There is one more performer to be confirmed for Saturday afternoon.
Information about The Wee Bag Band is available on their website - www.weebagband.co.uk
| 1st January 2012 Details are available
of the Snowdonian
2012,
a repeat of last year's popular event which raised £25,000 towards the Phase
5
appeal. The train will traverse the entire route of the
WHR/FfR in both directions on 14th April 2012, accompanied by an
open top bus for photographers. On the FfR the train will be hauled by
the ladies Linda and Blanche now in matching green, while on
the WHR it will be double Fairlies. For full details of the
train, accompanying events and booking arrangements, visit
the Phase
5 website
|
|
July 19th 2011
Chaloner returnsJuly 16th 2011
The longest train ever thought to have passed through Beddgelert was observed today. The photos show 87 pulling the train which was formed following the failure of 143. The 15.00 ex Caernarfon using the “F” set was combined with the Special using the “B “set, 13 coaches in total. The first photo is at Cwm Cloch and the second in the Aberglaslyn Pass. Report and pictures by David Firth.
July 14th 2011
Super Power Weekend 10-11 September 2011
A reminder that this event is not far away.
This year's Super Power, the first since the opening of the completed Welsh Highland Railway, will feature a host of visiting locomotives, special trains, and many other attractions.June 29th 2011
Enhanced Summer timetable announced
Due to the popularity of services covering the new section of
the Welsh Highland Railway opened in April, the Ffestiniog and Welsh
Highland Railway has evaluated options for enhancing the Summer
timetable to offer more opportunities for return journeys over the
whole line from both Caernarfon and Porthmadog.
"It is highly unusual to contemplate significant changes to the
timetable once the season is underway," says General Manager Paul
Lewin, "But traffic figures show a clear preference for the services
which cover the whole railway rather than those terminating at Pont
Croesor.
"We are continually working to improve the experience offered to our
customers and the addition of extra through services gives passengers
more choice and offers more opportunities to savour the unique
experience of watching two major heritage railways operating an
intensive service from the same station at Porthmadog."
The most significant enhancement is an improved service on Fridays and
Sundays in July and August, when two Porthmadog - Pont Croesor shuttle
services will connect with Caernarfon trains, offering a choice of
three full-line return trips a day from both Porthmadog and Caernarfon.
And from July 19 until September 8, an additional shuttle service will
operate from Pont Croesor to Porthmadog on most weekdays, allowing
passengers a choice of two return times from Caernarfon.
The existing bus links between Pont Croesor, Porthmadog and Caernarfon
will continue to operate as advertised.
Check the website for details of the changes or ring the booking office
on 01766 516024.
June 26th 2011
First WHHR test train runs on completed Welsh Highland Railway
The first Welsh Highland Heritage Railway train has run on the
challenging gradients of the Welsh Highland Railway. The five carriage
test train, double headed by WHHR locos Gelert and Gertrude, was run in
conjunction with Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland engineers to test
braking systems. The WHHR operates air-braked stock, while
F&WHR trains are exclusively vacuum-braked.
The train left WHHR metals at around 1800 and headed for the foot of
Nantmor Bank - the start of the almost continuous 1 in 40 six mile
climb to the summit of the line at Rhyd Ddu which makes the WHR the
toughest railway in the UK.
After the satisfactory completion of brake tests from speeds of up to
20mph to measure stopping distances on the level, Gelert proceeded
light engine through the Aberglaslyn Pass and tunnels to Beddgelert to
take water, before returning to Hafod y Llyn to test braking
performance down Nantmor Bank before rejoining Gertrude and the train
for the run back to Porthmadog, arriving back at around 2230.
This is the first time a WHHR train has travelled beyond the site of
Traeth Mawr Loop - the end of the section of the railway laid by WHHR
volunteers as their contribution to the rebuilding of the whole 25
miles of the Welsh Highland. The location is now marked by one of the
'Tin Tunnel' accommodation bridges built for farm access.
"This is an historic moment for both railways," says WHHR Chairman
Martyn Owen. "At times it seemed that it would never happen, but the
wait has definitely been worthwhile."
Further tests are planned over the coming months and the next movement
from Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland to WHHR metals is likely to be
the visit of historic de Winton vertical boiler locomotive Chaloner on
its way from Caernarfon to Porthmadog in July.
"We're very pleased to be working with our colleagues at the WHHR,"
adds F&WHR General Manager Paul Lewin. "The new spirit of
cooperation can only bring benefits to both our organisations and to
tourism in the area."
A video of the occasion is available through You Tube:
April 20th 2011
The final section of the Welsh Highland Railway was officially opened in Porthmadog today by Pete Waterman. The opening took place on the 175th anniversay of the opening of the Ffestiniog Railway which was celebrated at the same time .A commemorative milestone was unveiled and has been placed where the two railways meet. Llechwedd slate quarries in Blaenau Ffestiniog supplied the milestone and it was transported to Porthmadog on the Ffestiniog Railway.
At Pont Croesor, at the other end of the final section of the line, a second ceremony took place where Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas, Presiding Officer of the Welsh National Assembly, welcomed the rebirth of the Welsh Highland Railway. Guests then continued to Beddgelert on the special train for lunch There is a report on the BBC website . To mark the occasion Radio Cymru broadcast a series of three half hour programmes leading up to the opening day, consisting of recorded reflections and reminiscences both from local individuals and from railway personnel. The day marks the start of ten days of special activities on the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways.
Photos by Andrew Thomas and Chris Parry:
John Wooden recorded the occasion on You Tube:
April 8th 2011
The visiting Mallet from the Statfold Barn Railway arrives at Dinas - see its new dedicated page.
April 2nd 2011
"The Snowdonian"
This remarkable special was arranged to raise funds for the
"Phase 5" appeal. It ran firstly from Porthmadog to Blaenau
Ffestiniog, then to Caernarfon, passing non-stop through Porthmadog,
finally returning to Porthmadog at the end of the day.
For the WHR section the train was double-headed with
double Fairlies. Photos by
Tony Baker and Richard Watson
March 1st 2011
Photo charters were once again in action on the WHR. The following photo from Alasdair Stewart shown Merddin Emrys returning across Britannia Bridge at the end of the day.
February 21st 2011
The first weekday service over the whole of the Welsh Highland Railway was Monday 21st February. The train below is that of the service train from Porthmadog where it is seen at Dinas and later again at Dinas heading back to Porthmadog.
The Snowdonian
We are advised that there are now only 100 seats left for The
Snowdonian Special on 2nd April 2011. This is a public special train
being run from Porthmadog to
Blaenau Ffestiniog and then to Caernarfon, and return to Porthmadog -
08.45 ex Harbour, 19.00 return.
There
will be a Breakfast of bacon butties, lunch at Beddgelert and afternoon
tea on the way back. A run past will be done at Fridd Isaf
and an
open top bus with be tracking the train from Minffordd to
Caernarfon and back to Port.
Full details of the train are on the Phase 5 web site, www.Phase5.org.uk,
where both snail mail and electronic application methods will
be found.
February 19th 2011
The inaugural public trains ran today between Caernarfon and Porthmadog. For the first time public trains have run on the entire line between the two towns . The train from Caernarfon was hauled by K1 and 138, while the train from Porthmadog was hauled by Blanche and Merddin Emrys. The trains departed simultaneously from Porthmadog and Caernarfon at 1045am and passed each other at Rhyd Ddu.
John Wooden's video charts the progress of the train from Caernarfon to Porthmadog:The two pictures below courtesy of Andrew Thomas/FR shows the 10:45 leaving Porthmadog and the 10:45 ex Caernarfon arriving at Porthmadog later in the day..
February 12th 2011
The Sherry and Mince Pie winter train service to Hafod y Llyn peaked with an exceptionally long train being run on Saturday 12th February. The train of 11 carriages was topped and tailed with Vale of Ffestiniog at the Porthmadog end and Taliesin at the Hafod y Llyn end. The first two photos are taken from up on Garth Terrace.
January 20th 2011
The winter service trains have continued to run out of Porthmadog and onto the Welsh Highland as far as Hafod y Llyn. These trains serve the coach operators tour requirements and are being run on the WHR whilst the Ffestiniog is severed at Minffordd for the by-pass bridge to be installed. Taliesin has been the provider of motive power for theses trains, but operated by WHR crews, and is seen here leaving Harbour Station on the 20th January 2011.
January 17th 2011
|
ERYRI VENTURER A Very Special Train on Friday 25th March 2011 The first opportunity to travel 80 miles on Narrow Gauge in one Day ! The London Area Group is organising the train. Depart
Harbour
station
Porthmadog
about
09.30 Packed
lunch
included,
souvenir
timetable
and some special little extra Download an application form here (The following weekend is “Megabash” in which you could help). |
 |
January 8th 2011
First public train from Porthmadog
On 8th January 2011 the first public train ran out of Porthmadog Harbour Station and onto the Welsh Highland Railway. The train was the 1130 sherry and mince pie service to Hafod y Llyn and back and headed by Taliesin. It was followed by a later trip, the 1335. The train was using a seven car set of FR carriages. The sun even came out to celebrate the occasion and Vale of Ffestiniog was used as station pilot at Porthmadog.
January 4th 2011
The Snowdonian Special - 2nd April 2011
On 2nd April a public special train is being run from Port to BFf, back to Caernarfon, and return to Port - 08.45 ex Harbour, 19.00 return.December 13th 2010
The Phase 5 Appeal. "Let's finish the job"
Details of the appeal appeared in Steam Railway and have been circulated to current sponsors. There is a dedicated website for the appeal which gives full details.
Phase 5 is designed to deliver the items we need to
finish the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways. We are making a
major effort to raise the funds to do this, by appeals to the public,
to sponsors, and for government grants. When you give, we
hope it will act as match funding, pound for pound. The funds
we raise will be spent in key areas, such as:
1. Harbour Station: to have two trains in the station
together, allowing transfer between FfR and WHR trains,
another platform is needed. We have all the plans and
permissions to do this work. Harbour Station will then really
be the narrow gauge Grand Central!
2. We will soon have more locomotives and more
carriages than we have room to store. New locomotive facilities are
urgently needed at Dinas and Boston Lodge, and the carriage sheds there
do not house the current fleet. When the fleet gets bigger,
we will need bigger sheds, or have to leave even more of our
precious carriages outside.
3. We need two, more powerful, modern diesels to run
services not economic for steam, and to act as general purpose and
rescue machines.
4. It would be unwise, having built the WHR, not to be able
to offer the level of service and the number of seats we want with
purpose built carriages. The initial need is for ten new FfR
width carriages, all to be built at Boston Lodge. This will
allow these vehicles to be used on both railways. More
carriages will follow as demand rises.
5. Upgraded terminal stations at Caernarfon and
Blaenau Ffestiniog are essential and we also wish to improve
intermediate stations.
This appeal has
been structured to encourage our sponsors to join the Ffestiniog
Family. Our experience from Phase 4 has shown how much this
is appreciated. Should you be kind enough to support the
Phase 5 Appeal, we shall welcome you to membership of the FfR or WHR
Society and to the annual tour of inspection, as well as offering other
ways in which you can join in.
The Company have added the following note to the appeal literature:
The FR Co board would like to clarify the position with regard to the phase 5 appeal.December 9th 2010
Castell Caernarfon was in Porthmadog today to take a seven car set back from Boston Lodge to Dinas, giving a rare opportunity to see both Funkeys together on FR metals.
November 29th 2010
F&WHR set to test Fairlies, Garratts and Mallets in head to head contestNovember 24th 2010
New WHR service vehicle announcedOctober 30th 2010
The first train runs over the whole route from Caernarfon to Porthmadog
This was a historic day for the project, the culmination of many years of hard work and preparation. The first train to complete the entire journey was the Gold/Silver Supporters' train, hauled by No 138. It left Caernarfon just after 0900 on a damp morning, and passing through all four phases of the project, arived at Porthmadog Harbour station around 1230 to an enthusiastic welcome from supporters who had gathered in and around the station. High points were the Network Rail crossing at Cae Pawb, where the train had had stand and await a path owing to some earlier delays, and the street running across Britannia Bridge with crowds either side of the line to witness the event.
The video by John Wooden shows the highlights of the occasion:
More reports are to be found on the BBC website, with a rather longer clip on the Welsh site:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-11658206http://news.bbc.co.uk/welsh/hi/newsid_9140000/newsid_9141600/9141648.stm
An interesting view from the observation Pullman at the rear of the train as the first train pulls off Britannia Bridge. It clearly shows the huge crowds there.
In the first photograph below the first train is seen leaving Harbour Station after being pulled out of the platform road and onto the Cob by Lyd. It's then seen crossing Britannia Bridge in the second view.
Later in the day a second train ran for a further group of sponsors, this time hauled by No 87:
The following day, October 31st, a Platelayers Special ran from Porthmadog to Rhyd Ddu carrying trackworkers who had contributed to the reconstruction. The train was double-headed by Lyd and Taliesin:
October 15th 2010
Be one of the first
to
travel on the completed WHR
Saturday 19th February 2011 has been chosen as the date for
the first public train service between Porthmadog and Caernarfon - the
first time that members of the public will be able to buy a ticket to
do the complete journey.
As you would expect, demand
will be
high and premium fares will apply. Half the proceeds from these trains
will go towards the rebuild of 2090 to enable both WHR sets to have a
proper guards van and catering facilities. The WHRS has also offered
money for this project which should begin to show results in early
2011.
Staff and society members
are
reminded that there will be a further eight days when the full route
service will run and that paying customers should be given preference
on the inaugural day. Both Caernarfon and Porthmadog booking offices
have a long list of people who are waiting for this opportunity and
they will be offered tickets first.
Third class return tickets
are priced
at £50.00 and First Class at £100.00 - including morning
coffee
& biscuits on the outward journey and a cream tea on the
return. All travellers will receive a special commemorative ticket to
celebrate the occasion. Trains depart from Caernarfon at 1100 and 1430
and from Porthmadog at 1045 and 1415.
Platelayers' Special
As a thank you to the track gangs who worked on the
rebuilding of the Welsh Highland, a special train will run on Sunday
October 31. The train departs Porthmadog at 1000 running to Rhyd Ddu,
returning at 1145 and arriving back at Port at 1300. Motive power is
expected to be Lyd and refreshments will be available on board. Members
of the Black Hand, Rest of the World and Tuesday Gangs should contact Samantha.hughes@festrail.co.uk
or phone the booking office on 01766 516024 to confirm attendance and
whether a partner will be accompanying them.
Spooner's will be open for
breakfast
before departure and anyone requiring Sunday Lunch on their return is
asked to pre-book with the café by Monday October 25.
July 21st 2010 - Race the Train. The annual Race the Train event took place on the evening of 21st July. The race, now believed to be in its 13th year had around 300 runners participating. This compares with approximately 60 in its first year. The runners were seen off by the mayor of Caernarfon and the race started after a minute's silence in memory of Bob Anderson who had worked incredibly hard to promote Caernarfon and local businesses including support for the WHR in the early days. The runners started at Dinas and ran to Caernarfon and this year raced a train hauled by No. 87
June 20th 2010
The Pont Croesor temporary station buildings are in place. The three Portacabin style builds that form the temporary station are in place, painted in a dull green to help them blend in with the surrounding vegetation. This is not exactly new-news, but is included here to show the visual impact of these buildings, compared to that of the Osprey Centre in the final picture.
19th June, a glorious Saturday and the Black Hand Gang are hard at work at Pont Croesor fettling the alignment at the Northern end of the platform road. Halts in their work were imposed by the regular train service.
On the same day as the above photos were taken a group of engineers, project and commercial managers, with their partners were visiting some of the North Wales railways. This group either work for, or have worked for various companies in the North West of England and Germany that now come under the Alstom banner. One was heard to comment about what a magnificent railway we have, in terms of the scenery, the quality of the locomotives and coaching stock, and the friendliness of the staff (although this may have been assisted by the presence of Philip Quayle in the party). The following photographs give an impression of the day.
June 4th 2010
Completion of Phase 4
Paul Bradshaw writes: In the past few days the decision has been made by the FR and WHRCL to complete the works needed to obtain HMRI approval of the remaining section of the new WHR. By mid-September we need to have the section from Pont Croesor to Harbour Station brought up to the standard required for a passenger service. It is expected that with HMRI approval granted it will be possible to run occasional trains from Harbour Station over the WHR later this year and, it is hoped, a timetabled service over the winter.May 30th 2010
The new buffet store at Dinas is now in place. Buffet crew can now load supplies from the release road instead of needing the train to be in the platform,. Empty coaching stock can therefore depart for Caernarfon direct from the release road, thus speeding up train preparation in the mornings. This development links in with the plan to serve a wider range of food from the service car, including hot snacks, to cater for the longer journey times on the extended railway.
May 26th 2010 - Official opening to Pont Croesor & Nantmor Halt opening
Whilst the section from Hafod y Llyn to Pont Croesor had been in use since 22nd May had its formal opening on May 26th by Dr Dewi Roberts accompanied by the FR company Chairman Dr John Prideaux.. Full details and many more photographs of the opening can be found on the Pont Croesor re-opening page.
May 20th 2010 - The Railway announces the opening of the next section of track to Pont Croesor.
The FR Company press release:
Welsh Highland Railway to open another two stations
Heritage Railway of the Year now in sight of final goalPorthmadog, May 20th 2010: The Welsh Highland Railway is to open the penultimate section of its 25 mile route to passengers on Wednesday May 26th. An additional three miles of track from the present Hafod y Llyn terminus at the end of the Aberglaslyn Pass – voted the UK’s most beautiful spot by members of the National Trust – will take passengers out across the wide flatlands reclaimed from the sea in 1811.
A new station at Pont Croesor will form the new southern terminus of the line until the final stretch linking up with the Ffestiniog Railway opens in 2011. The new station is alongside the RSPB's popular Glaslyn Osprey Project viewing centre. Local residents and schoolchildren have been invited to the opening ceremony at Pont Croesor at 1200 on Wednesday 26th and to travel on the inaugural trains.
In addition to the new station at Pont Croesor, the village of Nantmor will also get its own halt on the 26th. The halt will be dedicated to the memory of the late Dr Ben Fisher of Bangor University, who played a key role in the rebuilding of the Welsh Highland.
The new section of the UK’s most exciting heritage railway project – current holder of the Heritage Railway of the Year accolade - will offer passengers a magnificent panorama, the railway being surrounded on three sides by the mountains of Snowdonia and the ancient sea cliffs of the Glaslyn estuary.
Added to the magnificent views of Snowdon and delightful villages such as Beddgelert, the WHR now runs from beneath the castle walls in historic Caernarfon across the full width of the Snowdonia National Park using the most comfortable narrow gauge carriages in the UK.
In addition to this fleet of impressive carriages, trains also include both heritage and luxurious first class Pullman carriages - including the magnificent observation car built in the company’s own workshops in 2009 which was named Glaslyn by Her Majesty the Queen during a visit to the railway in April.
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