Friday 7 June - Special Train

Taliesin running round at Beddgelert

We met at Beddgelert station and watched our train arrive and Taliesin ran round. Taliesin is a single Fairlie built new, in effect, in 1999. Beautiful scenery through the Aberglaslyn Pass. 

Aberglaslyn Pass

The cattle were not bothered but the sheep were skittish. Saw a heron on the Croesor river. There were frequent stops to allow everyone to ride the footplate.
There was a quick stop at the location of the junction with the Croesor Tramway.

About to enter Harbour station Porthmadog

Porthmadog

We were allowed to get off and see the train cross the main road into Porthmadog Harbour station.
The visit to Minffordd yard was very interesting as it included areas not usually available to the public. An old double Fairlie firebox showed that there are in fact two fires and two sets of tubes.

Minffordd

A lady came out at Penrhyn and told the driver to move his train because he was putting cinders in the washing.

Penrhyn - the washing is at the top

We visited the signal box at Rhiw Coach and were given a very good explanation by the signalman. After a down train went through I was allowed to set up the road for us to leave.

Rhiw Coch

Rhiw Coch

Dduallt was the location for a double run past around the spiral.

Dduallt

On the spiral

There was a long wait getting into Glan y Pwll where we managed to see Mountaineer, an Alco from 1917 which the crew obligingly pulled out into the sun for us to photograph.

Glan y Pwll

Our stay at Glan y Pwll was lengthened by a failure of a double Fairlie on a main line service. It was brought back to Glan y Pwll and was blocking our exit for some time. 

Double Fairlie with a broken steam pipe at Glan y Pwll.

There was a discussion with Control over what siding the Fairlie was allowed into and it was able to move clear of us. We made good use of the wait as I drove Taliesin up and down the siding. The regulator was easy to use and it stopped easily on the steam brake.
There was a cream tea waiting for us at Tan y Bwlch. It was amazing with an enormous bowl of clotted cream, strawberries, scones, and cake.  The engine crew were changed at Boston Lodge. Network Rail had just passed over the crossing but we were not delayed. I rode the engine from Pont Croesor. The crew were upset at the condition of the fire which had clinkered probably because of the long standing 

periods. Pressure was dropping to around 110 although the boiler was pressed to 250. The fireman was mortgaging the water for steam. I put a few shovelsful of coal on, mainly around the back corners.
We made it to Beddhelert at the end of a very fill and interesting day.

Taliesin back at Beddgelert after a long day.

Click below to see video taken during the day.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/colinchurcher/sets/72157634557477377/