David Carpenter from Rugby explains his booking difficulties: Just to clarify, I tried to book a single WHR journey on line in advance and as you say, the website does not cater for this. I was unaware tickets from Porthmadog were available from the guard on the train as the website didn't seem to mention this. In pre-Covid days I was told tickets from Porthmadog should be bought before travel, and assumed this still applied. Perhaps the FfR/WHR website could be clearer, or is it me?

The afternoon Mountain Spirit on 20/7/24 was not shown on the rather poor departure list on the portakabin at Blaenau Ffestiniog, showing only The Quarryman and the morning Mountain Spirit. When back at Porthmadog I didn't hear any announcement of the afternoon train, so I assumed it was cancelled. I could also have mentioned the vast improvement to the Gents' loos at Porthmadog.

David Bargh replies: In reply to your correspondent from Rugby who wasn’t able to travel or book tickets for their planned journey on 20 July, my wife and I did a round trip on the previous Saturday starting from Llandudno Jn travelling by TfW to Blaenau Ffestiniog, then on the FfR to Porthmadog, the WHR to Caernarfon and then bus to Llandudno Jn, and the rail journeys weren’t pre-booked and we had confessionary tickets as well.. We had no problems with on the day booking via the FfR guard - in fact she was absolutely delighted to issue single tickets through to Caernarfon as she had never issued such tickets before! It’s surprising therefore that your correspondent had such a completely different experience the following weekend.

HOW A STEAM LOCO WORKS  - Friday 2/8/24

The next ‘How a Steam Locomotive works’ workshop takes place at 10:40 on Friday, 2/8/24 at Boston Lodge.
This is a unique opportunity for visitors to join two friendly loco drivers/fitters who will provide an in-depth breakdown of the building, maintaining and driving of locos! Participants will also get to help prepare a steam loco, see it in action behind the scenes (at the historic Boston Lodge workshops), receive information on ‘how it works’ and then have a go at firing and driving in the yard! It’s all very friendly and relaxed and an ideal experience if you are looking for something a little different. For further information on all these Tours & Workshops and to book your tickets, visit the website.

F&WHR 30/7/24

The Met Office reported Porthmadog was forecast a day of sunny periods with temperatures of 13-23C. Tuesday's train service was six trains on FR (both Mountain Spirit/ three Woodland Wanderer and The Quarryman) and three on the WHR (the two through trains and The Cwellyn). All three webcams were running normally today.

First up was Vale of Ffestiniog which was noted shunting the yard at 08:35. This is likely to be preloading the fuelling point with ovoids as we are now in the peak season and on Wednesday a maximum of 11 steam hauled services will operate. At 08:45 two empty B coal wagons were propelled out onto The  Cob and pulled forward to the WHR platform to collect the token at 08:50. The train departed for Dinas at 08:52 and was thought likely to return with ovoids at midday. There was a mild altercation with a car which failed to obey the traffic lights on Britannia Bridge level crossing.

At 12:28 No.87 arrived with the Snowdonia Star and 5 minutes later the loco ran to the fuelling point to refuel and water. David Lloyd George arrived with the Woodland Wanderer at 13:28. The loco ran round 5 minutes later and shunted the rake to the seawall siding. James Spooner arrived at 13:57 on the Mountain Spirit substituting for the rostered Merddin Emrys. The Fairlie swop occurred 10 minutes later as No.87 departed on the return working of the Snowdonia Star.

At 16:58 James Spooner was back with the second Woodland Wanderer rake, running round at 17:10 and departing with the ECS at 17:13. The Mountain Spirit arrived back around 17:35 and DLG ran round at 17:45 and departed at 17:50 to close the day's activities. With that the signallers closed the box at 18:00 and went home.

No.134 approaches completion 30/7/24

This southerly view (30/7/24) shows No.134 nearing completion at Dinas with Lyd waiting its duty on The Cwellyn in the depot headshunt. The final design of No.134's tender does not involve a backsheet so this will make the loco unpopular when heading north into a storm unless a turntable or triangles are provided at each end of the line! It appears the loco may be ready for steam tests and running in trials by the end of August. Particular attention will have to be given to the operation of the Krauss-Helmholtz pony trucks and the long wheelbase through the tighter curves to establish a suitable line speed limit. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright Andie Shaw taken on a digital camera.

The loco has recently received a satisfactory rolling brake test on vacuum and with the hand brake. most of the pipework has been tested and very few leaks have been found. The NG15 Project is still looking for donations to help complete the loco this year. It may appear in steam at SuperPower in September in work is completed in time. Click here to donate or purchase supporting merchandise.

At 09:35 LILLA was standing in the WHR platform with the 3 coach Works Tour shuttle. David Lloyd George pulled into the FR platform at 09:53 with the ECS for the 10:40 Mountain Spirit. DLG ran round at 10:05. The shuttle departed at 10:10 and at 10:25 took refuge in Boston Lodge works. At 10:28 Merddin Emrys arrived with the ECS for the Woodland Wanderer into the WHR platform. Run round came 5 minutes later.

LILLA was back at about 12:20 with the Works Visit shuttle. Blanche was rostered to haul the new 12:25 Woodland Wanderer additional left on time. Blanche arrived at 12:52 in the FR platform with The Quarryman. Merddin Emrys was running round at 13:50 in the yard. The 14:20 Mountain Spirit was present in the WHR platform at 14:10 having swopped Fairlie locos and left on time.

Linda was then noted shunting the yard. at 14:45. Linda had shunted the scratch rake for the extra Woodland Wanderer over to the WHR platform and was running round. The rake consisted of 4 four wheelers with 4 bogies, including Van No.2 (FR No.11) on the rear. Arriving at 14:45, there was only time for a loco swop before the train departed again at 14:50. Blanche shunted The Quarryman back to the FR platform at 15:10, departing at 15:25.

We have recently returned from our annual visit to Porthmadog and summarise our experiences below.

We had planned our holiday to do the WHR on the first day Thursday 18 July, the Llangollen Railway on the second day and the FfR on the third day. Our plan for the WHR trip was to travel on the train to Caernarfon and return on the recently introduced hourly bus service. However, we were unable to book just the single trip from Porthmadog to Caernarfon on the WHR, so did the trip both ways by bus instead. With a single bus journey between the two towns on the T22 costing a mere £2.75, it would make a nice round trip to go the other way on the WHR, but the booking system doesn't allow this. With so few trains running on the WHR, the station at Caernarfon was all-but deserted at 11.30 when we visited, and we felt a better train service might have provided more custom for the retail and catering outlets at the station.

The trip to Llangollen went as planned and we were impressed with the new station at Corwen. The use of a portakabin as the ticket office and shop let the side down a bit, and we hope this is eventually replaced with a permanent structure.

Our trip on the FfR was on Saturday 20 July, a day when it poured with rain. The morning Mountain Spirit was not particularly well loaded, and we wondered how many people had been discouraged by the apparent need to pre-book. As an example, the rear observation car had a mere seven passengers in it. We were however pleased to see that, despite the publicity saying that only cold drinks would be available from the on-train staff, hot drinks were in fact available in the observation car only. We do not know whether this also applies to the Pullman cars on the WHR, but suspect this might be the case. We do feel that if timetables had been readily available, both in the publicity leaflets and on the stations, it might have encouraged some turn up and go passengers to take a ride as an inside attraction was obviously preferable on such a wet day.

I was interested to see the "base timetable" to which you provide a link on the Isengard website. However, on the day we travelled on the FfR it would appear that the afternoon Mountain Spirit (14.20 ex Porthmadog) did not run, despite it showing in timetable J which was in operation that day. If trains shown on the "base timetable" cannot be relied upon, then this will surely prove a disincentive to the turn up and go traveller if it becomes well known.

This easterly view (20/7/24) shows VELINHELI giving rides in Porthmadog with the General manager in charge. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright David Carpenter taken on a digital camera.

Merddin Emrys was first up today and was running round at 10:20 on the 10:40 Mountain Spirit rake in the FR platform. At 10:35 David Lloyd George turned up with the ECS for the Woodland Wanderer in the WHR platform. Blanche returned from the Sunday morning Work Visit shuttle at 11:21. There is no afternoon trip on Sundays. No.87 arrived back at 12:54. At 13:15 No.87 returned from the watering point to The Aberglaslyn.

Merddin Emrys arrived back the Mountain Spirit at 12:53. At 14:00 DLG emerged from the yard to complete the Fairlie swop. Five minutes later Linda ran round in the FR platform and Merddin Emrys shunted to the depot to water and refuel. Linda departed with the afternoon Woodland Wanderer at 14:55 and swopped with Blanche which arrived there on a 14:25 light engine movement from Blaenau Ffestiniog. Blanche continued with the 16:25 return to Porthmadog while Linda continued light engine on a 16:10 working to Glan-y-pwll depot to haul The Quarryman on Monday.

First up today was No.87 which arrived in the WHR platform at 09:27 with the ECS for The Harbourmaster. VELINHELI was engaged in shunting in the yard at 09:40 prior to offering cab rides so must have arrived before the Garratt. David Lloyd George was next up with the ECS for the 10:40 Mountain Spirit arriving in the FR platform at 10:11 shortly after the departure of The Harbourmaster.

Merddin Emrys arrived with the ECS for the 11:10 Woodland Wanderer at 10:40 allowing the Mountain Spirit to depart at 10:42. No.143 arrived at 12:25 with the Snowdonia Star. At 14:45 Blanche turned up in the yard light engine from the depot. DLG made the Fairlie swop and departed at 14:53 on the Woodland Wanderer. At 15:00 Blanche was propelling The Quarryman rake back into the FR platform from the yard. Vale of Ffestiniog arrived in the WHR platform at 15:22 with three loaded B wagons with ovoids for the fuelling point. VELINHELI worked back to the FR platform light engine at 15:35 and shunted up and down for half an hour. The Funkey emerged from the yard with one wagon at 15:55 and headed across The Cob to enter Boston Lodge 5 minutes later.

Linda was shunting the yard at 16:30 light engine. Ten minutes later The Harbourmaster returned and departed at 17:03 immediately after the Woodland Wanderer had returned. At 17:13 Linda hauled the Woodland Wanderer ECS out onto The Cob and propelled it into the WHR platform  for the special train while VELINHELI continued to offer cab rides in the yard. At 17:30 VELINHELI and DLG departed light engine immediately after Merddin Emrys arrived with the returning Mountain Spirit.

Lilla was standing in the WHR platform at 10:00 with its three coach Works Visit shuttle rake. Merddin Emrys pulled into the FR platform at 10:10 with the 10:40 Mountain Spirit. At 10:30 David Lloyd George arrived with the Woodland Wanderer rake in the WHR platform. Merddin Emrys returned at 13:50 and the Fairlie swop took place with DLG coupling to the front at 13:57 while the other Fairlie fuelled and watered. Merddin Emrys coupled to the Woodland Wanderer at 14:25 and left on time. Lilla emerged from the yard at 15:27 with the afternoon 15:45 Works Tour shuttle.

At 10:25 Harlech Castle was standing in the platform at Tan-y-bwlch with the morning PW trains awaiting a path back to Minffordd Yard. David Lloyd George was standing in the FR platform with the 10:40 Mountain Spirit as Merddin Emrys approached with the ECS for the 11:10 Woodland Wanderer across The Cob. Harlech Castle departed Tan-y-bwlch at 11:50 immediately after Merddin Emrys arrived.

No.143 arrived on the Snowdonia Star and had watered and run round by 13:05. At 15:15 Blanche was shunting the yard and 5 minutes later it shunted The Quarryman rake back to the FR platform. No.87 arrived back with the return working of The Harbourmaster at 16:27. Ten minutes later the ECS left for the depot.

First up was Lilla which arrived with the ECS Works Shuttle at 09:36 and worked into the yard. Next into the station at 09:58 was No.143 with the ECS for the 10:15 The Aberglaslyn. The ECS for the Mountain spirit arrived by 10:10 and Lilla propelled its rake into the short length of platform behind it due to congestion to collect those booked on the works tour before departing at 10:14. Merddin Emrys ran round at 10:20 ready for the 10:40 service. Meanwhile at 10:30 Harlech Castle was running round the morning PW train at Tan-y-bwlch.

The ECS for the 11:10 Woodland Wanderer arrived in the WHR platform at 10:40 behind David Lloyd George. Run round awaited departure of the 10:40. At 15:10 Blanche hauled The Quarryman rake out of the Seawall siding and propelled it back into the rather damp FR platform for the 15:25 return working. At 15:30 Lilla emerged from the yard with its 3 coach Works Shuttle rake which was propelled back into the platform a few minutes later. The train is believed to have taken refuge in the depot after dropping the booked Works Visitors off at Boston Lodge Halt as some shunting was noted at Pen Cob Junction.

This westerly view (24/7/24) shows Palmerston arriving at Devil's Bridge after a successful test run from Aberystwyth. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR taken on a digital camera.

Rail Advent/Cambrian News reports on Boston Lodge Works Tours 24/7/24

Rail Advent visited Boston Lodge as part of today's tour group and report in detail about their trip with illustrations. See also Cambrian News report.

F&WHR 23/7/24

The Met Office reported Porthmadog was forecast a sunny day with temperatures of 12-22C. Tuesday's train service was five trains on FR (both Mountain Spirit/Woodland Wanderer and The Quarryman) and three WHR services (the two through trains and the midday The Cwellyn). All three webcams were running today.

The station was busy as 10:05 as The Harbourmaster prepared to depart hauled by No.143 as David Lloyd George arrived in the FR platform with the ECS for the 10:40 Mountain Spirit. Merddin Emrys arrived in the WHR platform with the Woodland Wanderer at 10:35 and run round commenced immediately.

At 12:31 No.87 arrived on the Snowdonia Star in the WHR platform and the loco promptly detached. Blanche arrived with The Quarryman at 12:53 as No.87 exited the yard and ran round its on rake. At 13:00 Blanche coupled to the rear of the newly arrived The Quarryman rake in the FR platform to shunt it to the yard to clear the platform for later arrivals. Blanche now became station pilot and shunted the newly arrived Woodland Wanderer rake out of the FR platform at 13:37 to the yard. DLG arrived at 13:55 in the FR platform with the return working of the Mountain Spirit and the Fairlie swop took place with the afternoon train leaving at 14:21 behind Merddin Emrys.

At 14:50 DLG departed with the afternoon Woodland Wanderer. Finally at 15:05 Blanche shunted The Quarryman back to the FR platform for the return working to Blaenau Ffestiniog. Merddin Emrys arrived back with the final train at 17:36 and the ECS departed around 18:00 to close the day's activities.

Palmerston first haulage at VoR 26/7/24

It seems that Palmerston has passed its running in tests and will appear on an advertised service at the VoR for the first time on Friday 26/7/24. The 12:15 train ex Aberystwyth train is currently bookable. Fares are £38:50 adult return. This train path normally takes an hour to reach Devil's Bridge and then departs at 14:15 to arrive back at Aberystwyth at 15:15. Palmerston will haul the same train on the first four Fridays of August as well as headlining on specials over the Bank Holiday weekend 24-26/8/24 Rheidol Steam Festival (full details will be published soon on this link).

Other appearances include a Sunset Steam Special on Wednesday 28/8/24. This train departs Aberystwyth at 18.00, and returns by 21.00 (including an hour for passengers to explore at Devil’s Bridge) and is reminiscent of BR's final promotional attempts with the Night Rheidol and Bonfire Night trains of the mid 1970s.

During September, Palmerston will work two Rheidol Heritage Tour specials (Fridays 6/9/24 and 20/9/24). New for 2024, these trains will include a guided tour of the museum in Aberystwyth, as well as a commentary about the journey given by local historian and author Ioan Lord. The experience also includes a look behind the scenes with a workshop tour, as well as time to ask questions.

The engine’s final appearance at the Vale of Rheidol Railway will be on Saturday 21/9/24, as part of the Behind the Scenes event. This special day is being organised as part of the CADW ‘Open Doors’ festival, allowing members of the public to see and experience things at tourist attractions that they would not normally be able to. During the event, Palmerston will be in steam at station limits at Aberystwyth station: it is hoped to be able to offer short rides too.

Cambrian Coast Line saved!

Chris Magner reminds us of the saving of the Cambrian Coast Line 50 years ago:
Fifty years ago on 31/7/74, the late great Fred Mulley MP, Minister of Transport, reprieved the Cambrian Coast Line from closure. In the mid 1960s the Government had a closure plan for the railways of North and Mid Wales. Afon Wen to Caernarfon went in December 1964, Ruabon to Barmouth in January 1965 and Aberystwyth to Carmarthen in February 1965. Then they came for the Cambrian Coast Line. Through Tywyn based John Rogers and the Cambrian Coast Line Action Group who fought the closure from the outside, the Welsh people told the Government 'you will not close our railway'. Recently, at long last, Network Rail have named one of their locomotives after the Talyllyn Railway. It should not be forgotten members of the Talyllyn Railway Preservation Society including John Slater, Richard Hope and Reginald Dawson fought the closure from the inside. It really was a close run thing.

F&WHR 22/7/24

The Met Office reported Porthmadog was forecast an overcast day and temperatures of 14-19C. Monday's train service was five trains on FR (both Mountain Spirit/Woodland Wanderer and The Quarryman) and one WHR service (the Gelert Explorer). All three webcams were running today.

There was congestion at 10:10 as Merddin Emrys arrived with the 10:40 Mountain Spirit at the same time as Blanche needed to depart with it first Works Shuttle. The signaller could have run the FR train into the vacant WHR platform but instead the ECS arrived in the FR platform. The short shuttle rake waiting in the yard then had to shunt out of the yard and set back onto the short length of platform free at the end of the FR platform. The three coach rake was more than sufficient for the several blue tabard wearing guests who had booked onto the first Works Visit. The shuttle set off promptly at 10:15 for Boston Lodge Halt and must have shunted to Minffordd Loop or the Old Loco Shed as the main line through Minffordd was required by advertised services by 10:50. David Lloyd George hauled the Woodland Wanderer ECS into the WHR platform at 10:38 and promptly ran round, waiting for the 10:40 Mountain Spirit to clear The Cob first.

The Works Tour Shuttle was back around 12:20 and shunted to the yard at 12:25. Blanche detached and was used to shunt The Quarryman rake to the yard to clear the FR platform for later arrivals. DLG arrived back at 13:21 in the FR platform with the Mountain Spirit. Merddin Emrys arrived back at 13:46 in the WHR platform with the return working of the Mountain Spirit. The Fairlie swop took place while DLG waited in the loop.

At 15:28 Blanche swopped duties with Linda and took over the return working of The Quarryman leaving Linda to haul the afternoon Works Tour shuttle. At 17:12 Merddin Emrys ran round the returned Woodland Wanderer and departed with the ECS for the depot 3  minutes later. The shuttle emerged from the depot at Pen Cob Junction at 17:40 and then the loco propelled its rake back to Boston Lodge Halt to pick up the tour party. DLG ran round the returned Mountain Spirit in the FR platform at 17:50. The ECS was held as the Works Tour Shuttle was on its way back across The Cob. Linda arrived with the shuttle at 17:56 into the WHR platform and Fairlie departed with the ECS two minutes later, Linda completed its run round as soon as station limits were clear and the ECS Works Tour Shuttle departed at 18:05 to close the day's activities.

This easterly view (22/7/24) shows Linda arriving back with Works Tour Shuttle at 17:57. The rake had been stabled in Boston Lodge for the afternoon after taking the guests to Boston Lodge Halt. Sentry box brake van No.3 can be seen behind the engine. DLG can be seen departing with the ECS Mountain Spirit. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR taken on a digital camera.

KS4415 progress

Kerr Stuart No.4415 came to the WHR as a demonstrator over summer 1928 and is now the oldest UK diesel loco in existence. The preservation group is hoping to complete the loco by its centenary in 4 years. A short section of track on the Bryngwyn branch at Tryfan Junction or Rhostryfan station could be used to demonstrate the loco with a prototypical mixed train as it was in 1928. A public trial was held on the branch on 15/11/1928. Performance was said to be good on the short trains involved on the original Bryngwyn Branch tests.

The loco currently resides in the new Small Loco Shed and it is hoped that such prominence will generate extra donations from that exposure on Works Tours. The big castings for the governor and fuel pump are now to hand and the internal components are being made in order to complete the diesel engine. At this stage donations are still very welcome. Other parts of the engine that are currently being worked through are the injectors, the valve rockers and push rods, and the internals to go in the governor unit. The engine has been back since March and photos and details of reassembly are shown on the KS4415 Facebook page..

No.134 water tank logo

It appears that the tender of No.134 will carry a WHR logo in the style of that applied to No.87 where the initials in two languages cross each other bilingually. In the case of No.87 it is SAR crossed with SAS. SAR stands for South African Railways and SAS for Suid-Afrikaanse Spoorweg. In the case of No.134 WHR represents Welsh Highland Railway will be crossed with RHE or RHeilffordd Eryri.

F&WHR 21/7/24

The Met Office reported Porthmadog was forecast a day of light cloud with sunny periods later and temperatures of 14-18C. Sunday's train service was two trains on FR (both Mountain Spirit) and three WHR services (two  The Aberglaslyn and a Gelert Explorer). All three webcams were running today.

The first train today was the ECS for The Aberglaslyn, hauled by No.130, which arrived in the WHR platform by 10:00. David Lloyd George arrived with the ECS for the Mountain Spirit at 10:10. DLG ran round at 10:18.

Blanche departed with the ECS  Woodland Wanderer rake at 17:14 for Boston Lodge. It may have been a late addition to Sunday's roster if the F&WHR had found more traffic on offer than they anticipated as there was no 14:50 Woodland Wanderer shown in the published timetable for Sunday.

The Mountain Prince arrived at 17:33 behind DLG and ran round at 17:50. The train departed ECS for the depot at 17:54 to close the day's activities.

No.590 on test at VoR 19/7/24

WHHR Baldwin No.590 was noted on test at Aberystwyth on 19/7/24. To the great disappointment of many enthusiasts in the WHR Centenary event last year the loco was withdrawn with a hot box just one day before being scheduled to appear on fully booked trains. This after it had run several 'test trains' for WHHR Members, some to Rhyd Ddu. It appears that negotiations with the VoR have seen restitution work progressed quickly since its arrival in Aberystwyth in the Spring. If running in progresses well and the problem does not re-occur, the loco may return to the WHHR railway in August and could be made avilable by them for SuperPower to make up for last year's disappointment.

For images see Facebook report.

The Snowdonian II 21/9/24

Demand for the Snowdonian in the Spring outstripped supply so the F&WHR has decided to repeat the experience on 21/9/24, replacing the Snowdonian Limited which normally runs as the second Snowdonian of the year.

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

▪ So, two months from now, at 08:45 on Saturday 21/9/24, The Snowdonian II will steam out of Harbour Station, Porthmadog - heading first to Blaenau Ffestiniog, then running all the way to Caernarfon, before returning to Porthmadog. The 08:45 from Porthmadog gets back at about 18:10, allowing time for an evening meal in Spooners.

▪ Penrhyn Ladies LINDA and BLANCHE will be in charge of the train over the Ffestiniog Railway, before being joined by Double Fairlie JAMES SPOONER for the run to Caernarfon (from Pen Cob Junction). Having completed the outbound leg on the Welsh Highland Railway, LINDA and BLANCHE will be replaced by pioneer Garratt K1 - providing two contrasting types of articulated steam loco for the return to Porthmadog. It seems that rumours that No.134 would be available for haulage on the WHR for part of this trip this trip were unfounded as there is uncertainty as to when Kalahari will be completed and finished its running in trials.

▪ Paul Lewin comments: "No.134 may make some early moves this year and Superpower is a focal point. It will not be hauling public services this year but ‘might’ be seen on some test runs and Supporter's Specials. This a big job treading new ground. No.133 would only be restored if c£1m needed to do that job were somehow available."

▪ The Snowdonian II weekend includes an optional evening meal on the Friday and the opportunity to join a FREE tour of Boston Lodge Works on the Sunday. A light breakfast and buffet lunch on Saturday are included in the ticket price - with further refreshments available onboard the train from the Buffet Car.

▪ Tickets are still available for 'The Snowdonian II, so do not miss your opportunity to enjoy eighty miles of Welsh Narrow Gauge Railway in one day!
ℹ Follow the link below for further information and to book your place on the train:
https://www.festrail.co.uk/the-snowdonian-2/

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Click the link below to see the F&WHR video round-up of April's The Snowdonian:
https://youtu.be/SbAK5bhNBrY

F&WHR 20/7/24

The Met Office reported Porthmadog was forecast a showery Saturday morning with temperatures of 11-20C but becoming overcast with heavier rain in the afternoon. Saturday's train service was three trains on FR (the 10:40 Mountain Spirit and the two Woodland Wanderer services). There was also one WHR train, the Gelert Explorer. All three webcams were running today.

The Harbourmaster was present in the WHR platform at 09:45. HUGH NAPIER was present in the yard offering cab rides at the same time. The ECS for the 10:40 Mountain Spirit has arrived in the FR platform by10:15. Merddin Emrys arrived with the ECS for the Woodland Wanderer at 10:20 in the WHR platform.

At 12:50 Linda was running round The Quarryman in the FR platform. At 13:10 No.143 was running round the Snowdonia Star in the WHR platform. Merddin Emrys was running round the return working of the Woodland Wanderer at 13:25 before shunting the rake to the seawall siding to clear the FR platform for the returning Mountain Spirit. Five minutes later the loco worked to the fuelling point. At 13:50 the Mountain Spirit arrived with the David Lloyd George on the front. The Fairlie swop took place with Merddin Emrys going on the front.

Summer ice cream at Porthmadog

This Summer, visitors to the F&WHR will have the opportunity to try out the new Ffestiniog ‘ Steam Coal’ Ice Cream from the Harbour Station platform Ice Cream stand, in collaboration with Mario's!
The F&WHR Catering Manager, Elwyn Edwards, said; “It is really important for us to serve local produce here at our catering outlets and choosing a Welsh Ice cream maker was top of my list. Mario's were happy to cater for my idea of steaming in with a brand-new product. It is actually a very tasty vanilla flavour, and something a bit different, which will hopefully raise a smile from passengers when they come to the new ice cream stand!”

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

Customers will also be able to enjoy Mint Choc chip, Chocolate, Strawberry, Salted Caramel and a vegan option of Red Cherry sorbet.
Mario’s Jayne Burden said: “When we were asked to make something in fitting with the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways we jumped at the opportunity to adapt our luxury Welsh Ice Cream to fit the bill!”
The ‘Steam Coal’ Ice Cream has already been selling well and the locomotive crew certainly approve!

How a steam loco works courses start 26/7/24

'How a Steam Loco Works' experiences are running every Friday in August. The first  ‘HOW A STEAM LOCO WORKS’ is at 14:20 on Friday 26/7/24. Spaces will be reserved on the 14:20 Mountain Spirit to/from Boston Lodge for course participants from Porthmadog.

Come and have a go at driving a steam locomotive! These three-hour workshops give you a chance – in a small group – to learn more about how a steam loco works. Two of our friendly loco drivers/fitters with in-depth experience of building, maintaining and driving locos will take you through the way a steam locomotive works.
▪Participants will get to help prepare a steam loco, see it in action behind the scenes at our historic Boston Lodge workshops, receive information on ‘how it works’ and then have a go at firing and driving it in the works yard.
▪It is all very friendly and relaxed… an ideal experience if you are looking for something a little different. This makes an ideal gift for anyone with even a passing interest in locos, heritage, engineering or simply the challenge of driving an unusual vehicle.
▪Please Note: the nature of the workshop site and the locos themselves means that attendees must be able to walk across uneven surfaces and climb up and down onto the locos.
ℹ Full details and online booking available @ https://www.festrail.co.uk/workshop-how-steam.../
⚠ The F&WHR asks all attendees to read the information on the Workshop webpage carefully and watch the Safety Briefing video, before booking their tickets.
Unless specifically advertised all workshops and tours are for adults (16+).
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INTERESTED, BUT CANNOT MAKE IT ON FRIDAY 26/7/24?
The courses ar running every Friday in August (plus Saturday 10/8/24) - book your place now, on a date convenient to you!

F&WHR 19/7/24

The Met Office reported Porthmadog was forecast sunny periods Friday morning with temperatures of 14-21C but becoming overcast in the afternoon with some drizzle. Friday's train service was three trains on FR (the 10:40 Mountain Spirit and the two Woodland Wanderer services). There was also one WHR train, the Gelert Explorer. All three webcams were running today.

The ECS for the 10:40 Mountain Spirit was noted in the FR platform surprisingly early by 09:15. Upnor Castle was noted shunting the yard with a short train and brake van attached at 10:25. At 10:40 two Fairlies were noted shunting the yard and Merddin Emrys had coupled to the Mountain Spirit. The other Fairlie, David Lloyd George hauled the Woodland Wanderer out of the seawall siding and shunted it to the WHR platform.

Loco roster w/c 20/7/24

Things are looking busy, as the coming week should feature ELEVEN steam locos working on and around the F&WHR.
• On the Ffestiniog Railway: David Lloyd George and Merddin Emrys will share duties on the Mountain Spirit and Woodland Wanderer services, normally swopping duties at lunchtime TThS.
• The Quarryman service from Blaenau Ffestiniog will be worked by Linda.
• On Saturday, Quarry Hunslet VELINHELI will be on footplate ride duties at Harbour Station.
• On Sunday, Blanche will be in charge of a private train to Tan-y-Bwlch.
• LILLA has been rostered to work the Boston Lodge Tour specials on MWFO
...while HUGH NAPIER will be the loco used for an NLHF 'Have a Go' Workshop on FO
• Over on the Welsh Highland Railway, a busy week will see all three NG/G16s in action on the longer distance services - with Lyd in action on the TWThO trains to Rhyd Ddu.
• Locos will swap trains at Beddgelert twice this week as the Garratts move between different duties.
• No.130 will start the week working from Porthmadog.
• No.143 will start the week working from Caernarfon.
• No.87 will take over from No.130 on Tuesday...
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.

Palmerston back in traffic on VoR 19/7/24

Palmerston has been at the VoR for some months as part of an agreement to undertake its 10 year boiler overhaul and then work special trains throughout August/September before returning to the F&WHR in October. Full details of Palmerston's planned activities on the VoR are given on the VoR Press Release. All of Palmerston's turns are bookable on the VoR booking page. The final day in service is Saturday 21/9/24 after which it will be prepared for return on a low loader to the F&WHR to attend the FR's Bygones event 4-6/10/24.

F&WHR 18/7/24

The Met Office reported Porthmadog was forecast sunny periods Thursday with temperatures of 15-21C. Thursday is a copy of Tuesday's train service ere with five trains on FR (The Quarryman and two each Mountain Spirit/Woodland Wanderer services). There are also the two through WHR trains. All three webcams were running today.

At 10:35 XX was running round with the Woodland Wanderer in the WHR platform but had to wait for the 10:40 departure of the Mountain Spirit behind James Spooner. At 11:40 Criccieth Castle was waiting in Tan-y-bwlch station for a return path to Minffordd Yard with the morning PW. The train was waiting the arrival of the Woodland Wanderer.

Virgin responds to Open Access request 18/7/24

Virgin Rail has responded to the North Wales Business Council request for Open Access services now the company is proposing to re-enter the rail market. The initial suggestions from Virgin do not involve any North Wales services so it is a good question to ask if Virgin is really serious about taking on Open Access North Wales trains. In addition to DMUs offered in previous years, Virgin could choose from the Class 68/Mk5 rakes recently sidelined by Northern if it wanted to make a splash with top quality express services with the latest stock. See Daily Post story.

Personal Message

I returned from a week long hospital visit on Saturday and will hopefully be able to provide a regular news service again from today. Thanks to all the readers who sent me best wishes for a speedy recovery. I lost 11.0 kg whilst in hospital!

F&WHR 14/7/24

The Met Office reported Porthmadog was forecast sunny periods all day Sunday with showers and temperatures of 11-18C. There are three trains on FR (two Woodland Wanderer trains and a Mountain Spirit) and one WHR train (the Gelert Explorer). All three webcams were running today.

Merddin Emrys arrived in the WHR platform at 09:56 with the ECS for the 10:40 Mountain Spirit. James Spooner was running round the Woodland Wanderer in the WHR platform as the Mountain Spirit departed at 10:43.

School summer holiday leads to early start for The Cwellyn

With local schools starting the 6 week summer holiday in mid July, the F&WHR has decided to start the Summer Dated Cwellyn services earlier than anticipated. The service was due to run during August but will now start on Wednesday 17/7/24 with the 12:30 departure from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu. The train returns to Caernarfon arriving back at 15:00. Trains will operate Tuesday-Thursday from 23/7/24 until the end of August providing a  cheaper lunchtime option on the WHR.

Staff special 13/7/24

A staff special working was run on the evening of Saturday 13/7/24 to say thank you to Young Rail Professionals who have been volunteering on the line this week. The working was probably from Porthmadog to Tan-y-grisiau with Blanche in charge. The train returned to Porthmadog arriving after 22:00 and the ECS returned to Boston Lodge at around 22:40 with lights ablaze as darkness fell!

NR substitutes diesel for NWC steam 14/7/24

Sunday's Liverpool Lime Street-Holyhead was diverted to Llandudno. Black 5 No.44871 that was due to run today was substituted by a Class 37 on the extra move to turn the train on the Chester triangle so the steam loco could lead in both directions.

Moving Pictures No.95

Click on the YouTube link to watch 26 minutes 39 seconds of video showing the delivery of Pixie and the refurbished Bodysgallen. 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 10/7/24

The Met Office reported Porthmadog was overcast all day Wednesday with showers and temperatures of 12-16C. There are four trains on FR (two Woodland Wanderer trains a Mountain Spirit and The Quarryman and 3 trains on the WHR, two The Aberglaslyn and a Gelert Explorer). All three webcams were running today.

At 12:10 Blanche ran through Tan-y-bwlch with The Quarryman while the Woodland Wanderer was stabled there waiting its return path. At 13:25 Garratt No.87 returned from the refuelling point and completed the run round in the WHR platform ready for the afternoon working of The Aberglaslyn. Lyd was running round the Woodland Wanderer at 13:25 as The Mountain Spirit approached across The Cob behind James Spooner. The new Fairlie went to refuel and water at 13:35 and completed the run round at 14:15. Departure with the ECS came 2 minutes later.

Lastly, the 15:25 return working of The Quarryman was prepared and shunted to the FR platform, departing on time behind Blanche. Up at Tan-y-bwlch at 15:35 the newly arrived Woodland Wanderer hauled by Lyd was drawn forwards and shunted into the westbound platform clearing the eastbound platform for the return working of The Quarryman. Lyd ran round and Blanche passed through at 14:05.

At 16:15, Vale of Ffestiniog was on test with a steam engine shunting back and forth across The Cob. At the end of the day No.143  returned on the final The Aberglaslyn which exchanged locos with No.87 that joined the Gelert Explorer back to Caernarfon.

Brecon result gives new opportunity for HoW line

One of the tighter constituency battles of the General election saw the Liberal Democrats win Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe by a majority of about 1,500 votes. This was one of their 64 gains which gave them a powerful 72 seat pressure group in the House of Commons. The new MP David Chadwick gained the seat from the Tory incumbent, former Welsh Minister, Fay Jones who had been elected in 2019 GE after David Chadwick won the Recall by-election held over alleged Tory corruption issues. The new MP is keen to meet groups interested in seeing some progress with the Heart of Wales line. To achieve anything before the next election planning work needs to start now!

As previously noted one group is seeking to extend the TRAWS route to South Wales by an alternative route. This could provide a link from North Wales via the Cambrian Coast through Bangor, Caernarfon and Afon Wen. The new route utilises the Cambrian Coast Railway from Machynlleth to Caersws before providing a new curve at Moat Lane onto the former Mid-Wales Railway. After passing the summit at Pant-y-dwr the new route joins the Heart of Wales Line just south of Builth Road station. There is an opportunity for a new route between Rhayader and Llandrindod Wells so that traffic serves the major conurbation on the HoW line.

TfW current proposals see the timetable being cut to fewer trains and already this service is limited to a single car DMU. Travel to work/school/college opportunities may be lost if TfW go through with their cost saving measures. The new Mid Wales proposals would lead to an intensive service at the south end of the line through Llandeilo to Swansea/Cardiff.

F&WHR 9/7/24

The Met Office reported overcast conditions at Porthmadog on Saturday with rain in the morning and temperatures of 13-18C. There were five trains from Porthmadog and the two through trains on the WHR. The Garratt departed with The Harbourmaster at 10:05 and later the Mountain Spirit. At 10:34 James Spooner appeared in the WHR platform with the ECS Woodland Wanderer.

At 14:00 No.143 was present at Porthmadog on the Snowdonia Star return working. At 14:55 further shunting occurred with the Fairlie swop and Blanche off The Quarryman. The return working was shunted back into the FR platform by 15:10. Point maintenance was underway at 15:30.

At 15:45 Vale of Ffestiniog returned from Dinas delivering two B wagons full of ovoids. The rake was shunted back into the fuelling point. Blanche passed through Tan-y-bwlch at 16:15 with the return working of The Quarryman passing the afternoon Woodland Wanderer which had already run round by this time.

At 16:27 No.87 arrived with the return working of The Harbourmaster. The ECS departed at 16:35 for the depot. At 17:25 the Woodland Wanderer was shunted clear of the FR platform to the yard with the return working of the Mountain Spirit due shortly. The ECS departed after the Mountain Spirit arrived at 17:43. Run round came at 18:00 with James Spooner now on the Mountain Spirit having swopped duties at lunchtime. The loco departed with the ECS at about 18:03 to close the day's activities.

Alco Mountaineer report July 2024

July 2024 working party report-
The team this time has been consolidating their previous work.
The cab has been the focus on two fronts, more fittings has been added back in to further explore the ergonomics for the fireman. This included a visit from that days The Quarryman' fireman who said it would be ok to fire but if it was up to them they would prefer a higher shovelling plate. This will be an option going forward.
Mock ups of sliding side windows were also created as these would increase the side airflow through the cab on hot days.
The full size model of the ash pan has had its base built up to see how it fits into the frames. This is quite a large area as it turns out and has been designed by one of our young volunteers Gwion with advice from staff at Boston Lodge.
The smoke box saddle casting has had the last two studs removed. This required the use of the magnetic drill as they were rusted in. This leaves this area now clear.
Plans were to remove the brake shaft but due to other tasks taking longer it was decided to keep this till next time. Some cleaning and finding out how it came part was carried in preparation for next time.
Measurements were taken of the super heater flues to see if suppliers had the correct tools in stock.
There were also discussions involving the water tanks. Due to the historical importance of these we are planning to repair and retain them on the engine. Focus was on how to preserve them as they were coated with cold galvanising, which has been suggested by one of our volunteers. Thoughts were also given on how to improve access into the water space to the tanks. As at least the baffles and the supporting angles will need to be replaced. Thoughts are to add an access hatch in the centre on the back of each tanks between the baffles. This would increase the safety of working inside the tanks and also increase the pool of people able to do this as the filler holes are quite small.
Outside of the working parties we have also had a visit from the boiler inspector now that all the NDT testing has been completed. We are awaiting his report but have been informed that there's nothing to worry about.
Lastly, taking advantage of the afternoon sun on both days we helped the Glan-y-Pwll caretaker, who also works for the railways S&T depart to dismantle the GPO van at the back of his house as it was life expired.
That's all for this time.
Please find our appeal page on the Ffestiniog Railway Society web site.
https://www.ffestiniograilway.org.uk/.../mountaineer-appeal
We have our own website, where we have a selection of items for you to purchase to support the project.
https://www.alco1265.org.uk/
Finally if you would like to get involved please contact pbooth@ffwhr.com for more information on how you can do this and you can send a message on this page.
Team Mountaineer

Pixie relaunch 6/7/24

This archive photo from the early 70s shows the Rev. Teddy Boston and his beloved Pixie on the Cadeby Light Railway around the Rectory gardens. In Autumn 1970 your web editor was part of a group of students from Aberystwyth University Transport Society who were invited by Teddy to run both his garden and extensive model railway. The loco was recently restored at Boston Lodge and is now at the Richmond Light Railway. Photo credit RLR.

F&WHR 7-8/7/24

The weather on Sunday was overcast with temperatures 14-20C at Porthmadog.

Relaunch of No.2115 Bodysgallen
Glenn Williams, Carriage Works Supervisor provides a run-down of the overhaul/refurbishment of Pullman Carr. No.2115 Bodysgallen
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With Carriage No.2115 Bodysgallen re-entering service on Sunday the F&WHR thought you might like to see the extent of the work undertaken to bring the carriage back to a First Class standard.
No.2115 entered the carriage works late May/early June last year, to allow as much volunteer effort to strip the carriage as was possible. Luca who visits us once a year largely did this work, which included removing the exterior roof skin to allow the insulation to be replaced.
The carriage didn’t see much attention over the winter due to other demands but the seats continued to be worked on. The seats can only be removed from the carriage via a window opening with the window unit removed. The seats being in very poor condition needed stripping and then the frames completely rebuilding prior to being sent to our local upholstery firm. They arrived back a week before the carriage re-entered service.
The electrical system has been completely renewed, mainly due to a derailment which severed cables underneath some years ago, but while the outer skin was off it seemed a good idea to do the upper body too. It also now has the standard USB charging sockets just under the tables.
All the lower side panelling has been replaced, most being beyond repair due to water damage, with new black Walnut faced ply. The old window frames being of a poor design, using sealant rather than being welded at joints allowed water into the interior of the carriage causing significant damage to the veneers.
Most of the brass work has been professionally polished and then lacquered to maintain the shine. New light fittings installed in the two ends and overhauled and cleaned lights in the main saloon. The ceiling has been repainted and lined along with the upper black/gold cant rail. The remaining panels were carefully sanded/scraped prior to sympathetic repairs to the veneers and lots of varnish coats.
The end vestibule floors were very rotten and have been reinforced with a few extra bits of metal and now have the standard recycled plastic boarding fitted. Staff have also installed the same sound deadening board in the saloon, as they did with Obs No.150 this last winter, before the new carpet was installed.
There were numerous other jobs such as re-staining the end vestibules, including the new panels in these areas. Overhauling all the door locks and making them operate correctly. Fitting new door buffers and other door related jobs, just to mention a few.
One of the final finishing jobs was to fit the new antimacassars. These being stitched by a volunteer for us, to whom staff  are very grateful, before sending to the embroidery company to add the upholstery colour matched F&WHR garter too.
The team have worked very hard and produced some great work over the last 5/6 weeks to get the carriage finished. A big thank you to them all and the sponsor, Peter Campbell, and staff hope passengers enjoy riding in the coach for some years to come.

With the all the results of the General Election now in the Liberal Democrats surprised themselves by winning 72 seats, a gain of 64 seats. One particularly strong performance in the General Election was the by-election winner of the Shropshire North constituency, Helen Morgan, who had strongly supported the reopening of the Gobowen-Oswestry rail link. With such a strong Parliamentary Party Group behind her the reopening may happen sooner than many think.

With Labour having such a large majority and a rail nationalisation/reopening strategy, Labour too will be looking for early success with its rail policy. Sadly, Labour has been told by officials that the cupboard is bare and major changes with rail investment will depend on raising funds from other pots that support the economy.

In the final days of the Tory Government there was a push to get North Wales Coast Electrification started along with sympathetic expansion of Chester, Llandudno Junction and Bangor stations. This may have been a final attempt to save the Tory seats in North Wales as no preparatory work had been done by ministers. It was a pointless effort, however, as the Tories lost every one of their Welsh seats. 

With Plaid Cymru winning all the West Coast of Wales constituencies from Caernarfon to Carmarthen the party is in a position to have a joint rail campaign of its MPs to promote the stalled TRAWS project between Bangor and Carmarthen. The party also won the Anglesey constituency and is in a position to promote the Bangor-Amlwch route from Gaerwen Junction. Bangor & Aberconwy and surprisingly Montgomery & Glyndwr were Labour gains covering Bangor and Machynlleth on the route. While having one party representing all the constituencies on the route may lead to a coordinated campaign to reopen the line, there is also a chance that Labour may seek to minimise PC's influence by blocking any attempt by PC to promote the project.           

The loco roster is back after a few week's absence. There is an interesting week ahead with EIGHT steam locos working passenger trains on the F&WHR.
On the Ffestiniog Railway: James Spooner, David Lloyd George and Merddin Emrys will be working out of Porthmadog on trains to Blaenau Ffestiniog, while Lyd will mainly be busy with trains to Tan-y-Bwlch.
Trains from Blaenau Ffestiniog will initially see Linda in charge, but then replaced by Blanche for the remainder of the week. Friday will see Lyd and Blanche swap trains at Tan-y-Bwlch, sharing duties on a special train (the 11;40 School Special from Blaenau Ffestiniog to Tan-y-bwlch
Services on the Welsh Highland Railway will be covered by NG/G16s Nos.87/130:
• No.87 will start the week working from Porthmadog.
• No.130 will start the week working from Caernarfon.
• The two locos will swap trains at Beddgelert on Wednesday, working from the opposite end of the line for the remainder of the week.
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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.

Personal Note 4/7/24

There will be some disruption to the website for a few weeks as your webmaster must go into hospital for some treatment. It may be possible to offer some reduced web news service over this period.

F&WHR 1-4/7/24

On 1/7/24 Vale of Ffestiniog hauled the afternoon Woodland Wanderer. See Paul Welton's Facebook video.

On 2/7/24 David Lloyd George hauled the ECS Mountain Spirit back to the depot at the end of the day.

On 3/7/24 Linda hauled The Quarryman from Blaenau Ffestiniog and No.130 on the Snowdonia Star.

Thursday 4/7/24 was to be a day of light clouds and sunny periods with temperatures of 12-16C at Porthmadog. The usual Thursday service applied with five FR trains (two Mountain Spirit/Woodland Wanderer and The Quarryman) and the two through WHR services. All three webcams were available today.

No.87 hauled the ECS for The Harbourmaster into Porthmadog around 09:30. Merddin Emrys was running round the Mountain Spirit at 10:10.

At 12:55 Linda was shunting the Quarryman out of the FR platform ready for later arrivals.

No.143 ran round after arriving on the Snowdonia Star and David Lloyd George was shunting the ECS Woodland Wanderer  which was shunted to the seawall siding to free up the FR platform.

Linda departed at 15;30 with The Quarryman.

First back at the end of the afternoon was No.87 on the return working of The Harbourmaster at 16:28. At 17:10 James Spooner pulled in with the Woodland Wanderer. Run round came at 17:20 and the ECS departed shortly afterwards. A few minutes later the Mountain Spirit arrived with DLG haulage.

Y Stesion Caernarfon food offering

Looking for a tasty treat before your train ride, a quick bite or a leisurely lunch? Caffi De Winton has something for everyone - come along and enjoy some freshly-prepared food from the kitchen!
Caffi De Winton is open daily from 09:00-15:00
Breakfast served 09:00-11:30
Lunchtime menu from 11:30 onwards.
Don't forget - the shop is also open daily, from 09:00-17:00, with a wide range of gifts and souvenirs for you to choose from.
'Y Stesion' is open to all visitors - you don't have to be travelling on one of the trains * - so why not pop in and take a break here when you're next in Caernarfon town...
* The F&WHR would love to see you on one of the trains as well. Visit festrail.co.uk/trains and click the link to 'Trains from Caernarfon' for details of all journey options from 'Y Stesion'.

Loco and carriage round up

Pullman Carriage No.2115 Bodysgallen is to return to service this weekend with a frosted glass carriage number in the door windows after over a year being sidelined at Boston Lodge. Carriage seats have been renewed.

Welsh Pony was moved to Boston Lodge and lifted to receive attention to the loose crank.

The machine to fit the larger boiler tubes in Taliesin has arrived and it is possible this loco may be completed this year or early next season.

Small diesel Criccieth Castle will emerge from BL Works soon having received some  attention. it will be used on shunting and ECS duties after prolonged work on the engine and air systems.

Following the acquisition of a new lower powered charger, one of the battery locos may emerge from Boston Lodge for testing.

K1 is to attend SuperPower in September but there is no news yet about Palmerston's return from the VoR (though it will be back in October for the FR Event) or whether No.590 will attend from the WHHR after failing just prior to its launch event last year.

Volunteering is currently organised differently due to the Covid-19 outbreak. We have a mix of weekend and weekday working parties. The Black Hand, Tuesday Gang and Rest of the World Gangs will be very glad to accept your help. Contact the relevant organiser to let him know when you plan to join us. Please do not just turn up as that makes it difficult for us to plan ahead.

The programme for 2024 is fortnightly for the North Wales Track Gang in RED but details are still awaited for the ROWG in BLACK:

Bank Holiday weekend

! Subject to confirmation when the Winter Major Works Programme is available

WW-Working week Saturday-Thursday

The Tuesday Gang expects to be operating most Tuesdays.

Arrangements may change so contact the working party organiser before you commit yourself to joining us just to make sure.

Contacts

If you intend to join one of the weekend or Tuesday gangs, please contact the appropriate organiser. If you are interested in weekday working or have any queries about track work volunteering, please contact Phil Nock.

Tuesday Gang:

North Wales Black Hand Gang (BHG): Dafydd Thomas Phone: 01248 681019 Email: dthomas@ffw

Rest of The World Gang (ROWG): Phil Nock Email: pnock@ffwhr.com