File:1960-04-30 FRS AGM train c.jpg

We are advised that for the adventurous there are also licensed premises and other usual Saturday evening entertainments in the town of Portmadoc.

The timings of the F.R. trains will be:—

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

The Festiniog Railway

The Festiniog Railway, which was authorized by an Act of Parliament of 1832 and completed in 1836, from the outset led the way amongst narrow gauge railways. The line was constructed to a gauge of 60 cm. (1 ft. 11 5/8in.), extending a distance of 13¼ miles from the slate quarries of Blaenau Ffestiniog to the harbour at Portmadoc, and for the first 27 years of its existence the trains were horse-drawn. The tremendous increase in slate traffic necessitated the adoption of steam traction in 1863, the first in the world on so small a gauge, and despite the fact that eminent engineers of the day considered it impracticable. One of the orginal 1863 locomotives, "Prince” is still in traffic, and will he working one of the special trains today.

In 1870, due to further increases in traffic, the first Fairlie Patent double bogie locomotive was introduced, and this set the pattern for many narrow gauge lines traversing difficult country in different parts of the world, notably South America and Mexico. There are two of these locomotives surviving on the Festiniog, and they are believed to be the only examples still in existence.

During the second half of the 19th century the railway reached its zenith, for as the slate industry began to diminish in the early 1900’s, so the fortunes of the Festiniog declined. Between the wars it struggled to keep going by increasing the summer tourist traffic, until September 1939 saw the end of passenger services. Slate traffic continued until 1946. hut the line was finally closed to all traffic in August of that year.

The condition of locomotives, rolling stock, permanent way and buildings was deplorable. There were, fortunately, many enthusiasts who would not accept the fact that the railway was finished, and several years of long and complicated negotiation ended in the formation of the Festiniog Railway Society Limited and the first steps towards rehabilitation. The railway passed into the hands of the new organization in June, 1954, and by the summer of 1955 passengers were again being carried between Portmadoc and Boston Lodge.

The work of restoration has continued steadily, and last summer nearly 76,000 passengers were carried on the stretch of line between Portmadoc and Tan-y-Bwlch during the period from Easter to the end of September.

Visitors will be able to see for themselves how much has been achieved in such a short time, and also how much still remains to he done. Membership of the Society is open to all, and full details may be obtained either on the train or from the Hon. Financial and Membership Secretary, Mr. R. H. R. Garraway, 35 Holmwood Road, Cheam, Surrey.

RETURN JOURNEY

T/c— Through coach.