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No specific allocation of seats has been made on the F.R., other than in the first-class observation car, but please note that the first-class compartments are reserved for holders of first-class tickets. Your co-operation is requested to ensure the prompt loading and despatch of the two trains.

We should like to extend a cordial welcome to non-members travelling on the trains. We regret that it is not possible for them to attend the Annual General Meeting, but have no doubt that they will find the amenities of Portmadoc inviting. To quote from a publication of which we have read, “Portmadoc is a town of four thousands inhabitants, who take living quite seriously. No sounds of revelry come from the ‘Quarrymen’s Arms’. Temperance signs prevail, and chapels are so numerous as to be a special feature”. This, however, was published in 1878, and some changes may be apparent. The timings of the F.R. trains will be as follows:—

For those interested in time-keeping a detailed time and mileage chart will be found on page 4.

Members will find full details of the time and place of the Annual General Meeting in the Annual Report of the Directors.

NOTES ON THE FESTINIOG RAILWAY

The Festiniog Railway, authorized by an Act of Parliament in 1832 and completed in 1836 was from its inception a forerunner in the narrow-gauge field. Constructed to a gauge of 60 cm. (1 ft. 11 5/8 ins.), 13¼ miles long, it was used principally for the carriage of slate from Blaenau Ffestiniog to the seaport of Portmadoc and was originally horse-drawn. This form of motive power was found to be inadequate and in 1863 steam locomotives were introduced and proved extremely successful (for the first time on any narrow-gauge railway) in spite of the forebodings of Brunel, Stephenson and other such eminent engineers of the time.

This pioneer railway was to capture public imagination yet again by adopting the double-engine (Fairlie’s Patent) and by building the first bogie passenger coaches in Britain. The railway’s operating efficiency was enhanced by the introduction of the vacuum brake on passenger vehicles and electric signalling, and at one stage it carried 150,000 tons of freight and 150,000 passengers in one year—a considerable achievement on 13¾ miles of single track with only two major passing loops.

However the fortunes of this once prosperous line began to diminish with the gradual decline of the slate industry upon which it was founded and in 1946 the railway ceased operating.

With such a history as this the railway could not be left to rot. In 1954 a group of enthusiasts gained control of the Company and so began the enormous task of rehabilitation. Since then the Festiniog Railway Company, assisted by a large number of volunteers, has overhauled 2 steam locomotives, 1 diesel locomotive. 1 petrol locomotive, 7 bogie passenger coaches, 7½ miles of track, a number of service vehicles and 7½ miles of telephone and telegraph circuits.

Great though this achievement is, much more remains to be done—for example: 3 steam locomotives, 7 bogie passenger coaches, 5½ miles of track, 5½ miles of tele-communication circuits, sundry goods vehicles and station buildings, still await overhauling. Unskilled as well as skilled volunteers are urgently needed for these tasks. If YOU would like to help please write to the Manager, Festiniog Railway Coy., Portmadoc, Caerns.

RETURN JOURNEY

T/c—Through coach.