WHR

News Archive Page

2023

April-May

V4.2 updated 17/8/23

with news to 31/5/23

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

F&WHR 31/5/23

Wednesday 31/5/23 was a sunny day at Porthmadog with temperatures of 9-20C. There were seven FR trains scheduled including both Mountain Spirit trains and four Woodland Wanderer trains for the first time plus The Quarryman. There were four trains again on the WHR including two The Aberglaslyn trains, The Cwellyn, the Gelert Explorer. Scaffolding that had partially covered the Minffordd webcam view was removed today.

Vale of Ffestiniog was noted hauling the 11:10 Woodland Wanderer in place of Blanche. Welsh Pony passed Minffordd at 15:23 with the returning The Quarryman. The Funkey was released from this duty later as the 15:40 Woodland Wanderer did not run. At 16:27 the Funkey hurried through the WHR platform light engine towards Beddgelert.  The 15:40 return The Aberglaslyn had not arrived at 16:20 so this was possibly a rescue mission. Merddin Emrys returned with the third Woodland Wanderer at 16:46 into the FR platform. The loco ran round at 16:56 and set of wit the ECS at 17:00.

The big surprise was Vale of Ffestiniog hauling in the afternoon The Aberglaslyn at 16:59 almost 40 minutes late with no sign of the Garratt! The Garratt had been detached with a problem and shunted off the rake at Pont Croesor. The ECS departed at 17:10 but recovery of the Garratt remained a mystery for a while until No.87 arrived light engine at 17:23 in the WHR platform as the crew appeared to have fixed the issue, believed to be inability to maintain an adequate vacuum so brakes kept dragging. The loco continued to the depot at 17:29.

This easterly view (31/5/23) shows Vale of Ffestiniog light engine in the WHR platform with the driver hurrying to rescue the afternoon working of  The Aberglaslyn after the Garratt had experienced some problem on the return journey at Pont Croesor. Click the image to enlarge. Click again for full size where available. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

No.87 made a loco swop at Beddgelert to return it from Dinas.

• 11:30 - Gelert Explorer - Caernarfon to Beddgelert

• 15:40 - The Aberglaslyn - Beddgelert to Porthmadog

During the day a freight train of PW wagon, B wagons and the SAR brakevan was stabled in the seawall siding at Porthmadog.

This easterly view (31/5/23) shows No.87 arriving light engine in the WHR platform after being substituted by the Funkey earlier in the afternoon on its return journey. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

The afternoon Mountain Spirit was also delayed, finally running into the FR platform at 17:45 behind David Lloyd George, some 35 minutes late. The ECS eventually departed at 18:07, one of the longest shifts for the hard working signaller who was then able to close the box and go home!

F&WHR 30/5/23

Tuesday 30/5/23 was a sunny day at Porthmadog with temperatures of 9-22C. There were six FR trains scheduled including both Mountain Spirit trains and four Woodland Wanderer trains for the first time. Seven trains were booked on the FR including The Quarryman and for the first time four on the WHR including both through trains and two of The Cwellyn trains. This is achieved by moving the first The Cwellyn departure back to 12:00 which permits a second run at 15:15 passing the returning Snowdonia Star at Waunfawr at 15:45. The Minffordd webcam was back in action today although largely obscured by scaffolding. It was possible that the 4 wheeler rake would be returned from the WHHR this week.

The first train noted at Porthmadog was No.130 which arrived about 09:30 with the ECS for the 10:05 The Harbourmaster. David Lloyd George was second with the ECS for the 10:45 Mountain Spirit arriving ECS at 09:53. Merddin Emrys coupled up to the 11:10 Woodland Wanderer in the WHR platform at 10:40 after arriving with the ECS at about 10:30. For a while two Fairlies stood in adjacent platforms waiting to depart up the FR with their trains. The Mountain Spirit left 8 minutes late, presumably waiting for a late booking. The Woodland Wanderer left just 2 minutes late.

At 10:52 Harlech Castle arrived at Tan-y-bwlch from the east with a PW train including the FR Mess car. The train waited in the loop for both east bound trains to clear the section, departing for Minffordd Yard at 12:03 as soon as the Woodland Wanderer had arrived. Meanwhile down at Porthmadog Blanche departed the FR platform at 12:08 with the second Woodland Wanderer. At Tan-y-bwlch Welsh Pony passed through at 12:23 heading for Porthmadog with The Quarryman running over 10 minutes late. Once the train had cleared the shunt limit, Merddin Emrys ran round at 12:29.

Down at Porthmadog No.87 started the busy midday period arriving at 12:33 with the Snowdonia Star. Two minutes later the loco detached and ran to the yard to fuel and water. Meanwhile up at Tan-y-bwlch the Fairlie propelled the train to the east shunt limit at 12:35 and ran back into the westbound platform to clear the Eastbound platform for the arrival of the second Woodland Wanderer.

The Garratt returned to its train at 12:47 and completed the run round at 12:50 so it was ready for the 14:05 return service. The train would stand in the WHR platform for well over an hour. Meanwhile, Blanche seemed to be having problems as the second Woodland Wanderer arrived at tan-y-bwlch over 20 minutes late at 13:02. The Fairlie departed promptly trying to recover its schedule and to clear the platform for the returning Mountain Spirit which arrived just 10 minutes behind at 13:12.

Down at Porthmadog Welsh Pony ran round and propelled its train into the yard at 13:20 to make space in the FR platform for the returning Woodland Wanderer which arrived at about 13:40. This was rapidly unloaded and propelled out of the station before being shunted back into the yard by 13:50. This allowed the Mountain Spirit to arrive at 13:59, almost quarter of an hour late. There were now four trains in the Harbour station!

The second Woodland Wanderer left Tan-y-bwlch just before 13:00. Down at Porthmadog Merddin Emrys swapped duties, ran round and coupled to the 14:10 Mountain Spirit just before the return working of the Snowdonia Star departed at on time at 14:05. This was followed by the Fairlie 5 minutes later. By swopping duties this way the two Fairlies do equal mileage turns. Blanche rolled into the WHR platform at 14.33 while the Fairlie was running round in the yard. Blanche uncoupled immediately to run round. At 14:35 David Lloyd George shunted the rake for the Woodland Wanderer into the FR platform whilst Welsh Pony ran round.

The third Woodland Wanderer left at 14:43, some 8 minutes late. Blanche waited in the WHR until the train cleared The Cob section. Once clear of shunt limits the loco ran to the yard to fuel and water. At 14:51 coupled up to extract The Quarryman rake from the yard and shunt it back to the FR platform at 14:57. The Quarryman left on time and as soon it had cleared the section Blanche shunted out to couple up to the fourth Woodland Wanderer at 15:12.

At 15:15 Tan-y-bwlch was subject to a sudden invasion of several sheep that had managed to break through the fencing somewhere. David Lloyd George arrived on the third Woodland Wanderer at 15:21.

At 17:49 the ECS Mountain Spirit rake left the WHR platform for the depot while Blanche was running round with the fourth Woodland Wanderer rake. the ECS departed at 18:01 to close the day's activities.

Baldwin Comes Home YouTube 23/5/23

Click on the YouTube link to watch 2 minutes 27 seconds of video covering the delivery of No.590 to the WHHR, covering Cae Pawb Crossing and Pen-y-Mount. This video was published on 24/5/23 and is best viewed at 1080p with Chrome. This video was produced by Mark Herbert (WHHR) on a digital camcorder.

KS4415 update

Kerr Stuart pioneer diesel loco KS4415 trialled on the WHR and FR in summer 1928 and is being restored at Boston Lodge over an extended period. The project has recently advanced from being a rolling chassis to having the distinctive hood over the engine and a cab fitted. It is hoped the loco will be on display at Porthmadog Harbour Station during the WHR100 event. For more information and images see KS4415 Blogspot updated 24/5/23.

This northerly view (26/5/23) shows No.KS4415 standing in Boston Lodge yard after fitting of the cab and engine compartment cover. It is hoped to complete the loco cosmetically with shutters and paint by the time of WHR100. This image is copyright Rob Bishop (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

F&WHR 29/5/23

Bank Holiday Monday 29/5/23 was a day of sunny periods at Porthmadog with temperatures of 8-18C. There were six FR trains scheduled including both Mountain Spirit trains and four Woodland Wanderer trains for the first time. Meanwhile the WHR had 3 trains booked with both of The Aberglaslyn trains running and the Gelert Explorer. The Cwellyn will operate TWThO for the rest of the Half Term holiday but will be retimed on Tuesday to depart at 12:00.  which will allow a second run at 15:15, which was also not in the early plans for this service (originally TWThO in August). This suggests demand for tickets from Caernarfon has exceeded expectations. Lyd is allocated to haul The Cwellyn trains and Welsh Pony was on The Quarryman.

Yesterday's mystery failure of the afternoon The Aberglaslyn service to return to Porthmadog seems to have been caused by a fire near Nantmor. It seems the train was terminated at Beddgelert and passengers bussed back to Porthmadog. Vale of Ffestiniog departed Porthmadog light engine shortly after 07:30 on Monday with the C2 team assisting. They took lighting up materials and got the loco lit up whilst recovering the rake, arriving back in Porthmadog at 09:30 with the loco. The rake and loco were then hurriedly prepared for the 10:15 The Aberglaslyn service which appeared to leave on time with No.87. Yesterday's haulage, No.130, must have swapped at Beddgelert when the train was terminated there so No.87 was probably cold this morning when recovered.

This northerly view (29/5/23) shows Vale of Ffestiniog recovering No.87 and its train on an early morning run from Beddgelert passing Ynysfor level crossing. The loco was ready for service by the 10:15 departure time from Porthmadog given the help of the C2 Team . This image is copyright C2 Team (F&WHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

At 10:45, Merddin Emrys departed on The Mountain Spirit from the FR platform and David Lloyd George was coupled to the 11:10 Woodland Wanderer in the WHR platform. As the FR was running four Woodland Wanderer trains today, another steam loco was required for the additional rake due to leave at 12:05. Blanche duly turned up with the new rake at 12:30 into the FR platform. Run round came 5 minutes later.

At the end of the afternoon Merddin Emrys ran round the Mountain Spirit in the WHR platform at 17:25 and departed ECS at 17:30 after which the signaller was seen to close the box. This makes it doubtful that the booked 15:30 Woodland Wanderer ran today and no train arrived in Porthmadog at 17:40, its booked return time. The Minffordd webcam failed at 15:36 and, with the rollback features disabled on both the Tan-y-bwlch and Harbour Station webcams, it was impossible to check. These webcams have been very unreliable of late.

Cherrypicker views of Harbour station 26/5/23

Staff maintaining the Porthmadog signals used the cherrypicker to gain an unusual view of trains in Porthmadog Harbour Station on 26/5/23. These views are now available to view on the Friends of the F&WHR Facebook page.

WHHR Monday 29/5/23

No.590 was not on display and a normal service was operated with diesel locos providing the haulage.

No.590 Sunday trips

On Sunday 28/5/23 No.590 made several trips with the FR four-wheeler rake on the WHHR in pleasant sunny weather.

This northerly view (28/5/23) shows No.590 hauling the four wheel rake borrowed from the F&WHR, returning from Pen-y-Mount Halt with the first train of the day at about 11:44, passing Gelert's Farm depot. This image is copyright Andrew Goodwin (WHHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (28/5/23) shows Emma with the skip rake borrowed from the F&WHR. This rake will feature in the WHR100 event in four week's time, representing a WHR construction train. The rake is seen stabled at Gelert's Farm depot. This image is copyright Andrew Goodwin (WHHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This westerly view (28/5/23) shows No.590 at the WHHR's Porthmadog terminus at Tremadog Road waiting for the next departure. A Class 158 (158827 according to TfW) is noted passing on the 11:48 to Pwllheli. This image is copyright Andrew Goodwin (WHHR) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

F&WHR 28/5/23

Sunday 28/5/23 was a sunny day at Porthmadog with temperatures of 10-19C. There were four FR trains scheduled including both Mountain Spirit trains and four trains on the WHR, with both of The Aberglaslyn trains, the Gelert Explorer and The Cwellyn, the latter appearing for the first time this year for the school Half Term holiday week. Initially it was advised this service would TWThO in August. This means two locos must be turned out at Dinas with a Garratt for the Gelert Explorer and a smaller loco for The Cwellyn, a shorter rake which turns back at Rhyd Ddu.

Meanwhile at Porthmadog David Lloyd George was allocated to haul its first passenger service Sunday morning on the 10:45 Mountain Spirit service to Blaenau Ffestiniog, followed by an afternoon run to Tan-y-Bwlch with the 14:35 Woodland Wanderer service. No.130 had been allocated to The Glaslyn and arrived back from the morning duty at 12:58. The loco immediately uncoupled and shunted to the yard to fuel and water. Run round came at 13:15.

Merddin Emrys had been on the morning Woodland Wanderer but was noted running round at 13:40 as The Aberglaslyn departed. David Lloyd George arrived back at 13:45 on the Mountain Spirit. The two Fairlies then swopped duties with Merddin Emrys dropping onto the front of the afternoon Mountain Spirit while David Lloyd George ran to the yard to fuel and water.

The afternoon The Aberglaslyn was not observed returning at 16:20 At the end of the afternoon Merddin Emrys detached from the Mountain Spirit and waited in the WHR loop for the ECS Woodland Wanderer to depart before going to fuel and water at 17:13. The loco came back at 17:22 to complete the run round and departed with the ECS at 17:28 to end the day's activities.

Sunday services on WHHR 28/5/23

There will only be one set in operation on Sunday 28/5/23 with No.590 hauling all trains today. There will be half hourly services from 10:15-12:15 and 13:15-16:15. Normal headline fares will apply with no concessions.

WHHR No.590 launch

Saturday 27/5/23 saw the launch of Baldwin No.590 at Gelert's Farm with a special train for guests and its use on public services later. The day was very successful and the WHR now has two of the three home locos that operated on it between 1923-1936. There is still a chance that a replica single Fairlie Moel Tryfan might be produced as the current Gowrie project seeks to rebuild a short lived PBSSR single Fairlie loco that was sold to the UK Government in 1918 before the opening of the WHR in 1923. Gowrie therefore never saw use on the WHR whereas the single Fairlie Moel Tryfan/Snowdon Ranger amalgamation, running as Moel Tryfan hauled trains on the WHR (and the FR) until 1935! There has been no news on the Gowrie website since last year though a Friends of Gowrie Facebook page has been updated to May 2023 showing ongoing recent progress with this project.

It seems that No.590 has been suffering issues with its airbrake since it arrived from the VoR which have not yet been sorted. This posed issues for the WHHR's two train service on 27/5/23 but the F&WHR came to their rescue and supplied a carriage set, mostly 4-wheelers plus the short brake 3rd (No.10) for No.590 to haul using its vacuum brakes. They were all in Col .Stephen’s green and the train looked prototypical (the rake consisted of Nos.12/3/4/1/10).

This southerly view (27/5/23) shows No.590 being lit up for its big day at Gelert's Farm 07:00. This image is copyright James Waite and was taken on a phone camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (27/5/23) shows No.590 with headboard, shortly after the official launch. Russell stands alongside and would also feature on train services. This image is copyright Andrew Goodwin and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (27/5/23) shows No.590 with headboard, shortly after the official launch. This image is copyright Andrew Goodwin and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (27/5/23) shows No.590 with headboard, hauling the four wheel rake borrowed from the F&WHR and starting its first passenger duty from Gelert's Farm Halt. This image is copyright Andrew Goodwin and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (27/5/23) shows No.590 hauling the four wheel rake borrowed from the F&WHR ready to depart Pen-y-Mount terminus. The exchange platform here has not been extended so at the WHR100 event passengers who wish to change trains from the F&WHR to the WHHR should be in the first three coaches. This image is copyright Andrew Goodwin and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This southerly view (27/5/23) shows Russell hauling the normal WHHR rake into Pen-y-Mount. This view also shows the little used platform 2 at Pen-y-Mount which allows it to claim to be the largest station at Porthmadog with 3 platform faces compared with two at the NR and F&WHR stations. This image is copyright Andrew Goodwin and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

YouTube '950 lives again' 27/5/23

Click on the YouTube link to watch 30 minutes 19 seconds of video covering the arrival and testing of No.590. This video was published on 27/5/23 and is best viewed at 1080p with Chrome. This video was produced by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional 4K Betamax camcorder.

F&WHR 27/5/23

Saturday 27/5/23 was a day of sunny periods at Porthmadog with temperatures of 9-20C. There were four FR trains scheduled including the morning Mountain Spirit and The Quarryman and the two through trains on the WHR.

The first train today was the 10:05 Harbourmaster hauled by No.130. The rake was already in the platform and ready to go at 10:00 and another ECS was on its way over The Cob. Merddin Emrys pulled into the FR platform with the ECS for the 10:45 Mountain Spirit at 10:05 as the Garratt departed. The loco ran round at 10:25 as the ECS for the 11:10 Woodland Wanderer came across The Cob.

Midday marked the start of a busy period at Porthmadog with the arrival of the Snowdonia Star, The Quarryman and the return of the Woodland Wanderer and Mountain Spirit. At 12:30 No.143 detached from the Snowdonia Star and worked into the station yard to fuel and water. At 12:40 David Lloyd George was noted shunting the yard. The Quarryman arrived at 12:51 into the FR platform in the hands of Welsh Pony. At 12:55 No.143 emerged from the yard to couple to the front of the  14:05 return working of the Snowdonia Star. This was followed at 12:57 by Welsh Pony running round and shunting its rake to the yard to clear the FR platform for the return of the Woodland Wanderer. This arrived at 13:20 in the hands Blanche. Blanche propelled its train out past the yard king point and back into the sidings to clear the FR platform for the return of the Mountain Spirit at 13:45. Merddin Emrys arrived with the Mountain Spirit at 13:45 into the FR platform.

David Lloyd George was visible light engine in the WHR platform at 14:37 as Welsh Pony departed from the FR platform on the return leg of The Quarryman.

This easterly view (27/5/23) shows David Lloyd George light engine in the WHR platform while Welsh Pony departs on the returning The Quarryman. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a web camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

No.130 arrived back in the WHR platform at 16:37. At 16:45 Blanche returned with the Woodland Wanderer into the FR platform and ran round at 16:51. A minute later the Garratt left with its ECS for Boston Lodge and Blanche left with its ECS at about 17:05 to close the day's activities.

Timetable 27/5-2/6/23

Click on the timetable to expand. This timetable is copyright F&WHR.

Appeal for No.590 photos

Your webmaster is only now getting back into the car after 2 months lying in a hospital bed so is unable to make the 400 mile round trip to Porthmadog this weekend for the WHHR launch of No.590, despite being keen to do so! If anyone has any photos of No.590 at the event that they would like to share via the website I would be very happy to give them credit for their work.

Corwen station opens Saturday 3/6/23

The Llangollen Railway has produced an advert in the style of old BR adverts for its Corwen opening day.

Click on the advert to enlarge. this advert. This advert is copyright Llangollen Railway.

F&WHR 26/5/23

Friday 26/5/23 was a sunny day at Porthmadog with temperatures of 13-19C. There were just two FR trains scheduled with none on the WHR. A rake of four wheelers was scheduled to be delivered to the WHHR around midday, presumably to test with No.590. The Tan-y-bwlch webcam appears to have lost its 'rollback time' feature leaving the Minffordd webcam as the only one with this feature but that is still obscured by scaffolding.

At 09:52 Harlech Castle turned up in the WHR platform with a short train along with Vale of Ffestiniog on the rear. The train split and the Funkey drew the B wagons with fuel off the rear and propelled them to the fuelling point in the yard. The Funkey reappeared light engine at 10:01 to extract one B wagon from the seawall siding. This was shunted onto other wagons at 10:06. Meanwhile the cherrypicker arm was activated and attention was given to the signals half way along the platform as Blanche approached with the ECS for the Woodland Wanderer. The loco ran round at 10:28 ready for the 11:10 departure. The Funkey reappeared at 10:35 propelling the B wagon out of the yard towards Boston Lodge.

After finishing the work, the cherrypicker rose to maximum height maybe to allow an unusual photo of Blanche departing on the Woodland Wanderer. The cherrypicker was stowed minutes later and the train was propelled to the end of platform signals to resume maintenance at 11:20, then part way along The Cob to maintain the Home signals. The loco and cherrypicker rake was back in the station at 13:07, clearing The Cob section for the Woodland Wanderer to return at 13:20. A few minutes later the train departed towards the WHR to pick up tools from Cae Pawb maintenance the previous day. Blanche arrived in the FR platform on time.

At Gelert's Farm No.590 was lit up for the afternoon tests at 13:40. Harlech Castle and the cherrypicker went up the WHR and the Funkey was stabled on the WHR platform with a B wagon at 13:35. At 13:46 Blanche made an unexpected move back to Boston Lodge light engine. Blanche or another loco will have to be made available by 14:35 for the afternoon Woodland Wanderer.

At 13:55 the Funkey and some bug boxes left Porthmadog for the WHHR, crossing Cae Pawb at 14:06. A few minutes later Vale of Ffestiniog propelled the onto the WHHR at Pen-y-Mount where they will be used as part of the No.590 launch this weekend 27-28/5/23.

This easterly view (26/5/23) shows Vale of Ffestiniog crossing Cae Pawb NR level crossing at 14:06 with a rake of 4 wheelers for test at the WHHR. The large building erected at the site of Porthmadog New is a recent development. This image is copyright Andrew Goodwin and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This easterly view (26/5/23) shows Emma with the four wheelers stabled at Gelert's Farm depot at the WHHR. This image is copyright Andrew Goodwin and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Blanche departed some 5 minutes late at 14:40 with the afternoon Woodland Wanderer. The train arrived back at 16:44 into the FR platform. Run round was completed at 16:54 and the train left ECS for the depot at 16:57 to close the day's activities.

No.590 on test 23/5/23

Thanks to Russell Pearn for these four images of No.590 on its test run on 23/5/23.

This southerly view (23/5/23) shows No.590 in the Aberglaslyn Pass with the test train at 15:17. This image is copyright Russell Pearn and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This easterly view (23/5/23) shows No.590 in Beddgelert Station with the test train at 15:33. This image is copyright Russell Pearn and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This northerly view (23/5/23) shows No.590 in Porthmadog Harbour Station through line at 17:07 after returning the test train to Boston Lodge. The loco was returning to the WHHR. This image is copyright Russell Pearn and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This easterly view (23/5/23) shows No.590 in Pen-y-Mount Halt, finally back on WHHR metals at 18:06. This image is copyright Russell Pearn and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Thanks to James Waite for two photos of No.590 at Gelert's Farm

This easterly view (23/5/23) shows No.590 in Gelert's Farm headshunt at about 17:00. This image is copyright James Waite and was taken on a phone camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This easterly view (23/5/23) shows No.590 tucked up safely in Gelert's Farm shed at about 17:00 after an exciting day of tests on the F&WHR. This image is copyright James Waite and was taken on a phone camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Cycle route threat to Amlwch Line 25/5/23

An Anglesey community group is pushing for the Amlwch line to be pulled up and converted into an 18 mile cycleway. This will annoy the volunteers who have a licence from NR to clear vegetation from the line with a view to operating a heritage railway. See Daily Post story.

F&WHR 25/5/23

Thursday 25/5/23 was a sunny day at Porthmadog with temperatures of 7-16C. There were five FR trains, including The Quarryman, and the three trains on the WHR, including two Aberglaslyn services.

Merddin Emrys hauled the ECS for the Mountain Spirit. The train was ready to depart the FR platform at 09:45, an hour before booked departure time. at 10:30 Lyd was running round the ECS Woodland Wanderer it had hauled into the FR platform.

At 10:44 a very smoky Vale of Ffestiniog moves up to the starter ground signal along the WHR through line. It turned out to be hauling a steam loco in steam,  the FR's Baldwin No.608!! The loco had apparently been on shed at Boston Lodge overnight and was being transferred to the WHR possibly for more test running. The train departed at about 11:10. It is rumoured that No.608 going to Dinas. No.590 was noted still at Gelert's Farm.

This easterly view shows Vale of Ffestiniog hauling an in steam No.608 towards the WHR. Lyd is on the Woodland Wanderer and Merddin Emrys on the Mountain Spirit. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a webcam. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

At 12:58 Welsh Pony ran round and extracted The Quarryman from the FR platform before propelling it into the yard to leave space for subsequent arrivals.

No.87 pulled in at 12:35 on the Snowdonia Star but it was not double headed by a Funkey. The promise of Caernarfon Castle had not been borne out. No.87 ran round at 13:10 ready for the return working at 14:05.

Vale of Ffestiniog was visible shunting at Boston Lodge at 17:00. At 17:05 Lyd ran round and coupled up to take the Woodland Wanderer ECS back from the FR platform. Merddin Emrys arrived back in the WHR platform at 17:23 with the afternoon Mountain Spirit over 10 minutes late. This allowed Lyd to depart with the ECS Woodland Wanderer 2 minutes later. At 17:30 the Fairlie ran to the yard to fuel and water. The loco completed the run round at 17:45 and departed with the ECS at 17:50 to close the day's activities.

No.590 at Boston Lodge 23/5/23

This westerly view (23/5/23) shows No.590 at Boston Lodge at the end of a day of testing at 17:07. This image is copyright Howard Wilson and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Signs at old WHR halts

The galvanised poles have now been painted black which improves the appearance. Signs have been erected at Croesor Junction and Ynysfor and are due to be erected at Salem. Additional signs will be added to state that trains no longer call at this location.

New Small Loco Shed progress 23/5/23

The frame for the new Small Loco Shed has been constructed and cladding must follow soon before the shed can be used. Track leading into the shed will be laid by volunteers later this year.

This easterly view (23/5/23) shows the framework of the new small Loco shed at Boston Lodge being erected. This image is copyright Howard Wilson and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Current ECS operations at Dinas

With the new bay crossover, train preparation/ECS operations at Dinas for trains have been simplified. The Funkey can draw the rake out of the Carriage Shed and into the bay road. The loco can then run round and haul the train directly out of the North Yard and down to Caernarfon where the rake tends to arrive half an hour before departure time for the convenience of passengers. The Funkey then detaches and runs round into the loop. The steam loco then follows light engine and takes water at Caernarfon before coupling up. After the main train has departed the Funkey then goes light engine back to Dinas when the section is clear and enters the North Yard to stable. These procedures reduce the need for frequent changes of token at Dinas.

Photos of No.590

If anyone has any photos or movement details of No.590 suitable for publication on this website with credit your webmaster would be very grateful. Unfortunately, I'm just out of hospital where I was bedridden for 8 weeks so I'm not able to drive 400 miles there and back to visit the WHHR just yet! Please send any contributions to me at isengard@talktalk.net.

Timetable for 19-26/5/23

Click on the timetable to expand. This timetable is copyright F&WHR.

F&WHR 24/5/23

Wednesday 24/5/23 was a sunny day at Porthmadog with temperatures of 7-16C. There were five FR trains, including The Quarryman, and the three trains on the WHR, including two Aberglaslyn services.

The first train was the Works train hauled by Harlech Castle arriving at 09:51. The loco uncoupled and ran round at 09:53 and the train set off to the west at 10:16.

Lyd was noted on the 11:10 Woodland Wanderer leaving the WHR platform at Porthmadog. Meanwhile Merddin Emrys arrived at Tan-y-bwlch at 11:22 before departing with the Mountain Spirit at 11:28. Lyd followed at 11:46.

After midday the F&WHR's Insidemotion.co.uk website that gives access to webcams introduced a new security feature. Unfortunately this was corrupt and would not accept any of the words typed in to verify the distorted text images. Fortunately other routes were available to the webcams.

Merddin Emrys ran round and coupled up to the Mountain Spirit train in the WHR platform at 14:10 and the train departed 2 minutes later.

Welsh Pony passed Minffordd (still with scaffolding) at 12:41.

F&WHR 23/5/23

Tuesday 23/5/23 was a sunny day at Porthmadog with temperatures of 7-17C. There were five FR trains, including The Quarryman, and the two through trains on the WHR. A rake of B wagons with ash and the SAR brakevan were stabled in the seawall siding at Porthmadog presumably in transit from Dinas to Dduallt disposal site.

At 09:37 Welsh Pony and Upnor Castle arrived at Tan-y-bwlch on a mixed train with B wagons and The Quarryman rake which had received weekend maintenance at Boston Lodge. The train went forwards to Glan-y-pwll at 10:43 where the B wagon was no doubt removed before the rake was hauled into Blaenau Ffestiniog ECS for the 11:40 departure.

This westerly view shows Welsh Pony and Upnor Castle arriving at Tan-y-bwlch on 23/5/23 with a mixed train containing The Quarryman rake which had visited Boston Lodge over the weekend for monthly maintenance. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a webcam. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi..

The Harbourmaster left Porthmadog at about 10:05 followed by Merddin Emrys on the Mountain Spirit from the FR platform and Lyd at 11:10 on the Woodland Wanderer from the WHR platform.

There was steam shunting in Boston Lodge yard at 12:25. The Snowdonia Star arrived at 12:36, some 11 minutes late. Five minutes later the Garratt ran to the station yard to refuel and water. Welsh Pony arrived back at 12:54 into the FR platform allowing the Garratt to complete its run round and couple up for the return Snowdonia Star due at 14:05. Welsh Pony ran round at 12:59 then shunted its rake into the station yard as two more trains were set to arrive from the FR.

The next hour was very busy at Porthmadog and included a very unusual scene!!

13:09 Welsh Pony shunt The Quarryman

13:21 Lyd arrive on the Woodland Wanderer

13:29 Lyd propelled its rake out of the FR platform and back into the yard

13:30 No.590 turned up in the through road light engine, rumoured to be on its way to Pen-y-Mount and delivery to the WHHR via Beddgelert on test

This easterly view shows No.590 light engine pausing on the WHR through line and No.130 awaiting departure on the 14:05 return Snowdonia Star.. The Baldwin paused here for an hour waiting for the Garratt to clear the section to Pont Croesor. This image is courtesy F&WHR and was taken on a webcam. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

13:45 Merddin Emrys arrived with the returning Mountain Spirit into the FR platform

13:50 Lyd shunting in the yard

14:00 Merddin Emrys coupled to front of the afternoon Mountain Spirit working

14:05 No.130 departed with the Snowdonia Star

14:10 Merddin Emrys departed with the afternoon Mountain Spirit

14:15 Lyd shunt yard

14:25 Welsh Pony shunt yard

14:26 No.590 departed the through line for the WHR presumably testing the tight curves on Britannia Bridge, the tramway sections there and at Snowdon Street and the guard rails at NR's Cae Pawb Crossing, including its two catch points.

Earlier in the day the loco had been tested at Boston Lodge with members of the VoR/WHHR teams present. It had worked to the old Loco shed where it was connected to rakes of four wheelers to test the vacuum braking.

Later in the afternoon No.590 was back at Porthmadog and collected the test train from Boston Lodge, for Beddgelert. The test train consisted of Van No.7 and B921 loaded with loco ash. The train arrived at Beddgelert at 15:30 and the loco ran round and departed for Porthmadog at about 16:00. At 17:05 the train arrived back at Boston Lodge where it dropped the test train and worked to Pen-y-Mount light engine, reversing onto its home metals at the WHHR. By 18:00 the loco was stabled at Gelert's Farm depot.

There are a number of videos and photos taken at Porthmadog and Beddgelert  showing the Baldwin with the loaded test train on the Friends of FF&WHR Facebook page.

This southerly view shows No.590 on shed at Gelert's Farm after its transfer to Pen-y-Mount via test trains to Beddgelert. This image is courtesy WHHR and was taken on a webcam. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Double header Thursday 25/5/23

Funkey Caernarfon Castle and Garratt No.87 will double head the 10:10 Snowdonia Star from Caernarfon to Porthmadog and return on Thursday 25/5/23.

Former star picture

This northerly view (31/7/22) shows Russell heading through the Aberglaslyn Pass between T2 and T3 on its return journey to the WHHR. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to see full size (where available). This image is copyright Simon Roberts ( (SAY Films) and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

F&WHR 22/5/23

Monday 22/5/23 was a sunny day at Porthmadog with temperatures of 7-16C. There were four FR trains but nothing on the WHR, a regular feature of Mondays/Fridays.

The first train was Harlech Castle which arrived at Tan-y-bwlch at 09:33 with a Works Train, including the FR Mess Car. The loco ran round by 09:43 and the train left towards the west at 10:05.

Merddin Emrys arrived in the FR platform at 10:10 with the ECS for the 10:45 Mountain Spirit. The loco ran round at 10:20 while Lyd prepared the ECS for the 11:10 Woodland Wanderer over at Boston Lodge. Lyd completed its run round at 10:50 as soon as the Fairlie had departed.

Steam was raised with a third loco at midday at Boston Lodge and shunting was occurring in the Carriage Shed.

Lyd ran round at 17:02 in the WHR platform after arriving with the afternoon Woodland Wanderer. Merddin Emrys arrived at 17:10 into the FR platform with the afternoon Mountain Spirit. Lyd set off for Boston Lodge with the ECS Woodland Wanderer at 17:11 as soon as The Cob section was clear. The Fairlie ran round by 17:25 after fuelling and watering and departed with the ECS as the final move of the day.

Baldwin No.590 delivery 22/5/23

The Baldwin appeared to be still at the VoR last week and it was planned to be delivered to the WHHR this week to be tested in preparation for the weekend launch event at the WHHR. The loco might arrive via the Gasworks Siding in Llyn Bach car park or Minffordd Yard as it is a smaller load. It would then be shunted to Pen-y-Mount to reach WHHR metals. The loco is dual fitted so could haul an FR train or be rescued if it fails. As part of preparations for WHR100, vacuum brake components have arrived at Gelert's Farm to be temporarily fitted to Russell which will enable the loco to double head with vacuum fitted F&WHR locos/stock. These vacuum fittings will be retained for future collaborations.

This westerly view shows No.590 arriving by lorry at Minffordd Yard about midday on 22/5/23. This image is copyright Terence Newhouse and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Click on the latest WHHR flyer to enlarge. this shows more recent views of No.590 at the VoR

F&WHR 21/5/23

Sunday 21/5/23 was a day of sunny periods at Porthmadog with temperatures of 9-20C. There were three FR trains and just one Gelert Explorer on the WHR.

The first train today was Upnor Castle which passed through Tan-y-bwlch at 09:59 hauling the bug boxes and curly roofed van (Van No.1) which was transferred from the WHR yesterday to Boston Lodge. The rolling stock appeared to be going to Glan-y-pwll for storage.

This westerly view (21/5/23) shows Upnor Castle hauling 4 bug boxes, two bogie coaches and Van no.1 (the curly roofed van) from Boston Lodge to Glan-y-pwll Carriage Shed for storage (presumably). This image is courtesy F&WHR and was taken from a webcam. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

The first train to arrive at Porthmadog was Merddin Emrys at 10:15 with the ECS for the Mountain Spirit into the FR platform. This train only made a morning run today. At 10:25 a another steam loco was preparing a second rake at Boston Lodge for the Woodland Wanderer. and Lyd duly appeared shortly afterwards in the WHR platform. Run round followed when the 10:45 departure had cleared the shunt limit.

Lyd arrived back first into the FR platform and at 13:41 ran around its train. At 13:46 the Fairlie arrived at Porthmadog into the WHR platform in sunshine with the well loaded Mountain Spirit. At 13:50 the loco ran to fuel and water in the yard. It was back by 14:05 and departed with the ECS for Boston Lodge 2 minutes later.

At 13:39 Upnor Castle reappeared at Tan-y-bwlch from the east with a different rake of six vehicles consisting of one bogie brake and five 4-wheel vehicles including the sentry van on the rear, Van No.3. The train departed for Boston Lodge at 13:44.

More preparations for WHR100

With WHR100 just 4 weeks away No.590 (permanently renumbered from No.794 Tiger) will be launched at the WHHR next weekend. The loco has been fully restored at the Vale of Rheidol on behalf of the WHHR over several years. The loco will then be tested over the tramway sections including Britannia Bridge and the remaining sections of the WHR not travelled by the FR's Baldwin. Other preparations have involved exchange stock. The Funkey returned the bugboxes and curly roof van to Boston Lodge on Saturday after testing elsewhere on the WHR/WHHR and further movements of four wheel stock took place to/from Glan-y-pwll with Upnor Castle on Sunday. The WHR100 advertising does not mention No.590 very much for some reason.

Click on the advert tom enlarge. This advert is copyright F&WHR. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This Aberystwyth view (2023) shows No.590 following completion at the Vale of Rheidol workshops. This image is copyright VoR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

This easterly view shows the real No.590 in 1936, the final year of operation, round the curve off High Street and onto the old Croesor Tramway alignment out of Porthmadog. This followed Madog Street past Ynys Tywyn and Wilkos before crossing the car park to converge with the modern alignment near Gasworks Siding. The new alignment off Britannia bridge is much more sharply curved and involves a chicane around a corner of Wilkos. This image is copyright R W Chaney and courtesy WHHG. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Caernarfon Castle still used on Dinas ECS turns 13/5/23

Although the new bay crossover at Dinas could reduce shunting necessary at Dinas, Caernarfon Castle is still being used  to that the ECS to Caernarfon in the morning.

This easterly view (13/5/23) shows Caernarfon Castle running round at Caernarfon having hauled the ECS from Dinas. Presumably the steam loco was attached to the rear of the rake at Dinas. This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a webcam. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

F&WHR 20/5/23

Saturday 20/5/23 was a sunny day at Porthmadog with temperatures of 11-20C. There are four FR trains including The Quarryman and the two through trains on the WHR.

The first working noted today was 09:15 off Boston Lodge with the Garratt hauling The Harbourmaster into the WHR platform at 09:19 ready for the 10:05 departure. Steam was being raised at Boston Lodge at 09:30 for the ECS for the Mountain Spirit. This train was making a single morning journey today departing Porthmadog at 10:45 and was present in the FR platform by 10:00. More steam was noted shunting Boston Lodge at 10:30 and at 10:45 the Woodland Wanderer rake was in the WHR platform with Lyd in the yard returning from taking fuel/water. The train left on time at 11:10 and volunteers started gardening the plant pots on the platform.

At 11:25 Caernarfon Castle passed through Porthmadog non stop with a short rake of four wheelers and the curly roofed. The train may have been involved in tests at the WHHR or at Dinas in association with the upcoming WHR100 events. The train appeared to pause at Pen Cob Junction for several minutes before being drawn into the Carriage Shed. At 12:16 the loco returned light engine to the WHR run round track. This little used track was essential on this occasion as the Snowdonia Star was due in at 12:25. The train arrived at 12:28 in the hands of No.130 and the Funkey left light engine at 12:43, presumably returning to Dinas. The Garratt promptly ran to the yard to water.

This easterly view (20/5/23) shows Caernarfon Castle waiting to depart the WHR loop for the WHR after the just arrived Snowdonia Star releases the token. This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a webcam. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Lyd arrived in the FR platform at 13:20 and at 13:27 the Woodland Wanderer rake was shunted to the yard. Welsh Pony departed the FR platform at 15:05 on its return leg to Blaenau Ffestiniog.

An unexpected working was the return of Welsh Pony with The Quarryman rake to Boston Lodge running as an ECS from Blaenau Ffestiniog. This passed through Tan-y-bwlch at 17:29 and continued 3 minutes later towards Porthmadog. The rake was going for monthly programmed maintenance as it is not required again until Tuesday. A positioning move to Glan-y-pwll is likely early on Tuesday.

The Birthday Special was prepared at Boston Lodge with beautiful evening weather.

This northerly view (20/5/23) shows Maid Marian and Britomart being prepared for the Birthday Special at Boston Lodge. This image is copyright Paul Lewin (F&WHR) and was taken on a phone camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

The final departure of the day was the special which left Porthmadog at 18:00 for Tan-y-bwlch with Britomart, Maid Marian and Blanche on the front.

This easterly view (20/5/23) shows Britomart, Maid Marian and Blanche departing on a special evening working to Tan-y-bwlch. This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a webcam. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Unfortunately the Tan-y-bwlch webcam failed again at about 18:00 so the special train could not be observed arriving at Tan-y-bwlch. Service was restored at 22:25.

Second Fairlie from 27/5/23?

Newly repainted Fairlie David Lloyd George might start to appear on passenger turns from Saturday 27/5/23, possibly double headed as insurance with Merddin Emrys.

F&WHR 19/5/23

Friday 19/5/23 was a day of improving weather at Porthmadog with a sunny afternoon forecast and temperatures of 7-16C. There are just two FR trains booked to run (Woodland Wanderer trains) with no trains on the WHR as a Friday is considered a day holidaymakers travel to a holiday weekend.

The first train noted today was a short Works train passing through Porthmadog towards the WHR. Harlech Castle hauled a single wagon towards Pont Croesor at 09:38.

This easterly view (19/5/23) shows Harlech Castle departing Porthmadog with a short Works train This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a webcam. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Steam was being raised at Boston Lodge at 10:00 and the ECS prepared for the Woodland Wanderer. Lyd arrived in the FR platform at 10:23, running round promptly 5 minutes later for the 11:10 service train.

At 10:10 Vale of Ffestiniog pulled into Tan-y-bwlch with a short Works train with tanks in a DZ wagon, possibly weed killer. The train continued towards Blaenau Ffestiniog. The train returned with just the brake van passing Tan-y-bwlch at 13:56, presumably having left the tank wagon ay Glan-y-pwll depot.

The well loaded Woodland Wanderer train arrived at Tan-y-bwlch at 11:45. Lyd ran round at 12:10 and departed at 12:46 with the return service. Unusually, the 14:35 Woodland Wanderer was signalled to depart Porthmadog from as early as 14:10 showing nothing else was occupying the adjacent section. It left on time.

Lyd also hauled the afternoon Woodland Wanderer. Following the return to Porthmadog this departed ECS at 16:58 to close the day's activities.

Model Railway Workshop/Exhibition Gweithdy Minffordd 20-21/5/23

On previous occasions shuttles have been organised to events at the Minffordd Gweithdy but there is no indication of any shuttles so far. There is a small car park at the location and a regular bus service passes by. For full details see the Model Workshop website.

Click on the advert to enlarge. This image is copyright F&WHR. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Loco Roster w/c 20/5/23

This coming week's Loco Roster features seven different locomotives on regular passenger turns:
On the FR - Merddin Emrys, Lyd, Blanche and Welsh Pony will be working the usual selection of train services.

On the WHR - two NG/G16 Beyer-Garratts (Nos.87/130) will be in action during the week, with a rare appearance from diesel Castell Caernarfon on Thursday 26/5/23 on the Snowdonia Star.
In addition, a private train should see a triple-headed train running from Porthmadog to Tan-y-Bwlch on Saturday evening - hauled by Blanche, Britomart and Maid Marian (visiting from the Bala Lake Railway for this special train).

RVR Level crossing decision is good news for Cambrian Railways

The Rother Valley Railway TWO (see story below) contains good news for the Cambrian Railways extension both to Gobowen and to Llynclys. The Oswestry site is hemmed in by level crossings of major roads to both the north (the A5) and the south (the A483). These level crossings were constructed when one limestone train a day was expected on the route from Blodwel Quarry. The Highways Authority has, since the traffic ceased placed a moratorium on opening old level crossings and a ban on any new ones. However it seems that the Tory policy of 'Reversing Beeching' and the HA ban are in conflict and the RVR's TWO explains that a new level crossing will be built across the A21 and well as reopening old level crossings across minor roads in Robertsbridge. This could mean that the Cambrian Railways plans for extending first to Gobowen Junction where they own the bay platform will go ahead.

Politics will inevitably come into any decision to go ahead. The re-opening of the Oswestry branch from Gobowen was a feature of the famous by-election campaign of December 2021 when the Liberal Democrat candidate came from third place to win the seat with both Tories and Lib Dems pushing for reopening. The reopening of the branch is bound to feature in the next General Election campaign. The Tories will have to be careful not to be seen as only reopening railways in their own constituencies such as the Okehampton Branch if the Lib Dems retain the seat. A similar argument applies to the A483 crossing just south of the new Cambrian terminus at Weston Wharf, though this has not featured as highly in Cambrian Heritage Railways plans. It would however allow the heritage operation to extend to Llynclys where CHR also has an operational base.

F&WHR 18/5/23

Thursday 18/5/23 was a day of sunny periods at Porthmadog with temperatures of 10-15C. There are five FR trains were booked to run (including The Quarryman) with just one on the WHR, the Snowdonia Star from Caernarfon.

Vale of Ffestiniog was standing at the Home signal on The Cob at 09:25, presumably waiting for the signaller to open the signalbox. At 09:29 a 9 wagon mixed freight arrived which included the ex SAR brakevan, a ballast wagon and an assortment of B wagons and DZ wagons. The loco ran round by 09:38 and, a minute later, shunted the rake into the seawall siding.

This easterly view (18/5/23) shows Vale of Ffestiniog arriving in the FR platform with an unusual mixed freight. This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a webcam. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

In a repeat of yesterday's action at Tan-y-bwlch Harlech Castle arrived with a work train at 09:35 and the loco ran round at 09:40. Steam was being raised at Boston Lodge at 09:47 as the Funkey emerged from the yard and proceeded light engine back to Boston Lodge. At 10:05 the ECS for the Mountain Spirit started across The Cob and Merddin Emrys hauled the train into the FR platform at 10:12. Meanwhile up at Tan-y-bwlch the Works train left towards Minffordd at 10:12.

At 10:15 more steam was being raised at Boston Lodge as a loco was prepared to haul the ECS for the Woodland Wanderer over The Cob. The Funkey was shunting rakes at Pen Cob junction at 10:20. It appears Boston Lodge Yard headshunt may not be long enough and some use of the main line (when clear) might be required with longer rakes. Lyd came over at 10:33 with the ECS for the Woodland Wanderer into the WHR platform as usual and ran round immediately.

At 12:25 Lyd arrived at Tan-y-bwlch while Welsh Pony waited on The Quarryman to pass it. Welsh Pony departed at 12:27 for Porthmadog. At the same time, down in Porthmadog, No.130 arrived with the Snowdonia Star. The loco detached and the driver had a chat with the signaller before proceeding to water. At 12:42 the Garratt returned, ran round and coupled up to the 14:05 return service. Welsh Pony arrived with The Quarryman, 10 minutes early at 13:00 and ran round promptly at 13:05. At 13:09 the purpose of the fast run round became clear as the rake was shunted to the yard to clear the FR platform for later arrivals at 13:20 and 13:45. However, Lyd arrived at 13:47, almost half an hour late. At 13:52 this was also shunted to the yard to allow the following Mountain Spirit to return to the FR platform.

The Garratt left on time at 14:05 as both Lyd and Welsh Pony ran round their trains in the yard. At 14:20 the Fairlie ran into the FR platform some 35 minutes down. This meant that the afternoon service was also delayed, arriving back in Porthmadog into the FR platform at 17:43, still over half an hour down. The loco detached to coal and water and ran round at 18:00 before departing with the ECS at 18:04 to close the day's activities.

David Lloyd George volunteer appeal 19/5/23

Calling all local Volunteers. The Carriage Works team need help tomorrow (19/5/23) and if needed over the weekend. Double engine David Lloyd George has come into the Paint Shop for a touch up and re-varnish after having its 10 year boiler overhaul. We need help, particularly tomorrow and possibly over the weekend to get all the paintwork thoroughly degreased, cleaned and light surface prep. The loco is booked to haul trains from Saturday 27/5/23, a little over a week's time. Hence the need for help with prep. If you can help please email the Carriage Works Supervisor Glenn Williams on gwilliams@ffwhr.com.

This Boston Lodge Paint Shop view (18/5/23) shows David Lloyd George being prepared for a touch up and revarnish. This image is copyright F&WHR and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

F&WHR 17/5/23

Wednesday 17/5/23 was a sunny day at Porthmadog with temperatures of 10-16C. There are five FR trains were booked to run (including The Quarryman) with three on the WHR, two Aberglaslyn trains and the Gelert Explorer from Caernarfon.

The first train was Harlech Castle hauling a works train into Tan-y-bwlch of 09:32. The loco ran round at 09:37 and coupled to the west end of the train before departing at 10:02 towards Minffordd.

No.130 brought the ECS for the Aberglaslyn into Porthmadog WHR platform by 10:00 and departed on time at about 10:15. Lyd then arrived with the ECS into the WHR platform for the Woodland Wanderer at 10:40 while Merddin Emrys waited in the FR platform for the 10:45 Mountain Prince, which departed on time. Lyd ran round soon after the other train had cleared the shunt limit and departed on the 11:10 Woodland Wanderer.

At 11:25 steam was visible at Boston Lodge. The loco shunted out onto The Cob before reversing towards Minffordd Cemetery and then back to The Cob home signal followed by a second run towards Minffordd where volunteers were on the scaffolding painting. The loco was being tested light engine and appeared again at The Cob Home signal 12:05 before retreating. Additional runs were made to the Home signal at 12:15/12:25. As David Lloyd George was placed on its power bogies a few days ago, this was a test of the Fairlie. At 10:30 the loco went back on shed with The Quarryman approaching and the other trains returning from the FR/WHR. A short video is available on the Facebook Festrail website. The loco operated without the domes fitted.

No.130 arrived back with The Aberglaslyn at 12:58 into the WHR platform as Welsh Pony ran round the recently arrived The Quarryman. At 13:01 the Garratt ran to the yard to water. At 14:22 the Fairlie departed on the afternoon Mountain Spirit.

Welsh Pony shunted its rake from the yard to the FR platform at 14:45. The rake had been previously shunted as there are too many trains in the station at once about this time. The Quarryman set off on its return to Blaenau Ffestiniog at 15:08.

The Aberglaslyn arrived back from its afternoon trip at 16:28. Merddin Emrys arrived back from the afternoon trip at 17:17 into the WHR platform and Lyd departed with the ECS Woodland Wanderer as soon as The Cob section was clear. The Fairlie ran to the fuelling point at 17:20 to fuel and water and eventually coupled up to the ECS and departed at 17:43 to close the day's activities.

Appeal for WHR 100 volunteers

The WHR Society is appealing for volunteers to help over the WHR100 weekend 23-25/6/23.

The following are needed:

• Stewards at Beddgelert and Rhyd Ddu
• Car park marshals
• Bus stewards

Can you make time available, either for the whole weekend or just for a few hours? If so please contact Ian King at whr100_volunteer@crhe.uk and he will find a slot for you.

Pullman Railtour problem 13/5/23

The Nanking Blue Midland Pullman HST ran into problems when returning from Llandudno to St Albans on Saturday 13/5/23. when smoke from a battery problem on the second coach entered the saloon the train was brought to a stop at Chester and the 250 passengers detrained. The fire brigade was in attendance for some hours damping down the batteries. The disappointed passengers were sent home by coach the remaining 200 miles. This was surprising as the LSL depot at Crewe is a short distance away and it cannot have been impossible to take a spare train to Chester to take the people home by rail. See Daily Post report.

F&WHR 16/5/23

Tuesday 16/5/23 was a sunny day at Porthmadog with temperatures of 6-15C. There are five FR trains were booked to run (including The Quarryman) with two through trains on the WHR. The FR's Woodland Wanderer rake was operating normally today after services were withdrawn unusually on Monday, possibly for repurposing.

The day started with the signaller entering the signalbox at 08:50. Steam was raised and shunting occurred at Boston Lodge shortly afterwards and the ECS started across the Cob at about 09:20. No.130 arrived in the WHR platform with The Harbourmaster at 09:26 with passengers already gathering for the 10:05 departure. at 10:00 there was more steam and shunting at Boston Lodge as preparations were made to extract the ECS for the Mountain Spirit.

No.130 departed on time as the next train approached across The Cob. Merddin Emrys arrived with the 10:45 Mountain Spirit at 10:11. The Fairlie ran round by 10:25 with the ECS for the Woodland Wanderer coming across The Cob and arriving in the WHR with Lyd at 10:28. Both trains left on time.

Up at Tan-y-bwlch Welsh Pony arrived  late at 12:18 with The Quarryman but fast work by platform staff saw the train depart just 9 minutes late at 12:19.

No.143 arrived on time with the Snowdonia Star at Porthmadog at 12:25. The loco immediately ran to the yard to fuel and water and at 12:42 the loco ran round to couple to the front of the 14:05 return service in the WHR platform.

At 13:46 the Fairlie was back at Porthmadog arriving into the FR platform with the returning Mountain Spirit. The Garratt left on time. at 14:05.

At 15:40 Welsh Pony was back at Tan-y-bwlch with the returning The Quarryman. After watering the train resumed its journey at 15:48 some 8 minutes late.

Lyd arrived back with afternoon Woodland Wanderer at 16:45 and ran round by 17:00. The Fairlie trailed into the Harbour Station at 17:11 with the returning afternoon Mountain Spirit. With The Cob section now clear, Lyd departed with the ECS for the depot at 17:12. After running round the Fairlie departed with the ECS at 17:24.

At 17:31 No.130 arrived on the returning Harbourmaster service over an hour late for an unexplained reason. The train departed ECS at 17:41 to close the day's activities.

YouTube David Lloyd George update 16/5/23

On 9/5/23 David Lloyd George's boiler underwent a satisfactory steam test. The boiler will now be mated with its refurbished power bogies and the loco returned to main line service by the Summer.

Click on the YouTube link to watch 11 minutes 4 seconds of video covering the David Lloyd George steam test and preparations to mate the loco with its power bogies. This video was published on 16/5/23 and is best viewed at 1080p with Chrome. This video was produced by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional 4K Betamax camcorder.

F&WHR 15/5/23

Monday 15/5/23 was a sunny day at Porthmadog with temperatures of 5-14C. Only two FR trains were booked to run (both Mountain Spirit) with no Woodland Wanderer trains and nothing on the WHR. It was possible the Woodland Wanderer rake was being repurposed.

The final move of the day came when the afternoon working of the Mountain Spirit arrived back in the FR platform at Porthmadog just after 17:00. Merddin Emrys detached and went to water and coal. At 17:20 the loco was noted running round and at 17:26 the ECS departed for the depot.

There was no indication of the reason for not running the Woodland Wanderer but it returns to its usual timetable tomorrow.

WHR Centenary Legacy Project

The WHHG has been making signage for the locations of old stations and halts on the WHR such as Hafod Garregog. Some have already been installed but trains will definitely not stop at these locations other than for photo calls!

This northerly view (14/5/23) shows the new sign erected on the site of the former Hafod Garregog Halt. An additional sign will be added to advise trains do not stop at these locations! There has been some criticism of the modern galvanised poles used especially as the original poles made from flat bottom rail were available at this location. This image is copyright Peter Roughley and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed and displayed at 96dpi.

Hafod Ruffydd has already received its sign. Other likely locations include Porthmadog New (two versions!), Ynysfor (just north of Pont Croesor), Croesor Junction, Hafod-y-llyn (replacing the temporary sign), Pitt's Head near the summit, Salem (near the pipe bridge) and Betws Garmon station.

F&WHR 14/5/23

Sunday 14/5/23 was a cloudy day at Porthmadog, tending to rain later, with temperatures of 7-13C. Six trains were booked to run with four on the FR including The Quarryman and the two through trains on the WHR. Three FR trains and one WHR train were offered (the Gelert Explorer).

Merddin Emrys was the first train of the day, hauling the ECS Mountain Spirit over from Boston Lodge and arrived in the FR platform at 10:00. The loco had run round and coupled up by 10:10. The ECS for the Woodland Wanderer turned up later and Lyd ran round. The train left on time at 11:10.

The Fairlie arrived at Tan-y-bwlch at 11:23 and resumed its journey at 11:32. This was followed by Lyd at 11:51.The loco ran round and the train departed at 12:45. Lyd returned to Tan-y-bwlch on the well loaded afternoon train arriving at 15:14. The loco ran round 10 minutes later and the train departed for Porthmadog at 16:11.

While the Fairlie made only one trip today and retired to the depot later with the ECS Lyd made a second trip up to Tan-y-bwlch with the Woodland Wanderer and was noted arriving back in Porthmadog at 16:44. The loco ran round 10 minutes later and the train departed ECS for the depot at 16:59 to close the day's activities.

Extended timetables

The current F&WHR timetables do not show the times of the ECS workings so your webmaster is collecting observations to help identify these ECS movements.

Mountain Spirit

Hospital stay 13/3/23-12/5/23

Your webmaster was in hospital from 13/3/23 for two months so news from 13/3/23 to the 10/4/23 was not updated systematically.