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Two trains will be run from Minffordd on the F.R., one hauled by "Earl of Merioneth” and the other by the second double Fairlie, "Merddin Emrys”, which returns to traffic this year after extensive rebuilding. On the return journey from Tan-y-Bwlch, passengers wishing to visit Boston Lodge Works should travel by the first train, regardless of which train they travelled in to Tan-y-Bwlch. The second train from Tan-y-Bwlch will run non-stop to Portmadoc.

No specific allocation of seats has been made on the F.R., other than in the first-class observation car, but please note that 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 particular welcome to NON-MEMBERS travelling on the trains; we hope that the realization of what we have achieved, and the magnitude of the task ahead, may persuade them to join our ranks!

We regret that it is not possible for them to attend the Annual General Meeting, but a film show has been arranged for any who are interested. This will he held in the same school building as the A.G.M. (opposite the Royal Sportsman Hotel), at 7-30 p.m. Closing time for licensed premises in Portmadoc is somewhat earlier than in England and so we do not think it will be necessary to exhort passengers not to miss the special train on the return journey. It will be standing in Portmadoc station, with bar at the ready.

Timings of the special trains on the F.R. are:—

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

The train office will be located in the centre of coach C, and there will be a bookstall in coach K with a branch at the buffet end of coach D.

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 5/8 in.), 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.

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.

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, but 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 102,000 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 be 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.