Penrhyn Quarry Railway - Jubilee 1879

Just come across this: http://www.penrhynrail.co.uk/apps/blog/show/44195866-press-release-jubilee-

Interesting!

Steve B

 

If restored it would be nice if she could make a guest visit to the WHR, near her original home. Apparently she was towed along the Welsh Highland in 1928 as part of her journey to Penrhyn.

 

Not another Jubilee, they all look the same.

 

I am still waiting for an official 'no you haven't got the job of engineer, but thanks for your interest' from the PQR. This is despite an email promising to 'be in touch'.... it doesn't bode well.

 

I think it's a real shame that there was a breach between the current railway scheme and the original Penrhyn Railway Society. Time to mend fences, maybe?

 

They seem to be getting on just fine without them by the looks of things.

Tim

 

That is the trouble with heritage railways, there is a fine line between those that want to save everything and do things in a certain way and then there is the more pragmatic / commercial way of doing things.

I think, like a lot of people, I know I suffer from wanting to preserver just about anything, but I do realise and understand that you have to have a plan and that you must be commercially minded about how you go about doing that.

Now as for Jubilee, sure I would like to see it restored to working order, and having a visit to the home of NG Manning Wardles in North Devon. But I am not sure if the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum will let this happen.

We shall have to wait and see.

 

Why wouldn't they?

 

I was emailed by some guys from the TR who think this won't happen, but once it leaves the museum to make way for (is it Townsend hook?) then they could be wrong, like I say I hope it does happen.

 

Hi Anthony I was not aware of your involvement with this project until I looked else where on the WWW, I do have a feeling that this sort of project is always going to divide the Railway movement, either for or against, like I have said elsewhere, it will be good to see her working and I still would like to see here in Devon one day.

 

More information here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1884364711792410/
(you don't need a facebook account to view)

Steve B

 

Good to see Jubilee back where she belongs this weekend

Now for resoration and a return to running on the PQR

The next eighteen months are going to be challenging, an engine to restore and and more track to relay towards the Zip Wire, Come and join us.

Exiled gog

 

Copied from Facebook group 'Narrow gauge railways':
"It has been reported, and today I heard the very sad news that apparently / allegedly the Penrhyn Quarry Railway at Bethesda, one of the most historic narrow gauge railway sites in North Wales is very sadly to close. I do so hope this is not true. I understand that after 5 years of extensive restoration and recreation, the railway based at Penrhyn Quarries Ltd at Bethesda are allegedly in the process of having to vacate the site as the landlord has given them notice to quit, after repeated break ins and thefts. This allegedly has forced their hand and the collection of stock is to be dispersed to other narrow gauge heritage sites, until a more permanent site can be found. If these apparent reports are true, it is truly heart-breaking, with such historic items as two open quarrymen's carriages, two closed carriages and various works wagons, plus two restored slate wagons. In happier times, (and its on these occasions I am so glad I filmed it!) we visit the railway during a 30742 Photo Charter organised by Martin Creese, where we see three traditional slate engines, Avonside (Bristol) 0-4-0T Marchlyn, Hunslet 'Quarry' class 0-4-0ST Winifred and Kerr Stuart 0-4-2ST Stanhope as they re-enact a variety of slate duties between Felin Fawr and St Anns Halt. A wonderful historic and iconic narrow gauge railway, tragically now lost forever after all the hard work by the volunteers. "

How true is this, as the various PQR pages make no mention of any 'problems'...?

 

Re: rumours of impending doom. PQR public Facebook site has posted a note that there will be a statement issued at 22:00hrs tonight (Fri 14th Jul 17). Fingers crossed until then.
https://m.facebook.com/Penrhynrail/

 

Ouch! Hopefully it's someone got hold of the wrong end of the stick or got nothing better to do than start rumours....

 

Afraid the statement doesn't look good, copied below for those without Farcebook.

 

If the reason for this is down to security concerns, it's a sad indicment of an antisocial section of the community wrecking prospects for all, in a local economy which is in dire need of the kind of shot in the arm that a successful heritage operation can help to provide.

Here's to hoping this doesn't put a permanent spanner in the works for a bold initiative in which so much time, effort and money has already been invested.

 

From the Daily Post, seeming to confirm above:

https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&s...gg4MAM&usg=AFQjCNGdQx7p0hOF_iA8aC_ka5QyaP7OFQ
The Penhrhyn Quarry Railway has shut up shop at Felin Fawr near Bethesda at short notice. A special event to celebrate the fifth anniversary of operations at Felin Fawr next weekend is in doubt.


In a statement Penrhyn Rail Ltd director Ellis Griffith Morey said: “It is true the Penrhyn team are moving from Felin Fawr, the railway is not being evicted.

“Over the past few weeks it has become clear the railway could not continue at Felin Fawr due to circumstances beyond our control'

 

I realise that it is the Daily Post but what had the poor quality video of a miniature railway got to do with it?
Ray.

 

Jubilee 1879 to move to Aberystwyth - see http://www.narrowgaugerailwaymuseum.org.uk/news/

Steve B