Tunnel Mess
| Deviation Locator | |
| |
|---|---|
| Towards Porthmadog | Tunnel South |
| Toward Blaenau Ffestiniog | New Moelwyn Tunnel |
Clearly due to the remote location of the work on the deviation, a site hut was deemed necessary as a place for refreshment, and to retire to when the liquid sunshine became too hard to safely continue working.
To this end, a hut was acquired in 1967 and transported to the southern mouth of the old tunnel, largely on the site of the former Tunnel South Halt, where the formation was wider. This position was still served by track from the line, and was approximately at the centre of the total deviation work.
*Date :1887 Photo: Bleasdale, from New Spooner Album Plate 32
*Date: 2nd August 1968 Photo: John Browning
[edit] Sundry Tunnel Mess information
The outside structure was a sectional timber hut 60ft by 20ft delivered by special train in mid-March 1967 and was opened for Easter 1967.
Michael Schumann was responsible for concept and execution.
It was referred to as the 'Top Mess' in order to differentiate from the Dduallt Manor 'Bottom Mess'.
It was originally designed for two parties of 12, but this was modified later.
Bunks were in tiers of 3, 7 ft high.
Sleeping accommodation at each end separated by communal areas/facilities in the centre.
It had its own railway station & siding which ran along the embankment.
The water supply was originally by a large semi-rotary hand pump which was later superseded by a hydraulic ram.
Charges were originally 10 shillings (50p) per night full board.
The occupation of 36 beds available was organised by four geographically arranged group organisers.
The septic tank was constructed 1971. (page 79)
Source: Ffestiniog Adventure (1981), Brian Hollingsworth, David & Charles ISBN 0-7153-7956-9
