WHR (Porthmadog)

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V4.4 updated 1/4/07

New images on this page are from 25/3/07.

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Click here for Laurence Armstrong's latest WHR South map

 

Locations

This section covers the route from Pen-y-Mount to Porthmadog WHR(P) station near the BR station. The site is now known as Beddgelert Siding as it was originally occupied by a Cambrian Railways Exchange yard with the Croesor Tramway.

A crossover has been provided into the WHR (Porthmadog) site immediately south of LC121. Heritage trains will run onto the line from the WHR (P) terminus at agreed times, perhaps as far as Beddgelert. A signal box may be required here to control movements and issue tokens. There will be a halt here with a platform between the main line and the WHR(P) route to allow passengers to visit the Heritage site and travel on its internal trains, which may continue to run round in the loop at the Pen-y-Mount end of the Beddgelert Siding site.

A replica of Nantmor station in the WHR style has been constructed here and there are some fine examples of various types of fencing found along the original loop. Immediately south of Pen-y-Mount Halt is the proposed site of the Porthmadog Bypass flyover. There is some doubt that this will ever be built.

The alignment passes the excavated site of Croesor Tramway weighbridge on the left and veers to the right, away from the alignment of the original WHR. Further on to the left are the sheds of Gelert's Farm Works of the WHR (P) where a halt has been established for guided tour works visits.

The route now curves to the west and runs parallel with and to the north of the BR line before reaching the terminus just east of Y Cyt (the former Maddock's barge canal). The terminus has a platform on the south side with the run-round loop to the north. A short platform on the north side houses the toilets. Beyond the buffer stops are the station building, with bookshop and cafe. Immediately west of these is the bridge across Y Cyt and the car park with access from the main road next to the BR station.

 

Gradients

The formation is almost level, rising gently to Pen-y-Mount.

 

Pen-y-Mount Halt

The '64 Co. extended their headshunt onto the WHR alignment at some stage in the late 80s/early 90s.

 

S12_BWH25-10-05Gelert@PYM.jpg (72426 bytes)

This northerly view (25/10/05) at Pen-y-Mount l/c shows Gelert going where no WHR(P) loco has been before-onto the original WHR formation north of Pen-y-Mount! The loco is simulating shunting ballast wagons. In the distance the volunteers can be seen laying the track towards Cynfal l/c. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B.W.Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

 

S12_BWH27-8-01C.JPG (51375 bytes)

This southerly view (27/8/01) from LC121 shows Russell approaching the buffer stops at LC121, Pen-y-Mount. This headshunt was subsequently removed as the track was not of the WHR standard pattern. Click on image to enlarge. This image is copyright B W Hughes. Image taken on Samsung Digimax 230 camera. Image post processed with iPhotoPlus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

 

Pen-y-Mount and loco 3-7-04.JPG (79880 bytes) 

This southerly view (3/7/04) at Pen-y-Mount shows Gelert at the crossover with the headshunt and completed construction siding all visible. The headshunt in the slate waste in front of the loco is currently protected by a sleeper but will in future provide an unloading point for visiting locomotives. The future Cross-Town link will follow the line of the siding to the left of the loco and through the gate in the distance. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B.W.Hughes and was taken on a Concord 3340z (3.1 Mega pixel) digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.

 

S13_BWH30-4-05Gelert at PYM.jpg (61665 bytes)

This northerly view (30/4/05) at Pen-y-Mount l/c shows Gelert shunting up to the level crossing. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B.W.Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

 

S12_BWH25-10-05Gelert shunts PYM.jpg (58379 bytes)

This northerly view (25/10/05) from just south of Pen-y-Mount level crossing shows Pen-y-mount Junction crossover. Gelert is shunting ballast wagons in the WHR(P) headshunt to the left of the main line. To the right is the temporary siding for loading rail on the future alignment of the WHR Cross Town Rail Link. Click on images to enlarge. These images are copyright B W Hughes and were captured using a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Images post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

 

WHR(P) opening ceremony Pen-y-Mount_AG23-3-07.jpg (70808 bytes)

This northerly view (23/3/07) shows Gelert leading Prince breaking the banner to open the 900m extension to Traeth Mawr. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy/copyright Andy Goodwin and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

 

Gelert's Farm Museum

There is an intermediate halt at Gelert's Farm, the line's depot and loco works. A works visit is part of the ticket and the train pauses there while the guided walk is completed. The halt was having its platform extended to the north during Spring 2007 to accommodate the longer trains being run as a result of the Traeth Mawr extension.

 

Lyd2-No.60.JPG (51481 bytes) S13_BWH30-4-05Eryri passes yard.jpg (65410 bytes)

These views (29/7/04 and 30/04/05)show Lyd2 No.60 Eryri outside the WHR(P) Gelert's Farm Loco Shed. This 21 tonne 0-6-0 diesel hydraulic is one of three purchased by WHR(P) consortium in 1993-5. The second view shows Eryri passing on a demonstration freight train. There are hopes that these big diesels will find use on Phase 4 but their air braking systems makes things difficult with the ex-SAR vacuum braked wagons used by the WHRCL. Click on the images to enlarge. These images are copyright B.W.Hughes and was taken on a Concord 3340z (3.1 Mega pixel) digital camera and a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.

 

Gelert's Farm Museum contains the remains of Moel Tryfan, a single Fairlie with a three axle power bogie, cut up by the FR in 1950s when they were short of money to start the task of preserving the FR. There is also a recently delivered Baldwin loco that will be restored to look like '590' that operated on the WHR route.

 

Baldwin arrives Porthmadog.jpg (100266 bytes)

This southerly view at Gelert's Farm shows the rolling chassis of Lion having just been unloaded after transport from Duxford last year. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright/courtesy David Allan. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.

 

Baldwin.JPG (65031 bytes)

This view (29/7/04) shows the remains of the NRM Baldwin in the WHR(P) Gelert's Farm shed. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B.W.Hughes and was taken on a Concord 3340z (3.1 Mega pixel) digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.

 

Russell rebuild_BWH25-3-07.jpg (63622 bytes)

This view (25/3/07) shows Russell being rebuilt at Gelert's Farm Works. New wheel centres have been cast to replace two cracked centres on the furthest set of driving axles. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B.W.Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

 

Porthmadog WHR(P) Terminus

This terminus lies alongside Network Rail's Cambrian Coast Line and ends with a run round loop, platform, shop and cafe within a stone's throw of the NR station.

 

S13_BWH30-4-05Eryri at terminus.jpg (52877 bytes)

This westerly view (30/4/05) shows Eryri at the buffer stops at the WHR(P)'s Porthmadog terminus. This was the last time the 'out of ticket' loco would be on display before dismantling for repair. It is hoped the loco will be back for the WHR's opening throughout in 2008/9. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B.W.Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

 

Gelert.JPG (62859 bytes) S13_BWH30-4-05Gelert at terminus.jpg (54860 bytes)

These westerly views (23/8/04 and 30/4/05) at the WHR(P) Porthmadog terminus shows Gelert on its regular passenger turn. The second view shows Gelert has been turned for the 2005 season. Click on the images to enlarge. These images are copyright B.W.Hughes and was taken on a Concord 3340z (3.1 Mega pixel) digital camera and a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 image correction technology and displayed at 96dpi.

 

Russell30-4-05.jpg (93554 bytes)

This westerly view (30/4/05) shows Russell at the buffer stops at the WHR(P)'s Porthmadog terminus. This was the last time the 'out of ticket' loco would be on display before dismantling for repair. It is hoped the loco will be back for the WHR's opening throughout in 2008/9. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is copyright B.W.Hughes and was taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

 

Opening Day

Prince at WHR(P) terminus_AG23-3-07.jpg (76904 bytes)

This easterly view (23/3/07) shows Prince taking water at the WHR(P)'s Porthmadog Station. Click on the image to enlarge. This image is courtesy/copyright Andy Goodwin and was taken on a digital camera. Image post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

 

Prince at WHR(P) terminus 3_BWH25-3-07.jpg (81506 bytes) Prince at WHR(P) terminus_BWH25-3-07.jpg (65197 bytes)

Prince at WHR(P) terminus 2_BWH25-3-07.jpg (64329 bytes)

These easterly views (all 25/3/07) show Prince running around and watering at the Porthmadog WHR(P) terminus with Gelert already watering in the background. Click on the images to enlarge. These images are copyright B.W.Hughes are were taken on a Kodak DX6490 digital camera. Images post processed using iPhoto Plus4 and displayed at 96dpi.

 

Click here to visit the Porthmadog Cross Town Link page

Click here to return to Stop Press page

Click here for the official WHR(P) website

 

Site Development

If you have suggestions for development of this site, please contact me by email from the address on the Stop Press page.

 

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Page Version 4.4 Dated 25/3/07