FR & WHR & WHHR News

On another topic entirely, has any work started on the new Premier Inns site?
Pat

 

I suspect winter will be a pinch point for many lines as by then many donors may well be feeling the pinch themselves as the knock effects of job losses and uncertainty bites. If lines can produce some revenue stream and manage the medium term effects of Covid via donations, this will I think help to mitigate the effects 18 months down the line (ie increased costs due to deferred maintenance).

If the trains are making money then that can only be a good thing. Hopefully they will continue to be well loaded.

 

On the official F&WHR facebook page, the Superpower Weekend has been cancelled and the Snowdonian train is postponed to 7th November.

 

The Ffestiniog Railway on the 28th July 2020 featuring 'Prince', 'Blanche' and 'Linda', seen at various locations between Porthmadog and Tan-y-Blwch.

Video Available Here

 

I must try and look less bored in future! I was actually enjoying it - had got nice and comfy doing about 11mph all the way from Boston Lodge Halt!

 

Tax office appears intact.

 

Thanks.
Pat

 

Incidentally the WHR is currently impassable between Port and Pont Croesor due to badger damage burying the line which will require a few hours of shovel work.
Badgers appear to play track balancing given the amount of continuous oily paw prints on lengths of track.

 

Numbers looked good on the trains today and Spooners cafe was packed at teatime. Cracking home-made chicken curry is highly recommended if you are in the area as was the pint of Wainrights!

A small selection of images from ground and the air ...


Welsh Pony climbing to Penrhyn ... by Phoenix Images, on Flickr


The snorting Pony ... by Inspiring Images, on Flickr


Reflections on Blanche on the cob by Inspiring Images, on Flickr


Heading home across the cob, a vintage train all parts headed by Welsh Pony. by Phoenix Images, on Flickr

 

The sets all seem to have been strengthened with one of the open carriages. This can only be a good sign if they have the numbers to need more carriages.

 

A beautiful day in North Wales today, trains appear to be packed again. A rare chance to get a clear view of Snowdon and the national park ...


Phoenix Images-0294.jpg by Phoenix Images, on Flickr


Winding through the streets of Penrhyndeudraeth ... by Phoenix Images, on Flickr


Phoenix Images-0207.jpg by Phoenix Images, on Flickr

 

Welsh Pony, Prince and Blanche in action on Friday

 

Webcam reveals interesting goings on at Port this morning. Of note, No.5's first train of the day has got to be getting near the official max load for the loco, with 3 Bug Boxes, 2 small bogies (Hudsons?) and 3 larger bogies. Great to see the sets have required strengthening .... wonder if they're thinking of warming up Tal and/or Lyd yet?

On the WHR side, 'Funkey' VoF has brought 2 saloons into the platform road. The loop still contains the 3 bogies which have been lurking in the station for a few days now (and which got a wash yesterday), plus what looks to be a diesel, at the Blodge end.

 

I think they are both out for overhaul?

 

I daresay Tim (@meeee) can provide a definitive answer. Under current circumstances, it's not the worst problem they could have!

 

I'd assume that it would be cheaper to run the Hunslet's on the heavier sets and then to pair Prince or Welsh Pony with Upnor Castle if a load is above 6.

Do they have enough coaches that can enable social distancing to go above 6?

 

It has been mentioned on the Ffestiniog Railway Society's facebook page (in a post outlining members travel restrictions at the moment) that 'It is hoped to commence Welsh Highland services around 18th August between Caernarfon and Beddgelert. All journeys start at Caernarfon only and will run on certain days only.'

 

Yes both Tal and Lyd are now out of ticket. I believe there is funding for both to be overhauled.

Palmerston is now back on its wheels and the tender is being attached today. Shouldn't be long now. Hugh Napier is also having it's ten year overhaul.

Tourist cars and extra bug boxes have been added to the sets. This means they all have the same number of compartments now. The trains only run around 12mph to give a longer journey. So the the weight of the train isn't so critical.

The trains are pretty much full during the week, Saturday and Sunday can be a bit slower but they always have been.

Things are definitely moving on the WHR front. The Funkey has gone to dinas with some coaches today and will be staying there. I believe there will be a Welsh Government review of the 2meter rule this week. That would allow the use of corridor stock. So you'll probably find an official announcement comes after that.

Tim

 

The possibility of three Englands in steam and on service trains since 1937(?) gets closer. Even more impressive considering Covid.

 

Apart from when the staff were furloughed ironically Covid 19 might have helped the smaller locos as if the FR etc were running as normal the priority would be getting the bigger locos fit to run and keeping them running. On the bases they may not run as normal until next year it may be that work on those has been mothballed in favour of the locos that are not generally run everyday.