Virtual Railfan Tour - Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways - Portmadog

 

A former South African Railway two foot gauge Garratt No. 143 at Portmadoc


We have now traveled by train up the Cambrian Coast line (orange) to Portmadoc where there is much interest to keep us occupied for several days. 
The Ffestiniog Railway (FR) (green) runs from Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog
The Welsh Highland Railway (WHR) (green) runs from Porthmadog to Caernarfon
The FR and WHR are both two foot gauge lines (acrtually 1foot 11 5/8 in) and are run as a combined operation although there are separate preservation societies.
The Welsh Highland Heritage Railway (WHHR) runs a small operation near the Porthmadog main line station and connects with the WHR.
The Snowdon Mountain Railway can also be seen on the above map running to Summit.
Coming by main line train (orange) we cross under the FR at Minffordd then cross the narrow gauge on the level before arriving at Porthmadog station.  The narrow gauge crossing of the standard gauge railway is most unusual and is well protected.  Porthmadog itself is nestled between the main line station and the narrow gauge Harbour station.  The railway workshops are located at Boston Lodge which is to the east over a man made causeway called the Cob. Today we will have a quick look around Porthmadog using pictures provided by Paul Churcher.

Relaxing at Spooners, the pub/cafe at the Harbour Station. The end car on this train is a former Lynton and Barnstaple Railway car. When I had finished my pint I went into the station shop and was able to purchase an OO9 model of that exact car.


Spooners. The FR terminus platform is to the left while the WHR enters on the right.

Garratt 143 makes its way across the Cob towards Boston Lodge

A FR double Fairlie is hidden in steam as it starts out from Harbour station on its way to Blaenau Ffestiniog on a wet morning

Fine dining on Porthmadog High Street

River Dwyryd at Porthmadog

The Welsh Highlands seen from the Cob

An avian fisher seen from the Cob.

It is quite a coincidence.  I was about to get down to writing this blog when three Ffestiniog railway "Bug boxes" arrived by mail from Porthmadog.











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