FR & WHR & WHHR News

Personally I'm a bit disappointed but know that these things happen and can't be helped.
I'm sure everyone was pulling out the stops to resolve the issue.
I'm sure it'll still be a good weekend nonetheless.

Curious as to the plan for Friday evening with the WTT showing an arrival at Porthmadog from the WHR due at 1819 and another set departing to Beddgelert at 1820!
The incoming is top & tailed so via the WHR loop and reversing on the Cob maybe?

 

Based on experiences last week, you should have no problems particularly if you are joining at an intermediate station. Guards are welcoming and will sort out your ticket (if you are not a member) on board. Even a "sold out" train has a coach set aside for hop on/hop off passengers.

 

Mary Ann (1917 diesel) successfully completed round trip to Pont Croesor, with a bit of help from Russell's crew hand sanding rails at Harbour.

Bonus haulage from Russell to bring train into P1 on the return.

Yes disappointed with failure of the Baldwin and loss of Welsh Pony trips to Rhyd Ddu and Dinas. Hopefully nothing else will go wrong.

Weather changed from warm sunshine yesterday to the liquid variety, so fire risk won't be an issue.

 

I should add the Simplex has also had substantial work in the form of a new exhaust manifold being investment cast and machined, at well as specialist welding on the inlet manifold. Just one of the many things that have been going on to make this event possible.

Tomorrow and Sunday you'll also be able to see Kerr Stuart 4415 in a condition not seen since 1929. It's not all about Baldwins you know.

 

Yes the Simplex trip was fun and the bags of sand hurriedly delivered to Pont Creosor certainly made the return journey start from there a lot easier!
A pity however that 590 had been stuck away in the shed at Gelerts farm in a position that made it virtually impossible to photograph. Surely they could have moved it just outside the shed so you could at least get a decent look at it. Maybe something they could consider doing for the next couple of days?

 

Where is 4415 being displayed?

 

Harbour station.

 

Looks like Lilla instead of Blanche on the WHHR today, not sure why.

EDIT apparently having some injector issues.

 

Thanks, certainly beginning to look the part again

 

Russell through the Aberglaslyn Pass on its way back from Rhyd Ddu to Porthmadog Harbour


Russell crossing the Cob dropping off its stock at Boston Lodge for the night

 

With 590 out of action, the Russell-hauled trains were unsurprisingly packed solid today, with some passengers being denied boarding at Pen-y-Mount.
Some other event trains were standing room only.

The climb from Beddgelert up to the summit on Russell's second Rhyd Ddu train was excellent.
Although getting down to walking pace at a couple of points the crew did an excellent job and got her over the top without stopping for a blow-up.

 

I started off with bacon and egg butty at Russell cafe, then Lilla on FR set to Pen y Mount and back to Gelert's Farm for tour.

Tben I did both Rhyd Ddu trips with Russell. Leaving Beddgelert, the second in better weather had gained a minute on the first by Meillionen, but steaming problems later on due to indifferent fuel saw pressure fall to 70lb, and it fell behind.

Tomo planning to do morning trip to Beddgelert and back with Welsh Pony, then Russell + Lyd on the through Port - Caernarfon and return with the Harboumaster set. This will be an interesting challenge...

 

The Railways have today announced that complimentary trips with 590 will be organised once the loco is up and running again. Obviously it isn't quite the same as it running at the event, but at least event ticket holders won't have to fork out again to get a run behind it.

 

In between footplate turns on Friday and today I followed Russell to Rhyd Dhu yesterday afternoon.

 

Lyd and Russell successfully took the 10 coach Harbourmaster set up from Beddgelert to Rhyd Ddu. Epic performance from both locos and their crews in the rain, and despite a request stop at Meillionen.

Currently coaling at Dinas. A bit late, but no-one is complaining.

 

Now held at Dinas Farm crossing. It's milking time.

 

And for the record, Lyd and Russell got back to Port ok, albeit about half hour late. Looking forward to seeing the vids.

 

Merddin Emerys did the Beddgelert to Rhyd Ddu section in 20m13s this afternoon on its way to Dinas. Not sure how that compares with other runs/locomotives but thought I'd time it for a comparison to Russell's second run yesterday. Merddin Emerys was just over 7 minutes quicker for those interested.

It was thoroughly enjoyable weekend which passed by in a flash. Hopefully we don't have to wait another 4 years to for another event like this. Thanks to everyone involved for what was a fantastic, well run event.

 

Finding some light in the Aberglaslyn Pass 'Russell' heads for Porthmadog yesterday.

 

"Time for bed!" Russell heads back home to Gelert's Farm after a truly fantastic weekend.


Despite the failure of 590 and the occasional 'liquid sunshine' I still had a brilliant time. Got to do so many things for the first time, some of which I thought I might never see happen.

Thanks to all the F&WHR and WHHR staff and volunteers who put in all the hard work to make it happen! It really showed off both railways at their best.

Here's to the next one!