File:1964-04-25 AGM train b.jpg

THE FESTINIOG RAILWAY SPECIAL 1964 It seems to have become traditional these days to find anniversaries to celebrate, and in seeking one this year, we lighted on the fact that during the week ending 25th April, 39 years ago (and in the succeeding week) an event of tremendous interest took place, already referred to in our special train brochure of 1963 - the great locomotive exchange of 1925.

As a result of the Wembley exhibition of 1924, when the Gresley Pacific no. 4472 and the Collett "Castle" no. 4073 were displayed side by side, the latter claiming to be the most powerful express passenger locomotive in Britain, the test was arranged in effect as a challenge to the G. W. R. to prove this claim. The highlight of the exchange was undoubtedly the performance of no. 4079 "Pendennis Castle", over the G. N. main line northwards from King's Cross, and the honours of the contest rested firmly with the G. W. engine.

39 years later, this same locomotive, (all things being equal) will haul our special between Paddington and Ruabon, the oldest of the Castle Class still in service. We are fortunate that we are still able to use our traditional route via Ruabon and Dolgelley, as this line is threatened with the "axe", and indeed some months ago we were doubtful as to whether our present journey would be possible. Curiously enough, and contrary to previous years, the same route is being used for our return journey, as a result of which our earlier arrival at Paddington has become possible.

The train office, to which all enquiries should be directed, is in the centre of Coach B.