No.143was first today arriving with the ECS for the 10:05 The Harbourmaster at about 09:25. The ECS for the Mountain Spirit came over by 10:20 hauled by Merddin Emrys to the FR platform and the loco uncoupled to refuel and tank up with water. Run round came at 10:25. James Spooner arrived with the ECS for the 11:10 Woodland Wanderer a little later.

KS4415 event 14/9/24

Coinciding with SuperPower, a special 'Meet the Expert Workshop' event is being organised to promote Kerr Stuart 4415, the pioneer diesel that was tested on the FR and WHR in the 1920s. This is a FRS supported project so show your support and please share the post! It is a combination of talks/theory intermingled with the chance to pore over the locomotive, engine and other components at Boston Lodge on Saturday 14/9/24.
Built in 1927, Diesel Pioneer Kerr Stuart 4415 is the one of the most historically important locomotives in Britain. Never heard of it? Not interested in Diesels? This event is not for you! As its painstaking restoration enters the final stages there is no better time to both see progress and hear the remarkable story of the Diesel from the dawn of time and the care being taken to restore it.
The price is of course a suggested donation of £44.15 (get it?). All proceeds will go to the locomotive's restoration. A free copy of the IRS' reproduction of the fascinating Kerr Stuart brochure '15 Shillings Change' will go to all members of the FR Heritage Group enrolling. Want to join the FR Heritage Group to take advantage of this offer? Please get in touch to book your place and details of how to make a suggested donation will be given. This workshop will be run by KS4415 Project Leader David High.

Provisional programme
09:30 – 10:15 History
10:15 – 11:00 The Kerr Stuart bit
11:00 – 11:45 Meet the machine
11:45- 12:00 Tea
12:00 -12:45 The McLaren Bit
12:45 – 13:00 Meet the engine
Duration: 4 Hours
Dates: Saturday 14/9/24
Please follow the link below to enquire
https://www.festrail.co.uk/meet-the-experts/

F&WHR 30/8/24

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog on Friday predicted sunny periods with temperatures of 12-20C. Friday's train service offered 7 trains in total with 6 trains on FR (two Mountain Spirit, two Woodland Wanderer and the two Boston Lodge Works shuttles). There is just one train on the WHR (the Gelert Explorer). The Cwellyn midday service from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu has now finished for the year. All three webcams were running normally today.

Harlech Castle was waiting in the loop at Tan-y-bwlch with the early morning PW train ready to return to Minffordd Yard. The Mountain Spirit passed at 11:35 but the Woodland Wanderer was still in section. Merddin Emrys arrived at 11:49 allowing the PW train to leave 2 minutes later.

At 10:05 No.130 was waiting in the WHR with The Aberglaslyn and Lilla was shunting in the yard with the Boston Lodge Tour Shuttle. James Spooner arrived with the ECS for the 10:40 Mountain Spirit in the FR platform at 10:10 which allowed the 10:10 Boston Lodge Works Shuttle to pick up its passengers in the short length of FR platform by the signalbox and depart a few minutes late at 10:13. Merddin Emrys was next up with the 11:10 Woodland Wanderer.

Linda was first of the midday departures on the 12:25 Woodland Wanderer. At 15:10 a train arrived in the FR platform allowing the recently returned Linda a path back to the depot with the ECS for the 12:25 Woodland Wanderer. At 15:30 Lilla appear with the shuttle rake by the short platform by the signalbox for the 15:45 Boston Lodge Works shuttle.

Palmerston was again running three trains on the last day of the VoR Gala. The first working was a short out and back to Capel Bangor departing Aberystwyth at 10:35. The train was very lightly loaded which was not a surprise given the overcast cold conditions. The second working was a 13:20 to Aberffrwd and back.

It is a 12 mile train ride each way through the magnificent scenery of North Wales (taking around an hour in each direction) with a ½hr break at Rhyd Ddu to stretch your legs and admire the surrounding mountain peaks of Eryri - the Snowdonia National Park...
There's more information on The Cwellyn service and a link to the F&WHR online booking system www.festrail.co.uk/the-cwellyn
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For information on all our train services - visit festrail.co.uk/trains

F&WHR 25/8/24

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog on Sunday predicted an improving day with showers in the morning but sunny periods later and temperatures of 13-17C. Sunday's train service offered 8 trains in total with 5 trains on FR (two Mountain Spirit, two Woodland Wanderer and the Boston Lodge Tour shuttle). There are just the three trains on the WHR (two The Aberglaslyn and the Gelert Explorer from Caernarfon). Two of the three webcams were running normally today with the Porthmadog webcam out of action all day for the third day.

This view (4/8/24) shows the electric Wickham Trolley setting off from Minffordd with the aim of reaching at least Tam-y-bwlch. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR taken on a phone camera.

This westerly view (8/24) shows Blanche and Linda at Porthmadog. The two 'Penrhyn Ladies' were rostered to haul the 14:20 Mountain Spirit on Sunday afternoon as a Bank Holiday treat. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR taken on a digital camera.

Palmerston on the VoR

Palmerston was running on the Vale of Rheidol at the Festival of Steam 2024 on all three days with two short trips in earlier in the day and a full length trip in the late afternoon. The 1600 long trip arrived at Devil's Bridge a couple of minutes late after stopping for a blow up in drizzle at 17:05. The loco topped up with water and ran round, departing at 17:45.

This westerly view (25/8/24) shows Palmerston arriving at Devil's Bridge in the drizzle at about 17:00. the short rake included a brake van as the passenger brakes were in use on the two main trains. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright Barrie Hughes taken on a Canon EOS 2000D digital camera.

F&WHR 23/8/24

There was an incident mid morning when the trident signal out on The Cob was brought down by a particularly strong gust. Harlech Castle and the S&T rake had to be brought up quickly from Minffordd to ensure the signal was clear of the tracks and alternative means of control of trains could be put in place. This was likely to be a 'Stop and Proceed' board which requires all train drivers to contact the Porthmadog signalbox to obtain permission to proceed into the station. This might result in a small delay to returning services approaching across The Cob.

It is likely diesel test trains were sent out to make sure the lines were clear before the passenger service started. Friday's train service offered 7 trains in total with 6 trains on FR (two Mountain Spirit, two Woodland Wanderer and two Works Visit shuttles). There was just one train on the WHR (the Gelert Explorer). The Harbour Station webcam dropped out sometime during the day probably shortly after the signal incident but the other two seemed to be running normally today.

Loco roster w/c 24/8/34

This coming week there are currently EIGHT identified steam locos working on and around the F&WHR...
On the Ffestiniog Railway: all three Double Fairlies will be in action - with JAMES SPOONER, DAVID LLOYD GEORGE and MERDDIN EMRYS sharing duties on the Mountain Spirit and Woodland Wanderer services.
Penrhyn Ladies BLANCHE and LINDA have been rostered to work from opposite ends of the railway - except for Sunday, when LINDA makes an appearance on the morning Boston Lodge Tour shuttle and the two locos then double-head the afternoon service to Blaenau Ffestiniog.
LILLA will work the Boston Lodge Tour shuttle on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Quarry Hunslet HUGH NAPIER will be on footplate ride duties at Harbour Station on Saturday - and the NLHF How a Steam Locomotive Works experience on Friday...
Over on the Welsh Highland Railway, LYD will be in action working the last of the season's midweek trains to Rhyd Ddu.
All other WHR services will be worked by NG/G16 Garratts Nos.87/130/143 but exactly which loco will work each duty has not yet been specified.
Check the captions on each loco portrait for further details of their individual workings.
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NOTE: This information is provided in good faith, solely as a guide, but could be subject to change at any time.

A day in the life of The Quarryman 23/8/24

This is a YouTube showing the preparation and run of The Quarryman. It would be nice if something similar could be done on the WHR e.g. for The Cwellyn.

Click on the YouTube link to watch 35 minutes 37 seconds of video showing The Quarryman being prepared at Glan-y-pwll and its journey to Porthmadog. This video is copyright F&WHR and was published on 23/8/24. It is best viewed at 1080p with Chrome and was videod on a 4K camcorder by John Wooden (F&WHR).

F&WHR 22/8/24

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog on Thursday predicted a day of sunny periods and temperatures of 12-18C. There is a weather warning out for 80mph gusts again developing overnight with Storm Lilian for Caernarfon. Thursday's train service offered 9 trains in total with 8 trains on FR (two Mountain Spirit, three Woodland Wanderer, The Quarryman). There were three trains on the WHR (two through trains and The Cwellyn). All three webcams were running normally today.

At 17:03 Merddin Emrys arrived back with the Woodland Wanderer and No.143 left a minute later with the ECS The Harbourmaster. The Fairlie ran round at 17:10 and propelled the ECS back into the yard at 17:20 leaving the FR platform free. This unusual move may have been because the Mountain Spirit was in section but that train could have used the WHR platform. DLG arrived at 17:35 with the returning Mountain Spirit into the FR platform and Merddin Emrys left immediately with its ECS. The final movements of the day were the run round at 17:50 and disposal of the ECS Mountain Spirit at 17:55 to close the day's activities.

Double Headed Ladies Special - Sunday 25/8/24

The 14:20 Mountain Spirit on Bank holiday Sunday 25/8/24 will be double headed by Linda and Blanche.
There is a rare chance to ride behind Penrhyn Ladies to Blaenau Ffestiniog and return. Always among the most popular of the Ffestiniog Railway's loco fleet since their arrival on the railway in 1962/63, this ex-Penrhyn Quarry Railway main line duo have given stalwart service ever since - approaching a total of 125 years between them!
Built in 1893, LINDA and BLANCHE celebrated their 125th birthdays at a major event in 2018 - which, of course, included a double-headed trip to Blaenau Ffestiniog. Over recent weeks the two locos have been working from different ends of the Ffestiniog Railway, but this coming weekend presents an opportunity for LINDA and BLANCHE to once again make a run along the FR together.
So, why not come and enjoy the sight and sound of DOUBLE-HEADED LADIES powering through the Vale of Ffestiniog.
Tickets available at https://www.festrail.co.uk/mountain-spirit/ - click the 'Book Now' button and select:
Date - 25th August Time - 14:20

It would be nice if something similar could be arranged on the WHR.

F&WHR 21/8/24

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog on Wednesday predicted an overcast showery afternoon and temperatures of 11-18C. There is a weather warning out for 60mph gusts developing overnight, the remnants of Hurricane Ernesto that caused damage across the Atlantic a few days ago. Wednesday's train service offered 12 trains in total with 8 trains on FR (two Mountain Spirit, three Woodland Wanderer, The Quarryman and the two Works Visit shuttles). There were four trains on the WHR (two The Aberglaslyn from Porthmadog and the Gelert Explorer and The Cwellyn from Caernarfon). All three webcams were running normally today.

At 17:40 Lilla shunted out of Boston Lodge works and reversed from Pen Cob Junction to Boston Lodge Halt to pick up the participants of the afternoon Works Visit. After the Fairlie had run round the Mountain Spirit, Lilla arrived with the Works Visit shuttle at 17:53 in the WHR platform. The Fairlie set off for the depot with the ECS at 17:55 leaving staff to dispose of the shuttle. At 18:03 Lilla propelled the ECS shuttle back to Boston Lodge to conclude the day's activities.

Works visits to be extended from August until late October

Click on the advert to enlarge. Advert copyright F&WHR.

Join one of the F&WHR's guided tours of the historic Boston Lodge Works and you are immediately taken back in time to the Victorian age.
Meeting your Tour Guide on Harbour Station platform, you will be directed to join a special train that will take you across the magnificent Cob embankment (built in 1811) to Boston Lodge Halt.

This westerly view (8/24) shows Lilla with the Works visit shuttle consisting of Hunslet 0-4-0ST 'LILLA', built in 1891 for the Cilgwyn Quarry, Ashbury Carriage No.10 - a design from 1868, Bowsider Carriage No.18 - a design from 1876 and Passenger Brake Van No.3 - a design from 1863. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR taken on a digital camera.

Your shuttle train will be pulled by a locomotive that was built in 1891 and uses carriages that were designed in the 1860s/70s - a foretaste of the delights you will discover as you tour the near 200 year-old engineering works, where locomotives and carriages have been lovingly built and maintained during the 19th, 20th and now the 21st Century!
DISCOVER the story of the F&WHR as you tour these historic Engineering Work
LEARN how heritage skills are used to build and maintain steam locomotives and carriages
MARVEL at some of our world-famous collection of historic steam locomotives
Here is a review by a recent works tour participant
“The 2+ hour tour of Boston Lodge was both informative and spectacular, including a well-presented potted history of the railway. Our guide, Stuart, a volunteer, was both knowledgeable and personable, working well in tandem with another volunteer to ensure our safety while engine movements were going on.
Many photo opportunities, of rolling stock as well as locos, in various stages of life: rusting, repairing, refurbishing and renewed.”
Tripadvisor review by John W from Kings Langley.
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ℹ Guided Tours of Boston Lodge are running every Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday during the summer holiday period.
Visit the F&WHR website @ https://www.festrail.co.uk/boston-lodge-tours/ for more information and to book your place on a tour.

F&WHR 20/8/24

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog on Tuesday predicted sunny periods and temperatures of 11-18C. Tuesday's train service offered 9 trains in total with 6 trains on FR (two Mountain Spirit, three Woodland Wanderer, The Quarryman) and three trains on the WHR, the two through trains and The Cwellyn.

Vale of Ffestiniog turned up at 16:18 in the WHR platform with a single B wagon of coal for the depot. This probably passed the returning Snowdonia Star at Pont Croesor. The loco departed promptly for the depot light engine at 16:30.

This easterly view (20/8/24) shows Vale of Ffestiniog propelling one B wagon of coal into the yard at Porthmadog after transfer from Dinas. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR taken on a web camera.

DLG was first back at 17:00 with the Woodland Wanderer. The loco ran round at 17:10 and departed with the ECS 2 minutes later. No.143 arrived back 50 minutes late at 17:15 with The Harbourmaster which had to wait at Beddgelert to pass the very late Snowdonia Star. The train had departed ECS by 1800 and James Spooner was running round the Mountain Spirit in the FR platform at 18:00. The train departed ECS at 18:03 to finish the day's activities.

ERTMS tests on the Cambrian?

Both steam loco Tornado and LSL's Deltic No.55022 have been rumoured nominated to test ERTMS equipment for heritage traction on the southern end of the ECML. Testing may start at night time on the Cambrian Coast with the steam loco or Deltic presumably being dragged into the section from Crewe by an NR Class 97/3.

F&WHR 19/8/24

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog on Monday predicted stormy developing in the afternoon with rain, strong winds over 50mph and temperatures of 13-19C. Monday's train service offered 9 trains in total with 8 trains on FR (two Mountain Spirit, three Woodland Wanderer, The Quarryman and two Works Visit Shuttles). There is just one train on the WHR from Caernarfon (the Gelert Explorer). All three webcams were running normally today.

In the late afternoon trains began to return. DLG was shunting coal wagons at 17:27 and backed onto the ECS woodland Wanderer. The signaller struggled through the storm to deliver the token and the train departed at 17:33. Merddin Emrys arrived back a little lat at 17:58 with the Mountain Spirit. The loco ran round at 18:24 after refuelling and watering and departed 3 minutes later to close the day's activities.

F&WHR 18/8/24

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog on Sunday predicted sunny periods and temperatures of 14-19C. Sunday's train service offered 7 trains in total with 8 trains on FR (two Mountain Spirit, two Woodland Wanderer, two The Aberglaslyn and the morning Works Visit Shuttle). There is just one train from Caernarfon (the Gelert Explorer). All three webcams were running normally today.

Click on the YouTube link to watch 4 minutes 5 seconds of video showing a speeded up view of the volunteer workshop event where they were challenged to 'Have a Go' building the framework of a coach at Boston Lodge over the four days 12-15/7/24. This video is copyright F&WHR and was published on 24/5/24. It is best viewed at 1080p with Chrome and was videod on a 4K camcorder by John Wooden (F&WHR).

F&WHR 6/8/24

The Met Office forecast Porthmadog would have a day of sunny periods with temperatures of 13-19C. Tuesday's train service offered 9 trains with 6 trains on FR (two Mountain Spirit, three Woodland Wanderer and The Quarryman). There are the two through trains on the WHR and The Cwellyn. All three webcams were running normally today.

At the end of the afternoon James Spooner ran round the Woodland Wanderer at 17:15 having performed the Fairlie swop earlier in the day. Merddin Emrys pulled in at 17:38 with the Mountain Spirit allowing the ECS Woodland Wanderer to depart 2 minutes later. Merddin Emrys shunted to the refuelling point at 17:44. Run round came at 18:02 and the train departed with the ECS at 18:06 to close the day's activities. The signalbox was closed by 18:18 when the signallers went home.

SuperPower loco roster 13-15/9/24

The loco roster and timetables are now available for SuperPower 2024.
There is just over a month to go until 'Super-Power' Weekend returns to the Welsh Highland Railway. Some outline details have already been posted and links to tickets on the website, but the F&WHR has now added the timetables and additional information on the locos and stock being used over the weekend.
There will be four Garratts in service (NG/G16s Nos.87/130/143 plus pioneer Garratt K1) along with three diesel locos (Castell Caernarfon/Vale of Ffestiniog and Baguley No.9).
The annotated timetable and accompanying notes can be downloaded from https://bit.ly/WHR-SP24-TT
For tickets and further information on the weekend, visit the website.

Of concern to people who still hold tickets for the Baldwin 590 event from last year is that there is no mention of this loco which remains at the VoR under repair for a hot axle box. There is also no mention of the F&WHR's resident Baldwin.

F&WHR 5/8/24

The Met Office forecast Porthmadog would have a showery overcast day with temperatures of 13-21C. Monday's train service offered 8 trains with 7 trains on FR (three Mountain Spirit, two Woodland Wanderer, The Quarryman and the morning Works Visit Shuttle). There is just one train on the WHR (the Gelert Explorer). All three webcams were running normally today.

Trains began to return home in the late afternoon. James Spooner was first back with the Woodland Wanderer at 17:03. The ECS left at 17:20. DLG pulled in at 17:57 with the Mountain Spirit and the loco ran round by 18:08 as the rail gathered in intensity. Maybe the Works Visit shuttle ran early because of the poor weather. The Fairlie departed with the ECS at 18:11 to close the day's activities.

Speed limits raised on Cardiff-Holyhead route

Shorter and more consistent journey times are likely in the future now that TfW has raised speed limits at 38/40 locations for its Class 67 Mk4 loco hauled trains. See Rhyl Journal story for more details.

F&WHR 4/8/24

The Met Office forecast Porthmadog would have an improving day of sunny periods later with temperatures of 16-19C. Sunday's train service offered 8 trains with five trains on FR (both Mountain Spirit/Woodland Wanderer and the morning Works Visit Shuttle). There are also three trains on the WHR (two The Aberglaslyn and the Gelert Explorer). All three webcams were running normally today.

No.87 was back at 16:30 and the ECS departed at 16:38. James Spooner arrived with the return working of the Woodland Wanderer at about 16:57. Run round came at 17:05 and the train departed ECS for the depot at 17:08 to complete the day's movements.

Tan-y-bwlch or bust 2024

Paul Lewin (GM F&WHR) explains :It’s a quiet Sunday afternoon and all trains heading for home on the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways….. or are they? The (now) electric Wickham Trolley is about to go on a test run after an upgrade to the control and transmission systems. So just as it was for Allan Garraway and his gang almost seventy years back it is ‘Tan-y-bwlch or bust’. So we called it a day at Dduallt with a list of further upgrades to work on. Click on the Facebook video link for more details.

This view (4/8/24) shows the electric Wickham Trolley setting off from Minffordd with the aim of reaching at least Tam-y-bwlch. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR taken on a phone camera.

F&WHR 3/8/24

The Met Office forecast Porthmadog would have a day of sunny periods with temperatures of 13-19C. Saturday's train service offered 7 trains with five trains on FR (both Mountain Spirit/Woodland Wanderer and The Quarryman) and just the two through trains on the WHR. All three webcams were running normally today.

This view (3/8/24) shows Caernarfon Castle hauling the ECS for the Snowdonia Star from Dinas into Caernarfon at the start of the day. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright Tom Waldren taken on a phone camera.

Palmerston at Aberystwyth

Andrew Simmonds has kindly published some images of Palmerston on the VoR at the Friends of F&WHR Facebook page.

F&WHR 2/8/24

The Met Office forecast Porthmadog would have an overcast day tending to rain in the evening with temperatures of 12-21C. Friday's train service offered 7 trains with six trains on FR (both Mountain Spirit/Woodland Wanderer and two Works Visit shuttles) but just one on the WHR (the Gelert Explorer). All three webcams were running normally today.

The ECS for the 10:40 Mountain Spirit had arrived by10:10.

Loco roster w/c 3/8/24

This coming week there will again be TEN steam locos working on and around the F&WHR.
On the Ffestiniog Railway: our three Double Fairlies will all be in action this week - with JAMES SPOONER, DAVID LLOYD GEORGE and MERDDIN EMRYS sharing duties on the Mountain Spirit and Woodland Wanderer services.
Penrhyn Ladies BLANCHE and LINDA have been rostered to work from opposite ends of the railway this week. LINDA will be in charge of The Quarryman service, while BLANCHE will handle the lunchtime Woodland Wanderer service.
On Saturday, Quarry Hunslet HUGH NAPIER will appear on footplate ride duties at Harbour Station - and will again be the loco used for an NLHF 'Have a Go' Workshop on Friday!
LILLA has been rostered to work all of the Boston Lodge Tour specials this week - so can be seen on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Over on the Welsh Highland Railway, NG/G16s Nos.87/130 will be in action on the longer distance services - with LYD working the midweek trains to Rhyd Ddu.
• No.87 will start the week working from Porthmadog.
• No.130 will start the week working from Caernarfon.
• Locos will swap trains at Beddgelert twice this week as the Garratts move between different duties.
Check the captions on each loco portrait for further details of their individual workings.
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NOTE: This information is provided in good faith, solely as a guide, but could be subject to change at any time.

SuperPower Saturday/Sunday 14-15/9/24

There will be an intensive timetable between Caernarfon and Rhyd Ddu over the weekend including service trains and extra event trains. There are a number of mixed trains hauled by K1or an NGG16 and there are some passenger diesel hauled trains including an unusual outing for No.9. Dinas will be the main event hub (open from 08:30 - 18:00 on Saturday and Sunday), where we are very much hoping to see the NG15 No.134 in steam!
There will be refreshments at Dinas on both days including a hot food van, a number of stalls & information stands in the goods shed, a 5” gauge line operating, tours of the works and footplate rides. Goods shed cafe open from 08.30, stands from 09.30 and closing at 16.00.
Tryfan Junction and Waunfawr station buildings will also be open during the weekend and event ticket holders are encouraged to visit.
On Saturday there is an opportunity to do a guided walk down the Bryngwyn branch. A minibus will take you to Cae Haidd and the walk is expected to take around 90 minutes, finishing at Tryfan Junction with a train back to Dinas. Cae Haidd is the southern terminus of the improved footpath before the inaccessible loop around Bryngwyn Farm. There are two walks planned – one leaving around 09:45 (returning to Dinas at 12:00) and the other around 13:45 (returning to Dinas at 16:10). These walks will be free to all event rover ticket holders but should be booked so we can arrange transport.
On Sunday, there will be a guided walk around the Dinas site to explain the upcoming civil engineering and building construction work for the new layout and Carriage Shed. For those staying at the Porthmadog end of the line, there is an early 08:20 train to Caernarfon on the Saturday morning, returning by 18:15 and on the Sunday, there is an additional Harbourmaster service.
This is likely to be the last event we run at Dinas for some time, so please come and support this event, see the NG15 in steam and learn more about future plans!
Please Note: parking is limited at Dinas but we will endeavour to fit you in.
Tickets for Super-Power event weekend can now be purchased on the F&WHR website.

F&WHR 1/8/24

The Met Office forecast Porthmadog would see an improving day of sunny periods with temperatures of 14-25C, though thunderstorms had rolled through in the early hours. Thursday's train service offered 10 trains with six trains on FR (both Mountain Spirit/ three Woodland Wanderer and The Quarryman). There are four trains on the WHR (the two through trains and, for the first time, two The Cwellyn services with the addition of the 15:15). All three webcams were running normally today.

At 14:55 Blanche ran round the new Woodland Wanderer rake which contains 4 four wheelers. This then set off for Tan-y-bwlch. At 15:05The Quarryman was shunted out of the seawall siding and back into the FR platform Linda, eventually departing at 15:07. No.87 arrived back at 16:40 with The Harbourmaster. Merddin Emrys came back with the Woodland Wanderer at 17:05 allowing No.87 to dispose of its rake ECS to the depot. The Fairlie ran round at 17:15 and disposed the rake ECS to the depot shortly afterwards. At 17:37 David Lloyd George turned up with the returning Mountain Spirit into the FR platform. After running round, the final movement of the day saw DLG haul the ECS back to the depot.

Locals' Discount continues 1-31/8/24

HALF PRICE OFFER FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS: 1st-31st AUGUST..!
Here are the details on the August offer for the railways' neighbours…
Between the 1st-31st of August 2024, the F&WHR will be offering a 50% discount for the whole family on a wide choice of train services, to local residents with their primary address in the postcode areas: LL22 - LL78 inclusive.
This discount will be valid on the following services from Porthmadog:
▪ 10:05 - THE HARBOURMASTER [Gold]
▪ 10:15 - THE ABERGLASLYN [Gold]
▪ 10:40 - MOUNTAIN SPIRIT [Gold]
▪ 13:40 - THE ABERGLASLYN [Gold]
▪ 14:20 - MOUNTAIN SPIRIT [Standard and Gold]
▪ 14:50 - WOODLAND WANDERER [Standard]
This discount will be valid on the following services from Blaenau Ffestiniog:
▪ 11:40 - THE QUARRYMAN [Standard - Saturday only]
▪ 11:40 - THE QUARRYMAN [Gold]
This discount will be valid on the following services from Caernarfon:
▪ 10:10 - SNOWDONIA STAR [Gold]
▪ 11:30 - GELERT EXPLORER [Gold]
▪ 15:15 - THE CWELLYN [Standard]

The voucher code is: LOCALSAUG
This code will only work on these specified train services between the 1st-31st of August 2024
ℹ Note: Discount offer is for tickets only and does not include Guidebooks or Food & Drink.
This code can be used to apply the discount when making bookings online, on the phone, at our Booking Office counters or on the trains, via the Guard.
PLEASE NOTE: Customers must bring proof of residency (e.g. Driver’s License) on the day of travel to show at the check in desk.
More details and online tickets @www.festrail.co.uk/trains - the F&WHR looks forward to welcoming you here!

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