A coach took us to Boston Lodge works for a visit. The number of projects in progress and planned is enormous. It will be completely different in a few years time. The locomotive Welsh Pony, which was last steamed in 1937 will be completed next year and then, in effect, a new double Fairlie will be built.
Two double Fairlies and a Garratt were being fired up to work the service trains today. Our guide, July, is the enthusiastic office manager here, She frequently fires the Garratts.
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| There is one Garrat stabled overnight here. It presently has to be outside but a new shed is being built. |
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| The smaller Fairlies can be kept under cover |
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| Boiler for Welsh Pony, last steamed in 1937 |
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| Frames for Welsh Ponky |
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| Paul tested the fireman's space on a Fairlie |
Although we had a heavy downpour during breakfast the weather has been sunny with cloudy periods, excellent for seeing the views over the valley from the Ffestiniog train.
There was a short stay in Blaenau Ffestiniog while the engine ran around and we then returned in good sunlight back to Porthmadog.
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| At Blaenau Ffestiniog the rhododendrons are taking over and transforming the town from slate grey to green, a significant improvement |
There was a guided tour of the new signal box where the working of the electro-mechanical frame was explained.
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| A Garratt coming to couple on to a train to Caernarfon |
We walked along to the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway and took a short ride to the Heritage Centre and Museum. This is very well done with displays that are well explained and there is plenty to keep the kids occupied.
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| Russell is the only original Welsh Highland Railway locomotive. Its boiler certificate was recently renewed. |
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