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==Boiler and Engine House ==
==Boiler and Engine House ==


Built in 1848, the stationary steam engine was between the Foundry and No 1 Machine Shop, and the boiler house between that and the Sawmill. The boiler house was extended in c1877 in corrugated iron in front of the Machine Shop. In 1925 Col. Stephens purchased a Tangye 22hp oil engine, the FR to repay him in instalments from the money saved in coal <ref>{{Boyd-FR1|page=222}}</ref>. Unfortunately in 1939 this engine was destroyed in a fire which also damaged the buildings including the sawmill, foundry and pattern loft. A Bolinder semi-diesel marine engine was obtained in replacement and installed in the Erecting Shop, but it had to be replaced by a Crossley oil engine when the Glaslyn Foundry took over part of the Works in 1942.<ref>{{Boyd-FR1|page=241}}</ref>. The Crossley was restarted in 1955 but was eventually replaced by an electric motor in 1962<ref>{{FRM|issue=17|page=4}}</ref>. By this date an increasing proportion of the machine tools were powered by individual motors, but it is not known when the line-shafting was finally taken out of use. (Parts are still in place in the Erecting Shop and Machine Shop). The remains of the building were removed later in 1962 to make a way though to the Top Yard<ref>{{FRM|issue=18|page=7}}</ref>. The site of the original Engine House between the No 1 Machine Shop and the Foundry was used to extend the Machine Shop and offices above in 1979-80 following demolition of the Chimney.
Built in 1848, the stationary steam engine was between the Foundry and No 1 Machine Shop, and the boiler house between that and the Sawmill. The boiler house was extended in c1877 in corrugated iron in front of the Machine Shop. In 1925 Col. Stephens purchased a Tangye 22hp oil engine, the FR to repay him in instalments from the money saved in coal <ref>{{Boyd-FR1|page=222}}</ref>. Unfortunately in 1939 this engine was destroyed in a fire which also damaged the buildings including the sawmill, foundry and pattern loft. A Bolinder semi-diesel marine engine was obtained in replacement and installed in the Erecting Shop, but it had to be replaced by a Crossley oil engine when the Glaslyn Foundry took over part of the Works in 1942.<ref>{{Boyd-FR1|page=241}}</ref>. The Crossley was restarted in 1955 but was eventually replaced by an electric motor in 1962<ref>{{FRM|issue=17|page=4}}</ref>. By this date an increasing proportion of the machine tools were powered by individual motors, but it is not known when the line-shafting was finally taken out of use. (Parts are still in place in the Erecting Shop and Machine Shop). The remains of the building were removed later in 1962 to make a way though to the Top Yard<ref>{{FRM|issue=18|page=7}}</ref>. The site of the original Engine House between the No 1 Machine Shop and the Foundry was used to extend the Machine Shop and offices above in 1979-80<ref>{{FRM|issue=87|page=7}}</ref> following demolition of the Chimney.


==Chimney ==
==Chimney ==

Revision as of 01:36, 10 May 2020

There were several buildings at Boston Lodge which are no more.

Waggon Repair Shop

Alongside the old locomotive superintendent's office (Plas Smart) in the Top Yard and forming a continuous range with it was the original waggon shop of the FR Co, a stone building from 1842. At the eastern end the old quarry face was nearly vertical and was used instead of a separate rear wall which explains the ragged look of the roofline where the single-pitch roof meets the uneven cliff face. By 1955 this had become detached and partly collapsed (iBase 776). Buried in the floor there was some fish-bellied track on stone sleeper blocks. This had been excavated in 1956[1]. See iBase 762. In the roof was stored at that time the garden track for Topsy from Bron-y-Garth. The building later became a timber store[2] but was very decrepit and largely roofless by 1956, being demolished between then and 1961.[3] In 1970 further excavation unearthed a curious traversing turntable within the area of the building[4]. In 2015 excavations revealed more evidence of track, flooring and wall foundations, even down to the original quarry floor[5]. Although under the same roof the office and the waggon repair shop were separated by a gated passage through the building which carried a siding to the sand pit outside to the north. The new road access to the works passes through the site of this passage and the north-western end of the waggon shop site, but present plans propose a replica of the eastern part of the building, which would probably be used as Goods Inwards and Stores.[6].

Office to left, then the gate over the sandpit siding, then the Waggon Repair shop. A jib crane can be seen outside.


The same buildings in 1959. The crane has now gone.


Waggon Shop East Wing

On the eastern side of the Top Yard was a second building of similar age to the above and probably similar function. An insurance plan of 1856 [7]shows it joined to the other forming one L-shaped building, running as far as the Blacksmith's shop. It was demolished in 1877. Archaeological investigations on the site in 2015 did not reveal much evidence from this period. No photograph of the building is known.

Smithy Extension

Immediately to the north of the Blacksmith's Shop (99) was an extension building partly on the site of the earlier building demolished in 1877. The function of the earlier building is not certain but probably waggon building and repairs. The smithy extension was not stone-built like the Blacksmith's Shop except for the back wall (which may have been from the previous building). The front and roof were corrugated iron[8]|. Archaeological investigations in 2015 showed evidence of the rebuilding of the walls c1915, and the installation of stone bases for new machines at the same date[9]. This was probably in connection with the use of part of the buildings as a National Shell Factory during the Great War[10].

It was demolished in 1962[11] (according to Boyd it 'just fell down'[12] during demolition of the Joiners' Shop) except for the back wall which is still standing to this day. For a picture shortly after demolition see here. The site was later occupied by the Britomart Shed (1960s corrugated iron, built to house the engine of that name) and the S&T Workshop (former Tunnel Mess), both recently demolished (2018). Future plans include reinstatement of this building, probably to be used as storage and an electrical workshop[13].

Roof of smithy extension at bottom, Top Yard extension of Carpenters' Shop joined to it extreme R, Waggon Repair shop nearly roofless 1958.


Britomart Shed

A small shed was built in 1965 by and for the use of the consortium who acquired the loco Britomart. It was adjacent to the Blacksmiths Shop in the Top Yard and on part of the site of the Extension which had met its end in 1962. It was made of corrugated iron and of no architectural merit, though as at the time the FR could afforrd very little new material the sheets probably came from its predecessor in the site, or one of the other wrinkly-tin buildings of the 1877 development at Boston Lodge. It was demolished by 2018.

S&T Workshop

The former Signals and Telegraph Workshop was a wooden sectional building in the Top Yard at Boston Lodge, previously used as the Tunnel Mess at the southern end of the old Moelwyn Tunnel for the accomodation of volunteers on the Deviation. After completion of that project it was moved to the Top Yard and became the S&T Workshop. By 2015 it was considered life-expired and demolished for firewood. S&T work is now done at Minffordd.

2015


Carpenters' (or Joiners') Shop

Another corrugated-iron building from c1877, this was behind the Smithy Extension and used the back wall of the latter for support, being otherwise wooden-framed, clad in corrugated iron, with light steel roof trusses. A small extension passed round the end of the shared wall and into the North Yard with its front alogside and adjacent to the Smithy Extension. Rail access to the main part was by way of the long siding curving across Glan-y-mor Yard to the Gunpowder Sheds, then by a backshunt in front of the old Carriage Sheds (crossing all four tracks on the level) thence behind the Erecting and Machine Shops. There was also rail access (at right angles) into the extension part from the North Yard, probably for incoming materials. The building's condition was very poor and it was pulled down in 1962[14], literally so, using Moelwyn and a chain. Unfortunately due to their shared support on the common wall the Smithy Extension came down in sympathy.

Carpenters' Shop beyond rear of Blacksmiths' Shop (with leaning chimneys) 1961

iBase 776 shows the Top Yard side of this building.

Sawmill

A long building stretching from the Bottom Yard to the south side of the Brass Shop, and backing on to No 1 and part of No 2 Boston Lodge. Built 1847-8 as part of the first expansion of the Works, it was extended in the 1850s. In bad condition, it was cleared out in 1962[15] but the date of its final removal is not known. The new Den now occupies part of the site as does the present Oil Store adjacent to the Electrical workshop (Old Den). Future plans include a new two-storey building to replace the new Den but fully occupying the site of the Sawmill.

Remains of Saw Mill (Rear of No 1 and 2 Boston Lodge on the extreme R, roof of Electrical workshop (Old Den) beyond.) 1962

See also iBase 758.

Boiler and Engine House

Built in 1848, the stationary steam engine was between the Foundry and No 1 Machine Shop, and the boiler house between that and the Sawmill. The boiler house was extended in c1877 in corrugated iron in front of the Machine Shop. In 1925 Col. Stephens purchased a Tangye 22hp oil engine, the FR to repay him in instalments from the money saved in coal [16]. Unfortunately in 1939 this engine was destroyed in a fire which also damaged the buildings including the sawmill, foundry and pattern loft. A Bolinder semi-diesel marine engine was obtained in replacement and installed in the Erecting Shop, but it had to be replaced by a Crossley oil engine when the Glaslyn Foundry took over part of the Works in 1942.[17]. The Crossley was restarted in 1955 but was eventually replaced by an electric motor in 1962[18]. By this date an increasing proportion of the machine tools were powered by individual motors, but it is not known when the line-shafting was finally taken out of use. (Parts are still in place in the Erecting Shop and Machine Shop). The remains of the building were removed later in 1962 to make a way though to the Top Yard[19]. The site of the original Engine House between the No 1 Machine Shop and the Foundry was used to extend the Machine Shop and offices above in 1979-80[20] following demolition of the Chimney.

Chimney

This was located by the boiler and engine house just north of the old machine shop. Originally it was a round iron chimney erected before 1886 [21]. At some point it was encased with bricks and became square. It is a prominent feature in old photographs of the works. It was demolished in Winter 1978-9 by erecting scaffolding and knocking the bricks inwards. This seems to imply that the iron chimney had not been retained as a liner when the brickwork was added.[22]

Long Shed

The Long Shed separated the Lower Yard from Glan y Mor Yard. It was completed by 1888, in stone with slate roof. It had a single track, but there was a much shorter lean-to on the north side, originally wood or corrugated iron, but rebuilt in blocks about the time of the Great War. This was sometimes called the Short Shed but usually considered part of the Long Shed.

Until 1939 the Long Shed was the paint shop[23]. After the revival it became the locomotive running shed in 1958[24] as it was considered essential to keep the locomotives in use close to the workshops. The Old Engine Shed by Boston Lodge Halt became the carriage shed at this time. A pit and wheel drop were installed in the Long Shed in 1958 and 1959 respectively[25] [26]. It was demolished in early 1988 due to storm damage and serious structural decay[27]. The pit (but not the wheel drop) remains in regular use in the open air.

Long Shed centre, present Loco Shed below, Erecting Shop R, Carriage Works under construction L. 1976


Second Oil Store

There was an Oil Store attached to the south end of the Erecting Shop. It is not known when it was built but its ghostly outline may be seen here during its demolition in 1964 or just before. Its solid raised floor was a substantial obstacle but its removal enabled an additional road (now Road 5) in what is now the Loco Shed. It was stone-built and may be seen in iBase 940.

Demolition of the Oil Store beside the Erecting Shop, 1964


This oil store should not be confused with either the Old Oil Store (by the Brass Shop) or the present Oil Store (by the Electrical Workshop ).

South Carriage Shed

There were two two-road stone carriage sheds side-by-side in Glan-y-mor Yard just south-east of the Erecting Shop[28], built in 1875 and 1889. During the dereliction period the southern one was hit by rock falling from the cliff above and the roof partly collapsed, to the detriment of the carriages inside[29], nos 18 and 20[30]. It was demolished in 1956[31]. The other one was used as a Paint Shop for a while but in the mid 1960s what was to become the present Loco Shed was built in front, and it is now part of that shed.

Outline of oil store L, frame of present Loco Shed centre, old North Carriage Shed R. South shed was joined to the right side of this one. 1964


The two sheds together may be seen in iBase 930, 931, 940.

Boston Lodge Signal Box

For information and a picture of the signal box which was just beyond the head shunt at Pen Cob see the Signal Boxes page. In the period when it was manned it was officially called Boston Lodge Signal Box. The box had a wooden and glass front wall which had gone by the time of the FR revival leaving a shelter with three walls and a roof. In early revival days the Pen Cob point levers were on the other side of the track but later it provided shelter for the two lever frame which worked the Pen Cob points. For many years it had a FWA (Free Wales Army) graffito daubed on it. It was planned for demolition in 1979[32] to move the Pen Cob points further onto The Cob, but was still there in 1980[33]. More recent trackage changes have obliterated the site.

Gunpowder Stores

At the far end of Glan y Mor yard were three gunpowder stores used to store gunpowder for use in the slate quarries, built around 1860-70. They were used by Curtis's and Harvey Ltd, gunpowder manufacturers who delivered supplies by sea to Portmadoc. Ships bringing the gunpowder were not allowed to enter the port but the powder was brought off by a wooden barge which used to fly a red flag [34]. There were specialised Gun powder waggons on the Railway. There is more information and a picture on the Glan y Mor yard page. Archaeological excavations, photography and recording took place before the last remains were removed around 2015 as Glan y Mor was prepared for new buildings.

See also

References

Alexander, JLː A Very Short History of Boston Lodge, Festiniog Railway Heritage Group Journal 121 p26 on.

The Boston Lodge Interpretation and Development Project - A Briefing for members, supporters, employees and volunteers. (FR Co 2020, issued with FRM 248).

  1. ^ Ffestiniog Railway Magazine, Issue 23, page(s): 21
  2. ^ Boyd, James I.C. (1975) [1959]. The Festiniog Railway 1800 - 1974; Vol. 1 - History and Route. Blandford: The Oakwood Press. ISBN 0-8536-1167-X. OCLC 2074549. p266
  3. ^ Wilson D (1963) 1963 diagram of Boston Lodge Works showing changes since 1955. Festipedia: Boston Lodge Map
  4. ^ Festiniog Railway Heritage Group Journal, Issue 121, page(s): 27
  5. ^ "Excavations at Boston Lodge", Ffestiniog Railway Magazine, Issue 230, page(s): 99
  6. ^ "Boston Lodge Restoration and Redevelopment", Ffestiniog Railway Magazine, Issue 239, page(s): 831
  7. ^ Festiniog Railway Heritage Group Journal, Issue 121, page(s): 29
  8. ^ Festiniog Railway Heritage Group Journal, Issue 136, page(s): 17
  9. ^ Ffestiniog Railway Magazine, Issue 231, page(s): 176
  10. ^ Festiniog Railway Heritage Group Journal, Issue 121, page(s): 31
  11. ^ "Excavations at Boston Lodge", Ffestiniog Railway Magazine, Issue 230, page(s): 99
  12. ^ Boyd, James I.C. (1975) [1959]. The Festiniog Railway 1800 - 1974; Vol. 2 Locomotive and Rolling Stock and Quarry Feeders. Blandford: The Oakwood Press. p. 501. ISBN 085361-168-8.
  13. ^ Ffestiniog Railway Magazine, Issue 246, page(s): 436
  14. ^ "Confessions of an Old LAG Pt 2", Ffestiniog Railway Magazine, Issue 235, page(s): 541
  15. ^ Ffestiniog Railway Magazine, Issue 18, page(s): 7
  16. ^ Boyd, James I.C. (1975) [1959]. The Festiniog Railway 1800 - 1974; Vol. 1 - History and Route. Blandford: The Oakwood Press. p. 222. ISBN 0-8536-1167-X. OCLC 2074549.
  17. ^ Boyd, James I.C. (1975) [1959]. The Festiniog Railway 1800 - 1974; Vol. 1 - History and Route. Blandford: The Oakwood Press. p. 241. ISBN 0-8536-1167-X. OCLC 2074549.
  18. ^ Ffestiniog Railway Magazine, Issue 17, page(s): 4
  19. ^ Ffestiniog Railway Magazine, Issue 18, page(s): 7
  20. ^ Ffestiniog Railway Magazine, Issue 87, page(s): 7
  21. ^ Boyd, James I.C. (1975) [1959]. The Festiniog Railway 1800 - 1974; Vol. 1 - History and Route. Blandford: The Oakwood Press. ISBN 0-8536-1167-X. OCLC 2074549. plate 3H
  22. ^ "Boston Lodge", Ffestiniog Railway Magazine, Issue 83, page(s): 6
  23. ^ Boyd, James I.C. (1975) [1959]. The Festiniog Railway 1800 - 1974; Vol. 1 - History and Route. Blandford: The Oakwood Press. ISBN 0-8536-1167-X. OCLC 2074549. p264
  24. ^ Ffestiniog Railway Magazine, Issue 1, page(s): 10
  25. ^ "Nine Years of News from Portmadoc", Ffestiniog Railway Magazine, Issue 20, page(s): 15
  26. ^ "News from Portmadoc", Ffestiniog Railway Magazine, Issue 7, page(s): 3
  27. ^ "News from the Line: Mechanical", Ffestiniog Railway Magazine, Issue 121, page(s): 010
  28. ^ Festiniog Railway Heritage Group Journal, Issue 136, page(s): 16
  29. ^ Festiniog Railway Heritage Group Journal, Issue 132, page(s): 10
  30. ^ Boyd, James I.C. (1975) [1959]. The Festiniog Railway 1800 - 1974; Vol. 2 Locomotive and Rolling Stock and Quarry Feeders. Blandford: The Oakwood Press. p. 496. ISBN 085361-168-8.
  31. ^ "Nine Years of News from Portmadoc", Ffestiniog Railway Magazine, Issue 20, page(s): 15
  32. ^ "Boston Lodge", Ffestiniog Railway Magazine, Issue 85, page(s): 11
  33. ^ Ffestiniog Railway Magazine, Issue 91, page(s): 20
  34. ^ Boyd, James I.C. (1975) [1959]. The Festiniog Railway 1800 - 1974; Vol. 1 - History and Route. Blandford: The Oakwood Press. ISBN 0-8536-1167-X. OCLC 2074549. p265
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