File:1958-04-26 AGM train report.jpg

Summary[edit]

ANOTHER 4¼ miles of line have been added to the mileage of the railways of Britain by the reopening of a further section of the Festiniog Railway, from Penrhyn to Tan-y-Bwlch, which was celebrated on Saturday, April 26. On that day a large party of officers of the Festiniog Railway Company, officers and members of the Festiniog Railway Society and their guests travelled by special train from Paddington to Minffordd, the interchange point of the Festiniog and former Cambrian railways. The motive power was the 4-4-0 City of Truro as far as Ruabon and two “Dukedog” 4-4-0s, No. 9017 piloting No. 9021, onwards. The eight-coach train, taring some 269 tons, included the two Craven-built prototype first and second class open coaches and two prototype second class open vehicles of Doncaster build. The make-up of the inaugural Festiniog train from Minffordd included both observation and buffet cars, which, like all the rolling stock, testify to the resourcefulness of the volunteer repairers at Boston Lodge, who have made skilful use of hardboard for interior carriage panelling and even roofing. The double Fairlie 0-4-4-0 Taliesin, built in 1885 and last rebuilt in 1956, was impeccably turned out for the occasion. On the continuous ascent from Penrhyn, the limit of working until recently, to Tan-y-Bwlch Taliesin proved more than capable of handling the heavy load, making the ascent of 5¼ miles in 21 min., and on the return kept the train well in check round the extremely sharp curves necessary to preserve the average gradient of 1 in 92, which was engineered to allow wagons to descend by gravity to Portmadoc in the days of slate traffic. Much of the line beyond Penrhyn is carried on a narrow ledge with a sheer drop of several hundred feet to the valley on one side and, on the other, a rock face so close to the train that locked doors are no idle precaution. High praise is due to the willing band of helpers who have restored the roadbed and track after years of neglect to a condition fit to pass the scrutiny of the Inspecting Officer of Railways. After arrival at Tan-y-Bwlch, where the famous stationmistress in Welsh dress was unfortunately absent through indisposition, some of the party continued on foot for a half-mile or so to inspect the track towards Blaenau. The restoration of this final 5¾-mile section will be a major undertaking, since a deviation will be required beyond Dduallt, where the Central Electricity Authority is creating an artificial lake. Such is the energy of the Society, however, that, given adequate financial support, the triumphant return to service of the whole of the world’s first narrow gauge railway seems a distinct possibility within the next few years. On the return journey to Portmadoc there was a stop at Pen Cob, at the end of the causeway from Portmadoc, to inspect the Boston Lodge Works, where an interesting new occupant is the Peckett 0-6-0 nicknamed The Ffolly, lately acquired from Harrogate Gas Company. An encouraging sight was a new inspection pit under construction. The return journey was made from Portmadoc to Paddington via Barmouth, Dovey Junction and Welshpool; City of Truro replaced the two “Dukedogs” at Shrewsbury.