This easterly view (20/11/23) shows JAMES SPOONER with the Mountain Spirit headboard heritage rake on a special working for a film crew at Porthmadog in less than ideal weather! Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR and was taken on a web camera.

JAMES SPOONER arrived in the WHR platform by 09:55 hauling a short 6 coach private train, with the headboard Mountain Spirit. This was to prove a soggy day for footplate staff without the cab roof fitted. The train consisted of the 4 wheeler Sentry Van, three heritage saloon coaches and another three 4 wheelers on the rear. The run round came at 10:00 while Blanche was removing two B wagons for coal from the yard. The coal train departed at 10:07 and was noted in Boston Lodge a few minutes later.

This westerly view (20/11/23) shows BLANCHE with B wagons collecting coal from Minffordd. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR and was taken on a web camera.

At 10:16 Upnor Castle left Minffordd Yard with two ballast wagons for the Whistling Curve relay. Blanche arrived at Minffordd with the two coal wagons B1835/1834 for refilling at 10:33 wrong line and reversed into the yard at 10:36. At 11:03 JAMES SPOONER was in the FR platform with the loco still at the east end. The train was propelled back a little at 11:10 under the platform canopy. Vale of Ffestiniog was visible outside the shed at Boston Lodge. JAMES SPOONER eventually departed at 12:29, returning the rake to Boston Lodge before reversing back across The Cob.

Bodysgallen to return next year

Pullman Saloon coach No.2115 Bodysgallen is currently in the Carriage Works undergoing refurbishment with the aim of returning it to service next May after a long needed refurbishment.

Aberystwyth log train under threat

The Cambrian News reports that the Aberystwyth-Chirk Kronospan log train is under threat from environmental groups. The RSPB claim it is disturbing geese in the Dyfi Estuary area. Considering several passenger trains pass Ynyshir every day in both directions, the once a week log train cannot be that much of a disturbance to the geese. If the log train is permanently cancelled the considerable increase in HGV lorry movements of logs through the inadequate roads in Mid Wales would also be an environmental concern. See Translogistics News story. Click here to see videos of train.

F&WHR 19/11/23

Sunday was forecast to be an overcast day with some drizzle and temperatures of 8-12C. No public trains were booked to operate on Sunday. There may be PW trains, with the WMWP underway.

The volunteers laid 4 km of lineside cable from Milestone Curve to Pen Cefn Crossing over the weekend  Funkey recovered the cable train from the worksite and hauled it into Minffordd Yard passing Minffordd at 14:25 with the cable drum now empty. Having dropped the Mess Car and cable wagon in the yard after a shunt, Upnor Castle was propelled out of the yard by Vale of Ffestiniog at 14:59 and 10 minutes later the Funkey departed Minffordd towing Upnor Castle back to Boston Lodge to complete the day's activities.

Aberystwyth logs cancelled again 17/11/23

The FO Aberystwyth-Chirk Kronospan log train did not run on Friday 17/11/23 and neither did it run on Saturday 18/11/23 which it often does if delayed. This service is becoming unreliable. This may be because of the Tywyn shuttle which started on 13/11/23 and has reduced paths through Machynlleth.

And now WAG proposes 'Buffer speed limits'!

Motorists coming to the F&WHR will notice 'buffer speed limits' on the approach to the new 20mph zones in some cases. In areas where 60 mph roads sharply reduce to 20mph sudden braking can cause dangerous conditions in heavy traffic. Already Llangollen has had a 40 mph 'buffer zone' added outside the 20mph zone to reduce this sudden braking. This action further extends journey times. WAG is looking to extend 40 mph buffer zones more generally on a case by case basis.

F&WHR 18/11/23

Saturday was forecast to be an overcast day with temperatures of 11-13C. No public trains were booked to operate on Saturday. There may be PW trains, with the WMWP underway.

Upnor Castle emerged from Minffordd yard at 09:07 propelling a cable drum car and hauling the Mess car with volunteers from Young Rail Professionals. The DZ wagons with spent ballast were still present at Tan-y-bwlch at midday Saturday. At 13:11 Upnor Castle propelled the Mess car No.1111 hauling a cable drum car No.191 with empty drum from the east through Minffordd into the yard. The train re-emerged propelling a new cable drum at 14:30. The train returned to the yard, passing Minffordd at 16:29, to close the day's activities.

Cambrian Coast Line news 17/11/23

Work on the Afon Dyfi rail bridge just west of Dyfi Junction has been proceeding in parallel with the Barmouth Bridge upgrade to make use of the same line closure. This is continuing to affect visitors to the F&WHR who come by rail. Work was completed in early November and bustitution ceased with a Tywyn-Machynlleth shuttle service from Monday 17/11/23. TfW has not been keen to run a shuttle service from Barmouth to Pwllheli as operated in previous closures and the Tywyn to Pwllheli route will remain bustituted until 4/12/23 when it is planned to re-open the whole line.

Barmouth Bridge itself seems to be on track to be completed by 4/12/23 when the line will be reopened. Tracklaying is planned on Toll House Curve at the north end of the viaduct from 25/11/23-3/12/23.

F&WHR 17/11/23

Friday was forecast to be a day of sunny periods with temperatures of 8-10C. No public trains were booked to operate on Friday. There may be PW trains, with the WMWP underway.

Upnor Castle emerged from Minffordd Yard at 08:43 propelling the PW train with BZ1423 loaded with plastic sleepers and Mess Car No.1111 on the rear, At 09:30 Harlech Castle was still stabled next to the Stop board at Tan-y-bwlch in association with PW work in the area but had moved by 10:15. Vale of Ffestiniog was noted shunting Boston Lodge at midday. Upnor Castle returned to Minffordd at 15:26 with the PW train and ran directly to the yard. The spoil wagons were back in the Up platform at Tan-y-bwlch with the Stop board erected by 16:15.

No Trespassing!

Trains will be few and far between at this time of year and the rails may look rusty, but you never know when one might come along, as Works trains do not run to a timetable and can appear at any time, so for your own safety - please keep off the railway. The next scheduled trains are the special Shuttle trains from Porthmadog to Minffordd running in conjunction with the Crefftwyr Gwynedd Artisans' 'Christmas Fair' - held in the Gweithdy at Minffordd Station next weekend on 24-26/11/23. See https://www.festrail.co.uk/gwynedd-artisans-craft-fair

Visit festrail.co.uk/trains for details of all the F&WHR seasonal activities.

This easterly view (16/11/23) shows signage erected along the railway (this one at Nantmor Halt) warning people not to trespass on the line as works trains still run at irregular times. 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.

F&WHR 16/11/23

Thursday was forecast to be a day of sunny periods with temperatures of 6-10C but becoming cloudy with rain later. No public trains were booked to operate on Thursday. There may be PW trains, with the WMWP underway.

Upnor Castle led two DZ wagons into Minffordd Yard from the east at 12:28 partially filled with ballast. Steam was noted being raised at Boston Lodge at 14:00. It seems a special train had been booked as a group of people on the platform waited for Blanche to arrive with the Mountain Spirit rake with Observation Car No.152 next to the loco at 14:50. The loco ran to the yard to fuel and water a minute later, completing its run round 20 minutes later. Harlech Castle arrived at Tan-y-bwlch from the west light engine at 15:09 and the driver erected the possession board on the Up line behind the loco and the loco was shut down as the staff and volunteers left. Blanche eventually departed with the special at 15:40 and took the train with guests to Boston Lodge where it shunted into the Carriage Shed. This may have been a tour for NLHF.

This easterly view (16/11/23) shows Blanche with the Mountain Spirit rake on a special working departing Porthmadog at 15:40. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR and was taken on a web camera.

The train was back in Porthmadog by 17:05 and the loco ran round at 17:09, departing back to Boston Lodge at 17:15 to close the day's activities.

At 09:12 Upnor Castle propelled a PW train out of Minffordd Yard with DZ1423 with plastic sleepers, a couple of small FR wagons with ballast, the PW containers and Mess Car No.1111 presumably heading to the Whistling Curve relay worksite. Meanwhile up at Tan-y-bwlch at 10:04, Harlech Castle passed wrong line light engine through the Up platform towards Whistling Curve, presumably on ballast duties. Upnor Castle returned to the yard light engine passing Minffordd at 10:55. At 11:07 the diesel re-emerged from Minffordd Yard hauling another DZ wagon of ballast which it ran round at 11:24 before heading for Boston Lodge at 11:29. This may have been in connection with the tracks leading into the Small Loco Shed. At 11:52 the diesel returned from Boston Lodge light engine and ran wrong line into Minffordd before reversing into the yard at 11:57. At 13:16 the loco re-emerged light engine from the yard, presumably after a lunch break, and headed towards Whistling Curve to the site of the PW works.

F&WHR 13/11/23

Monday was forecast to be a day of sunny periods with temperatures of 11-13C. High winds and heavy rain were forecast on Monday as storm Debi hit and indeed waves were breaking and spray carried across The Cob at 09:00 with gusts in excess of 50 mph. No public trains were booked to operate on Monday. There may be PW trains, with the WMWP underway.

This easterly view (9/11/23) shows volunteers have completed tracklaying of the three new sidings inside the new Small Loco Shed. The shed is now fully enclosed with shutter doors and electric fittings appear to be complete. The rails remain to be concreted into place but the shed tracks 9-11 are 14,18 and 20m long with the two longer tracks able to take a Garratt and the longest two double Fairlies. 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.

Volunteers needed for WMWP

The F&WHR has produced a short video showing the kinds of activities that volunteers might experience on the Winter Major Works Programme. Click here to watch the Facebook video.

F&WHR 12/11/23

Sunday was forecast to be a day of showers and sunny periods with temperatures of 9-10C with a warning of high winds and heavy rain on Monday as storm Debi hits. No public trains were booked to operate on Sunday. There may be stock movements after the end of the season with carriages going for refurbishment and, with the WMWP underway, PW trains were likely to run.

No change was noted at Tan-y-bwlch with the PW train still stabled in the platform all day. Unusually no train movements were noted. Line inspection trains may run on Monday as 55mph wind gusts are expected at 08:00 as Storm Debi passes with heavy overnight rain.

NLHF November 2023 Update 10/11/23

Click on the YouTube link to watch 9 minutes 1 second of video covering the latest progress with the restoration of Boston Lodge and the new small Loco Shed. This video was published on 10/11/23. It is best viewed at 1080p with Chrome. This video was produced by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional Betamax 4k camcorder.

WMWP 9/11/23

This easterly view (9/11/23) shows the Winter Major Works Programme getting off to a good start after the Photocharters ceased. The trackbed at Whistling Curve just west of Tan-y-bwlch has been cleared ready for re-ballasting and relay. 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

F&WHR 11/11/23

Saturday was forecast to be a day of sunny periods with temperatures of 5-10C. No public trains were booked to operate on Saturday. There may be stock movements after the end of the season with carriages going for refurbishment and the WMWP is underway so PW trains were likely to run.

Vale of Ffestiniog was noted shunting Boston Lodge at 09:30 and arrived light engine at Minffordd at 09:34 before reversing into the yard at 09:37. The Funkey emerged hauling B wagon No.B1680 and ran round it at 10:00. At 10:06 the train headed for Porthmadog and at 10:20 it passed through the WHR platform hauling one B wagon towards Beddgelert. Meanwhile up at Tan-y-bwlch at 12:30 the Up line was blocked and two loaded DZ wagons including DZ1424 were stabled in the Up platform where they remained all day.

The Funkey returned to Minffordd at 16:28 and ran wrong line into the loop. At 16:32 the Funkey propelled the DZ wagon and the Romanian ballast wagon No.4023 back into Minffordd Yard. The light engine departed Minffordd at 16:41 for Boston Lodge to close the day's activities.

Four weeks to go until Santa Specials

There are just 4 weeks to go until the first weekend of operation of the WHR's Santa Specials from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu. Last year the train was even blessed with snow on some weekends, something that seems to happen with increasing rarity as global warming kicks in. The first Santa Specials run on Saturday 9/12/23 and continue until 23/12/23. There are morning and afternoon trains on each day of operation. The train is normally steam hauled but may be assisted by a diesel in adverse conditions. Bookings can be made by clicking here.

This northerly view (11/12/22) shows No.130 catching the sun as it double heads with Caernarfon Castle on the Santa Special. The train is emerging from Castell Cidwm cutting and heading towards Rhyd Ddu at 11:12 and was running a little late due to slipping in several places. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to enlarge to full size where available. This image is copyright Barrie Hughes and was taken on a Canon EOS 2000D digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

F&WHR 10/11/23

Friday was forecast to be a day of sunny periods with temperatures of 4-10C. No public trains were booked to operate on Friday but it was possible the F&WHR photocharters on the WHR were continuing from Dinas. There may be stock movements after the end of the season with carriages going for refurbishment and the WMWP is underway so PW trains were likely to run. The Porthmadog webcam appears to have moved a little and now chops off the top of the Rhinogs and shows less of Spooner's slate roof. It appears to have been zoomed in a little as it also shows less of the Premier Inn road entrance which has not been substantially altered to improve difficult right turns despite recent work on the wall.

At 11:10 Upnor Castle propelled 2BZ wagons including BZ1423 out of Minffordd Yard and towards Tan-y-bwlch full of ballast. At 12:25 Upnor Castle reversed into Minffordd Yard light engine.

The Snowdonian 2024

The Snowdonian will be run on Saturday the 20/4/24. The F&WHR is hopeful that there will be some great combinations of motive power. The F&WHR has asked the WHHR if Russell can be involved as this will be the last chance before its 10 year overhaul. It is also likely to be one of the first special trains hauled by new double Fairlie No.8 JAMES SPOONER. It is also possible that Baldwin No.590 may have a cameo role too if it is repaired in time. Also Boston Lodge developments will be at an advanced stage so there will be plenty to see there in a Works Visit on Friday 19/4/24.

F&WHR 9/11/23

Thursday was forecast to be a day of showers and sunny periods with temperatures of 6-10C. No public trains were booked to operate on Thursday but there was probably a second day of F&WHR photocharters on the WHR. There may be stock movements after the end of the season with carriages going for refurbishment and the WMWP may get underway so PW trains were likely to run after the photocharters have ceased. The Porthmadog webcam appears to have moved a little and now chops off the top of the Rhinogs and shows less of Spooner's slate roof. It appears to have been zoomed in a little as it also shows less of the Premier Inn road entrance which has not been substantially altered to improve difficult right turns despite recent work.

At 09:15 Vale of Ffestiniog shunted off Boston Lodge and arrived wrong line at Minffordd at 09:21 light engine in a downpour. The loco shunted into the yard at 09:24. The Funkey emerged at 09:58 with a long PW train consisting of the empty well wagon, 3 B wagons, the cherrypicker, crane wagon No.291 and Mess Car No.111. The Funkey ran round at 10:04 and departed towards Porthmadog at 10:25 in a downpour and onto the WHR. Meanwhile, up at Tan-y-bwlch, a rake of DZ wagons (including DZ 1424) were stabled in the Up platform at 13:00 loaded with ballast as part of the WMWP FR relay scheme. The Down platform was under a possession with a red stop board. The train departed to the worksite by 13:45. The train was back again fully loaded by 16:00.

There does not seem to have been a photocharter from Porthmadog today but there could have been one from Dinas. The Funkey was noted arriving back at Porthmadog light engine at 17:00 so it must have left its PW train at Hafod-y-llyn or Rhyd Ddu in the sidings at those locations. Four minutes later it departed light to Boston Lodge to close the day's activities even though the signalbox was still lit up as if waiting a later arrival!

WMWP gets underway

Pointwork was installed in the Carriage Shed run round to give access to Roads 10/11 of the Small Loco Shed. A right hand point then splits into the central and pit road siding in the new shed. It seems the left most siding of the shed Road 9 will be served by a point off the existing Garratt pit road siding.

This easterly view (10/23) shows two points laid to give access to sidings 10/11 of the new Small Loco Shed. The Garratt pit road on the extreme left is currently fenced off and it is planned to build a Garratt Shed in this space as a Garratt is normally outstabled at  Boston Lodge throughout the operating season. 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

SuperPower to return in 2024

After a few years missing SuperPower because of COVID the event is set to return in 2024 on 14-15/9/24 to coincide with the WHR Soc. AGM. It will only be for two days rather than starting on the Friday as it used to and Bygones FR event still does. This will replace the WHR Soc. Members Day/s of the last two years.

F&WHR 8/11/23

Wednesday was forecast to be a day of sunny periods with temperatures of 7-12C. No public trains were booked to operate on Wednesday but there was a fourth day of F&WHR photocharters with the Porthmadog signalbox opening at 07:00 in damp conditions. Steam was being raised at Boston Lodge at this time. There may be stock movements after the end of the season with carriages going for refurbishment and the WMWP may get underway so PW trains were likely to run after the photocharters have ceased. The Porthmadog webcam appears to have moved and now chops off the top of the Rhinogs and shows less of Spooner's slate roof. It appears to have been zoomed in a little as it also shows less of the Premier Inn road entrance.

At 07:29 a double headed Fairlie arrived in the WHR platform consisting of MERDDIN EMRYS and DAVID LLOYD GEORGE on a 7 coach rake. It seemed a WHR photocharter was planned for the day.

This easterly view (8/11/23) shows MERDDIN EMRYS and DAVID LLOYD GEORGE preparing to haul a photocharter on 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.

The train departed at 08:01 with four 4-wheel coaches on the rear including the 'Zoo car' No.1 at the rear. At 08:34 Upnor Castle propelled a rake out of Minffordd Yard consisting of PW containers and Mess Car No.1111. The rake continued towards Tan-y-bwlch. Vale of Ffestiniog was noted shunting Boston Lodge at 09:40. Moelwyn arrived light engine at 09:50 to shunt Porthmadog Yard. At 10:02 the diesel extracted the demonstration slate train with Van No.6 and at 10:08 returned the rake to Minffordd Yard. The train arrived wrong line at 10:34 and was propelled into the yard at 10:41. At 11:33 Moelwyn propelled diesel shunter KS4415 out of Minffordd Yard. Seven minutes later Moelwyn left Minffordd with the heritage shunter and Van No.6 heading towards Porthmadog.

This westerly view (8/11/23) shows Moelwyn hauling KS4415 from Minffordd Yard 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.

Towards the end of the afternoon trains started returning to base. First back at 15:23 Upnor Castle hauled the Mess Car and PW train into Minffordd Yard. DLG put in an appearance light engine at 16:28 in the WHR platform and continued to Boston Lodge light engine four minutes later. Lastly MERDDIN EMRYS hauled the 9 coach rake back from the WHR photocharter into the WHR platform at 16:53 for the photographers to get off. The train continued to Boston Lodge 5 minutes later to close the day's activities.

F&WHR amended opening hours

Now that our Autumn train services have come to an end, there are a number of changes to when the F&WHR will be 'open' during the next few weeks. So here is a summary....

CAFFI DE WINTON & 'Y STESION' (Caernarfon Station) Open Daily - 09:00-14:00

PORTHMADOG BOOKING OFFICE Monday-Friday - 10:00-16:00

HARBOUR STATION SHOP Open Daily - 10:00-16:00 Shop online @ festrail.co.uk/shop

TAN-Y-BWLCH TEA ROOM CLOSED

'Y CABAN', BLAENAU FFESTINIOG CLOSED

--------------------------------------------------

SPOONER'S hours remain unchanged at present - opening at 09:00 every day. See their Facebook page or website for further details.

Facebook - Spooner's

Website -www.spoonersporthmadog.co.uk

F&WHR 7/11/23

Tuesday was forecast to be a day of sunny periods with temperatures of 7-12C. No public trains were booked to operate on Tuesday but there was a third day of FR photocharters and they had some luck today with sunshine! There may be stock movements after the end of the season with carriages going for refurbishment and the WMWP may get underway so PW trains were likely to run after the photocharters have ceased. The Porthmadog webcam appears to have moved and now chops off the top of the Rhinogs.

At 07:33 JAMES SPOONER passed Minffordd on the Victorian train for the photocharter event higher up the FR. The rake consisted of a 4 wheeler and two bogies from carriages Nos.18/19. The curly roofed van No.1 from the Victorian train was noted on the rear. This was followed at 07:45 by DAVID LLOYD GEORGE on the demonstration slate train with van No.6 on the rear. At 09:37 the third Fairlie MERDDIN EMRYS passed Minffordd with a 6 coach set consisting of four four-wheelers (No.8 Quarryman's coach, No.11 the Flying Bench, Nos.2/5, a original bogie No.15 and Van No.3, the 'sentry' brakevan.

At 11:08 a PW train emerged from Minffordd Yard consisting of Harlech Castle and three wagons DZ1424/1412/BZ1404, the later carrying W.H.Jones hired in tracked carrier, with Upnor Castle and the well wagon  carrying the W.H.Jones tracked excavator on the rear. At 12:29 Harlech Castle reversed into Tan-y-bwlch from Dduallt with the three empty BZ/DZ wagons, the others probably being left at Dduallt. It then led the rake into the siding, clearing the section for the photocharters.

At 13:50 all three photocharters were back at Tan-y-bwlch for lunch and it seemed the Fairlies had swopped duties. JAMES SPOONER was in the Up platform on the demonstration slate train but with the loco at the west end. MERDDIN EMRYS was in the Down platform by the signal box with rakes of four wheelers coupled back to back with the Victorian Train with DAVID LLOYD GEORGE. MERDDIN EMRYS detached and shunted to water at 13:54 and dropped into the Down platform behind the demonstration slate train where it stabled light engine. At 14:03 DAVID LLOYD GEORGE propelled the two rakes of carriages out of the station to the east after photographers had joined the train and reappeared in the Down platform at 14:22. The passenger rakes had split by 15:00 and DLG hauled the western half to the west end of the station. JAMES SPOONER departed with the demonstration slate train at about 15:05 and MERDDIN EMRYS shunted along the platform to the west end.

Trains returned earlier today with DLG passing through Minffordd at 15:23 with the Victorian rake. Perhaps photographers were able to complete their portfolios with the good weather and will move onto the WHR tomorrow? At 15:41 JAMES SPOONER passed through Minffordd with the demonstration slate train. DLG was running round in Harbour Station at 15:44 as JAMES SPOONER approached Pen Cob Junction.

This easterly view (7/11/23) shows JAMES SPOONER hauling the photocharter demonstration slate wagon rake into Porthmadog. This was an early finish for the photographers today. 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.

JAMES SPOONER arrived with the demonstration slate train at 15:52 in the yard at Harbour Station and DLG left with its ECS Victorian rake at 15:53. MERDDIN EMRYS passed Minffordd at 16:01 and appears to have reversed into the depot at about 16:10. After fuelling and watering JAMES SPOONER departed light engine at 16:17 for the depot to close the day's activities.

F&WHR 6/11/23

Monday was forecast to be a day of sunny periods and showers with temperatures of 8-11C. No public trains were booked to operate on Monday but there were movements in association with photocharters. There may be stock movements after the end of the season with carriages going for refurbishment and the WMWP may get underway so PW trains were likely to run after the photocharters have ceased.

At 07:41 JAMES SPOONER passed Minffordd on the Victorian train for the photocharter event higher up the FR. The rake consisted of a 4 wheeler and two bogies from carriages Nos.18/19. The curly roofed van No.1 from the Victorian train was noted on the rear. This was followed at 08:17 by Blanche carrying the headboard Y Cymro, with the 5 coach rake consisting of Nos.23/21/17/12/11. At 08:51 Vale of Ffestiniog was noted shunting at Boston Lodge.

At 11:20 the second rake was noted standing at Tan-y-bwlch. At 11:27 the other rake with Van No.1 on the rear was shunted into the Down platform and the photographers went for a lunch break in the cafe and a brief respite from the drizzle. The rake in the Up platform was then shunted towards the cafe. The photographers started coming back to the train at 12:15 with  the weather being a little drier. The train departed at 12:22 towards the east and the Victorian rake followed at 12:42. At 13:45 there was more Funkey shunting outside the Carriage Shed at Boston Lodge.

At the end of the day's photography the two trains joined together at Tan-y-bwlch and departed with Blanche on the rear at 16:56, passing Minffordd at 17:22 with the photographers in the rear set. The train arrived at Porthmadog at 17:32 and departed ECS at 17:54 with JAMES SPOONER on the rear, to close the day's activities.

F&WHR 5/11/23

Sunday was forecast to be a day of sunny periods and showers with temperatures of 7-11C. No public trains were booked to operate on Sunday but there may be stock movements after the end of the season with carriages going for refurbishment and movements in association with photocharters which started today and normally last about a week. The WMWP may get underway so PW trains were likely to run.

At 07:34 Velinheli and Britomart hauled a slate wagon train with Van No.6 on the rear through Minffordd presumably for a gravity run from Dduallt or the Power Station Summit or a photocharter. This rake had been shunted into the seawall siding at Porthmadog a few day's earlier in preparation and a steam loco had been steamed yesterday presumably as a test for today's trains. Today's working turned out to be a photocharter and the demonstration slate train was followed at 07:53 by Vale of Ffestiniog with a 3 coach train for the photographers.