Lodge to finish the day's activities.

 

Alco Mountaineer report

Alco loco Mountaineer, a 2-6-2 pannier tank loco of WW2 heritage, is being restored by a group in the Glan-y-pwll shed at Blaenau Ffestiniog. This loco was used on the WHR in the early years but has been out of service since 2006 as it is a small loco that did not fit well the F&WHR loco plans. The volunteer group working on the loco has produced the following report after its December Working Party. For images see F&WHR Facebook page.


Saturday 9/12/23
Following a meeting with Boston Lodge staff it has been decided that the group's main focus should be to concentrate on the boiler. This includes NDT testing of the boiler plate work, using an ultrasonic thickness tester to determine the thickness of the plate and, depending on the results, determine if any work is required. Both sides of the outer firebox were completed and as pictures show the results and not far off as built thicknesses.
Further development work was also carried out on the frame supporting beams to include a new front fixing leg to attach the cab to. The mock ups were also painted black which shows once the locomotive is back together they should not stand out. This work along with the boiler supports still requires some research and development but is believed to be a good idea as it will tidy up previous modifications and provided extra structural support to the rear of the locomotive.
A start was made on removing the steam pipes and fixings bolts that connect the smoke box to the saddle. These had not been undone for a very long time and proved somewhat troublesome to remove. Leaving only the driver's side partially complete by the end of the day. Removal of the two front sections of running board supports was required to make access easier, the driver's side had a stuck bolt which was left till Sunday to remove.
On the Saturday evening present members of the team had a wonderful Christmas dinner in Spooner's, fun was had by all.
 

Sunday 10/12/23
The running board bolt was removed along with further thickness testing on the back head, throat plate and the first third of the boiler barrel. Again all results were good which subject to further tests on the inner firebox means that more than likely the current boiler should not need too much work for it to be used again.
The long task of removing boiler tubes continued, with the team taking it in turns of grinding the tube ends in the fire box and cutting the tubes. This left us with less than two layers all round to come out which the team hopes to complete next working party.
The remaining steam pipes and saddle bolts were all undone. Quite a few were undone as intended but some, being in tight spaces after years of being untouched, had to be subject to more destructive methods of removal. They will be replaced anyway. The front support bars were also removed and these were used to make a template for new ones that will attached to more places than the old ones.
Further general tidying was carried out with most of the steel plates moved behind the steel rack to make more space for loco crews on the pit road. Also to help with shunting a pair of chopper coupling adapters were acquired for both simplex locos and fitted. A start was made to sorting out the tool storage which is set to be tackled full on in January. The store rooms have also had a bit of a tidy as well.
As the year draws to a close we wish to say a big thank you to all the volunteers who have given their time this year to make all the progress you have seen possible. Also a big thank you to our supporters, its been lovely to talk to you all at events and we hope that you have enjoyed all the progress reports and videos that we hope are keeping you up to date.
If you would like to get involved with the project please email pbooth@ffwhr.com for more details.

 

F&WHR 9/12/23

Saturday was forecast to be a stormy overcast day at Porthmadog periods with temperatures of 7C to 11C as Storm Elin rolls across the UK. There may be PW trains, with the WMWP underway. No passenger trains were due to run today though preparations for the Santa's Grotto in Porthmadog station on Saturday and Sunday were underway. Santa visits are available from 09:30 to 16:00 so the train was expected to arrive shortly before 09:30 ready for the first Santa visit and will leave shortly after 16:30 after the final visit. On Saturday and Sunday Santa Specials run from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu, twice a day. However, the Met Office has issued a storm warning as 70 mph winds are forecast to hit the coast from 11:00 Saturday and ease down slowly overnight into Sunday.

Linda arrived propelling Lilla (not in steam) at 09:29 and Lilla was deposited in the FR platform where curly roofed Van No.1 was connected to the lighting and decorated as Santa's Grotto. At 09:35 Linda shunted back to the signalbox and into the yard to prepare for cab/tender rides. The first ride started at 09:55 with Linda emerging from the sidings and shunting up and down the FR platform with a few decorations. The ride was very popular and often operated at 10 minute intervals. Linda left at 16.25, a little earlier than expected.

 

This easterly view (9/12/23) shows LINDA propelling LILLA, decorated in Xmas lights, arriving in Porthmadog ready for the Santa's Grotto display. LILLA was not in steam but LINDA offered cab rides throughout the day. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a web camera.

 

Click on the Facebook link to see some video of Porthmadog station decorated for Christmas.

 

The stopblock at Tan-y-bwlch on the Down line was in place all day perhaps indicating the spoilt ballast removal had been completed. The PW train had been left on site at Whistling Curve all night it seemed. No works trains were noted today.

 

Free parking!

Gwynedd Council has made its car parks free between 9-26/12/23 after 11am. This includes the Llyn Bach car park where many park for the F&WHR.

 

Main Line trains 1-7/12/23

Class 150s are back on the Blaenau branch where they perform better than modern DMUs as regards wheel slip apparently. In fact TfW are putting back some of the December timetable improvements because of the large number of modern DMUs which are receiving tyre turning after wheel slip incidents.

Penmaenmawr stone traffic has resumed and on 1/12/23 No.70017 was noted on the Stoke on Trent working.

Passengers are getting annoyed about the overcrowding that results from Class150/197 substitutions for loco hauled trains and complaints are likely to the ORR/Rail Ombudsman about TfW operations.

Hunslet owned 08823 Gavlar is the Shotton Steelworks internal network hired in shunter and appears to be in a 'Ukraine' livery of blue and yellow.

The season of Rail Head Treatment Trains is well underway. On 7/12/23 North Wales Coast enthusiasts were treated to a triple header of orange HNR liveried 37405 on the front of NR's 97303 and 56051 and 56113 on the rear! The Class 97 is present for the ERTMS signalled Cambrian section of the RHTT's circuit of North Wales. Due to wheel damage caused by wheel-slip the proposed December service improvement between Chester and Liverpool via John Lennon Airport will not now occur until January.

The Aberystwyth log train does not appear to have run on 1-2/12/23 or on 8-9/12/23. There is a possibility that the service has been suspended due to the use of Class 97s on the RHTT runs on the Cambrian system.

Nos.33207/33029 hauled The Chester Christmas Crompton as 1Z33 Eastleigh - Chester with 47826 at the rear on 09/12/23. The train was routed via Severn Tunnel, The Marches Line and Wrexham and arrived on time! Return was via Crewe, Shrewsbury to regain the outbound route after a 3 hour stay in Chester.

 

Alternative Santas and Festive specials

The Llangollen Railway ran Santa Specials last weekend with Class 26 No.26010 (D5310) and a pannier tank steam loco S7754 top and tailing the train. The final run will be on 20/12/23. There will also be Mincepie Specials 28-30/12/23. See Llangollen website for full details/booking.

The Bala Lake Railway's Santa Specials on 9-10/12/23 are fully booked. They are not running Festive Specials over the Xmas-New Year period.

The Tal-y-llyn Railway has several special Xmas events between 12-23/12/23 but no Xmas-New Year trains. See Tal-y-llyn Railway for full detains and booking.

The Cambrian Heritage Railway at Oswestry is offering Santa Specials on its short line to Weston Wharf on 9-10/12/23, 16-17/12/23 and 23/12/23 but no Xmas-New Year Festive trains. See Cambrian Heritage Railways website for times and booking.

The Llanberis Lake Railway is closed until 11/2/24 but their 2024 timetable and events guide is up on their website.

The Welsh Highland Heritage Railway is offering 3 Santa Specials a day on 16-17/12/23 but no Xmas-New Year trains.

The Welshpool & Llanfair Railway is operating Santa Specials 16-18/12/23 and 22-23/12/23 and Mince Pie Specials 28-30/12/23.

The Corris Railway has finished its Santa Season early.

 

F&WHR 8/12/23

Friday was forecast to be a day of sunny periods and showers with temperatures of 9C to 10C. Snow had disappeared from The Rhinogs with the milder conditions. There may be PW trains, with the WMWP underway. No passenger trains were due to run today though preparations for the Santa's Grotto in Porthmadog station on Saturday and Sunday will be underway and if not, early on Saturday morning. On Saturday and Sunday Santa Specials run from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu, twice a day. However, the Met Office has issued a storm warning as 70 mph winds are forecast to hit the coast on Saturday and ease down slowly overnight into Sunday.

The stopblock at Tan-y-bwlch on the Down line was in place all day perhaps indicating the spoilt ballast removal had been completed. The PW train had been left on site at Whistling Curve all night it seemed. At 08:37 Vale of Ffestiniog was noted propelling Mess Car No.1111 towards the relay site. The train returned at 15:25 and entered Minffordd yard.

 

Linda and Lilla Santa weekend 9-10/12/23

Hunslet locos LILLA and LINDA will be in Harbour Station this weekend.
✅ LILLA will be draped in Christmas finery, at the front of Santa's Magical Christmas Carriage train (curly roofed Van No.1). The decorations mean the loco will not be in steam, but will look fantastic in photographs of your visit to the station to see Santa. Lilla visited the station on 29/11/23 when it was delivered from Dinas possibly to be decorated for the Santa Grotto event.
✅ LINDA will be bustling up and down the station sidings, providing footplate rides to anyone who wants to join the driver and fireman on board the loco. There is lots of room and a couple of seats in the tender help to keep little ones safe as they enjoy the fun.
☕ Spooner's Café and the Gift shop are open as well (there is even hot mulled wine on sale on the platform), so you can have a great time while you are joining the Christmas celebrations in Harbour Station.
If you want to bring your family to see Santa, but have not booked a visit to the Grotto already, just ask at the Booking Office and staff will fit you in as soon as they can - there are spaces available 'on the day'!
----------------------------------------
ℹ Whenever possible, visits to see Santa should be booked in advance - please BOOK EARLY to avoid disappointment. Go to festrail.co.uk/christmas/ for further information (about ALL the F&WHR Christmas activities) and to book your tickets. Santa is available 09:30 to 16:20.

 

F&WHR 7/12/23

Thursday was forecast to be an overcast day of heavy rain clearing up in the late afternoon with temperatures of 9C to 11C. Snow had disappeared from The Rhinogs with the milder conditions. There may be PW trains, with the WMWP underway. No passenger trains were due to run today. On Saturday and Sunday Santa Specials run from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu, twice a day. The stopblock at Tan-y-bwlch on the Down line has been in place all day.

At 09:16 Vale of Ffestiniog was noted propelling BZ1423 with fresh packs of plastic sleepers, a small FR 4 wheel wagon with spare wooden pallets, the PW container wagon and Mess car No.1111 towards the relay site. Steam was being raised at Boston Lodge at 10:15 and LINDA arrived light engine in the WHR platform at 10:25. At 10:30 the loco advanced onto the WHR and the loco returned at 12:37 hauling a B wagon, possibly from as far as Rhyd Ddu. The short works train departed across The Cob at 12:42 passing through Minffordd at speed at 12:50. The B wagon appeared to be filled with white plastic waste.

 

This easterly view (7/12/23) shows LINDA arriving in Porthmadog on a works train with a B wagon after a two hour visit to the WHR. The wagon appeared to be full of white plastic waste. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a web camera.

 

Unusually, the works train reversed through the platform at 13:02 and then went forward wrong line into the loop at 13:03. At 13:08 LINDA reversed through the loop into Minffordd Yard with the wagon B1630. The loco emerged from the yard at 13:43 propelling an apparently dead Upnor Castle. The pair returned to Boston Lodge, departing Minffordd at 13:46.

 

This westerly view (7/12/23) shows LINDA reversing into the yard through Minffordd propelling a works train of a single B wagon from the WHR. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a web camera.

 

At 15:34 the Funkey passed through Minffordd and entered the yard hauling just the Mess Car to close the day's activities.

 

YouTube of completion of Barmouth Bridge 6/12/23

Click on the YouTube link to watch 2 minutes 17 seconds of video showing the completion of restoration of Barmouth Bridge. This video is courtesy construction company Griffiths. This video was published on 6/12/23. It is best viewed at 1080p with Chrome.

 

Volunteering on Winter Tasks

✳The F&WHR has enjoyed a busy year, welcoming thousands of visitors to ride on the trains through the majestic North Wales landscape. However, with the exception of Christmas & New Year trains, our passenger services have finished until the 23rd of March 2024. You may think this means a quiet and restful period of relaxation here on the railways, but it is quite the opposite!
✳ Instead, this signals the start of an extensive ‘Winter Works’ programme, where our Staff and Volunteers will work side by side to tackle an array of tasks - including the replacement of sleepers on the track bed, providing carriages with some much needed ‘TLC’ in the Carriage Works, organising material in our archives and much more.
✳The start of our 2024 season may seem far away, but - as always - it will arrive sooner than thought. Completing all of these winter tasks in time is a challenge that the railway can only manage with help from Volunteers.
✳There is a wide variety of reasons why Volunteers join us as part of the wider F&WHR family - a sense of belonging, community and wellbeing are among the most common. It is also a great opportunity to put your existing experience to good use or pick up some brand new skills! There is something special about being ‘Part of the Team’, working to get the railway we all love in tip-top shape for the start of a new season.
✳ If this sounds of interest, head over to the new Volunteers page on the F&WHR website, which details ‘What is going on and When’ this Winter: festrail.co.uk/volunteering
✳ Take a look and see which activities/dates suit you best, then email the F&WHR at: volunteer@ffwhr.com . The volunteer coordinator will then get back to you with further information about the choice(s) you have made.
✳ The Volunteers page will be updated on a regular basis so keep a look out for all the latest information.
✳ Let the vital ‘Winter Works’ commence!

 

F&WHR 6/12/23

Wednesday was forecast to be a day of light cloud with temperatures of 4C to 6C and rain in the evening. A little snow remained on The Rhinogs above 500m. There may be PW trains, with the WMWP underway. No passenger trains were due to run today. Next Saturday and Sunday Santa Specials run from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu, twice a day. The stopblock at Tan-y-bwlch on the Down line has been removed this morning.

At 08:54 Vale of Ffestiniog was noted propelling a heavy PW train out of Minffordd consisting of BZ1423 and two others along with the Romanian ballast wagon all loaded with ballast. Mess car No.1111 was attached to the rear after an unusual overnight stay in the yard by the Funkey. At 09:44 a surprising movement occurred when Bill, the former Shotton Steelworks stockyard loco and now Dinas Loco Shed pilot, was observed on a coal transfer duty, preparing for the Santa season. This was probably the first time the loco had ventured up the FR after arriving at Boston Lodge on Sunday 3/12/23 on a stock transfer. The loco arrived at Minffordd wrong line from Porthmadog propelling slate wagons Nos.7/398/86 and hauling B1806 empty coal wagon. the train reversed into the yard at 09:50.

 

This westerly view (6/12/23) shows Bill arriving at Minffordd with mixed works train carrying coal. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera.

 

Bill emerged from Minffordd Yard at 13:49 with a long mixed freight consisting of a cable drum wagon No.191, five small 4 wheel wagons, some filled with pallets for fire lighting, Nos.90/85/94/92/97, four bogie wagons of which two were filled with coal, another small FR 4 wheel wagon and B1806 filled with coal. At 14:05 Bill departed Minffordd loop towards Boston Lodge. The stopblock was back at Tan-y-bwlch by 16:30.

 

F&WHR 5/12/23

Tuesday was forecast to be a day of sunny periods with temperatures of 2C to 7C. A little snow remained on The Rhinogs above 600m. There may be PW trains, with the WMWP underway. No passenger trains were due to run today. Next Saturday and Sunday Santa Specials run from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu, twice a day. The stopblock at Tan-y-bwlch on the Down line has been removed this morning.

At 07:37 Upnor Castle propelled BZ1423 loaded with plastic sleepers out of Minffordd yard with two small FR wagons, the PW container and the Mess Coach No.1111 towards the relay site. At 07:49 Upnor Castle  hauled the PW train from Minffordd loop towards Boston Lodge, possibly delivering material for tracklaying in the new Small Loco Shed. The train reappeared at 08:42 running east to the relay site. Upnor Castle returned light engine to Minffordd Yard passing through Minffordd at 10:23.

Vale of Ffestiniog was noted shunting at Pen Cob Junction at 13:10 and headed for Minffordd. The loco arrived light engine wrong line in the loop at 13:19 and reversed into the yard some 3 minutes later. Upnor Castle's return to the worksite was not noted but the loco must have gone up there about midday as it returned with the PW train to Minffordd Yard passing through Minffordd at 15:23 to close the day's activities. The stopblock was back in position on the Down line at Tan-y-bwlch at 16:30.

 

Free Boston Lodge ‘Behind the Scenes: Capital Works’ Tours

▪ Ever wondered what goes on at the F&WHR's historic Boston Lodge workshops?
▪ Well wonder no more, as there are a series of ‘Behind the Scenes: Capital Works’ tours taking place over the coming months!
12 December 2023: 10:00
16 January 2024: 13:00
29 January 2024: 13:00
13 February 2024: 10:00
28 February 2024: 13:00
11 March 2024: 13:00
27 March 2024: 10:00
The F&WHR's experienced Heritage Project Manager will take visitors on a fascinating tour around Boston Lodge explaining progress to date on the restoration work of both listed and new buildings. It is an opportunity to find out more about how the site is being developed for the future whilst preserving the past.
▪ Here are some recent reviews of these tours:
“It was a great experience full of detail about the past, present, and future of this heritage site.”
“Loved the pictures to help visualise. The guide was brilliant”
“It was brilliant and very interesting”
“We really enjoyed it, the guide’s knowledge and delivery was terrific”
ℹ These tours are FREE, but must be booked.
If you want to join a 'Behind the Scenes: Capital Works' tour, please email James Kindberg jkindberg@ffwhr.com and specify which date you are interested in.

 

F&WHR 4/12/23

Monday was forecast to be an overcast day with temperatures of 4C to 6C. The snow on the Rhinogs has melted. There may be PW trains, with the WMWP underway. No passenger trains were due to run today. Next Saturday and Sunday Santa Specials run from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu, twice a day. The stopblock at Tan-y-bwlch on the Down line has been removed.

At 08:49 Upnor Castle propelled BZ1423 loaded with plastic sleepers out of Minffordd yard with a small FR wagon, the PW container and the Mess Coach No.1111 towards the relay site. This was followed at 09:06 by Moel-yr-hydd propelling two small FR wagons and Van No.51 to the east. Upnor Castle led the PW train back into the yard at 16:01 but the blue diesel and its rake was not noted returning. The Tan-y-bwlch stop block was back on the Down line by the end of the afternoon.

 

Santa's Grotto at Porthmadog

Click on advert to enlarge. This advert is copyright F&WHR.

 

On 9-10, 16-17, 22-23/12/23 bring the family to see Santa in his spectacularly decorated Christmas Grotto in Harbour Station. Enjoy the festive decorations around the station - and have a footplate ride on a steam engine as well. Pre-COVID FR Santa Special trains ran to Beddgelert in 2017/18.

CHRISTMAS GIFTS
The F&WHR can help with your present list. The station shops are opening every day until further notice, offering a wide range of souvenirs, railway items, books and DVDs - which are also available 24/7, from the online shop @ festrail.co.uk/shop
SEASONAL SNOWDONIA SPECIALS *
Shrug off any Post-Christmas Blues with a scenic trip into Snowdonia. The Steam Trains will be running daily from 28th December to 1/1/24 inclusive.
▪ Ffestiniog Railway - Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog
▪ Welsh Highland Railway - Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu
Tickets are NOW ON SALE
* Tickets must be booked in advance - please BOOK EARLY to avoid disappointment. Go to festrail.co.uk/christmas/ for further information and to book your tickets.

 

F&WHR 3/12/23

Sunday was forecast to be a day of light cloud with temperatures of 3C to 5C. The Rhinogs have a dusting of snow above 300m. There may be PW trains, with the WMWP underway. The WHR is looking quite rusty with no trains in recent weeks. Eight Minffordd Shuttle trains were scheduled to operate on Sunday from Porthmadog to Minffordd (or vice versa!) between 10:00 and 16:00 in connection with the Portmerion Christmas Arts & Crafts Fair. Next Saturday and Sunday Santa Specials run from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu, running twice a day. There was no sign of any works trains on the FR today.

Blanche and Linda arrived at 09:42 again with a four coach ECS set for the Minffordd Shuttle taken from the Mountain Spirit set including the Observation Car Snowdonia. Blanche uncoupled and ran round leaving Linda on the rear to top and tail the shuttle. The train departed on time at 10:00 and arrived at Minffordd at 10:10. Departure came at 10:20 and the train was back at Porthmadog at 10:30 for the 11:00 departure which left on time. The train was back again at 11:30 for the 11:45 departure with the weather turning a little drizzly.

At 12:12 a diesel, surprisingly Bill, arrived in the WHR platform with coach No.102 as the Minffordd Shuttle approached across The Cob. The move may have been the first full transit of the WHR by Bill which is normally depot pilot at Dinas. The loco is alleged to have a high speed in top gear though its suspension may make the ride somewhat uncomfortable for the driver. The arrival caused difficulty for the signaller as the shuttle would normally occupy the WHR platform. Instead, the shuttle was directed into the FR platform. Bill then left with the coach at 12:18 for the Carriage Works and the shuttle departed on time. The shuttle was back again at 13:00 but this time in the WHR platform as normal.

 

This easterly view (3/12/23) shows LINDA arriving in Porthmadog on the Minffordd Shuttle but diverted into the FR platform because of transfer working from the WHR visible in the WHR platform with Bill taking coach 102 from Dinas to Boston Lodge. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a web camera.

 

The final shuttle run came at 16:00 arriving at Minffordd at 16:10 to collect those returning from the fair. The final departure from Minffordd came at 16:21 and the shuttle arrived at Porthmadog at about 16:30, disgorging a fair number of passengers. By 16:40 the ECS had departed to Boston Lodge to close the day's activities. There was still snow on the Rhinogs.

 

Baldwin No.608 news 3/12/23

The F&WHR's Baldwin No.608 was dragged out of the Carriage shed at Dinas to drain its tanks and boiler as a precaution against Winter weather on Sunday before being shunted back into the shed for safe-keeping.

 

Barmouth Bridge reopens early 2/12/23

Barmouth Bridge was reopened on Saturday 2/12/23 with trains replacing the bustitution of recent months over the full length of the Cambrian coast line between Machynlleth and Pwllheli. The beams over the top of the bowstring girders that supported a temporary crane remain. Work continues to remove the temporary scaffolding around the legs of the support columns. Click on the link to watch the X/Twitter feed video of 158823 crossing the bridge on Saturday morning.

 

Still looking for elves!

As Santa’s visit draws near, the WHR Society still needs help to make sure the trains are in first class condition for him and the excited families soon to be passengers!
The railway is looking for anyone who can help prepare the trains between turns at Caernarfon on any of the following dates:
- Saturday 9/12/23
- Sunday 10/12/23
- Saturday 16/12/23
- Sunday 17/12/23
- Friday 22/12/23
- Saturday 23/12/23
No prior experience needed - brush and mop training can be provided! If you can help in any way on the dates above, please get in touch with Head Elf Jo Charles (email jcharles@crhe.uk)

 

F&WHR 2/12/23

Saturday was forecast to be a day with occasional wintry showers and temperatures of 2C to 4C. There had been a hard frost and snow/hail showers earlier leaving the Rhinogs and even platforms at Porthmadog at 09:00 with a dusting. Snow blocked the A470 Crimea Pass near Blaenau Ffestiniog, cutting the main North Wales-South Wales Trunk Road. There may be PW trains, with the WMWP underway. The WHR is looking quite rusty with no trains in recent weeks. Eight Minffordd Shuttle trains were scheduled to operate on Saturday and Sunday from Porthmadog to Minffordd (or vice versa!) between 10:00 and 16:00 in connection with the Portmerion Christmas Arts & Crafts Fair. Next Saturday and Sunday Santa Specials run from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu starting twice a day. At 09:32 the new blue diesel Moel-yr-hydd was noted emerging from Minffordd Yard propelling a works train with two small FR wagons and brakevan No.51 towards the east. This loco is normally allocated for S&T works.

Blanche and Linda arrived at 09:42 with a four coach set for the Minffordd Shuttle from the Mountain Spirit set including the Observation Car. Blanche uncoupled and ran round leaving Linda on the rear to top and tail the shuttle. The train departed on time at 10:00 and arrived at Minffordd at 10:10. Departure came at 10:20 and the train was back at Porthmadog at 10:30 for the 11:00 departure which left on time. The train was back again at 11:30 for the 11:45 departure with the weather turning a little drizzly..

The shuttle kept to time and after lunch set off on its penultimate trip at 15:00. Meanwhile the Works Train passed through Minffordd at 15:11 returning to the yard with the loco having run round somewhere. The shuttle was back at 15:33 and ready for the final trip at 16:00 as dusk fell. the final train arrived back at 16:30 in the WHR platform with about 20 passengers. The train departed for Boston Lodge ECS at 16:34 to close the day's activities.

 

Santa sell out

The F&WHR Santa Specials have sold very well this year and are almost sold out weeks in advance with a few seats left on just one train!

 

Click on advert to enlarge. This advert is copyright F&WHR.

 

F&WHR 1/12/23

Friday was forecast to be a sunny day with temperatures of -1C to 4C and a hard frost initially. There may be PW trains, with the WMWP underway. The WHR is looking quite rusty with no trains in recent weeks. Eight shuttle trains were scheduled to operate on Friday from Porthmadog to Minffordd between 10:00 and 16:00 in connection with the Portmerion Christmas Arts & Crafts Fair. The service continues with the same 8 trains on Saturday and Sunday and Santa Special from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu starting twice a day next weekend. At 09:23 the new blue diesel Moel-yr-hydd was noted emerging from Minffordd Yard hauling a works train with brakevan No.51 on the rear towards the relay site.

 

This westerly view (1/12/23) shows Moel-y-hydd departing Minffordd with a works train. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera.

 

Blanche and Linda arrived at 09:46 with a four coach set for the Minffordd Shuttle from the Mountain Spirit set including the Observation Car. Blanche uncoupled and ran round leaving Linda on the rear to top and tail the shuttle. There were several passengers and the condensation in the freezing air made for good photographic opportunities! The train takes 10 minutes to get to Minffordd and departed at 10:30 allowing a second departure from Porthmadog at 11:00. This train returned after a 10 minute break and arrived back in Porthmadog at 11:30 for the 11:45 departure. The 13:31 departure had passengers sitting in the tender as did the 15:00, all departing in strong but chilly sunshine! The last train arrived at Minffordd at 16:09 and appeared very lightly loaded. the final return train departed Minffordd at 16:20.

Moel-yr-hydd worked through Minffordd onto the Mineral Line at 16:27 with the returning works train from the east to close the day's activities. The loco had run round the train possibility at Rhiw Goch loop. At Tan-y-bwlch the red stop block was back on the Down line.

 

Winter 2023-4

The 1/12/23 marks the start of Meteorological Winter and the weather has entered a cold snap with snow on the upper reaches of Snowdon and ice on the Afon Glaslyn. The cold crisp air caused much condensation today. Santa Trains start from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu next weekend twice a day.

 

This northerly view (1/12/23) shows BLANCHE and LINDA arrive at Porthmadog with the ECS for the Minffordd Shuttle. The cold crisp air led to much condensation. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera.

 

C2 taster video

A video has been published on YouTube showing a narrow gauge railway in Southern China that operates C2 type 0-8-0 locos on a 12 mile mountainous route similar to the F&WHR. The railway is called Jiayang Coal Railway although the coal mines it was originally built to serve are now closed and it now caters for local passengers and tourists. The railway operates four trains a day for school children to access school, locals to visit the markets and tourists. It has several intermediate stations on the steeply graded curvaceous route.

See BBC Report or the more detailed Chinese Railways report (with subtitles) which references the struggle to keep the railway open in the modern era. This YouTube published by Look at China 4 weeks ago.

 

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