Penrhyn Railway website

We all like to see progress reports but just because there isn't an update doesn't mean that no progress isn't being made. Apart from the railway, the industrial units have to be looked after as well.

We have set up PayPal for members' renewals and will add that option for joining as soon as we can.

Penrhynman

 

What has been happening up at Bethesda then? and how soon can we see a main line?

Oh, have you got a Track Diagram of what your planning to do up there?

Joey

 

I must be doing something wrong, when I go to latest news it still shows Novembers update......

 

Maybe you're getting a cached page - try refreshing the page. New update is definitely there, I just checked it!

 

Ta, got it now...

 

There is a facebook page, updated every 2/3 days, check it out!
Felin Fawr Cyf | Facebook

 

Sorry - not prepared to trust that lot with my personal details!

 

Indeed, I have the same concerns regarding PayPal.

 

The mainline stage 1 will be started on as soon as the culvert near the oil shed is strengthened.

No drawn track plan but simple to describe. The curve from the loco sheds as seen on the website currently stops near the new fence and oil shed. This will go into a passing loop. The mainline will then head North as far as St Anns Hill (about 1/4 mile) where there will be another passing loop.

Then we need a bridge to get across St Anns Hill. Anyone got a spare £million?

Penrhynman

 

Sounds good! Can't wait to see it done. Are the neceserry track materials on site for Phase 1 to the bridge? And after that is laid, will official services start?

 

Also are you going to relaid that famous siding?


Cheers
Joey

 

All the necessary materials for stage 1 are on-site or very close by with transport available.

As to official services, there are no definite plans yet but obviously running trains is the object. One thing's for sure: members of the Penrhyn Quarry Railway Society will be the first to know about them. Maybe the first open day(s) will be exclusively for them.

Penrhynman

 

Do you have then neceserry rolling stock to run services then too? And how's the restoration of number 26 going? I assume she will be the main motive power??

 

The first services will be modest as they have a lot to learn about running passenger trains. There is one workmen's coach with plans for more. It'll be small beginnings, that's for sure.

No news about number 26.

Penrhynman

 

Why has an application been made to have the company struck off from Companies House?

 

The site has been very quiet too, since 17 January ....

 

There are photos posted quite often by Felin Fawr Cyf on Facebook.

As they are intended mainly for the local community, the captions are mostly in Welsh. With a reasonable knowledge of the railway and the Felin Fawr site, the meaning can be guessed at.
Robin (W)

 

Penrhynman - dwi'n siarad Cymraeg - ond dydw i ddim ar ffeisbwc!!

In other words, I could understand the captions, but I don't trust Facebook! I guess many folk would prefer updates to the website!
Any reactions to the news that an application has been made to have the company struck off from Companies House?

 

Meirion Gwril,

With a name like yours, it's no surprise that you can understand Cwmraeg! Unfortunately, I can't. My facebook presence has the highest level of secrecy settings. Seeing the Felin Fawr Cyf postings was the only reason I joined.

Re the Companies House application: it's the Penrhyn Railway Heritage Trust that has applied to be struck off. This was the first formal organisation in the present restoration scheme. Things have now moved on, mainly as the Felin Fawr site at Coed-y-Parc is now owned by a sister organisation of the railway, Felin Fawr Cyf. Really, the trust no longer has a role. FFC and the Penrhyn Quarry Railway Society are all that is needed to look after the Felin Fawr site, rebuild the railway - plus raise money, the profile of the railway and interest.

Maybe a few words of explanation would help some readers:
At Coed-y-Parc, to the west of Bethesda is the site of the former mill buildings, engine sheds and workshops of the Penrhyn quarry and railway. Known as "Felin Fawr" (= big mill) the mill buildings - some dating from as long ago as 1803, plus workshops are now a thriving industrial estate of small units which provides much-needed local employment. The railway has the use of the engine sheds. Felin Fawr Cyf owns the site and is the driving force behind the restoration of the railway. BTW "Cyf" is the Welsh equivalent of "Limited" as in type of company.

The first 1/4 mile of railway, heading North from Felin Fawr is scheduled to be up and running this year. The next stage of 3/4 mile of trackbed as far as Hendurnpike is available, once the missing bridge across St Anns Hill is replaced.

Penrhynman

 

Thanx - that all makes sense!