Gravity slate trains: Difference between revisions
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When the Festiniog Railway opened in 1836 all "down" trains were worked by gravity. The "up" trains were [[Horse Operation|horse-hauled]] - the horses riding back down again in special [[Dandy Wagon|dandy wagon]]'s. Passenger trains (introduced in 1863) were initially run in Down the line under gravity; goods, followed by passengers, followed by the locomotive (to give a shove if required?). This practice was very swiftly curtailed by the Board of Trade. The practice of running slate trains down by gravity continued right up to the start of WW2. |
When the Festiniog Railway opened in 1836 all "down" trains were worked by gravity. The "up" trains were [[Horse Operation|horse-hauled]] - the horses riding back down again in special [[Dandy Wagon|dandy wagon]]'s. Passenger trains (introduced in 1863) were initially run in Down the line under gravity; goods, followed by passengers, followed by the locomotive (to give a shove if required?). This practice was very swiftly curtailed by the Board of Trade. The practice of running slate trains down by gravity continued right up to the start of WW2. |
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[[Image:Gtddualltc1910.jpg]] |
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| ⚫ | The above photo has been posted here with permission of Hefin Williams of the [http://www2.claneire.com/connected/default.asp?com=penrhyndeudraeth&org=&id=0&ACT=18 Penrhyndeudraeth community website]. The photo was donated to the community site by Owen Jones, Adwy Ddu, Penrhyndeudraeth. The caption above was supplied to the community site by [[Adrian Gray| ACG]]. |
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| ⚫ | The photo has been posted here with permission of Hefin Williams of the [http://www2.claneire.com/connected/default.asp?com=penrhyndeudraeth&org=&id=0&ACT=18 Penrhyndeudraeth community website]. The photo was donated to the community site by Owen Jones, Adwy Ddu, Penrhyndeudraeth. The caption above was supplied to the community site by [[Adrian Gray| ACG]]. |
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The photo above shows at least two brakesman manning the train. The [[Rev J Timothy (Timmy) Phillips]] also gave a graphic description of a Festiniog brakesman and his work in the railway's heyday: |
The photo above shows at least two brakesman manning the train. The [[Rev J Timothy (Timmy) Phillips]] also gave a graphic description of a Festiniog brakesman and his work in the railway's heyday: |
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Revision as of 08:35, 6 March 2007
When the Festiniog Railway opened in 1836 all "down" trains were worked by gravity. The "up" trains were horse-hauled - the horses riding back down again in special dandy wagon's. Passenger trains (introduced in 1863) were initially run in Down the line under gravity; goods, followed by passengers, followed by the locomotive (to give a shove if required?). This practice was very swiftly curtailed by the Board of Trade. The practice of running slate trains down by gravity continued right up to the start of WW2.
The above photo has been posted here with permission of Hefin Williams of the Penrhyndeudraeth community website. The photo was donated to the community site by Owen Jones, Adwy Ddu, Penrhyndeudraeth. The caption above was supplied to the community site by ACG.
The photo above shows at least two brakesman manning the train. The Rev J Timothy (Timmy) Phillips also gave a graphic description of a Festiniog brakesman and his work in the railway's heyday:
- 'This rara avis' (the brakesman)
- appeared at his best in his winter plumage, when he looked like an Esquimau in mourning. He must have been en