WHR
News Archive Page
2025
March
V4.1 updated 1/5/24
with news to 30/3/24
Newly archived sections are placed at the top of this page.
F&WHR wins Best National Tourism Award for Wales 2025
Click on the advert to enlarge and click again to enlarge fully where available.
F&WHR 31/3/25
The Met Office forecast for Monday 31/3/25 was for a sunny day, temperatures of 7-17C and sunset at 19:50. The forecast suggests the weather will be returning to seasonal norms of 16-19C MAX by the end of next week. Although no passsenger services were planned, steam was raised at Boston Lodge, possibly steam tests for Prince.
F&WHR 30/3/25
The Met Office forecast for Sunday 30/3/25 was for a sunny day, temperatures of 3-14C and sunset at 19:48. The forecast suggests the weather will be returning to seasonal norms of 16-19C MAX by the end of next week. There was only one train scheduled out of Porthmadog today and one from Caernarfon, the 10:40 Mountain Spirit and the 11:30 Gelert Explorer.
Steam was being raised at Boston Lodge at 09:00 and the ECS eventually came over with James Spooner in charge at about 10:30. The train departed on time and found sunshine at Minffordd at 10:55. Boston Lodge seemed to be steaming a second loco at 11:15. The Fairlie arrived at Tan-y-bwlch at 11:20, departing about 5 minutes later.
Linda and Merddin Emrys arrived in the FR platform at Harbour Station at 12:15 on a short 4 coach ECS passenger train consisting of 2 bowsiders and No.11. At 12:20 Linda was extracting the water tank wagon from the seawall siding. This wagon is sometimes stabled full of water at Tan-y-bwlch as a reservoir for fire fighting. Recent dry conditions saw a serious mountain fire above Blaenau Festiniog earlier in March. Linda shunted to the signalbox while the Fairlie coupled to the water tank wagon and shunted back onto the coaches in the FR platform, followed by Linda, apparently giving impromptu cab rides to the audience on the platform. The Mountain Spirit returned through Tan-y-bwlch at 13:18. At 13:30 the short rake departed with the water tank wagon double headed towards Minffordd where it passed the Mountain Spirit which later arrived in Porthmadog at 13:55.
No.130 was on the Caernarfon-Beddgelert service. See Luke Griffin's photos on Facebook.
The water tank train arrived at Tan-y-bwlch at 14:20. Linda shunted off the rake to the westbound platform. The Fairlie followed propelling the water tank wagon to Linda. Linda then propelled the water tank into the signalbox sidings. The Fairlie now coupled to the west end at of the rake. The short rake now had coach No.21 on the rear and two bowsiders (from Nos.17-20) in the middle. At 14:58 the Fairlie propelled the rake out to the east end of the station followed by Linda light engine. Linda returned to the westbound platform light engine at 15:17 while the Fairlie hauled the rake wrong line through the eastbound platform presumably after watering. The two locos coupled to the rake and departed for Boson Lodge at 15:37 passing Minffordd at 16:11. The train stopped at Pen Cob Juncton and reversed into the depot at 16:18.
Russell to Beddgelert vintage train tickets still available 5 and 12 April
Somewhat surprisingly with a week to go there are still tickets available for Russell's trip to Beddglert from Porthmadog Harbour Station on both 5/4/25 and 12/4/25. Click on the link to book tickets. Now Baldwin No.590 is back at the WHHR, the hope is that the loco will be posed at Beddgelert to recreate historical tableaux of the 'frontier' station operations of the FR lease period.
Click on the advert to enlarge. Advert copyright WHHR.
F&WHR 29/3/25
The Met Office forecast for Saturday 29/3/25 was for a morning of sunny periods with rain in the afternoon, temperatures of 6-11C and sunset at 18:46. The forecast suggests the weather will be returning to seasonal norms of 11-20C MAX by the end of next week. Steam was being raised at Boston Lodge at 07:30 for the 10:05 to Caernarfon and the 10:40 to Blaenau Ffestiniog.
Harlech Castle turned up at 07:45 on a two coach ECS presumably to strengthen the train if lots of passengers turned up unbooked. The loco ran round at 07:55 and at 08:03 the train, including two coaches and two loaded B wagons with coal, pulled out to the signalbox. This short Works Train departed by 09:00. No.143 arrived with the ECS for The Harbourmaster. This was followed by Merddin Emrys which arrived in the FR platform at 10:03 with the ECS Mountain Spirit. The Garratt departed at 10:08 and the Fairlie ran round at 10:11 and departed on time.
This easterly image (29/3/25)s shows No.143 on The Harbourmaster, the first train out of Porthmadog for the new season. Merddin Emrys is approaching the FR platform with the first Mountain Spirit of the season. Click on the image to enlarge and click again to enlarge to full size if available. Image copyright F&WHR taken on a digital camera.
Up at Tan-y-bwlch Merddin Emrys arrived at 11:27 with the well loaded Mountain Spirit, passing a small loco and van which departed towards Minffordd at 11:30. The Snowdonia Star arrived at Porthmadog at about 12:30 with a suprisingly short 6 coach rake. The loco detached and ran to the yard leaving the rake in the platform. At 13:50 No.130 emerged from the yard and coupled up to The Snowdonia Star. Merddin Emrys arrived in the FR platform at 13:56 with its 10 coach Mountain Spirit as the rain set in. No.130 departed at 14:06. The Fairlie ran round at 14:15 and the ECS was returned to the depot departing at 14:18.
F&WHR 28/3/25
The Met Office forecast for Friday 28/3/25 was for a day of sunny periods with temperatures of 2-11C and sunset at 18:44. The forecast suggests the weather will be returning to seasonal norms of 11-21C MAX by the end of next week. With the new season's rain service starting on Saturday final preparations were underway to prepare rolling stock. At 09:30 steam was being raised at Boston Lodge and it appeared that more than one loco was under test over the next hour.
Up at Tan-y-bwlch at 09:21 Harlech Castle arrived from Minffordd with the short PW rake consisting of BZ2004 and the FR Mess wagon No.1111. The train left towards Dduallt 2 minutes later. At 15:00 Merddin Emrys was shunting the yard and the FR platform at Porthmadog, light engine. At 15:04 Merddin Emrys drew James Spooner out of the FR platform and the pair shunted to the yard. Emerging at about 15:20, the pair departed the signalbox light engine at 15:27 and headed back to Boston Lodge.
Moving Pictures No105 28/3/25
Click on the YouTube to watch 24 minutes 54 seconds of video mostly covering the Coack Works progress. A new coach No.2050 has been started paid for by the WHRS for completion by Spring 2026. Glaslyn should be returned to the WHR by Easter with some alterations including a smaller Oberservation end compartment. Prince has been released for test with its new saddle tank. Video taken by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional 4K betamax camcorder.
The Snowdonian almost fully booked!
Advert copyright F&WHR.
If you enjoyed the sight and sound of the
F&WHR's latest locomotive in recent videos of NG15 No.134, and
want to be among the first passengers to travel behind it, there are a VERY
limited number of seats remaining on 'The Snowdonian' special in April -
the last ten seats on the train.
SATURDAY, 26/54/25:
Our annual opportunity for
you to savour 80 miles of travel over the entire length of the F&WHR in one day,
featuring a wide selection of F&WHR motive power:
▪
JAMES SPOONER and WELSH PONY on the FR
▪
Combinations of an NG/G16 with K1 and an NG/G16 with NG15
KALAHARI No.134 on the WHR.
▪ There will also be
cameo appearances from newly-repainted MERDDIN EMRYS and
PRINCE along the way.
▪ Light breakfast served in
Spooner's, Porthmadog.
▪ Buffet lunch at the Snowdonia Parc Brewpub at
Waunfawr.
▪ Tea and sweet treats on board the train in the afternoon.
▪
Refreshments available throughout the day.
SUNDAY, 27/4/25:
The F&WHR have arranged a number of inclusive tours of Boston Lodge in connection with
The Snowdonian with travel by shuttle train across the Cob for an opportunity to
see the latest NLHF-funded developments around the site.
TICKETS
FIRST CLASS - SOLD OUT
Inclusive fare for STANDARD CLASS - £260 *
( A percentage of
the ticket price will go to the F&WHR's Sustainability Projects to ensure the future of
the F&WHR )
* An optional evening meal will be served in Spooner's on Friday
25/4/25, which must be booked in advance with your ticket(s)
ℹ For more
information and details of how to book your tickets, visit
https://www.festrail.co.uk/the-snowdonian-3/
Loco availability
Suprisingly little test running has been seen this year considering the new season begins tomorrrow!
NG15 No.134 may need to make a gauging run between Nantmor and Boston Lodge to prove it can use the whole WHR and depot facilities before The Snowdonian on 26/4/25. Timing load tests for the NG15 are also likely. Taliesin has been recently steam tested and may be available for lighter workings. Linda has also been seen on trains recently and is available for lighter workings.
On the WHHR, Russell is being readied for its farewell Easter tours and Baldwin No.590 was delivered back to Porthmadog from restitution at the VoR on 25/3/25.
F&WHR 27/3/25
The Met Office forecast for Thursday 27/3/25 was for an overcast day with showers, temperatures of 5-12C and sunset at 18:42. The forecast suggests the weather will be returning to seasonal norms of 11-19C MAX by the end of next week. With the new season's rain service starting on Saturday final preparations must be underway to prepare rolling stock but there was little evidence of this at Boston Lodge. At 13:00 steam was being raised at Boston Lodge.
F&WHR 26/3/25
The Met Office forecast for Wednesday 26/3/25 was for a day of sunny periods with temperatures of 8-13C and sunset at 18:41. The forecast suggests the weather will be returning to seasonal norms of 11-16C MAX by the middle of next week. At 08:00 the Porthmadog webcam seemed to have had an accident as it was pointed almost vertically downwards at the WHR loop point. The other two webcams were operating normally. The Porthmadog webcam was restored to its normal position by midday.
F&WHR 25/3/25
The Met Office forecast for Tuesday 25/3/25 was for an improving day with sunny periods in the afternoon with temperatures of 1-14C and sunset at 18:39. The forecast suggests the weather will be returning to seasonal norms of 12-15C MAX by next week. Some steam tests were possible before the start of servics on Saturday but there was no sign of steam activity at Boston Lodge for a second day.
Criccieth Castle came across The Cob at about 11:30 light engine and was noted departing the WHR platform for Boston Lodge at 12:00 having returned from taking the WHHR's Baldwin No.590 from low loader delivery at Minffordd Yard to Pen-y-Mount Junction.
At about 12:30 Caernarfon Castle arrived in the WHR platform with a B wagon filled the PW mterials. The train departed for Boston Lodge at 12:30. At 12:55 it appeared that a physical inspecton of The Cob signals was taking place with Vale of Ffestiniog waiting with a train at Pen Cob Junction. The two Funkeys arrived in the WHR platform at about 13:00 with an 8 coach ECS containing an Observation car and the Romanian coach No.2060 and departed for Dinas a few minutes later.
No.590 returns to the WHHR 25/3/25
WHHR Baldwin No.590 was delivered to Minffordd Yard by low loader on 25/3/25 from the VoR. Criccieth Castle handled the transfer to Pen-y-Mount junction. See YouTube above.
No.134 Train Sim
Rob Brown has started producing a strong>No.134 add on for Train Sim: Here is a quick peak at a forthcoming loco for the FR & WHR route. It is still work in progress but I am hoping to release towards the end of Q2. A short video shows progress to date on the NG15 - Kalahari!!
You can take look at the video here :https://sprailways.co.uk/frwhr-video-ng15-kalahari/
F&WHR 24/3/25
The Met Office forecast for Monday 24/3/25 was for a sunny day with temperatures of 5-14C and sunset at 18:37. The forecast suggests the weather will be returning to seasonal norms of 12-14C MAX by next week. There were a number of people wandering the platform looking for trains today which suggests the Easter Holidays had started earlier for some.
Baldwin No.590 emerges from VoR 24/3/25
On 24/3/25 Baldwin No.590 was noted emerging from the VoR workshops at Aberystwyth dragged by VoR depot pilot diesel No.10. The loco had been returned to the VoR several months ago for restitution following its failure with hot axle boxes prior to the WHR100 event. The VoR say they are returning it to the WHHR. Let us hope it arrives in time for it to appear in historical tableaux settings alongside Russell at Easter before Russell is withdrawn for its 10 year boiler overhaul! Click on the link to watch.
Preparations for new season
With the new season just days away on Saturday 29/3/25, various locos have been out on steam test and rakes have been prepared. On the FR, the Mountain Spirit (Porthmadog dep.10:40) will run to Blaenau Ffestiniog while on the WHR the Harbourmaster and Snowdonia Star will run from Porthmadog (Dep 10:15) and Caernarfon (dep 10:05) respectively.
Porthmadog booking office refurbishment
Porthmadog Booking Office will be closed 24-25/3/25 as refurbishment is completed. 'Out of Office Hours' visitors to Harbour Station over the Winter may well have wondered why there is a drab, grey container sitting in front of the building. In fact, this has been the temporary home of the Booking Office staff while work has taken place to expand and improve their old office. This work is nearing completion and has now reached the point where all their equipment and supplies needs to be transferred back into the main building. As a result, the Booking Office will be closed for two days while this move is completed. Phones and computers will also be offline during the setting up process, so please delay visits / calls etc. until later in the week.
F&WHR 23/3/25
The Met Office forecast for Sunday 23/3/25 was for a day of sunny periods with mist at times, temperatures of 5-13C and sunset at 18:35. The forecast suggests the weather will be returning to seasonal norms of 15-12C MAX by next Saturday. No.134 and No.130 were outside the Running Shed at Dinas after another weekenend's work on No.134. The opportunity was not taken to extend its gauging test from Nantmor to Porthmadog. The opportunities to do such a test will reduce once the new season starts on Saturday.
The signalbox was manned today with the last of the three days of Works Shuttles being provided
over a long weekend in association with National Lottery Open Week. Steam was being
raised at Boston Lodge for the Works Shuttles. At 09:52 Taliesin arrived
in the FR platform with the two coach Works Shuttleand ran round at 09:58.
Departure came on time at 10:10 and the shuttle arrived at Boston Lodge Halt at
10:15.
The two coaches stored in the seawall siding had been removed by the
end of the day.
Linda 21/3/25
This image (21/3/25) shows Linda on the first day of Works Shuttles. On this day 11 years ago Linda became the first train to run non stop through the new layout at Porthmadog on Driving Experience between Tan-y-bwlch and Rhyd Ddu. Click on the image to enlarge and click again for full size. Image copyright F&WHR.
Clare Britton organises the Rail 200 event
The West Wales Chronicle has a feature explaining all the work that goes into organising a major event like this.
F&WHR 22/3/25
The Met Office forecast for Saturday 22/3/25 was for a day of sunny periods with showers later, temperatures of 7-18C and sunset at 18:33. The forecast suggests the weather will be returning to seasonal norms of 12-15C MAX with the weather becomes more springlike now its officially Spring following the equinox on 20/3/25.
The signalbox was manned today with three days of Works Shuttles being provided over a long weekend in association with National Lottery Open Week (see below for full details of the free guided tours of Boston Lodge). Steam was being raised at Boston Lodge for the Works Shuttles, which returned at 12:17. A light engine Velinheli was shunting in the WHR platform at 12:25.
F&WHR 21/3/25
The Met Office forecast for Friday 21/3/25 was for a day of sunny periods with temperatures of 9-18C and sunset at 18:32. The forecast suggests the weather will be returning to seasonal norms of 13-17C MAX with the weather becomes more springlike now its officially Spring following the equinox on 20/3/25. Occasional morning frosts are still possible.
The signalbox was manned today with three days of works shuttles being provided over a long weekend in association with National Lottery Open Week (see below for full details of the free guided tours of Boston Lodge). Steam was being raised at Boston Lodge for the Works Shuttles, the first of which which was due to depart at 10:10. The 2 coach shuttle departed from the FR platform at 10:12 (nominally a 10:10 departure). A steam loco hauling the shuttle was noted departing Boston Lodge at 09:35. Linda pulled into thew FR yard with two coaches at 09:40. Linda was shunting in the FR platform at 09:50 with the bowsider which was returned to the yardat 09:50. Further light engine movements saw the shuttle rake being formed up and reversed into the FR platform at 10:00 with Van No.10 on the rear. Departure came at 10:12. The train returned at 12:25 and prepared for the 14:00 trip.
F&WHR 20/3/25
The Met Office forecast for Thursday 20/3/25 was for a sunny day with temperatures of 9-19C and sunset at 18:30. The forecast suggests the weather will be returning to seasonal norms of 12-20C MAX with the weather becomes more springlike but with a colder spell from next Sun3day and the return of morning frosts.
At 08:47 Harlech Castle emerged from Minffordd Yard with a wagon of PW materials and the FR Mess wagon No.1111. The train headed towards Tan-y-bwlch. Coaching stock was noted in the sea wall siding again during the morning, left from Monday's Grand Shunt and was still there at the end of the day and included one of the WHR Semi-Open coaches.
F&WHR 19/3/25
The Met Office forecast for Wednesday 19/3/25 was for a sunny day with temperatures of 8-14C and sunset at 18:28. The forecast suggests the weather will be returning to seasonal norms of 12-20C MAX with the weather becomes more springlike but with a colder spell from next Sun3day and the return of morning frosts.
Coaching stock was noted in the sea wall siding again during the morning, left from Monday's Grand Shunt and was still there at the end of the day.
National Lottery Open Week - Free Tours of Boston Lodge
Click on the advert to enlarge.
The F&WHR are taking part in The National Lottery Open Week (Saturday, 15-23/3/25), to say a huge thanks to National Lottery players for their support of the Interpretation and Boston Lodge Project. To celebrate this occasion, this week the F&WHR will be offering a selection of free Guided Tours of Boston Lodge to visitors who bring a National Lottery ticket or scratch card with them. There will be morning and afternoon tours taking place at…
Friday, 21/3/25 @ 10:10 / 14:00
Saturday, 22/3/25 @ 10:10
Sunday, 23/3/25 @ 10:10 / 14:00
Scheduled shuttle trains will be provided from Porthmadog Harbour to Boston Lodge Halt and return.
Visit the F&WHR website to book your place: https://www.festrail.co.uk/free-tours-of-boston-lodge/
Another YouTube from the March Photocharter
Dan Sutcliffe from 50A RAIL hasa produced a video compilation in 4k of his experiences on the brighter days of the /photocharter. Click on the link to watch 25 minutes of video around Rhyd Ddu, the Aberglaslyn Pass and Traeth Mawr. Andrew Simmonds has also published some more still images of the day's Photocharter taken during the brighter weekend weather 5-6/3/25. Click on this link to view.
F&WHR 18/3/25
The Met Office forecast for Tuesday 18/3/25 was for a sunny day with temperatures of 3-14C and sunset at 18:26. The forecast suggests the weather will be returning to seasonal norms of 12-18C MAX with the weather becomes more springlike but with a colder spell from next Saturday and the return of morning frosts.
Coaching stock was noted in the sea wall siding during the morning, left from yesterday's Grand Shunt and was still there at the end of the day.
F&WHR 17/3/25
The Met Office forecast for Monday 17/3/25 was for an improving day with sunny periods in the afternoon and temperatures of 2-10C and sunset at 18:24. The forecast suggests the weather will be returning to seasonal norms of 12-18C MAX with mornings that could see frosts until next Monday when the weather becomes more springlike until next weekend.
Upnor Castle and its short clearance train had been left in the FR platform overnight, a previously unusual occurence, and was still present at 10:00 Monday. Meanwhile up at Tan-y-bwlch Harlech Castle arrived light engine at 09:42 from the west and 2 minutes later proceded towards Dduallt. Gravel was being spread to improve the eastern end of the car park. The loco then passed through the westbound platform slowly at 10:12.
At 11:00 Criccieth Castle was present in the WHR platform at Porthmadog with 13 bogies led by No.107. This appeared to be an ECS working possibly preparing rakes for the start of the new season in 12 days time. The presence of Upnor Castle and its PW train in the FR platfrom must have made the job harder. The diesel ran round at 11:19. Five ninutes later the diesel shunted the rear six coaches into the station sidings and at 11:45 shunted the rear two of these into another siding. A single coach was then shunted to the sea wall siding and drew out a single coach from those stored there on previous days. Four bogies were now shunted in the yard and three removed with the Romanian coach No.2060 on the rear.
F&WHR 16/3/25
The Met Office forecaaysst for Sunday 16/3/25 was for a day of sunny periods with temperatures of 4-12C and sunset at 18:23. The forecast suggests the weather will be returning to seasonal norms of 11-18C MAX with mornings that could see frosts until next Monday when the weather becomes more springlike.
Upnor Castle and its short clearance train had been left in the WHR platform overnight, a previously unusual occurence, and volunteers arrived and started up the loco at 08:20. At 08:37 the train pulled up to the north end of the loop where it was noticed that the well wagon with chipper loaded had been attached on the rear. Departure, presumably for Beddgelert Forest, occurred at 08:40. The signalbox was staffed today so it appears that further train movements were planned.
At 13:06 Harlech Castle arrived at the west end of Tan-y-bwlch with a B wagon with the FR mess wagon No.1111. Two minutes later the loco started its run round and coupled up again at 13:15. After a lunch break the train departed towards Minffordd at 14:14.
Meanwhile at Porthmadog, Upnor Castle returned from Beddgelert Forest with the lineside clearance train at around 16:15 and then shunted into the FR platform and was shut down. It is possible the Grand Shunt might take place next week with all the coaches brought to the station and shunted into the rakes they will be used in next season.
Views from photocharter 7/3/25
Thanks to Max Birchenough for these shots from the Photocharter.
This image (7/3/25) shows K1 at Fridd Isaf curve Rhyd Ddu with the demonstration freight. Click on the image to enlarge and click again for full size. Image copyright Max Birchenough.
This image (7/3/25) shows No.134 at Fridd Isaf curve Rhyd Ddu with the demonstration freight. Click on the image to enlarge and click again for full size. Image copyright Max Birchenough.
F&WHR 15/3/25
The Met Office forecast for Saturday 15/3/25 was for a sunny day with temperatures of 2-11C and sunset at 18:21. The forecast suggests the weather will be returning to seasonal norms of 12-16C MAX with mornings that could see frosts until next Monday when the weather become more springlike.
Any images from the recent photocharter would be gratefully received for publication with due credit given. None have been received as yet. From Monday the photocharters switched to the FR with action focussed at Dduallt. Palmerston hauled the 4 coach photographers' special with curlyu roof van on nthe rear. Hugh Napier hauled the skip rake (with Harlech Castle in support) which was posed on the loop and bridge and worked to Tan-y-grisiau later. See Stephen Mullen's Facebook images.
The Tan-y-bwlch webcam became live at about 03:33 today with rollback enabled. The Porthmadog and Minffordd webcams which became live yesterday unfortunately do not have the rollback function activated. At 13:00 Harlech Castle appeared at Tan-y-bwlch with a wagon and the FR Mess Car No.1111. After running round the short train returned towards Minffordd at 14:15.
Caernarfon Castle led Vale of Ffestiniog on an 11 coach ECS transfer stock move on 15/3/25 from Dinas to Boston Lodge. The rake included both open coaches and Pullman Car Bodisgallen, passing Bryn Goch at 12:53. See Garry Spicer's Facebook video. There appeared to be shunting in Porthmadog station yard at 15:30 which may have been the same rake. Upnor Castle appeared in the WHR platform at 16:55 with a 3 vehicle lineside clearance train with new tool van No.5008 and coach No.113 on the rear from the Beddgelert direction. The loco ran round at 17:03 and the train remained in the platform as staff went home.
F&WHR 14/3/25
The Met Office forecast for Friday 14/3/25 was for an overcast day with temperatures of 2-9C and sunset at 18:19. The forecast suggests the weather will be returning to seasonal norms of 10-15C MAX with mornings that could see a frost until next Wednesday when the weather changes. The Snowdon massif had adusting of snow on Friday.
Any images from the photocharter would be gratefully received for publication with due credit given. None have been received as yet.
Webcam service was restored in the afternoon on 13/3/25 with both Harbour Station and Minffordd cameras back on line. Vale of Ffestiniog was noted in the WHR platform at 10:30 light engine. The Tan-y-bwlch webcam remains off line as it has since 6/12/24.
F&WHR 13/3/25
The Met Office forecast for Thursday 13/3/25 was for sunny periods with temperatures of 2-9C and sunset at 18:17. The forecast suggests the weather will be returning to seasonal norms of 9-10C MAX with mornings that could see a frost until next week.
Any images from the photocharter would be gratefully received for publication with due credit given. None have been received as yet.
F&WHR 12/3/25
The Met Office forecast for Tuesday 12/3/25 was for a deteriorating day with temperatures of 1-9C and sunset at 18:15. The forecast suggests the weather will be returning to seasonal norms of 9-10C MAX with mornings that could see a frost until next week.
Any images from the photocharter would be gratefully received for publication with due credit given. None have been received as yet.
No.134 gauged to Nantmor Halt 10/3/25
Following No.134's successful photocharters around Rhyd Ddu 7-9/3/25, the decision was taken to test the loco south of Rhyd Ddu. On the Monday the loco was driven at line speed to Rhyd Ddu to give plenty of time for gauging trials south of there. It was known that platform edges might be an issue with the cowcatchers and the antipersonnel grids (APG/ATG) triangular wood at level crossings might catch the drain cocks.
Click on the YouTube box to watch 27 mins 11 seconds of video featuring No.134's gauging run to Nantmor. Click on the YouTube to enlarge. This video was published on 12/3/25 and is copyright F&WHR. Video taken by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional 4K betamax camcorder.
The loco was eased through Pitt's Head bridge and across various level crossings past the devastation in the Beddgelert Forest. The opportunity was taken to fill the tank at Beddgelert before easing past the platform. A short length of less than a metre did catch the edge of the cowcatcher but when the loco reversed into the northbound platform no problems were found. At Beddgelert the 5 chime Chinese whistle was tried out and echoed around the hills like the haunting hoot of a US steam loco of old. No.134's whistle is extremely loud and will only be used on special occasions such as Rail200 where the loco is set to make an appearance in the The Cob Cavalcade.
Continuing through the very tight Goat Cutting and into Goat Tunnel the loco proceeded dead slow but encountered no problems. Further level crossings were passed with care before the three tunnels in the Aberglaslyn Pass, which presented no problems. Finally the loco arrived at Nantmor Halt where it was found to pass the platform with ease. Here a decision was taken to return to Dinas as the day was getting on.
Signalling Simulations
Colin Tucker advises: Just to let you know that you can download any of the current Windows versions of the Simulators for Porthmadog Signalbox, Rhiw Goch Signalbox and Cae Pawb Crossing panel from the links below. This version of the Rhiw Goch simulator includes Bell-code working to Minffordd/Tan-y-Bwlch, if you want to give it a try.
The Porthmadog Harbour Station simulator screen. Click to enlarge. Image courtesy Colin Tucker
The Rhiw Goch Loop simulator screen. Click to enlarge. Image courtesy Colin Tucker
The Cae Pawb simulator screen. Click to enlarge. Image courtesy Colin Tucker
Each zipfile needs to be unzipped before use and includes instructions (and some videos for Rhiw Goch). Android versions of the Porthmadog and Cae Pawb simulators are available on Google Play (search 'Porthmadog'). MacOS versions are a bit tricky at the moment, sorry. https://www.dropbox.com/.../j81hih8fvv.../PortSim_4_4.zip https://www.dropbox.com/.../h38pvvy.../Rhiw_Goch_v1_2.zip https://www.dropbox.com/.../r5whlybzf.../CaePawb_v1_1.zip
The authors hope to find somewhere for these files to live on F&WHR Sharepoint once the current IT upgrades are completed.
F&WHR 11/3/25
The Met Office forecast for Tuesday 11/3/25 was for misty day with temperatures of 2-9C and sunset at 18:14. The forecast suggests the weather will be returning to seasonal norms of 9-10C MAX from Tuesday with mornings that could see a frost.
Any images from the photocharter would be gratefully received for publication with due credit given. None have been received as yet.
Photocharter Day 3 (9/3/25)
The photographers had better weather on Sunday with sunshine illuminating the Aberglaslyn Pass in the afternoon. Andrew Simmonds has posted several new images on Facebook and Part 3 of T Broyd's YouTube video has been published with a further 18 minutes of video in better weather than Friday.
After No.134 arrived light engine at Rhyd Ddu from Dinas there are some long sequences showing the trains near Pitt's Head and Fridd Isaf curves. The trains returned to Rhyd Ddu to water at lunchtime and in the afternoon headed for Bryn-y-felin and the Aberglaslyn Pass in sunshine while No.134 went home to Dinas light engine. There were some final scenes near the Afon Dylif bridge and Pen Cob Junction as K1 went home to Boston Lodge. There is also a second very short YouTube video showing Russell arriving at Porthmadog in the morning.
Click here to watch 1 minute of Russell arriving at Porthmadog Harbour with presumably the ECS from Pen-y-Mount. There is also some excellent footage taken of No.134 on freight by Lee Andrew Davies. Click here to watch almost 8 minutes of exclusive No.134 freight action taken in sunshine around Clogwyn-y-gwin on 8-9/3/24 and finally click here for 12 minutes of Russell.
Tickets still available for Russell's trips in April
Click on the Russell advert to enlarge. Russell pictured heading south approaching the site of Hafod Garregog Halt. Advert courtesy Russell Pearn (WHHR).
Tickets still available for 5/4/25 and 12/4/2 trains to Beddgelert. Morning and afternoon trains operate each day, departs Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways harbour station along the Welsh Highland Railway route. Click here for tickets.
F&WHR 10/3/25
The Met Office forecast for Monday 10/3/25 was for a misty day with temperatures of 3-16C and sunset at 18:12. The forecast suggests the weather will be returning to seasonal norms of 9-10C MAX from Tuesday with mornings that could see a frost.
Sunday was the third and final day of the Spring photocharter. Any images would be gratefully received for publication with due credit given.
F&WHR 9/3/25
The Met Office forecast for Sunday 9/3/25 was for sunny periods with temperatures of 9-18C and sunset at 18:10. The forecast suggests the weather will be returning to seasonal norms of 8-9C MAX from Tuesday.
Today was the third and final day of the photocharter. Any images would be gratefully received for publication with due credit given.
F&WHR 8/3/25
The Met Office forecast for Saturday 8/3/25 was for sunny periods with temperatures of 10-17C and sunset at 18:08. The forecast suggests the weather will become a little warmer in the week ahead with a Spring-like 19C MAX by Sunday before returning to seasonal norms of 8-9C MAX from Tuesday.
Today was the second day of the photocharter.
Photocharter Day 2 (8/3/25)
The photographers had better weather today. Andrew Simmonds posted several images on Facebook and Part 2 of T Broyd's YouTube video has been published with 22 minutes of video in better weather than Friday. Most of the stock came from Porthmadog with the exception of No.134 which arrived light engine at Rhyd Ddu from Dinas. There are some long sequences showing the trains between Glan-yr-afon, Clogwyn-y-gwyn Cliffs and Rhyd Ddu. The trains returned to Rhyd Ddu to water at lunchtime and in the afternoon headed for Bryn-y-felin and the Aberglaslyn Pass while No.134 went home to Dinas light engine. There were some final scenes near Pont Croesor and Britannia Bridge as Russell went home.
F&WHR 7/3/25
The Met Office forecast for Friday 7/3/25 was for an improving day, overcast at first but with sunny periods and showers later and temperatures of 10-15C and sunset at 18:06. The forecast suggests the weather will become a little warmer in the week ahead with a Spring-like 18C MAX by Sunday before returning to seasonal norms of 8-9C MAX by the midweek.
KS4415 progress 7/3/25
The KS4415 Team took another step towards finishing off the bodywork on 7/3/25. They ground the countersunk rivet heads flush and it was quite satisfying that they were virtually invisible once a coat of primer was put over them. See images on Facebook page.
Photocharters on WHR 7-9/3/25
A group of photographers has hired NG15 No.134, K1 and Russell for a series of photocharters on the WHR from 7-9/3/25 focussed on Rhyd Ddu and Aberglaslyn. The day started with Vale of Ffestiniog taking a 5 wagon freight to Rhyd Ddu with K1 inside. The freight was made up of two ex-SAR ballast wagons and three B wagons with the ex-SAR guard's van on the rear. Russell and its 4 car heritage rake had previously worked towards Dinas.
This image (7/3/25) shows No.134 at Rhyd Ddu along with Russell and Vale of Ffestiniog. There are two more days of photocharters booked. Click on the image to enlarge and click again for full size. Image copyright Paul Lewin (F&WHR).
The first run pasts included K1 on freight then No.134 on freight in the Fridd Isaf area. No.134 was noted slipping on one run on the damp rail but generally was impressive. Later K1 was noted in the Bryn-y-felin area before a final appearance at Pont Croesor. No.134 did not proceed past Rhyd Ddu as it has not been gauged for this area yet.
Click here for 15 minutes of YouTube video of the charter trains by T Broyd.
Moving Pictures No.104 7/3/25
Click on the YouTube box to watch 27 mins 52 seconds of video featuring Velinheli's footplate rides at Caernarfon and the model railway show at Half Term. There are also scnes with Welsh Pony, Criccieth Castle and Taliesin being tested. This video was published on 7/3/25 and is copyright F&WHR. Video taken by John Wooden (F&WHR) on a professional 4K betamax camcorder.
K1 at Porthmadog 6/3/25
K1 arrived in Porthmadog on the rear of a ballast train hauled by Criccieth Castle on 6/3/25.
This image (6/3/25) shows K1 at Harbour Station. There may be the chance for some steam tests over the next few days as it is booked to be used on The Snowdonian on 26/4/25. Click on the image to enlarge and click again for full size. Image copyright F&WHR.
F&WHR 6/3/25
The Met Office forecast for Thursday 6/3/25 was for a day of sunny periods with temperatures of 9-16C and sunset at 18:04. The forecast suggests the weather will become a little warmer in the week ahead with a Spring-like 14-17C MAX by Sunday and no frosts before crashing back again to 8C MAX by the middle of next week.
Deviation Day 21/6/25
FR Platinum Jubilee event will feature a Deviation Day on Saturday 21/6/25. Several trains will make their way to Dduallt, including a freight train and be parked in the siding. This will allow recreation of several historic tableaux. See Facebook video. Several trains will make their way to Dduallt, including a freight train and be parked in the siding. This will allow recreation of several historic tableaux. See Facebook video.
Sunday Cavalcade 22/6/25
The 200 Wheels on The Cob will feature all the FR locos arriving from Minffordd (in the order they wereoriginally restored) and the WHR locos (less diesels operating the service trains) from Boston Lodge. No.134 may pull C2 into Harbour Station if the NG15 can be gauged to Boston Lodge. See Facebook video.
Taliesin on test 5/3/25
Single Fairlie Taliesin was out on test on 5/3/25. It ran to Minffordd and shunted the yard before returning to Boston Lodge. The loco is still running without its brass dome until adjustments are complete.
This image (5/3/25) shows 1aliesin on test at Minffordd. Click on the image to enlarge and click again for full size. Image copyright F&WHR.
Boston Lodge Wagon turntable renewed
The FR Heritage Group had its Waggons Weekend last weekend and repaired the wagon turntable at Boston Lodge. This had been damaged by lorries drivinbg over it during the Interpretation Project Works. In order to prevent further damage it is intended to leave a slate wagon on the turntable in future.
F&WHR 5/3/25
The Met Office forecast for Wednesday 5/3/25 was for a sunny day with temperatures of 5-10C with sunset at 18:03. The forecast suggests the weather will become a little warmer in the week ahead with a Spring-like maximum of 15-16C MAX by Sunday and no frosts before crashing back again next week.
Log train rolls again 1/3/25
Nos.97302/37405 hauled the Aber-Chirk logs via Chester (reverse) on 1/3/25. The locations shown are as follows: Bow Street, Morben, Commins Coch, Talerddig (West) and Hencote. Click on this link to see 4 mins 30 seconds of YouTube video.
KS4415 report
The patterns the team sent off recently are back from the foundry and so the new castings for the cylinder liner seals are available as well as the engine governor deadweights. These need machining now and then the reassembly of the engine can continue at the next working party. The company did well considering the failure of these parts was only 2 months ago.
Alco Mountaineer Report March
Along with the slightly warmer and longer days
comes another weekend at Glan-y- Pwll. The superheater flues have been delivered
but only one pair of the 6 are for Mountaineer.
At Glan-y-Pwll the team set
about painting some of the smaller items that were sand blasted, all the large
items are still away at the moment.
Items from the store were also cleaned such as some of
the lubrication splitters and the two sand pipes.
As the team are taking part in
the 200 Event in June, it has been decided to give the
old water tanks one last outing, along with the cab. They will be painted in a
representation of the Mountaineer's previous liveries
which will be under wraps until the event. Further work continued on the rear pony truck
modifications and on how to mount the reverser to the new support frame going
either side of the firebox.
Sunday continued with the cleaning and painting.
Further development work was done towards the rear frame supports and the new
drag boxes, with the drawings already being produced in between the working
parties. Work on the ash
pan and the water tanks has now concluded with drawings now being produced ready
for production to possibly begin this summer. With the larger items expected back in April and the
strong possibility of the small boiler tubes arriving very soon are work is
ramping up already this year.
Finally the electric air compressor is working again
which will allow the team to use air tools if needed in the future and will
remove the need to hire a compressor to light up the locomotive rostered to haul
The Quarryman.
If you would like to support the project with
donations please find the appeal page on the
Ffestiniog Railway society
web site.
The group also has its own
webshop where they sell a selection of items for you to purchase to
support the project. 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.
F&WHR 4/3/25
The Met Office forecast for Tuesday 4/3/25 was for a day of sunny periods with temperatures of 6-9C with sunset at 18:01. The forecast suggests the weather will become a little warmer in the week ahead with a Spring-like maximum of 11-16C MAX by Sunday and no frosts. It looks like the snow on Snowdon summit has all gone (see webcam view as viewed from The Lodge Dinorwig 6 miles away to the NNW) and there is no sign of it being replenished.
Some of the F&WHR webcams have now been out of action for an unprecedented extended period of approaching 3 months though it is suggested they will return by the end of the month after an IT upgrade! The problem is that the small IT volunteer team has had to deal with many issues since Storm Darragh on 6/12/24 and the webcams are obviously not the highest priority.
This image (1/3/25) shows Vale of Ffestiniog in the sunshine at Harbour Station on a short works train for lineside clearance perhaps returning from the WHR in the late afternoon. Click on the image to enlarge. Image copyright Dave Laister.
Vale of Ffestiniog was in the WHR platform at some stage over the weekend with tin cars Nos.112/113, the new green platform/stores vehicle No.5004 and the well wagon No.62 with the chipper for lineside clearance. It is pity the webcams were not working. in the seawall siding were B1835 and large water tank wagon No.64. Welsh Pony was noted shunting two B wagons and a DZ along with FR Mess Car No.1111 at Minffordd. Up at Glan-y-pwll crossing Simplex Dolgarrog (ex-Llyn Cowlyd Tramway) emerged from the depot and propelled FR Wagon No.97 towards Blaenau /Ffestiniog station with some volunteers. Later Welsh Pony was noted shunting B wagons in the coal sidings at the Harbour Station refuelling point.
This image (2/3/25) shows Welsh Pony at Harbour Station on a coal delivery from Minffordd Yard. Click on the image to enlarge. Image copyright Dave Laister.
SuperPower replacement
The F&WHR is planning an event on 13-14/9/25 to replace SuperPower. Details of the event will be published as soon as they are to hand.
F&WHR 3/3/25
The Met Office forecast for Sunday 2/3/25 was for a sunny day with temperatures of 2-10C with sunset at 17:59. The forecast suggests the weather will become a little warmer in the week ahead with a maximum of 9-15C MAX by Sunday and no frosts after last weekend. It looks like the snow on Snowdon summit has retreated to the very top 100m (see webcam view as viewed from The Lodge Dinorwig 6 miles away to the NNW) and there is no sign of it being replenished.
Some of the F&WHR webcams have now been out of action for an unprecedented extended period of approaching 3 months!
F&WHR 2/3/25
The Met Office forecast for Sunday 2/3/25 was for an overcast day with temperatures of 5-9C with sunset at 17:57. The forecast suggests the weather will become a little warmer in the week ahead with a maximum of 9-15C MAX by Thursday and no frosts after the weekend. It looks like the snow on Snowdon summit has retreated to the very top 100m (see webcam view as viewed from The Lodge Dinorwig 6 miles away to the NNW) and there is no sign of it being replenished.
Today was the final day of the free Model Railway Exhibition in Caernarfon Station and it is likely that Velinheli will be returning to Boston Lodge after it cab ride duties, possibly on Monday morning.
Welsh Pony was present at Porthmadog Harbour Station while the Boat Race was on. It had appeared with B1146 in grey undercoat and the FR's Mess wagon No.1111.
Original Mountaineer Project progress 2/3/25
Northern Heritage Engineering is working on reproducing an England engine from the Victorian era, with original parallel side tanks rather than the saddle tanks style fitted to the existing England Engines. They have recently completed the bottom end and images are available here. To make a PayPal donation click here.
Lein Amlwch Rhosgoch clearance
A working party on Lein Amlwch has cleared the pointwork for the Rhosgoch Siding at the north end of the line. The concrete sleepers were found to be in good condition. They also cleared flytipping from an adjacent overbridge.
Click this link for several photos showing progress.
The Rhosgoch site was the former tank farm for the Amlwch floating supertanker crude oil terminal. The tanks acted as a buffer store for oil which was then pumped to Stanlow along dual 1m diameter pipes along the River Wheeler Valley and via Mold from 1974 before the pipeline closed in 1990 following a change in oil deliveries to the Tranmere Terminal in the Mersey Estuary. The delivery of pipes by train to Rhyd-y-mwyn had been one of the last traffics on the stub of the Mold & Denbigh Jn. Railway in the late 1970s.
The tanks have since been demolished and the site transferred to the Amlwch Freeport project. As such it could again be used with new sidings laid down. If Wylfa B or any SMR project is authorised for the Wylfa site then building materials could be brought in by rail as the sidings are only a few kilometres across the fields by haul road from Wylfa. Previous proposals however suggested bringing in material by sea.
Lein Amlwch itself could develop a depot on the sidings at Rhosgoch though the sidings are a little out of the way at the north end of the line and have poor road access. The former yard at Amlwch has been developed so Rhosgoch is the nearest location to the end of the line where siding space is available.
F&WHR 1/3/25
The Met Office forecast for Porthmadog for Saturday 1/3/25 (St. David's Day) was for a day of sunny periods and showers and temperatures of 3-9C with sunset at 17:55. The forecast suggests the weather will become a little warmer in the week ahead with a maximum of 9-12C MAX and no frosts after the weekend. It looks like the snow on Snowdon summit has retreated to the top 100m (see webcam view as viewed from The Lodge Dinorwig 6 miles away to the NNW) and there is no sign of it being replenished.
The Tan-y-bwlch teashop will be open weekends from today though there are no passenger trains until the end of March.
Taliesin is back 1/3/25!
Here at F&WHR staff are looking
forwards to restarting the train services on the 29/3/25.
Staff are very busy making sure everything is ready for the new season,
including infrastructure work on the stations, hiring new staff and preparing
the steam engines!
Preparation of the locomotives has included annual boiler tests on several locos
at Boston Lodge workshops including Taliesin which has just been
reassembled after a heavy overhaul. It is all very exciting stuff and staff are
eagerly counting down the days to the new season!
This image (1/3/25) shows Taliesin in the sunshine at Boston Lodge. The brass dome will be replaced when steam testing is complete. Image courtesy F&WHR.
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