FR/WHR questions

Can we not stick to the subject ?

 

I think it's obvious this debate has been exhausted now...

 

If you go back through the threads that werent deleted at the time you'll notice that a lot of the moderation was needed due to the number of trolls that popped up everytime the WHR was discussed - who can forget the infamous renovator for example?

Not only did they post blatant lies, laughable criticisms and deliberately inflammatory attacks on the railway and its supporters, but being in the minority posted under various aliases and flouted bans to appear that these views were widespread. I'd hope that any reasonable person, regardless of their views of the WHR's restoration, would realise that kind of behaviour simply isnt acceptable.

Chris

 

This thread has indeed been moderated several times.

there is much head scratching going on as to understand why that needs be so.

I think post number 62 may say it all.

Maybe from this point lets end sniping, and start with new (less finger pointed) questions.. if there are any.

 

Well if it isn't top secret, I've seen mention on here of a third set of coaches - are there firm plans to start building any of these? I don't recall any mention on Barry Hughes' site of any being ordered. I'd have thought that the next target ought to be to improve frequency of trains, as experience elsewhere is that long waits will cost some potential passengers but, as has been pointed out, it isn't a very feasible goal with the current working fleet. If a third NG16 and K1 are available next year, though, would it be possible to reduce the train length slightly and add a third set?

 

Yes. Ten new carriages (for both railways) is part of the F&WHR's Ten Year Plan outlined here - not the easiest of websites to navigate but it is all in the bit called 'The List':
Help to make a world-class attraction in Wales | Phase5

Since it is a ten year plan I wouldn't expect a new set to be available next year!

 

I have a question - I look forward to my first journey over the FfR since the mid-90s and my first ever on the WHR at some point within the next year or two. When that visit comes around, I was wondering if:

a) Vintage stock is ordinarily provided on trains on both lines (and if not, how can I plan to be able to ride in a proper compartment)?
b) Is a loco roster available anywhere? I would particularly like to sample Taliesin and Lyd.

 

Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways - Loco Roster

 

Festiniog website has loco roster online for both FR and WHR, also most Festiniog trains have some vintage stock added to to give additional capacity, although as the season slows down modern stock may suffice for passenger loadings.

 

Thanks Gents, so in other words high season is the best time to experience vintage stock outside of special events?

 

Yes - on the FR. The WHR has a heritage carriage on each set through most of the year.

Your preferred choice of locomotives - Taliesin & Lyd - does rather complicate matters though, as they are normally rostered for the mid-morning, mid-afternoon and evening services during the FR's 'red' timetable - which, at the moment are the least likely to have any vintage stock...

 

So I'm gathering...I'm going to have to talk very very nicely to my Girlfriend to let me take as many days on a holiday as I'll need to do the FfR/WHR properly!

 

Minimum of two days, and make sure you allow time to visit the whhr as well. You'll need longer if you want to do some photography, there are lots of great locations "outside the fence". Explore the area too. Enjoy!

 

I was thinking three...one for the WHR, one for Lyd or Taliesin, one for FfR vintage stock...make that four for the WHHR and my Girlfriend is never going to forgive me for this trip

 

On my last visit to the FR I broke my journey at Dduallt (which to me is one of the most pleasant places to spend a while - if it's not raining). That way I got to travel on more than one train, spent some time linesiding and taking photos (which given the nature of the spiral means that the trains are visible for much longer than at a more conventional site) and enjoyed a decent walk along good paths amidst stunning scenery (which if she'd been there my wife would have really enjoyed). That also gives further opportunity for photographing the trains. You can also explore what remains of the original route up to, the old Moelwyn tunnel. Pick a day with a three train service, and good weather and you can achieve quite a few goals in one day. Just make sure you don't get stranded there! I, too, wished to travel in the vintage stock, which I did. The guard asked if I would mind moving back to the more modern stock at Tan-y-Bwlch so as not to delay the train too much at Dduallt (if you're unfamiliar with the FR the compartment doors are locked and the guard would have had to walk the length of the train to let me out). He asked so politely and reasonably that I was glad to accommodate him.

On the WHR on a good day the open coaches make for good visibility, whilst if things are busy the heritage coaches have always seemed to me to be less crowded.

Enjoy!

Steve B

 

I think that the 3 day pass is best value. 1 day to do the Caenarfon end of the WHR, one day to do the Porth end, and the 3rd day to do the FR.

When you do the FR, get the early train to either Plas or Campbells, then walk to TyB. Get a later train up to BF. TyB is the nicest station on the whole line, so don't just sit on the train and pass through.

 

I have quite a lot of photos of it working trains on its own. It is in any case a volunteer project. I would imagine it is rougher on the track than the newer Garratts - that is why Beyer Peacock stopped building them without carrying wheels. But why does it bother you? You aren't paying for it.

 

Campbells Platform is a Private Halt - trains only stop there by prior request from the occupants of Dduallt Manor.

Dduallt on the other hand is a Public Halt - just a few minutes further up the line - and a superb location for photography...

 

re 'heritage' carriages. On the WHR there is always one of 23 or 24 on the trains, assuming they are in working order. One is a replica, of course, and both are semi-open. This I hear (rumour, nothing else) may be reviewed, as people rarely travel in them unless the rest of the train is full. So get up there and ride in them and this will no doubt encourage the PTB's to keep them and maybe even provide more!