WHR

WHR

News Archive Page

2024

October

V4.1 updated 1/12/24

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

F&WHR 31/10/24

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Thursday was for an overcast day with temperatures of 9-16C. Thursday's train service was for 5 trains in all with 3 FR trains (two Woodland Wanderer, the morning Mountain Spirit). There were two through WHR trains. Now the clocks have gone back, the late afternoon Woodland Wanderer due back at 17:00 will be coming back after sunset which was 16:46 at Porthmadog today. Linda is offering cab rides at Caernarfon Station from 10:00 and the station is decorated in Halloween style. Although there are no Halloween trains as such, visitors to Caernarfon Station are invited to join in the Halloween decorations. Maybe next year a Halloween Train will be re-introduced!

Another development has seen the season extended by one day to run two Woodland Wanderer services on Friday 1/11/24 giving encouraging Half Term Holiday traffic figures which have required trains to be strengthened with additional coaches. If the demand is there will the F&WHR operate services at the weekend too in common with some of the other North Wales heritage railways?

No.130 arrived with the ECS for the final working of The Harbourmaster at 09:25 in the WHR platform. The 11:10 Woodland Wanderer was strengthened with additional coaches and double headed with Criccieth Castle assisting Blanche. No.87 arrived at 12:53 with the final run of the well loaded Snowdonia Star into the WHR platform. The loco uncoupled immediately and shunted light engine for the yard to refuel and top up with water. At 13:20 Criccieth Castle assisted Blanche bringing the Woodland Wanderer into the FR platform. This was alleged to be the first passenger working for Criccieth Castle in 5 years so maybe its time to consider a diesel gala? Blanche went to coal and water while the diesel shunted the rake to the yard to allow platform space for the Mountain Spirit to arrive. Merddin Emrys arrived at 14:00 with the final heavily laden Mountain Spirit. The Fairlie ran round at 14:07 as the Garratt departed. The ECS shunt double headed back to the FR platform at 14:28 with 10 coaches in the strengthened Woodland Wanderer rake with Blanche as pilot loco! The train departed at 14:53.

Criccieth Castle and Blanche returned at 17:00 with headlight blazing on the diesel. The pair ran round two minutes later and departed for the depot with the ECS a few minutes later to close what was originally planned to be the end of the season. However the F&WHR will now be operating two trains on 1/11/24. The Harbourmaster returned very late from Dinas with No.87 receiving the support of Vale of Ffestiniog, arriving well after dark. This also caused reaction delays to the Snowdonia Star which saw No.130 piloted into Caernarfon also very late, after dark by Caernarfon Castle. No explanation has been given for the late running.

Local Discount applies on Friday extras

This 50% discount is available to local residents with their primary address in any postcode area from LL22 to LL78 (inclusive)
The voucher code is still: LOCALSOCT
ℹ 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!

Spooners Closure 3-4/11/24

ℹ ADVANCE NOTICE of closures as the WMWP begins:
SUNDAY 3/11/24
Spooner's kitchen will be closed from 15:00 on Sunday, so there will be no hot food or evening meal service for the remainder of the day.
Spooner's Bar will be open until 10:30 as usual.
MONDAY 4/11/24
Harbour Station will be closed completely while work takes place to upgrade the electrical supply to the buildings.
As a result, Spooner's Cafe and Bar will also be closed all day.
TUESDAY 5/11/24
Open as usual from 09:00 for breakfasts, light bites, tasty treats etc.

F&WHR 30/10/24

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Wednesday was for a day of sunny periods but becoming overcast later with temperatures of 7-16C. Wednesday's train service was for 5 trains in all with 3 FR trains (two Woodland Wanderer, the morning Mountain Spirit and the final Works Shuttle). There was one WHR train, the final Gelert Explorer. Now the clocks have gone back, the late afternoon Woodland Wanderer due back at 17:00 will be coming back after sunset which was 16:48 at Porthmadog today.

First up was Lilla at 09:55 running round the final Works Shuttle in the WHR platform. Merddin Emrys arrived at 10:08 with the ECS for the 10:40 Mountain Spirit and Lilla departed with the Works Shuttle 3 minutes later. At 10:17 Linda emerged from the yard and shunted light engine to the WHR platform where at 10:17 it departed for Dinas, being booked for footplate rides at Caernarfon on Thursday 31/10/24. The ECS for the 11:10 Woodland Wanderer arrived in the WHR platform and Blanche ran round probably after the 10:40 had departed.

At 14:45 Blanche was back in the FR platform with the 14:50 Woodland Wanderer again using The Quarryman rake. Upnor Castle was standing in the WHR platform with a short works trains including the FR's Mess Van No.1111. The train departed at 15:05 for the depot.

WHR 100 video

Click here for Steve Horne's 15 minute video covering special trains including Russell but sadly not the Baldwin at the WHR 100 event last year.

F&WHR bows to customer demand!

After considerable pressure from supporters the F&WHR has recognised there is traffic to be had after the official end of season 31/10/24 given the School Half Term Holidays continue into the weekend.
OK, we'll put our hands up - we're a lot busier than we thought we might be this week. So much so that we've been adding carriages to trains and now we're also adding two whole trains on Friday 1/11/24!
Yes, you read that correctly - there are now two Woodland Wanderer trains from Porthmadog to Tan-y-Bwlch and return on Friday - at 11:10 and 14:50.
Make the most of this opportunity to get out into the fresh air of Snowdonia - take the train from Harbour Station, enjoy a break at picturesque Tan-y-Bwlch with its welcoming Tea Room and children's playground, have a wander in the autumnal woods, then catch the train back to Porthmadog.
It's a great family activity - and also popular with dogs, so don't forget your four legged friends. Come along and help us close the season in style - we'd love to see you here..!

NLHF October 24 Update 30/10/24

Click on the YouTube link to watch 24 minutes 12 seconds of video showing final progress with Boston Lodge Project. This is the final update of the NLHF Boston Lodge Project and summarises the progress made. This video is copyright F&WHR and was published on 30/10/24. It is best viewed at 1080p with Chrome and was videod on a 4K camcorder by John Wooden (F&WHR).

Linda at ghostly Caernarfon 31/10/24

Will you be laughing or screaming..?
‍♂ The popular Hunslet loco 'LINDA' has been steaming all the way from Porthmadog to Dinas, near Caernarfon, today 30/10/24 - ready to provide footplate rides through Caernarfon station tomorrow 31/10/24.
Although there are no Halloween trains, (maybe something to consider reintroducing next year?) the station has been decorated to match the occasion - so why don't you come and join us. The railway would love to see you dressed up in your Halloween costumes, alongside LINDA.
Footplate rides will be available from 10:00 - no charge, no booking, just come along and enjoy a ride, take some pictures and enjoy a little Half-Term Halloween fun!

It was thought likely Linda might return to Porthmadog on 1/11/24 possibly bringing carriages for winter maintenance at the coach works.

F&WHR 29/10/24

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Tuesday was for an improving day with sunny periods developing in the afternoon and temperatures of 6-17C. Tuesday's train service was for 5 trains in all with 3 FR trains (two Woodland Wanderer and the morning Mountain Spirit). There were the two through WHR trains. Now the clocks have gone back, the late afternoon train due back at 17:00 will be coming back after sunset which was 16:50 at Porthmadog today.

No.87 arrived at 12:40 with the Snowdonia Star, some 15 minutes late. At 12:47 the loco shunted to the refuelling and watering point to tank up. The loco completed the run round at 13:17, while the Woodland Wanderer approached across The Cob. Unusually, The Quarryman rake seems to have been used for today's Woodland Wanderer which arrived at 13:20. Blanche shunted the rake to the yard at 13:30 to clear the FR platform for the arrival of the Mountain Spirit.

The Mountain Spirit arrived at 14:00 hauled by Merddin Emrys. Blanche departed for the depot 2 minutes later. The Fairlie ran round at 4:18 as Blanche propelled a single saloon coach over from Boston Lodge to the yard, taking advantage of the reduced timetable to sort out the rakes of coaches. Merddin Emrys departed with the Mountain Spirit ECS at 13:29 for the depot.

Blanche pulled a long rake out of the seawall siding and shunted back into the FR platform. The Woodland Wanderer departed for Tan-y-bwlch at 14:52 using The Quarryman rake. No.130 returned with The Harbourmaster at 16:58, over half an hour late, with Blanche arriving a minute later hauling the Woodland Wanderer as the sun set in the west. The Garratt departed with the ECS at 17:07 as Blanche ran round. Blanche's ECS departed at 17:20 to complete the day's rail activities.

Linda Half Term footplate rides 31/10/24

On the final day of services, Thursday 31/10/24, Linda will be offering footplate rides at Caernarfon station from 10:00. The loco is likely to come down from Dinas double headed with the ECS for the final Snowdonia Star at about 09:30 and returns shortly after the rake returns and is disposed at about 16:25.

Nimby's complain about Caernarfon train smoke 28/10/24

Residents of Segontium Terrace above Caernarfon Station have complained about the deterioration in smoke emissions from steam locos in recent years. Paul Lewin, F&WHR General Manager blamed the Welsh Government's decision to stop applications to mine dry Welsh Steam Coal and the need to rely on poorer overseas coal imports and ovoids. Other than improving the fuel mix/burn characteristics, the railway could reduce the layover time in Caernarfon, currently around 30 minutes, or use a diesel between Caernarfon and Dinas to reduce residents' concerns. See BBC story.

F&WHR 28/10/24

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Monday was for an overcast day with showers developing in the afternoon and temperatures of 10-17C. Monday's train service was for 3 trains in all with 3 FR trains (two Mountain Spirit and The Works Shuttle). There were NO WHR trains. Now the clocks have gone back the late afternoon trains will be coming back after sunset which is 16:52 at Porthmadog today.

Blanche arrived back in the FR platform hauling the two coach Works Shuttle at 12:24. Run round occurred at 12:37 and the train departed ECS by 12:55. It appeared as the timetable was very light today, the opportunity was being taken to shunt some stock at the end of the season. There was an unadvertised arrival of a rake of 12 older coaches, including 4 four wheelers and the curly roofed van on the rear in the FR platform just after 13:00 and shunting of the six coach The Quarryman rake by Criccieth Castle at 13:20 in the yard. At 13:30 the diesel was back coupled to the curly roofed van rake in the platform and it was shunted to the yard at 13:35. Merddin Emrys hauled the well loaded 14:20 Mountain Spirit. Further diesel shunting took place at 14:28. At 14:40 Criccieth Castle hauled The Quarryman rake across The Cob for maintenance at Boston Lodge as no further services were planned for The Quarryman this year.

The final afternoon Mountain Spirit working arrived back around 18:00, well after sunset! For the rest of the week only the 10:40 Mountain Spirit will run.

No.134 at Rhyd Ddu 28/10/24

No.134 almost made it into Rhyd Ddu station on Monday 28/10/24. The platform edge at the northern platform access crossing was found to be foul of the loco so it was returned to Dinas by Caernarfon Castle which was on the rear. Andrew Cole has kindly provided a photo of No.134 with Caernarfon Castle at Snowdon Ranger on Facebook dated 28/10/24. The loco carried the headboard of the WHR Society Cymdeithas Rheilffordd Eryri. The Infrastructure Department needs to re-set the platform kerbstones to the correct height before the loco can made any further gauging progress. The loco may be tested as far as Beddgelert by the end of the year but the WMWP is active beyond there so the No.134 volunteers will focus on completing the snagging list at Dinas.

No.134 tested to Rhyd Ddu 28/10/24!

No.134 has reached Rhyd Ddu hauling Caernarfon Castle as a load earlier this week. Several photographs are available on the Facebook Festrail website.

Adrian Strachan reports (2/11/24): Firstly, apologies to our followers for the lack of updates during the very busy period up to the launch of No.134 to Members & guests at the WHR's Superpower event in September - we were simply too busy making it happen! Nevertheless as per all the coverage elsewhere, the loco was able to appear at the event and provide footplate rides over that weekend for many visitors, while starting to accumulate some light engine mileage. We were delighted to receive so much positive feedback on the standard of the overhaul and everyone seems to agree that we have ended up with a very smart and powerful looking engine indeed.
Into August we were focused on the pipework, hoses and drawbar installations, plus many other small jobs to bring us to the point of test running, along with final paint touches to the initial SAR black scheme we have opted for. In the middle of the month a successful visit of the boiler inspector for the visual, hydraulic and steam tests signified the start of a 10-year insurance certificate for No.134. We were then able to plan some first days in steam prior to the Superpower event to check the loco's operation and clearances around Dinas station & yard.
Following Superpower we continued to accumulate some more light engine mileage and conducted gauging trials between Caernarfon and Waunfawr. Some very minor infrastructure issues were addressed with platforms and crossings, and we can now pass the section comfortably - with certainly much more than regular FR clearances!
We took time at the October working parties to continue completion jobs, and address any minor snagging issues which had come up from the early runs, culminating in extending our gauging adventure to Rhyd Ddu on Monday 28/10/24 (a day on which there were no conflicting WHR service-Ed). Again some minor clearance issues were resolved, and on this run we also took the Funkey diesel Caernarfon Castle along to provide some trailing load for No.134 to haul at higher consistent speeds up to Waunfawr. The engine ran well but, despite a valve exam the previous week, it wasn't sounding as it should at the start of the run. Having thoroughly checked the piston valves we suspected the overhauled Bypass valves weren't seating properly, so during our lunch stop at Snowdon Ranger we isolated them. On departure things sounded very much improved and on return to Dinas we dismantled the 4 valves and amended the machined clearances. A final run back up the 1 in 40 out of Dinas (as per the video clip (where-Ed?)) reassured us that all is now well!
During November we are in a period where the Infrastructure departments winter work plan, and the remodelling of Dinas North Yard, will affect access to the mainline and coaching stock for load tests. We will continue working on the (slightly smaller..!) list of outstanding jobs, plus the 2 remaining major items to complete - steam sanding and spark arrestor, at our working parties. More on these later.

No.134 tested to Rhyd Ddu 28/10/24!

No.134 has reached Rhyd Ddu hauling Caernarfon Castle as a load earlier this week. Several photographs are available on the Facebook Festrail website.

North Wales Mainline Railway 18-28/10/24

On 28/10/24 No.70811 hauled 4D61, the Bradwell (Longport)-Penmaenmawr empties to collect stone. Various Rail Head Treatment Trains ran, most in top and tail formation e.g. Colas liveried Nos. 56090/113 top and tailed the North Wales Coast run. On Monday 21/10/24 No.66792 Collaboration had hauled the train after a loco shortage at Colas. On the 14/10/24 No.70814 hauled the train on what seems to be becoming a regular Monday duty. On 19/10/24 Nos.37405/56090 were found at Chester between two top and tail snow ploughs. It is many years since there was sufficient snow fall to justify using such heavy snow clearing power on the railways of North Wales, possibly due to global warming. On the 18/10/24 Genesse & Wyoming liveried No.66419 Lionesses Roar was on 6D14 the Ashburys (Manchester) to Llandudno Junction slate waste working.

Questions for the 2025 season

With many heritage railways supporting celebrations starting 1/1/25 to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of Railways we have yet to hear what the F&WHR propose. Indeed there is no indication yet if there will even be February Half Term trains, a common feature on the WHR until the advent of COVID. The new Labour rail minister Lord Peter Hendy recently announced what type of events the industry might aspire to lay on next year. See Rail 200 Celebrations.

Elf Hunt!

Although it may only seem like a blink of an eye since the WHRSoc. were last elfing around, the time has come to start recruitment for the most important 'elfers' on the railway! Our Head Elf Jo is on the elf hunt for our most magical trains of the year. No prior elf experience is necessary as all training will be provided - all that's required is Christmas spirit!
The dates for the trains this December are:
- 7th and 8th
- 14th and 15th
- 21st and 22nd
If you would like to join in the festive fun, please get in contact with Jo Charles at jcharles@crhe.uk.

Santa Claus at Caernarfon Station. Click on the advert to enlarge. Advert copyright F&WHR.

Putting on the show and creating special memories for young and old alike needs a small force of merry volunteers carrying out a range of roles, including:
- Station hosting
- On train stewarding serving refreshments
- Train cleaning gang members
If you are interested in helping in any of these roles, please also reach out to Jo Charles at jcharles@crhe.uk
With the Dinas developments entering full swing next year, its uncertain how the WHR Trenau Sion Corn/Santa Specials will look next December, so if volunteers would like to help out your railway in this unique way don't hang about!

F&WHR 27/10/24

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Sunday was for a day of sunny periods initially but showers developing by sunset and temperatures of 9-14C, clouding over later. Sunday's train service was for 6 trains in all with 5 FR trains (two Mountain Spirit, two Woodland Wanderer and The Works Shuttle). There was one WHR train (the Gelert Explorer). With clocks going back an hour at 02:00 on 27/10/24 the late afternoon trains will be coming back after sunset which is 16:54 at Porthmadog today.

At 10:30 Merddin Emrys arrived with the Woodland Wanderer in the WHR platform and started its run round. Meanwhile Palmerston and Blanche were on the 10:40 Mountain Spirit in the FR platform and after they had departed the Fairlie completed its run round ready for the 11:10 departure.

Lilla returned with the Works Shuttle at 12:27 into the FR platform. At the end of the day Merddin Emrys pulled the afternoon Mountain Spirit into the FR platform at 17:50 in the dark. The loco ran round at 18:04 and the ECS departed at 18:06 to close the day's activities.

Final days of the season 28-31/10/24

The F&WHR is not offering services covering the complete Half Term Holiday period which runs until Sunday 3/11/24 unlike some other preserved railways in North Wales. The BLR has services on 1-2/11/24. The VoR continues to 3/11/24. The Llangollen continues at weekends until 10/11/24. The Llanberis Lake Railway is running TWThO trains right through November and December! In fact the F&WHR is cutting back trains in the school holidays week with only the morning Mountain Spirit running most days, though two Woodland Wanderer trains will run daily Tuesday-Thursday. The final trains of the season take place of Thursday 31/1/24 with 3 FR services (two Woodland Wanderer trains and the morning Mountain Spirit) and two through WHR services. The final passenger train will be the 17:00 arrival from Tan-y-bwlch on 27/10/24.

Following the end of season there are likely to be a number of ECS trains to sort out rakes and take carriages to Boston Lodge for annual maintenance. With the line free for maintenance, increased PW trains are likely and test trains such as No.134 which still needs to be tested between Waunfawr and Porthmadog/Boston Lodge.

F&WHR 26/10/24

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Saturday was for a day of sunny periods initially and temperatures of 1-16C, clouding over later. Saturday's train service was for 6 trains in all with 4 FR trains (two Mountain Spirit, one Woodland Wanderer and The Quarryman). There were two through WHR trains.

Palmerston and Blanche ran round the 10:40 Mountain Spirit at 10:23 in the FR platform. The ECS for the Woodland Wanderer arrived in the WHR platform at about 10:25 and the loco ran round at 10:30 ready for the 11:10 departure.

At 12:30 the Garratt arrived with the Snowdonia Star. The loco detached and unusually ran to the depot light engine. At 13:00 Linda shunted the recently arrived The Quarryman rake to the yard to clear the FR platform for later arrivals. Linda stabled in the yard from 12:10 awaiting further duties as station pilot. Merddin Emrys arrived with the Woodland Wanderer at 13:22 and Linda shunted the rake to the yard 5 minutes later. No.87 brought a spare coach/es back from the depot by 13:40 and left them in the WHR loop before coupling up to the train by 13:45 ready for the 14:05 return working of the Snowdonia Star.

The Mountain Spirit returned by 13:50 and Merddin Emrys ran round the rake in the FR platform. Linda shunted the yard while No.87 departed at 14:05 with the Snowdonia Star. Linda shunted The Quarryman back to FR platform at 14:45 for the return working after the Mountain Spirit had departed.

RAIB Talerddig accident report

The Government's Rail Accident Investigation Branch has now made a preliminary Press Report about the accident near Talerddig on 21/10/24 confirming initial suggestions that 'low adhesion' may be the problem. The full formal report is likely to take several months to appear. See

Collision of two passenger trains at Talerddig, Powys, Wales - GOV.UK

The two class 158s Nos. 824/841 involved have been separated and taken out of service. They were removed by rail to Machynlleth depot. The line is set to be reopened on Monday 28/10/24 after rigorous safety checks over the weekend and visits by the RHTT. See Rail Advent report 25/10/24.

F&WHR 25/10/24

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Friday was for an improving day with showers sunny periods initially and temperatures of 6-19C. Friday's train service was for 4 trains in all with 4 FR trains (two Mountain Spirit, one Woodland Wanderer and The Works Shuttle). There were NO WHR trains.

Britomart arrived at 09:48 with the short rake for the Works Shuttle which ran round in the WHR platform immediately taking advantage of the lack of WHR services. This also allowed the train to start from near Spooners rather than by the signalbox. The ECS for the Mountain Spirit arrived in the FR platform at 10:05 behind Palmerston and Blanche. The locos ran round to shunt the rake at 10:10 as the Works Shuttle departed. Blanche shunted the front three coaches to the seawall siding to match the train length to the loading before returning the Observation Car to the front of the train. Palmerston ran round to couple to the front of the train at 10:25.

Britomart arrived back at 12:20 in the WHR platform on the Works Shuttle and at 12:30 propelled the ECS back across The Cob to the depot. The loco was back again with the brake coach at 12:55 and hauled a special to Tan-y-bwlch after running round in the WHR platform. The train departed 13:29.

Merddin Emrys was back at 17:33 with the Mountain Spirit in the FR platform. The loco ran round at 17:45 and departed with the ECS at 17:50 to close the day's activities.

Loco Roster w/c 26/10/25

The final week of our 2024 season will see SEVEN steam locos in service - FIVE on the FR and TWO on the WHR...
Service trains on the Ffestiniog Railway:
Double Fairlie MERDDIN EMRYS will be out every day until the end of the month - working the morning 'Woodland Wanderer' service on Saturday and Sunday, then taking charge of the 'Mountain Spirit' services.
BLANCHE will be in action every day this week (except for Monday) - while sister loco, LINDA, will be in charge of the final 'Quarryman' service of the season on Saturday.
PALMERSTON is again rostered to work DOUBLE-HEADED with BLANCHE on the morning 'Mountain Spirit' trains to Blaenau Ffestiniog over the weekend.
BLANCHE will then take sole charge of the Sunday afternoon 'Woodland Wanderer' train - along with all 'WW' services for the rest of the week.
Boston Lodge Tour specials are running on three days this week - worked by LILLA (Sunday) or PALMERSTON (Mon/Wed)...
Over on the Welsh Highland Railway, NG/G16s Nos. 87 and 130 are covering the passenger services:
• No.87 will start the week working from Caernarfon.
• No.130 will start the week working from Porthmadog.
• The two locos will swap trains at Rhyd Ddu on the return leg of their journey on Thursday.
LINDA will be visiting Caernarfon, providing footplate rides on Thursday. The loco will travel light engine to Dinas on Wednesday and return to Boston Lodge with empty stock on Friday (no timings available at present).
Check the captions on each loco portrait for further details of their individual workings.
--------------------------------------------------
NOTE: This information is provided in good faith, solely as a guide, but could be subject to change at any time.

Moving Pictures No.99 25/10/24

Click on the YouTube link to watch 37 minutes 19 seconds of video showing happenings in late September and a review of the loco fleet. This video is copyright F&WHR and was published on 22/10/24. It is best viewed at 1080p with Chrome and was videod on a 4K camcorder by John Wooden (F&WHR).

The GVTT Project 25/10/24

Click on the YouTube link to watch 9 minutes 34 seconds of video showing progress with the Glyn Valley Tramway at Chirk. This video is copyright GVT Trust and was published on 25/10/24. It is best viewed at 1080p with Chrome and was videod on a 4K camcorder by GVTT members with clips from the BBC.

See BBC story. Track came from several sources. Rail from the W&L, track fixings from the Corris and a point from the VoR!

F&WHR 24/10/24

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Thursday was for an improving day with sunny periods in the afternoon and temperatures of 7-16C. Thursday's train service was for 6 trains in all with 4 FR trains (two Mountain Spirit, one Woodland Wanderer and The Quarryman). There were 2 through WHR trains.

No.130 departed on The Harbourmaster as a Fairlie arrived in the FR platform with the ECS for the 10:40 Mountain Spirit. Run round came at 10:18 and the front 2 coaches were removed to the seawall siding to match the seats available to the actual books which are lower as we near the end of the season. Merddin Emrys returned to the Mountain Spirit at 10:28 as James Spooner arrived with the ECS Woodland Wanderer into the WHR platform. James Spooner visited the yard light engine at 10:40 as Merddin Emrys departed with the lightly loaded 10:40 working.

The Garratt was back with The Harbourmaster by 16:35 and again there were coach/es parked in the WHR loop that had been removed from the rake to match the accommodation with the reduced bookings as the railway enters the final week of the season. At 16:42 the single coach was added to the front of the train. The ECS departed at 16:49 for the depot.

James Spooner returned with the Mountain Spirit at 17:30 and at 17:54 shunted the observation car and a saloon out of the seawall siding to add to the front of the train. The ECS departed at 18:10 to close the day's activities. Britomart return about 12:20 to the WHR platform and at 12:30 propelled its train back across The Cob to the depot ECS.

At 14:10 a train was stabled in the WHR, possibly the afternoon Mountain Spirit, while shunting was occurring in the yard. It had departed by 14:40 but shunting was still taking place in the yard.

RAIB Talerddig initial report

RAIB's initial report on the Talerddig rail accident confirms the accident was just 800m west of Talerddig, not, as widely reported, close to the former loop at Llanbrynmair. The trains collided at 15mph after the westbound train was unable to stop in the loop due to adhesion problems. It seems the passenger who died, died of other causes sadly.

F&WHR 23/10/24

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Wednesday was for a day of sunny periods and temperatures of 7-16C. Wednesday's train service was for 8 trains in all with 5 FR trains (two Mountain Spirit, one Woodland Wanderer, The Quarryman and one Works Shuttle). There were 3 WHR trains (two The Aberglaslyn and one Gelert Explorer).

Three trains were in Porthmadog at 10:00. the works shuttle departed from near the signalbox at 10:13 while The Aberglaslyn departed behind No.87 at 10:17. James Spooner ran round at 10:19 ready for the 10:10 Mountain Spirit. Merddin Emrys arrived at 10:30 with the ECS for the 11:10 Woodland Wanderer and ran round soon after the Mountain Spirit had departed. Linda had arrived at some time during the morning to act as station pilot. At 12:51 Lilla departed with the short Works Shuttle rake ECS back to the depot followed by Linda shunting light engine out of the seawall siding to shunt the rake in the FR platform to the yard. The Aberglaslyn returned at about 13:00 and the loco ran to the yard to Merddin Emrys pulled into the FR platform at 13:21 with the Mountain Spirit. At 13:23 Linda emerged to shunt the ECS to the yard and No.87 also come out of the yard to haul the afternoon Mountain Spirit. No.87 had coupled up by 13:35 when Linda was propelling the Woodland Wanderer rake into the seawall siding.

At 13:45 Merddin Emrys emerged from the yard to stand by the signalbox ready to swop duties. The Mountain Spirit arrived behind James Spooner at 13:53. Merddin Emrys coupled up and shunted the rear 3 coaches to the yard before coupling up to haul the afternoon working. Meanwhile James Spooner departed at 14:13 light engine for the depot. Linda continued station pilot duties, shunting the yard at 14:20.

There was an unusual arrival in the WHR through line from The Cob at 14:39 when James Spooner reappeared with a couple of coaches. The loco detached and 5 minutes later shunted to the seawall siding to collect the Woodland Wanderer rake and shunt it to the depot. Meanwhile Linda shunted The Quarryman back to the FR platform for the return working at 15:25.

The Aberglaslyn returned at 16:23 and the loco detached and collected the 3 coaches from the through line to add to the front of the rake. The ECS departed for the depot at 16:39.

Daylight RHTT prepares for Talerddig reopening 23/10/24

An unusual daytime run of the Rail Head Treatment Train was made over the Cambrian on 23/10/24 in preparation for reopening after the Talerddig Collision. Most such trains run late at night. See Ron Targett's Facebook video of the train returning from Newtown and passing through Shrewsbury's suburbs top and tailed by two Class 97 locos.

F&WHR 22/10/24

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Tuesday was for a day of sunny periods and temperatures of 8-16C. Tuesday's train service was for 6 trains in all with 4 FR trains (two Mountain Spirit and one Woodland Wanderer and one The Quarryman). This is a halving in services of the Woodland Wanderer for the rest of the week. There were two through WHR trains.

Palmerston and Blanche were on the 10:40 Mountain Spirit as James Spooner arrived with the ECS at 10:30 for the 11:10 Woodland Wanderer. No.130 was on the Snowdonia Star and was present in the WHR platform having run round at 13:25 as Linda shunted the Woodland Wanderer to the depot ECS as the afternoon Woodland Wanderer trains have been cancelled. At 13:45 James Spooner was noted shunting the yard light engine and standing by the signalbox waiting for the swop. Blanche and Palmerston arrived at 13:59 on the Mountain Spirit and the Fairlie coupled to the front and shunted 3 coaches to the seawall siding presumably to match demand while the Snowdonia Star departed at 14:05. The Fairlie coupled up to the shortened Mountain Spirit and departed at 14:20 while the other two locos waited coupled in the yard. At 14:50 Blanche propelled The Quarryman rake back into the FR platform from where it departed at 15:27.

At the end of the afternoon No.87 was first back at 16:25 with The Harbourmaster. At 16:37 the train proceeded ECS to the depot. The final arrival was James Spooner at 17:30 with the Mountain Spirit. The loco ran round at 17:40 and departed with the ECS to close the day's activities at 17:51 after shunting the three spare coaches onto the rake.

Cambrian head-on collision results in fatal accident 21/10/24

A head on collision between two Class 158 passenger trains occurred between Talerddig and Llanbrynmair on the Cambrian Coast line late on 21/10/24. It seems one of the units had problems with 'leaves on the line' and was unable to stop at Talerddig loop, proceeding into the 1 in 52 downhill section towards the former loop at Llanbrynmair where a train was making its way uphill towards Talerddig. The driver of the train due to stop at Talerddig may have been able to get a GSM warning message out to Machynlleth ERTMS Powerbox to pass on to the other train as one of the trains is reported as having been brought to a stand and the passengers warned of an imminent collision. Unfortunately the cab of the other unit was crushed in the 'low speed' collision, reported by one passenger as 40-50 mph. One passenger fatality is reported by the BBC but all other passengers and staff suffered minor injuries. Trains were bustituted after the incident while investigations began. The trains involved were the 18:31 Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth formed by 158841 (shown terminating at Talerddig at 19:24) and the 19:09 Machynlleth-Shrewsbury marked as to Talerddig but not shown as having arrived. The Class 158 unit running this train is unidentified.

RAIB will investigate the accident. There may be calls for reinstatement of catch points where trains face steep downhill gradients after a passing loop or increasing the frequency of RHTT with the Class 37s. It is notable the incident took place immediately after leaf fall caused by Storm Ashley and earlier warnings about slippery rails and reduced speed limits in the Dyfi Junction area. The A470 is blocked west of Talerddig between Carno and Commins Coch as emergency vehicles are occupying the road right alongside the accident roughly a mile west of Talerddig loop. Cambrian Coast services beyond Machynlleth are unaffected but Central Wales services have also been suspended due to weather conditions.

As a member of the Cambrian Railways Partnership the F&WHR has offered its condolences to all those affected by the accident near Talerddig. See Facebook Festrail webpage.

Halloween trains?

Many preserved railways operate Halloween trains and some also brightly lit November services mirroring Blackpool illumination. Pre-Covid some Halloween Trains were run on the F&WHR. This year though the F&WHR is closing down for the end of season while Half Term Holidays are still underway on Thursday October 31! The F&WHR maybe missing some potential income here.

Spooner's final Sunday Carvery of the season 27/10/24

Don't miss out on the chance to enjoy one of the F&WHR' popular traditional Sunday Carvery Lunches - especially as this Sunday's Carvery will be the last of the current season. *
So, come along and let Spooner's staff do all the hard work and serve you, your family and/or friends with a mouth-watering meal. The Carvery lunch will be available between 12:00 - 15:00, subject to demand.
Choose from our selection of freshly-carved roast joints, accompanied by a mouth-watering variety of sides and sauces. (A vegan Nut Roast option will also be available.)
▪️ £13.95 per person / £5.95 Children’s portion
▪️ Customers are recommended to book a table in advance by phoning the F&WHR on 01766 516032
▪️ Takeaway options will be available.
▪️ Carvery meals can also be ordered on the day, subject to availability.
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* Please note: Sunday lunches will continue to be available after 28/10/24, but served from the kitchen menu rather than a carvery.

F&WHR 21/10/24

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Monday was for a day of sunny periods and temperatures of 7-16C. Monday's train service was for 5 trains in all with 5 FR trains (two each Mountain Spirit and Woodland Wanderer and one Works Shuttle). There were NO WHR trains. Overnight winds from Storm Ashley were calming down on Monday with gusts dropping to 30mph.

At 14:25 Caernarfon Castle was stabled up in the WHR platform with two saloons, a tank wagon and a B wagon before heading for Boston Lodge 5 minutes later. Meanwhile shunting was taking place in the yard. The Funkey returned across The Cob at 14:50 light engine and departed for Dinas at 14:53. Simultaneously, Blanche departed with the Woodland Wanderer from the FR platform. Linda was shunting 3 saloons in the yard at 15:00. The lightly loaded Woodland Wanderer arrived at Tan-y-bwlch behind Blanche at 15:42.

There was shunting in the yard again at 16:05. At 17:35 James Spooner arrived with the Mountain Spirit. Run round followed at 17:44 and the ECS departed shortly afterwards to close the day's activities.

Loco preparation courses at Half Term 25/10/24, 28/10/24 and Xmas

Much more than a short footplate ride up and down the station platform, 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 engine works.
Participants will 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 - or under cover in our large carriage shed if the weather is uncooperative!
It’s 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.
Here are some comments from past visitors!
✅ “…definitely a tick off the bucket list. A great privilege to have such access. Will recommend…”
✅ “A really wonderful experience fulfilling childhood fantasies. The driver and fireman were fab and fun.”
✅ “Driver experience just what the doctor ordered. Great.”
✅ “A great experience and very informative”
We have spaces left on the four dates above - don't miss your chance of a real 'hands-on' way to learn more about how steam locos work..!
For more information and to book your place in the group, head to
https://www.festrail.co.uk/workshop-how-steam.../

The experience will be repeated as a CHRISTMAS TREAT on 28th and 30th December.

F&WHR 20/10/24

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Saturday predicted a day of sunny periods and temperatures of 8-17C but increasingly stormy winds which would last until midnight. Sunday's train service was for 6 trains in all with 5 FR trains (two each Mountain Spirit and Woodland Wanderer and one Works Shuttle). There was just ONE WHR train (the Gelert Explorer). Storm Ashley was due to hit North Wales on Sunday with gusts of almost 70mph by 20:00 potentially causing disruption to tourist travel and train services. High tide and stormy conditions are might see waves breaking over The Cob later in the day. See Daily Post Live Weather Warnings.

During the morning it was announced that both afternoon FR workings would be cancelled because of the stormy conditions with the risk of trains getting stuck because of falling trees. This did not affect the WHR working. James Spooner was on the 11:10 Woodland Wanderer as the storm began to whip trees into a frenzy. Vale of Ffestiniog arrived light engine from Boston Lodge at 11:45 to shunt the yard. James Spooner returned with the Woodland Wanderer at 13:20 and ran round 10 minutes later in the FR platform before taking the rake back to the depot ECS. Blanche was shunting 3 saloons out of the sea wall siding onto the Mountain Spirit rake standing in the FR platform.

Palmerston joined Blanche on the front of the rake and the pair departed at 14:15 ECS for the depot with the Mountain Spirit rake. The 14:20 had been cancelled because of safety concerns with the risk of trees falling across the line.

F&WHR 19/10/24

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Saturday predicted a day of sunny periods and temperatures of 9-16C after initial fog. Saturday's train service was for 5 FR trains with . There were the two through trains on the WHR. Storm Ashley was due to hit North Wales on Sunday with gusts of almost 70mph by 20:00 potentially causing disruption to tourist travel and train services. See Daily Post Live Weather Warnings.

Palmerston double headed Blanche into the FR platform on the ECS for the Mountain Spirit as No.87 departed on The Harbourmaster. Blanche ran round and was noted was noted shunting the lead four coaches to the seawall siding at 10:20 probably to match seating to bookings. The loco returned with the Observation car to rejoin the front of the set leaving two saloons behind in the seawall siding. Palmerston rejoined the front of the train at 10:30. Merddin Emrys arrived at 10:43 with the ECS for the Woodland Wanderer and the Mountain Spirit departed promptly as soon as The Cob was clear.

No.130 arrived with the Snowdonia Star in pleasant sunshine at 12:27. The loco detached immediately and ran to refuel and water in the yard. At 12:48 Linda arrived on The Quarryman. No.130 completed the run round at 13:00 while Linda shunted its rake clear of the FR platform and into the yard. Linda was stabled in the yard later. Merddin Emrys arrived with Woodland Wanderer and Linda attached to the rear and shunted the rake to the seawall siding. At 13:45, after fuelling and watering, the Fairlie shunted up to stable near the signalbox to await the Fairlie swop.

The final arrival of the midday clutch was James Spooner with the Mountain Spirit which pulled in at 13:55. Merddin Emrys attached to the rear and shunted the Observation coach to the yard. Blanche shunted the Woodland Wanderer rake from the sea wall siding to the FR platform at 14:30 after the Fairlie had departed. Palmerston departed light engine from the seawall siding returning to the depot at 14:35. Blanche departed with the Woodland Wanderer at 14:52. Linda shunted The Quarryman to the FR platform at 14:57 ready for the final departure of the day.

Palmerston turned up about 16:00 with 3 saloons from the Carriage Shed and ran round them in the WHR platform. The coaches were then propelled into the yard before the loco left light engine. No.87 returned with The Harbourmaster at 16:25 and 5 minutes later ran to the yard to collect three saloons which it shunted onto the rake in the WHR platform. The train departed ECS at 16:50. Linda arrived with the Woodland Wanderer at 7:3- in the WHR platform and detached and ran to the yard.

At the end of the afternoon James Spooner was noted taking the ECS Woodland Wanderer away from the WHR platform at 18:05 and at 18:15 Blanche hauled the Mountain Spirit out of the FR platform. This train formed the MegaBash staff special to Tan-y-bwlch which returned after 21:00 to close the day's activities.

Gowrie update 18/10/24

Not everyone's favourite NWNGR loco (compared to Moel Tryfan) but Gowrie is making good progress as a private replica project away from the F&WHR. The Gowrie Group's September update contains many photos as well as text giving details of construction of the tank and cab sheeting. With the bunker previously returned shot blasted and primed on 3/9/24 and the side tanks similarly returned on 18/10/24, these components have been trial fitted to the carrier frame and the loco is beginning to look like the future Gowrie.

Some additional plans are to fit dummy rivets to replicate the appearance of a riveted tanks, a non-prototypical sliding cab roof for ventilation and vacuum braking so that the loco can run on the F&WHR with vacuum braked rolling stock as well as air braking for the WHHR. Good progress has also been made with the trailing bogie. The remaining major components of the boiler and 3 axle power bogie are yet to be started though the 3 driving wheelsets are complete.

C2/KS4415 project hiatus?

After several months of consistent progress reports about the Chinese C2 loco and the Kerr Stuart pioneer diesel loco No.4415, there has been a noticeable absence of any report from the volunteer teams since August. That is not to say there has been no progress but team members may have been too busy to broadcast their progress on the web. Supporters are looking forward to hearing progress with these two important projects before the end of the year.

There is also an absence of news from the Mountaineer 1863 Project which seeks to recreate the original England loco Mountaineer with pannier tanks rather than the later saddle tank version. In this case there has been no update for over 6 months.

Personal Note

Your webmaster returned from over 3 weeks in hospital on Friday and now hopes the website quality will return to normal over the weekend.

Plastic sleepers

It is Recycling Week and, to celebrate, here is an update from the F&WHR Infrastructure team. The F&WHR has been using plastic sleepers for some years, especially in out of sight of public locations.

Since 2020 all of the F&WHR track renewal work has used recycled plastic railway sleepers. Infrastructure Manager, Alex Spring, said the F&WHR's original order of supplies of composite sleepers saved the felling of more than a football pitch worth of tropical hardwood from Africa or South America, which would have traditionally been used for making sleepers. The sleepers are very dense and use a lot of waste plastic in the production process. They are expected to last around 100 years which is much longer than a wooden one and, even better, when they are replaced they can be recycled again!
This year staff are pleased that all the new track work that is outside of the sheds at Boston Lodge Works is on recycled plastic sleepers. All the new track to be installed at Dinas this winter will be on recycled plastic sleepers. Staff are currently installing them on the Welsh Highland Railway through the T4 in the Aberglaslyn Pass to replace heavily corroded steel sleepers.
Between January and March 2025, staff plan to install a further 600 recycled plastic sleepers on the FR mainline from Penrhediad to Plas Halt below Tan-y-Bwlch station. On completion of these works the whole line between Tan-y-bwlch and Plas Halt will be on recycled plastic sleepers. Approximately 3000m of the FR mainline is now laid on recycled plastic sleepers which is 14% of the line.

VoR Developments at Devil's Bridge

Building on the success of recent improvements at the Aberystwyth station the VoR is now turning its attention to enhancing the heritage feel of the Devil's Bridge site. The plans include the construction of a new building featuring high-quality toilet facilities and engine shed, replicating structures that were present in the early 20th century. The station will also see the recreation of the former timber yard, a key feature from the railway’s commercial past, and a display space telling the fascinating and forgotten story of the areas ancient mining history.

As part of these changes, and with the temporary catering building now being life expired and no longer fit for purpose, the railway has taken the difficult decision after several months of discussions, to serve notice on the operators of the Two Hoots Tearooms. This throws down the challenge to the F&WHR to do something about its facilities at Beddgelert which were proposed for improvement last year as both Gelert Explorer and Aberglaslyn services terminate there..

F&WHR 18/10/24

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Friday predicted a day of showers and temperatures of 6-17C and gusts of 40mph leading to flooding risks around the coastline. Friday's train service was for 2 FR trains with a 10:40 Mountain Spirit and a 10:10 Works Shuttle. There were NO trains on the WHR. James Spooner was noted passing Tan-y-bwlch lightly loaded with the 10:40 Mountain Spirit at 11:20.

Blanche was shunting the seawall siding with B wagons at 13:00. James Spooner arrived back at 13:52 with the Mountain Spirit, which today was a full length rake. At 14:05 the loco ran round and the ECS had gone by 4:45.

The signalbox was reactivated at 15:30 and signals set for a shunt in the yard with Blanche reappearing at 15:35. At 15:42 Blanche propelled a B wagon of coal up to the signalbox. Staff from the signalbox rejoined the train in the FR platform after setting the route across The Cob and the train departed at 15:46. The train worked into the Old Loco Shed sidings by 15:55. Other steam shunting was noted at Boston Lodge at 15:57 at the end of the day's activities.

Loco Roster w/c 19/10/24

The coming week will see an interesting variety of motive-power, with NINE steam locos in service - SEVEN on the FR and TWO on the WHR...
Service trains on the Ffestiniog Railway:
Double Fairlies MERDDIN EMRYS and JAMES SPOONER will be working on alternate days - heading the morning Woodland Wanderer and afternoon Mountain Spirit services.
BLANCHE will be in action every day this week - including a special train on Saturday evening - while sister loco, LINDA, will be in charge of all four Quarryman services from Blaenau Ffestiniog.
PALMERSTON is another loco rostered for duty every day - working DOUBLE-HEADED with BLANCHE on the morning Mountain Spirit trains to Blaenau Ffestiniog.
BLANCHE will then take sole charge of the afternoon Woodland Wanderer trains.
Boston Lodge Tour specials are again running on four days this week, this time worked by LILLA or BRITOMART.
Over on the Welsh Highland Railway, NG/G16s Nos. 87 and No.143 are covering the passenger services:
• No.87 will start the week working from Porthmadog.
• No.143 will start the week working from Caernarfon.
• The two locos will swop trains at Beddgelert on Wednesday, working from the opposite end of the line for the remainder of the week.
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.

F&WHR 17/10/24

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Thursday predicted a day of sunny periods and temperatures of 6-18C. Thursday's train service was for 7 trains with 5 on the FR (the two Mountain Spirit and The Quarryman) and the two trains on the WHR.

James Spooner arrived at 10:35 into the WHR platform with the ECS Woodland Wanderer. Merddin Emrys departed from the FR platform at 10:40 with the Mountain Spirit. No.143 arrived from Caernarfon at 12:40 in sunshine and the loco detached and shunted to the refuelling point.

This easterly view (17/10/24) shows Vale of Ffestiniog coupling up to No.143 on the return working of the Snowdonia Star at 14:07 with the Fairlie hauling the shortened afternoon Mountain Spirit. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR.

Linda arrived at 12:45 with The Quarryman. The rake was shunted to the yard at 12:55 to clear the platform for subsequent arrivals. The rake was propelled into the seawall siding at 13:35 as No.143 ran around the return Snowdonia Star in the WHR platform and it was double headed by Vale of Ffestiniog on the return journey. James Spooner shunted around the yard and waited for the Fairlie swop as Merddin Emrys approached across The Cob at 13:47 with the returning Mountain Spirit. The three trailing coaches were shunted off the Mountain Spirit presumably to match a reduced demand for tickets. Merddin Emrys shunted the Woodland Wanderer to the FR platform.

Final day of Autumn season

The final day of the Autumn Season Thursday 31/10/24 is coming up rapidly. It is a strange day to stop the Autumn Season as the School Half Term Holiday continues until Sunday 3/11/24 and it is likely that there would be demand for trains on Saturday 2/11/24. Indeed some schools have a two week holiday that continues into November which the F&WHR has tried to attract custom from in pre-COVID years.

While the full works tours continue TThSX until 30/20/24, the mini tours have already finished.

Cambrian test train 16/10/24

Class 37s Nos. 97302/5, ran a Machynlleth-Derby test train on 16/10/24 via Pwllheli.

Flooding threat 17-20/10/24

High tides and weather condition are likely to produce coastal floods as well as Severn Valley catchment area floods from Thursday to Sunday (17-20/10/24). See Environment Agency notifications.

F&WHR 16/10/24

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Wednesday predicted an overcast day with heavy rain and temperatures of 11-18C. Wednesday's train service was for 8 trains with 5 on the FR (the two Mountain Spirit and The Quarryman and two Works Shuttles) and three on the WHR (two The Aberglaslyn and the Gelert Explorer).

At 10:05 the No.87 was ready to dep. Palmerston turned up with two B wagons loaded with coal across The Cob at 14:45 into the FR platform. The loco ran round at 14:52 and shunted the rake to the fuelling point. Linda shunted The Quarryman rake back to the FR platform from the yard at 15:03. The England loco was involved in more shunting at 15:15. Linda departed with the return The Quarryman at 15:25.

Palmerston shunted the Works Shuttle back into the FR platform at 15:35 and departed shortly afterwards for the works visit. No.143 returned with The Aberglaslyn at 16:23. The loco detached and ran to the seawall siding to shunt the spare coaches onto the front of the rake.

This easterly view (16/10/24) shows Palmerston on the short Works Shuttle rake having arrived back from the afternoon trip. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR.

Sea mist closed in at 17:30 as the Mountain Spirit returned to the FR platform hauled by Merddin Emrys. Run round came at 17:43 and the loco removed the lead Observation coach to the seawall siding where it recovered 2 additional coaches and propelled them to couple to the Mountain Spirit rake. Palmerston ran round the Works Shuttle at 17:53 in the WHR platform as the Fairlie left with the ECS. The England left with its ECS 5 minutes later when the section across The Cob was clear. This closed the day's activities.

YouTube 'F&WHR Year 2024' Preview

Click on the YouTube link to watch 4 minutes 16 seconds of preview video showing the best of the F&WHR 2024 This video is copyright F&WHR and was published on 16/10/24. It is best viewed at 1080p with Chrome and was videod on a 4K camcorder by John Wooden (F&WHR).

F&WHR 15/10/24

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Tuesday predicted an overcast day with sunny periods around midday with temperatures of 12-18C. Tuesday's train service was for 7 trains with 5 on the FR (the two Mountain Spirit, two Woodland Wanderer trains and The Quarryman) and two through trains on the WHR.

The morning Mountain Spirit appeared to be well loaded. No.143 was on The Harbourmaster and was noted in the WHR platform while James Spooner prepared the rake in the FR platform for the Mountain Spirit. Merddin Emrys shunted its rake out of the seawall siding for the Woodland Wanderer to the WHR platform.

At 12:35 No.87 arrived with the Snowdonia Star, which had an empty B wagon at the head of the rake. Two minutes late the B wagon was shunted to the sea wall siding. Linda arrived with The Quarryman at lunchtime and the loco shunted the yard to clear the platform. Merddin Emrys arrived with the Woodland Wanderer and shunted its rake to the Sea Wall siding at 13:10. The final lunchtime arrival was James Spooner with the Mountain Spirit at 13:52. The Garratt departed on time at 14:10 with the return Snowdonia Star and the afternoon Mountain Spirit was formed up in the FR platform behind.

James Spooner swopped to the Woodland Wanderer rake in the seawall siding and took the ECS to the depot at 14:35. Linda then took its rake back to the FR platform for the return working of The Quarryman which left on time as misty conditions closed in.

No.143 returned at 16:34 with The Harbourmaster. The ECS left at about 17:10 for the depot. Last back was Merddin Emrys with Mountain Spirit. The loco ran round at 17:43 and departed for the depot two minutes later with the ECS to complete the day's activities.

Weather warning 15-16/10/24

The Met Office has issued a weather warning for an extended area across North Wales, the North West and West Midlands. Storms, including heavy rain, thunder and lightning are expected with the potential for flooding. This has the potential to impact tourist journeys to the F&WHR on Tuesday evening to midday Wednesday.

F&WHR 14/10/24

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Monday predicted an day with sunny periods with temperatures of 9-14C. Monday's train service was for 4 trains with 4 on the FR (the two Mountain Spirit trains and two Boston Lodge). There were NO trains on the WHR.

At 10:00 Palmerston ran round a short rake in the WHR platform to form the morning Boston Lodge Shuttle. The train returned after midday and worked back to Boston Lodge again at about 13:00.

The afternoon Mountain Spirit returned at about 17:30 and James Spooner ran round. At 17:45 the ECS departed for Boston Lodge.

F&WHR 13/10/24

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Sunday predicted an overcast day with a few sunny periods in the morning and temperatures of 7-11C. Sunday's train service was for 3 trains with 2 on the FR (the morning Mountain Spirit and the afternoon Woodland Wanderer). There was one train on the WHR (the Gelert Explorer).

At midday steam was being raised at Boston Lodge, possibly for the afternoon FR train, with some .shunting of the New Carriage Shed. At 14:22 Blanche came over with the ECS for the Woodland Wanderer. The Fairlie left with the ECS promptly from the FR platform.

Xmas Cards 2024

The F&WHR is selling packs of Xmas Cards featuring the FR and WHR in the form of paintings. It is some years since real photos have been used due to the rarity of snow on days when passenger services are running, particularly since February Half Term services have been dropped in post COVID years.

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

Rebecca Kitchin: The Christmas Cards I illustrated for the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways are now for sale in the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways shops & also online here: https://festrail.mybigcommerce.com/f-whr-christmas-cards-2024/ They are sold in packs of 10 A6 size (5 of each design) at £8 per pack. Please like & share, thank you!

Channel 4 'Railways from above'

The latest episode of the new Channel 4 TV series 'Railways from Above' features the long closed Aberystwyth -Carmarthen route which has been subject to many proposals to reopen in recent years. The programme, well illustrated with drone views, is available on Channel 4 player.

F&WHR 12/10/24

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog predicted sunny periods and showers with temperatures of 2-13C. Saturday's train service was for 5 trains with 3 on the FR (two Mountain Spirit and The Quarryman). There were two through trains on the WHR.

The ECS for The Harbourmaster arrived at Porthmadog at 09:22 in the hands of No.143. The Garratt departed at 10:03 as Merddin Emrys arrived in the FR platform with the ECS for the 10:40 Mountain Spirit. The Fairlie ran round by 20:20. The Snowdonia Star arrived at 1220 and proceeded ECS to the depot at 12:28 hauled by a Garratt.

Linda arrived with The Quarryman in the FR platform at about 13:00, By 13:15 the loco had run round and was shunting the ECS rake to the yard to make way for the returning Mountain Spirit.

James Spooner returned with the afternoon Mountain Spirit in the sunshine and ran round at 17:45. The ECS departed at 17:50 to close the day's activities.

Xmas comes early to Spooner's

Christmas has come early to Spooner's restaurant, The menu will be available Friday nights from 29/11/24.
Perfect for your Works' Christmas Party or a Festive Family Gathering - Spooner's is the place to be this Christmas.
The F&WHR has cooked up a delicious seasonal menu, packed with classic Christmas favourites using locally sourced ingredients. From traditional roast turkey to indulgent desserts, there is something for everyone, with vegetarian and vegan options to ensure no-one misses out on the festivities!
Join the Spooner's crowd every Friday night for fantastic food, festive drinks, and the F&WHR's famously warm atmosphere. Be sure to book your table early, as spaces are limited.
Available from 15:00 on Fridays ONLY - from 29/11/24 onwards.
Advance booking required - phone 01766 516032 - with your menu choices and any details of dietary requirements.
Celebrate Christmas with the F&WHR at Spooner's
ℹ You can download a copy of the menu from here: bit.ly/XmasMenu2024-ENG

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

F&WHR 11/10/24

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog predicted a cold snap with sunny periods and temperatures of 5-12C. Friday's train service was for 1 train on the FR (the 10:40 Mountain Spirit). There were NO public trains on the WHR.

The Mountain Spirit returned to Porthmadog at lunchtime and was returned ECS to the depot later. The opportunity was taken in the absence of public services to run a PW train and a diesel loco was noted in the WHR platform with the FR Mess Car No.1111 later in the afternoon. James Spooner arrived at 13:53 with the returning Mountain Spirit.

Main Line news 4-11/10/24

Autumn brings leaf fall and the RHTT. Class 56s have undertaken the duty on the North Wales Coast this autumn with Nos.56302/094 on 4/10/24 and Nos.56113/302 top and tailing on 11/10/24.

Loco roster w/c 12/10/24

With a 'quiet' Autumn Service week ahead, there will be FIVE steam locos to see on the FR and up to THREE working on the WHR.
Service trains on the Ffestiniog Railway:
MERDDIN EMRYS and JAMES SPOONER - the oldest and the youngest FR Double Fairlies - will be sharing duties on the Mountain Spirit and Woodland Wanderer services.
BLANCHE will make one appearance this week - on Sunday afternoon's Woodland Wanderer service...
...while sister loco, LINDA, will be in charge of all four Quarryman services from Blaenau Ffestiniog.
Boston Lodge Tour specials are running on four days this week, worked by PALMERSTON.
Over on the Welsh Highland Railway, the fleet of NG/G16 Garratts will be in charge of the service trains - but exact duties have not been published at present.
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.

F&WHR 10/10/24

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Thursday predicted a cold snap with sunny periods and temperatures of 2-12C. Thursday's train service was for 6 trains, four on the FR (two Mountain Spirit, one Woodland Wanderer and one The Quarryman). There were two through trains on the WHR.

No.130 arrived in the WHR platform with the Snowdonia Star at 12:26. The loco detached and immediately ran to the fuelling point in the yard. Blanche arrived with The Quarryman at 12:52 and No.130 emerged from the yard followed by Blanche running round and shunting the rake clear of the FR platform. Merddin Emrys then arrived with the return working of the Mountain Spirit into the FR platform at about 13:30, As a variation of working practice, Blanche then shunted its rake from the yard out on The Cob and back into the WHR run round loop and as a result standing alongside No.130. At 13:50 Blanche shunted light to the rear of Mountain Spirit rake, leaving its own rake in the WHR loop and shunting the Observation car back to the seawall siding to reduce the rake to match demand. Merddin Emrys returned to its train at 14:00 and James Spooner emerged from the yard shortly afterwards, making its way to the Woodland Wanderer rake in the WHR loop. The Garratt departed at 14:20 followed by the Fairlie ECS to the depot .At 14:50 Blanche shunted The Quarryman back to the FR platform and departed on time with the return working.

No.143 returned at 16:25 with The Harbourmaster in pleasant afternoon sunshine. The train departed ECS for the depot by 16:40.

F&WHR Xmas plans

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

Here at the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways plans are all set and confirmed for the exciting Festive activities so get ready to - Steam into Christmas..!

The F&WHR is delighted to be offering a variety of festive fun this November and December as we look forward to Santa Trains, Santa's Christmas Carriage Grotto and Christmas Holiday Trains.

During this festive period, Santa will be visiting both of the railways, providing visitors the opportunity to meet him aboard the Welsh Highland Railway Santa Trains or in his magical Christmas Carriage Grotto at Porthmadog Harbour Station.

The popular Santa Train services, which run from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu, will take place on 7-8/12, 14-15/12, 21-22/12/24.

Santa's Christmas Carriage Grotto will be available to visit in Harbour Station, Porthmadog on 7-8/12, 14-15/12, 21-23/12/24.

⚠Please Note: Tickets for both the Santa Trains and the Christmas Carriage Grotto must be booked in advance.

The F&WHR will also be running a selection of Seasonal Scenic Snowdonia Specials between the 5 days of 28/12/24-1/1/25 (New Year's Day) inclusive, so there will be plenty of opportunities to shake off those Post-Christmas Blues. However, this is a reduction on the 7 days of trains offered pre-COVID over the same period including Boxing Day on the FR.

ℹ Booking Links for the Santa Trains, Santa Grotto and Seasonal Specials are available on the Steaming into Christmas webpage; https://www.festrail.co.uk/christmas/

SMR derailment at Clogwyn 8/10/24

The loco propelling the SMR coach up Snowdon became derailed at Clogwyn loop on Tuesday and passengers were returned to Llanberis. Normal services resumed on Wednesday after the RAIB were informed.

F&WHR 6/10/24

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Sunday predicted a day of sunshine with temperatures of 11-18C. Sunday's train service was a Gala service with many extra trains. There were two through trains on the WHR.

All three webcams were available today with 4/5G. Some WiFi networks such as Kettering General Hospital, where your webmaster is esconsed, would not show the gala live feed due to high traffic on the webcams. This may also have been the case on earlier days this week when webcam views were not available.

Linda arrived at 10:13 in the WHR platform carrying Y Cymro headboard. Merddin Emrys departed at 10:18 from the FR platform possibly with the 10:10. Linda ran round after the Fairlie had departed. At 12:10 Merddin Emrys departed with the Ivory/Brown Victorian Shuttle to Blaenau Ffestiniog. Lyd was present in the WHR platform. James Spooner shunted Lilla light engine in the yard at 12:20.

12:35 Linda arrive in FR platform with Col. Stephens shuttle from Tan-y-bwlch.

12:55 Linda runs round,

13:10 Linda shunts its rake to WHR platform.

14:15 Hunslet loco noted shunting yard

14:15 Mountain Spirit arrive from Blaenau Ffestiniog.

14:30 Spooner's Boat rolls into yard from Pen Cob Junction.

14:35 Merddin Emrys shunt yard and run round.

14:40 Merddin Emrys depart on Mountain Spirit.

15:00 Shuttle arrive in FR platform.

15:03 Shuttle dep WHR platform and Lyd run round.

15:15 Lyd shunt back to WHR platform.

15:50 Palmerston and Upnor Castle shunt yard.

16:20 Palmerston slate/mixed freight depart for Minffordd Yard with steam loco.

16:37 Steam loco hauls mixed from into Minffordd Yard from east while Palmerston freight stands at home signal.

16:46 Palmerston propels freight into Minffordd yard.

Monday 7/10/24

It was thought that the Gala rakes would be resorted for normal trains until the end of the season. However, no special ECS shunts were noted today.

Bygones Gala YouTube (9/10/24)

Click on the YouTube link to watch 33 minutes 35 seconds of video showing the best of Bygones starting from 4-6/10/24 This video is copyright F&WHR and was published on 9/10/24. It is best viewed at 1080p with Chrome and was videod on a 4K camcorder by John Wooden (F&WHR).

Laptop problems 6-9/10/24

Frequent changing of hospital wards and problems with the laptop/mouse has made it difficult to record traffic over the Gala. Hopefully the problems will be resolved by 10/10/24 and your webmaster could be home soon.

GVT Chirk progress 6/10/24

Further progress has been made with the Glyn Valley Tramway station at Chirk. Volunteers have removed the remaining loose bricks that formed the foundations of the ticket office and stored the bricks for reuse. New foundations will be constructed to modern standards on the existing footprint. The Chirk ticket office will be rebuilt in the style of the original building. Some of the track donated by the SMR and laid against the platform face has been removed to facilitate the rebuilding of the Chirk ticket office.

F&WHR 5/10/24

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Saturday predicted a day of sunshine with temperatures of 11-18C. Saturday's train service was a Gala service with many extra trains. There were two through trains on the WHR.

All three webcams were available this afternoon with 4G. Some WiFi networks such as Kettering General Hospital where your webmaster is esconsed, would not show the gala due to high traffic on the webcams. This may also have been the case on earlier days this week when webcam views were not available.

F&WHR 5/10/24

At 17:05 The Harbourmaster returned ECS to the depot with its Garratt loco. The weather was surprisingly dull compared to the forecast! Lyd was shunting wagons in the yard at Porthmadog .at 17:10 before coupling up to Hugh Napier at 17:15. At 18:00 David Lloyd George was shunting two coal wagons in the yard. At 18:02 Merddin Emrys arrived with/ the Mountain Spirit into the WHR platform. Linda then set off across The Cob with a short rake from the FR platform while the Fairlie ran to the refuelling point. DLG left light engine and Merddin Emrys was back in the WHR platform at 18:30 to collect its rake and departing with the ECS at 18:45.

Merddin Emrys returned at 19:10 light engine and at 19:40 reappeared with a short rake looming out of the darkness. The lock ran round by 19:50. Criccieth Castle crossed The Cob and at 19:53 dropped off two loaded B wagons full of coal in the WHR platform. Merddin Emrys emerged from the yard and Criccieth Castle was shunting the yard at 20:30.

F&WHR 4/10/24

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Friday predicted a morning of sunny periods but more overcast in the afternoon with temperatures of 8-18C. Friday's train service had 2 trains in total comprising 2 trains on the FR (two Mountain Spirit) and NO trains on the WHR.

All three webcams were OOU again this morning with the Minffordd/Tan-y-bwlch webcams now unavailable for a fourth day possibly following storm damage to the data link on Monday night. No observations were possible today with all the webcams out of action.

Gala latest

Preparations are well underway for the fantastic Bygones Gala Weekend, celebrating and showcasing the incredible collection of historic locomotives, carriages and waggons at the F&WHR.
There will be trains representing different eras of the FR's long history - from the 1830s right through to the 2020s. The weekend will see the return of some old favourites - such as freshly-overhauled Small England Palmerston (some might have preferred single Fairlie Taliesin!) and the iconic gravity trains - plus the appearance of a few surprises as well.
Tickets and further details available online @ https://www.festrail.co.uk/october-4th-6th-bygones-weekend/
Come along and enjoy a great weekend with the FR - there will be plenty of trains, tasty food and drinks from the F&WHR cafés, with the chance to catch up with friends old or make friends new.

F&WHR 3/10/24

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Thursday predicted a day of showers and sunny periods with temperatures of 8-16C. Thursday's train service had 7 trains in total comprising 3 trains on the FR (two Mountain Spirit, two Woodland Wanderer and The Quarryman) and the two through trains on the WHR.

All three webcams were OOU again this morning with the Minffordd/Tan-y-bwlch webcams now unavailable for a third day possibly following storm damage to the data link on Monday night. No observations were possible today with all the webcams out of action.

Local Residents offer continues to end of season

The half price offer will continue for local residents until the end of the season at the end of October: 1-31/10/24. The local discount offer has been in place since 22/4/24 when the Spring promotion started.

Between the 1-31/10/24 the F&WHR will again be offering a 50% discount for the whole family, on a choice of train services, to local residents with their primary address in any postcode area from LL22 to LL78 (inclusive).

Click on the advert to enlarge. A map showing eligible areas is given in the April update.

Trains from Porthmadog:
▪ 14:20 - MOUNTAIN SPIRIT [Standard]
▪ 14:20 - MOUNTAIN SPIRIT [Gold]
▪ 14:50 - WOODLAND WANDERER [Standard]

Trains from Blaenau Ffestiniog:
▪ 11:40 - THE QUARRYMAN [Standard]
▪ 11:40 - THE QUARRYMAN [Gold]

Trains from Caernarfon:
▪ 11:30 - GELERT EXPLORER [Standard]
▪ 11:30 - GELERT EXPLORER [Gold]

The voucher code is: LOCALSOCT
This code will only work on these specified train services between the 1-31/10/24

ℹ 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 the F&WHR 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 look forward to welcoming you here!

Rolling stock preparations for FR Bygones Gala 3/10/24

This northerly view (3/10/24) shows the Victorian rake shunted into the station by Harlech Castle after the rake had received attention in the paint shop. Van No.1, the curly roofed van, has received a repaint with bright ivory upper panels and gold leaf to pick out the beading as a form of lining of the purple-brown lower parts. Other coaches are Nos.2/5/15 and 18 which will be paired with the similar livery of James Spooner. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to expand fully where available. Image copyright F&WHR.

F&WHR 2/10/24

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Wednesday predicted a day of sunny periods with temperatures of 8-17C but maybe more cloudy in the afternoon. Wednesday's train service had 6 trains in total comprising 3 trains on the FR (two Mountain Spirit and The Quarryman) and three on the WHR (two The Aberglaslyn and The Gelert Explorer).

All three webcams were OOU this morning with the Minffordd/Tan-y-bwlch webcams now unavailable for a second day possibly following storm damage to the data link on Monday night. No observations were possible today with all the webcams out of action,

F&WHR 1/10/24

The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Tuesday predicted a day of showers and sunny periods with temperatures of 11-16C. Tuesday's train service had 7 trains in total comprising 5 trains on the FR (two Mountain Spirit and Woodland Wanderer trains and The Quarryman) with two through trains on the WHR.

In addition to the Minffordd/Tan-y-bwlch webcams being out of action, the Harbour Station webcam was also OOU this morning with a strange message about the video being restricted, which normally only happens when there is an accident. No observations were possible today with all the webcams out of action.

Russell available over FR Gala weekend

Do you fancy having the chance to drive a 2ft gauge steam engine or diesel locomotive along the WHHR's entire line? On Sunday 6/10/24 or 13/10/24 you could do this and realise a life long dream. The WHHR is offering several slots throughout the day where you will have one to one tuition on how to drive the WHHR steam or Diesel engines including the chance to drive from Porthmadog (WHHR) to Pen-Y-Mount and return. We will be using Russell, the PBSSR's original 1906 built Hunslet steam engine or Emma the WHHR's 1994 built Hunslet diesel locomotive to fulfil these sessions. Russell will be withdrawn early next year for its 10 year overhaul so this will be one of the last chances to drive the loco.
Sessions will run from 10.45am at 15 minute intervals, bookable in advance at bookings@whr.co.uk
or turn up and wait on a first come first served basis (pre-booked time slots will take precedent over waiting participants).
Each 15 minute session cost £45 for steam or £25 for diesel and will include driving instruction and a round trip with your hand on the regulator/throttle.
The shop at the WHHR will also be open all day for all your book and model needs.
Caffi Russell's Cafe will also be open all Day serving Breakfast from 9am until 11.30am, lunch 12pm until 4pm.
Drinks and Home Made Cakes served throughout the day.
(Persons must be 18 yrs old or over, must be wearing suitable clothing and footwear. Contact WHHR at the above address for further details).

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