2006/08/17.01 Looking down the gradient towards the A498 road overbridge, south of beddgelert. 17th August, 2006.

2006/08/17.02 The old bridge over the Afon Glaslyn south of Beddgelert had become unsafe and was removed. A new bridge, similar in design, but better built, has now been erected in its place. The old bridge featured in my collection 'Welsh Highland - The Dormant Years' in my first Fotopic gallery. (Click on the link to the left of the index page to find it.) 17th August, 2006.

2006/08/17.03 Another view of the new bridge over the Afon Glaslyn at Pont Bryn-y-Felin. 17th August, 2006

2006/08/17.03a A shot from the archives! This is the original bridge across the Glaslyn built when the WHR was opened in 1923. It became unsafe so could not be re-used and the new brige shown in the previous picture was built to replace it. 17th April, 1960.

2006/08/17.04 The WHR trackbed has been used as a footpath for many years and is therefore still very well defined. 17th August, 2006

2006/08/17.05 The trackbed is a well worn footpath as it enters the Aberglaslyn Pass. Clearly this cannot continue when tracklaying begins, let alone when the trains start to run! A new footpath has therefore been provided, and this can be seen to the right. 17th August, 2006.

2006/08/17.06 The A498 overbridge seen from Pont Bryn-y-Felin. The road bridge is due for replacement before the line reopens. 17th August, 2006.

2006/08/17.07 A view from under the A498 bridge showing the approach from the Beddgelert direction. 17th August, 2006

2006/08/17.08 Looking towards Beddgelert, this cutting, close by the A498, has been cleared of major trees and shrubs.

2006/08/17.09 New track! This, and the next few pictures, show the newly laid track at Pont Cae'r Gors south of the summit of the line at Pitt's Head. 17th August, 2006.

2006/08/17.10 Looking south through Pont Cae'r Gors cutting.

2006/08/17.11 Looking north towards Pitt's Head and Rhyd Ddu.

2006/08/17.12 Newly laid track through Pont Cae'r Gors cutting, with new rails in the two-foot ready for the next track laying gang to extend the head of steel that bit further. 17th August, 2006.

2006/08/17.13 When this picture was taken on the 17th August it was hot news as the track through the cutting at Pont Cae'r Gors had only just been laid. However, tracklaying has preceded well beyond this point since then and 'hot news' is already history!

2006/08/17.14 The cutting at Pont Cae'r Gors seen on the 17th August, 2006 when the track had only just been laid.

2006/08/17.15 Looking towards Rhyd Ddu on the 17th August, 2006, newly laid track on the approach to Pont Cae'r Gors.

2006/08/17.16 UPNOR CASTLE and a works train can just be seen peeking round the curve on the approach to Pont Cae'r Gors. 17th August, 2006

2006/08/17.17 ex. South African Railways 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 Beyer Garratt 138 runnung round at Rhyd Ddu on the 17th August, 2006. The station is now laid out for right hand running and the previous passenger line is now the loop.

2006/08/17.18 Another view of 138 running round at Rhyd Ddu on the 17th August, 2006

2006/08/17.19 138 completing the run round at Rhyd Ddu on the 17th August, 2006

2006/08/17.20 138 is now ready to depart from Rhyd Ddu on the return trip to Caernarfon. 17th August, 2006

2006/08/17.21 ex South African Railways 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 Garratt 138 leaves Rhyd Ddu and sets off down the gradient towards Caernarfon. 17th August, 2006.

2006/08/17.22 Beyer Garratt 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 leaves Rhyd Ddu and heads round the Ffridd Isaf curves on the 17th August, 2006

2006/08/17.23 Heading down the gradient towards Caernarfon, Beyer Garratt 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 No 138 on Ffridd Isaf curve just after leaving Rhyd Ddu. 17th August, 2006

2006/08/17.24 The sharp curve at Ffridd Isaf is clearly seen as Beyer Garratt 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 No 138 heads for Caernarfon on the 17th August, 2006

2006/08/17.25 The ex South African Railways bogie open waggon at the rear of the train has been fitted out with bicycle racks to enable cyclists to access the hills without the effort of having to cycle there first. Rounding the sharp curve at Ffridd Isaf, the train has just left Rhyd Ddu and has started the decent towards Caernarfon behind Beyer Garratt 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 No 138. There are good views of the loco from the rear of the train when rounding this curve.

2006/08/17.26 The tamping machine had been working on the Phase 4 extention and has now returned to the Engineer's Sidings at Rhyd Ddu. 17th August, 2006

2006/08/17.27 Freight stock from the South African Railways now at work on the WHR. Seen here at Rhyd Ddu, 17th August, 2006

2006/08/17.28 A works train comprising an ex. South African Railways bogie hopper ballast waggon, mess coach No. 1000 and Planet 4 wheel diesel UPNOR CASTLE in the Engineer's Sidings at Rhyd Ddu. 17th August, 2006

2006/08/17.29 The Ff. R. Observation Car No. 100 has been a familiar sight on the Ffestiniog for many years. Now life expired, it has been downgraded to serve as a Mess Coach for workers on the Phase 4 extention of the Welsh Highland and now carries the number 1000. It is seen here at Rhyd Ddu on the 17th August, 2006.

2006/08/17.30 Ex South African Railways Beyer Garratt 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 143 arriving at Rhyd Ddu with a train from Caernarfon on the 17th August, 2006

2006/08/17.31 Pullman luxury on the W.H.R. Named BODYSGALLEN, the first class Pullman car is seen here at Rhyd Ddu on the 17th August, 2006

2006/08/17.32 ex South African Railways Beyer Garratt 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 143 running round at Rhyd Ddu. 17th August, 2006

2006/08/17.33 Another view of 143 running round at Rhyd Ddu. 17th August, 2006

2006/08/17.34 143 runs back into the passenger side of the platform at Rhyd Ddu. 17th August, 2006

2006/08/17.35 Ready to go! 143 is now about to depart from Rhyd Ddu again for Caernarfon. 17th August, 2006

2006/08/17.36 Trains crossing at Waunfawr. Ex South African Railways Beyer Garratt 2-6-2 + 2-6-2s 138 (left) and 143 pass at Waunfawr on the 17th August, 2006

2006/08/17.37 Running round at Caernarfon - 1 The ex. South African Railways Beyer Garratt 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 143 on the 17th August, 2006

2006/08/17.38 Running round at Caernarfon - 2 Another view of 143 running round. 17th August, 2006

2006/08/17.39 Not many cyclists were in evidence at Caernarfon on the 17th August, 2006, but, in view of the weather, I don't blame them! 143 is taking water in the background ready for the next trip up the line to Rhyd Ddu.

2006/08/17.40 Ex South African Railways 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 Garratt 143 takes water in the pouring rain at Caernarfon. 17th August, 2006.

2006/08/17.41 A portrait of ex South African Railways Beyer Garratt 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 No 143 as it takes water at Caernarfon on the 17th August, 2006

2006/08/17.42 Last trip! 143 is now ready to leave Caernarfon with the last trip of the day to Rhyd Ddu on the 17th August, 2006

2006/08/17.43 Back on its train at Carnarfon, ex South African Railways 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 Garratt 143 faces a wet journey up to Rhyd Ddu on the 17th August, 2006. However, the rain did stop before we got there!

2006/08/17.44 The other currently working ex South African Railways Beyer Garratt 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 No 138 is seen as the trains cross at Waunfawr. 17th August, 2006

2006/08/17.45 Ex South African Railways 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 Beyer Garratt No 143 running round at Rhyd Ddu. 17th August, 2006

2006/08/17.46 Back home again after an absence of many years, North Wales Narrow Gauge Railway carriage No. 24 is now back at work on the W.H.R. It is seen here at Rhyd Ddu on the 17th August, 2006

2006/08/17.47 The final train of the day on the 17th August, 2006 leaves Rhyd Ddu for Caernarfon behind No 143. This is one of the ex South African Railways NG/G16 class 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 Beyer Garratts currently at work on the WHR.

2006/08/17.48 A close up of 143's South African Railways number plate. 17th August, 2006

2007/09/03.01 New track for the Welsh Highland Railway cross town link at Porthmadog is stored in the large car park by Llyn Bach. Pre-curved for the section across the Britannia Bridge, the rail is tramway track rolled in Austria for the road crossings here and at Snowdon Street. Work on the construction of the cross town link is about to commence. 3rd September, 2007.

2007/09/03.02 New track for the Welsh Highland Railway cross town link at Porthmadog is stored in the large car park by Llyn Bach. Pre-curved for the section across the Britannia Bridge, the rail is tramway track rolled in Austria for the road crossings here and at Snowdon Street. Work on the construction of the cross town link is about to commence. 3rd September, 2007.

2007/09/03.03 New track for the Welsh Highland Railway cross town link at Porthmadog is stored in the large car park by Llyn Bach. Pre-curved for the section across the Britannia Bridge, the rail is tramway track rolled in Austria for the road crossings here and at Snowdon Street. Work on the construction of the cross town link is about to commence. 3rd September, 2007.

2007/09/03.04 New track for the Welsh Highland Railway cross town link at Porthmadog is stored in the large car park by Llyn Bach. Pre-curved for the section across the Britannia Bridge, the rail is tramway track rolled in Austria for the road crossings here and at Snowdon Street. Work on the construction of the cross town link is about to commence. 3rd September, 2007.

2007/09/03.05 This is a northerly view of the Croesor Tramway/Welsh Highland trackbed as it leaves Porthmadog. The flour mill is behind me and I am looking towards Portmadoc New. Preliminary work on the cross town link has just begun in this area. 3rd September, 2007.

2007/09/03.06 Looking along the Welsh Highland trackbed towards Portmadoc New from the bridge over 'Y Cut', the long disused canal linking Tremadoc with Portmadoc. 3rd September, 2007.

2007/09/03.07 A telephoto shot from the same viewpoint as the previous picture showing the columns of the Portmadoc New water tank. 3rd September, 2007.

2007/09/03.08 The Croesor Tramway/Welsh Highland trackbed looking towards Porthmadog Harbour Station. The flour mill is on the left. The Gorseddau Tramway, closed in 1898, joined from the right at this point. Work to reinstate the track comprising the cross town link will be starting through here shortly and pictures like these will soon be history. 3rd September, 2007.

2007/09/03.09 A listed structure, this bridge carries the Croesor Tramway/Welsh Highland Railway over 'Y Cyt', the long disused canal connecting Tremadoc with Portmadoc. Refurbishment work is about to begin. 3rd September, 2007.

2007/09/05.01 At the Welsh Highland Railway (Porthmadog) Porthmadog terminus in Tremadog Road, 4-wheel Ruston & Hornsby diesel GLASLYN of 1952 runs into the platform where the stock for the next departure to Traeth Mawr is waiting. 5th September, 2007.

2007/09/05.02 Pen-y-Mount, previously the terminus for trains on the Welsh Highland Railway (Porthmadog), but soon to become a junction station where passengers will be able to change for Beddgelert and Caernarfon. 5th September, 2007.

2007/09/05.03 This sign at Pen-y-Mount includes a map of the complete WHR. 5th September, 2007.

2007/09/05.04 Departing from Pen-y-Mount and heading for the junction with the Welsh Highland proper. 5th September, 2007.

2007/09/05.05 North of Pen-y-Mount, the Welsh Highland Railway (Porthmadog) moves out onto the original course of the Welsh Highland Railway which, in turn, was built on the course of the much earlier Croesor Tramway of 1864. 5th September, 2007.

2007/09/05.06 The Welsh Highland Railway (Porthmadog)'s 4-wheel diesel GLASLYN is about to join the original course of the Welsh Highland Railway at Pen-y-Mount Junction. The line seen going off to the right will soon be extended across the Cambrian line and be connected to the Ffestiniog Railway at Porthmadog Harbour Station. 5th September, 2007.

2007/09/05.07 My first ride on this section of the Welsh Highland Railway! This section of track was originally opened as the Croesor Tramway in 1864 to transport slate from the Croesor Quarries to the harbour at Portmadoc and became part of the Welsh Highland Railway when that line was completed in 1923. 5th September, 2007.

2007/09/05.08 A temporary passing loop has been built between Porthmadog and Pont Croesor and bears the name Traeth Mawr. This is currently the limit of operations for the Welsh Highland Railway (Porthmadog), but 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 Garratts on through trains from Caernarfon will be passing this way from Easter, 2009. 5th September, 2007.

2007/09/05.09 The Welsh Highland Railway (Portmadog)'s 4-wheel Ruston & Hornsby diesel GLASLYN at the current end of the line. This will soon be history as it is hoped to have the whole of the Welsh Highland track relaid by the Autumn of next year. 5th September, 2007.

2007/09/05.10 Running round at Traeth Mawr loop, 4-wheel Ruston & Hornsby diesel GLASLYN of 1952. 5th September, 2007.

2007/09/05.11 Pen-y-Mount Junction looking south. The line going off to the left will soon be connected via the cross town link to the Ffestiniog Railway at Porthmadog Harbour Station. It will be part of the through route connecting Caernarfon and Beddgelert with Porthmadog and Blaenau Ffestiniog, but the Welsh Highland Railway (Porthmadog) people refer to it as the 'Harbour Branch'! 5th September, 2007.

2007/09/05.12 Approaching Pen-y-Mount on the return journey on the Welsh Highland (Porthmadog). The original line, soon to be reinstated, went off to the left and behind the station building. A new interchange platform is proposed for this location to enable passengers to change for either Porthmadog Harbour and Blaenau Ffestiniog, or Beddgelert and Caernarfon. 5th September, 2007.

2007/09/05.13 .this is a view of the Croesor Tramway/Welsh Highland Railway looking north towards the mountains which are covered in low cloud on this occasion. The Gelert's Farm Works of the Welsh Highland Railway (Porthmadog) can just be seen on the left. 5th September, 2007.

2007/09/05.14 The Croesor Tramway/Welsh Highland Railway crossed the Cambrian Railways/Great Western Railway on a level crossing on the approach to Portmadoc as it was then. This crossing, now over Network Rail, has recently been reinstated and will shortly be connected to the Ffestiniog Railway at Harbour Station via the cross town link. 5th September, 2007.

2007/09/05.15 A closer view of the flat crossing where the Welsh Highland Railway crosses the Network Rail Cambrian Coast line on the outskirts of Portmadog. 5th September, 2007.

2007/09/05.16 A flashback to 1960! I took this picture of the same location at Easter, 1960. No prizes for spotting the differences!

2007/09/05.17 A telphoto view of the new flat crossing where the Welsh Highland meets Network Rail just east of the standard gauge station in Porthmadog. 5th September, 2007.

2007/09/05.18 Across the other side of the Network Rail Cambrian Coast line is the site of Portmadoc New station. The supports for the water tank are still there all these years on, but now covered in greenery. Excavation work has already commenced in connection with the rebuilding of the line through here. 5th September, 2007.

2007/09/05.19 Narrow gauge rolling stock on display at Gelert's Farm on the Welsh Highland Railway (Portmadog). 5th September, 2007.

2007/09/05.20 Slate waggons on display at Gelert's Farm on the Welsh Highland Railway (Porthmadog). 5th September, 2007.

2007/09/05.21 Narrow gauge rolling stock and other artifacts on display at the Welsh Highland Railway (Portmadog)'s Gelert's Farm. 5th September, 2007.

2007/09/05.22 ISIBUTU is a 4-4-0T built by Bagnalls of Stafford in 1945. She came from South Africa and now lives on the North Gloucestershire Railway at Toddington, but spent a few weeks on the Welsh Highland Railway (Porthmadog) in the late summer of 2007. She is seen here inside the shed at Gelert's Farm with two of the Polish LYd 2 350 hp diesels in the background. 5th September, 2007.

2007/09/05.23 ISIBUTU is a 4-4-0T built by Bagnalls of Stafford in 1945. She came from South Africa and now lives on the North Gloucestershire Railway at Toddington, but spent a few weeks on the Welsh Highland Railway (Porthmadog) in the late summer of 2007. She is seen here inside the shed at Gelert's Farm on the 5th September, 2007.

2007/09/05.24 A relic from the old Welsh Highland Railway is the water tank from the 1st World War Baldwin 4-6-0T 590. It is preserved in the shed/museum bulding at the Welsh Highland Railway (Porthmadog)'s Gelert's Farm. 5th September, 2007.

2007/09/05.25 The cab of World War One Baldwin 4-6-0T 794 sits forlornly in the Gelert's Farm shed on the Welsh Highland Railway (Porthmadog). This loco needs, amongst other things, a new boiler so a considerable sum will have to be raised before it can be seen recreating scenes from the 1930s when sister loco 590 worked on the WHR. 6th September, 2007.

2007/09/05.26 Freight stock on display at the WHR(P) Porthmadog Tremadog Road terminus. 6th September, 2007.

2007/09/05.27 Freight stock on display at the WHR(P) Porthmadog Tremadog Road terminus. 6th September, 2007.

2007/09/05.28 Ruston & Hornsby 4-wheel diesel GLASLYN of 1952 runs round at the WHR(P) Tremadog Road terminus in Porthmadog on the 6th September, 2007.

2007/09/06.01 The new Welsh Highland Railway bridge over the River Glaslyn was built last year to replace the original bridge that had become unsafe. 6th September, 2007.

2007/09/06.02 This bridge carries the A4085 over the Welsh Highland Railway just on the uphill side of the Glaslyn river bridge. It is, however, about to be replaced by the highway authority and a temporary level crossing will be built to enable WHR works trains to access the rapidly extending line through the Aberglaslyn Pass. 6th September, 2007.

2007/09/06.03 Two bridges now cross the River Glaslyn at the head of the Aberglaslyn Pass. For many years walkers were able to cross the river at this point by using the disused Welsh Highland Railway bridge. Newly laid track can be seen crossing the new railway bridge alongside the new footbridge. 6th September, 2007.

2007/09/06.04 Newly laid track on the new Welsh Highland Railway bridge across the River Glaslyn at the head of the Aberglaslyn Pass. 6th September, 2007.

2007/09/06.05 Newly laid Welsh Highland track under the A4085 bridge. 6th September, 2007.

2007/09/06.06 Newly laid track crosses the new bridge over the River Glaslyn with the A4085 road bridge visible behind. 6th September, 2007.

2007/09/06.07 The Welsh Highland Railway tracklayers have been busy and this is the newly laid track heading south through the Aberglaslyn Pass. 6th September, 2007.

2007/09/06.08 The Aberglaslyn Pass with the newly relaid Welsh Highland Railway to the left. 6th September, 2007.

2007/09/06.09 Looking north towards Beddgelert with the Afon (River) Glaslyn to the left, the new footpath in the centre and the newly relaid Welsh Highland Railway to the right. For many years, the railway trackbed was used by walkers as a footpath through the Aberglaslyn Pass. Clearly this could not continue, and the new path was provided instead. 6th September, 2007.

2007/09/06.10 This was the head of steel on the 6th September, 2007. This picture is now history as the Welsh Highland tracklayers continued passed this point the following weekend.

2007/09/06.11 This was the head of steel on the 6th September, 2007. This picture is now history as the Welsh Highland tracklayers continued passed this point the following weekend.

2007/09/06.12 Looking south through the Aberglaslyn Pass. The formation is complete, the ballast is laid, and the sleepers are ready for the Welsh Highland tracklayers at the weekend. This was the position on the 6th September, 2007, but this picture is now history as the tracklayers are now well down the pass and are about to enter the long tunnel.

2007/09/06.13 Newly laid Welsh Highland track alongside the Afon Glaslyn. No doubt locations like this will be popular with photographers when the trains start running. 6th September, 2007.

2007/09/06.14 After so many years of slumber, Beddgelert station is slowly returning to life. Contractors are building and surfacing the central island platform and Welsh Highland volunteer tracklayers have laid the tracks. This is the south end of the staion where the line enters the cutting behind the Royal Goat Hotel. 6th September, 2007.

2007/09/06.15 The Goat Cutting is directly south of Beddgelert station. The track has recently been re-laid here and works trains make regular trips with ballast and rail to continue the southwards expansion of the railway. 6th September, 2007.

2007/09/06.16 The Goat Tunnel is behind the Royal Goat Hotel to the south of Beddgelert station. Track was relaid here in April, 2007. 6th September, 2007.

2007/09/06.17 Recently re-laid track in the Goat Cutting to the south of Beddgelert. I can see this spot being popular with photographers when the trains start running in 2009. 6th September, 2007.

2007/09/06.18 South of the Goat Tunnel, the line takes a right hand curve alongside, but above, the road. Another spot likely to be popular with photographers in 2009. 6th September, 2007.

2007/09/06.19 The curve to the south of the Goat Tunnel. 6th September, 2007.

2007/09/06.20 The bridge to nowhere! This bridge and formation was built by the Portmadoc, Beddgelert and South Snowdon Railway in its bid to connect up with the North Wales Narrow Gauge Railway at South Snowdon, now known as Rhyd Ddu. However, the scheme failed and no trains were destined to pass this way. When the idea was revived in 1923 with the construction of the Welsh Highland Railway, a different route was chosen. 6th September, 2007.

2007/09/06.21 The southern end of the Goat Tunnel south of Beddgelert. 6th September, 2007.

2007/09/06.22 The Goat Tunnel to the south of Beddgelert with the never used formation of the Portmadoc, Beddgelert and South Snowdon Railway in the foreground. 6th September, 2007.

2007/09/06.23 Whilst taking the preceeding pictures I got into conversation with a member of staff who kindly invited me to walk back to Beddgelert station through the goat Tunnel. This is a view through the tunnel looking north towards Beddgelert. 6th September, 2007.

2007/09/06.24 By way of contrast, a flashback to April, 1960 and a similar view to the previous picture.

2007/09/06.25 The Goat Tunnel at Beddgelert. This is a southerly view showing the north portal. 6th September, 2007.

2007/09/06.26 Beddgelert station viewed from the south. The central island platform can be seen under construction on the 6th September, 2007.

2007/09/06.27 Another flashback to Easter, 1960 and a view of the Beddgelert station site from the entrance to the goat Cutting. Contrast this with the previous picture taken from a similar viewpoint.

2007/09/06.28 Construction work under way at Beddgelert station. 6th September, 2007.

2007/09/06.29 Another flashback, this time to June, 1961. A similar viewpoint to the previous picture - spot the difference! The supports for the water tank visible in the shot are still there today and can just be been in the previous picture partially obscured by the yellow digging thing.

2007/09/06.30 Station construction work under way at Beddgelert. The supports for the new water tank can be seen on the right. This will feed to a water crane at the top end of the platform. 6th September, 2007.

2007/09/06.31 The station at Beddgelert is taking shape, with contractors busy working on the island platform. The supports for the old water tank are still in situ. 6th September, 2007.

2007/09/06.32 Two relics of the old Welsh Highland Railway at Beddgelert are the supports for the water tank and the loco inspection pit. These are being kept as historical reminders of how things used to be. 6th September, 2007.

2007/09/06.33 Another view of Pont-y-Felin where the Welsh Highland Railway crosses the Afon (River) Glaslyn. Recently constructed for the 'new' WHR, it is similar in style to the old bridge built for the 'old' WHR in 1923. (See picture R92 2006/08/17.03a, above). 6th September, 2007.