WHR
News Archive Page
2023
October
V4.1 updated 25/11/23
with news to 31/10/23
Newly archived sections are placed at the top of this page.
F&WHR 31/10/23
Tuesday was forecast to be a day of showers and sunny periods with temperatures of 11-13C, Storm Ciaran is due to hit tonight with Wednesday and Thursday likely to be stormy and very wet with possible disruption of train services. Tuesday's train service was for four FR trains including the 10:45 Mountain Spirit and The Quarryman but just the two through trains on the WHR. These appear to be the last WHR trains this season until the Santa and Festive trains at Xmas.
Today's trains were the final workings this season for The Quarryman, The Harbourmaster and the Snowdonia Star. The end of the season on 2/11/23 is quite early compared to other local heritage lines. e.g. Tal-y-llyn Railway 5/11/23 and Bala Lake Railway 4/11/23, both allowing for the final weekend of the Welsh school Half Term Holidays. The Llanberis Lake Railway continues TWThO until 30/11/23 and the Llangollen Railway SSuO until 12/11/23! The early closure may be for a series of private photo charter trains that usually take place in early November and the slate wagon train stored in the seawall siding on Monday may be part of that offering. There may be additional movements of stock over the next few days in association with these photo charters e.g. the F&WHR's Baldwin may have been requested.
At 09:04 Harlech Castle emerged from Minffordd yard propelling a small FR PW wagon No.55 and some kango tamping equipment towards the east to do an early morning PW job. At 10:04 the same train was noted returning and entering Minffordd Yard after the disappointment of the failure of the WHHR's Baldwin, running as WHR No.509, earlier this year.
No.130 was noted departing Porthmadog at 10:08 on The Harbourmaster. David Lloyd George arrived at 10:14 in the FR platform with the ECS for the 10:45 Mountain Spirit. JAMES SPOONER arrived at 10:35 in the WHR platform and ran round at 10:37 during heavy rainfall then departing on time at 11:10. No.87 arrived at 12:28 with the Snowdonia Star. At 12:31 the Garratt ran to the sidings to top up with water, returning and running round at 13:08. The Garratt was coupling up for the 14:05 return at 13:13 as Blanche ran round in the FR platform to shunt its recently arrived The Quarryman rake to the yard. This allowed JAMES SPOONER to arrive in the FR platform at 13:30. Seven minutes later the rake was propelled out of the yard and hauled back into the sidings to clear the platform for the arrival of the Mountain Spirit.
At 14:20 DLG ran round and the ECS Mountain Spirit was hauled away at 14:25. Blanche was also running round The Quarryman rake at 14:23 and at 14:29 JAMES SPOONER shunted the Woodland Wanderer back to the FR platform ready for the 14:35 departure. The rake arrived back in the FR platform with just 3 minutes to spare before departure time. In the end the new Fairlie departed at 14:38, just 3 minutes down. At 14:42 Blanche shunted around the yard to extract The Quarryman from the sidings. The rake was shunted to the FR platform at 14:48 ready for the 15:05 departure. Blanche left on time to end the lunchtime rush as the rain started again.
The trains returned home at the end of the afternoon with the last one back being JAMES SPOONER which passed Minffordd at 16:33 to close the day's activities.
NG15 'old notes' Appeal
The NG15 'Kalahari' envelopes on the trains have done astonishingly well
raising over £5,000 in loose change. The WHR Society can claim Gift Aid too
bringing the total to more than £6,000! Every penny brings completion of this
exciting project closer. Sharon Gregory, who has taken on the job of counting
the money, has noticed a surprising number of old fivers (the paper variety), an
old pound note which must have been lurking in someone’s wallet since the early
1980’s and a healthy amount in US Dollars and Euros in the envelopes. All of
this has been banked and is included in the five thousand.
This has got the WHR Soc. thinking. How many of you out there have small amounts
in old notes or unused holiday money hidden away amongst the fluff and used bus
tickets? Why not dig it out and send it (the notes, not the fluff and bus
tickets) to the WHR Society c/o Station View, Dinas, Caernarfon, LL54 5UB? The
Society will bank the money and add to the pot allocated to Kalahari.
The Society can even exchange pre-Euro notes such as French or Belgian Francs,
Deutschmarks, Greek Drachmas, Italian Lira etc. No coins though please.
The latest NG15 report from Project Leader Adrian Strachan reveals a need for donations to get the loco completed and launched in 2024:
'Happy Weekend Mikado fans, we are at the back of a very busy month for
the volunteers on the Kalahari 134 project at the Welsh Highland Railway in
sunny north Wales and here to share the progress!
Following the boiler steaming in September and presenting the loco with barrel
cladding fitted for our Society Members and supporters on AGM Saturday, we
quickly got back to work. The firebox cladding was a focus and following several
long days work by our home-grown specialist & assistants these sheets were
completed and are currently away for shotblasting to ensure the millscale is all
removed prior to painting, which should ensure longevity of the coating. Lagging
of the boiler barrel commenced and once we became proficient at this new task,
progress sped up towards the firebox and will be continued at the next working
party.
This Dinas view (10/23) shows Kalahari having boiler insulation fitted. A wooden sandbox model was trial fitted behind the buffer beam and the lubricator was re-orientated on the running plate. 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.
The Dinas staff have completed the last of the steam valves for the main
manifold and worked on the reversal of the 2 Wakefield lubricators to make their
operation more convenient for footplate crew, along with varied other machining
jobs for us. Overhaul of the Walschaert’s gear was completed and the new pins
are being hardened at a specialist company prior to final assembly.
A joint effort between the volunteer team and Dinas staff was the completion of
the stainless pipework for the ashpan drench sprays, which will be fitted at the
November working party before the firebars are replaced above them in the
firebox.
Mock sandboxes have been made in timber for the front of the loco as the space
constraints here are complex, once we are happy with the design of these we will
look to fabricate them. The prominent front Headlamp bracket has been mounted on
the smokebox.
A major fabrication item finally completed in October is the Cab Roof which has
been made at Boston Lodge, this is now in the paint shop receiving the attention
of volunteers painting & timber lining, after which it will be moved to Dinas to
find its future 'mobile home'.
Last weekend the fabrication of the Cab took a major leap with the Cabsides and
Returns welded up and trialled on the loco. These will be matched to the
Frontsheet and Roof at a trial assembly of the complete structure at the
November working party. The important location fix and fabrication of support brackets for
the 2 live steam Injectors & the vacuum Ejector was also achieved, which enables
pipework routing to be finalised in the coming months.
On the Tender, components for the new Handbrake installation were delivered in
early October from Boston Lodge - the volunteer team then trialled these,
manufactured certain missing items, and have installed and painted the shaft,
screw nut and handwheel. Once a new length pullrod is made & fitted the
handbrake can be completed, to be closely followed by finalisation of the vacuum
pipework.
A consequence of the great progress over the last couple of months has been that
we are running up against our budgeted spend and must now slow down the rate of
paid work on the loco undertaken by F&WHR staff. We have most materials already in
hand for volunteers to continue at the working parties and will review when the
final specialised inputs from the staff can be re-engaged on the loco’s
completion.
As ever donations are welcome to the project via our website
www.Ng15-134.co.uk or the WHR Society donations page
http://www.whrsoc.org.uk/.../join.../donations-and-legacies'
Working Party Dates
11-12/11/23
9-10/12/23
28-30/12/23
For 2024 the dates for the first three months are:
20-21/1/24
17-18/2/24
16-17/3/24
Tan-y-bwlch tea room closure
The Tea Room will be closed this Friday,
3/11/23 as no trains are running, so staff will take a day-off.
The Tea Room will then be open as usual (10:00-16:00) every day up to and
including Tuesday, 7/11/23.
However, from Wednesday, 8/11/23, the Tea Room will close for a winter break
until further notice.
----------------------------------------
ℹ The F&WHR will publish details of when they will be re-opening the Tea
Room as soon as plans are
finalised. Till then, staff
thank all customers for their support during the year. Staff look forward to seeing
customers
when they re-open. Although, of course, if you are in the area there is still
time to visit before they close for Winter!
F&WHR 30/10/23
Monday was forecast to be a day of sunny periods but showers later with temperatures of 10-13C. Monday's train service was for three FR trains including the 10:45 Mountain Spirit but NONE on the WHR. Harlech Castle emerged from Minffordd Yard at 10:08 with Van No.51, the cherrypicker, DZ2004 and Mess car No.1111. Several minutes later it continued towards Tan-y-bwlch. The webcams were back to normal today. The long range forecast showed heavy rain and stormy conditions on the final two days of the season. Storm Ciaran is forecast to hit the UK's south coast the hardest with wind gusts of up to 90mph but might track further north and lead to disruption on the F&WHR. Work was underway apparently adjusting the northeast corner of the Premier Inn access where the wall obstructs the view of approaching traffic coming across The Cob and has led to dangerous situations for residents trying to turn right out of the access.
First up today was David Lloyd George which hauled the ECS for the Mountain Spirit into the FR platform at 10:10. The loco then went to coal and water before running round at 10:23. At 10:42 Harlech Castle passed through Tan-y-bwlch with its works train heading east for its worksite. Lyd arrived with the ECS Woodland Wanderer in the WHR platform at 10:43. Run round had to await departure of the Mountain Spirit.
At 11:45 Moelwyn was shunting the rake of slate wagons in the station. After running round, this set off at 11:57 with a brakevan on the rear. This rake may have come from Boston Lodge as it was noted leaving Minffordd Yard with the same loco the previous afternoon. The rake was noted being shunted into the seawall siding at about 12:00. Moelwyn then left the siding at 12:04 and hung out by the signalbox before departing for the depot at 12:08.
At 13:02 DLG arrived at a rather dull Tan-y-bwlch on its return journey before departing 10 minutes later for Porthmadog. Lyd arrived back with the Woodland Wanderer into the FR platform at 13:21 in the sunshine. The loco then uncoupled and ran to coal and water. DLG arrived back at 13:45 into the WHR platform and went to coal and water at 13:48 while Lyd ran round ready for the 14:35 afternoon Woodland Wanderer. The Fairlie re-emerged from the yard at 14:15 and coupled up to the Mountain Spirit rake before departing for the depot with the ECS at 14:20. The midday rush ended with Lyd departing in sunshine at 14:35.
At 16:10 Harlech Castle was noted entering Minffordd yard with the Works Train. The final movement of the day was the return working of Lyd, passing Minffordd at 16:37 to close the day's activities.
F&WHR 29/10/23
Sunday was forecast to be a day of sunny periods with temperatures of 10-13C. Sunday's train service was for three FR trains including the 10:45 Mountain Spirit and just one train on the WHR, the Gelert Explorer. Somewhat surprisingly, this is the final weekend of the main season as next weekend will be the final weekend of many Welsh schools' Half Term Holidays. It seems the end of the main season timetable is geared to Half Term Holidays in England's schools. Harlech Castle emerged from Minffordd Yard at 08:27 with DZ2004 and Mess car No.1111 with many volunteers.
First up today was DAVID LLOYD GEORGE which hauled the ECS for the 10:45 Mountain Spirit into the FR platform at 10:03. Run round was completed by 10:20 when steam was being raised at Boston Lodge for the Woodland Wanderer. JAMES SPOONER arrived with the ECS Woodland Wanderer at 10:29 in the WHR platform. The new Fairlie had run round by the time the 10:45 departed.
JAMES SPOONER passed Minffordd when returning at 13:19 followed by DLG at 13:45. The Mountain Spirit rake was returned ECS to the depot and the afternoon Woodland Wanderer passed Minffordd at 14:45 and Harlech Castle returned with the PW train a minute later. Just after 15:00 Moelwyn propelled a rake of slate wagons out of Minffordd Yard then took them forwards towards Boston Lodge. The Fairlie passed Minffordd at about 16:30 on its return from the afternoon trip to close the day's activities.
All three webcams had problems later in the day and had not been restored to full use by 18:00.
This easterly view (29/10/23) shows JAMES SPOONER arriving with the ECS Woodland Wanderer at Porthmadog while DLG prepares to depart with the 10:45 Mountain Spirit. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a webcam.
Festive menu at Spooners from 1/12/23
The F&WHR's 2023 Festive Menu will launch on Friday 1/12/23 and reservations can
be made between 12:00 and 19:30 every Thursday, Friday & Saturday until Saturday
23/12/23.
A selection of Wine packages, suitable for party bookings, will also be
available to order.
Advance booking required - with your menu choices and details of any dietary
requirements provided at time of booking.
Please phone 01766 516032 or email
spooners@ffwhr.com to make your reservation.
Go to the Spooners' website to download and share copies of these menus, if required:
https://bit.ly/Spooners-Xmas.
North Wales main line 7-27/10/23
On 7/10/23 Class 37 No.97303 Dave Berry led 37405 on the Aberystwyth logs, moved from its normal Friday path to Saturday. Colas Class 56 No.56096 took over at Shrewsbury for the remaining journey to Chirk.
Wednesday 11/10/23 was a day the Snowdonia Statesman was due to come to Blaenau Ffestiniog. Heavy flooding in the Conwy led to diversion of the service hauled by 47810 Peter Bath MBE 1927-2006 and ScR livery 47712 Lady Diana Spencer to Holyhead. The F&WHR had cancelled some FR services for that day in order to provide a special working to carry the Statesman passenger from Blaenau Ffestiniog to Tan-y-bwlch and back. This was cancelled and the F&WHR lost out on the revenue it could have earned with the rake in normal passenger service.
The Aber logs was disrupted on Friday 13/10/23 when the outbound empties were held at Coton Hill Shrewsbury at 02:37. The rake proceeded to Aberystwyth on Saturday morning at 02:50 but, probably due to staffing issues over the weekend, did not leave Aberystwyth until Monday as 6C55, the 09:47. The haulage was No.97302 and Colas 37607. Further problems beset the working with various cancellations meaning the train was stabled at Coleham Depot Shrewsbury, until late that night and taken forwards by Colas No.56105 to Chirk. This illustrates the problems with this working when it loses its path which is supposed to be completed within one day on Fridays. Your webmaster missed photographing this working in September due to the train's loaded working being pushed back to Saturday after problems at Aberystwyth. The train does not appear to have not appear to have run at all on Friday 27/10/23.
No.67016 has been fitted with modifications to join the TfW loco hauled fleet though only the one Gerald working from Holyhead to Cardiff survives on the North Wales Coast, all the other sets being used on the Swansea/Cardiff-Manchester axis to the annoyance of North Wales rail users.
F&WHR 28/10/23
Saturday was forecast to be a day of sunshine and showers with temperatures of 10-14C. Saturday's train service was for four FR trains including one Mountain Spirit and The Quarryman and the two through trains on the WHR.
No.130 was booked for the 10:05 The Harbourmaster and No.87 for the Snowdonia Star. DAVID LLOYD GEORGE was on the 10:45 Mountain Spirit and Lyd arrived on the ECS for the 11:10 Woodland Wanderer at 10:28 detaching and running to the yard at 10:33. This in itself was unusual as locos are normally fuelled and watered at the end of the day before returning with the ECS to Boston Lodge. The light engine returned from the yard at 10:51 and coupled up in the WHR platform.
At lunchtime after the Fairlie had departed with the ECS at around 2 pm, the shunting began at about 2:20 with Lyd propelling its rake into the FR platform ready for the 14:35 Woodland Wanderer while Blanche ran round its train ready for the return working of The Quarryman. At 14:40 Blanche shunted The Quarryman into the FR platform for the 15:05 departure.
No.130 was first back, arriving at 16:26 with the Garratt uncoupling and running to the seawall siding at 16:34. The loco collected a coach that had been left in the sidings and shunted it back onto the rake at 16:40. The final arrival was Lyd on the Woodland Wanderer which pulled into the FR platform at 16:46. The ECS from The Harbourmaster was then given the road and departed a minute later. Lyd emerges from the yard at 12:55 to complete the run round and departed with the ECS at 12:59 to complete the day's activities.
Halloween at Caernarfon station
Join the F&WHR team at ‘Y Stesion’
(Caernarfon railway station) over the Half Term
holidays as the station hosts some fun Halloween themed activities. There will
be Spooky treats and crafts, special meals for children and on Halloween itself
(Tuesday 31/10/23) visitors can have their face painted!
The F&WHR will also be launching a selection of special Food & Drink offers,
from Monday, 30/10/23:
▪ Tomato Pasta with Garlic bread: £6.50
▪ Hot-Dog: £3.00
▪ Cheesy Garlic Bread: £1.25
The Snowdonia Star and Gelert Explorer services will
also be running on selected days up until the 31/10/23. Some railways still put
on special Halloween trains with spooky decorations e.g. in North Wales alone
the TR, BLR and Llanberis Lake Railway. However the F&WHR has not operated them
since 2019, though the reason is uncertain.
ℹ Further info on F&WHR trains can be found @
festrail.co.uk/trains.
WHR Society Appeal for Santa's helpers
It’s that time of year again when the WHRSoc. are confirming arrangements for
the Santa Trains running from Caernarfon and signing up volunteers to help! If
you have volunteered in the past, the WHRSoc. would love to see you again but if
you have not helped on the Santa Trains before, you do not know what you are
missing! It’s a day of fun and enjoyment not only for the passengers but also
for the staff & volunteers.
The WHRSoc. needs Station Hosts at Caernarfon to check in the passengers and get
people on to the trains, and On-Train Stewards to make sure our passengers are
looked after in true festive spirit!
Last but not least, the WHRSoc. needs a gang of Train Cleaners to give the train
a clean from one end to the other at the end of each run.
The Santa Trains run twice each day at 10:00 and 13:40 on Saturday & Sunday
9-10/12/23; Saturday & Sunday 16- 17/12/23 and Friday & Saturday, 22-23r12/23.
If you can help, please let the WHRSoc. know as soon as possible so that it can
populate the roster.
Dafydd Thomas – dthomas@crhe.uk
Or if you would like to fill the best role on the railway and be one of Santa's
elves contact Jo Charles – jcharles@crhe.uk
Problems with Outlook
Please excuse the current problems with Outlook for email notifications. It seems your webmaster's outgoing mail to multiple recipients has not been sent since Saturday 21/10/23 as TalkTalk changed the account settings after your webmaster changed ISP to Gigaclear full fibre despite paying TalkTalk £50pa for continuing email service on my existing email account. Your webmaster will be writing them a stiff letter but in the meantime using iCloud which has no problem with multiple recipients.
Timetable 28/10/23-2/11/23
Click on the image to enlarge. Image copyright F&WHR.
Loco roster 28/10/23-2/11/23
The last week of this season's scheduled
passenger services will see six steam locos working on the F&WHR.
On the FR: JAMES SPOONER, DAVID LLOYD GEORGE,
Lyd and Blanche will be in action during the week.
▪ JAMES SPOONER and Lyd will work alternate days on
the Woodland Wanderer to Tan-y-Bwlch.
▪ DAVID LLOYD GEORGE will be in charge of the Mountain
Spirit to Blaenau Ffestiniog.
▪ Blanche will once again be hauling The Quarryman
starting from Blaenau Ffestiniog.
Services on the WHR will be hauled by NG/G16s
Nos.87/130.
▪ No.87 will cover trains starting from Caernarfon i.e. the
Snowdonia Star/the Gelert Explorer.
▪ No.130 will work trains starting from Porthmadog i.e. The
Harbourmaster/The Aberglaslyn.
--------------------------------------------------
NOTE: This information is provided in good faith, solely as a guide, but could
be subject to change at any time.
F&WHR 27/10/23
Friday was forecast to be a cloudy day with temperatures of 10-12C. Friday's train service was for two FR trains and NONE on the WHR. JAMES SPOONER was allocated to the Woodland Wanderer for its two runs today, the first in public service for this new double Fairlie loco.
The Woodland Wanderer departed at 11:10 as booked and attracted some onlookers along the way, operating without its cab sheet.
This westerly view (27/10/23) shows JAMES SPOONER passing Minffordd on the first train of 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 webcam.
The train passed Minffordd at 13:13 upon its return. During the lunchtime break the loco was lined up with the other two double Fairlies at Porthmadog.
This westerly view (27/10/23) shows JAMES SPOONER with MERDDIN EMRYS and DAVID LLOYD GEORGE behind at Porthmadog Harbour station carriage sidings. 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.
This westerly view (27/10/23) shows MERDDIN EMRYS, DAVID LLOYD GEORGE and JAMES SPOONER at Porthmadog Harbour station carriage sidings lined up from oldest to youngest. 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.
At 14:32 Upnor Castle arrived at Minffordd from Porthmadog with a PW train and propelled it into the yard four minutes later with FR Mess coach No.1111, which has not been seen for a while, on the rear. The light engine emerged from the yard at 14:54 and returned to Boston Lodge light engine after passing JAMES SPOONER on its second outing on the Woodland Wanderer in Minffordd loop.
At the end of the afternoon JAMES SPOONER passed Minffordd at 16:33 on its return before coaling, watering and hauling the ECS back to the depot to conclude the day's activities.
A Year in the Life F&WHR 2023 YouTube taster
This year the F&WHR decided to cut down on the number of DVDs in the set as it is not possible to fit all of the Moving Pictures videos onto a sensible number of disks. They are all on our YouTube channel so can be watched there for free. The Year in the Life 2023 is a two disk set which features the galas and some other highlights of the year including the naming of JAMES SPOONER. The BluRay disk has nearly an hour more material on it as there is more space on the disk. 2023 has been a very exciting year and the F&WHR has done its best to capture it on these discs. This DVD/BluRay represents a reminder of events on The Best Railway in the World in 2023 priced at £20/£25.
Click on the YouTube link to watch 4 minutes 55 seconds of video giving a taste of the F&WHR throughout 2023. This video was published on 27/10/23. It is best viewed at 1080p with Chrome. This video was produced by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional Betamax 4k camcorder.
F&WHR 26/10/23
Thursday was forecast to be a mixed day of showers and sunshine later with temperatures of 10-14C. Thursday's train service was for 5 FR trains, including both Mountain Spirit trains and The Quarryman, and just one on the WHR, Snowdonia Star. This is the last full week of services on the F&WHR as services finish for the main season on Thursday 2/11/23.
MERDDIN EMRYS hauled the 10.45 Mountain Spirit and DAVID LLOYD GEORGE followed with the 11.10 Woodland Wanderer, both departing on time. At 12:49 Blanche passed Minffordd with a well loaded The Quarryman. No.87 had previously arrived at Porthmadog on the Snowdonia Star and was noted having watered and run round shortly after 13:00 and ready to depart on the 14:05 return working in the WHR platform. Blanche had shunted its train clear of the FR platform before the Woodland Wanderer returned at 13:25. At 13:34 the loco propelled its rake out of the station and hauled it back into the sidings to clear the FR platform for the following Mountain Spirit. DLG then went to coal and water ready for the Fairlie swop. The Mountain Spirit arrived in the FR platform at 13:51 and the Fairlie swop occurred with a short 20 minute turnover for this rake. blanche shunted its rake back to the FR platform at 14:45 after the 14:35 Woodland Wanderer had cleared station limits. The Quarryman departed on time at 15:05.
Trains began to return home in the late afternoon. The Harbourmaster did not run today so that just left the two FR trains to return. At 16:41 MERDDIN EMRYS arrived in Porthmadog in the FR platform and the loco went to coal and water. DLG followed at 17:16 and the Woodland Wanderer departed ECS. The loco detached to fuel and water before rejoining about 20 minutes later to end the day's activities by taking the ECS back to Boston Lodge.
VoR and BMR to merge
The Vale of Rheidol and Brecon Mountain Railway are to merge in 2024. They were previously one railway when the BMR purchased the VoR prom BR in 1988 but split a few years later. Now, following the recent deaths of the owners, they see a benefit in cooperating again.
VoR Press release
The Vale of Rheidol Railway (VoR) is pleased to announce it is in
negotiation for the acquisition of the Brecon Mountain Railway (BMR). This
merger represents an historic milestone for both railways and safeguards the
future of the BMR for future generations to enjoy.
The Vale of Rheidol Railway, has a rich history dating back to 1902. Known for
its breath-taking journeys from the coast at Aberystwyth to Devil’s Bridge in
the Cambrian Mountains it has been continuously operating as a tourist railway
for 120 years carrying visitors from across the globe. It has a unique history
as the last steam railway to be operated by British Rail.
By contrast, the Brecon Mountain Railway is a much newer railway, built by Tony
Hills and his business partner Peter Rampton as a narrow gauge railway using the
track bed of the former Brecon and Merthyr Railway. The line climbs through the
Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park with picturesque views of the
Taf Fechan reservoir. The locomotives and rolling stock give a flavour of
American Narrow gauge railways.
The BMR and VoR have a history of collaboration, with BMR successfully acquiring
the Rheidol line in 1988 when it was put up for sale by British Rail (BR). Both
lines operated under unified management until 1996, at which point a decision
was made to establish them as distinct entities, with Mr. Hills overseeing the
BMR and Mr. Rampton taking charge of the VoR.
In the intervening years both railways have invested significantly in enhancing
their offerings, with BMR extending services to Torpantau and the VoR developing
new workshops, restoring stations and launching new visitor facilities.
Regrettably, Mr. Hills passed away in 2015 and Mr. Rampton in 2019.
This new merger between VoR and BMR will bring a range of benefits to both
railways and their visitors:
• Securing the legacy of both Peter Rampton and Tony Hills
• Investment in enhanced visitor experiences at both railways
• Economical synergies: The merger will allow for shared resources, increased
operational efficiency and cost savings
• Job opportunities: With the expansion of operations, there will be new job
openings and career prospects.
Vale of Rheidol Managing Director Llŷr ap Iolo said. “this proposed acquisition
seems the natural progression for the Vale of Rheidol to carry on the legacy of
both Tony Hills and Peter Rampton. Having worked with them for over 30 years, it
will be a privilege for us to continue Tony’s work with the American two foot
gauge theme of the BMR.
Brecon Mountain Railway Managing Director Matthew Hills said.” Bringing the two
railways back together will not only guarantee the future of BMR but also the
development of the railway. I and my fellow director believe that this is the
best way to secure the future of the railway and my fathers legacy “
The Vale of Rheidol Railway and the Brecon Mountain Railway will continue to
operate as separate entities, each with its unique charm and character. The VoR
is expected to take over BMR operations in Spring 2024.
Also see Rail Advent story.
F&WHR 25/10/23
Wednesday was forecast to be a sunny day with temperatures of 9-12C. Wednesday's train service was for 5 FR trains, including both Mountain Spirit trains and The Quarryman, and three trains on the WHR, consisting of two The Aberglaslyn trains and a Gelert Explorer. This is the last full week of services on the F&WHR.
No.87 was on the 10:15 The Aberglaslyn and was ready to go by 10:00 in the WHR platform. David Lloyd George arrived on the Mountain Spirit at 10:12 into the FR platform and run round came at 10:22.
At 15:30 Upnor Castle was noted leaving Porthmadog with three empty B wagons to collect coal from Minffordd where it arrived at 15:46 before reversing into the yard.
At 16:43 DLG arrived at Porthmadog with the Woodland Wanderer and the Garratt departed with the ECS from The Aberglaslyn for the depot a minute or two later.
The last movement of the day was the Mountain Spirit which MERDDIN EMRYS ran round at 17:43 before departing with the ECS for the depot a couple of minutes later.
Bowsider Carriage No.18 rejoins fleet
Original FR Carriage No.18 is one of the first pair of
carriages (the other is No.17) in the group collectively known as
the "Bowsiders" because of the shape of their sides. These carriages were
supplied to the Festiniog Railway by two builders in 1876 and 1879.
Built by Brown, Marshalls and Co. Ltd. Carriage No.18 quietly went
back into service in the Victorian set a few days before the naming on 20/10/23 of new build double
Fairlie engine
JAMES SPOONER and took part in the day's
events.
F&WHR 24/10/23
Tuesday was forecast to be a day of sunny periods and temperatures of 7-13C. Tuesday's train service was for 5 FR trains, including both Mountain Spirit and The Quarryman, and the two through trains on the WHR. This is the last full week of services on the F&WHR. At 08:56 Harlech Castle emerged from Minffordd yard with BZ2004 and Mess Car No.111 continuing towards Tan-y-bwlch at 08:58. At 09:02 Upnor Castle was noted emerging from the yard and departing Minffordd at 09:08 light engine for Porthmadog.
The first trains today were MERDDIN EMRYS on the Mountain Spirit and DAVID LLOYD GEORGE on the 11:10 Woodland Wanderer. DLG had to wait 5 minutes for the 10:45 to depart too complete its run round at 10:51, four minutes after the earlier departure. Vale of Ffestiniog arrived at 12:41 some 15 minutes late with a shortened Snowdonia Star consisting of 6 coaches and the Pullman observation car on the rear. The loco ran round and coupled up 10 minutes later.
At 13:00 Blanche was running round having recently arrived with The Quarryman which was then shunted to the yard to clear the FR platform for the later arrivals. The Fairlie swop took place at lunchtime.
In the late afternoon trains started returning and The Harbourmaster must have arrived after 16:25 as the WHR platform was empty at its due arrival time. The Woodland Wanderer passed Minffordd at 16:34 followed by DLG on the Mountain Spirit at 17:02 which was noted departing the WHR platform at Porthmadog ECS for the depot at 17:38 after coaling and watering to close the day's activities.
Lyd mystery
Lyd was due to double head the Snowdonia Star with Vale of Ffestiniog on 24/10/23 in the absence of Garratt No.130 which was probably having a preventative maintenance day off. A 'PW incident' prevented Lyd from getting to Dinas light engine presumably on Monday so the Tuesday Snowdonia Star was planned to be single headed by the Funkey, presumably with a reduced load unless supported on the return journey for the 1 in 40 in the Beddgelert Forest. The PW incident may have been a fallen tree as Upnor Castle was noted heading from Minffordd to Porthmadog with two cherrypickers on Monday and presumably went onto the WHR to deal with a problem.
Free family tour of Boston Lodge this Saturday Morning!
This Saturday, the F&WHR will be running free Family Tours around our Boston
Lodge Works. Why not come along and learn about the rich and exciting history of
this historic site, where locomotives and carriages have been built and
maintained for 200 years!
The afternoon tour is now full, but there are still spaces on the morning tour
at 11:00.
Tours will include a short train journey to & from the works, from Porthmadog
Harbour Station.
⚠Please note: these tours will be for families with children aged 10 years or
older, and there must be 1 adult for every 2 children.
To book your place, please email
interpretation@ffwhr.com
with the following details:
▪Date: 28/10/23
▪Time: 11:00
▪Your name
▪Number of adults
▪Number of children aged above 10 years
▪Contact number
ℹThese tours will be to help the NLHF Interpretation & Boston Lodge Project team
develop the new public tours, starting in 2024. Participants will be asked to
evaluate the tours at the end.
Autumn splendour
The glorious weather and splendid scenery is
encouraging visitors to enjoy the autumn colours on the two railways and tasty
treats from Spooner's as they relax on the Beer Terrace and watch the trains
come and go.
There are only nine more days left before our Autumn train services finish -
with 2/11/23 being the last day of the season. Come along and enjoy the sights
and sounds of a steam-hauled scenic journey into the mountains. This is a great
time to visit and the F&WHR would love to see you here before the season ends!
Check out the train services and book your tickets online @
festrail.co.uk/trains
F&WHR 23/10/23
Monday was forecast to be a day of sunny periods and temperatures of 10-14C. Monday's train service was for 4 FR trains, including both Mountain Spirit but NONE on the WHR. This is the last full week of services on the F&WHR. At 09:36 Upnor Castle emerged from Minffordd yard with a works train. At 09:45 the diesel ran the works train in the station loop before setting off at 09:45 towards Porthmadog with van No.51, the well wagon No.62 with the shredder, both cherrypickers and B1680 to carry the larger cuttings.
The first passenger train was already in the FR platform at 10:20 but the run round had not occurred. At 10:42 MERDDIN EMRYS was running round the Woodland Wanderer minutes before DAVID LLOYD GEORGE departed with the 10:45 Mountain Spirit.
The Fairlie swop occurred at lunchtime after DLG passed Minffordd at 13:35 with the return Mountain Spirit. MERDDIN EMRYS headed out with the 14:10 Mountain Spirit, passing Minffordd at 14:20. DLG passed Minffordd with the afternoon Woodland Wanderer at 14:43.
The works train arrived back at Minffordd at 16:09 and at 16:17 Upnor Castle reversed its rake into the yard. Towards the end of the afternoon the Mountain Spirit rake was stabled in the FR platform at 17:20 awaiting MERDDIN EMRYS coaling and watering. The run round came at 17:27 and the train departed ECS at 17:30 to close the day's activities.
Loco roster 21-27/10/23
JAMES SPOONER
is rostered for the following duties this week:
PRIVATE TRAIN - Saturday 21/10/23
for Gigabash Volunteers:
• 18:15 - Porthmadog to Tan-y-Bwlch - 18:50
• 21:00 - Tan-y-Bwlch to Porthmadog - 21:35
FIRST SCHEDULED SERVICE 27/10/23
Woodland Wanderer - Porthmadog to Tan-y-Bwlch return
• 11:10 on Friday
• 14:35 on Friday
MERDDIN EMRYS
is rostered for the following duties this week:
Mountain Spirit - Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog return
• 10:45 on Tues and Thursday
• 14:10 on Mon and Wednesday
Woodland Wanderer - Porthmadog to Tan-y-Bwlch return
• 11:10 on Mon and Wednesday
• 14:35 on Tues and Thursday
DAVID LLOYD GEORGE
is rostered for the following duties this week:
Mountain Spirit - Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog return
• 10:45 on Sat, Sun, Mon and Wednesday
• 14:10 on Tues and Thursday
Woodland Wanderer - Porthmadog to Tan-y-Bwlch return
• 11:10 on Tues and Thursday
• 14:35 on Mon and Wednesday
LYD
is rostered for the following duties this week:
Woodland Wanderer - Porthmadog to Tan-y-Bwlch return
• 11:10 on Saturday and Sunday
• 14:35 on Saturday and Sunday
Snowdonia Star - Caernarfon to Porthmadog return
(Double-headed with Vale of Ffestiniog
• 10:10 on Tuesday
UPDATE: Tuesday's Snowdonia Star service will now be diesel-hauled only, as
unexpected P-Way maintenance work will prevent Lyd being moved to Caernarfon
as originally planned.
BLANCHE
is rostered for the following duties this week:
The Quarryman - Blaenau Ffestiniog to Porthmadog return
• 11:40 - Sat, Tues, Wed and Thursday
NG/G16 No.87
is rostered for the following duties this week:
SATURDAY:
• 10:05 - The Harbourmaster - Porthmadog to Caernarfon return
TUESDAY:
• 10:05 - The Harbourmaster - Porthmadog to Caernarfon return
WEDNESDAY:
• 10:15 - The Aberglaslyn - Porthmadog to Beddgelert return
• 13:40 - The Aberglaslyn - Porthmadog to Beddgelert
• 14:30 - Gelert Explorer - Beddgelert to Caernarfon
THURSDAY:
• 10:10 - Snowdonia Star - Caernarfon to Porthmadog return
NG/G16 No.130
is rostered for the following duties this week:
SATURDAY:
• 10:10 - Snowdonia Star - Caernarfon to Porthmadog return
SUNDAY:
• 11:30 - Gelert Explorer - Caernarfon to Beddgelert return
WEDNESDAY:
• 11:30 - Gelert Explorer - Caernarfon to Beddgelert
• 15:40 - The Aberglaslyn - Beddgelert to Porthmadog
VALE OF FFESTINIOG
is rostered for the following duties this week:
TUESDAY:
• 10:10 - Snowdonia Star - Caernarfon to Porthmadog return
(Double-headed with Lyd)
UPDATE: Tuesday's Snowdonia Star service will now be diesel-hauled only, as
unexpected P-Way maintenance work will prevent Lyd being moved to Caernarfon
as originally planned.
F&WHR 22/10/23
Sunday was forecast to be a day of sunny periods and temperatures of 9-13C. Sunday's train service was for 3 FR trains, including the morning Mountain Spirit with just the Gelert Explorer on the WHR. Many other railways Halloween or Bonfire Night specials so it is a little surprising that there are no such services on the F&WHR with the timetable finishing on 2/11/23. Upnor Castle was noted shunting light engine in the yard at 09:56 while steam was being raised at Boston Lodge. The loco sought refuge in the seawall siding as ECS trains arriving from Boston Lodge for the day's passenger services. A number of staff were busy tidying Porthmadog platform from 09:00, probably the same team that had been gardening at Minffordd yesterday.
The ECS for the 10:45 Mountain Spirit arrived at 10:07 but DAVID LLOYD GEORGE did not run round until 10:24 suggesting it had coaled and watered. Lyd turned up with the ECS for the 11:10 Woodland Wanderer at 10:42 with just enough time to run round before the 10:45 Mountain Spirit departed. At 11:00 Upnor Castle reappeared in the seawall siding with the well wagon and a scaffolding tower. At 1:06 the diesel shunted to the signal box and then back into the FR platform possibly to maintain the platform canopy. At 11:39, the diesel was noted returning to Boston Lodge.
At 14:14 the Mountain Spirit departed ECS for the depot as volunteers continued to clean the platform lamp standards. Lyd set off with the 14:35 Woodland Wanderer a few minutes late with good condensation, passing Minffordd at 16:59 on the return working almost half an hour late. Lyd ran round at 17:17 and departed with the ECS at 17:22 to close the day in sunshine.
JAMES SPOONER enters passenger service 27/10/23
The F&WHR are pleased to confirm
that JAMES SPOONER will be entering public service on Friday
27/10/23, when the new loco will haul both of that day's Woodland Wanderer
trains to Tan-y-Bwlch.
JAMES SPOONER will also complete two trips to Tan-y-Bwlch with the
Woodland Wanderer service on Sunday 29/10/23and Tuesday 31/10/23,
plus Thursday 2/11/23.
Come along and make the most of the Autumn Half-Term break - the Tea-Room at
Tan-y-Bwlch will be open, the scenery is magnificent, the autumnal colours are
beginning to cover the hills and woodland - and there's a brand-new locomotive
to ride behind.
Further information on the Woodland Wanderer service and online
booking for tickets is available. Click on
https://www.festrail.co.uk/woodland-wanderer/ to book.
Locals' discount continues until 31/10/23
The local residents' 50% discount continues to be available on certain trains (see below) until 31/10/23 but it appears that the final trains of the season on 1-2/11/23 do not qualify.
Timetable 21/10/23-27/10/23
Click on the image to enlarge. Image copyright F&WHR.
F&WHR 21/10/23
Saturday was forecast to be a day of sunny periods and temperatures of 8-12C. Saturday's train service was for 4 FR trains, including the morning Mountain Spirit and The Quarryman with the two through trains on the WHR. This is the last full week of the timetable with next week's timetable finishing with the end of the season on Thursday 2/11/23 with no Halloween or Bonfire Night specials.
DAVID LLOYD GEORGE departed with the 10:45 Mountain Spirit. At 10:50 Lyd was on the Woodland Wanderer in the WHR platform and a diesel (possibly Upnor Castle) was shunting the yard (probably after helping with ECS moves). The loco may have departed for Boston Lodge light engine. Upnor Castle arrived light engine in the WHR platform from Boston Lodge at 11:17 and progressed onto the WHR a minute later towards Pen-y-Mount junction. The loco returned light engine at 12:02 and was noted shunting the yard at 12:15 before departing light engine for Boston Lodge. Lighting units on the Porthmadog platform were being maintained today.
No.130 arrived at 12:26 with the Snowdonia Star with the loco detaching and running to the yard to water after Upnor Castle arrived with the curly roofed van at 12:30. Blanche arrived with The Quarryman and at 12:56 it had run round and was shunting the rake to the yard to clear the FR platform for the arrival of the returning Woodland Wanderer. Meanwhile No.130 had also run round and coupled up ready for its return journey. In the afternoon there was no Mountain Spirit so Lyd stuck with the Woodland Wanderer, passing Minffordd at 14:45 while the Fairlie returned to the depot with the ECS.
Upnor Castle was noted departing the yard again light engine at 16:20 heading to Boston Lodge. No.87 arrived back at Porthmadog at 16:38 and headed with the ECS The Harbourmaster back to the depot several minutes later. Blanche followed at 15:15 returning The Quarryman to Blaenau Ffestiniog. Lyd passed Minffordd at 16:35 on the return Woodland Wanderer to close the day's activities.
JAMES SPOONER launch 20/10/23
During a special ceremony at Blaenau Ffestiniog station on 20/10/23,
JAMES SPOONER was officially named.
The train of invited guests had travelled from Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog
- passing a timeline of F&WHR locos at Harbour Station, DAVID LLOYD GEORGE
and 1920s/30s carriages at Tan-y-Bwlch and arriving alongside MERDDIN
EMRYS and the FR Victorian Train at Blaenau Ffestiniog.
The train was greeted by a choir from local schools Ysgol Maenofferen and Ysgol
Y Moelwyn sheltering from the inclement weather under the station canopy.
Disembarking from the train, guests assembled under the canopy, where the formal
part of the event got underway under the guidance of Master of Ceremonies, Dr
David Gwyn.
F&WHR Chairman, Dr John Prideaux welcomed the guests and gave an introduction to
the new loco - followed by Jon Whalley, Chief Mechanical Engineer, explaining
some of the more technical elements of the design and construction.
Children from Ysgol Maenofferen then performed a traditional Welsh song - before
the unveiling of the nameplate by Liz Saville-Roberts MP and one of the
schoolchildren from Ysgol Maenofferen.
Following the unveiling, a special presentation of a replica nameplate was made
to Sam Miller, who had played a large part in the earlier stages of this
project.
Dr David Gwyn then drew matters to a close with a formal word of thanks.
With the formalities over, there was opportunity for a few photographs before
everyone boarded the train for the return trip to Porthmadog.
Click on the YouTube link to watch 13 minutes 33 seconds of video covering the naming of the new JAMES SPOONER and associated train movements on 20/10/23. This video was published on 20/10/23. It is best viewed at 1080p with Chrome. This video was produced by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional Betamax 4k camcorder.
F&WHR 20/10/23
Friday's weather forecast for Porthmadog was for heavy rain for much of the day and increasingly stormy conditions. A travel advisory was put out. There were no advertised public trains as three trains were run for invited guests for the JAMES SPOONER naming ceremony in Blaenau Ffestiniog in the afternoon.
This northerly view (10/23) shows JAMES SPOONER at Boston Lodge carrying No.8 as its allocated fleet identity. The loco was named by local MP Liz Saville-Roberts. 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 11:00 on a very wet Porthmadog Day JAMES SPOONER was noted on the Mountain Spirit set in the FR platform with Welsh Pony in the yard to compare similar paint schemes and Moelwyn for shunting duties. At 11:05 a steam loco was noted heading directly from Boston Lodge towards Blaenau Ffestiniog. MERDDIN EMRYS was noted passing Minffordd at 10:54 with the Victorian set consisting of four 4-wheelers, four bowsiders and the curly roofed van. JAMES SPOONER departed Porthmadog with the 10 coach rake at 11:32, passing Minffordd at 11.42 with a cab sheet to protect the footplate staff from the rain. Departure was delayed as DAVID LLOYD GEORGE with the Col. Stephens set was still in Tan-y-bwlch platform awaiting the token for Tan-y-grisiau. After a while the new Fairlie was allowed to proceed to Rhiw Goch loop. At 11:55 DLG ran round its train and 10 minutes later shunted its train to the DOWN (westbound) line leading the platform free for JAMES SPOONER and its special working. The train was to stable there for the VIPs to view as they pass. The special arrived at 12:12.
This easterly view (20/10/23) shows DLG arriving with the Col. Stephens set at Tan-y-bwlch. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright James Waite and was taken on a digital camera.
This westerly view (20/10/23) shows DLG shunting the Col Stephens set clear of the UP platform. 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.
This easterly view (20/10/23) shows JAMES SPOONER arriving with the Col. Stephens set at Tan-y-bwlch. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright James Waite and was taken on a digital camera.
Meanwhile down at Porthmadog a grand cavalcade of locos was made up with a Garratt, Caernarfon Castle, Welsh Pony, Moelwyn , Lilla and Lyd. At 12:20 these were dragged towards Boston Lodge by the Garratt.
This westerly view (20/10/23) shows No.143 hauling the several locos back to the depot. 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 12:25 JAMES SPOONER and its VIP special departed for Blaenau Ffestiniog. ten minutes later DAVID LLOYD GEORGE with the Col. Stephens set shunted to the UP (eastbound) line to stable until it follows JAMES SPOONER and the VIP set back to Porthmadog. At 14:46 JAMES SPOONER arrived back at Tan-y-bwlch from the naming ceremony, now adorned with nameplates and worksplates. The train departed for Porthmadog at 14:55, departing just 3 minutes later. The train passed Minffordd at 15:17 still with no cab sheet. At 15:30 MERDDIN EMRYS ands the Victorian train were back at Tan-y-bwlch to follow DLG and the Col Stephens set which had left a little earlier and passed through Minffordd at 15:44. JAMES SPOONER had run round by 15:54 and departed ECS at 15:58. MERDDIN EMRYS was noted passing Minffordd at 16:08 with the Victorian set to close the day's activities.
F&WHR 19/10/23
Thursday's weather forecast for Porthmadog was for a breezy day of sunny periods with showers in the evening and temperatures of 13-18C. Thursday's service pattern was for five trains on the FR, including The Quarryman and just ONE on the WHR, the Snowdonia Star.
At 10:45 both the 10:45 Mountain Spirit and 11:10 Woodland Wanderer were ready to depart with their Fairlies coupled to the front. DAVID LLOYD GEORGE was on the first with MERDDIN EMRYS following 25 minutes later.
The lunchtime rush saw No.130 arrive with the Snowdonia Star at 12:29 with the loco immediately uncoupling and running to the yard to water. Blanche arrived at about 12:55 with The Quarryman and then quickly ran round to shunt its rake to the yard to clear the FR platform for subsequent arrivals. No.130 ran round its train at about the same time. DLG arrived next with the returning Woodland Wanderer and after propelling its rake out of the platform and back into the yard, it ran to fuel and water. Emerging some 20 minutes later, it stood by the signal box ready to do the Fairlie swop when Merddin Emrys rolled in with the Mountain Spirit due its tight layover.
At the end of the afternoon train returned to their originating stations and 16:36 DLG passed through Minffordd with the returning Woodland Wanderer. This was followed by MERDDIN EMRYS on the Mountain Spirit at 16:59 to close the day's activities.
NLHF Boston Lodge update October
Click on the YouTube link to watch 7 minutes 36 seconds of video covering the latest progress with the restoration of Boston Lodge and the new small Loco Shed. This video was published on 19/10/23. It is best viewed at 1080p with Chrome. This video was produced by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional Betamax 4k camcorder.
F&WHR 18/10/23
Wednesday's weather forecast for Porthmadog was for a breezy day of increasingly wet weather due to Storm Babet with temperatures of 12-14C. Wednesday's service pattern was for five trains on the FR, including The Quarryman and the three on the WHR, with two The Aberglaslyn trains and a Gelert Explorer.
At 10:00 No.130 was in the WHR platform with The Aberglaslyn and at 10:04 DAVID LLOYD GEORGE arrived with the ECS for the 10:45 Mountain Spirit. MERDDIN EMRYS arrived with the Woodland Wanderer at 10:30 and commenced its run round while DLG was already in place and ready to go.
Blanche passed Minffordd on The Quarryman at 12:39. At 13:46 DLG arrived back in the WHR platform with the Mountain spirit. MERDDIN EMRYS ran round from the yard to couple up as DLG ran round to complete the Fairlie swop. DLG ran to the yard to coal and water after MERDDIN EMRYS had coupled up. At 14.20 DLG ran round the Woodland Wanderer.
At 15:32 Moel-yr-hydd and Criccieth Castle propelled DZ1424 into Minffordd loop from the west and the hauled it into the yard two minutes later. DLG passes Minffordd at 16:32 with the returning Woodland Wanderer followed by MERDDIN EMRYS at 17:27 on the return Mountain Spirit to close the day's activities.
JAMES SPOONER naming ceremony Friday 20/10/23
This Boston Lodge view (7/10/23) shows James Spooner being prepared for demonstration duty during the Bygones Gala. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright Michael Davies and was taken on a digital camera.
Keen followers of Facebook may well have already spotted references to
the planned naming ceremony for the F&WHR's new locomotive - Double Fairlie JAMES SPOONER.
This will take place at Blaenau Ffestiniog station on Friday,
20/10/23.
The F&WHR realise that there will be many people who had hoped to join us for the
event. However, due to the limitations of the platform layout, and a need to
accommodate 150 invited guests, a choir, the lectern etc., this will be a PRIVATE
ceremony, with NO ACCESS to the Ffestiniog Railway platforms for the general
public (but the NR platforms will be open obviously).
While access at Blaenau Ffestiniog is restricted to the invited guests, there
will be other opportunities to see and photograph the series of special trains
running in support of the occasion. Below is a basic 'timeline' guide to train
movements during the day. You are welcome to take advantage of this information
to capture your own memories of the day at other locations around the FR.
----------------------------------------
▪ 10:45 - MERDDIN EMRYS and Victorian Set depart Boston Lodge/Pen Cob heading
for Blaenau Ffestiniog (arr. 11:55).
▪ MERDDIN EMRYS will run round and shunt its train to Platform 2 - remaining on
display there for the ceremony.
▪ 11:10 - DAVID LLOYD GEORGE and Col. Stephens Set depart Boston Lodge/Pen Cob
heading for Tan-y-Bwlch (arr. 11:40)
DAVID LLOYD GEORGE will run round and shunt its train to the Down Line -
stabled on display there for the passing VIPs to see. After the VIP train has
left Tan-y-Bwlch (12:15), DLG will move its carriages to the UP Line and remain
there until after the naming ceremony.
▪ 11:30 - JAMES SPOONER departs Harbour Station with the FR's main passenger
set, carrying the invited guests to Blaenau Ffestiniog (arr. 12:45) - passing
DLG at Tan-y-Bwlch around 12:10.
▪ JAMES SPOONER will then run round and position its train so that the two
Double Fairlies are opposite each other, either side of the FR platform.
The invited guests will have gathered under the canopy for the naming ceremony -
complete with a choir of local schoolchildren, official speeches and unveiling
of the new name and worksplates.
After the ceremony, the three trains will make their way back to Porthmadog /
Boston Lodge.
▪ 14:00 - JAMES SPOONER and the VIP train depart Blaenau Ffestiniog for the
journey back to Harbour Station (arr. 15:10) - passing DLG at Tan-y-Bwlch around
14:30.
▪ 14:45 - MERDDIN EMRYS and Victorian Set depart Blaenau Ffestiniog heading for
Boston Lodge/Pen Cob (arr. 15:45).
▪ 14:55 - DAVID LLOYD GEORGE and Col. Stephens Set depart Tan-y-Bwlch heading
for Boston Lodge/Pen Cob (arr. 15:25)
▪ 15:35 - JAMES SPOONER heads back across the Cob from Harbour Station,
returning the ECS to Boston Lodge.
----------------------------------------
As you can see there are opportunities to photograph all three trains at various
locations along the railway. However, please remember - these timings are
supplied in good faith, but may vary on the day.
ℹ The ceremony at Blaenau Ffestiniog will be recorded and photographed by
the F&WHR's
usual team, so that all can share highlights of the day's activities on
Facebook and YouTube, blogs and websites.
F&WHR 17/10/23
Tuesday's weather forecast for Porthmadog was for a breezy day of sunny periods with temperatures of 11-13C. Tuesday's service pattern was for five trains on the FR, including The Quarryman and the two through trains on the WHR. At 09:36 Blanche headed through Minffordd with the ECS for The Quarryman which had been used for the Ffestiniog Travel Special yesterday so was out of position at Boston Lodge rather than Glan-y-pwll.
No.130 was on the 10:05 The Harbourmaster and was already in the WHR at 09:50 ready to go. The ECS for the 10:45 Mountain Spirit arrived at 10:03 in the FR platform hauled by DAVID LLOYD GEORGE. No.130 departed as steam was being raised in Boston Lodge for the Woodland Wanderer. MERDDIN EMRYS arrived with the ECS for the Woodland Wanderer into the WHR platform at 10:15. Both Fairlies had run round by 10:25 and departed on time. The Eryri Snowdonia Observation car blocked the Minffordd Crossing at 09:55 but the train was soon on its way 2 minutes later. MERDDIN EMRYS followed passing at 11:23.
No.87 arrived at Porthmadog at 12:29 into the WHR platform. Caernarfon Castle was in the WHR loop having arrived with a transfer of stock from Dinas. After the Garratt ran to watering in the yard the Funkey shunted the coach onto the front of the Snowdonian Star. This coach probably came from Boston Lodge but it was unusual for the Funkey to be at this end of the WHR. The diesel pulling off two coaches before shunting to the WHR loop again and adding the coach again as Blanche approached with The Quarryman which arrives at 12:48. The Funkey shunted light engine back to the coach in the loop at 12:29 and at 12:52 the coach was shunted into the seawall siding. The whole procedure was designed to replace a coach in the rake that may have developed a wheel flat.
A few minutes later Blanche ran round ready to shunt its rake to the yard and free the FR platform. At 13:01 the Garratt emerged from the yard and ran round its train ready for the 14:05 return working. MERDDIN EMRYS arrived next at 13:18 with the return working of the Woodland Wanderer and soon propelled the rake to the yard to clear the FR platform for the Mountain Spirit's arrival at around 13:45. The Fairlie swop then took place and the Snowdonia Star and Mountain Spirit both left on time. At 14:25 DLG shunted the 14:35 Woodland Wanderer to the FR platform and shortly afterwards at 14:29 Blanche emerged from the yard ready to shunt the 15:05 The Quarryman rake to the FR platform after the Woodland Wanderer had left.
At the end of the afternoon the trains returned to base with DLG passing through Minffordd at 16:34 with the Woodland Wanderer and MERDDIN EMRYS following at 17:01 with the Mountain Spirit to close the day's activities.
WHRS rags appeal
The WHR society is appealing for rags to help keep the Dinas loco fleet clean. They are looking to fill a B wagon with rags. Rags can be deposited at Caernarfon station, Dinas depot or even Boston Lodge depot/Porthmadog station. See WHRSoc appeal.
F&WHR 16/10/23
Monday's weather forecast for Porthmadog was for a sunny day with temperatures of 8-12C. Monday's service pattern was for NO advertised public passenger trains on the F&WHR. However, a Ffestiniog Travel special was booked to run on the FR hauled by Lyd with the following times:
• 10:30 depart Porthmadog - Blaenau Ffestiniog arrive 14:40
• 15:00 depart Blaenau Ffestiniog - Porthmadog arrive 16:50.
The special came to a stop at Minffordd west junction at 10:42 and passed Minffordd at 10:46 with the 7 coach The Quarryman set but lightly loaded with most passengers in the observation car and adjacent coach. The train continued to Blaenau Ffestiniog and was noted stabled at Tan-y-bwlch at 15:00 for an extended stop on returning. Lyd passed through Minffordd at 16:59 and arrived back at Porthmadog at about 17:10. After coaling and watering the loco ran round at 17:27 and departed with the ECS at 17:30 to close the day's activities.
Criccieth Castle update
Criccieth Castle has been out of traffic for a while traffic. It was withdrawn to be refurbished. This week its diesel power unit was having a re-bore. Unlike Harlech Castle, Criccieth Castle is vacuum fitted and sometimes used on lighter passenger workings.
TfW focus on South Wales yet again
In its latest plan to upgrade railways in Wales TfW has focussed on the very south east corner of Wales on the Cardiff-Bristol route. Yet again no money will be invested in North Wales and the opportunity to buy the Nova 3 Class 68 hauled Transpennine fleet, available from December, has been missed again. See details of TfW's plans.
Appeal for images of Bygones Weekend
Your webmaster was unable to attend Bygones Weekend and normally correspondents send a range of photos by email to be included on this webpage. However, this year none have arrived so may I appeal again for images from Bygones Weekend which will appear with due credit. Thanks in anticipation.
F&WHR 15/10/23
Sunday's weather forecast for Porthmadog was for a sunny day with temperatures of 6-11C. Sunday's service pattern was for three FR trains, including the 10:45 Mountain Spirit and just one service on the WHR, the Gelert Explorer. At 09:04 Harlech Castle emerged from Minffordd Yard with a PW train consisting of BZ2004 and Mess Car No.111.
DAVID LLOYD GEORGE on the 10:45 Mountain Spirit which was already to go by 10:40 when Lyd arrived with the ECS for the 11:10 Woodland Wanderer in the WHR platform. Lyd ran round soon after the well loaded Mountain Spirit had departed.
Lyd passed through Minffordd at 13:10 on the return working and DLG followed at 13:46. At 14:35 the Mountain Spirit was back in the WHR platform as Lyd departed on the afternoon Woodland Wanderer. At 14:43 DLG returned to its train in the WHR platform after coaling and watering. The ECS departed at 14:51 for the depot. Harlech Castle and the PW train were stabled in the loop at Tan-y-bwlch at 15:00 waiting for the Woodland Wanderer which arrived at 15:10 before heading back to Minffordd Yard departing at 14:12. At 15:19 Lyd ran round ready for the 16:10 return service.
At the end of the afternoon trains began to return to base and it became obvious that the Minffordd camera needs a clean, At 15:38 Harlech Castle arrived back at Minffordd with its short PW train and ran into the yard. At 16:35 Lyd passed through Minffordd with the returning Woodland Wanderer and arrived in Porthmadog at 16:44. The loco detached and went to coal and water before running round at 16:55 and departing with the ECS at 16:59 to close the day's activities.
End of season approaches
The end of the season comes on 31/10/23 and traffic is beginning to fall away in mid October with light loadings on some trains and some services operating once a day rather than twice. Mondays and Fridays, both judged weak days for traffic by F&WHR management, will have no services from 16/10/23. Closure of passenger services allows a short period for the Winter Major Works Programme to get started before the Santa services. It also allows essential maintenance of rolling stock.
Timetable 14/10/23-20/10/23
Click on the image to enlarge. Image copyright F&WHR.
Loco roster 14-20/10/23
DAVID LLOYD GEORGE
is rostered for the following duties this week:
Mountain Spirit - Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog return
• 10:45 on Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday
• 14:10 on Wednesday
Woodland Wanderer - Porthmadog to Tan-y-Bwlch return
• 11:10 on Wednesday
• 14:35 on Tuesday and Thursday
MERDDIN EMRYS
is rostered for the following duties this week:
Mountain Spirit - Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog return
• 10:45 on Wednesday
• 14:10 on Tuesday and Thursday
Woodland Wanderer - Porthmadog to Tan-y-Bwlch return
• 11:10 on Tuesday and Thursday
• 14:35 on Wednesday
BLANCHE
is rostered for the following duties this week:
The Quarryman - Blaenau Ffestiniog to Porthmadog return
• 11:40 - Saturday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
LYD is rostered for the following duties this week:
Woodland Wanderer - Porthmadog to Tan-y-Bwlch return
• 11:10 on Saturday and Sunday
• 14:35 on Saturday and Sunday
PRIVATE CHARTER - Monday
Ffestiniog Travel: FR - Behind the Scenes Tour with extended stops
during journey
• 10:30 depart Porthmadog - Blaenau Ffestiniog arrive 14:40
• 15:00 depart Blaenau Ffestiniog - Porthmadog arrive 16:50
No.87 is rostered for the following duties this week:
SATURDAY:
• 10:10 - Snowdonia Star - Caernarfon to Porthmadog return
SUNDAY:
• 11:30 - Gelert Explorer - Caernarfon to Beddgelert
TUESDAY:
• 10:10 - Snowdonia Star - Caernarfon to Porthmadog return
WEDNESDAY:
• 11:30 - Gelert Explorer - Caernarfon to Beddgelert
• 15:40 - The Aberglaslyn - Beddgelert to Porthmadog (loco
swop)
No.130 is rostered for the following duties this week:
SATURDAY:
• 10:05 - The Harbourmaster - Porthmadog to Caernarfon return
TUESDAY:
• 10:05 - The Harbourmaster - Porthmadog to Caernarfon return
WEDNESDAY:
• 10:15 - The Aberglaslyn - Porthmadog to Beddgelert return
• 13:40 - The Aberglaslyn - Porthmadog to Beddgelert
• 14:30 - Gelert Explorer - Beddgelert to Caernarfon
THURSDAY:
• 10:10 - Snowdonia Star - Caernarfon to Porthmadog return
F&WHR 14/10/23
Saturday's weather forecast for Porthmadog was for a day of sunshine and showers with temperatures of 5-11C. Saturday's service pattern was for three FR trains, including the 10:45 Mountain Spirit and the two through services on the WHR.
First up was No.130 with the ECS for The Harbourmaster which arrived in the WHR platform at about 09:30 ready for the 10:05 departure. DAVID LLOYD GEORGE passed Minffordd with the Mountain Spirit at 10:55 followed by Lyd with the Woodland Wanderer at 11:20, both on time. Upnor Castle was next arriving in the loop at 12:17 light from Boston Lodge. four minutes later the loco entered the yard. At 12:44 a works train was propelled out of the yard and at 12:51 Upnor Castle hauled the rake towards Porthmadog.
The lunchtime bustle at Porthmadog was due to commence with No.87 on the Snowdonia Star. Lyd was noted returning through Minffordd at 13:13 followed by DLG at 13:35with a 10 coach rake featuring Observation cars each end. This left Porthmadog ECS for the depot as there was no afternoon Mountain Spirit. Lyd passed Minffordd with the afternoon Woodland Wanderer at 14:44.
A surprise was Blanche with The Quarryman rake. This well loaded special working passed Minffordd heading towards Blaenau Ffestiniog at 15:17. No.130 was noted back in Porthmadog at 16:26 with its 8 coach rake and departed ECS for the depot 7 minutes later.
Back at Minffordd Lyd was noted passing almost 20 minutes late at 16:49. The final working of the day was Blanche returning with the special passing Minffordd at 17:43 as the day drew to a close.
F&WHR 13/10/23
Friday's weather forecast for Porthmadog was for an improving rainy day with sunny periods later and temperatures of 7-14C. Friday's service pattern was for two FR trains, including the Woodland Wanderer and no services on the WHR. At 09:40 the KMX tamper/liner headed west from Minffordd with its tool wagon.
Lyd turned up in the FR platform at 10:58 and ran round promptly for the 11:10 departure of the Woodland Wanderer passing Minffordd at 11:20. The loco had run round at Tan-y-bwlch by 12:00 ready for the 12:45 return service.
Lyd arrived back in Porthmadog on time and went to coal and water in the yard. Run round came at 16:52 and the train departed at 16:56 to close the day.
Loco roster 14-20/10/23
This coming week there will be six steam locos on scheduled passenger
services. On the FR: DAVID LLOYD GEORGE, MERDDIN EMRYS,
Lyd and Blanche will be in action on scheduled
services during the week - with Lyd also working a special charter
train on Monday. James Spooner may operate a special train on
Friday after the launch ceremony.
Passenger trains on the WHR will be covered by NG/G16s Nos.87/130.
--------------------------------------------------
NOTE: This information is provided in good faith, solely as a guide, but could
be subject to change at any time.
Christmas Season trains
With the end of the regular train service at the end of October it is time to
look forward to the services offered around Xmas.
A the F&WHR, staff have been busy putting festive plans in place for Christmas
celebrations and just to prove it - XMAS TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE!
SANTA TRAINS FROM CAERNARFON on 9, 10, 16, 17, 22, 23/12/23
Enjoy a festive train ride with Santa and the Elves from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu
and return. Traditional family fun, ever popular with adults and children alike.
Trains run twice a day at 10:00 and 13:40 giving a 2 hour 40 minute ride with a
15 minute break at Rhyd Ddu doing the run round. Standard fares are £25.75 for
adults and children alike and include a complimentary hamper and a present for
each child. Gold fares are £36.75 alike. Fares for children 0-2 years old are
£4.75.
SANTA'S GROTTO IN PORTHMADOG 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.
CHRISTMAS GIFTS
The F&WHR can help with an Xmas present list. The station shops will open on
days when trains are running, offering a wide range of souvenirs, railway items,
books and DVDs. Also available 24/7, from the online shop @
www.festshop.co.uk
CHRISTMAS MARKETS
As well as the shops, there is the Caernarfon Christmas Market - held in
Caernarfon station on St. Helen's Road and in the Old Courthouse on 18/11/23.
There is also the Gwynedd Artisans' Christmas Market held in
Minffordd Station Gweithdy: 24-26/11/23 with a special shuttle train service
from Porthmadog to Minffordd given limited parking at the location.
SEASONAL SNOWDONIA SPECIALS *
Shrug off any Post-Christmas Blues with a scenic trip into Snowdonia. Steam
Trains will be running daily from 28/12/23 to 1/1/24 inclusive as follows.
Ffestiniog Railway - Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog , the Christmas Mountain
Spirit at 10:05 and 13:35 with one return journey possible from Blaenau
Ffestiniog advertised at 11:35 utilising the first train's return working.
Welsh Highland Railway - Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu, the Christmas Cwellyn
at 10:45 and 13:45 with a journey time of 2 hour and 20 minutes including a
short break at Rhyd Ddu for the run round. There may even be snow as there was
for a few days last Christmas! Presumably a return service is possible from Rhyd
Ddu but is not advertised.
Tickets are NOW ON SALE
* Tickets must be booked in advance - please BOOK EARLY to avoid disappointment.
Go to www.festrail.co.uk/christmas/ for further information and to book your
tickets or phone Santa Hotline; 01766 516024.
F&WHR 12/10/23
Thursday's weather forecast for Porthmadog was for a day with of sunny periods light clouds and temperatures of 12-14C. Thursday's service pattern was for four FR trains, including the 10:45 Mountain Spirit and The Quarryman but just one the WHR, the Snowdonia Star. It is unusual to have the Snowdonia Star without the balancing The Harbourmaster but as the end of the season approaches train services become more patchy. The afternoon Mountain Spirit was cancelled leaving space in the timetable for a couple of special workings.
DAVID LLOYD GEORGE was on the 10:45 Mountain Spirit but departure had to wait for Lyd which arrived on the ECS Woodland Wanderer and started its run round at 10:51. Departure came a minute later and the heavily laden rake with observation cars either end arrived at Minffordd at 11:01. The train left for Blaenau Ffestiniog 5 minutes later.
The Garratt pulled into the WHR in sunshine at 12:30 with Caernarfon Castle inside giving assistance on a shortened 7 coach rake. The Garratt ran to the yard to water and the Funkey also detached and appeared to have run to the depot light engine by 12:45. Blanche arrived at 12:57 with The Quarryman before running round 5 minutes later to shunt the rake clear to allow later arrivals. The shunt was complete by 13:12 and the loco detached and ran to coal and water. Meanwhile Vale of Ffestiniog was noted shunting off Boston Lodge at 13:03 and had arrived in the WHR loop line by 13:15 with JAMES SPOONER in tow. The Fairlie detached and shunted to the yard while the Funkey shunted onto the Snowdonia Star and coupled up at 13:25.
This easterly view (12/10/23) shows new-build Double Fairlie JAMES SPOONER at Harbour Station with cab central roof section removed for fine weather. Vale of Ffestiniog is running round the train to assist of the return journey of the Snowdonia Star. 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.
At 13:35 DLG arrived back with the Woodland Wanderer and JAMES SPOONER with centre cab removed was shunting the yard. The Garratt emerged a few minutes later and ran round to couple to the front of the Funkey. It was not immediately clear why the lighter rake required two locos. DLG arrived back at 14:01 with the Mountain Spirit and JAMES SPOONER connected to the rear, still in its un-named state. At 14:11 MERDDIN EMRYS was noted hauling the heritage rake back from Boston Lodge towards the east, passing through Minffordd.
This easterly view (12/10/23) shows MERDDIN EMRYS passing through Minffordd returning the heritage rake to storage at Glan-y-pwll shed after the Bygones Gala. 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 hauled a special working using the 14:10 Mountain Spirit rake and path to Blaenau Ffestiniog giving guests a rare treat of a new loco to haul them. The special hung around at Minffordd from 14:27 to 14:41 awaiting a path. This delayed the Woodland Wanderer that departed 10 minutes late at 14:45 in the hands of Lyd. At 14:55 Blanche shunted The Quarryman back to the platform. The special left Tan-y-bwlch at 15:13, almost half an hour late. the out of course running also impacted the return working of The Quarryman which was due to depart Porthmadog at 15:05. Blanche eventually departed at 15:20, some 15 minutes late to conclude the lunchtime rush.
At the end of the afternoon trains started to return to base. First back was Lyd passing Minffordd at 16:55. This was followed by James Spooner at 17:21 and finally MERDDIN EMRYS with the ECS Heritage rake at 18:00 to close the day's activities.
Bygones Weekend YouTube
Click on the YouTube link to watch 34 minutes 47 seconds of video covering the variety of trains over the 3 days of the Bygones Gala. This video was published on 12/10/23. It is best viewed at 1080p with Chrome. This video was produced by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional Betamax 4k camcorder.
F&WHR 11/10/23
Wednesday's weather forecast for Porthmadog was for an overcast day with heavy rain and temperatures of 9-16C. Wednesday's service pattern was for just one FR train, the 10:45 Mountain Spirit and three on the WHR, two The Aberglaslyn and one Gelert Explorer. The reduced service of the FR might have been to allow for special workings in connection with the Snowdonia /Statesman from Stevenage to Blaenau Ffestiniog. This would usually be met by a special train at Blaenau Ffestiniog with a run to Tan-y-bwlch for a lunch stop and then back to Blaenau Ffestiniog. This did not happen because the Conwy Valley line was closed due to flooding south of Llanrwst and the special was diverted to Holyhead.
No.87 arrived in the WHR at 09:54 to form the 10:15 The Aberglaslyn. At 10:11 Upnor Castle hauled two empty B wagons out of the yard to collect new coal supplies. DAVID LLOYD GEORGE arrived with the 10:45 Mountain Spirit as No.87 departed. The diesel left one minute later for Minffordd where it arrived at 10:28 and shunted into the yard at 10:32 to load the wagons with coal. the loco emerged with wagons loaded with coal at 11:13 and propelled them towards Harbour Station at 11:15. Harlech Castle arrived at Minffordd light engine from Boston Lodge at 12:05 before reversing into the yard at 14:08.
No.87 departed at 13:43 with the afternoon working of The Aberglaslyn as DLG arrived in the FR platform with the return working of the Mountain Spirit. DLG had fuelled, watered and run round by 14:03. The loco later departed with the ECS for the depot at 14:10. The Garratt was due to return at about 16:20 to close the day's activities.
James Spooner naming 20/10/23
This westerly view (8/10/23) shows new-build Double Fairlie JAMES SPOONER at Harbour Station during the recent Bygones Weekend- now with ornate plinths in place for the bell and whistle mounts and cab roof removed for fine weather. The name and works plates will be applied at an official launch ceremony taking place on Friday 20/10/23. 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.
Free Family Tours of Boston Lodge in October
This month, the F&WHR will be hosting two
free Family Tours around Boston Lodge works, where participants can learn about
the rich and exciting history of this historic site, where locomotives and
carriages have been built and maintained for 200 years!
Tours will take place at 11:00 & 14:15 on Saturday, 14/10/23 and Saturday,
28/10/23 and will include a short train journey to and from the works, from
Porthmadog Harbour Station to Boston Lodge Halt.
Please note: these tours will be for families with children aged 10 years or
older, and there must be 1 adult for every 2 children.
To book a place, please email
interpretation@ffwhr.com with the following details:
- Day & time of the tour you wish to attend
- Your name
- Number of adults
- Number of children aged above 10 years
- Contact number
*These tours will be to help the NLHF Interpretation & Boston Lodge Project team
develop the new public tours, starting in 2024. Participants will be asked to
evaluate the tours at the end.
Weekend off line
Website updates did not appear over the weekend and Monday as the internet was off line while the homephone option was added to the Gigaclear's fibre terminal and the telephone number was ported over from TalkTalk. All appears to be working properly by Tuesday morning.
F&WHR 9-10/10/23
Monday's weather forecast for Porthmadog was for an improving day with sunny periods later and temperatures of 12-16C. Monday's service pattern was for just one FR train, the 10:45 Mountain Spirit and NONE on the WHR. Today was the first day after the Bygones Gala so additional ECS trains were likely to sort and tidy away the rolling stock used in the gala.
At 10:10 DAVID LLOYD GEORGE arrived in the FR platform with the ECS for the 10:45 Mountain Spirit. DLG had run round by 10:30 and Upnor Castle had arrived with an ECS rake from the Gala in the WHR platform and run round. The front half of the rake was shunted to the yard and the loco returned to the remainder at 10:40. Once the Fairlie had cleared The Cob the diesel shunted more coaches from the rake leaving the brake van in the WHR platform. The rake was soon joined by the 4 wheel coaches. James Spooner arrived light engine at 11:56 into the FR platform while the yard ground signal received some maintenance.
Tuesday's weather forecast for Porthmadog was for sunny periods later and temperatures of 15-16C. Tuesday's service pattern was for five FR trains, including The Quarryman and two through trains on the WHR. It was likely all the Bygones Gala rakes had been shunted and disposed to sheds Monday.
No.87 departed on time at 10:05 with The Harbourmaster while was running round the Mountain Spirit in the FR platform. The train passed Minffordd about 10 minutes late at 11:04. A track block was noted on the Mineral Line. DAVID LLOYD GEORGE hauled the 11;10 Woodland Wanderer passing thorough Minffordd at 11:28, several minutes late.
As the lunchtime rush began No.130 was noted running round the Snowdonia Star at 13:05 as Blanche ran around the recently arrived The Quarryman. the FR platform was then cleared for the later arrivals. At 13:38 DLG shunted the Woodland Wanderer to the yard to make space for the returning Mountain Spirit. The Fairlie swop took place and MERDDIN EMRYS shunted the Woodland Wanderer back to the platform at 14:15 ready for the 14:35 departure as the 14:10 Mountain Spirit headed off across The Cob. Blanche also emerged from the yard at 14:20 to shunt the 15:05 The Quarryman back to the platform once it was clear. Blanche left on time with the return working of The Quarryman, the last of the lunchtime departures.
At the end of the afternoon trains started to return home and the stopblock on the Mineral Line at Minffordd was removed at 16:07. MERDDIN EMRYS passed Minffordd at 16:35 on the returning Woodland Wanderer followed by DLG at 17:24 running about 30 minutes late with the returning Mountain Spirit to close the day's activities.
Bygones views 8/10/23
This northerly view (8/10/23) shows Lyd being watered at Waunfawr during the Bygones Gala. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright Michael Davies and was taken on a digital camera.
This northerly view (8/10/23) shows Lyd at Beddgelert during the Bygones Gala with the subscribers' train and some welcome sunshine! Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright Michael Davies and was taken on a digital camera.
Bygones YouTube 8/10/23
Thanks to Simon Roberts of Steaming Around Yorkshire Film Productions for permission to feature his YouTube of the Bygones Gala.
Click on the YouTube link to watch 4 minutes 54 seconds of video covering the Bygones Gala on a sunny Sunday 8/10/23. This video was published on 20/10/23. It is best viewed at 1080p with Chrome. This video was produced by Simon Roberts of SAYFILM PRODUCTIONS on a camcorder.
More Bygones images 7/10/23
This westerly view (7/10/23@08:44) shows Lyd heading towards Tan-y-bwlch with an early train the 07:45 from Porthmadog Harbour in Saturday's poor conditions. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright Max Birchenough and was taken on a digital camera.
This easterly view (7/10/23@09:13) shows DAVID LLOYD GEORGE heading towards the Power Station summit with the Up slates which would become the gravity train later. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright Max Birchenough and was taken on a digital camera.
This westerly view (7/10/23@09:41) shows Lilla waits to leave Porthmadog heading towards Tan-y-bwlch with the very well filled 09:05 Vintage Set. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright Max Birchenough and was taken on a digital camera.
This westerly view (7/10/23@16:24) shows James Spooner without nameplates stabled in the seawall siding at Porthmadog. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright Max Birchenough and was taken on a digital camera.
This westerly view (7/10/23@16:45) shows KS4415, James Spooner and DAVID LLOYD GEORGE at Porthmadog . Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright Max Birchenough and was taken on a digital camera.
This northerly view (7/10/23@16:53) shows James Spooner's new complex bell and whistle arrangement with the new premier Inn behind. Some rooms would offer a good view of the station. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright Max Birchenough and was taken on a digital camera.
Heavy traffic forecast for Holyhead
With the announcement of UK and Ireland winning the hosting of UEFA cup competition for 2028 plans must be made for the heavy traffic flows that may pass through Holyhead (and possibly Fishguard) during the competition. It is unlikely that the Tory's North Wales Coast electrification scheme will have even started by then, if ever, but extension of resignalling from Llandudno Junction to Holyhead is just about possible to increase frequency. Additional excursions are likely during the football competition in both directions.
Timetable 7/10/23-13/10/23
Click on the image to enlarge. Image copyright F&WHR.
F&WHR 6/10/23
Friday's weather forecast for Porthmadog was for an overcast day with temperatures of 15-16C. Saturday was forecast to be similar with Sunday the best day for the Gala with light cloud. Friday's service pattern was for two FR Mountain Spirit trains and the two The Aberglaslyn trains on the WHR. Today was the first day of the Bygones Gala so additional trains were scheduled for the FR. The first working noted was a gravity run with The Boat passing Minffordd at 09:20 from Tan-y-bwlch!
At 10:00 No.87 was standing in the WHR platform with the 10:15 The Aberglaslyn and DAVID LLOYD GEORGE was in the FR platform with the retimed 10:15 Mountain Spirit. Blanche and Moelwyn arrived with a rake a 10:07 and worked straight into the station yard.
Switching to Minffordd, the gravity train passed at 10:29 while DLG sheltered in the loop with the Mountain Spirit.
At 10:56 Blanche passed eastbound with a mixed train passing Moelwyn heading west with the heritage rake including the curly roofed van.
At 11:17 Lilla passed eastbound with a heritage freight.
At 11:26 MERDDIN EMRYS and Lyd passed westbound with the bowsiders and bugboxes.
At 12:16 MERDDIN EMRYS passed eastbound with the bugboxes, bowsider and curly roofed van.
At 12:47 Lyd passed eastbound with the vintage rake.
It was a rather dismal afternoon with No.87 waiting on The Aberglaslyn in the WHR platform at 13:50 as the Fairlie arrived with the Mountain Spirit in the FR platform.
Back at Minffordd DLG stopped blocking the crossing briefly as Lilla and the vintage freight crossed in the loop.
At 14:39 Blanche and the mixed train passed eastbound crossing Lyd and the vintage train westbound.
At 15:10 MERDDIN EMRYS passed westbound with bugboxes and bowsiders. It returned eastbound at 16:03.
At 16:33 Blanche hauled a mixed train westbound.
At 17:08 DLG hauled the return Mountain Spirit.
At 17:34 Moelwyn hauled a freight eastbound and returned westbound at 18:12.
At 18:39 MERDDIN EMRYS returned westbound with the bugboxes and bowsiders in dank weather as it started to get dark.
A ceremony was due to be held at 17:55 to name new double Fairlie James Spooner at Harbour Station.
Although weather conditions were poor, any photos of the event would be welcome for publication as your webmaster was unable to attend.
WHHR fiftieth anniversary 5/10/23
On 5/10/73 the WHHR gained access to Beddgelert Siding site, then in overgrown disused condition.
F&WHR 5/10/23
Thursday's weather forecast for Porthmadog was for a day of sunshine and showers and temperatures of 15-16C. Thursday's service pattern was for five FR trains (including The Quarryman) and the two through trains on the WHR. Today was a further day of sorting out stock for the Bygones Gala. At 09:25 James Spooner passed Minffordd light engine heading towards Tan-y-bwlch. It returned west at 10:58 and continued to Porthmadog where it proceeded to shunt stock for much of the afternoon. Meanwhile at 09:46 Upnor Castle arrived at Minffordd light engine from Boston Lodge and shunted into the yard at 09:49.
This westerly view (29/9/23) shows James Spooner on shed at Boston Lodge being prepared for the Bygones Gala 6--8/10/23. The nameplates are covered in plastic as the loco is to be formally named at 17:55 on Friday at Harbour Station. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a webcam.
The first passenger train of the day was the 10:05 The Harbourmaster. DAVID LLOYD GEORGE was noted passing Minffordd at 10:55 on the Mountain Spirit and at 10:58 Upnor Castle propelled the gravity slate train out of the yard. MERDDIN EMRYS passed through Minffordd at 11:20 on the Woodland Wanderer and four minutes later Upnor Castle hauled the slate wagons towards Porthmadog. A works train now appeared from the east and Harlech Castle hurried Mess coach No.111 into the yard with a wagon on the rear.
Blanche passed Minffordd at 12:40 with The Quarryman followed by the returning trains in the hands of MERDDIN EMRYS at 13:10 and DLG at 13:36. The Fairlie swop took place at Porthmadog and MERDDIN EMRYS was noted heading east passing Minffordd at 14:20 on the afternoon Mountain Spirit. DLG passed Minffordd with the Woodland Wanderer at 14:44 and Blanche with the returning The Quarryman at 15:16.
Meanwhile in Porthmadog, 14:35 a mixed rake was standing in the WHR platform with four wheelers and the curly roofed van, bowsiders and even a wagon and brakevan while DLG departed with the afternoon Woodland Wanderer. At 14:45 Blanche shunted the 15:05 The Quarryman rake back into the FR platform. James Spooner was noted shunting in the yard on test. James Spooner coupled up to the Gala rake and shunted it into the yard at 14:56. The new double Fairlie then shunted the rake into new formations in the yard.
At 15:45 Upnor Castle shunted slate wagons to Porthmadog yard and at 15:52 it picked up some of the four wheelers and the curly roofed van and took them back to Boston Lodge. The king and queen points received some servicing as no doubt they would see heavy use over the weekend. James Spooner shunted the remainder of the scratch rake at 15:59 and No.87 arrived back at 16:25 with The Harbourmaster into the WHR platform. the new double Fairlie was shunting the yard light engine at 16:44.but must have left soon afterwards for Boston Lodge. The other Fairlies returned at about 16:45 and 17:15. The Mountain Spirit rake was noted in the WHR platform at 17:20 whilst MERDDIN EMRYS was noted coaling and watering. The ECS departed at 17:39 to close the day's activities.
HS2 cancelled-replacement projects include North Wales Coast electrification!
Tory Prime minister Sunak cancelled HS2 Birmingham to Manchester leg on 4/10/23 and gave a list of schemes that will replace it including North Wales Coast electrification and a few 'Rolling Back Beeching' schemes. Cynical commentators suggest this is kicking investment into the long grass as there has been practically no work done on the North Wales Coast Electrification Project in recent years and it may take up to 10 years before completion, even if it survives a change of government. For example it is uncertain if both Chester-Crewe and Chester-Manchester (via Warrington) will both be electrified. About the only thing that is 'ready to go' is the Pothole Fund for road resurfacing. Many of the Tory's schemes may not survive a possible change of government with a General Election due in at most 16 months.
Cambrian Heritage Railways is pleased to hear that Gobowen-Oswestry will be reopened but how long will the planning take before there are actual boots on the ground given the difficulty of crossing the A5? See all the Government proposals in the Network North document for full details. Local Liberal Democrat MP for North Shropshire Helen Morgan, who has campaigned strongly for the rail link, has welcomed the announcement to reopen the line.
F&WHR 4/10/23
Wednesday's weather forecast for Porthmadog was for a day of light cloud and temperatures of 15-16C. Wednesday's service pattern was for five FR trains (including The Quarryman) and the two trains on the WHR (one The Aberglaslyn and the Gelert Explorer). Some preparations for the Gala started at 09:15 with Vale of Ffestiniog arriving from Boston Lodge hauling a 4 coach ECS rake (Nos. 102/14/105/106) and Upnor Castle and DZ1424 on the rear. Upnor Castle uncoupled and shunted back a short distance towards Boston Lodge before the Funkey ran round and Upnor ran into the loop with the wagon at 09:24 and shunted back into the yard. At 09:40 the Funkey departed with the short rake back towards Porthmadog. At 10:00 Upnor Castle propelled a rake of several heritage wagons and the Boat wagon out of the yard. the train headed towards Porthmadog at 10:07.
This westerly view (2/10/23) shows Upnor Castle propelling heritage wagons out of Minffordd yard ready for use on special trains during the Bygones Gala 6--8/10/23. The Boat is at the front of the trains and might feature in the Gala if there is sufficient wind over the weekend! Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a webcam.
No.87 arrived at 09:39 into the WHR platform with the ECS The Aberglaslyn. At 09:55 there was a lot of action at Boston Lodge with both steam and Vale of Ffestiniog in action shunting the Carriage Shed. MERDDIN EMRYS arrived into the FR platform at 10:07 with the ECS for the Mountain Spirit. The loco had run round by 10:20. DAVID LLOYD GEORGE was on the 11:10 Woodland Wanderer. At 12:21 Upnor Castle approached Minffordd from Porthmadog with two B wagons into the yard to refill with coal for Porthmadog refuelling point. Three minutes later the wagons were propelled into the yard. The train emerged from the yard propelling the two now loaded B wagons at 13:43 and departed for Porthmadog 9 minutes later.
Blanche hauled The Quarryman past Minffordd at 12:45. The Aberglaslyn was back by 13:15 and departed ECS at 13:25 as only one trip was diagrammed today. Blanche arrived light engine in the yard at 13:38 while DLG was also shunting 5 minutes later to position itself for the Fairlie swop. MERDDIN EMRYS arrived on the return Mountain Spirit at about 13:50. Blanche shunted onto a train in the yard at 13:45. MERDDIN EMRYS arrived at 13:48 with the Mountain Spirit into the WHR platform and MERDDIN EMRYS ran to the yard. DLG passed Minffordd at 14:21 on the Mountain Spirit followed by MERDDIN EMRYS on the Woodland Wanderer at 14:45. Lyd appeared at Minffordd from Porthmadog at 14:59 on the short 4 coach rake seen in the morning. Blanche passed through Minffordd at 15:15 on the return The Quarryman. Lyd ran round at Minffordd at 15:29 with the points being wound over manually and departed for Porthmadog at 15:50
Upnor Castle departed Porthmadog light engine at 1647 after the Woodland Wanderer had returned having deposited its two B wagons of coal. MERDDIN EMRYS ran to the yard to refuel and water at 16:49. DLG passed Minffordd at 17:04 with the Mountain Spirit to close the day's activities.
Bygones Gala Weekend 6-8/10/23
Click on the image to enlarge. Advert copyright F&WHR.
Spooner's Café-Bar will be opening early
across the Bygones Gala weekend, offering a choice of breakfast baps and other
items to get your day on the railway off to a great start.
In addition, the café will be serving the usual range of sandwiches, cakes,
confectionery, hot and cold beverages.
A special menu has been planned for the weekend, together with Carvery and Curry
Night options, so there are plenty of choices available for customers to enjoy.
Spooner's Bar opens daily from 12:00, so customers can enjoy a drink in the beer
garden, together with their food, as they watch the trains come and go during
the day.
----------------------------------------
SPOONER'S CAFÉ
▪ Open for Light Bites, Snacks, sandwiches etc. Friday-Sunday - 07:00-17:00
▪Full Breakfast Menu available 09:00-11:30
SPOONER'S MAIN MEALS
▪BYGONES WEEKEND SPECIALS Friday & Saturday - 12:00-20:00
▪CARVERY Sunday - 12:00-15:00
▪CURRY NIGHT Sunday - 17:00-20:00
SPOONER'S BAR
Friday & Saturday - 12:00-23:00
Sunday - 12:00-22:30
Tan-y-bwlch tea room extended opening
This coming weekend will feature lots of
vintage trains on the FR, running to and through Tan-y-Bwlch Station.
The tan-y-bwlch tea room will be opening earlier (08:00) and closing later
(17:00) than usual to ensure that customers can enjoy their tasty range of
sandwiches, home-made cakes, confectionery, hot and cold beverages - plus hot
meals from our 'Daily Specials' selection.
Come along and visit the tea room. This is a great place to watch the trains
come and go. The weather forecast for the weekend looks great as well!
F&WHR 3/10/23
Tuesday's weather forecast for Porthmadog was for an improving day with sunny periods later and temperatures of 12-16C. Tuesday's service pattern was for five FR trains (including The Quarryman) and the two through trains on the WHR.
The first train today was 10:05 The Harbourmaster hauled by No.130 while DAVID LLOYD GEORGE was running round in the FR platform with the 10:45 Mountain Spirit. MERDDIN EMRYS turned up at 10:38 in the WHR platform with the 11:10 Woodland Wanderer but run round had to await departure of the Mountain Spirit. When DLG had progressed beyond the shunt limit, MERDDIN EMRYS completed the run round. Meanwhile up at Tan-y-bwlch Harlech Castle was on a works train with Mess Coach No.111. DLG passed at Tan-y-bwlch at 10:20 with Harlech Castle still present. MERDDIN EMRYS arrived at Tan-y-bwlch at 11:48 with Harlech Castle departing for Minffordd 2 minutes later. The works train entered Minffordd Yard at 12:23 with the Mess coach and wagon BZ2004 on the rear.
Blanche arrived in the FR platform at 12:55 on The Quarryman and disposed its rake to the yard to clear space form later arrivals. MERDDIN EMRYS followed at 13:20. There had been no sign of the Garratt hauled Snowdonia Star due at Porthmadog at 12:25 and now over an hour late. The train was due to wait in the WHR platform until 14:05 had it arrived on time. The train eventually arrived around 13:40 (some 75 minutes late) with two locos on the front and, it appeared, wagon between them to space out the load on bridges as normal when double heading. This had been diagrammed the day before so was NOT the issue for the extreme lateness! The problem was later identified as an issue with the main steam pipe on one of the locos. The pilot loco No.87 detached and ran directly to the depot with the wagon at 13:50. It was followed by DLG arriving with the Mountain Spirit and running round shortly after. Meanwhile No.143 ran to the yard to water at 13:55 as soon as The Cob was clear.
The Fairlie swop took place and MERDDIN EMRYS left with the Mountain Spirit at 14:10 followed by DLG on the Woodland Wanderer at 14:36. No.143 emerged from the yard at 14:39 and ran round. Blanche dragged its rake out of the yard at 14:42 and propelled it into the FR platform ready for the 15:05 return working of The Quarryman which left on time. There was a rare simultaneous departure with No.143 also leaving on the return Snowdonia Star an hour late. This out of course running would probably mean passing the returning The Harbourmaster at Beddgelert rather than Rhyd Ddu.
At the end of the afternoon No.130 returned a little late with The Harbourmaster and was noted departing ECS at 16:45 just after DLG arrived with the Woodland Wanderer. MERDDIN EMRYS passed Minffordd at 17:06 with the returning Mountain Spirit to close the day's activities.
Cancellation of HS2 could bring bonus for North Wales
With the row about the possible cancellation of HS2 erupting at the Tory Party conference in Manchester, other parties have pointed out that £2 billion of investment could come to North Wales transport schemes as a result under the Barnett Formula. See HS2 bonus story in Wales On-Line. The Tories had labelled HS2 as an 'England & Wales' scheme under Treasury financial rules as it was connected to the North Wales Coast route at Crewe even though no direct train services were ever planned to originate from North Wales and use HS2. With Chiltern said to be in the market for the Transpennine Nova 3 Class 68 hauled fleet of Mk5 coaches, Chiltern maybe looking to dispense with its rakes of plug door fitted Mk3 rakes hauled by Class 68 locos. This could return loco hauled traffic to North Wales with long distance loco hauled trains again on the Holyhead/Llandudno-Manchester/Birmingham International /Cardiff axes and maybe even a TfW North Wales-London service. Anything is better than a wedged Class 150 frequently offered to passengers on the North Wales Coast.
F&WHR 2/10/23
Monday's weather forecast for Porthmadog was for a rainy day with temperatures of 10-15C. Monday's service pattern was for one FR train (the 10:45 Mountain Spirit) but NO trains on the WHR. It seems one reason for the spartan service was to clear the line for test runs by James Spooner which is to be debuted at the F&WHR Gala this weekend from Friday 6/10/23.
DAVID LLOYD GEORGE hauled the 10:45 Woodland Wanderer. The points at the north end of Minffordd were checked and greased at 10:45. The train passed Minffordd on return at 13:30 and the loco was noted running round at Porthmadog at 13:55. The train departed ECS for the depot at 14:10.
At 14:50 new double Fairlie James Spooner was noted shunting Harbour Station yard before departing light engine to close the day's activities.
After a short stop at Pen Cob the loco ran light to Minffordd at 15:00. Several people gathered at Minffordd to watch the test run arrive, a journey tat normally takes 5 minutes. However as the loco had not arrived quarter of an hour later the suspicion was that stop and start tests were taking place on the 1 in 80. Eventually the loco passed light engine at 15:20.
This westerly view (2/10/23) shows James Spooner on a test run through Minffordd at 15:20 in its chocolate livery similar to Welsh Pony. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a webcam.
This westerly view (2/10/23) shows James Spooner on a test run through Minffordd at 15:36 having run through the pointwork at Minffordd. In view of the poor weather the loco operated with its demountable cab roof. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a webcam.
James Spooner launch
Bygones Weekend (6-8/10/23)
will be here soon when brand new double Fairlie JAMES SPOONER
makes its first public appearance at the event - 17:55 on Friday 6t/10/23,
at Harbour Station. Come along and enjoy the moment as part of the weekend of
vintage Ffestiniog Railway trains (and some WHR trains too!)
You can buy your tickets online, along with your Bygones Weekend Event
Guide, with full working timetables, loco and stock diagrams . and
much more. PDF versions of the Guide are sent out in advance, wherever possible,
to help visitors plan their weekend's visit ahead of time.
For tickets and further information, go to
https://www.festrail.co.uk/bygones-weekend/
PLEASE NOTE: The 'NLHF Project Update' tours of Boston Lodge and the 'Nightglow'
Photographic Evening are now fully subscribed but there are plenty of other things to enjoy during the
weekend.
F&WHR 1/10/23
Sunday's weather forecast for Porthmadog was for a day of light cloud with temperatures of 13-17C. Sunday's service pattern was for four FR trains FR trains and 3 trains on the WHR, two The Aberglaslyn and the Gelert Explorer.
MERDDIN EMRYS arrived with the ECS 11:10 Woodland Wanderer just before DAVID LLOYD GEORGE departed with the 10:45 Mountain Spirit so run round in the WHR platform was delayed for a short while until 10:50 when the 10:45 had cleared the shunt limit. DLG paused for a few minutes at Minffordd departing at 11:00.
No.87 arrived in the WHR platform at 12:55 on the returning The Aberglaslyn working. The loco detached and ran to the yard to water shortly afterwards. The loco returned to the train by 13:25 as Lyd appeared in the yard light engine from Boston Lodge and took refuge in the seawall siding. No.87 departed at 13:42 as MERDDIN EMRYS ran round in the FR platform (rather than preparing for the Fairlie swop) and DLG arrived in the WHR platform. At 13:50 Lyd shunted onto the front and DLG mid run round waited for the shunt. Lyd removed the front two coaches and shunted them to the seawall siding presumably as fewer booking had been made is to reduce the train to Lyd's timing load. Lyd coupled up at 14:00 and DLG ran to the yard to fuel and water while Lyd departed at 14:11. At 14:25 DLG departed light engine and at 14:25 MERDDIN EMRYS departed on time with the afternoon Woodland Wanderer to complete the lunchtime activities.
MERDDIN EMRYS returned passing through Minffordd with the Woodland Wanderer at 16:36 and arriving in Porthmadog about 10 minutes later. Lyd was on the Mountain Spirit passing Minffordd at 17:02 to close the day's activities.
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