Baldwin 4-6-0PT for Porthmadog Gala - WHR Ltd Newsletter

Welsh Highland Railway Limited - Newsletter November 2008

In this edition:
- Baldwin 4-6-0PT for May Bank Holiday Gala
- New trading name
- Last train to Traeth Mawr
- Winter opening

** WELSH HIGHLAND HERITAGE RAILWAY – The Welsh Highland Railway (Porthmadog) will be known as the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway from 2009. The slight change follows a vote by members of the trust which operates the line.

James Hewett, Chairman said: “the name of the charity which runs the railway will remain as Welsh Highland Railway Limited. We hope the new trading name will help avoid confusion with the operations of our neighbour, the Ffestiniog Railway, and allow the company to establish its own identity with short train ride and chance to tour the engine sheds.”

** BALDWIN RETURNS TO WELSH HIGHLAND: 2nd – 4th May 2009 - A Baldwin locomotive of the type synonymous with the Welsh Highland Railway is to return to the line in 2009.

Baldwin 4-6-0PT No.778, which is based at the Leighton Buzzard Railway, will visit the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway in Porthmadog for a gala event during the bank holiday weekend at the start of May (2nd – 4th May 2009)

It will be the first time a Baldwin has operated in this part of Wales since 1936, when sister engine No.590 last hauled trains on the original Welsh Highland.

The Baldwin 4-6-0PT locomotives were originally built in Philadelphia for service in the trenches of the First World War. After the war, many were purchased for use on narrow gauge lines around the UK and further afield, including No.590 which worked on the Welsh Highland Railway.

No.778 worked in India after the war ended, and was one of a pair brought to the UK in the 1980s. It has been restored by the Greensand Railway Museum Trust to its original 1917 condition and will be making its first trip away from its home base to operate at the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway gala weekend.

James Hewett, Chairman of the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway, said: “we’re delighted to host this historic visit. The original WHR Baldwin locomotive featured in so many pictures of the old Welsh Highland that the type has become closely associated with the line.

“This type of locomotive which has a special place in the hearts of many narrow gauge fans, and the high quality restoration of No.778 has enabled us to see an example of the type in service once again.”

The gala event – called “Spirit of the Welsh Highland” – also sees the launch of the WHR Heritage Train. The newly restored Welsh Highland Buffet Car and a replica of the long vanished Ashbury corridor coach No.25 will take their place alongside two other original WHR carriages for the first time.

More details here:
- http://www.whr.co.uk/index.php?pid=44

** 2008 SEASON ENDS ON A HIGH – WHR Ltd operated its final train to Traeth Mawr on 2nd November. Services in 2009 will terminate at Pen-y-Mount (the end of the line from 1980 until 2006) pending further discussions with the Ffestiniog Railway regarding operations over the FR-owned tracks beyond. A commemorative wreath was laid at the buffer stop, made up of bronze chrysanthemums, similar to that found at Barnstaple station in 1935 when the narrow gauge railway there closed.

The last day of the season also brought the news that the WHR Ltd had carried a record number of passengers in 2008. The final total was 22,728 – the largest number for over a decade, and more than almost every other season in the company’s 28 years of operations.

A final piece of good news was completion of the structure of the new museum building at the company’s Gelerts Farm Works. The contractors left site at the start of November, leaving the railway to install floors and internal walls, and design the exhibition to go inside.

Pictures of the last train, and progress with the new museum in Porthmadog, are now online in the November gallery here:
- http://whr.fotopic.net/

** SHOP & TEA ROOM – If you're in or near Porthmadog...... the shop and tea room at Porthmadog (WHR) will be open during the winter.

SHOP: 10:00–16:00, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday (except Christmas Day and 27th December).

Lyn Seale (Shop Manager) is more than happy to take telephone orders for books when she’s open. Titles currently in stock include
-- “A Passion for Steam” by Marc Horovitz, a detailed study of the history and workings of small scale steam locomotives (£29.95)……
-- “A Tale of Many Railways” by Alan Keef, an autobiography and history of the Alan Keef locomotive works in Herfordshire (£30)…… and
-- “British Railway Enthusiasm” by Ian Carter, described as an “entertaining, witty and wise” study of just why people are fascinated by railways. It’s notable for chapter six, “Blood on the Tracks” the first attempt at an objective study of the rivalry between two companies for control of the Welsh Highland Railway trackbed in the 1990s. Available at a reduced price of £55 by calling 01766 513402.

TEA ROOM: 10:00–16:30, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday (closed from 26th December to 28th February).

The tea room will be open for Christmas Dinner on 25th December (but please book). It’s also taking evening party bookings for between four and 25 people from 3rd – 22nd December. Options on the seasonal menu include smoked salmon and goats cheese on a bed of leaves with a balsamic dressing and braised beef in Guiness and orange sauce. Set price of £16.95, bring your own alcohol! Bookings can be made by calling 01766 514040.

** FFESTINIOG RAILWAY – many people have asked us for an update on negotiations with the Ffestiniog Railway over our access to their line in 2009. We’re currently considering a letter from the FR, and will respond shortly. In the meantime, thanks to everyone who’s been in touch with messages of support.