Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways - 'Scene Thru The Lens' http://roger-dimmick.fotopic.net/ 40 rows en-gb 60 News Desk - October 2009 http://roger-dimmick.fotopic.net/c1779261.html News Desk - October 2009 Thursday 1 October 2009: News Desk - October 2009

02.10.09: A special celebration was held in Spooner’s to mark the ‘retirement’ of Fred Howes - FR Civil Engineering Manager. Fred officially retired on 2nd July, but - in true FR style - continues to work on a part-time basis. He is seen here after being presented with a framed print of a Hawk T1A from 19(R) Squadron RAF Valley. Fred’s retirement gifts also included flights in a Jet Provost and a Vampire jet-engined fighter... 02.10.09: FRCo Chairman Dr John Prideaux and FR Society Chairman Howard Wilson look on as Fred reads the many messages on his retirement card... 02.10.09: Long time colleague Steve Coulson recalls some of the many (repeatable) stories surrounding Fred that have occurred during his 45 years service with the FR 02.10.09: Fred was also presented with a scale model of his ‘office’ - the Minffordd Weigh House. The model (made at the request of Chris Mace) was constructed by Robert and David Waller, and painted by Francis Gomme; the case was made by Steve Coulson who also drew up the plans. 02.10.09: Finally, Richard Wilson made a speech on behalf of the younger members of the FR organisation who have worked with, and learnt much from, Fred over the years... 04.10.09: At Boston Lodge, work on replica Manning Wardle 2-6-2T ‘Lyd’ has moved on to the erection of the cab sheeting and fitting of the brass window frames... 04.10.09: At Boston Lodge, work on replica Manning Wardle 2-6-2T ‘Lyd’ has moved on to the erection of the cab sheeting and fitting of the brass window frames... 04.10.09: At Boston Lodge, work on replica Manning Wardle 2-6-2T ‘Lyd’ has moved on to the erection of the cab sheeting and fitting of the brass window frames... 04.10.09: An estate-agent’s view of the interior of Manning Wardle 2-6-2T ‘Lyd’s cab... 04.10.09: Inside the cab of Manning Wardle 2-6-2T ‘Lyd’ the firebox is flanked by the spaces for the fuel bunkers. The vacuum brake ejector has been fitted to the front cab sheet... 04.10.09: A close-look at the firehole door confirms that ‘Lyd’ is initially being turned out as an oil-fired locomotive... 04.10.09: The footplate steps for ‘Lyd’ are not identical - on the left is the step for the fireman’s side of the cab, while on the right is that for the driver’s side with its reversed bracket curved to fit around the vacuum reservoir... 04.10.09: The overhaul of Baldwin diesel ‘Moelwyn’ has progressed to the stage where attention has been turned to repainting the loco. The bonnet sits on a slate waggon in the Erecting Shop’s No.2 Road... 04.10.09: ‘Moelwyn’ sits on trestles at the rear of the New Erecting Shop while the overhaul continues. The cab has just been painted in undercoat, prior to a full repaint... 04.10.09: Alongside ‘Moelwyn’, FR Carr. 117 is raised on the hydraulic jacks while receiving an inspection and overhaul of its running gear... 04.10.09: Components from FR Carr. 117’s bogies undergo non-destructive testing using penetrating dye... 04.10.09: In the Boston Lodge Paint Shop, FR Van No.4 is being repainted in its customary early-preservation era livery. The newly-repainted main steam pipe from NG/G16 No.138 can be seen in front of the workbench on the right... 04.10.09: Behind FR Van No.4, the rear bunker from NG/G16 No.138 is now clearly identified as being from a Welsh Highland Railway locomotive, following further work by Glenn Williams... 04.10.09: Garratt Colour Chart - Attached to the rear bunker is a collection of photographs depicting several of the many livery variations that have been carried by NG/G16 locomotives... 04.10.09: Inside the HLF Carriage Shop, work has started on the construction of another new carriage... 04.10.09: The FRCo has been awarded a contract to build a replica Pickering Brake Composite carriage for the Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway... Following the earlier construction of two replica Pickering carriages by the FRCo at Boston Lodge, the WLLR will have recreated the whole of its original fleet of passenger vehicles... 04.10.09: Alongside the Glanymor Carriage Shed, the ‘C2 Project’ team have been busy completing the groundwork and constructing shuttering prior to concreting the floor for their new shed... 17.10.09: A glint of light in the depths of Boston Lodge Engine Shed reveals one of the new brass worksplates that are being fitted to Double-Fairlie ‘David Lloyd George’... 17.10.09: Works shunter ‘Moel y Gest’, with Glenn Williams at the controls, propels the waggon carrying the rear bunker from NG/G16 No.138 through Boston Lodge Yard... 17.10.09: The canvas roof and aprons have now been fitted to the ‘Flying Bench’ to complete the restoration of this unique vehicle, so we can look forward to its reappearance in the Victorian Train... 17.10.09: The canvas roof and aprons have now been fitted to the ‘Flying Bench’ to complete the restoration of this unique vehicle, so we can look forward to its reappearance in the Victorian Train... 17.10.09: Glenn Williams takes works shunter ‘Moel y Gest’ through Boston Lodge Yard to collect another carriage... 17.10.09: Freshly repainted Van No.4 gleams in the sun at the entrance to Boston Lodge Yard. The sides of the Observation Saloon once again carry the large transfers used in the early-preservation era to denote its ‘First Class’ status... 17.10.09: Freshly repainted Van No.4 gleams in the sun at the entrance to Boston Lodge Yard. Although there is still work to do, the return to traffic is getting nearer... 19.10.09: A close-up of one of the new worksplates fitted to the smokeboxes of Double-Fairlie ‘David Lloyd George’ - a feature which was omitted when the loco was constructed... 19.10.09: A close-up of one of the new worksplates fitted to the smokeboxes of Double-Fairlie ‘David Lloyd George’ - a feature which was omitted when the loco was constructed... 25.10.09: Inside the New Erecting Shop, Double-Fairlie ‘Merddin Emrys’ is seen while receiving attention to its power bogies... 25.10.09: Alongside the loco lie the frames for a new Fairlie power bogie. The bogies underneath ‘David Lloyd George’ urgently need replacement and an appeal has been launched to raise funds for the construction of a new pair... 25.10.09: The top end bogie of ‘Merddin Emrys’ has been receiving attention from the fitters, which includes the replacement of broken springs... 25.10.09: The top end of ‘Merddin Emrys’ is supported on jacks while its bogie is being worked on by the fitters... 25.10.09: Looking through the rear of the top end bogie from ‘Merddin Emrys’... 25.10.09: Boston Lodge is working on a contract to refurbish four bogies from carriages belonging to the Isle of Man Railways. This includes fitting new wheelsets, complete with roller bearings, and brake gear... 25.10.09: The IOMR stock runs on 3ft gauge track, which is apparent when the wheelsets are compared to the FR’s 2ft track beneath... 25.10.09: The Boston Lodge fitters are also busy completing a prototype conversion of a Welsh Highland Railway carriage bogie to roller bearings... 25.10.09: The Boston Lodge fitters are also busy completing a prototype conversion of a Welsh Highland Railway carriage bogie to roller bearings... 25.10.09: The IOMR production line - three bogie frames are seen in various stages of their refurbishment. All four bogie frames have been cleaned and primed and work is underway fitting various components... 25.10.09: One of the IOMR bogies is seen here prior to refitting the horn guides - one of which is sitting on the bogie frame... 25.10.09: Here a horn guide has been riveted in place and an aperture has been cut in the bogie frame... 25.10.09: Seen from outside of the third bogie frame, the new rivets and freshly-cut aperture are seen clearly... 25.10.09: Seen from outside of the third bogie frame, the new rivets and freshly-cut apertures are seen clearly... 25.10.09: Seen from outside of the third bogie frame, the new rivets and freshly-cut apertures are seen clearly... 25.10.09: A bench alongside the ‘production line’ is covered with a collection of components to be added IOMR bogie frames... 25.10.09: Outside in Boston Lodge Yard, the fourth IOMR bogie frame has had the alterations completed and been repainted prior to re-assembly... 25.10.09: A pallet of springs and other components waiting to be fitted to the IOMR bogies...

Published in Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways - 'Scene Thru The Lens'

]]> Thu Oct 1 2009 Picture Desk - October 2009 http://roger-dimmick.fotopic.net/c1773683.html Picture Desk - October 2009 Thursday 1 October 2009: Picture Desk - October 2009

04.10.09: Hunslet 2-4-0STT ‘Blanche’ captures the attention of walkers, as it heads across the Cob with the 11:45 train to Blaenau Ffestiniog... 04.10.09: Hunslet 2-4-0STT ‘Blanche’ rounds Boston Lodge Curve as the train starts the climb towards Blaenau Ffestiniog... 07.10.09: Double-Fairlie ‘David Lloyd George’ steams towards Porthmadog with additional carriages for the 10:15 train to Blaenau Ffestiniog... 15.10.09: Double-Fairlie ‘Earl of Merioneth’ leaves a smoky trail in its wake, as it leaves Porthmadog and crosses the Cob with the 10:15 train to Blaenau Ffestiniog. In Boston Lodge Yard smokes curls lazily from the chimney of ‘Taliesin’, being prepared for the next train... 15.10.09: An hour and a half later - the early morning gloom has been replaced by strong sidelight, and the tide has nearly reached its lowest point, as Single-Fairlie ‘Taliesin’ races towards Boston Lodge with the 11:45 train to Blaenau Ffestiniog... 17.10.09: The low autumnal sun produces a stunning golden glow on the far hillsides as ‘Palmerston’ heads up the valley with an early morning train of slate waggons, leaving a long exhaust trail in its wake... 17.10.09: Double-Fairlie ‘Earl of Merioneth’ approaches Boston Lodge with the 10:15 train to Blaenau Ffestiniog, beneath a backdrop of the old slate wharves and houses of Porthmadog... 17.10.09: Double-Fairlie ‘Earl of Merioneth’ is about to plunge into the shadows as it steams round Boston Lodge Curve with the 10:15 train to Blaenau Ffestiniog. By contrast, the village of Borth y Gest in the distance is bathed in glorious sunshine... 17.10.09: In Boston Lodge Yard, Fireman Tim Elsby is busy polishing the brasswork on Single-Fairlie ‘Taliesin’ as the loco is readied to work the 11:45 train... 17.10.09: The sun has nearly risen above the hillside behind Boston Lodge, as ‘Taliesin’ sits over the pit raising steam for the day ahead... 17.10.09: Driver Alan James prepares to move ‘Taliesin’ to the coaling wagon, with the cabside reflection a testament to the crew’s cleaning of the loco... 17.10.09: Alan James slowly reverses ‘Taliesin’ off the inspection pit, with the low autumn sun shining through the steam rising from the loco... 17.10.09: Driver Alan James ensures the coal bunker is topped-up before ‘Taliesin’ heads off to Harbour Station... 17.10.09: Alan James brings ‘Taliesin’ to a stand on Boston Lodge Curve so that he can collect Fireman Tim Elsby, who has just reset the Pen Cob points... 17.10.09: Duty Supervisor Richard Hanlon and Fireman Kev Pye look on as Driver Llyr ap Iolo brings ‘Palmerston’ (hauling an ailing ‘Criccieth Castle’) towards the Pen Cob entry to Boston Lodge Yard... 17.10.09: ‘Palmerston’ heads onto the Outside Pit Road in Boston Lodge Yard, so the loco can be coaled before heading back up the line with an afternoon train of slate waggons... 17.10.09: Llyr ap Iolo and Kev Pye shovel coal into ‘Palmerston’s tender from the ex-SAR B-wagon stabled alongside... 17.10.09: The still waters of the Afon Glaslyn reflect the flanks of Moel y Gest, as ‘Taliesin’ sets off across the Cob with the 11:45 train to Blaenau Ffestiniog... 17.10.09: ‘Taliesin’ heads across the Cob with the 11:45 train to Blaenau Ffestiniog, with the old slate wharf next to Harbour Station prominent in the background... 17.10.09: Alan James takes ‘Taliesin’ round Boston Lodge Curve, with the old Toll Cottage visible below, as the train starts the climb towards Blaenau Ffestiniog... 17.10.09: Fireman Andrew ‘Apprentice’ Foulds peers from the cab, as ‘Palmerston’ accelerates away from Harbour Station with a train of slate waggons... 17.10.09: ‘Palmerston’ heads away from Porthmadog with a train of slate waggons bound for Dduallt. The waggons will then be detached and run back to Minffordd under gravity - recreating the way that slate was originally transported from the quarries along the Ffestiniog Railway... 17.10.09: ‘Palmerston’ steams across the Cob towards Boston Lodge with the train of slate waggons. The crew of brakesmen riding on the waggons will control the speed of the gravity train as it rolls downhill on the return... 20.10.09: Driver Llyr ap Iolo oils round ‘Earl of Merioneth’, as Fireman Richard Hanlon removes clinker that has built up in the loco’s fireboxes... 21.10.09: The strong sidelight glinting off the carriages contrasts sharply with the long shadows and dark hills, as ‘Earl of Merioneth’ powers away from Porthmadog with the 10:15 train to Blaenau Ffestiniog... 21.10.09: Signals and walkers on the Cob are perfectly silhouetted against the curling, drifting exhaust from ‘Earl of Merioneth’ as it heads towards Boston Lodge - where smoke rises into the sunlight as ‘Taliesin’ is prepared for duty on the next train... 21.10.09: ‘Earl of Merioneth’ heads along Bron Madog with 10:15 train to Blaenau Ffestiniog, leaving a trail of smoke in its wake - which gradually merges with smoke drifting from ‘Taliesin’ in Boston Lodge Yard... 21.10.09: A photographer captures the scene, as Fireman Nigel Burt relaxes in the cab doorway while ‘Earl of Merioneth’ approaches Porthmadog with the 11:50 ex-Blaenau Ffestiniog... 24.10.09: In contrasting weather conditions to the previous photograph, Hunslet 2-4-0STT ‘Blanche’ hurries across the Cob with the 11:45 train to Blaenau Ffestiniog... 25.10.09: Double-Fairlie ‘Earl of Merioneth’ passes the Boston Lodge Volunteers Memorial, as it heads onto Boston Lodge Curve with the 13:35 train to Blaenau Ffestiniog... 25.10.09: ‘Earl of Merioneth’ accelerates the 13:35 train to Blaenau Ffestiniog, as it winds its way past Boston Lodge Works before passing behind the recently-renovated Old Engine Shed... 25.10.09: British Summer Time is over and the moon can be glimpsed through the passing clouds, as Double-Fairlie ‘David Lloyd George’ stands at Porthmadog water tower after arriving with the 17:35 train from Blaenau Ffestiniog... 25.10.09: Driver Kev Pye and Fireman Nigel Burt attend to ‘David Lloyd George’ as it stands at Porthmadog water tower following the arrival of the 17:35 train from Blaenau Ffestiniog... 25.10.09: The safety valves lift as ‘David Lloyd George’ stands at Porthmadog water tower, beneath a moonlit sky, while being serviced following its arrival with the 17:35 train from Blaenau Ffestiniog... 25.10.09: With safety valves roaring, ‘David Lloyd George’ stands at Porthmadog water tower prior to returning to the shed at Boston Lodge... 25.10.09: Over at Boston Lodge Works, a line of diesels ( l to r: ‘Harold’, ‘Criccieth Castle’, ‘Moel y Gest’) slumber peacefully in the floodlit yard. The ‘Bill Broadbent Memorial Bell’ and the works office building are prominent in the background... 25.10.09: ‘David Lloyd George’ sits on the inspection pit having just arrived at Boston Lodge from Porthmadog. The lights of Harbour Station and the town - as well as from traffic on the Cob - shine in the distance... 25.10.09: ‘David Lloyd George’ simmers quietly as it stands on the inspection pit at Boston Lodge... 25.10.09: Looking like a scene from a model railway, ‘David Lloyd George’ stands beneath the floodlights in Boston Lodge Yard... 25.10.09: Driver Kev Pye tops up the lubricators, as ‘David Lloyd George’ sits on the inspection pit at Boston Lodge... 25.10.09: ‘David Lloyd George’ stands on the inspection pit at Boston Lodge, as the crew are busy on the other side of the loco cleaning down the motion and inspecting the loco... 25.10.09: Driver Kev Pye checks round ‘David Lloyd George’ using one of the lead lamps that have been provided to aid loco inspection... 25.10.09: Driver Kev Pye checks round ‘David Lloyd George’ using one of the lead lamps that have been provided to aid loco inspection... 25.10.09: Kev Pye inspects the underside of ‘David Lloyd George’ before the loco retires to the shed for the night... 25.10.09: Trainee Fireman Sam Aldridge looks on, as Fireman Nigel Burt chats with Kev Pye underneath ‘David Lloyd George’... 25.10.09: Harbour Station is visible in the distance, as the headlights of approaching cars shine through the cab spectacles and steam drifting from ‘David Lloyd George’. Sam Aldridge looks lost in thought, as Nigel Burt and Kev Pye investigate underneath the loco... 25.10.09: Kev Pye is swathed in steam, as ‘David Lloyd George’ is blown-down prior to heading into the shed at the end of the day... 25.10.09: ‘And so to Bed’ - ‘David Lloyd George’ is stabled inside Boston Lodge Engine Shed alongside ‘Taliesin’, ‘Earl of Merioneth’, ‘Britomart’ and ‘Blanche’... 27.10.09: Double-Fairlie ‘David Lloyd George’ stands at Porthmadog Water Tower following the arrival of the last train of the day from Blaenau Ffestiniog... 27.10.09: Double-Fairlie ‘David Lloyd George’ stands at Porthmadog Water Tower following the arrival of the last train of the day from Blaenau Ffestiniog...

Published in Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways - 'Scene Thru The Lens'

]]> Thu Oct 1 2009 F&WHR - August 2009 http://roger-dimmick.fotopic.net/c1754940.html F&WHR - August 2009 Saturday 1 August 2009: F&WHR - August 2009

01.08.09: Iain ‘Bonks’ Wilkinson uses ‘Prince’ to steam clean the ballast in Harbour Station, prior to taking the ‘Kids Training Week’ evening special to Tan-y-Bwlch... 05.08.09: ‘Merddin Emrys’ heads away from Harbour Station with the 11:45 service to Blaenau Ffestiniog... 06.08.09: One of the ‘Kids Training Week’ projects was the construction of a Signalman’s Cabin, or ‘Bobby’s Hut’, for installation beside the Harbour Station groundframe. This was pre-fabricated in Minffordd Yard, and then transported to Porthmadog on a works train... 06.08.09: This provided a perfect opportunity to use the ‘S&T’ Department’s new wagon-mounted hydraulic crane to assist with lifting the panels into position... 06.08.09: The hydraulic crane is mounted on an adapted MOD bogie flat wagon, but can be easily removed to allow the wagon to be used by the Permanent-Way Department if required... 06.08.09: The pre-slated roof for the cabin was transported on a second MOD bogie flat wagon... 06.08.09: A close-up showing the mix of plain and shaped slates used in the roof covering... 06.08.09: S&T Manager Martin Duncan lifts the first wall panel from the crane wagon... 06.08.09: David Waller and James Gresham complete a final check on the alignment of the locating bars, before the first panel is swung into position... 06.08.09: The rear panel of the new cabin is lowered gently into position beside the groundframe... 06.08.09: ‘Merddin Emrys’ approaches Harbour Station with the 13:40 ex-Blaenau Ffestiniog service... 06.08.09: ‘Merddin Emrys’ rolls into Harbour Station with the 13:40 ex-Blaenau Ffestiniog service. The footplate crew have added a chalk ‘indicator blind’ to the smokebox to identify which train they are in charge of... 06.08.09: If you’ve not spotted it by now, the hydraulic crane is a FARMA C5,1D - originally designed for mounting on the three-point linkage of a farm tractor... 06.08.09: With the rear panel in place, it’s the turn of the first of the side walls to be lifted from the wagon... 06.08.09: The first of the sidewalls is lowered into position. By the end of the day all four walls were in place, but the fitting of the roof had to be delayed till the next day... 06.08.09: ‘David Lloyd George’, with Paul Davies at the regulator, waits in 4 Road - as ‘Earl of Merioneth’ approaches Harbour Station with the 16:10 ex-Blaenau Ffestiniog... 06.08.09: John Bell takes ‘Earl of Merioneth’ through Harbour Station and towards the Cob... 06.08.09: ‘David Lloyd George’ waits on the Cob with its train of empty stock, as ‘Earl of Merioneth’ moves slowly forward to couple onto the rear of the train... 06.08.09: ‘David Lloyd George’ and ‘Earl of Merioneth’ top and tail the empty stock as they head across the Cob to Boston Lodge... 06.08.09: ‘Blanche’ is semi-silhouetted against a magnificent sunset, as the fireman uncouples the loco from the stock of the 19:45 ex-Blaenau Ffestiniog... 06.08.09: ‘Blanche’ rolls slowly towards the water tower at Harbour Station, in front of the darkened slopes of Moel y Gest... 06.08.09: ‘Blanche’ stands at Porthmadog water tower as the brilliance of the sunset fades from gold to purple... 07.08.09: The next morning, with some slates removed to prevent damage by the lifting gear, everything is nearly ready for the heavy roof of the Signalman’s Cabin to be lifted into position... 07.08.09: Martin Duncan controls the crane as it takes up the slack in the lifting slings, while Alan Norton and James Gresham agree the correct orientation of the roof... 07.08.09: The heavy roof was lifted gently and swung slowly into position above the new Signalman’s Cabin... 07.08.09: ...then carefully lowered into place atop the four walls erected the previous day. 08.08.09: Fortuitous positioning of two carriage rakes provided a rare opportunity to photograph the Ffestiniog Railway’s Observation Carriages beside each other... 09.08.09: Simplex diesel ‘Dolgarrog’ (Motor Rail 22154 of 1962) awaits attention in Boston Lodge Erecting Shop. This small cabless loco has been used by the track-laying gangs during the construction of Phases 3 and 4 of the Welsh Highland Railway Project... 09.08.09: In the Boiler Shop, work continues on the fitting out of replica loco ‘Lyd’. The fireman’s side tank is surrounded by various fixtures and fittings - the most obvious of which are the chimney and the front sheet of the loco’s cab... 09.08.09: A closer look at the FR-profiled front sheet of ‘Lyd’s cab... 09.08.09: Inside the smokebox, progress has included fitting baffle plates and the blower ring around the blast pipe. The baffle plates are for spark control when burning coal. A gauze screen will be mounted vertically behind the smokebox door... 09.08.09: New additions to the footplate area include the reverser quadrant - inside which can be seen the steel blank for the fabrication of the reverser lever... 09.08.09: Inside the New Erecting Shop, pallets of NG/G16 valve gear and motion components have arrived from Dinas for refurbishment... 09.08.09: Inside the New Erecting Shop, pallets of NG/G16 valve gear and motion components have arrived from Dinas for refurbishment... 09.08.09: NG/G16 No.138’s cab and new water tank have been receiving attention in the Paint Shop, and are seen here in their freshly-applied base livery - ready for lining to be added shortly... 09.08.09: NG/G16 No.138’s cab and new water tank have been receiving attention in the Paint Shop, and are seen here in their freshly-applied base livery - ready for lining to be added shortly... 09.08.09: NG/G16 No.138’s cab and new water tank have been receiving attention in the Paint Shop, and are seen here in their freshly-applied base livery - ready for lining to be added shortly... 09.08.09: NG/G16 No.138’s cab and new water tank have been receiving attention in the Paint Shop, and are seen here in their freshly-applied base livery - ready for lining to be added shortly... 09.08.09: Inside the Carriage Works, Hudson bogie wagon No. 63 is receiving attention to the severe corrosion of its underframe. The floor planks at each end have been lifted to provide access so both bogies can be rolled out... 09.08.09: A closer look at the underframe members, revealed by removing the floor planks... 09.08.09: The braked bottom-end bogie from Hudson wagon No. 63... 09.08.09: As with the main underframe of the wagon, the inner sections show more corrosion than the surrounding frame... 17.08.09: The long-awaited pairing of Funkey diesels ‘Vale of Ffestiniog’ and ‘Castell Caernarfon’ on a passenger train finally took place on the 11:35 departure from Caernarfon. Dave Davies is seen at the controls of ‘Vale of Ffestiniog’ as the train rolls into Beddgelert Station, with a party of diesel-gricers enjoying the experience from the semi-open carriage... 17.08.09: Although the coast was bathed in glorious sunshine, conditions around the Aberglaslyn Pass were dull and overcast. However, there were still plenty of people around to wave to the train, as ‘Vale of Ffestiniog’ and ‘Castell Caernarfon’ pull away from Bryn y Felin with the 11:35 ex-Caernarfon... 17.08.09: ‘Vale of Ffestiniog’ and ‘Castell Caernarfon’ power into the Aberglaslyn Pass as they head towards Corlan with the 11:35 ex-Caernarfon... 17.08.09: The exhaust trail from ‘Castell Caernarfon’ reveals that all is not well with the engine’s fuel injection system... 17.08.09: Dave Davies watches closely as he brings the train slowly into the loop at Hafod y Llyn... 17.08.09: A contrast in profiles between these previously identical diesels - the Ffestiniog Railway’s re-bodied ‘Vale of Ffestiniog’ passes the Welsh Highland Railway’s near-original condition ‘Castell Caernarfon’ during the run-round at Hafod y Llyn... 17.08.09: Murray Reid eases freshly-painted ‘Castell Caernarfon’ out of the loop at Hafod y Llyn... 17.08.09: ‘Castell Caernarfon’ moves slowly towards the rake of carriages standing in the loop, as ‘Vale of Ffestiniog’ follows behind, ready to couple up for the return journey to Caernarfon...

Published in Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways - 'Scene Thru The Lens'

]]> Sat Aug 1 2009 F&WHR - September 2009 http://roger-dimmick.fotopic.net/c1750424.html F&WHR - September 2009 Tuesday 1 September 2009: F&WHR - September 2009

01.09.09: Porthmadog Signalman Harry Saville, the FR’s most recently qualified Guard, wonders where the engine-driver has got to - as he climbs onto ‘Merddin Emrys’ at the head of the 10:15 departure from Porthmadog... 01.09.09: Driver Nigel ‘Bear’ Muskett acknowledges the Guard’s “Right Away” from the footplate of ‘Merddin Emrys’ at the head of the 10:15 departure from Porthmadog... 01.09.09: A shaft of brilliant sunshine backlights the exhaust against the darkened sky, as ‘Merddin Emrys’ steams away from Porthmadog with the 10:15 to Blaenau Ffestiniog... 01.09.09: ‘Earl of Merioneth’ drifts out of a cloud of steam while moving from Porthmadog’s water tower to the coaling waggon... 01.09.09: Driver Andrew Morris adds another bucket of coal to ‘Earl of Merioneth’s bottom end bunker... 01.09.09: ‘Liquid Sunshine’ - Andy Morris prepares to move ‘Earl of Merioneth’ away from the coaling waggon in the middle of a torrential downpour... 01.09.09: Driver Nigel ‘Bear’ Muskett and Fireman Lyn Graham-Taylor try their hand at synchronised shovel swinging while filling the bottom end coal bunker on ‘Merddin Emrys’... 01.09.09: Driver Nigel ‘Bear’ Muskett takes ‘Merddin Emrys’ away from the coaling waggon at Harbour Station... 01.09.09: ‘Merddin Emrys’ steams out of Harbour Station, while moving empty carriage stock from the platform road to the station yard... 01.09.09: Seen through the scattered rain droplets on a carriage window, ‘Merddin Emrys’ simmers in the station yard at Harbour Station... 01.09.09: “I Can See Clearly Now”... Driver Nigel ‘Bear’ Muskett in the cab of ‘Merddin Emrys’... 01.09.09: Fireman Lyn Graham-Taylor, seemingly surprised by a burst of sunshine, strolls through the sidings at Harbour Station while supervising shunting... 01.09.09: ‘Blanche’ receives attention from a German enthusiast, while standing in Harbour Station at the head of the recently arrived 16:10 ex-Blaenau Ffestiniog... 01.09.09: Driver Peter Nott poses beside ‘Blanche’, at the request of an enthusiast photographer... 01.09.09: Emma Broadhurst, now ‘passed out’ as a qualified Fireman on all types of FR steam locomotives, has clearly enjoyed another day on the footplate of ‘Blanche’... 01.09.09: ‘Blanche’ draws away from the carriage stock and drifts towards the water tower at Porthmadog... 01.09.09: Globe-trotting Driver Peter Nott - an Australian, living in California, who volunteers as an FR Engine Driver for several weeks every summer - transfers ‘Blanche’s headlamp to the front of the loco... 01.09.09: Driver Peter Nott oils round ‘Blanche’ as the loco simmers at Porthmadog’s water tower... 01.09.09: ‘Blanche’ rolls away from Harbour Station and heads back to the engine shed at Boston Lodge... 01.09.09: Driver Andrew Morris eases ‘Earl of Merioneth’ towards the coaling waggon in Harbour Station, as the torrential downpour continues... 01.09.09: Porthmadog Signalman Harry Saville guides ‘Merddin Emrys’, with Driver Nigel ‘Bear’ Muskett at the regulators, towards the empty carriage stock in Harbour Station platform... 01.09.09: Harry Saville operates the Porthmadog ground frame, beside the newly-constructed Signaller’s Cabin... 01.09.09: Fireman Lyn Graham-Taylor returns to the footplate of ‘Merddin Emrys’, while ‘Blanche’ stands at the Home signal on the Cob with the 16:10 ex-Blaenau Ffestiniog, waiting for the shunting manoeuvres to be completed... 01.09.09: Fireman Emma Broadhurst prepares to pass the token to Signalman Harry Saville, as ‘Blanche’ rolls into Harbour Station with the 16:10 ex-Blaenau Ffestiniog... 01.09.09: With the hanging baskets still in full bloom, ‘Blanche’ receives attention from a German enthusiast, while standing in Harbour Station at the head of the recently arrived 16:10 ex-Blaenau Ffestiniog... 01.09.09: Emma Broadhurst, now ‘passed out’ as a qualified Fireman on all types of FR steam locomotives, has clearly enjoyed another day on the footplate of ‘Blanche’... 01.09.09: Driver Peter Nott oils round ‘Blanche’ as the loco simmers at Porthmadog’s water tower... 01.09.09: ‘Me and my Shadow’ - Fireman Emma Broadhurst guides ‘Blanche’ onto the empty carriage stock in Harbour Station’s platform... 01.09.09: ‘Blanche’ rolls away from Harbour Station and heads back to the engine shed at Boston Lodge... 03.09.09: ‘A Moment’s Reflection - 1’... ‘Merddin Emrys’ is studied closely by a young summer visitor... 03.09.09: ‘A Moment’s Reflection - 2’... ‘Merddin Emrys’ is studied closely by a young summer visitor, as Fireman Chris Clark adds another bucket of coal to the loco’s top end bunker... 03.09.09: ‘Golden Delicious’... A burst of sunshine highlights the rich tone and hues of the Victorian liveried stock, complemented by the colours of the grasses and lichens, as ‘Merddin Emrys’ shunts empty coaching stock out of Harbour Station... 03.09.09: ‘Sit, Stay - Steam’... ‘Earl of Merioneth’ heads back into Harbour Station to couple up to the waiting empty carriage stock... 03.09.09: Sunset approaches as a plume of steam roars from the safety valves, while ‘Earl of Merioneth’ waits at Harbour Station with the empty carriage stock... 05.09.09: ‘Victorian atmosphere’ - FR carriage No. 15 sits in Porthmadog station yard awaiting attention from the carriage cleaning team... 06.09.09: Inside Boston Lodge, a pair of ‘Moelwyn’s driving wheels are being re-profiled on the wheel lathe... 06.09.09: Inside Boston Lodge, a pair of ‘Moelwyn’s driving wheels are being re-profiled on the wheel lathe... 06.09.09: Stephen Griffiths applies a coat of red undercoat to the second set of ‘Moelwyn’s driving wheels... 06.09.09: ‘A Study in Scarlet’... 06.09.09: The polished surface of the tyres provides confirmation that this wheelset has been re-profiled... 06.09.09: ‘Moelwyn’s pony-truck sits, upside down, on a works trolley as it receives attention during the overhaul... 06.09.09: In the Boiler Shop, the assembly of replica Manning Wardle 2-6-2T ‘Lyd’ continues... 06.09.09: ...although, at first sight, there does not appear to have been much progress. 06.09.09: Closer study reveals that attention has turned to pipework and fittings, rather than making major advances with the superstructure... 06.09.09: A closer look at the backhead, showing the steel blank for the firebox door... 06.09.09: A close up of the reversing lever and quadrant... 06.09.09: A vacuum reservoir has been fitted in place - it sits beneath the cab floor on the driver’s side of the loco... 06.09.09: Seen from above, it is clear that work is in progress to fabricate and connect all the associated ‘plumbing’ - the vacuum reservoir is on the left, with the vacuum cylinder on the right... 06.09.09: A broadside view of the vacuum reservoir slung beneath the cab floor 06.09.09: ...and the vacuum cylinder, with associated plumbing and connection to the brake rigging.

Published in Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways - 'Scene Thru The Lens'

]]> Tue Sep 1 2009 F&WHR - July 2009 http://roger-dimmick.fotopic.net/c1747991.html F&WHR - July 2009 Wednesday 1 July 2009: F&WHR - July 2009

03.07.95: Following the announcement that Pete Waterman has bought NG/G16 No.109 (built by Beyer, Peacock in 1939, Works No. 6919) from the Exmoor Steam Centre - here is an archive photo of the loco, taken on the day it arrived at Exmoor. The Stirland family, owners of Exmoor Steam Centre, rescued the engine from South Africa - No.109 was the first Beyer, Peacock-built NG/G16 to be sent to South Africa and the first to return home, it was also the first NG/G16 to be privately owned outside Africa, and its re-importation had nothing to do with the Robin Hoods Bay scheme... 05.03.98: The following photographs, taken by Brian Coldwell, do have something to do with the Robin Hoods Bay scheme - as they show the three NG/G16s purchased for the project, stored in the yard of Peter Slater’s haulage business in Yorkshire. Left to right: Nos. 130, 87 and 115 - however, not all is as it seems though... 05.03.98: Careful study of this photo shows that this loco consists of the hind and boiler units from No.130 (built by Beyer, Peacock in 1951, Works No. 7431) with the lead unit from No.87. The extended rear bunker is a giveaway that this is from No.130, helped by the number being painted on the rear cylinder cover. The identification of the lead unit is aided by the number painted on the rear face of the water tank... 20.07.98: A few months later, NG/G16 No.115 (built by Beyer, Peacock in 1939, Works No. 6925) is the main subject of the photo - identified by the painted numbers on the cabside and rear cylinder cover. The front of No.130’s lead unit can just be seen on the left of the photo, behind the lorry. The water tanks on Nos.115 and 130, unlike that of No.87, have a metal lip on top of the leading edge... 20.07.98: A front three-quarter view of the No.130/87 combination on the left, with the No.87/130 combination beside it. This view shows clearly the lack of a lip on the front of No.87’s water tank... 20.07.98: A closer look at the No.87/130 hybrid - with the identity of No.87 (built by Societé Cockerill of Seraing, Belgium in 1936, Works No. 3267) confirmed by the number painted on the cabside. The condition of the locomotive at this date is in stark contrast to how it appears today... 20.07.98: The difference in profile of the rear bunkers of Nos.87 and 130 is very obvious in this photograph - sadly, a variation unlikely to be seen on the RhE/WHR due to the restrictions of the current loading gauge... 20.07.98: A collection of Hudson bogie wagons was also stored in the yard, presumably in anticipation of their use during construction of the new railway... 02.01.09: Returning to NG/G16 No.109 - the following are a series of photographs, taken by Tony Williams, during a visit to the Exmoor Steam Centre to assess the condition of the locomotives held there. They are mainly of No.109, seen here - but I’ve also included some of the ex-Robin Hoods Bay locos for comparison with the previous photos... 02.01.09: NG/G16 No.109 at the Exmoor Steam Centre - the locomotive has been bought by Pete Waterman, through the Waterman Heritage Trust. The loco will be restored at the Crewe works of the London & North Western Railway Company, for use on the Rheilffordd Eryri/Welsh Highland Railway... 02.01.09: NG/G16 No.109 at the Exmoor Steam Centre - the locomotive has been bought by Pete Waterman, through the Waterman Heritage Trust. The loco will be restored at the Crewe works of the London & North Western Railway Company, for use on the Rheilffordd Eryri/Welsh Highland Railway... 02.01.09: NG/G16 No.109 at the Exmoor Steam Centre - the locomotive has been bought by Pete Waterman, through the Waterman Heritage Trust. The loco will be restored at the Crewe works of the London & North Western Railway Company, for use on the Rheilffordd Eryri/Welsh Highland Railway... 02.01.09: NG/G16 No.109 at the Exmoor Steam Centre - the locomotive has been bought by Pete Waterman, through the Waterman Heritage Trust. The loco will be restored at the Crewe works of the London & North Western Railway Company, for use on the Rheilffordd Eryri/Welsh Highland Railway... 02.01.09: NG/G16 No.109 at the Exmoor Steam Centre - the locomotive has been bought by Pete Waterman, through the Waterman Heritage Trust. The loco will be restored at the Crewe works of the London & North Western Railway Company, for use on the Rheilffordd Eryri/Welsh Highland Railway... 02.01.09: NG/G16 No.109 at the Exmoor Steam Centre - the locomotive has been bought by Pete Waterman, through the Waterman Heritage Trust. The loco will be restored at the Crewe works of the London & North Western Railway Company, for use on the Rheilffordd Eryri/Welsh Highland Railway... 02.01.09: This close-up illustrates the interchangeability of components between different batches of SAR/SAS Garratts - as the lettering on this cylinder casting indicates it comes from one of the Hanomag NG/G13 Garratts built in 1928... 02.01.09: NG/G16 No.109 at the Exmoor Steam Centre - the locomotive has been bought by Pete Waterman, through the Waterman Heritage Trust. The loco will be restored at the Crewe works of the London & North Western Railway Company, for use on the Rheilffordd Eryri/Welsh Highland Railway... 02.01.09: NG/G16 No.109 at the Exmoor Steam Centre - the locomotive has been bought by Pete Waterman, through the Waterman Heritage Trust. The loco will be restored at the Crewe works of the London & North Western Railway Company, for use on the Rheilffordd Eryri/Welsh Highland Railway... 02.01.09: NG/G16 No.109 at the Exmoor Steam Centre - the locomotive has been bought by Pete Waterman, through the Waterman Heritage Trust. The loco will be restored at the Crewe works of the London & North Western Railway Company, for use on the Rheilffordd Eryri/Welsh Highland Railway... 02.01.09: This photograph illustrates one of the reasons why the swing-out seats for footplate crew have been removed from RhE/WHR locomotives - as, when they are swung inboard, they prevent operation of the screw reverser... 02.01.09: NG/G16 No.109 at the Exmoor Steam Centre - the locomotive has been bought by Pete Waterman, through the Waterman Heritage Trust. The loco will be restored at the Crewe works of the London & North Western Railway Company, for use on the Rheilffordd Eryri/Welsh Highland Railway... 02.01.09: NG/G16 No.109 at the Exmoor Steam Centre - the locomotive has been bought by Pete Waterman, through the Waterman Heritage Trust. The loco will be restored at the Crewe works of the London & North Western Railway Company, for use on the Rheilffordd Eryri/Welsh Highland Railway... 02.01.09: The interior of the coal bunker on NG/G16 No.109. The locomotive has been bought by Pete Waterman, through the Waterman Heritage Trust, and will be restored at the Crewe works of the London & North Western Railway Company - for use on the Rheilffordd Eryri/Welsh Highland Railway... 02.01.09: The interior of the water tank on NG/G16 No.109. The locomotive has been bought by Pete Waterman, through the Waterman Heritage Trust, and will be restored at the Crewe works of the London & North Western Railway Company - for use on the Rheilffordd Eryri/Welsh Highland Railway... 02.01.09: ‘Narrow-gauge Barry’ - a line-up of three of the locos remaining at the Exmoor Steam Centre. Left to right: NG15 No.135, NG/G16 Nos.115 and 130... 02.01.09: NG/G16 No.130 at the Exmoor Steam Centre - its condition today looks much better than when seen previously in 1998. The metal lip mentioned previously can be seen quite clearly on top of the water tank’s leading edge... 02.01.09: NG/G16 No.130 at the Exmoor Steam Centre - its condition today looks much better than when seen previously in 1998. 02.01.09: NG/G16 No.130 at the Exmoor Steam Centre, with its distinctive bunker extension... 02.01.09: NG15 No.135 (built by Société Anglo-Franco-Belge in 1953) - sister loco to the RhE/WHR NG15s Nos.133 and 134 - at the Exmoor Steam Centre... 02.01.09: Also present at the Exmoor Steam Centre was this Baguley-Drewry 0-6-0DM (Works No.2395 of 1952). No.9 has a Gardner engine (8-cyl of 140 b.h.p.) and used to work at the South Johnstone Sugar Cane Mill in Queensland, Australia... 11.07.09: At Boston Lodge Works, the boiler of NG/G16 No.138 ‘Millennium’ has been shunted into the yard to allow access to the hoist above No.4 Road... 11.07.09: The front tubeplate of NG/G16 No.138’s boiler looks in fine condition... 11.07.09: The cab and new water tank for NG/G16 No.138 have been brought to Boston Lodge, and are seen here on Hudson bogie flat No.72 in Glanymor Yard... 11.07.09: The cab and new water tank for NG/G16 No.138 have been brought to Boston Lodge, and are seen here on Hudson bogie flat No.72 in Glanymor Yard... 11.07.09: The oil tank and rear bunker from NG/G16 No.143 can just be seen, to the left of No.138’s cab. They will be used in the re-assembly of No.138... 11.07.09: A closer look at the inner face of the new water tank for NG/G16 No.138, showing the access steps to the top of the tank... 11.07.09: Inside the Paint Shop, an array of paint samples are lined up for inspection... 11.07.09: Inside the Paint Shop, an array of paint samples are lined up for inspection... 11.07.09: An abstract ‘study in scarlet’ - or something more meaningful..? 11.07.09: Inside the HLF Carriage Shop, FR ‘Super-Saloon’ Carr. 103 edges ever nearer completion... 11.07.09: ...with roofing panels completed, work is underway on fitting the electrics... 11.07.09: Work is underway installing the wiring for the interior lighting of FR Carr. 103... 11.07.09: The interior of FR Carr. 103 - showing the completed ceiling, varnished side panels and with floor covering installed... 11.07.09: Another occupant of Glanymor Yard is the newly-restored Granite Waggon... 11.07.09: Granite Waggons were adapted from slate waggons by the addition of planking inside the original body... 11.07.09: ...and also provided with an end-door to discharge the contents. 11.07.09: Granite Waggons were adapted from slate waggons by the addition of planking inside the original body, and also provided with an end-door to discharge the contents... 11.07.09: Inside the Boston Lodge Erecting Shop, work is in progress to return Double-Fairlie ‘Earl of Merioneth’ to service for the peak season, and Single-Fairlie ‘Taliesin’ is being re-tubed. Components from NG/G16 No.138 are stored alongside No.4 Road in the foreground... 11.07.09: The superheater flues are receiving attention inside the smokebox of ‘Taliesin’, while alongside stands ‘Earl of Merioneth’ - soon to be re-united with its rebuilt top-end bogie... 11.07.09: The newly rebuilt top-end bogie is almost ready to be returned to ‘Earl of Merioneth’...

Published in Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways - 'Scene Thru The Lens'

]]> Wed Jul 1 2009 F&WHR - June 2009 http://roger-dimmick.fotopic.net/c1710356.html F&WHR - June 2009 Monday 1 June 2009: F&WHR - June 2009

02.06.09: In response to a request from CADW for photographs of the Old Engine Shed, ‘Palmerston’ and Curly Roof Van No.1 were posed outside the restored building - giving the opportunity to recreate a ‘times-past’ scene... 02.06.09: In response to a request from CADW for photographs of the Old Engine Shed, ‘Palmerston’ and Curly Roof Van No.1 were posed outside the restored building - giving the opportunity to recreate a ‘times-past’ scene... 02.06.09: ‘Palmerston’ and Curly Roof Van No.1 stand outside the Old Engine Shed, with the summit of Snowdon clearly visible in the distance... 02.06.09: ‘Palmerston’ and Curly Roof Van No.1 stand outside the Old Engine Shed, which is crowned by a corona of crystalline cirrus clouds... 02.06.09: The newly-restored Old Engine Shed basks in the afternoon sunshine, with the corrugated cladding of the extension reflecting the blue sky above... 15.06.09: Another day, another engine shed - ‘K1’ sits beside the inspection pit in Dinas Loco Shed on the Rheilffordd Eryri / Welsh Highland Railway... 15.06.09: NG/G16s No.143 and No.87 sit outside Dinas Loco Shed as they are prepared for two special charters. Pioneer Garratt ‘K1’ awaits the arrival of the fitters to replace its damaged brick arch... 15.06.09: The reflection provided by one of ‘K1’s spectacle plates provides the impression of a greatly enlarged loco fleet... 15.06.09: NG/G16s No.143 and No.87 sit outside Dinas Loco Shed as they are prepared for two special charters... 15.06.09: NG/G16s No.143 and No.87 sit outside Dinas Loco Shed as they are prepared for two special charters... 15.06.09: The rear bunker on NG/G16 No.143 provides a distorted reflection of No.87 standing alongside... 15.06.09: The rear bunker on NG/G16 No.143 provides a distorted reflection of No.87 standing alongside... 15.06.09: NG/G16 No.143’s original rear bunker was standing on the ground in Dinas North Yard, providing easy access to photograph the warning sign on the rear... 15.06.09: Dai Jones, at the controls of ‘Vale of Ffestiniog’, indulges in a bit of shunting around Dinas North Yard to prepare the two three-coach rakes required for the day’s charter trains... 15.06.09: Dai Jones, at the controls of ‘Vale of Ffestiniog’, indulges in a bit of shunting around Dinas North Yard to prepare the two three-coach rakes required for the day’s charter trains... 15.06.09: NG/G16 No.87 stands at the coaling bank, beneath a developing mass of cumulo-nimbus clouds... 15.06.09: NG/G16 No.87, at the head of the day’s second charter train, emerges from the trees at Plas Bodaden as it steams towards Waunfawr... 15.06.09: NG/G16 No.87 steams through the open fields at Bodaden, as the train approaches Rhostryfan Road... 15.06.09: Fireman Paul de Thierry stands in the cab doorway, as NG/G16 No.87 passes the site of Betws Garmon station and approaches the river bridge... 15.06.09: The brilliant sunshine illuminates the short train as it heads across UB 31.59 - the bridge over the Afon Gwyrfai... 15.06.09: NG/G16 No.87 slows the short train as it approaches OB 31.74 - the road bridge at Betws Garmon... 15.06.09: Driver Pete Lawson brings NG/G16 No.87 round the curve over Plas y Nant bridge, as the train approaches the foot crossing leading to the Halt... 15.06.09: It’s obvious that this is foxglove season, as NG/G16 No.87 heads through the pastoral setting of Caeaugwynion... 15.06.09: Yes, I like foxgloves..! NG/G16 No.87 steams across the slopes of the Upper Gwyrfai valley at Bron-y-fedw... 15.06.09: NG/G16 No.87 rounds the Tro Ffridd curves, as the train approaches Rhyd Ddu... 15.06.09: In brilliant sunshine, contrasting dramatically with the shaded slopes above, NG/G16 No.87 drifts down the grade from the line’s summit and approaches Pont Cae’r Gors... 15.06.09: NG/G16 No.143 stands in Beddgelert Station with the other charter train - organised by an international promotions company - waiting for the arrival of No.87... 15.06.09: As the arrival of No.87 was slightly behind schedule, the passengers entertained themselves with an impromptu Frisbee competition on the platform..! 15.06.09: NG/G16 No.87 rolls into the platform at Beddgelert, past the patiently waiting No.143... 15.06.09: NG/G16 No.87 stands in the platform at Beddgelert Station, having arrived with a charter train organised for visiting journalists... 21.06.09: In the Boiler Shop at Boston Lodge, work continues at a steady pace on the construction of replica Manning Wardle 2-6-2T ‘Lyd’... 21.06.09: The tanks have been replaced temporarily; cladding and brass trim have been added to the firebox, as have several of the backhead fittings... 21.06.09: A closer look at the brass trim and backhead fittings applied to the firebox... 21.06.09: A closer look at the brass trim and backhead fittings applied to the firebox... 21.06.09: Inside the smokebox, progress on fitting the superheater components is clear to see... 21.06.09: A closer look at the superheater components inside the smokebox... 21.06.09: In front of ‘Lyd’, work continues on the re-building of Hunslet 2-4-0STT ‘Linda’... 21.06.09: ‘Linda’s boiler and frames stand on jacks at the rear of the Boiler Shop, providing easy access for refitting components... 21.06.09: ‘Linda’s boiler and frames stand on jacks at the rear of the Boiler Shop, providing easy access for refitting components... 21.06.09: The pony truck, with wheels from NWNGR Single Fairlie ‘Moel Tryfan, has been positioned beneath the frames ready to be lifted into position... 21.06.09: In the main Erecting Shop, ‘Blanche’ is receiving attention to a fractured tubeplate and the boiler from NG/G16 No.138 ‘Millennium’ is having work done on the smokebox... 21.06.09: ‘Blanche’ is receiving attention to a fractured tubeplate, with the flexible pipe being connected to an extractor fan to remove fumes while work is taking place... 21.06.09: ‘Blanche’ is receiving attention to a fractured tubeplate, with the flexible pipe being connected to an extractor fan to remove fumes while work is taking place... 21.06.09: NG/G16 No.138’s boiler unit stands alongside ‘Blanche’ in the Erecting Shop... 21.06.09: Inside the HLF Carriage Works, the construction of FR Carr. 103 is progressing well... 21.06.09: ‘Team X’ members fixing the last few roof panels in position on FR Carr. 103... 21.06.09: Alongside FR Carr. 103, work is continuing on the chassis of the replica ‘Porthole’ Bug-Box... 21.06.09: A close-up view showing how the wheelsets are secured to the chassis on the replica ‘Porthole’ Bug-Box... 21.06.09: The new canopy has been fabricated for the ‘Flying Bench’, and is seen here being fitted to the supporting framework... 21.06.09: The new canopy has been fabricated for the ‘Flying Bench’, and is seen here being fitted to the supporting framework...

Published in Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways - 'Scene Thru The Lens'

]]> Mon Jun 1 2009 F&WHR - May 2009 http://roger-dimmick.fotopic.net/c1700314.html F&WHR - May 2009 Friday 1 May 2009: F&WHR - May 2009

02.05.09: ‘Prince’ receives attention from Chris Jones outside the newly-restored Boston Lodge Old Engine Shed... 02.05.09: ‘Prince’ receives attention from Chris Jones outside the newly-restored Boston Lodge Old Engine Shed... 02.05.09: Timeless Ffestiniog - ‘Prince’ stands in the sunshine outside Boston Lodge Old Engine Shed... 02.05.09: ‘Merddin Emrys’ heads ‘Moelwyn’ and the S&T train out of Boston Lodge Yard... 02.05.09: ‘Criccieth Castle’ basks in the glorious sunshine at Boston Lodge, as Ian Gylee sets the points for its next move through the yard... 02.05.09: ‘Britomart’ and three ‘Black Fives’ at Blaenau Ffestiniog... 02.05.09: 45231 ‘The Sherwood Forester’ and 45407 ‘The Lancashire Fusilier’ stand at the head of the Railway Touring Company’s ‘Welsh Mountaineer’ special from Worcester Shrub Hill to Blaenau Ffestiniog. The ‘Black Fives’ had hauled the train from Llandudno Junction... 02.05.09: 45407 ‘The Lancashire Fusilier’ draws forward to run round the stock of the Railway Touring Company’s ‘Welsh Mountaineer’ special... 02.05.09: 45407 ‘The Lancashire Fusilier’ heads through the run-round loop at Blaenau Ffestiniog... 02.05.09: ‘Lilla’ stands in Blaenau Ffestiniog’s Platform 2 road, as 45407 ‘The Lancashire Fusilier’ moves slowly towards 45231 ‘The Sherwood Forester’... 02.05.09: Little and Large - ‘Britomart’ and ‘Lilla’ stand alongside the two ‘Black Fives’ at Blaenau Ffestiniog... 02.05.09: ‘Dafydd Lloyd George’ stands at the head of the 13:40 train to Porthmadog, as 45231 and 45407 draw the stock of the ‘Welsh Mountaineer’ special out of the station... 02.05.09: 45231 ‘The Sherwood Forester’ gleams in the sunshine at Blaenau Ffestiniog as the stock of the ‘Welsh Mountaineer’ special is moved out of the platform road... 02.05.09: 02.05.09: ‘Dafydd Lloyd George’ stands at the head of the 13:40 train to Porthmadog, as 45231 and 45407 draw the stock of the ‘Welsh Mountaineer’ special out of the station... 02.05.09: ‘Dafydd Lloyd George’ proudly displays its new coat of varnish, on a glorious sundrenched day in Blaenau Ffestiniog... 02.05.09: 45231 and 45407 propel the stock of the ‘Welsh Mountaineer’ special into the run-round loop, as ‘Dafydd Lloyd George’ steams away from Blaenau Ffestiniog station with the 13:40 train to Porthmadog... 02.05.09: 45231 and 45407 simmer in the sunshine, as the support crew check over the locomotives... 02.05.09: Steam to spare, as the safety valves lift on 45407 ‘The Lancashire Fusilier’ at Blaenau Ffestiniog... 02.05.09: “I prefer the little blue one, Mum..!”... 09.05.09: ‘David Lloyd George’ enters Minffordd station, as ‘Britomart’ and ‘Blanche’ stand at the head of a Wedding Charter to Tan-y-Bwlch... 09.05.09: ‘Rimmer’ and ‘Robco’ check for the Guard’s signal, as ‘Britomart’ and ‘Blanche’ head round Leadmine Curve with the Wedding Charter... 09.05.09: ‘Blanche’ storms through Tan-y-Bwlch Cutting, returning the Wedding Charter stock from Rhiw Goch... 09.05.09: ‘Blanche’ enters Tan-y-Bwlch station with the stock of the Wedding Charter... 09.05.09: ‘David Lloyd George’ rolls through Tan-y-Bwlch with the 15:10 ex-Blaenau Ffestiniog, passing ‘Britomart’ and ‘Blanche’ at the head of the Wedding Charter... 13.05.09: Portrait [1] - ‘K1’ stands in Boston Lodge Yard, in the final stages of re-assembly (the whistle has yet to be re-fitted) following its repaint into original North East Dundas Tramway livery... 13.05.09: Portrait [2] - ‘K1’ stands in Boston Lodge Yard, in the final stages of re-assembly (the whistle has yet to be re-fitted) following its repaint into original North East Dundas Tramway livery... 13.05.09: Portrait [3] - ‘K1’ stands in Boston Lodge Yard, in the final stages of re-assembly (the whistle has yet to be re-fitted) following its repaint into original North East Dundas Tramway livery... 13.05.09: Detail of the lining on the front tank. Note the newly applied ‘rivets’ on the lower half of the tank front... 13.05.09: A single red line is used on the buffer beams... 13.05.09: The front headlamp has yet to be re-fitted... 13.05.09: Detail of the lining applied to the rear of the front tank... 13.05.09: Detail of the lining applied to the low-pressure cylinder covers. Note that the lining finishes at the edge of the plating and does not continue to form a full panel... 13.05.09: Rear three-quarter view of the driver’s side of the loco... 13.05.09: Detail of the lining applied to the coal-bunker (driver’s side). Note the three missing rivets top right... 13.05.09: Close-up of the driver’s side ‘No. 1’ plate, now with a black background... 13.05.09: Rear three-quarter view of the fireman’s side of the coal-bunker... 13.05.09: Detail of the lining applied to the coal-bunker (fireman’s side). Note, again, the three missing rivets top left... 13.05.09: Close-up of the fireman’s side ‘No. 2’ plate, now with a black background... 13.05.09: Detail of the lining applied to the high-pressure cylinder covers. Note that the lining finishes at the edge of the plating and does not continue to form a full panel... 13.05.09: Detail of the lining applied to the cab sides and front... 13.05.09: Close-up showing the single red line surrounding the front spectacle plates. The rear spectacle plates have the same treatment... 13.05.09: Detail of the lining on the front tank... 13.05.09: Close-up of the fireman’s side worksplate, now with a black background... 13.05.09: Detail of the lining applied to the top edge of the boiler frame and bands... 13.05.09: The new paint scheme has produced a very attractive looking locomotive... 13.05.09: Close-up of the lining around the vacuum pipes... 13.05.09: Alf Williams contemplates the punishment that might be meted out if he spoils the paintwork while ‘lighting-up’... 13.05.09: This was an attempt to show the colours used in the lining, which it does - but it also shows how reflective the gloss finish is..! 16.05.09: The annual WHR Track Fund ‘Sponsor’s Day’ sees NG/G16 No.87 emerging from T3, as it heads through the Aberglaslyn Pass with the special train to Pen y Mount for ‘Gold’ and ‘Silver’ sponsors... 16.05.09: NG/G16 No.87 heads towards the long tunnel with the special train to Pen y Mount for ‘Gold’ and ‘Silver’ sponsors...

Published in Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways - 'Scene Thru The Lens'

]]> Fri May 1 2009 Boston Lodge Old Engine Shed (Part 4) http://roger-dimmick.fotopic.net/c1690408.html Boston Lodge Old Engine Shed (Part 4) Friday 1 August 2008: Boston Lodge Old Engine Shed (Part 4)

Published in Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways - 'Scene Thru The Lens'

]]> Fri Aug 1 2008 F&WHR - April 2009 http://roger-dimmick.fotopic.net/c1678380.html F&WHR - April 2009 Wednesday 1 April 2009: F&WHR - April 2009

05.04.09: NG/G16 No.143 rolls down the 1 in 40 grade towards Beddgelert Forest Campsite, having just crossed LC44.33 (Coed Mawr Crossing) with the first test train on the final day of simulated running between Rhyd Ddu and Beddgelert... 05.04.09: Fireman James King adopts a relaxed stance as NG/G16 No.143 approaches LC44.41 (Meillionen Crossing)... 05.04.09: NG/G16 No.143 stands outside Beddgelert Station, as Driver Mike Middleton waits for permission to proceed into the platform road... 05.04.09: NG/G16 No.143 rolls across UB46.77 (Lower Cwmcloch Riverbridge) on the final approach to Beddgelert Station... 05.04.09: NG/G16 No.143 stands in Beddgelert Station with the blower on, as the footplate crew busy themselves in the cab preparing for the climb up through Beddgelert Forest... 05.04.09: With cylinder drain-cocks wide open and injectors on, NG/G16 No.143 prepares to leave Beddgelert Station... 05.04.09: As the escaping clouds of steam envelop the surroundings, NG/G16 No.143 eases away from Beddgelert Station... 05.04.09: Once on the move, the regulator is opened wider and an unfamiliar ‘Whoomph’, ‘Whoomph’ starts to fill the air as NG/G16 No.143 shoulders the load and digs into the 1 in 40 climb away from Beddgelert Station... 05.04.09: Weather conditions have deteriorated higher up the valley, and the summit of Snowdon is obscured by clouds, as NG/G16 No.143 steams across the open ground below Hafod Ruffydd Ganol... 05.04.09: Members of the Black Hand Gang take a brief break from constructing the platform shelter - and campers rush up with their cameras - as NG/G16 No.143 rolls downhill past Meiillionen Forest Campsite Halt with the second test train of the day... 05.04.09: NG/G16 No.143 passes Meillionen Forest Campsite Halt as it heads towards Beddgelert with the second test train of the day... 05.04.09: FR Society Magazine Editor, John Dobson, ‘captures’ NG/G16 No.143 steaming out of Beddgelert Station at the start of the return trip to Rhyd Ddu... 05.04.09: NG/G16 No.143 crosses UB46.72 (Pont Alyn) over the Cwm Cloch Bridleway, at the start of the lower reverse curves immediately above Beddgelert Station... 05.04.09: Above the tranquil waters of Llyn-y-Gader, NG/G16 No.143 rounds the curve from Pitt’s Head Bridge and onto the undulating length of straight track leading to Rhyd Ddu... 05.04.09: NG/G16 No.143 passes below Fridd Uchaf farmhouse nestling in the trees, and the valley carved by Nant yr Aran, as the train bustles towards Rhyd Ddu... 05.04.09: The rounded summit of Yr Aran looms overhead as fleeting pools of sunshine dash across the landscape, briefly illuminating NG/G16 No.143 on the approach to Rhyd Ddu... 05.04.09: The rounded summit of Yr Aran looms overhead as fleeting pools of sunshine dash across the landscape, briefly illuminating NG/G16 No.143 on the approach to Rhyd Ddu... 05.04.09: Sheep graze peacefully on the upland pastures, as NG/G16 No.143 steams into Rhyd Ddu Station... 05.04.09: A change of loco-crew, but the same relaxed stance - Fireman Peter Harrison keeps an eye on the line ahead as NG/G16 No.143 rounds Canal Curve with the penultimate test train prior to re-opening to Beddgelert... 05.04.09: NG/G16 No.143 emerges into brilliant sunshine as it continues round Canal Curve at the top of the Weirglodd S-bend... 05.04.09: NG/G16 No.143 approaches LC43.59 - the open crossing to Weirglodd Isaf - as the train heads through the upper reverse curves... 05.04.09: NG/G16 No.143 rolls across LC43.59 in the middle of the upper reverse curves - ahead the track bears left, before swinging sharp right as the line doubles back on itself... 05.04.09: NG/G16 No.143 glides downhill on the approach to Coed Mawr and the Beddgelert Forest Campsite... 05.04.09: Emerging from the forest, NG/G16 No.143 heads towards the lower reverse curves at Cwm Cloch... 05.04.09: The stretch of track is flanked on one side by fir trees and on the other by the open slopes of Moel Hebog... 05.04.09: Speed is reduced to 10mph, as NG/G16 No.143 heads through the curves of the lower Cwm Cloch S-bend and approaches Cutting Mawr. Ahead of the loco, the trackbed can be seen further downhill - the train will be facing in the opposite direction when it reaches there, having travelled round a 210° curve... 05.04.09: NG/G16 No.143 rounds the upper Cwm Cloch curve and heads back across the flanks of the hillside above Beddgelert Station... 05.04.09: NG/G16 No.143 approaches Cwm Cloch Canol crossing, as it continues the descent to Beddgelert... 05.04.09: NG/G16 No.143 crosses UB46.45 (Middle Cwmcloch Riverbridge) as it eases towards LC46.46 (Cwm Cloch Canol Crossing) before heading into the final reverse curve on the approach to Beddgelert Station... 05.04.09: NG/G16 No.143 swings round the final curve at the bottom of the Cwm Cloch S-bend... 05.04.09: Driver Mark Quayle takes NG/G16 No.143 past the water tower and into Beddgelert Station... 05.04.09: NG/G16 No.143 rolls into Beddgelert Station, past the concrete pillars of the original water tank... 05.04.09: As Beddgelert village basks in the afternoon sunshine, NG/G16 No.143 eases away from the stock of the test train... 05.04.09: NG/G16 No.143 runs-round at Beddgelert Station, prior to another assault on the climb up the hillside... 05.04.09: Firemen Peter Harrison and Andrew Morris enjoy a break at Beddgelert Station - at least they’re on an oil-fired loco, so the return to Rhyd Ddu shouldn’t be too taxing..! 05.04.09: Mark Quayle takes NG/G16 No.143 across UB46.72 (Pont Alyn) as the train heads back to Rhyd Ddu... 05.04.09: With the sheep safely out of the way, Peter Harrison can concentrate on NG/G16 No.143’s injectors as the train climbs through the Cwm Cloch S-bend... 05.04.09: NG/G16 No.143 rounds the curve above Cutting Mawr and heads towards the upper crossing of the Cwm Cloch Bridleway... 05.04.09: In the absence of a white light, NG/G16 No.143 slows to a halt at LC45.17 (Tyn y Coed Crossing)... 05.04.09: After having checked all is clear, Mark Quayle accelerates NG/G16 No.143 over the crossing and heads towards Beddgelert Forest Campsite... 05.04.09: NG/G16 No.143 climbs steadily through the Campsite and across LC44.33 (Coed Mawr Crossing)... 05.04.09: Emerging into the open ground above the Campsite, NG/G16 No.143 crosses LC44.15 as the line swings left, then right, at the start of the Weirglodd S-bend... 05.04.09: Once again bathed in glorious sunshine, NG/G16 No.143 powers onto the lower curves of the Weirglodd S-bend... 05.04.09: NG/G16 No.143 passes the site of the recent work to improve the embankment as it negotiates the tortuous curves of the Weirglodd S-bend... 05.04.09: Like a yacht tacking to catch the wind, NG/G16 No.143 heads round the curve to reverse its direction as it climbs through the Weirglodd S-bend... 05.04.09: Mark Quayle is clearly entranced by the scenery as NG/G16 No.143 negotiates the final turn at the top of the Weirglodd S-bend... 05.04.09: With the S-bends safely behind, it’s time to open up the regulator as NG/G16 No.143 accelerates towards UB42.32 (McAlpine Bridge)... 05.04.09: Climbing briskly at the 20mph line speed, NG/G16 No.143 races towards Tro Cwm Du, with the slopes of Mynydd Drws-y-coed towering above... 05.04.09: As the line curves round the top of the valley, mountain after mountain come into view. Having left Mynydd Drws-y-Coed behind, NG/G16 No.143 heads past Yr Aran as it continues the climb towards the summit... 05.04.09: The weather has certainly improved during the day, as the summit of Snowdon is now clearly visible - even through NG/G16 No.143’s exhaust...

Published in Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways - 'Scene Thru The Lens'

]]> Wed Apr 1 2009 F&WHR - March 2009 http://roger-dimmick.fotopic.net/c1665613.html F&WHR - March 2009 Sunday 1 March 2009: F&WHR - March 2009

10.03.09: Brand new WHR Pullman Observation Carr. 2100 - fresh from the paintshop - poses for its official launch photographs at Boston Lodge... 10.03.09: Brand new WHR Pullman Observation Carr. 2100 - fresh from the paintshop - poses for its official launch photographs at Boston Lodge... 10.03.09: Brand new WHR Pullman Observation Carr. 2100 - fresh from the paintshop - poses for its official launch photographs at Boston Lodge... 10.03.09: Brand new WHR Pullman Observation Carr. 2100 - fresh from the paintshop - poses for its official launch photographs at Boston Lodge... 10.03.09: Brand new WHR Pullman Observation Carr. 2100 - fresh from the paintshop - poses for its official launch photographs at Boston Lodge... 10.03.09: Brand new WHR Pullman Observation Carr. 2100 - fresh from the paintshop - poses for its official launch photographs at Boston Lodge... 10.03.09: Brand new WHR Pullman Observation Carr. 2100 - fresh from the paintshop - poses for its official launch photographs at Boston Lodge... 10.03.09: Brand new WHR Pullman Observation Carr. 2100 - fresh from the paintshop - poses for its official launch photographs at Boston Lodge... 10.03.09: Brand new WHR Pullman Observation Carr. 2100 - fresh from the paintshop - poses for its official launch photographs at Boston Lodge... 12.03.09: Early morning - 05:20 to be precise - and ‘Vale of Ffestiniog’, running light engine, becomes the first train to cross Britannia Bridge on the new WHR Cross-Town Link... 12.03.09: A little later (05:37) - ’Vale of Ffestiniog’ takes the first loco-hauled train across Britannia Bridge, consisting of WHR carriages 2100 and 2060 being moved to Dinas, plus FR Carr. 111 to carry staff members... 12.03.09: After waiting alongside the main town car park, ‘Vale of Ffestiniog’ heads the stock transfer train onto the Snowdon Street Crossing at 06:08... 12.03.09: The driver was obeying the sign – honestly! Even shooting at 1600ASA (hence the poor quality) it was impossible to ‘freeze’ the loco as it was still very dark... 12.03.09: The stock transfer train was then parked between Y Cwt and Portmadoc New. John Peduzzi and Ben Rosen stayed with the train until the time came to cross the Cambrian Coast line... 12.03.09: The concrete pillars of the old Portmadoc New water-tower can be seen in front of the train... 12.03.09: Cae Pawb Crossing – a possession of the Cambrian Coast line took effect at 10:45, after this train has passed, allowing the stock transfer train to continue on its way... 12.03.09: A group of F&WHR and Network Rail staff wait for the train to move towards Cae Pawb crossing... 12.03.09: “It’ll move soon...” 12.03.09: ‘Vale of Ffestiniog’ moves slowly towards Cae Pawb crossing... 12.03.09: ...then stops with its first pair of wheels on the crossing 12.03.09: Glenn Williams, Norman Bond, Ben Rosen and Phil Brown savour the moment... 12.03.09: Group photo time... [l to r] Dave High (former WHRCL Porthmadog Cross Town Link Manager), Jon Whalley (FRCo Chief Mechanical Engineer), Paul Lewin (FRCo General Manager), Glenn Williams (Boston Lodge Carriage Works/Painter extraordinaire), Norman Bond (Carriage Works Supervisor), Ben Rosen (FR Hostel Warden/Diesel Driver), Phil Brown (FR Deputy Operating Manager), Pete Gray (WHR P-Way Manager) and last – but never least – Fred Howes (FR Civil Engineering Manager)... 12.03.09: Phil, Pete and Fred think it’s all ‘Jolly Good Fun’... 12.03.09: Phil Brown and John Rogers (Network Rail Relief Local Operations Manager) smile for the cameras... 12.03.09: Paul Lewin was positively beaming for the compulsory ‘General Manager at the Helm’ photo-call... 12.03.09: Finally, at 11:05, ‘Vale of Ffestiniog’ moves the train slowly across the Cambrian Coast line... 12.03.09: ...with a close eye being kept on the trains behaviour over the crossing 12.03.09: John Ewing (WHRCL Director) signals Phil Brown to stop the train, so that the wide-to-gauge trap points can be reset to protect the crossing... 12.03.09: Time to inspect the effect of a train passing over the crossing... 12.03.09: Luckily, this learner driver missed the distraction of an approaching train as she negotiates the corner at Pont Croesor level crossing... 12.03.09: ‘Vale of Ffestiniog’ passes slowly through the location of the future Pont Croesor Halt... 12.03.09: ‘Vale of Ffestiniog’ negotiates the turnout for the northern end of Pont Croesor loop... 12.03.09: Paul Lewin and Pete Gray keep a close-eye on proceedings, as Phil Brown takes ‘Vale of Ffestiniog’ across the road at Pont Croesor... 12.03.09: John Wooden takes a break from filming his new ‘Drivers-Eye View’ DVD, as ‘Vale of Ffestiniog’ rolls onto the bridge... 12.03.09: The towering peak of Cnicht is just below cloud level, as ‘Vale of Ffestiniog’ brings the train to a halt on the bridge... 12.03.09: I couldn’t resist the temptation to grab a semi-silhouette shot against the sky filled with gathering clouds... 12.03.09: ‘Vale of Ffestiniog’ heads north, in front of the cloud-enveloped Moelwyns... 12.03.09: Having just passed Hafod y Llyn, ‘Vale of Ffestiniog’ approaches the riverbank repair site... 12.03.09: ‘Vale of Ffestiniog’ pulls away from the riverbank repair site, where ‘Criccieth Castle’ had been attached to the rear of the train – having been stabled at Hafod y Llyn... 12.03.09: Phil Brown checks back along the train as ‘Vale of Ffestiniog’ heads towards Nantmor Bank... 12.03.09: Norman Bond and Glenn Williams enjoy the fruits of their labours... 12.03.09: ‘Vale of Ffestiniog’ draws forward onto Nantmor Crossing... 12.03.09: ‘Vale of Ffestiniog’ waits, in Nantmor Cutting, for Pete Gray to replace the stop-block protecting the crossing... 12.03.09: ‘Vale of Ffestiniog’ emerges from Tunnel 3 and climbs slowly through the Aberglaslyn Pass... 12.03.09: ‘Vale of Ffestiniog’ heads downhill from Tunnel 2... 12.03.09: ‘Vale of Ffestiniog’ passes through the Aberglaslyn Pass with the stock transfer train... 12.03.09: Late afternoon – 16:45 – ‘Criccieth Castle’ waits while the trap points are set for access to Cae Pawb Crossing. ‘Vale of Ffestiniog’ had been left at Dinas, where it will stay until after Easter... 12.03.09: ‘Criccieth Castle’ brings FR Carr. 111 – the first south-bound train - over Cae Pawb Crossing... 12.03.09: ‘Criccieth Castle’ runs slowly along the banks of Llyn Bach, on its way to Britannia Bridge... 12.03.09: ‘Criccieth Castle’ draws slowly forward over the transition rails on the approach to Britannia Bridge...

Published in Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways - 'Scene Thru The Lens'

]]> Sun Mar 1 2009 'Golden Bolts' Ceremony - Linking the F&WHR http://roger-dimmick.fotopic.net/c1661224.html 'Golden Bolts' Ceremony - Linking the F&WHR Saturday 28 February 2009: 'Golden Bolts' Ceremony - Linking the F&WHR

Published in Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways - 'Scene Thru The Lens'

]]> Sat Feb 28 2009 F&WHR - February 2009 http://roger-dimmick.fotopic.net/c1658178.html F&WHR - February 2009 Sunday 1 February 2009: F&WHR - February 2009

01.02.09: Hunslet 4wDH ‘Moel y Gest’ has been undergoing an overhaul at Boston Lodge, and is seen here in No.4 Road... 01.02.09: A new compressor has been fitted to ‘Moel y Gest’ during the overhaul... 01.02.09: A new compressor has been fitted to ‘Moel y Gest’ during the overhaul... 01.02.09: Inside the Carriage Works, the engine from ‘Castell Caernarfon’ has been receiving attention from a team of volunteers – who seem slightly shy about displaying the fruits of their labours..! 01.02.09: Alongside the main engine block, a varied selection of refurbished and overhauled components awaits the re-assembly of the engine unit... 01.02.09: Re-assembly of the engine unit will commence when new piston rings have been delivered... 01.02.09: WHR Observation Carr. 2100 has moved into the Paint Shop, following completion of work on the brake rigging and running gear, in readiness for painting into its final livery... 01.02.09: The Observation Saloon is seen here with a full-complement of newly-upholstered seats... 01.02.09: ...as it had been used as a ‘theatre’ for two presentations on the WHR, to officers and guests of ‘Visit Wales’ and the ‘Millennium Commission’. 01.02.09: Inside the HLF workshop, work continues apace on the re-fit and overhaul of WHR Carr. 2090... 01.02.09: ...including a ‘traditional’ record of work undertaken – if you can call red marker pen ‘traditional’... 01.02.09: A closer look at the ‘chicane’ around the toilet compartment, and the offset door to the passenger compartment... 01.02.09: The new bulkhead and offset door between the passenger compartment and the toilet/service area... 01.02.09: As part of the overhaul of WHR Carr. 2090, the roof is being replaced to meet the latest design specifications... 01.02.09: As part of the overhaul of WHR Carr. 2090, the roof is being replaced to meet the latest design specifications... 01.02.09: Alongside WHR Carr. 2090, work continues on assembling the framework and seats of new FR ‘Super Saloon’ Carr. 103... 01.02.09: Alongside WHR Carr. 2090, work continues on assembling the framework and seats of new FR ‘Super Saloon’ Carr. 103... 02.02.09: Snow in Harbour Station – while many parts of the UK were lying under a heavy blanket of snow, this is about the deepest it got in Porthmadog... 02.02.09: Snow in Harbour Station – a very rare sight for Porthmadog, which in typical fashion appeared on a day when no trains were running..! 11.02.09: FR Carr. 113 poses in the sun at Harbour Station, ready for its first trip on the FR following attention at Boston Lodge after its return from the WHR. The re-instated First Class compartments are clearly visible through the windows... 11.02.09: The windows of FR Observation Carr. 111 reflect the front of the 10-Carr train required for this day’s trip to Trwyn-y-Garnedd, and NG/G16 No.87 waiting in the station yard... 11.02.09: Seen from the cab of NG/G16 No.87, ‘Merddin Emrys’ runs through Harbour Station heading for the water tower... 18.02.09: NG/G16 No.87 powers across the Cob on a loaded test run, with seven carriages and ‘Criccieth Castle’ in tow... 18.02.09: The signal has just returned to ‘Danger’, as NG/G16 No.87 powers past on a loaded test run across the Cob...

Published in Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways - 'Scene Thru The Lens'

]]> Sun Feb 1 2009 F&WHR - January 2009 http://roger-dimmick.fotopic.net/c1632319.html F&WHR - January 2009 Thursday 1 January 2009: F&WHR - January 2009

01.01.09: ‘Castell Caernarfon’ and NG/G16 No.143 slow on the approach to Hendy Crossing, with the first WHR service of 2009 – the 1045 train from Caernarfon... 01.01.09: ‘Castell Caernarfon’ and NG/G16 No.143 move slowly over Hendy Crossing, with the 1045 train from Caernarfon... 01.01.09: ‘Castell Caernarfon’ and NG/G16 No.143 accelerate briskly towards Pant Farm, with the 1045 train from Caernafon... 01.01.09: ‘Castell Caernarfon’ and NG/G16 No.143 run alongside Rhos Isaf Road, having just emerged from beneath Cae Moel Bridge with the 1045 train from Caernarfon... 01.01.09: ‘Castell Caernarfon’ and NG/G16 No.143 accelerate away from LC 25.05, up the long 1 in 43 climb towards Plas Bodaden... 01.01.09: NG/G16 No.143 steams across LC 33.45 on the curve approaching Pont Cerrig y Rhyd, with the 1045 train from Caernarfon... 01.01.09: NG/G16 No.143 rounds the curve approaching Castell Cidwm Bridge, with the 1045 train from Caernarfon... 01.01.09: NG/G16 No.143 heads towards Caeau Gwynion Farm, with the towering summit of Snowdon looming overhead... 01.01.09: NG/G16 No.143 brings the 1045 train from Caernarfon through the sinuous curves beneath Clogwyn Incline... 01.01.09: NG/G16 No.143 approaches LC 38.64 at the start of Tro Frîdd Curve, with the 1045 train from Caernarfon... 01.01.09: NG/G16 No.143 rounds Tro Frîdd Curve at the head of the Gwyrfai Valley, with the 1045 train from Caernarfon... 01.01.09: NG/G16 No.143 takes the 1045 train from Caernarfon across UB 38.77 on Tro Frîdd Curve, with the still waters of Llyn Cwellyn in the valley below reflecting the surrounding landscape... 01.01.09: Fireman Cedric Lodge and Driver Paul Lewin entertain passengers, while waiting for departure time at Rhyd Ddu... 01.01.09: The cabside plate of NG/G16 No.143 glints in the strong winter sunlight... 01.01.09: A Contrast in Light and Shade [1] – NG/G16 No.143 moves the 1220 train from Rhyd Ddu slowly towards the crossing at Snowdon Ranger, with the dark waters of Llyn Cwellyn reflecting the shaded hillside on the far side of the valley... 01.01.09: A Contrast in Light and Shade [2] – NG/G16 No.143 heads towards Castell Cidwm Bridge with the 1220 train from Rhyd Ddu... 01.01.09: NG/G16 No.143 rolls down the 1 in 40 grade towards LC 25.05, with the 1220 train from Rhyd Ddu... 01.01.09: NG/G16 No.143 approaches LC 20.80 - the St Helens Road Foot Crossing – with the 1220 train from Rhyd Ddu... 01.01.09: NG/G16 No.143 passes the point where the former Llanberis and Afon Wen standard gauge lines diverged, as the 1220 train from Rhyd Ddu nears the end of its journey... 01.01.09: NG/G16 No.143 stands beneath the water tower at Caernarfon, where overflow from filling the tank has turned the ballast into ice pebbles... 01.01.09: NG/G16 No.143 storms through St Helens Road Bridge, with the 1355 train to Rhyd Ddu... 01.01.09: NG/G16 No.143 climbs the gradient across Pont Seiont and enters the frost filled cutting, with the 1355 train to Rhyd Ddu... 01.01.09: NG/G16 No.143 rounds the curve leading from Bodaden and steams toward LC 25.91 beside Rhostryfan Road... 01.01.09: NG/G16 No.143 approaches LC 25.91 beside Rhostryfan Road, with the 1355 train from Caernarfon... 01.01.09: On a glorious golden sunlit morning, ‘David Lloyd George’ and ‘Criccieth Castle’ bring the empty stock for the 1015 train to Blaenau Ffestiniog across the Cob... 01.01.09: As the early morning sunlight glints along the side of the train, ‘David Lloyd George’ and ‘Criccieth Castle’ approach Harbour Station with the stock for the 1015 service to Blaenau Ffestiniog... 01.01.09: Beneath a clear blue sky, ‘David Lloyd George’ and ‘Criccieth Castle’ bring the stock for the 1015 train to Blaenau Ffestiniog into Harbour Station 13.01.09: ‘Vale of Ffestiniog’ stands in front of the flooded Traeth at the entrance to Boston Lodge Yard... 13.01.09: The doors to Boston Lodge Erecting Shop’s No.3 Road are opened to reveal NG/G16 No.87 standing inside... 13.01.09: ‘Vale of Ffestiniog’ eases NG/G16 No.87 out of the Erecting Shop... 13.01.09: ‘Vale of Ffestiniog’ slowly draws NG/G16 No.87 out into the winter sunshine shining on Boston Lodge Yard... 13.01.09: NG/G16 No.87’s dome cover is placed back into position... 13.01.09: General Manager Paul Lewin turns his hand to loco cleaning, to ensure NG/G16 No.87 looks its best for the photographs... 13.01.09: Looking like a submarine Commander in his conning tower, Paul Lewin stands in the coal bunker of NG/G16 No.87 as he continues cleaning the loco... 13.01.09: The obligatory ‘press call’ photo of a smiling General Manager... 13.01.09: ...and the Boston Lodge Staff who have been involved in restoring NG/G16 No.87 13.01.09: Time to finally reveal NG/G16 No.87 in all its glory, set against a backdrop of the flooded Traeth... 13.01.09: ‘Vale of Ffestiniog’ moves NG/G16 No.87 through Boston Lodge Yard towards the headshunt... 13.01.09: NG/G16 No.87 stands on the outside pit road at Boston Lodge, as the winter sun illuminates the surrounding scenery... 13.01.09: The contrast between the bright sunlight and the dramatic clouds helps to emphasise every detail on NG/G16 No.87... 13.01.09: The contrast between the bright sunlight and the dramatic clouds helps to emphasise every detail on NG/G16 No.87... 13.01.09: The contrast between the bright sunlight and the dramatic clouds helps to emphasise every detail on NG/G16 No.87... 13.01.09: The contrast between the bright sunlight and the dramatic clouds helps to emphasise every detail on NG/G16 No.87... 13.01.09: The contrast between the bright sunlight and the dramatic clouds helps to emphasise every detail on NG/G16 No.87... 13.01.09: The contrast between the bright sunlight and the dramatic clouds helps to emphasise every detail on NG/G16 No.87... 13.01.09: The contrast between the bright sunlight and the dramatic clouds helps to emphasise every detail on NG/G16 No.87... 13.01.09: The contrast between the bright sunlight and the dramatic clouds helps to emphasise every detail on NG/G16 No.87... 13.01.09: The contrast between the bright sunlight and the dramatic clouds helps to emphasise every detail on NG/G16 No.87... 13.01.09: A close-up of the small number plate on the rear bunker of NG/G16 No.87... 13.01.09: A close-up of the distinctive cabside plate of NG/G16 No.87...

Published in Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways - 'Scene Thru The Lens'

]]> Thu Jan 1 2009 F&WHR - December 2008 http://roger-dimmick.fotopic.net/c1626027.html F&WHR - December 2008 Monday 1 December 2008: F&WHR - December 2008

03.12.08: December – cold weather... sunny days... condensing steam... and atmosphere aplenty... 03.12.08: ‘Blanche’ simmers beneath the water tower at Porthmadog, during the layover between the morning and afternoon trips to Blaenau Ffestiniog... 03.12.08: The sunlight shining on the side of ‘Blanche’ reveals the effects of a ‘wax polish’ during the loco’s preparation that morning... 03.12.08: The panoramic reflection in the dome cover includes the water tower, South Snowdon Wharf, Harbour Station buildings and the harbour itself... 03.12.08: With a mighty roar, the safety valves lift as ‘Blanche’ prepares to couple up to the stock of the 1345 train to Blaenau Ffestiniog... 03.12.08: ‘Blanche’ steams away from Porthmadog and heads across the Cob with the 1345 train to Blaenau Ffestiniog... 04.12.08: Now re-united with both its front and rear power units, and with the rear bunker in place, NG/G16 No.87 is seen undergoing provisional curvature tests in the confines of Boston Lodge Yard... 04.12.08: NG/G16 No.87 is carefully manoeuvred over the points leading to 14 Road in Boston Lodge Yard... 04.12.08: The Cockerill worksplates have recently been attached to the boiler cradle of NG/G16 No.87... 04.12.08: A close-up of the Société Cockerill Seraing worksplate on the driver’s side of NG/G16 No.87... 04.12.08: ‘Vale of Ffestiniog’ draws NG/G16 No.87 slowly towards the Boston Lodge headshunt... 04.12.08: Bob Yates keeps a close watch as ‘Vale of Ffestiniog’, with Rob Coulson at the controls, propels NG/G16 No.87 towards the outside pit in Boston Lodge Yard... 04.12.08: Looking beneath the front of the rear bunker at the flexible connections between the boiler cradle and the rear power unit... 04.12.08: Seen from a higher vantage point, NG/G16 No.87 poses beside the main line – with clear evidence that work on its rebuild is still ‘in progress’... 04.12.08: With Tremadog Cliffs and the flooded Traeth as a backdrop, NG/G16 No.87 is moved slowly through the points in Boston Lodge Yard... 04.12.08: NG/G16 No.87 and ‘Vale of Ffestiniog’ make an impressive sight, as they sit at the entrance to Boston Lodge Yard... 07.12.08: A ‘Santa Train’ sits in Tan-y-Bwlch Station, illuminated by the golden glow of the late afternoon winter sun... 07.12.08: After un-coupling from the train, ‘Blanche’ steams under Tan-y-Bwlch footbridge, before returning through the loop to the water tower... 07.12.08: ‘Blanche’ steams through Tan-y-Bwlch Station, with Derek Evans at the controls... 07.12.08: I couldn’t make my mind up whether I preferred this shot in colour or in black and white – so I’ll let you decide which you like best... 09.12.08: On a cold and frosty morning, ‘Blanche’ steams away from Harbour Station at the head of a privately chartered ‘Santa Special’... 09.12.08: On a cold and frosty morning, ‘Blanche’ steams away from Harbour Station at the head of a privately chartered ‘Santa Special’... 14.12.08: Another cold, but bright and sunny morning! Fireman Ian Smith places the ‘Santa Special’ headboard on ‘Blanche’s smokebox, under the watchful eye of Driver Andrew ‘Jesse’ Wright... 14.12.08: ‘Blanche’ steams towards Tan-y-Bwlch bridge, with Fireman Ian Smith keeping an eye out for the signal ahead... 14.12.08: ‘Blanche’ sits beside the water tower at Tan-y-Bwlch, proudly displaying the ‘Santa Special’ headboard produced by Glenn Williams... 14.12.08: Proof positive that it was a cold morning! Icicles formed by water dripping slowly from Tan-y-Bwlch water tower’s ‘bottom end’ bag... 14.12.08: Proof positive that it was a cold morning! Icicles formed by water dripping slowly from Tan-y-Bwlch water tower’s ‘bottom end’ bag... 14.12.08: Fireman Ian Smith tops up ‘Blanche’s saddle tank, beside Harbour Station’s water tower... 14.12.08: Swathed in steam, Ian Smith and Andrew ‘Jesse’ Wright attend to ‘Blanche’, beside Harbour Station’s water tower... 14.12.08: The setting sun casts shadows through the steam surrounding ‘Blanche’, as the loco is serviced by Harbour Station’s water tower... 14.12.08: The setting sun casts shadows through the steam surrounding ‘Blanche’, as the loco is serviced by Harbour Station’s water tower... 14.12.08: Andrew ‘Jesse’ Wright moves ‘Blanche’ away from the water tower at Harbour Station, beneath a cloud formation that looks remarkably like a map of the United Kingdom..! 14.12.08: Andrew ‘Jesse’ Wright concentrates on moving ‘Blanche’ slowly towards the rear of the carriages in the platform road... 17.12.08: Yet another cold, but bright and sunny morning! Sheep graze peacefully on the hill above Boston Lodge, as ‘Blanche’ storms across the Cob on its way to Porthmadog with the stock for the 1015 train to Blaenau Ffestiniog... 17.12.08: ‘Blanche’ steams past the Home signal with the empty stock for the 1015 train to Blaenau Ffestiniog... 17.12.08: Another picture where I like both the subtleties of the colour photo, and the contrasts of the black and white version... 20.12.08: ‘Castell Caernarfon’ heads into Caernarfon Station, surrounded by a cloud of condensing steam from NGG16 No.143... 20.12.08: Driver Paul Ingham brings NG/G16 No.143 into Waunfawr Station, while running round the waiting ‘Santa Train’... 21.12.08: A cold and misty Tan-y-Bwlch, with ‘David Lloyd George’ running round the last FR ‘Santa Train’ of 2008... 21.12.08: With the mist enveloping Tan-y-Bwlch Station, Aled Jones waits for the last passengers to board before taking ‘David Lloyd George’ back to Porthmadog on the last FR ‘Santa Train’ of 2008... 27.12.08: ‘David Lloyd George’ heads across the Cob towards Porthmadog, before working the 1015 service to Blaenau Ffestiniog... 27.12.08: As ‘David Lloyd George’ waits for the signals to clear, Martin Fuller - visiting Talyllyn Railway loco-driver - experiences the delights of a Double-Fairlie footplate ride on a cold and frosty morning..! 27.12.08: ‘David Lloyd George’ moves off towards the platform at Harbour Station... 27.12.08: ‘David Lloyd George’ blasts away from Harbour Station, with the 1015 service to Blaenau Ffestiniog... 27.12.08: Fireman Sam Miller concentrates on the road ahead, as Driver Iain Wilkinson admires the spectacular exhaust... 27.12.08: ‘David Lloyd George’ powers towards Boston Lodge, with the 1015 service to Blaenau Ffestiniog... 27.12.08: ‘David Lloyd George’ storms along Gwyndy Bank, with the 1015 train from Porthmadog... 27.12.08: The strong sunshine highlights the dramatic exhaust, as ‘David Lloyd George’ heads past Plas Clayton on Gwyndy Bank, with the 1015 train from Porthmadog... 27.12.08: ‘David Lloyd George’ powers round Coed-y-Bleiddiau Curve, with the 1015 train from Porthmadog... 27.12.08: ‘David Lloyd George’ passing Coed-y-Bleiddiau Cottage, with the 1015 train from Porthmadog...

Published in Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways - 'Scene Thru The Lens'

]]> Mon Dec 1 2008 F&WHR - November 2008 http://roger-dimmick.fotopic.net/c1617011.html F&WHR - November 2008 Saturday 1 November 2008: F&WHR - November 2008

01.11.08: Inside the HLF Carriage Works the fitting out of the new WHR Observation Carriage continues, with the installation of further moulding strips and a small shelf around the end of the carriage... 01.11.08: The ceiling and ceiling rose have been painted... 01.11.08: Further decorative details include black painted mouldings, with gold lining, at cantrail level... 01.11.08: The full effect is seen here, looking through the carriage from the Observation compartment. Note the depth of the panels containing the marquetry inlays – these extend down to the bottom of the windows, to match the height of the low-backed chairs to be used in this section... 01.11.08: A close-up of one of the six marquetry panels in the carriage – all of which depict an Osprey... 01.11.08: Looking towards the Observation compartment, it can be seen that the inlaid panels in this area of the carriage are much shallower – to match the height of the ‘Pullman’ chairs to be used in this section... 01.11.08: Looking towards the storage/vestibule end of the carriage... 01.11.08: A close-up of the decorative mouldings positioned between the windows... 01.11.08: Detail of one of the end panels, illustrating all of the decorative elements used inside the carriage... 01.11.08: An interior door for the WHR Observation Carriage... 01.11.08: The repaint of FR Carr. No.22 has been completed... 01.11.08: ...and it is seen here following application of all the bodyside transfers... 01.11.08: FR ‘Bowsider’ No. 20 is receiving attention to its paintwork and varnish in the Paint Shop... 01.11.08: In the Boiler Shop, components for the rebuild of NG/G16 No.87 sit on one of the workbenches... 01.11.08: ...including an ever-growing collection of pipework required for plumbing the loco! 01.11.08: The fitting of pipework to NG/G16 No.87 continues slowly, but surely... 01.11.08: The interior of No.87’s cab has been painted, and progress continues with installing the many components of the cab fittings... 01.11.08: Brake valve and ejector in the cab of NG/G16 No.87... 01.11.08: Progress on the fireman’s side of No.87 is looked at in detail over the next few photos... 02.11.08: This side of the loco is normally hidden from view, due to its position in the Boiler Shop... 02.11.08: A close-up of the ash-pan and its surrounding pipework... 02.11.08: A wider shot of the ash-pan – the arm extending from the bottom right is part of the linkage for the rocking grate... 02.11.08: Don’t expect me to identify every component, or piece of pipework, that is visible in these photos... 02.11.08: ...I have included them to show the amount, and complexity, of work that has been undertaken! 02.11.08: Detail of the pipework beneath the fireman’s side of the cab... 02.11.08: The vacuum cylinder on NG/G16 No.87... 02.11.08: The ‘front end’ of NG/G16 No.87 with the outside steam pipes in position... 02.11.08: Inside the smokebox of NG/G16 No.87... 02.11.08: A study in light and shade – the ‘light aircraft grey’ livery will provide quite a challenge to photographers! 02.11.08: Out in the Erecting Shop, the hind power bogie has received a ‘final’ coat of paint... 02.11.08: The balance weights and suspension components are emphasised by being painted in ‘light aircraft grey‘... 02.11.08: ...as are the covers on the roller-bearing axle-boxes 02.11.08: In contrast, the front power bogie displays the effects of work being carried out since its original repaint..! 07.11.08: The ‘Cric’ of Gold at the end of the Rainbow.... 07.11.08: ‘Criccieth Castle’ pauses on the Cob during shunting at Porthmadog, as a passing shower produces a dramatic rainbow overhead... 09.11.08: Recent progress with the ‘Lyd’ Project includes the production of the Boiler Feed Clacks... 09.11.08: The raw castings were machined in Boston Lodge Works... 16.11.08: Further components manufactured for ‘Lyd’ include the vacuum cylinders... 16.11.08: These were cast from patterns produced ‘in-house’ by Donald Bateman... 16.11.08: ...with machining of the raw castings again being completed in Boston Lodge Works 16.11.08: Connecting rods and valve gear components from NG/G16 No.87 await attention in the Erecting Shop... 16.11.08: Freshly polished valve gear components from NG/G16 No.87... 16.11.08: These polished cranks clearly reveal that they are original components from NG/G16 No.87... 16.11.08: Some of the many links required by the Walschaerts valve gear... 16.11.08: Latest arrival in the Paint Shop is FR ‘Bowsider’ No. 17, which is receiving minor attention to its paintwork and a re-varnish. Droplights, window straps and other components are laid out on the bench to the right... 16.11.08: ...all labelled to ensure they return to their correct location! 16.11.08: One of the Granite waggons – converted from an FR slate waggon – is being restored by a gang of volunteers, and carries a rather ‘tongue-in-cheek’ sign..! 16.11.08: Yin and Yang - Two axlebox covers from the Granite waggon... 21.11.08: Recent activity at Harbour Station has seen the point leading from the platform road temporarily re-instated - with the point blades blocked and clamped in position, but not connected to the ground-frame... 22.11.08: ‘Moel y Gest’ makes a rare appearance in Harbour Station, with a train conveying track materials for a temporary road-rail transfer siding...

Published in Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways - 'Scene Thru The Lens'

]]> Sat Nov 1 2008 Boston Lodge Old Engine Shed (Part 3) http://roger-dimmick.fotopic.net/c1614771.html Boston Lodge Old Engine Shed (Part 3) Friday 4 July 2008: Boston Lodge Old Engine Shed (Part 3)

04.07.08: I returned the next day to ensure that I missed as little as possible of the excavations. Work was already underway cutting sheets of rebar mesh to reinforce the concrete foundations of the new extension... 04.07.08: The excavation of the new foundation trench was progressing rapidly, and rebar sheets were already being put in place... 04.07.08: The material removed from the excavation was transferred by dumper truck - through Boston Lodge Works - and dumped in Glanymor Yard behind the Carriage Shed... 04.07.08: The rebar sheets were placed in the bottom of the trench and supported by some of the many bricks disturbed in the excavation... 04.07.08: By lunchtime the excavation had reached around half of its final length, and had broken through the outside wall of the inspection pit... 04.07.08: Looking back in the opposite direction, to the section of wall uncovered and photographed the previous day... 04.07.08: A closer look at the section through the outside wall of the inspection pit, with the loose rubble fill to the left... 04.07.08: Looking from the end of the excavation at the freshly exposed inner face of the inspection pit... 04.07.08: Seen from above, the freshly excavated area continues to show that the inspection pit was dug out of, and constructed in, a layer of sand... 04.07.08: A closer look at the inside face of the inspection pit. It is interesting to compare the construction with that of the two pits inside the main building – the yellow bricks used for this inspection pit present a much more ‘rustic’ appearance than those used for the other two... 04.07.08: Looking in the opposite direction, it is possible to compare the position of the rails from the recently demolished ‘modern’ extension (seen on the right) with that of the inspection pit (on the left). This shows that the original extension was wider than the modern version and that the rails were a couple of feet further away from the main structure of the building... 04.07.08: Looking more closely at the material used to fill the inspection pit reveals that it is a mixture of slate rubble and soil, but also includes some broken pieces of red brick. It would be interesting to speculate on the origin of this material, especially as I do not know when this inspection pit was filled in... 04.07.08: Using a telephoto lens emphasises the different curvature of the track entering the modern and original extensions... 04.07.08: The centre line of the area to be excavated next is shown by the red paint on the ground... 04.07.08: Realising the likely speed of progress, I returned to the site after the contractors had left at the end of the day. A further section of rebar mesh had been added and bricks positioned for more to be laid shortly... 04.07.08: Turning through 180°, it can be seen that the excavation of the foundation trench has reached the end of the surveyor’s mark seen previously. Having taken this photograph I then spotted a significant feature revealed in this area – the bricks piled on the right... 04.07.08: These bricks were red in colour, whole and clearly not part of the rubble infill of the inspection pit - they were also of much higher quality than the yellow bricks seen before. From their position it was obvious that they were from a section of the demolished inspection pit walling... 04.07.08: Looking at the recently excavated section of the inspection pit, I soon found the point where its construction changed from rustic yellow brick to the high-quality red brick. This can be seen slightly left of centre, below the rope hanging from the Old Engine Shed roof- and is approximately 50ft from the entrance to the extension... 04.07.08: A close-up of the red bricks further emphasises their quality – double frogged with ‘J.C.E.’ imprinted on one side and ‘3⅛’ on the other... 04.07.08: The yellow bricks are slab sided, made of much coarser material and bear no identifying marks. These bricks also appear to match those surrounding the recesses in the internal wall of the main building. The possibility exists, therefore, that the recesses were created at the same time as the extension was built – perhaps to hold lanterns to compensate for the loss of natural light... 04.07.08: I decided to do a little excavation of my own, as the foundation trench had not reached the bottom of the inspection pit, and I wanted to explore further. However, it didn’t take as much work as I expected – as the inspection pit was only 32 04.07.08: The extension’s pit was, logically, the same width as the others – just over 22 04.07.08: I next turned my attention to the outer edge of the foundation trench, where – in a real ‘Time Team’ moment - I immediately spotted this section of timber protruding from the soil... 04.07.08: Seen from above, the post protrudes slightly (lower centre of the photo) into the trench – its location can also be checked against earlier photographs by referring to the position of the bricks and the rebar mesh on the right... 04.07.08: Looking across the trench, the post is aligned slightly to the right of the first free standing pillar of the main building. The distance from the pillar to the inspection pit is 7', and from the inspection pit to the timber post is 4'. Measurement in both cases being taken from the ‘outer’ edge of the inspection pit walls – which are 14 04.07.08: Having discovered one post, I went searching again... and very shortly found another. Although this example is in much worse condition, it is again possible to make out the in-filled post hole on the right of the timber... 04.07.08: The upright timbers make it easier to see the position of the posts in the trench below them. The posts are exactly ten feet apart, and have been cut down to the same height – this corresponds with a line of brick flooring, which can be seen protruding from the side of the trench... 04.07.08: The layer of bricks can be seen more clearly in this cross-section... 04.07.08: Just as I was about to leave the site, I saw this area of flooring - at the edge of the main building – which had been scrubbed clean by rain and the activity of the contractors. What had previously been hidden - by dust, rubble and ingrained dirt - was the fact that the flooring is laid with red bricks... 06.07.08: My next visit was a couple of days later, following heavy rain which had prevented the contractors from doing much work in the trench. The timber post can be seen more clearly without a covering of dust. The small indentation (one third of the distance from the top) was caused by my finger when I tested the integrity of the wood – it was completely waterlogged! 06.07.08: Luckily, the previous day’s rain had also washed much of the loose material from the sides of the excavation – revealing much more detail in the sub surface layers... 06.07.08: There is approximately 12 06.07.08: Below the floor level is a mixed sub-base of ash, clinker and slate waste... 06.07.08: The depth of the sub-base varies, as it was laid directly onto the ‘ancient’ sand dunes below... 06.07.08: Further along the trench another interesting discovery was made - the flooring material changes from brick (left) to ballast (right), and there is also a concomitant change in the sub-base... 06.07.08: This change of flooring material - together with the previously discovered variation in the construction of the inspection pit - would seem to indicate that the original extension was increased in length at some point in its life. The explanation is not straightforward though, as the change of flooring material occurs some 14' further into the building from the change in the bricks used in the construction of the pit... 06.07.08: Looking at the cross section at this point in the trench shows the difference in the sub-surface layers quite clearly. The start of the ballast flooring is just to the left of the photo, this is laid on a very shallow layer of ash (Note the last vestiges of the previous ash/clinker sub-base above the stone on the left). Beneath the thin layer of ash is a layer of soil filling a hollow in the ‘ancient’ sand dune below... 06.07.08: Then the sun came out to play - and illuminated an area where a considerable amount of loose material had been washed from the side of the trench. On the left can be seen the second timber post found on the last visit – but the feature of interest this time is the brown area extending across the photograph from the top of the post... 06.07.08: Closer inspection shows that, with incredible luck, the excavation has revealed a length of timber from the base of the framework of the original corrugated-clad extension. Fixed to the outer face of the timber post, it appears to have been set on a layer of levelled sand... 06.07.08: Although the actual timber is only visible in a small section of this photograph, its position is clearly marked by the staining to the agglomerate along its length... 06.07.08: With much of the surface dirt washed off by the rainfall of the previous day, and better lighting conditions, it is easier to distinguish the division between the two types of brick used in the construction of the inspection pit... 06.07.08: The rainfall had obviously prevented further excavation, as the foundation trench had not been lengthened. This photograph was taken from directly above the transition from brick to ballast flooring. The pillar opposite will be looked at in more detail later... 06.07.08: Another mini-excavation confirmed that the flooring between the inspection pit and the main building was also formed from yellow bricks... 08.07.08: Two days later, and the main foundation slab for the new extension has already been cast and left to cure... 08.07.08: Seen from the other end, it is apparent that the foundation trench for the rear of the extension has yet to be started... 08.07.08: ...as seen here, together with the junction between the new and original Engine Shed walls... 08.07.08: The roof above the Fitting Shop area of the Old Engine Shed has now been fully boarded, covered in waterproof membrane, and is having the final lengths of battening fitted... 08.07.08: Although seen in previous photographs, this section of the original wall is of interest for two further reasons. Firstly, the two rows of three ‘holes’ to the left of the window – which clearly indicate that something was fixed to the wall at this location. Secondly, it is a reference point for what is directly below the camera at this point... 08.07.08: ...a second section of the timber framework of the original corrugated-clad extension, which had been uncovered by recent work in the area... 08.07.08: The timber can be seen more clearly from above, together with the agglomerate adhering to its surface...

Published in Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways - 'Scene Thru The Lens'

]]> Fri Jul 4 2008 Bob Branch Photo Charter - WHR(C) http://roger-dimmick.fotopic.net/c1602034.html Bob Branch Photo Charter - WHR(C) Friday 24 October 2008: Bob Branch Photo Charter - WHR(C)

24.10.08: The Welsh Highland Railway (C) hosted a Photo Charter, organised by Bob Branch, between 24th and 27th October. It would not have been possible for me to have taken the photographs in this collection without the generous co-operation, and warm welcome, of Bob and his fellow photographers. I extend my grateful thanks to them all – and hope that, when they see the captions to some of the photographs in which they feature, they accept them in the spirit of good-humour that was obvious throughout their visit! 24.10.08: ‘Ruby ’ – a 72 seater, 1966-built, AEC Routemaster (RML2515) - was used to transport the group of photographers between locations... I was picked up at Harbour Station at 07:15 – then it was off to Dinas to collect a Conductor, before calling in at Caeathro Garage for a fuel, food and foto stop... 24.10.08: The bus was driven by David Davies, with James Sutherland being the Conductor for the day... 24.10.08: Next stop was to pick up the group of eighteen photographers who were staying at Planwydd, at the top end of Llyn Cwellyn... 24.10.08: “All aboard, please..!” 24.10.08: Then it was on to Rhyd Ddu to pick up the rest of the group, who were either staying at different locations in the area or just joining the group for a day or two... 24.10.08: The first rays of sunlight hit the upper slopes of Mynydd Drws-y-coed, as ‘Ruby’ waits for the last stragglers to board, before heading off to the Aberglaslyn Pass... 24.10.08: In Rhyd Ddu Yard, Pete Gray and the P-Way Gang were preparing to move the tamper out of its ‘shed’... 24.10.08: Paul Lewin delivers a motivational speech to the train crews, to prepare them for the rigours ahead... At least, that’s what I hope he was doing! 24.10.08: 'Ruby' rounds the bend approaching Bryn y Felin, on the way to the Aberglaslyn Pass... 24.10.08: On arrival the photographers spread out to find their choice of location. Some picked the wide-open spaces and heady heights of the valley sides... 24.10.08: ...while others decided to see how many photographers could fit on the same rock 24.10.08: “Come on, there’s room for a few more..!” 24.10.08: The appearance of a wisp of steam in the distance heralded the arrival of the train, and brought a swift end to the party games... 24.10.08: Well almost – someone’s still playing ‘Hide and Seek’... 24.10.08: ‘Prince’ makes the first run-past of the day, through the top section of the Aberglaslyn Pass... 24.10.08: “...98, 99, 100. Ready or Not, Here I Come!” – Steve Sedgwick shields his eyes from the strong sunlight, so he can see when the train re-appears from the far end of the Pass... 24.10.08: ‘Prince’ - with coaches 24, 23 and 10 – heads through the middle section of the Pass, towards the first of the short tunnels... 24.10.08: The strong sunlight enhances the autumnal colouring of the beech leaves, as ‘Prince’ heads towards Tunnel 2... 24.10.08: Staying close to, and only slightly above, the water level ensured that the sunlight helped to emphasise the varied colours in the river, as ‘Prince’ again heads towards the tunnels... 24.10.08: A change of mood, and a switch to ‘black and white’, as the strong backlighting had the effect of ‘washing out’ the colours in the original photograph... 24.10.08: Framed by the silhouettes of trees near to the camera, ‘Prince’ powers through the Aberglaslyn Pass - with the surface of the river reflecting the brilliant blue sky... 24.10.08: ‘Prince’ emerges from Tunnel 3 and heads into the advancing shadows at the southern end of the Pass, as the train slows to a halt before the entrance to the long tunnel... 24.10.08: The fireman appears to have been a little over-enthusiastic, as ‘Prince’ storms the 1 in 60 grade towards Tunnel 2... 24.10.08: ‘Prince’ is seen here on the next run-past, in virtually the same location as the previous picture, but I had moved slightly upstream to get a side-on shot which included the waterfall seen in the upper right of the picture... 24.10.08: ‘Palmerston’ then took over as the train engine, and is seen here heading north and passing the same location. I had moved slightly further upstream again, but the waterfall can still be seen - above the rear carriage... 24.10.08: ‘Palmerston’ drifts down the 1 in 60 grade away from Tunnel 2... 24.10.08: ‘Palmerston’ attracts the attention of passers-by, as the train enters the wider section of the valley at the northern end of the Pass... 24.10.08: ‘Palmerston’ steams towards Bryn y Felin, along the gently rising 1 in 370 grade... 24.10.08: After a morning in the Aberglaslyn Pass, the photographers moved on to Cwm Cloch. ‘Palmerston’ is seen here, standing at the head of the train in Beddgelert Station, where the engines took on water before heading up to the waiting photographers... 24.10.08: Easier said than done, with no ‘bag’ on the water crane – especially when the wind is blowing... 24.10.08: ...still, at least it gives the locos (and unwary engine crew) a bit of a wash at the same time! 24.10.08: ‘Prince’ simmers gently at the rear of the train, waiting for its turn under the water column... 24.10.08: ‘Palmerston’ heads the train across UB164 at the lower Cwm Cloch crossing [LC86]... 24.10.08: Once across the bridge the train slowed to a halt, ‘Prince’ was uncoupled and ‘Palmerston’ readied for a series of run-pasts around the middle section of the S-bend into, and through, Cutting Mawr... 24.10.08: ‘Palmerston’ storms up the 1 in 40 grade away from UB164, with the strong backlight shining through the exhaust and highlighting the detail on the sides of the carriages... 24.10.08: ‘Palmerston’ climbs towards LC85 – seen from this side of the line, the backlight now emphasises the foliage rather than the train... 24.10.08: Sylvan scenery, definitively Welsh Highland – and not a wisp of steam in sight, as the train rolls gently back across LC85 to take up position for another assault on the climb to Cutting Mawr... 24.10.08: ‘Palmerston’ blasts away from Cwm Cloch and heads up the hill towards LC85... 24.10.08: Powering through the sinuous curves of this section of line, ‘Palmerston’ approaches LC85, with the outbuildings of Cwm Cloch Farm in the background... 24.10.08: ‘Stop, Look, Listen’ is slightly superfluous in this situation, with the blast from ‘Palmerston’s exhaust echoing around the valley as the loco crosses LC85 on the 1 in 40 climb through the lower S-bends... 24.10.08: With the afternoon sun continuing to shine strongly, ‘Palmerston’ again heads up the hill between LC86 and LC85... 24.10.08: ‘Palmerston’ crosses LC85 and heads towards the sharp curve leading to Cutting Mawr... 24.10.08: Moments later, ‘Palmerston’ has rounded the curve and is seen emerging from Cutting Mawr... 24.10.08: A Flash of Orange ‘midst a Sea of Blue – as the light begins to fade and the clouds start to roll in, the massed gallery of photographers wait for the next ‘perfect moment’ to arrive before summoning ‘Palmerston’ for one more run-past... 24.10.08: ‘Palmerston’ bursts from the shadows into a patch of sunlight as the train rounds the curve on the approach to Cutting Mawr... 24.10.08: ‘Palmerston’ climbs towards Cutting Mawr, with Driver Andie Shaw at the regulator... 24.10.08: ‘Palmerston’ rolls around the curves on the embankment below Cutting Mawr... 24.10.08: ...and heads back to Cwm Cloch to collect ‘Prince’, before returning to Beddgelert for more water in readiness for the climb to Pont Cae’r Gors 24.10.08: ‘Palmerston’ does all the work as the loco blasts up the 1 in 40 grade through Pont Cae’r Gors Cutting, with just a slight heat haze betraying the presence of ‘Prince’ at the rear of the train...

Published in Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways - 'Scene Thru The Lens'

]]> Fri Oct 24 2008 F&WHR - October 2008 http://roger-dimmick.fotopic.net/c1594874.html F&WHR - October 2008 Wednesday 1 October 2008: F&WHR - October 2008

05.10.08: The FR Heritage Group’s replica of ‘Spooner’s Boat’ was in action at the beginning of October. Having recently been fitted with a new, larger sail the opportunity was taken for some trial runs across the Cob from Boston Lodge to Porthmadog, and return. The ‘Boat’ is seen here being turned on the waggon turntable in Boston Lodge Top Yard, prior to the afternoon run... 05.10.08: The crew – Andrew Foulds, Richard Stagg, Dave High and Adrian Gray – carefully line up the turntable before rolling the ‘Boat’ back into Boston Lodge’s Bottom Yard... 05.10.08: Once back in the main yard, it was time to prepare the sail in readiness for the trip to Porthmadog... 05.10.08: With the sail raised, the ‘Boat’ waits in glorious sunshine for the 1335 train to Blaenau Ffestiniog to pass by... 05.10.08: ...giving the chance for a closer look at some of the detailed ropework on the front of this ecologically-friendly ‘hybrid’ vehicle! 05.10.08: Fireman Roger van Praet admires the ‘Boat’, as ‘Merddin Emrys’ rounds Boston Lodge Curve with the 1335 train to Blaenau Ffestiniog... 05.10.08: Once the service train had reached Minffordd, a token was obtained and the ‘Boat’ was rolled out of Boston Lodge and onto the main line... 05.10.08: Once the points were reversed, the crew – now increased to five, with the arrival of Dave Yates – pushed the ‘Boat’ back onto Boston Lodge Curve, giving the chance to see more detail of the new sail’s construction... 05.10.08: Driver Dave High holds the brakes on, and Andrew Foulds keeps a tight hold to the sail, as the ballast is added – sorry, as the passengers climb aboard... 05.10.08: As the wind begins to fill the sail, Dave High releases the brakes and ‘honks’ his bulb-horn to warn passers-by of the otherwise silent approach of the ‘Boat’... 05.10.08: ...silent and sedate approach, as the wind speed had dropped significantly compared to the weekends’ other runs across the Cob... 05.10.08: Proudly displaying its motto – ‘Ni l’un ni l’autre’ (Neither one nor the other) – the ‘Boat’ sails across Pen Cob points and heads onto the Cob towards Porthmadog... 05.10.08: Work on NGG16 No.87 continues in the Boiler Shop - the un-repaired dome cover has been temporarily placed back on top of the boiler and pipework is being fitted inside the smokebox... 05.10.08: The ‘Stone’s turbo-generator has been fixed in place - this is a very tight fit and explains the presence of the un-repaired dome cover... 05.10.08: The fitting out of No.87’s cab interior is progressing well... 05.10.08: Meanwhile, inside the New Erecting Shop, a new erection has appeared – the Ffestiniog Railway Society has funded the construction of this mezzanine storage gallery... 05.10.08: This mezzanine gallery will help improve efficiency within the works by providing storage for components and requisites close to the working area, rather than in various outbuildings... 05.10.08: The section underneath the mezzanine gallery provides room for tool chests and this new machine-shop area... 05.10.08: The mezzanine floor also provides an unusual vantage point for photographs of work taking place in the New Erecting Shop... 05.10.08: ...such as the overhaul of the top-end bogie from Double-Fairlie ‘Earl of Merioneth’. The three white ‘sprayed’ areas on the black paint are where the frames have been checked for cracks – previous welded repairs in these corners can be seen. It’s also possible to see the welded repair needed to correct a large crack on the right-hand side of the bogie... 05.10.08: The welded repair is seen much more clearly in close-up... 05.10.08: Components from ‘Earl of Merioneth’s top-end bogie laid out on the floor of the New Erecting Shop. The white and purple colouring is the result of using penetrating dyes for non-destructive testing of components... 05.10.08: Inside the HLF Carriage Works, work on the interior of WHR Observation Carr. 2100 has moved on to applying panelling and mouldings, as well as ceiling finishes... 05.10.08: A close-up of the ceiling rose and ornate lamp cover on WHR Observation Carr. 2100... 05.10.08: The detail work required for the panelling on the curved end of WHR Observation Carr. 2100 is shown here... 05.10.08: The finer detailing of the carriage interior includes the use of inlaid black lines in the bodyside mouldings and a black panel above the windows, which complement the window units... 05.10.08: Alongside Carr. 2100, dry-assembly of the framework for FR Carr. 103 continues. This ‘Enhanced All-Third’ carriage will be mounted on the frames previously under the old Buffet Car... 05.10.08: The framework for FR Carr. 103 takes shape in the HLF Carriage Works at Boston Lodge... 05.10.08: FR ‘Bowsider’ No. 20 has moved into the Carriage Works for attention to its paintwork and re-varnishing, as its appearance was looking very ‘tired’... 05.10.08: The new patterns for ‘Taliesin’s piston-valve conversion are temporarily united, as work progresses on the pattern for the top of the casting... 05.10.08: A closer look at the details of the pattern for the lower half of the casting, which was previously seen (being worked on by Donald Bateman) in one of the photographs in the September 2008 gallery... 12.10.08: In the yard at Boston Lodge, the ‘C2 Project’ team’s flat wagon is being utilised as a mobile workbench. The group are currently refurbishing the skates that will be used once the loco returns from Shildon for restoration... 12.10.08: ‘Rabbit’ and Michael Baker paint the town red... OK, they’re not quite that bad - but they were ‘splashing it all over’! 12.10.08: Painting has also been taking place in the boiler shop, as the cab of NGG16 No.87 has received its first application of ‘light aircraft grey’... 12.10.08: A handily positioned gantry tower allows a closer look at the boiler fittings... 12.10.08: The paintwork is protected by pieces of material while work is carried out around the large ejector... 12.10.08: A close-up of the safety valves... 12.10.08: The original SAS whistle mount is prominent centre-right... 12.10.08: In the Carriage Works, the pattern for the piston valve conversion of ‘Taliesin’s power bogie has been completed. The lower section is seen here... 12.10.08: ...and here from a three-quarter viewpoint 12.10.08: The upper section of the pattern is seen here... 12.10.08: ...and in close-up, showing the details of those responsible for its production 12.10.08: A three-quarter view of the upper section of the pattern, behind which stands one of the internal doors for the new WHR Observation Carriage. This can be identified by the inlaid black lining unique to this carriage... 12.10.08: Decorative mouldings for the interior of the new WHR Observation Carriage... 12.10.08: Decorative corner mouldings for the interior of the new WHR Observation Carriage... 12.10.08: I couldn't resist adding this panoramic photograph of the Glaslyn Valley and its backdrop of the Snowdonia Massif, as seen from the middle of the Cob (Don't forget to 'scroll right' for the full effect!)

Published in Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways - 'Scene Thru The Lens'

]]> Wed Oct 1 2008 WHR(C) - 'Garratt Fifty' Weekend http://roger-dimmick.fotopic.net/c1582056.html WHR(C) - 'Garratt Fifty' Weekend Saturday 6 September 2008: WHR(C) - 'Garratt Fifty' Weekend

06.09.08: Standard gauge returns to Dinas Yard in the form of 0-4-0ST No.1827, built by Beyer Peacock in 1879... 06.09.08: Dave High takes a turn at the controls of the 15 06.09.08: The boiler from NGG16 No.138 was on display in the Engine Shed... 06.09.08: ...resting on the boiler cradle with the inner firebox illuminated to aid inspection 06.09.08: The front of the smokebox betrays evidence of the dreaded ‘tin worm’... 06.09.08: Inside the exhibition marquee there were Garratts aplenty – in all shapes and sizes... 06.09.08: ...some prototypical, some freelance – and some totally ‘off the wall’! 06.09.08: A wide selection of Beyer, Peacock worksplates and numberplates were on display, including this example for NGG16 No.140 – but produced with the prefix for an electric locomotive by mistake... 06.09.08: Further examples of the output from Beyer, Peacock’s brass foundry... 06.09.08: ...including this Rhodesian Railways plate 06.09.08: This 7¼ 06.09.08: Inside the cab of Mike Marshall’s 7¼ 06.09.08: Alongside No.1A was this beautiful 3½ 06.09.08: The quality of finish and restrained lining-out bring out the character of the locomotive superbly... 06.09.08: ...as seen in this close-up of the motion on the front power unit 06.09.08: Next in line was this 5 06.09.08: The original 3' 6 06.09.08: The next visitor on display was ‘William Rufus’, a freelance 7¼ 06.09.08: This is a 5 06.09.08: This particular loco is numbered ‘A.1’ and named ‘Mayumbe’... 06.09.08: The juxtaposition of scales and gauges can be confusing, as this is a 7¼ 06.09.08: This stylish locomotive belongs to Tony & Nick Allsopp, and is certainly worthy of close study... 06.09.08: ...as this close-up of the valve gear on the front power unit shows 06.09.08: Steve Eaton was displaying his 2½ 06.09.08: The final loco on display in the exhibition marquee was this freelance 2 06.09.08: A closer look at the front power unit of Alexander McDonald’s EAR 4-8-2+2-8-4... 06.09.08: Inside Dinas Goods Sheds, there were further displays of loco plates and models. The locomotives were, in this instance, mainly proprietary models – seen here are a 45mm gauge SAR NGG11 and a brace of Accucraft NGG16s. On the wall behind is one of the new cabside plates for NGG16 No.140, still to be restored on the WHR(C)... 06.09.08: This engine was the personal property of Herbert William Garratt and was built by him during the years 1903-1904. It is a scratch-built locomotive and not to a particular prototype. This engine is now in the care and possession of the Welsh Highland Railway Society Limited... 06.09.08: Cabside plate from 3' 6 06.09.08: A variety of Beyer-Garratt models from Accucraft, Backwoods Miniatures and Aster displayed below copies of Beyer Peacock plans and drawings... 06.09.08: A close-up of the 45mm gauge Aster NGG13 belonging to Michael Chapman... 06.09.08: The most popular attraction in Dinas Goods Shed was ‘Ttarrag Shed’ - the demonstration layout of the 16mm Garratt Owners and Operators Association... 06.09.08: The 10' by 30' exhibition layout of the 16mm GO&OA provides plenty of room for the members to run and display their impressive collection of locomotives... 06.09.08: Steam from a passing loco adds to the atmosphere, as it drifts over the engines stabled around the water tank... 06.09.08: The one diesel interloper on the layout is, appropriately, a superb model of the WHR Funkey ‘Castell Caernarfon’... 06.09.08: Beneath the water tank, ‘Castell Caernarfon’ waits for its next turn of duty... 06.09.08: The centrepiece of the layout is this magnificent coaling stage... 06.09.08: NG15 No.144 sits beneath the coaling stage, with the green light from the signal on the running line reflecting off its tender... 06.09.08: A closer look at the front of NG15 No.144... 06.09.08: Alongside No.144 is an NGG16 named ‘South Arbury Conqueror’, which belongs to Chris Moody – founder member of the 16mm GO&OA... 06.09.08: Ahead of ‘South Arbury Conqueror’, a model of NGG16 No.143 waits to leave the shed... 06.09.08: As an empty freight speeds past on the running line, another model of NGG16 No.143 waits patiently at the yard exit... 06.09.08: A Darjeeling Himalaya Railway D Class Beyer-Garratt pauses alongside the yard signal box... 06.09.08: This 16mm model of pioneer Garratt ‘K1’ was running on the layout. Its owner is obviously basing this loco very closely on the current condition of ‘K1’ as running on the WHR. Note the prototypical livery and the addition of the coal rails on the rear bunker... 06.09.08: ...as well as the recent addition of the impressive front headlight 07.09.08: Engine prep on Sunday morning with a trio of ‘K1’s - on 7¼ 07.09.08: Cleaning the motion on the Perrygrove Railway’s 15 07.09.08: “Will my bum fit..?” – F&WHR Fireman Mark Gardner examines the luxurious comforts of the 7¼ 07.09.08: Originally built by the now closed Bush Mills Railway in Tasmania, this handsome loco was visiting from the Perrygrove Railway in the Forest of Dean – its home since April 2005 and where it finally entered service in September 2007 following a rebuild... 07.09.08: An impromptu line-up of the three miniature railway Garratts – 7¼

Published in Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways - 'Scene Thru The Lens'

]]> Sat Sep 6 2008 F&WHR - September 2008 http://roger-dimmick.fotopic.net/c1575937.html F&WHR - September 2008 Monday 1 September 2008: F&WHR - September 2008

05.09.08: The Institution of Mechanical Engineers has awarded an ‘Engineering Heritage Award’ to pioneer Garratt 'K1' in recognition of its historical engineering significance. Before the official unveiling, which took place in torrential rain, the plaque recognising the award was mounted as a headboard and covered by a WHRS roundel... 05.09.08: Prof Isobel Pollock (Chairman of the IMechE), flanked by Paul Lewin (FRCo General Manager) and Paul Inman (K1 Group), explains why the award was granted... 05.09.08: ...then unveils the plaque itself 05.09.08: Prof Isobel Pollock manages to raise a smile for the cameras despite the downpour..! 05.09.08: The plaque recognises 'K1's position as the first of over a thousand... 05.09.08: Paul Lewin and Prof Isobel Pollock pose for the presss in front of 'K1', which - in addition to the headboard - carried the flags of Tasmania and Wales... 05.09.08: 'K1' steams out of Caernarfon Station with the 1355 to Rhyd Ddu... 05.09.08: ...and is seen a few minutes later waiting to leave Dinas. The new headlight is prominent as the steam reveals its powerful beam... 08.09.08: Not quite what it seems... 'Vale of Ffestiniog' sits at the head of the stock for the 1015 train to Blaenau Ffestiniog, which will act as a loaded test run for the loco prior to its re-entry into full service 08.09.08: 'Vale of Ffestiniog' waits for 'Merddin Emrys' to arrive from Boston Lodge... 08.09.08: Trainee Fireman Nick Giles waits to couple 'Merddin Emrys' to 'Vale of Ffestiniog' at Harbour Station, Porthmadog... 08.09.08: Fireman Mike Croxford makes his last minute preparations for departure... 08.09.08: The double-headed test train powers out of Harbour Station... 08.09.08: ...with Dave Davies at the controls of the 'Vale of Ffestiniog' 08.09.08: The powerful combination heads out on to the Cob... 08.09.08: ...and on towards Blaenau Ffestiniog 11.09.08: “What’s that, coming over the Cob... Is it a Monster..?” Well, not quite - ‘Vale of Ffestiniog’ approaches Porthmadog to take its first (unscheduled) solo trip up the line with a passenger service - the 1335 train to Blaenau Ffestiniog – due to a fuel supply problem with the rostered steam loco... 11.09.08: Guard Nigel Gray attends to the ground frame as ‘Vale of Ffestiniog’ approaches the station... 11.09.08: A perfect illustration of why I was taking photographs from inside the station building..! 11.09.08: ‘Vale of Ffestiniog’ powers away from Harbour Station with the 1335 to Blaenau Ffestiniog – just as the rain passes and is replaced by... 11.09.08: Bright afternoon sunlight illuminates the scene as ‘Vale of Ffestiniog’ heads the 1335 ex-Porthmadog along Gwyndy Bank... 11.09.08: Reports of sheep ‘train-surfing’ on Ffestiniog Railway carriages have proved unfounded - despite the evidence provided in this photograph of ‘Vale of Ffestiniog’ rounding Dduallt Tank Curve with the 1335 Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog... 12.09.08: Coal trains now make regular appearances at Harbour Station, due to the increased reliance on coal-fired locomotives. ‘Criccieth Castle’ is seen here with the three ex-South African B wagons that the railway uses for transferring coal from Minffordd Yard... 12.09.08: One wagon is retained at Harbour Station for coaling locos between trains, and the other two are kept at Boston Lodge for coaling locos at the beginning and end of the day... 14.09.08: ‘Linda’s boiler is seen here after having successfully passed a hydraulic test to 200psi... 14.09.08: The newly-painted cladding sheets have been fitted to the boiler of NGG16 No.87 – which is temporarily covered to prevent unofficial photography... 14.09.08: ...though you can get a sneak preview past the ‘No Photography Please!’ notice 14.09.08: Work is progressing on fabricating all the copper pipework for NGG16 No.87... 14.09.08: ...and as each piece is finished it is added to the boiler unit 14.09.08: Brass collars for the washout plugs await fitting to the loco... 14.09.08: Construction of the cab superstructure has moved on with further components being added, and the firehole doors have been fixed in place... 14.09.08: Out in the Erecting Shop, the cylinders on the power units from NGG16 No.87 are being fitted with their cladding sheets... 14.09.08: In the HLF Carriage Shop, the WHR Observation Carriage has been fitted with its impressive curved window panels, along with vacuum pipe... 14.09.08: ...and beading to define the panelling around the end of the carriage 14.09.08: The metal work of the ‘Flying Bench’s canopy support has been re-fitted after painting... 14.09.08: FR Carr. 22 has been taken into the Carriage Works, and is in the middle of being stripped and prepped for repaint and overhaul... 14.09.08: Inside the carriage, the interior fittings for each seating bay have been removed and labelled – in this case, E3 and C3 (Engine-side and Clock-side in bay 3)... 15.09.08: Looking like the scene from the launch of a new car – ‘Vale of Ffestiniog’ is wreathed in steam on the day of its official return to service... 15.09.08: ...only, in this instance, it’s steam from ‘Merddin Emrys’ waiting in Harbour Station with the 1015 train to Blaenau Ffestiniog 15.09.08: ‘Vale of Ffestiniog’ approaches Boston Lodge Curve with the 1140 Porthmadog-Blaenau Ffestiniog – its first rostered solo run following repaint and overhaul... 15.09.08: Phil Brown takes ‘Vale of Ffestiniog’ round Boston Lodge Curve and on towards Minffordd... 15.09.08: Meanwhile, in the Boiler Shop, the covers are off NGG16 No.87 for work to continue on the loco... but this was just a foretaste of what was to come a week later! 22.09.08: NGG16 No.87’s boiler unit was rolled out into Boston Lodge Yard for some progress photographs to be taken for the loco’s sponsor. The gloss ‘light aircraft grey’ paint and stainless steel boiler bands provide a mirror reflection of Porthmadog and Traeth Mawr... 22.09.08: The gloss ‘light aircraft grey’ paint, copper pipework and stainless steel boiler bands on the boiler of NGG16 No.87... 22.09.08: As the sun climbs higher in the sky, it first shines on the cab – which, among other things, has gained handrails and the brass frames for the spectacle plates... 22.09.08: The retreating shadows then reveal the full length of NGG16 No.87’s boiler unit... 22.09.08: A traditional front three-quarter view of NGG16 No.87’s boiler unit... 22.09.08: A closer look at the cab and firebox area... 22.09.08: Seen from ground level, and without a front tank to obscure the view, the handsome proportions of the loco are very apparent... 22.09.08: Photographer’s delight or Engine Cleaner’s nightmare...

Published in Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways - 'Scene Thru The Lens'

]]> Mon Sep 1 2008 F&WHR - August 2008 http://roger-dimmick.fotopic.net/c1570050.html F&WHR - August 2008 Friday 1 August 2008: F&WHR - August 2008

03.08.08: Following the successful testing of the repairs to ‘Merddin Emrys’, re-assembly of the superstructure commenced. The loco is seen in No.2 Road, without the cab sides, where re-fitting of the pipework was taking place... 03.08.08: In the Boiler Shop, the cladding sheets are being rolled and mounted on the crinolines on NGG16 No.87’s boiler. In the foreground can be seen the locating lug and angle bar securing the firebox end of the boiler in its cradle... 03.08.08: The crinolines, on which the cladding sheets are mounted, can be seen more clearly in this view... 03.08.08: A group of volunteers are currently working on the boiler alongside that of NGG16 No.87. This hush-hush project is to restore the boiler from an ex-Penrhyn Quarry Railway loco... 03.08.08: ‘Charles’... OK, not quite – it’s from ‘Linda’ really! 03.08.08: Work is in progress on ‘Linda’s boiler, with attention being paid to the ‘plumbing’ inside the dome cover... 03.08.08: The dome cover is seen being craned back into place atop the boiler... 03.08.08: Inside the Carriage Works, the new rear bunker for NGG16 No.87 gleams in its freshly applied paint scheme of Gloss Black and Light Aircraft Grey... 03.08.08: A close-up of the livery details on top of the refurbished front tank... 03.08.08: The joinery skills of the Carriage Works staff have also been called into use to produce the new arch moulds for NGG16 No.87... 03.08.08: The framework for the ‘Flying Bench’s canopy is well advanced. The right-hand upright incorporates a crank handle to raise and lower the canopy... 03.08.08: Work on the new WHR Observation Carr. 2100 continues, with the addition of further sections of moulding around the exterior panels on the end of the carriage... 03.08.08: ...as seen here, where the mouldings have been filled and sanded to provide the customary smooth finish 03.08.08: Carr. 2100 has had a coat of primer applied, which - when rubbed down - will reveal any high or low spots on the body panels... 03.08.08: Insulating material has been fitted throughout the interior of Carr. 2100. Note that all the window panels have been taken out again – revealing the design of these sealed units. 03.08.08: Discussions are still ongoing regarding the design of the ‘signature’ Pullman-style windows. The original drawings specified oval windows similar to those on ‘Bodysgallen’, but thought is now being given to using the later style of window... 03.08.08: WHR Service Carr. 2010 is still receiving attention to final details, but is nearly ready for transfer... 03.08.08: Fireman Roger van Praet prepares to pass the Minffordd-Rhiw Goch token to the incoming train – the 1600 ex-Porthmadog – piloted by ‘Prince’... 04.08.08: Following its repaint earlier in the year, ‘Moel Hebog’ has now received a brass nameplate... 04.08.08: ...though traces of the original painted nameplate can still be seen , if you look closely 04.08.08: A distraction to participants throughout ‘Kids Training Week’ was the twice daily passage of ‘The Cambrian’ special trains on the mainline... 06.08.08: ‘Pocket Rocket’ Standard 4 2-6-0 No.76079 struggles to bring ‘The Cambrian’ up Minffordd Bank, following problems with the engine priming which forced it to a stand part way up the bank... 07.08.08: The new jam-busting luxury ‘Trans-Snowdonia’ service prepares to leave Porthmadog for Caernarfon... 10.08.08: ‘Merddin Emrys’ has been moved back into the New Erecting Shop and the bottom-end bogie has been rolled out for cleaning and light overhaul... 10.08.08: ...while work continues on re-fitting the pipework and fittings on the loco 10.08.08: The cab sides will be put back once the plumbing is complete... 10.08.08: The bottom-end bogie from ‘Merddin Emrys’ sits in No.2 Road in the Erecting Shop, where it is being cleaned and overhauled... 10.08.08: One of the new prop-shafts for ‘Vale of Ffestiniog’, which is being returned to the manufacturer for attention as it is slightly too short..! 10.08.08: The access gates to the Boston Lodge roadway have received some new signage following ‘Kids Training Week’... 10.08.08: ...which are certainly more graphic than the regulation signage! 14.08.08: The ‘C2 Project’s Dahuichang No.4 - a 762mm gauge 0-8-0 tender locomotive – crosses Britannia Bridge on Duncan Milner’s low-loader... 14.08.08: ...on its way to the NRM’s ‘Locomotion’ site in Shildon, where it will appear as a visiting exhibit for approximately three months... 14.08.08: No.4 would be re-united with its tender - which had already been transferred to Duncan’s yard - then complete the journey to Shildon on a larger trailer... 22.08.08: 'Vale of Ffestiniog' poses in the sunshine at Boston Lodge, having been specially rolled out of the shed for a quick photo-shoot... 22.08.08: This is not quite the finished livery, as there are still a couple of items to be added before the loco returns to service... 22.08.08: The stormy sky acts as a perfect background to show off the gleaming paintwork... 22.08.08: Rob Coulson at the controls of ‘Vale of Ffestiniog’ in Boston Lodge Yard... 22.08.08: The large yellow warning panel certainly makes the ‘Vale of Ffestiniog’ highly visible from the front, but the two-tone green livery is very effective at disguising the size of the locomotive... 22.08.08: Rob Coulson explains the cab controls to Chris Harrison... 22.08.08: Diesels through the ages – a stark contrast in design as ‘Vale of Ffestiniog’ stands next to ‘Moelwyn’... 22.08.08: Apparently ‘Vale of Ffestiniog’ is slightly camera-shy..! 25.08.08: August Bank Holiday Monday – and a last minute change to the loco roster provided the magical sight of ‘Palmerston’ and ‘Merddin Emrys’ double-heading the 1100 to Blaenau Ffestiniog... which certainly made up for the ‘typical’ Bank Holiday weather! 25.08.08: ‘Palmerston’ and ‘Merddin Emrys’ round Boston Lodge Curve with the 1430 to Blaenau Ffestiniog... 25.08.08: Approaching Penrhyn Level Crossing, the firemen on ‘Palmerston’ and ‘Merddin Emrys’ are clearly paying attention to building up their fires for the next stage of the journey... 25.08.08: ‘Palmerston’ and ‘Merddin Emrys’ storm through the cutting on the approach to Tan-y-Bwlch station, with the 1430 ex-Porthmadog... 25.08.08: With steam blasting from the cylinder drain cocks, ‘Palmerston’ and ‘Merddin Emrys’ pull away from the water tower at Tan-y-Bwlch... 25.08.08: ...with the damp conditions providing not only a challenge to the loco crews, but also a delight to the photographers... 25.08.08: ‘Palmerston’ and ‘Merddin Emrys’ head away from Tan-y-Bwlch and onto Creau Bank with the 1430 ex-Porthmadog... 25.08.08: ‘Palmerston’ and ‘Merddin Emrys’ bring the 1430 ex-Porthmadog over Wakefield Crossing on the approach to Blaenau Ffestiniog... 25.08.08: ‘Palmerston’ and ‘Merddin Emrys’ pass the site of Stesion Fein, as they climb towards Blaenau Ffestiniog with the 1430 ex-Porthmadog...

Published in Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways - 'Scene Thru The Lens'

]]> Fri Aug 1 2008 F&WHR - July 2008 http://roger-dimmick.fotopic.net/c1565875.html F&WHR - July 2008 Tuesday 1 July 2008: F&WHR - July 2008

03.07.08: Peering through the mist from Harbour Station, I could just make out a crane in Boston Lodge Yard. A quick dash across the Cob revealed NGG16 No.87’s boiler had been moved outside, ready to be lifted into the frame of the boiler unit – which had already been turned by the crane... 03.07.08: Phil Tucker fits the lifting slings under the boiler, which still carries the warning applied during its steam tests... 03.07.08: Bob Yates and Phil Tucker keep a close eye as the boiler is lifted out of the Boiler Shop cradle... 03.07.08: ...until it is finally clear of its resting place for the past few months 03.07.08: The boiler is gently moved clear of the cradle, and care is taken to ensure it does not swing freely in the prevailing wind... 03.07.08: Once the boiler is safely suspended away from the working area, ‘Criccieth Castle’ shunts the cradle back into No.4 Road... 03.07.08: The boiler unit frame was moved into position and the boiler was swung overhead... 03.07.08: “Just a smidgin more, please!” 03.07.08: The boiler is gently lowered into the frames... 03.07.08: ...and eased into its final location 03.07.08: The slings were removed and the boiler unit was ready to move back into the Boiler shop... 03.07.08: Next in line to be turned was the hind power unit... 03.07.08: “Hmmm, how do we lift this without damaging all that work?”... 03.07.08: “Don’t ask me, I’m having a fag!”... “C’mon, get a move on - do you realise how much this is costing. Put the slings there...” 03.07.08: Finally, decision made, the lifting chains are attached and the crane takes up the strain... 03.07.08: Once clear of the ground, the hind unit is easily swung round... 03.07.08: ...and carefully placed back on the track 03.07.08: The front power unit was then moved into position... 03.07.08: “This one will be easy – we know what we’re doing now!” 03.07.08: “Chocks away...” 03.07.08: “I’m having a déjà-vu moment..!” 03.07.08: Fourteen tons of power bogie in mid-rotation... 03.07.08: “I can stop it - I can, I can..!” 03.07.08: Back to terra-firma... 04.07.08: One for the wagon spotters... The ‘C2 Project’s bulkhead flat wagon. 06.07.08: In the New Erecting Shop – ‘Linda’s frames sit left of picture, ‘Merddin Emrys’ in mid-repair is seen on the right and Carr. 19 sits on the jacks in No.3 Road... 06.07.08: Carr. 19 sits on the jacks in No.3 Road... 06.07.08: ...where repair work is taking place on its bogies 06.07.08: The damaged axlebox has been removed... 06.07.08: ...and a replacement is being prepared 06.07.08: The wheelsets and frames of the top-end bogie from Carr. 19 06.07.08: The ‘light’ construction of this heritage FR bogie design is in stark contrast with... 06.07.08: ...that of this newly refurbished Romanian Bogie, seen in Boston Lodge yard 06.07.08: In the Paint Shop, the re-painting of the ‘Vale of Ffestiniog’ continues – with preparations in hand for the application of the contrast band on the bodyside panels... 13.07.08: Back in the Boiler Shop, work on NGG16 No.87’s boiler continued with the fitting of the front sheet of the loco’s cab... 13.07.08: ...together with replacing the steam pipes and boiler fittings. Note the Lempor blast nozzle assembly sitting in front of the smokebox, and a cladding sheet for the firebox to the left of the frames 13.07.08: In the front of No.4 Road, ‘Taliesin’ is being fitted with a new stainless steel spark arrestor... 13.07.08: In the New Erecting Shop, work continues on ‘Merddin Emrys’ with the bottom-end dome having been put back into position... 13.07.08: ...and secured with nuts and bolts, following the problems with fractured rivets 13.07.08: The top-end dome has now been removed for similar treatment... 13.07.08: A closer look at the top of ‘Merddin’s boiler showing some of the removed rivets and the end of the stays that run along the top of the firebox... 13.07.08: Looking inside the boiler, reveals the top layers of tubes and a view of the girder stays on top of the inner firebox... 13.07.08: In the Carriage Works, FR Brake Van No.6 has been moved into the main HLF workshop, providing a better opportunity to see the framework of the vehicle... 13.07.08: ‘Vale of Ffestiniog’ stands gleaming in its new ‘coat of many colours’ inside the Paint Shop, behind a prominent ’No photography in here’ sign... 20.07.08: A week later - and progress is being made with fabricating the cladding for NGG16 No.87’s firebox... 20.07.08: On the right, the excess material to be removed from a cladding sheet is marked with hatch lines – while, on the left, the first section of the curved flange has been trial fitted. 20.07.08: The cladding sheets are also marked with notes and guide lines for the positions of backhead pipework and fittings... 20.07.08: ...as well as notes and comments from the fabricators 20.07.08: In the HLF workshop, WHR Service Carr. 2010 stands resplendent in its recently applied paintwork... 20.07.08: The interior fitting out of the Guards compartment is nearly complete, though there are several jobs around the vehicle still to finish before it will be ready for traffic...

Published in Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways - 'Scene Thru The Lens'

]]> Tue Jul 1 2008 Kids Training Week 2008 http://roger-dimmick.fotopic.net/c1554948.html Kids Training Week 2008 Saturday 2 August 2008: Kids Training Week 2008

Published in Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways - 'Scene Thru The Lens'

]]> Sat Aug 2 2008 Boston Lodge Old Engine Shed (Part 2) http://roger-dimmick.fotopic.net/c1540752.html Boston Lodge Old Engine Shed (Part 2) Sunday 18 May 2008: Boston Lodge Old Engine Shed (Part 2)

18.05.08: Since my last visit three weeks ago, the rebuilding of the gable end stonework has taken a backward step. It had reached four courses in height, but has been taken down and started over again... 18.05.08: The front third of the Running Shed roof has now had the new rafters added... 18.05.08: The entrance to the Old Engine Shed is filled with rubble, when previously it had been clear... 18.05.08: Progress with the stone cladding of the new breeze block wall has progressed slowly, as priority has obviously been given to constructing the timberwork for the roof... 18.05.08: The cladding on the corner of the building has nearly reached its finished level... 18.05.08: The strong sunlight illuminates the inside face of the new breeze block wall... 18.05.08: The recess for the new doorway reveals that the stone cladding contains recycled material, including this stone sleeper block... 18.05.08: The replacement trusses and purlins for the rear section of the roof are now in place... 18.05.08: ...and rafters now extend the full length of the Running Shed 18.05.08: The new roof timbers seen from the opposite side of the building... 18.05.08: There are detail differences in their construction as compared to the original – the purlins, for example, are much shorter... being only one bay in length 18.05.08: Building construction through the ages... 18.05.08: This is an attempt to show the sloped section of flooring between the Running Shed (front) and Fitting Shop (rear). The four rows of bricks below the wooden peg form the ‘ramp’ – look at the shadows below the three nearest ladder rungs to see the difference in floor level... 18.05.08: The steps leading into/out of the rear of the left hand inspection pit... 18.05.08: Looking towards the front of the shed, the perspective effect of the orangey red brick walls emphasises the curvature of the track within the shed. The inspection pits are 38” deep from top to bottom of the brick side walls – and approx 22” wide... 18.05.08: At the middle of each inspection pit there is one of these unusually shaped drain covers. The fifty-pence piece is of more modern origin, to provide scale! 18.05.08: There are several levels of drainage incorporated into the side walls – one course from the bottom every eighth brick is omitted... 18.05.08: ...four courses from the bottom there are approx six of these larger voids spread out along the length of the pit. Unlike the other drainage holes, these only appear on the pit sidewall nearest to the running line... 18.05.08: Finally, there are floor level drainage holes beneath the timber baulks... 18.05.08: The end of the road – well, it was originally... Note the difference in rail section between the original engine shed rail and the later post-preservation addition. The timber baulks beneath the rails were tied together at this point with the steel rod, and the gap closed with a timber block. A small scotch block was originally clamped to the left-hand rail to prevent locomotives running off the end..! 18.05.08: One of the floor level drainage holes on the outside of the rails... 18.05.08: ...and one of those set into the floor between the two shed roads 18.05.08: A lengthening joint in the timber baulks – with butted sections to prevent overriding... 18.05.08: A closer look, at the sections of the original wall retained as pillars, reveals that these had their bases strengthened at some point by encasing them in concrete... 18.05.08: ...though this is also showing the effects of the passing years... 18.05.08: One intriguing feature is this slate slab, complete with a large hole drilled through it... 18.05.08: ...so a metal pipe could be inserted through it 18.05.08: The pillar at the top of the photograph indicates the line of the original wall, with the later corrugated clad extension being to the right. If you look closely, you will see there are two types of brick flooring here – that on the left being the floor of the Running Shed, the larger bricks on the right are the flooring of the extension. The slate slabs top and bottom are positioned underneath the line of the wall – this could indicate that the hole is for a drainpipe, but why drill through a slate slab..? 18.05.08: Another intriguing feature can be seen on the opposite wall – a metal pipe that emerges from the floor, rises about six feet, then runs along the Running Shed wall before disappearing underground again near the Fitting Shop entrance... 18.05.08: There is a valve in the pipe as it rises up the wall... The black hose is a water supply not connected to the pipe 18.05.08: Part way along the wall there is a T-joint in the pipe... 18.05.08: Metal pipe emerging from the floor by the Fitting Shop entrance (by orange cable on right). Note the position of the wooden partition, and its junction with the sidewall slightly to the rear of the scaffolding pole before referring to the next picture... 18.05.08: In the top centre of this photo, you can distinguish a vertical line in the plasterwork which marks the location of the partition between the Running Shed (right) and Fitting Shop (left)... 18.05.08: A close-up of this feature also reveals the remnants of a wooden plug to which the framework would have been screwed... 18.05.08: Further down the wall (on a level with the orange band on the scaffold pole) are the remains of another wooden plug... 18.05.08: Mention has been made before of the re-use of old stone sleeper blocks in the construction of the Old Engine Shed walls. This is a close-up of one of those blocks, which has been split to suit its new use – in doing so a near perfect cross-section through the hole for the track spike has been revealed... 18.05.08: The same sleeper block, with another beneath it - which has also been spilt through part of the hole for the track spike... 18.05.08: Although shown in an earlier photograph, I have added this due to the better lighting conditions on this visit... The slate slabs in the centre of the photo mark the doorway between the Fitting Shop (right) and Boiler House (left). Note the vertical colour markings on the wall behind... 18.05.08: Evidence of fixings for an internal partition is difficult to find here, but there is distinct colour banding on the wall. The centreline of the two slabs seen in the previous photo can be followed through to the centre of this photo. For comparison to earlier photos, the ornate slate plinth can be seen in the bottom right corner... 18.05.08: In the first Old Engine Shed gallery, reference was made to a bricked-up opening in the rear corner of the Boiler Shop. This is the corner of that feature, but this photo is here to look again at the wooden beam in the wall above. This is inset into the wall, but its purpose is unknown... 18.05.08: ...as it extends far beyond the opening, where it has a large slate slab running beneath it... 18.05.08: The junction of the new breeze block wall with the rear wall of the Boiler House. Painters have been at work here in the past, but how far into the past?? 26.05.08: Eight days later, and the stone-cladding is virtually complete... 26.05.08: Further evidence of the re-use of original stone in the new cladding... 26.05.08: ...including stone that came from the front gable end 26.05.08: As well as replacing timber beams in the roof and at the entrance, two of the main side wall beams have been replaced... 26.05.08: It’s that doorway again - another photo to prove that the slate slabs are located midway across the building... 26.05.08: The clearest photo yet of the large slabs either side of the Boiler House / Fitting Shop doorway, and the small slabs in the doorway... 26.05.08: Mentioned on a couple of previous occasions, this is the ornate slate plinth – on which was originally positioned one of the machines in the old Fitting Shop. This close-up view of the front left-hand corner reveals the effects of wear and tear on the plinth... 26.05.08: The same corner seen from above...

Published in Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways - 'Scene Thru The Lens'

]]> Sun May 18 2008 WHR - 'Rail Ale' Festival http://roger-dimmick.fotopic.net/c1507842.html WHR - 'Rail Ale' Festival Friday 9 May 2008: WHR - 'Rail Ale' Festival

09.05.08: Peter Rumbelow gives thanks for what he is about to receive... 09.05.08: Bruce Brayne waits behind the bar for his next customer – little suspecting what lay ahead of him that night... 09.05.08: Dinas Goods Shed had been spruced up for the ‘Rail Ale’ Festival, with plenty of room for relaxation... 09.05.08: ...and convivial conversation 09.05.08: Pete Tarver tries desperately to ignore the camera, while serving behind the Long Bar... 09.05.08: An eager customer – with beer guide, glass and voucher to hand... 09.05.08: Three generations enjoy the arrival of ‘K1’... 09.05.08: ...which also attracts the attention of this lady - a fireman on the Swindon & Cricklade Railway 09.05.08: A case of ‘Love at first sight’! 09.05.08: ‘What’s the next choice to be..?’ 09.05.08: ‘I want one of these..!’ 09.05.08: Dafydd Thomas leaves trackwork alone for the weekend – and welcomes visitors to the Festival 09.05.08: Inside the Beer Hall - things are warming up as John Ellis-Williams plays ‘Pass the Camera’... 09.05.08: ... others relax and enjoy the start of a pleasant evening... 09.05.08: ...while some formulate their plans on the best way to visit all venues and sample all ales..! 09.05.08: Tony Murphy trades ‘Black Hand’ track gang for ‘Blue Waistcoat’ duty behind the ‘Purple Moose’ bar... 09.05.08: ‘Smile for the Camera..!’ 09.05.08: Ffestiniog Travel’s Dan May does an evening stint behind the Long Bar... 09.05.08: Dafydd Thomas welcomes another line of people arriving from the shuttle train... 09.05.08: Dan, Bruce and Pete try to ‘Hold that smile’ while the camera focuses..! 09.05.08: The Beer Hall fills, as time for the evening’s entertainment approaches... 09.05.08: ...and Dan and rest of the gang race around behind the bar to fill everyone’s glasses... 09.05.08: Friday evening’s live music was provided by ‘Gwibdaith Hen Frân’ – who describe themselves as a ‘happy, go-lucky band’ playing acoustic and country music... http://www.myspace.com/gwibdaithhenfran 09.05.08: The Band was formed in the summer of 2006 for a gig at the Tap in Blaenau Ffestiniog, and the members live and work in and around the Vale of Ffestiniog 09.05.08: The Burger Van, outside the Beer Hall, proved popular throughout the weekend... 09.05.08: ...with its range of locally produced burgers and other food items 09.05.08: There was a real mix of people at Dinas, with plenty of families having an evening out together... 09.05.08: The activity around Dinas station attracted the attention of plenty of passers-by on the Lôn Eifion cycle path, many of whom came to join in the fun... 09.05.08: De Winton ‘Llanfair’ received plenty of attention from the visiting children... 09.05.08: 09.05.08: ‘Gwibdaith Hen Frân’ took to the stage around 20:15... 09.05.08: ...and soon attracted an appreciative audience 09.05.08: Band members [left to right] – ‘The drummer with no name’, Geth Thomas [Guitar], Paul Thomas [Guitar], Robi Buckley [Double Bass] and Phil Lee Jones [Ukelele] 09.05.08: ‘Robi, what are you doing? Stand up for the photographer!’ 09.05.08: ...and Robi Buckley on Double Bass! 09.05.08: As the band settled into their set, they attracted an ever growing audience... 09.05.08: ...of all ages 09.05.08: 09.05.08: 09.05.08: 09.05.08: Phil Lee Jones 09.05.08: 09.05.08: 09.05.08: Robi Buckley 09.05.08: Robi Buckley 09.05.08: Dafydd Thomas remained at his post all evening collecting entrance fees and selling beer vouchers... 09.05.08: 09.05.08: 09.05.08: Derek Buckles and Tony Murphy, behind the ‘Purple Moose’ bar... 09.05.08:

Published in Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways - 'Scene Thru The Lens'

]]> Fri May 9 2008 FR - May Bank Holiday http://roger-dimmick.fotopic.net/c1503075.html FR - May Bank Holiday Thursday 1 May 2008: FR - May Bank Holiday

01.05.08: 'Jerry M' gleams in the spring sunshine at Harbour Station, Porthmadog having just arrived from Boston Lodge 01.05.08: Although the loco had arrived on the railway several days earlier, this was its first trip working on the FR 01.05.08: Close-up of the Westinghouse pump - 'Jerry M' will be fitted with a temporary vacuum pipe and control valve for use with FR carriages and accompanying loco 01.05.08: The loco is superbly turned-out by her support crew - there are reflections everywhere... 01.05.08: ...even though some parts show signs of being 'well-used' 01.05.08: The battered works plate glints in the sunshine 01.05.08: 'Jerry M' sits under Porthmadog water tower 01.05.08: Perfect weather for a trip to the seaside... 01.05.08: An unusual view of Boston Lodge Works..! 01.05.08: Julie Williams - a member of the 'Jerry M' team 01.05.08: Time for Richard Hooker to check the engine over before an evening run to Blaenau Ffestiniog... 01.05.08: Preparations, and discussions, continue... 01.05.08: ... as the sun continues to shine strongly 01.05.08: A double-portrait (check the dome) as Rob Gambrill tops up the water tank ready for departure 01.05.08: Last minute checks in the cab, then its time to go... 01.05.08: 'Jerry M' storms along above the main road and heads towards Rhiw Plas 01.05.08: Waiting for the token at Minffordd Station... 01.05.08: 'Jerry M' races over the road bridge at Gwyndy Bank... 01.05.08: ...with James Armstrong-Evans enjoying the ride in his 'private' waggon 01.05.08: The slopes of Moelwyn Mawr loom against the sky as 'Jerry M' hurries along Gwyndy Bank 01.05.08: 'Jerry M' comes to a halt just above Penrhyn Crossing... 01.05.08: ...and waits for the crossing gates to be closed 01.05.08: Paul Lewin leans from the cab as 'Jerry M' crosses the cast-iron bridge on the approach to Tan-y-Bwlch 01.05.08: Its 'all-change' by the time the train reaches Dduallt Tank Curve... 01.05.08: ...as James Armstrong-Evans has moved into the cab 01.05.08: The regulator is closed approaching Campbell's Platform... 01.05.08: ...and the train proceeds at walking pace to check clearances 01.05.08: My first-ever attempt at a panning shot catches 'Jerry M' speeding through Bodychain curves at Tanygrisiau 01.05.08: Almost there..! 'Jerry M' storms the final climb towards Blaenau Ffestiniog station, closely watched by an interested onlooker 01.05.08: Blasting under the footbridge, 'Jerry M' crests the climb... 01.05.08: ...and slows for the final approach to Blaenau Ffestiniog station 01.05.08: Supper time at Blaenau Ffestiniog at the end of an exhilarating trip! 02.05.08: Friday evening, and 'Lilla' steams across the Cob to make her debut appearance following overhaul 02.05.08: 'Britomart' and 'Jerry M' are already in Porthmadog as 'Lilla' rolls into Harbour station 02.05.08: On board 'Jerry M', Rob Gambrill receives his next movement instruction from Chris Jones 02.05.08: The safety valve lifts on 'Jerry M' 02.05.08: 'Lilla' steams gently through Harbour Station in the early evening light 02.05.08: A gaggle of locos in Harbour Station, as 'Taliesin' and 'Lilla' simmer in the sidings, while 'Britomart' and 'Jerry M' prepare to head for Minffordd 02.05.08: 'Jerrry M' makes a spectacular departure from Porthmadog with the special train for 'Lyd' Supporters 02.05.08: With traction regained 'Jerry M' and 'Britomart' head out of Harbour Station... 02.05.08: ...and steam briskly onto the Cob 02.05.08: A light breeze ruffles the surface of the incoming tide as the train heads across the Traeth towards Boston Lodge 02.05.08: 'Jerry M' and 'Britomart' race along with their train, high above the road traffic on the Cob 02.05.08: Semi-silhouetted against the early evening sun, the train heads past Pen Cob... 02.05.08: ...and over the foot crossing above the Tollgate steps 02.05.08: 'Jerry M' and 'Britomart' race along Bron Madog towards Rhiw Plas bridge 02.05.08: The train approaches Weigh Bridge Crossing on the approach to Minffordd station 02.05.08: Rob Gambrill eases the regulator as the train runs onto Weigh Bridge Crossing at the entrance to Minffordd Yard 02.05.08: Fireman Richard Hooker turns on the injector following arrival at Minffordd station 02.05.08: After a brief interlude 'Jerry M' and 'Britomart' pull away from the carriages...

Published in Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways - 'Scene Thru The Lens'

]]> Thu May 1 2008 F&WHR - Person to Person http://roger-dimmick.fotopic.net/c1490030.html F&WHR - Person to Person Sunday 1 April 2001: F&WHR - Person to Person

01.08.06 - Fireman Bob Rainbow gives 'Blanche' some TLC with an oily rag... 01.08.06 - Fireman Bob Rainbow looking pleased with the results of his labours... 08.09.07 – Steve Sedgwick and fellow Photo-Charter participants get a close-up of the loco prep on the first morning of the Rhe/WHR’s ‘Join-In’ Weekend... 08.09.07 – Rob Coulson relaxes at Dinas Station between turns on the ‘Britomart’ hauled shuttles... 08.09.07 – Colin Burtt and Elwyn Jones caught in mid-conversation... 08.09.07 – Dave Waldren gets to work on a tidy-up of the Dinas Station gardens... 08.09.07 – Graham and Margaret Cartland-Glover tidying-up Dinas Station gardens during ‘Join-In’ Weekend... 08.09.07 – Alf Williams and Richard Stagg enjoy a video-playback moment... 08.09.07 – Richard Stagg puts on his best ‘Smile for the camera’ face... 08.09.07 – Andie Shaw seems happy acting as ‘Britomart’s fireman for the day... 08.09.07 – Peter Johnson adopts the correct respectful stance in the presence of Richard Buxton... 08.09.07 – You’d never guess that Richard Buxton is a ‘man of the cloth’, would you..! 08.09.07 – It’s all just too much for some..! 09.09.07 – “Don’t worry son, there be another one along in a minute...” 09.09.07 – Dai Jones enjoys a moment of quiet reflection... 09.09.07 – David High and ‘Britomart’ – enough to melt any girl’s heart..! 09.09.07 – “Hurry up, I want another go...” 09.09.07 – Colin Burtt - and Cliff Garnett in deep conversation..! 09.09.07 – “Un, Dau...”: John Ellis-Williams pauses for thought while talking to Alf Williams and his wife... 09.09.07 – It was a good story, with a happy ending... 09.09.07 – ...until they saw the camera pointing at them..! 09.09.07 – A dapper engine-driver - Murray Reid - waits on Dinas platform... 09.09.07 – “Licence, Registration... C’mon, make your mind up - is it K1 or K2?”: Cliff Garnett ensures his train log is up-to-date... 09.09.07 – Mike Middleton ensures that oil levels are correct on ‘K1’... 09.09.07 – Murray Reid chats with a happy enthusiast... 11.09.07 – One of the Railway Squadron team on the footplate of ‘David Lloyd George’ at Tanygrisiau... 13.09.07 – Members of the Railway Squadron team get to grips with Pandrol clips in the Aberglaslyn Pass... 13.09.07 – TA Staff Sergeant, Mark Peters (275 Railway Troop) caught in mid-interview for ‘Inside Motion’... 20.09.07 – Chris ‘Cuthbert’ Harrison tries not to look embarrassed at having his photo taken, while preparing for his first solo trip as fully-qualified driver... 27.09.07 – 06.10.07 – Rob ‘Robco’ Coulson prepares to light the fire in ‘Britomart’... 06.10.07 – Nigel ‘Bear’ Muskett at the controls of the ‘Earl of Merioneth’... 06.10.07 – Richard Hanlon climbs aboard ‘Moel y Gest’ on Boston Lodge headshunt... 06.10.07 – ‘Cuthbert’ has an “I can’t believe I’m doing this!” moment... 19.10.07 – Richard Hanlon: A giant among men..! 20.10.07 – “You can’t beat quality, I bought these overalls in the Seventies!”: Chris Jones oils round ‘Prince’ at Boston Lodge... 12.11.07 – Andy Carey and Chris Mace on Boston Lodge Curve... 12.11.07 – Jo Middleton machining yet another impellor at Boston Lodge... 01.12.07 – [????] at the controls of ‘Moel y Gest’ during a Shunting Course at Boston Lodge... 01.12.07 – Jeremy Davey and Keith Fraser debate the finer points of shunting... 06.12.07 – Mark Dancer planing new floorboards on Carr 116 in Boston Lodge Carriage Works... 06.12.07 – “Should’ve gone to Specsavers”: Chris Walker and Mike Stringer working on Carr 116 in Boston Lodge Carriage Works... 15.12.07 – Andy Williamson keeps a close eye on things while filling ‘K1’s water tank... 15.12.07 – Peter Lawson leaves ‘K1’s steam-heated cab and heads for the chilly platform at Waunfawr... 23.12.07 – Graham Bond ‘bulls-up’ the ‘Earl of Merioneth’s smokebox door hinges at Tan-y-Bwlch... 18.01.08 – Mark Dancer works on achieving a perfect finish on the bodywork of Carr 116... 04.02.08 – Martin Duncan indulges in a bit of cable-talk with the man from NR... 04.02.08 – David Lampert enjoys a quiet moment while waiting for his next ‘call to action’... 04.02.08 – “What do you mean we’ve laid it the wrong way round..?”: Kev Pye at Minffordd Station on the cable-laying project... 17.02.08 – Chris Clark places the bottom-end chimney cover on ‘David Lloyd George’...

Published in Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways - 'Scene Thru The Lens'

]]> Sun Apr 1 2001 F&WHR - April to June 2008 http://roger-dimmick.fotopic.net/c1487282.html F&WHR - April to June 2008 Tuesday 1 April 2008: F&WHR - April to June 2008

03.04.08 – In Boston Lodge, Rob Coulson was busy white-metalling the axleboxes from ‘Blanche’ 03.04.08 – 'Whistle while you work!' - The metal is melted in a ladle... 03.04.08 – ...then poured into a mould [centre] to form a bar 03.04.08 – The axlebox is supported on the bench and the bar of white metal is melted with a gas torch 03.04.08 – The depth of white metal is built up in layers on the inner face of the axlebox 03.04.08 – The axlebox is rotated as the work progresses... 03.04.08 – ...until a sufficient depth of white metal has been applied 03.04.08 – Two axleboxes nearly ready for machining... 03.04.08 – In the Boiler Shop, the dome has been fitted to the boiler of NGG16 No.87... 03.04.08 – ...joining the other boiler fittings already in place 03.04.08 – The impressive sight of NGG16 No.87’s boiler dominates the Boiler Shop 03.04.08 – Looking at the backhead, the stays and foundation ring rivets are all in place 03.04.08 – A closer look at the top of the backhead 03.04.08 – The boiler from ‘Linda’ is also in the Boiler Shop 03.04.08 – The front tubeplate of ‘Linda’s boiler... 03.04.08 – ...covered in important graffiti! 03.04.08 – In the Carriage Works, interior fitting out of FR Carr. 116 is progressing well - with seats, tables and internal partitions all in position 03.04.08 – A new detail in this ‘Enhanced Third’ carriage is the addition of a small plaque, featuring the FR crest, to all of the double seats 03.04.08 – External crest transfers, ‘Dim Ysmygu’ / ‘No Smoking’ window vinyls and Seat Number plaques have also been applied 03.04.08 – In the main HLF building, woodwork for FR Carr. 103’s new body has been prepared... 03.04.08 – ...and a start has been made on a dry-fit of the framework 03.04.08 – Cabinets for the Kitchen area of WHR Service Carr. 2010 are being constructed 03.04.08 – Battery tray on WHR Service Carr. 2010 03.04.08 – Newly-fitted door on WHR Service Carr. 2010 05.04.08 – On ‘Sponsor’s Day’, the morning train conveying Gold & Silver Sponsors emerges from T2 on its way through the Aberglaslyn Pass 05.04.08 – NGG16 No.143 brings the train through T2 and T3... 05.04.08 – ...and, high above the Glaslyn, heads round the final curve towards T4 and Nantmor 05.04.08 – With sunlight reflecting off the Glaslyn rapids, NGG16 No.143 and ‘Castell Caernarfon’ draw attention as they head through T3 with the return trip to Rhyd Ddu 05.04.08 – The Three R’s: Rail, River and Road - NGG16 No.143 and ‘Castell Caernarfon’ head north through the Aberglaslyn Pass between T3 and T2 05.04.08 – Looking north through the Pass from outside T4: The afternoon train for the Bronze Sponsors heads through the pass towards T2 05.04.08 – The train’s progress through the pass stops passers-by in their tracks 05.04.08 – NGG16 No.143 rolls out of T3 with Driver Andie Shaw keeping a close eye on what lies ahead... 05.04.08 – ...as the train heads along the ledge towards T4 05.04.08 – Rounding the final curve it’s ‘Headlights on’ as the loco approaches T4, with the tail of the train still passing through T2! 05.04.08 – Andie Shaw maintains his normal nonchalant stance as the returning train passes through T2 05.04.08 – Bathed in brilliant sunshine, NGG16 No.143 and ‘Castell Caernarfon’ head for Beddgelert with the returning afternoon train 06.04.08 – Weather conditions were very different the next day, as ‘Earl of Merioneth’ heads across Cei Mawr with the 1015 ex-Porthmadog [Well, I think it was the ‘Earl’!] 06.04.08 – Luckily, things had improved somewhat for the passage of the first Gravity Slate train of 2008 06.04.08 – With bugle blowing and “Brakes on” the 30-waggon test train rumbles across Cei Mawr and onto Leadmine Curve 06.04.08 – “Brakes off! Right now, pull yourselves together... Try to look happy for the photographer!” 06.04.08 – A snow-capped Mynydd Drws-y-Coed provides a backdrop as ‘K1’ heads for Caernarfon with the 1220 ex-Rhyd Ddu 06.04.08 – ‘K1’ rounds Tro Ffridd with the 1220 ex-Rhyd Ddu 06.04.08 – The passengers in the well-filled Pullman carriage relax in comfort as windblown snow streaks past the train 06.04.08 – Further down the Gwyrfai Valley, ‘K1’ and its train are dwarfed by the snow-covered slopes of the mountains above 06.04.08 – ‘K1’ passes behind Bron-y-fedw Uchaf with the 1220 ex-Rhyd Ddu 06.04.08 – NGG16 No.143 blasts away from Clogwyn y Gwin as it climbs towards Rhyd Ddu with the 1220 ex-Caernarfon 06.04.08 – The cold temperatures result in a marvellous display of steam effects... 06.04.08 – ...which become even more dramatic as the safety valves lift on the approach to Tro Ffridd 06.04.08 –The snowfall eases and the sun shines more brightly as the train heads past Clogwyn Quarry 06.04.08 – As NGG16 No.143 heads round Tro Ffridd a rising wind whips the exhaust steam and promises the rapid onset of more snow

Published in Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways - 'Scene Thru The Lens'

]]> Tue Apr 1 2008 Boston Lodge Old Engine Shed (Part 1) http://roger-dimmick.fotopic.net/c1481066.html Boston Lodge Old Engine Shed (Part 1) Sunday 17 February 2008: Boston Lodge Old Engine Shed (Part 1)

17.02.08 - Exterior of Old Engine Shed prior to renovation 17.02.08 - Exterior of Old Engine Shed prior to renovation 17.02.08 - Exterior of Old Engine Shed prior to renovation 17.02.08 - Exterior of Old Engine Shed prior to renovation. Note the division between (left to right) running shed, fitting shop and weigh house 17.02.08 - Exterior of Old Engine Shed prior to renovation 17.02.08 - Exterior of Old Engine Shed prior to renovation 17.02.08 - Exterior of Old Engine Shed prior to renovation 17.02.08 - Exterior of Old Engine Shed prior to renovation 02.03.08 – Interior of Old Engine Shed, constructed in 1863, prior to renovation 02.03.08 – This section of the building is the original running shed, with full length inspection pits 02.03.08 – Rails along the pit roads are laid on large timber baulks 02.03.08 – The inspection pits are brick-lined, with steps at each end 02.03.08 – Rails are laid on the baulks with single-sided chairs bolted through the web, and to the side of the timber 02.03.08 – Large hex-headed bolts hold the chairs firmly in position 02.03.08 – The shed floor is lowered to aid access for running maintenance 02.03.08 – Looking towards the rear of the shed, with the ‘modernised’ 1877/78 corrugated extension on the left 02.03.08 – The corrugated infill on the left is a ‘modern’ alteration carried out when the extension was cut back to provide road access to the main works 02.03.08 – The floor of the running shed is laid with setts, which clearly show their age 02.03.08 – The extension is separated from the running shed by a series of pillars retained from the original wall 02.03.08 – The extension has an earth floor and a virtually flat corrugated roof 02.03.08 – The original extension was timber-framed and corrugated-clad. The existing structure is of block construction with corrugated infill. 02.03.08 – Midway along the running shed the ‘roof-light’ clearly illuminates the timber rafters 02.03.08 – The rear third of the shed originally contained a fitting shop for day-to-day repairs. The division between the two sections is clearly marked by a change in the wall construction and the remains of a dividing partition. (also see http://www.roger-dimmick.fotopic.net/p48807604.html) 02.03.08 – The supporting pillar is larger at this point as it contains an original, but in-filled, window 02.03.08 – Another view of the change from running shed to fitting shop 02.03.08 – The floor of the fitting shop area is laid with large slate slabs 02.03.08 – At this end of the building, ‘modern’ steel supports have replaced the original pillars 02.03.08 – This shaped slate plinth originally had machinery mounted on it, and can be clearly seen in the photograph on page 46 of the modern ‘Spooner Album’ – though it appears to have been moved from its original location 02.03.08 – The rear of the shed has previously had attention to the roof timbers, which are clearly of much lighter construction 02.03.08 – Roof supports through the ages... stone, brick, block and steel 02.03.08 – Careworn and neglected – but not for much longer... 02.03.08 – ... as Contractors moved on-site on 1st March 2008 and have started erecting scaffolding around the building 04.03.08 – Back at Boston Lodge, the contractors had finished erecting the scaffolding around the Old Engine Shed 04.03.08 – The main doors have also been removed 04.03.08 – Fred Howes was conducting a site inspection to ensure sufficient clearance had been maintained through the scaffolding 04.03.08 – Corrugated rust, anyone..? 09.03.08 – Contractors made rapid progress removing the roof and corrugated infill from the Old Engine Shed extension... 09.03.08 – Contractors made rapid progress removing the roof and corrugated infill from the Old Engine Shed extension... 09.03.08 – Contractors made rapid progress removing the roof and corrugated infill from the Old Engine Shed extension... 09.03.08 – Contractors made rapid progress removing the roof and corrugated infill from the Old Engine Shed extension... 09.03.08 – The scaffolding does not extend to the Weigh House, but the whole area is fenced off 09.03.08 – The opening below the window was for the original Weighbridge mechanism 09.03.08 – The unusual roofline is the result of the angled shape of the building... 09.03.08 – ...as the original route of the railway was around this side of the building 09.03.08 – The partially dismantled Old Engine Shed extension... 09.03.08 – ...reveals the insertion of additional Acrow supports and internal scaffolding 14.03.08 – The contractors were removing the corrugated roofing from above the fitting shop section of the Old Engine Shed... 14.03.08 – ...having already cleared most of the roofing materials from the other side 14.03.08 – The breeze-block sections of the Old Engine Shed extension had also been removed 14.03.08 – The interior of the Old Engine Shed is now clearly visible from the outside! The shed doors are stacked next to the mini-excavator on the right

Published in Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways - 'Scene Thru The Lens'

]]> Sun Feb 17 2008 F&WHR - January to March 2008 http://roger-dimmick.fotopic.net/c1469786.html F&WHR - January to March 2008 Tuesday 1 January 2008: F&WHR - January to March 2008

03.01.08 - FR Carr. 111 returned to service for use on the 'Hosted Trains' to Trwyn y Garnedd 03.01.08 - The refurbished interior of FR Carr. 111 03.01.08 - The new interior panelling of FR Carr. 111 03.01.08 - FR Carr. 111 stands in Harbour Station clearly showing off the new livery 20.01.08 - 'Merddin Emrys' awaits attention in Boston Lodge Erecting Shop. 20.01.08 - 'Merddin Emrys' at rest as time passes slowly by... 20.01.08 - 'Britomart' slumbers in No.2 Road. 20.01.08 - 'Harold' and 'Merddin Emrys' lazing on a Sunday afternoon... 20.01.08 - 'Britomart' flanked by 'Merddin Emrys' and the frame of NGG16 No.87. 18.01.08 - The backhead of NGG16 No.87's boiler being welded into position by Bob Yates... 'Ignition' 18.01.08 - ... 'Blast-off'... 18.01.08 - Bob Yates has gone to the Dark Side! 18.01.08 - The backhead of NGG16 No.87's boiler being welded into position by Bob Yates... 18.01.08 - The final welding of the backhead is nearing completion. 18.01.08 - A perfect example of high-quality welding... 18.01.08 - Newly installed wash-out plugs on the boiler of NGG16 No.87. 18.01.08 - A close-up of one of the boiler washout plugs, new rivets and welded repair on NGG16 No.87's boiler. 18.01.08 - A start has been made on installing backhead fittings for the water gauges. 20.01.08 - Front bogie from NGG16 No.87 showing the new cylinder cladding. 20.01.08 - New cylinder cladding fabricated by Phil Tucker. 04.02.08 - The tidy-up of Boston Lodge continues apace, with Glanymor Yard no longer looking like a scrapyard 04.02.08 - Rumours that the Army are sponsoring the repaint of 'Earl of Merioneth' have been scotched... 04.02.08 - The camouflage livery is merely the result of rubbing down the paintwork 04.02.08 - 'Earl of Merioneth' has moved into the paint shop to have its green livery re-applied 04.02.08 - 'Earl of Merioneth' has moved into the paint shop to have its green livery re-applied 04.02.08 - 'Earl of Merioneth' has moved into the paint shop to have its green livery re-applied 04.02.08 - FR Carr. 116 was moved into the open-air for a photo-call 04.02.08 - FR Carr. 116 alongside the Carriage Works 04.02.08 - Progress is being made with the interior panelling of FR Carr. 116 04.02.08 - The interior is being panelled with light wood above the waistline and dark wood below 04.02.08 - David Gunn checks the window frame dimensions on FR Carr. 116 04.02.08 - Vestibule panelling has appeared on WHR Carr. 2010 04.02.08 - The welded superstructure of WHR Carr. 2010 is receiving its wooden framing 04.02.08 - Panelling materials are stored inside the structure of WHR Carr. 2010 as work progresses on the bodywork framing 04.02.08 - The welded superstructure of WHR Carr. 2010 is receiving its wooden framing 04.02.08 - The welded superstructure of WHR Carr. 2010 is receiving its wooden framing 04.02.08 - Panelling materials are stored inside the structure of WHR Carr. 2010 as work progresses on the bodywork framing 04.02.08 - The Carriage Works have also turned their attention to the construction of a new cab roof for NGG16 No.87 04.02.08 - The Carriage Works have also turned their attention to the construction of a new cab roof for NGG16 No.87 04.02.08 - The Carriage Works have also turned their attention to the construction of a new cab roof for NGG16 No.87 04.02.08 - The rocking grate for NGG16 No.87 is being assembled in the boilershop 04.02.08 - Welding around the firebox door hole has been completed... 04.02.08 - ...but still requires grinding flush 04.02.08 - Water gauge mounts and regulator valve spindle are in place 04.02.08 - 'Blanche' has now moved into No.3 Road and been separated from her tender 04.02.08 - 'Blanche' has now moved into No.3 Road and been separated from her tender 04.02.08 - 'Blanche' has now moved into No.3 Road and been separated from her tender 04.02.08 - 'Blanche' has now moved into No.3 Road and been separated from her tender 04.02.08 - 'Blanche' has now moved into No.3 Road and been separated from her tender 17.02.08 - Visibility has been improved on the Boston Lodge roadway by levelling the bank next to the level crossing

Published in Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways - 'Scene Thru The Lens'

]]> Tue Jan 1 2008 F&WHR Winter - Snow & Santa... http://roger-dimmick.fotopic.net/c1429045.html F&WHR Winter - Snow & Santa... Saturday 29 December 2001: F&WHR Winter - Snow & Santa...

29.12.01 13:28 - 'Blanche' leans into Dduallt spiral, with a 'Guest Driver' train heading for Blaenau Ffestiniog. 29.12.01 13:36 - 'Blanche' approaches Tanygrisiau with a 'Guest Driver' train. 29.12.01 13:49 - Fireman Jon Walsh ensures the saddle tank is full of water prior to leaving Blaenau Ffestiniog. 29.12.01 13:52 - 'Blanche' steams into Blaenau Ffestiniog platform ready for the homeward trip to Boston Lodge. 31.12.01 10:46 - 'Blanche' & 'Linda' storm onto Gwyndy Bank with the 10:25 to Blaenau Ffestiniog. 31.12.01 10:47 - 'Blanche' & 'Linda' storm along Gwyndy Bank with the 10:25 to Blaenau Ffestiniog. 31.12.01 11:14 - 'Blanche' & 'Linda' depart Tan-y-Bwlch with the 10:25 to Blaenau Ffestiniog. 31.12.01 11:33 - 'Blanche' & 'Linda' between Valve House and Stwlan Crossings with the 10:25 to Blaenau Ffestiniog. 31.12.01 11:33 - 'Blanche' & 'Linda' approach Stwlan Crossing with the 10:25 to Blaenau Ffestiniog. 31.12.01 11:33 - 'Blanche' & 'Linda' cross Stwlan Crossing with the 10:25 to Blaenau Ffestiniog. 31.12.01 12:03 - 'Linda' & 'Blanche' pull away from Tanygrisiau with the 11:50 ex-Blaenau Ffestiniog. 31.12.01 12:03 - 'Linda' & 'Blanche' leaving Tanygrisiau with the 11:50 ex-Blaenau Ffestiniog. 31.12.01 12:04 - 'Linda' & 'Blanche' approach Stwlan Crossing with the 11:50 ex-Blaenau Ffestiniog. 31.12.01 12:04 - 'Linda' & 'Blanche' pass the Wrysgan incline with the 11:50 ex-Blaenau Ffestiniog. 31.12.01 13:46 - 'Blanche' & 'Linda' head out across the Cob with the 13:45 to Blaenau Ffestiniog. 26.02.04 13:10 - 'Mountaineer' at Porthmadog water tower... 26.02.04 13:11 - ...with Driver Andy Morris and Fireman Paul Turner [I think!] 26.02.04 13:12 - Services were cancelled on this day due to the snowfall... 26.02.04 13:20 - ...but, as we had a train ready, we sent it out for photographic purposes! 26.02.04 13:125 - 'Mountaineer' shunting off the top carriages at Harbour Station, Porthmadog. 26.02.04 13:51 - 'Mountaineer' approaches Minffordd Station... 26.02.04 13:51 - ...with snow still falling heavily. 26.02.04 13:54 - 'Mountaineer' heads away from Minffordd - to see how far we could get! 26.02.04 14:22 - 'Mountaineer' storms dramatically through Tan-y-Bwlch cutting. 26.02.04 14:22 - Andy Morris braves the wind chill factor as he checks the road ahead at Tan-y-Bwlch. 26.02.04 14:22 - By now the snow had stopped and the sun was shining brightly. (Can you find Kev Pye in the photo?) 26.02.04 14:25 - Steaming gently at Tan-y-Bwlch water tower, 'Mountaineer' is prepared for the next leg of the journey. 26.02.04 14:48 - It made it..! 'Mountaineer' passes behind the power-station on the approach to Summit Cutting. 26.02.04 14:49 - 'Mountaineer' approaches Stwlan Crossing as the wind whips spindrift snow off the mountain tops. 26.02.04 14:52 - 'Mountaineer' takes the train over Dolrhedyn Bridge, above Tanygrisiau village. 16.12.06 - Santa and Kev Pye adopt Panto poses at Tan-y-Bwlch station. 17.12.06 - Mr & Mrs Santa at Caernarfon Station.

Published in Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways - 'Scene Thru The Lens'

]]> Sat Dec 29 2001 F&WHR - October to December 2007 http://roger-dimmick.fotopic.net/c1408635.html F&WHR - October to December 2007 Monday 1 October 2007: F&WHR - October to December 2007

04.10.07 - 'Criccieth Castle' shunting carriages before the start of the day's trains. 04.10.07 - 'David Lloyd George' approaches Porthmadog with the 1340 ex-Blaenau Ffestiniog. 04.10.07 - 'Earl of Merioneth' passes Porthmadog Home signal with the 1510 ex-Blaenau Ffestiniog. 04.10.07 - 'Earl of Merioneth' brings the 1510 ex-Blaenau Ffestiniog across the Cob. 05.10.07 - 'Palmerston' with the 1100 FRCo AGM Special. 05.10.07 - 'Palmerston' heads the FRCo AGM Special away from Porthmadog. 06.10.07 - 'Prince' stands at Pen Cob with a 'Guest Driver' special. 06.10.07 - 'Prince' steams away from Pen Cob with the 'Guest Driver' special. 06.10.07 - 'Earl of Merioneth' rolls through Boston Lodge Yard heading for the mainline. 06.10.07 - Having set back to pick up the fireman, 'Earl of Merioneth' heads for Porthmadog. 06.10.07 - 'Britomart' shunts 'Palmerston' towards Boston Lodge pit. 06.10.07 - 'Britomart': a study in shadow and sunlight! 06.10.07 - 'Earl of Merioneth' approaches Boston Lodge with the 1015 ex-Porthmadog. 06.10.07 - 'Earl of Merioneth' passes Pen Cob with the 1015 ex-Porthmadog. 06.10.07 - 'Britomart' and 'Palmerston' flank the 'mobile' coaling stage at Boston Lodge. 06.10.07 - 'Britomart' takes centre stage at the Coaling Stage: Pete Cheshire on injector and Andy Williamson on shovel. 06.10.07 - 'Britomart' manouevres the Cleminson Coal Wagon around Boston Lodge Yard. 06.10.07 - 'Britomart' heads the Cleminson Coal Wagon, 'Palmerston' and the 'Boat' across the Cob. 06.10.07 - 'Britomart' provides a splash of colour between traditional FR-liveried stock. 06.10.07 - Rob Coulson shunts the Victorian set, with a little help from 'Britomart'. 06.10.07 - 'Palmerston', 'Britomart' and the 'Boat' at Harbour Station. 19.10.07 - 'Earl of Merioneth' powers out of Harbour Station with the 1015 ex-Porthmadog. 20.10.07 - A gleaming 'Prince' sits in Boston Lodge Yard prior to working a 'Guest Driver' train. 20.10.07 - Fireman Stephen Holland cleans the boiler tubes on 'Blanche'. 20.10.07 - Driver Paul 'Mol' Molyneux-Berry oils round 'David Lloyd George'. 20.10.07 - 'Prince' leans into Boston Lodge Curve with the 'Guest Driver' train. 20.10.07 - 'DLG' draws the 1015 set onto the main-line, with Harbour Station and the Sluice Gates reflecting off the carriage windows. 20.10.07 - 'DLG' sets off for Porthmadog, having set back to pick up the fireman. 20.10.07 - On reflection Stephen Holland did a good job of cleaning the paintwork! 20.10.07 - Glenn Williams working on the refurbishment of Carr 111. Note that the window pillars have now been painted blue with cream lining. 20.10.07 - Detail of Carr 111 showing the gold stencilled and lined ceiling, plus wood panelling. 20.10.07 - In the Erecting Shop Carr 118 sits on the jacks and the rods from Beyer-Garratt No.87 receive attention. 20.10.07 - Having stabled the Victorian Set in the Old Engine Shed, 'Prince' drifts onto Boston Lodge Curve with the Guest Drivers relaxing in the tender. 20.10.07 - Fireman Rob 'Rick' Bishop cleans out the bottom-end smokebox on the 'Earl', prior to it taking out an evening charter. 21.10.07 - On a glorious autumnal morning, 'Criccieth Castle' heads onto Gwyndy Bank with a rake of slate waggons. 21.10.07 - 'Criccieth Castle' takes its rake of slate waggons across the overbridge on Gwyndy Bank. 21.10.07 - 'Criccieth Castle' heads onto Dduallt Tank Curve with its train of slate waggons. 21.10.07 - The last gravity train (of 2007, hopefully) rumbles round Dduallt Tank Curve. 21.10.07 - As the gravity train runs along Gwyndy Bank it all seems too much for 'Robco' on the second waggon... 21.10.07 - ...until a rousing bugle blast from 'Bonks' stirs him into action! 21.10.07 - 'Earl of Merioneth' storms round Leadmine Curve with the 1015 ex-Porthmadog. 21.10.07 - 'Earl of Merioneth' steams across Cei Mawr in perfect lighting conditions! 21.10.07 - 'Blanche' drifts downhill across Cei Mawr with a 'Guest Driver' train 21.10.07 - 'Blanche' leans into Leadmine Curve before disappearing into the trees... 25.10.07 - 'Earl of Merioneth' simmers quietly at Tan-y-Bwlch with a Halloween Special. 08.11.07 - 'Moel Hebog' moved to Porthmadog for the Grand Carriage Shunt, giving an opportunity to see its new livery. 08.11.07 - 'Moel Hebog' moved to Porthmadog for the Grand Carriage Shunt, giving an opportunity to see its new livery. 08.11.07 - 'Moel Hebog' moved to Porthmadog for the Grand Carriage Shunt, giving an opportunity to see its new livery. 08.11.07 - 'Moel Hebog' moved to Porthmadog for the Grand Carriage Shunt, giving an opportunity to see its new livery. 10.11.07 - New upper smokebox for NGG16 No.87 under assembly.

Published in Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways - 'Scene Thru The Lens'

]]> Mon Oct 1 2007 Ffestiniog Railway - In the Loco Works... http://roger-dimmick.fotopic.net/c1406497.html Ffestiniog Railway - In the Loco Works... Monday 1 January 2007: Ffestiniog Railway - In the Loco Works...

07.01.07 - 'Merddin Emrys' and 'David Lloyd George' undergoing winter maintenance. 07.01.07 - 'Vale of Ffestiniog' receives attention in the New Erecting Shop. 07.01.07 - 'Merddin Emrys' receives attention in No.2 Road. 07.01.07 - 'David Lloyd George' occupies No.3 Road. 07.01.07 - Progress on 'Vale of Ffestiniog' is kept under wraps... 27.06.07 - Clearly labelled components of NGG16 No.87 sit on the racks... 27.06.07 - 'Earl of Merioneth's boiler under overhaul in No.1 Road. 27.06.07 - Freshly installed tubes and Top-end tubeplate on 'Earl of Merioneth'. 29.07.07 - Romanian Carriage 2060 sits on the jacks in the New Erecting Shop. 02.08.07 - Rob Coulson heating rivets for NGG16 No.87's boiler. 02.08.07 - 02.08.07 - Rob Coulson heating rivets for NGG16 No.87's boiler. 02.08.07 - Phil Tucker uses his No.1 spanner on No.87's boiler... 02.08.07 - Phil Tucker and Rob Coulson hot-rivetting No.87's boiler. 10.10.07 - Pete works on the lubrication system on 'Taliesin's power bogie. 10.10.07 - The boiler of NGG16 No.87 being rotated in the Boiler Shop. 20.10.07 - David Walker and Jon Marsh drilling something... 10.11.07 - 'Taliesin's power-bogie sits on a runner wagon in No.2 Road. 10.11.07 - Wheelsets from 'Taliesin' and NGG16 No.87. 10.11.07 - New chimney and upper smokebox for NGG16 No.87, and new boiler for 'Lilla'. 10.11.07 - NGG16 No.87's boiler with recently fitted blastpipe and superheater header. 10.11.07 - New chimney and upper smokebox for NGG16 No.87.

Published in Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways - 'Scene Thru The Lens'

]]> Mon Jan 1 2007 Perchance it is not dead... http://roger-dimmick.fotopic.net/c1406458.html Perchance it is not dead... Saturday 8 September 2007: Perchance it is not dead...

29.10.06 - NG15 No.133 at Dinas. 01.05.07 - NG15 No.133 at Dinas. 01.05.07 - NG15 No.133 at Dinas. 08.09.07 - NG15 No.133 at Dinas. 08.09.07 - NG15 No.133 at Dinas. 08.09.07 - NG15 No.133 at Dinas. 08.09.07 - NG15 No.133 at Dinas. 08.09.07 - NG15 No.133 at Dinas. 08.09.07 - NG15 No.133 at Dinas. 08.09.07 - NG15 No.133 at Dinas. 08.09.07 - NG15 No.133 at Dinas. 08.09.07 - Tender body from NG15 No.134 in Dinas South Yard. 08.09.07 - Tender body from NG15 No.134 in Dinas South Yard. 08.09.07 - Cab roof and tanks from NGG16 No.140 in Dinas South Yard. 08.09.07 - Coal bunker from NGG16 No.140 in Dinas South Yard.

Published in Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways - 'Scene Thru The Lens'

]]> Sat Sep 8 2007 Ffestiniog Railway - July / August 2001 http://roger-dimmick.fotopic.net/c1400777.html Ffestiniog Railway - July / August 2001 Sunday 1 July 2001: Ffestiniog Railway - July / August 2001

20.07.01 - 20.07.01 - 21.07.01 - 23.07.01 - 18.08.01 - 'Prince', driven by David Black, leaves Porthmadog with a Vintage Shuttle train to Minffordd. 18.08.01 - 19.08.01 - 19.08.01 - 20.07.01 - 20.07.01 - 'Prince' and 'Taliesin' power across Cei Mawr with the Carr 15 Launch train - representing the development of FR Carriages through the years. 21.07.01 - 21.07.01 - 23.07.01 - 'Vale of Ffestiniog' waits its next turn of duty in Boston Lodge Engine Shed. 23.07.01 - 17.08.01 - 18.08.01 - 18.08.01 - 18.08.01 - 18.08.01 - 19.08.01 - 20.07.01 - 20.07.01 - 21.07.01 - 18.08.01 -

Published in Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways - 'Scene Thru The Lens'

]]> Sun Jul 1 2001 Ffestiniog Railway - On Shed http://roger-dimmick.fotopic.net/c1384153.html Ffestiniog Railway - On Shed Saturday 6 October 2007: Ffestiniog Railway - On Shed

06.10.07 - Cleaner Matthew Hainsworth polishes the smokebox handrail on the 'Earl of Merioneth'. 06.10.07 - Moving the 'Earl' outside confirmed the water tanks were full... 06.10.07 - 'Jolly Good Fun': It's a dirty job, but someone's got to do it! 06.10.07 - Chris 'Cuthbert' Harrison brings 'Prince' onto the Boston Lodge pit. 06.10.07 - Coal-firing atmosphere... 06.10.07 - Cleaner Martin Greenland bulls up the cab paintwork on the 'Earl'. 06.10.07 - Driver Nigel 'Bear' Muskett checks all is OK before moving onto the pit. 06.10.07 - 'Bear' looks ecstatic at the prospect of his first 'solo' turn on a Double-Fairlie... 06.10.07 - 06.10.07 - Fluid Motion: Excess water runs from 'Prince's saddle tank. 06.10.07 - Fireman Roger van Praet polishes the 'Earl's chimney cap, while Martin Greenland cleans out the ashpan. 06.10.07 - Matthew Hainsworth works on a mirror-finish atop 'Palmerston'. 06.10.07 - Richard Hanlon and Matthew Hainsworth turn their attention to 'Blanche'. 06.10.07 - Pete Cheshire cleans down the paintwork on 'Britomart'. 06.10.07 - The boiler from Beyer-Garratt No.87 under repair. 06.10.07 - Replica Manning-Wardle 2-6-2T 'Lyd' sits in No.2 Road. 20.10.07 - Julian 'Jules' Scarisbrick applies the finishing touches to 'Prince'. 20.10.07 - Stephen Holland cleans the tubes on 'Blanche'... 20.10.07 - ...then fills the sand-bucket. 20.10.07 - Rob 'Rick' Bishop cleans the tubes on the 'Earl of Merioneth'.

Published in Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways - 'Scene Thru The Lens'

]]> Sat Oct 6 2007 Welsh Highland Railway (C) - The View From The Tip http://roger-dimmick.fotopic.net/c1373124.html Welsh Highland Railway (C) - The View From The Tip Tuesday 18 September 2007: Welsh Highland Railway (C) - The View From The Tip

Published in Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways - 'Scene Thru The Lens'

]]> Tue Sep 18 2007 Ffestiniog Railway - May 2001 http://roger-dimmick.fotopic.net/c1369791.html My first visit to the Ffestiniog Railway with a digital camera... ...for the 'Anything Goes' Weekend and the Alan Pegler 'A.F.P. Special' trains the following weekend. Captions will be added later... Tuesday 1 May 2001: My first visit to the Ffestiniog Railway with a digital camera... ...for the 'Anything Goes' Weekend and the Alan Pegler 'A.F.P. Special' trains the following weekend. Captions will be added later...

05.05.01 05.05.01 05.05.01 05.05.01 05.05.01 05.05.01 05.05.01 05.05.01 05.05.01 05.05.01 05.05.01 06.05.01 06.05.01 06.05.01 07.05.01 07.05.01 07.05.01 07.05.01 12.05.01 12.05.01 12.05.01 12.05.01 13.05.01 13.05.01

Published in Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways - 'Scene Thru The Lens'

]]> Tue May 1 2001 Ffestiniog Railway - September 2007 http://roger-dimmick.fotopic.net/c1368127.html Ffestiniog Railway - September 2007 Saturday 1 September 2007: Ffestiniog Railway - September 2007

11.09.07 - 'David Lloyd George' heads the 1015 ex-Porthmadog through Bodychain 11.09.07 - 'David Lloyd George' heads towards Groby Junction with the 1015 ex-Porthmadog 11.09.07 - 'David Lloyd George' approaches Groby Junction with the 1015 ex-Porthmadog 11.09.07 - 'David Lloyd George' heads towards Groby Junction with the 1115 ex-Blaenau Ffestiniog 11.09.07 - 'Blanche' passes Groby Junction with the 1100 ex-Porthmadog 11.09.07 - 'Blanche' runs through Fridd Llwyd with the 1245 ex-Blaenau Ffestiniog 11.09.07 - 'Blanche' passes Groby Junction with the 1245 ex-Blaenau Ffestiniog 11.09.07 - 'Merddin Emrys' passes Groby Junction with the 1140 ex-Porthmadog. With perfect timing, Richard Hanlon stokes the fire! 11.09.07 - 'Merddin Emrys' runs through Fridd Llwyd with the 1140 ex-Porthmadog 11.09.07 - 'Merddin Emrys' approaches Llyn Ystradau Crossing with the 1340 ex-Blaenau Ffestiniog. Richard Hanlon is now stoking his own boiler! 11.09.07 - 'Merddin Emrys' approaches the site of Llyn Ystradau station with the 1340 ex-Blaenau Ffestiniog 11.09.07 - Who needs a train - it's so obviously Culvert 7 curves on the Ffestiniog... Peco flexitrack anyone? 11.09.07 - 'David Lloyd George' approaching Culvert 7 Curves with the 1335 ex-Porthmadog 11.09.07 - 'David Lloyd George' on Culvert 7 Curves with the 1335 ex-Porthmadog 11.09.07 - 'David Lloyd George' runs through Llyn Ystradau Station site with the 1335 ex-Porthmadog 11.09.07 - 'David Lloyd George' at Llyn Ystradau Crossing with the 1335 ex-Porthmadog 11.09.07 - 'David Lloyd George' waits at Tanygrisiau with the 1520 ex-Blaenau Ffestiniog. Visiting 'squaddie' on the footplate. 11.09.07 - 'Blanche' arrives at Tanygrisiau with the 1430 ex-Porthmadog 11.09.07 - 'David Lloyd George' waits at Tanygrisiau with the 1520 ex-Blaenau Ffestiniog 11.09.07 - 'David Lloyd George' leaving Tanygrisiau with the 1520 ex-Blaenau Ffestiniog. 27.09.07 - 'David Lloyd George' drifts downhill near Hen Bont with the 1340 ex-Blaenau Ffestiniog. 27.09.07 - 'Earl of Merioneth' storms towards Rhoslyn Bridge with the 1335 ex-Porthmadog. 27.09.07 - 'Earl of Merioneth' approaches Barn Cutting with the 1335 ex-Porthmadog. 27.09.07 - Rhoslyn Cottage has had a makeover...

Published in Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways - 'Scene Thru The Lens'

]]> Sat Sep 1 2007 WHR(C) 'Join-In' Weekend http://roger-dimmick.fotopic.net/c1367584.html WHR(C) 'Join-In' Weekend Friday 7 September 2007: WHR(C) 'Join-In' Weekend

07.09.07 - 'Britomart' sits in Dinas Up platform waiting to go 'on-shed'. 07.09.07 - 'Britomart' pilots 'K1' and NGG16 No.138 'Millennium' on the way to the shed. 08.09.07 - 'Britomart' adds a splash of colour during the morning's loco prep. 08.09.07 - NGG16 No.138 'Millennium' was coupled to 'Britomart' and then pulled 'K1' out of the loco shed. 08.09.07 - Contrast in front-ends... 'Britomart' is dwarfed by NGG16 No.143. 08.09.07 - 'Britomart' is flanked by the first and last Beyer-Peacock Garratts. 08.09.07 - 'Britomart' passes Dinas Station garden with a shuttle train from Caernarfon. 08.09.07 - 'Britomart' sits in Dinas platform with the ex-Chattenden & Upnor 'Combination' Car. 08.09.07 - It may be gloomy and smoky, but Rob Coulson's grin lights up Dinas! 09.09.07 - Raising steam on Sunday morning. 09.09.07 - To quote Rob Coulson - 09.09.07 - 'Britomart' and 'K1' sit alongside each other in Dinas Station. 09.09.07 - 'Britomart' shunts the wagons from the mixed-train out of the platform road. 09.09.07 - It's easy to imagine 'Britomart' still working in the quarry! 09.09.07 - 'Britomart' on footplate ride duty in Dinas Bay platform. 09.09.07 - 'Britomart' didn't only put a smile on Robco's face... 07.09.07 - 'K1' returns to Dinas after a test run to Caernarfon. 07.09.07 - 'K1' retires to Dinas Shed sandwiched between 'Britomart' and 'Millennium'. 08.09.07 - Waiting for the tank to fill! You can see the new blowdown valve and ashpan, plus the temporary coal bunker extension boards. 08.09.07 - 'K1' rolls down the bay platform road, with filler cap still open. 08.09.07 - The coal rails and temporary boarding are clearly visible on the bunker. 08.09.07 - Ready for the off with a Caernarfon-bound shuttle. 08.09.07 - 'K1'storms towards Dolau Gwyn (LC 26.09) on the way to Waunfawr. 09.09.07 - Bryn Jones and Mike Middleton check the axleboxes. 09.09.07 - 'K1' pulls forward from the shuttle set... 09.09.07 - ...and 'runs round' along the Down line. 09.09.07 - Time to rake forward the coal before departure. The temporary boarding has now gone. 09.09.07 - 'K1' climbs away from Caernarfon with a Waunfawr-bound shuttle. 09.09.07 - 'K1' draws forward across Hendy Crossing. 09.09.07 - 'K1' steams along the approach to Dinas Station. 09.09.07 - 'K1' in full flight approaching Dinas... 08.09.07 - The Alpha and Omega: First and last Beyer-Peacock Garratts outside Dinas Shed 09.09.07 - Pioneer Garratt 'K1' with the last Beyer-Garratt NGG16 No.143 in Dinas Shed 09.09.07 - Beyer-Garratt NGG16 No.143 in Dinas Shed 09.09.07 - Beyer-Garratt NGG16s No.138 'Millennium' and No.143 in line astern 09.09.07 - Working on the lubrication system on 'K1' 09.09.07 - It's a dirty job, but someone's got to do it! 09.09.07 - NGG16 No.143 and 'K1' wait their move into the shed yard 09.09.07 - Fireman Richard Axe climbs to fill the sandboxes 09.09.07 - This will come in handy given the damp rail conditions... 09.09.07 - Cut to the end of the day... No.143 simmers gently in Dinas Shed 09.09.07 - Driver Mike Middleton on No.143 09.09.07 - Outside the shed 'K1' has its motion cleaned down 09.09.07 - No.143 starts to move out into the yard... 09.09.07 - No.143 moves out of the shed to shunt 'K1' inside 09.09.07 - The compulsory oily reflection shot... Dominic Wells waits for No.143 to return 09.09.07 - Tryfan Junction 09.09.07 - Tryfan Junction 09.09.07 - Tryfan Junction 08.09.07 - Tryfan Junction

Published in Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways - 'Scene Thru The Lens'

]]> Fri Sep 7 2007