Welsh Mountaineer

Does this train work tender first to Llandudno Jct in order to work chimney first up to Blaenau Festiniog? Does the Ffestiniog Rly run a special train to connect; otherwise it seems from the FR timetable to be difficult for customers to do the whole of the FR between arriving at BF and leaving.

 

In previous years it has the loco has been turned at Chester so that the coast is Tender First and the loco faces the branch.


From the RTC Website...

Passengers have the option, at additional cost, of travelling on the famous narrow gauge Ffestiniog Railway (FR) or visiting the dramatic Llechwedd Slate Caverns. The FR is 175 years old and still going strong. We have arranged a steam train journey from Blaneau Ffestiniog to Ddault and back, over the most scenic section of the line.

 

When I did the trip in 2009 with 45231, it worked tender first from Chester. It was due to connect with a Ffestiniog service train but we were late and missed it. I believe it is possible to travel as far as Tan-y-Bwlch.

 

I'm surprised the Conwy Valley Line has not been looked into as an alternative for the Cambrian. Admittedly not as scenic, and with the gradients/curves the load is limited, but say 2/3 round trips from Llandudno to Blaenau could possibly attract a fair few number of people. Possibly connect in with Betws-y-coed which IMO is a lot more attractive than Blaenau.

 

Shame there's nothing left of 6G to service anything...