2009/05/20.RD3520. [32] Ex South African Railways 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 Beyer-Garratt 143 after arrival at Beddgelert with the 10:00 from Caernarfon on the 20th May, 2009. This was the last day on which Welsh Highland Railway trains were to terminated at Beddgelert; the extension to Hafod-y-Llyn would open the following day.

2009/05/20.RD3521. [41] Ex South African Railways NGG16 class 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 Beyer-Garratt 143 running round at Beddgelert after arriving with the 10:00 from Caernarfon on the 20th May, 2009. This was the last day on which Welsh Highland Railway trains were to terminate at Beddgelert; the extension to Hafod-y-Llyn would open the following day.

2009/05/20.RD3522. [45] Ex South African Railways NGG16 class 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 Beyer-Garratt 143 running round at Beddgelert after arriving with the 10:00 from Caernarfon on the 20th May, 2009. This was the last day on which Welsh Highland Railway trains were to terminate at Beddgelert; the extension to Hafod-y-Llyn would open the following day.

2009/05/20.RD3524. [40] Ex South African Railways NGG16 class 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 Beyer-Garratt 143 running round at Beddgelert after arriving with the 10:00 from Caernarfon on the 20th May, 2009. This was the last day on which Welsh Highland Railway trains were to terminate at Beddgelert; the extension to Hafod-y-Llyn was opened the following day.

2009/05/20.RD3526. [40] Ex South African Railways NGG16 class 2-6-2 +2-6-2 Beyer Garratt No.143 takes water at Beddgelert before returning to Caernarfon with the 12:25 departure on the 20th May, 2009. This was the last day on which Welsh Highland Railway trains were to terminate at Beddgelert; the extension through the scenic Aberglaslyn Pass to Hafod-y-Llyn was opened the following day.

2009/05/20.RD3527. [44] Ex South African Railways NGG16 class 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 Beyer-Garratt No.143 running round at Beddgelert after arriving with the 10:00 from Caernarfon on the 20th May, 2009. This was the last day on which Welsh Highland Railway trains were to terminate at Beddgelert; the extension to Hafod-y-Llyn was opened the following day.

2009/05/20.RD3528. [39] Beddgelert station on the Welsh Highland Railway with the 12:25 departure for Caernarfon getting ready to leave behind ex South African Railways NGG16 class 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 Beyer Garratt No.143. This was the last day on which Welsh Highland Railway trains were to terminate at Beddgelert; the extension to Hafod-y-Llyn was opened the following day. 20th May, 2009.

2009/05/20.RD3529. [61] The latest addition to the Welsh Highland Railway’s rolling stock is this superb Pullman Car with large picture observation windows at the rear end. It was built by the skilled craftsman at the Ffestiniog Railway’s Boston Lodge Works in 2009. In this shot, it is seen at the rear of a train about to depart Beddgelert for Caernarfon behind ex South African Railways NGG16 class 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 Beyer Garratt No.143.

2009/05/20.RD3530. [51] The 12:25 departure for Caernarfon getting ready to leave Beddgelert behind ex South African Railways NGG16 class 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 Beyer Garratt No.143. This was the last day on which Welsh Highland Railway trains were to terminate at Beddgelert; the extension to Hafod-y-Llyn was opened the following day. 20th May, 2009.

2009/05/20.RD3531. [55] Beddgelert station on the Welsh Highland Railway with the 12:25 departure for Caernarfon getting ready to leave. The grey concrete columns are the remains of the water tank, one of the few features of the old station still left in situ. 20th May, 2009.

2009/05/20.RD3532. [55] Above Beddgelert, the line of the Welsh Highland Railway gains height through the forest by the use of two sweeping ‘S’ curves. The locomotive ‘up front’, in this case ex South African Railways NGG16 class Beyer-Garratt 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 143, can clearly be seen from the train as it rounds these curves. 20th May, 2009.

2009/05/20.RD3533. [53] Snaking through the forest above Beddgelert, ex South African Railways NGG16 class Beyer-Garratt 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 No. 143 heads the 12:25 from Beddgelert to Caernarfon on the 20th May, 2009. This was the last day on which Welsh Highland Railway trains were to terminate at Beddgelert; the extension to Hafod-y-Llyn was opened the following day.

2009/05/20.RD3534. [52] Climbing through the forest above Beddgelert, ex South African Railways NGG16 class Beyer-Garratt 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 No. 143 heads the 12:25 from Beddgelert to Caernarfon on the 20th May, 2009. This was the last day on which Welsh Highland Railway trains were to terminate at Beddgelert; the extension to Hafod-y-Llyn was opened the following day.

2009/05/20.RD3535. [51] Climbing through the forest above Beddgelert, ex South African Railways NGG16 class Beyer-Garratt 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 No. 143 heads the 12:25 from Beddgelert to Caernarfon on the 20th May, 2009. This was the last day on which Welsh Highland Railway trains were to terminate at Beddgelert; the extension to Hafod-y-Llyn was opened the following day.

2009/05/20.RD3536. [49] Rounding the curve at Pitt's Head near the summit of the line, ex South African Railways NGG16 class Beyer-Garratt 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 No. 143 heads the 12:25 from Beddgelert to Caernarfon on the 20th May, 2009. This was the last day on which Welsh Highland Railway trains were to terminate at Beddgelert; the extension to Hafod-y-Llyn was opened the following day.

2009/05/20.RD3537. [47] Having rounded the curve at Pitt's Head, ex South African Railways NGG16 class Beyer-Garratt 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 No. 143 heads the 12:25 from Beddgelert to Caernarfon alongside the A4085 road as it approaches Rhyd Ddu on the 20th May, 2009. This was the last day on which Welsh Highland Railway trains were to terminate at Beddgelert; the extension to Hafod-y-Llyn was opened the following day.

2009/05/20.RD3538. [50] Ex South African Railways NGG16 class Beyer-Garratt 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 No. 143 heads the 12:25 from Beddgelert to Caernarfon away from the stop at Rhyd Ddu on the 20th May, 2009. This was the last day on which Welsh Highland Railway trains were to terminate at Beddgelert; the extension to Hafod-y-Llyn was opened the following day.

2009/05/20.RD3538a (RD3653). Welsh Highland Railway ex South African Railways NGG16 class 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 Beyer-Garratt No.143 runs round at Caernarfon on the 20th May, 2009 before doing another return trip to Beddgelert. This was the last day when Beddgelert would be a terminus; the official opening of the extension through the scenic Aberglaslyn Pass to Hafod y Llyn took place the following day. Photograph by Richard Savory.

2009/05/20.RD3538b (RD3654). Still waiting its turn for some TLC, ex South African Railways NG15 class 2-8-2 No.133 at Dinas, four miles from Caernarfon. Alongside it is the Ffestiniog Railway's B-B Funkey diesel VALE OF FFESTINIOG. 20th May, 2009. Photograph by Richard Savory.

2009/05/20.RD3538c (RD3656). The Welsh Highland between Rhyd Ddu and Beddgelert twists and turns through the Beddgelert Forest and the locomotive at the front can be seen from the train as it rounds the curves. This section of line had been opened on the 7th April, 2009, only a few weeks before Richard Savory took this picture on the 20th May, 2009. This was the last day on which Welsh Highland Railway trains were to terminate at Beddgelert; the extension to Hafod-y-Llyn would open the following day.

2009/05/20.RD3538d (RD3657). To gain / lose height on the steep climb from Beddgelert to the summit near Rhyd Ddu on the slopes of Snowdon, the Welsh Highland Railway traverses two sweeping ‘S’ curves in the Beddgelert Forest. The locomotive ‘up front’, in this case ex South African Railways NGG16 class Beyer-Garratt 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 No.143, can clearly be seen from the train as it rounds these curves. 20th May, 2009. This was the last day on which Welsh Highland Railway trains were to terminate at Beddgelert; the extension to Hafod-y-Llyn would open the following day. Photograph by Richard Savory.

2009/05/20.RD3539. [47] Above Beddgelert, the line of the Welsh Highland Railway gains height through the forest by the use of two sweeping ‘S’ curves. This is the lower of the two with ex South African Railways NGG16 class 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 Beyer Garratt No.143 rolling downhill towards the deep curved cutting known as Cutting Mawr. Once round this curve, the train will be on the line seen in the foreground, but travelling from left to right. (See next picture.) 20th May, 2009.

2009/05/20.RD3540. [50] Taken a few moments after the previous picture, ex South African Railways NGG16 class 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 Beyer Garratt No.143 has rounded the sharp curve through Cutting Mawr and is now approaching Cwm Cloch crossing. Another sharp right hand curve brings the line round and down into Beddgelert station. 20th May, 2009.

2009/05/20.RD3541. [52] The latest addition to the Welsh Highland Railway’s rolling stock is this superb Pullman Car with large picture observation windows at the rear end. It was built by the skilled craftsman at the Ffestiniog Railway’s Boston Lodge Works in 2009. In this shot, it is seen at the rear of a train running into Beddgelert on the 20th May, 2009 - while a lone sheep keeps an eye on me!

2009/05/20.RD3542. [50] A bird’s eye view of ex South African Railways NGG16 class 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 Beyer Garratt No.143 as it runs round its train at Beddgelert on the 20th May, 2009.

2009/05/20.RD3543. [52] Ex South African Railways NGG16 class 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 Beyer-Garratt No.143 running round at Beddgelert. 20th May, 2009.

2009/05/20.RD3544. [58] Ex South African Railways NGG16 class 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 Beyer-Garratt No.143 running round at Beddgelert. 20th May, 2009.

2009/05/20.RD3545. [41] Above Beddgelert, the line gains height through the forest by the use of two sweeping ‘S’ curves. This is the lower of the two with ex South African Railways NGG16 class 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 Beyer Garratt No.143 climbing away from Beddgelert on the 20th May, 2009.

2009/05/20.RD3545a (RD3659). Above Beddgelert, the Welsh Highland Railway gains height through the forest by the use of two sweeping ‘S’ curves. This is the lower of the two with ex South African Railways NGG16 class 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 Beyer Garratt No.143 climbing away from Beddgelert on the 20th May, 2009. Photograph by Richard Savory.

2009/05/20.RD3545b (RD3660). Above Beddgelert, the Welsh Highland Railway gains height through the forest by the use of two sweeping ‘S’ curves. This is the lower of the two with ex South African Railways NGG16 class 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 Beyer Garratt No.143 climbing away from Beddgelert on the 20th May, 2009. Photograph by Richard Savory.

2009/05/20.RD3545c (RD3661). Above Beddgelert, the Welsh Highland Railway gains height through the forest by the use of two sweeping ‘S’ curves. This is the lower of the two with ex South African Railways NGG16 class 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 Beyer Garratt No.143 climbing away from Beddgelert on the 20th May, 2009. The train will soon reverse direction in a deep and curving cutting known as ‘Cutting Mawr’. Photograph by Richard Savory.

2009/05/20.RD3546. [44] Above Beddgelert, the line gains height through the forest by the use of two sweeping ‘S’ curves. This is the lower of the two with ex South African Railways NGG16 class 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 Beyer Garratt No.143 climbing away from Beddgelert on the 20th May, 2009. The train will soon reverse direction in a deep and curving cutting known as ‘Cutting Mawr’.

2009/05/20.RD3546a (RD3662). Above Beddgelert, the Welsh Highland Railway gains height through the forest by the use of two sweeping ‘S’ curves. This is the lower of the two with ex South African Railways NGG16 class 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 Beyer Garratt No.143 climbing away from Beddgelert on the 20th May, 2009. The train has just reversed direction running through a deep and curving cutting known as ’Cutting Mawr’. Photograph by Richard Savory.

2009/05/20.RD3547. [41] Above Beddgelert, the line gains height through the forest by the use of two sweeping ‘S’ curves. This is the lower of the two with ex South African Railways NGG16 class 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 Beyer Garratt No.143 climbing away from Beddgelert on the 20th May, 2009. The train has just reversed direction running through a deep and curving cutting known as ’Cutting Mawr’.

2009/05/20.RD3647a (RD3663). Ex South African Railways NGG16 class 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 Beyer Garratt No.143 climbing away from Cutting Mawr in the lower ’S’ curve above Beddgelert on the Welsh Highland Railway. 20th May, 2009. Photograph by Richard Savory.

2009/05/21.RD3548. [38] Above Beddgelert, the line gains height through the forest by the use of two sweeping ‘S’ curves. This is the lower of the two with the Ffestiniog Railway’s 0-4-0ST/T PRINCE trundling downhill towards the deep curved cutting known as Cutting Mawr. Once round this curve, the train will be on the line seen in the foreground, but travelling from left to right. (See next picture.) The Welsh Highland was opening a further extension through the scenic Aberglaslyn Pass that day and PRINCE would be performing the opening ceremony by being driven through a banner at Beddgelert station. 21st May, 2009.

2009/05/21.RD3549. [42] Taken a few moments after the previous picture, the Ffestiniog Railway’s 0-4-0ST/T PRINCE has rounded the sharp curve through Cutting Mawr and, with Moel Hebog in the background, is now approaching Cwm Cloch crossing. Another sharp right hand curve brings the line round and down into Beddgelert station. The Welsh Highland was opening a further extension through the scenic Aberglaslyn Pass that day and PRINCE would be performing the opening ceremony by being driven through a banner at Beddgelert station. 21st May, 2009.

2009/05/21.RD3549a (RD3666). Above Beddgelert, the Welsh Highland line gains height through the forest by the use of two sweeping ‘S’ curves. This is the lower of the two with the Ffestiniog Railway’s 0-4-0ST/T PRINCE and a vintage train set trundling downhill towards Cwm Cloch crossing. It has rounded the sharp curve through Cutting Mawr and another sharp right hand curve brings the line round and down into Beddgelert station. The Welsh Highland Railway was opening a further extension through the scenic Aberglaslyn Pass that day and PRINCE would be performing the opening ceremony by being driven through a banner at Beddgelert station. 21st May, 2009. Photograph by Richard Savory.

2009/05/21.RD3549b (RD3667). Taken a few minutes after the previous picture, 0-4-0ST/T PRINCE has now arrived at Beddgelert. The Welsh Highland Railway was opening a further extension through the scenic Aberglaslyn Pass that day and PRINCE would be performing the opening ceremony by being driven through a banner at Beddgelert station. 21st May, 2009. Photograph by Richard Savory.

2009/05/21.RD3549c (RD3668). Taken a few minutes after picture RD3666, 0-4-0ST/T PRINCE has now arrived at Beddgelert. The Welsh Highland Railway was opening a further extension through the scenic Aberglaslyn Pass that day and PRINCE would be performing the opening ceremony by being driven through a banner at Beddgelert station. 21st May, 2009. Photograph by Richard Savory.

2009/05/21.RD3549d (RD3670). The 21st May, 2009 was another Red-Letter day in the history of the Welsh Highland Railway as another section of the line was opened for traffic. This time it was the section southwards from Beddgelert through the scenic Aberglaslyn Pass to a temporary terminus at Hafod-y-Llyn, south of Nantmor. A special train for the invited VIPs was run from Caernarfon behind two of the ex South African Railways NGG16 class 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 Beyer-Garratts, Nos.87 and 143. The pair are seen here in the lower of the two 'S' curves as they approach Beddgelert where a stop will be made for the opening speeches and for the Ffestiniog Railway’s 0-4-0ST/T PRINCE to officially open the line by being driven through the customary banner. Photograph by Richard Savory.

2009/05/21.RD3549e (RD3672). The 21st May, 2009 was another Red-Letter day in the history of the Welsh Highland Railway as another section of the line was opened for traffic. This time it was the section southwards from Beddgelert through the scenic Aberglaslyn Pass to a temporary terminus at Hafod-y-Llyn, south of Nantmor. A special train for the invited VIPs was run from Caernarfon behind two of the ex South African Railways NGG16 class 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 Beyer-Garratts, Nos.87 and 143. The pair are seen here approaching Beddgelert where a stop will be made for the opening speeches and for the Ffestiniog Railway’s 0-4-0ST/T PRINCE to officially open the line by being driven through the customary banner. Photograph by Richard Savory.

2009/05/21.RD3550. [47] The 21st May, 2009 was another Red-Letter day in the history of the Welsh Highland Railway as another section of the line was opened for traffic. This time it was the section southwards from Beddgelert through the scenic Aberglaslyn Pass to a temporary terminus at Hafod-y-Llyn, south of Nantmor. A special train for the invited VIPs was run from Caernarfon behind two of the ex South African Railways NGG16 class 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 Beyer-Garratts, Nos.87 and 143. The pair are seen here approaching Beddgelert where a stop will be made for the opening speeches and for the Ffestiniog Railway’s 0-4-0ST/T PRINCE to officially open the line by being driven through the customary banner.

2009/05/21.RD3551. [41] The 21st May, 2009 was another Red-Letter day in the history of the Welsh Highland Railway as another section of the line was opened for traffic. This time it was the section southwards from Beddgelert through the scenic Aberglaslyn Pass to a temporary terminus at Hafod-y-Llyn, south of Nantmor. A special train for the invited VIPs was run from Caernarfon behind two of the ex South African Railways NGG16 class 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 Beyer-Garratts, Nos.87 and 143. The pair are seen here approaching Beddgelert where a stop will be made for the opening speeches and for the Ffestiniog Railway’s 0-4-0ST/T PRINCE to officially open the line by being driven through the customary banner.

2009/05/21.RD3551a (RD3673). The 21st May, 2009 was another Red-Letter day in the history of the Welsh Highland Railway as another section of the line was opened for traffic. This time it was the section southwards from Beddgelert through the scenic Aberglaslyn Pass to a temporary terminus at Hafod-y-Llyn, south of Nantmor. A special train for the invited VIPs was run from Caernarfon behind two of the ex South African Railways NGG16 class 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 Beyer-Garratts, Nos.87 and 143. This is No.143 at Beddgelert where a stop is being made for the opening speeches and for the Ffestiniog Railway’s 0-4-0ST/T PRINCE to officially open the line by being driven through the customary banner. Photograph by Richard Savory.

2009/05/21.RD3552. [47] The 21st May, 2009 was another Red-Letter day in the history of the Welsh Highland Railway as another section of the line was opened for traffic. This time it was the section southwards from Beddgelert through the scenic Aberglaslyn Pass to a temporary terminus at Hafod-y-Llyn, south of Nantmor. The Chairman of the Festiniog Railway Company, Dr. John Prideaux, welcomes the invited guests and other visitors; with him on the podium at Beddgelert is Mr. Caerwyn Roberts, chairman of the Snowdonia National Park Authority.

2009/05/21.RD3555. [48] The 21st May, 2009 was another Red-Letter day in the history of the Welsh Highland Railway as another section of the line was opened for traffic. This time it was the section southwards from Beddgelert through the scenic Aberglaslyn Pass to a temporary terminus at Hafod-y-Llyn, south of Nantmor. A special train was run from Caernarfon for the invited guests and VIPs with a stop at Beddgelert for the Chairman of the Festiniog Railway Company, Dr. John Prideaux, to welcome the passengers and other visitors; with him on the podium is Mr. Caerwyn Roberts, chairman of the Snowdonia National Park Authority.

2009/05/21.RD3557. [58] The 21st May, 2009 was another Red-Letter day in the history of the Welsh Highland Railway as another section of the line was opened for traffic. This time it was the section southwards from Beddgelert through the scenic Aberglaslyn Pass to a temporary terminus at Hafod-y-Llyn, south of Nantmor. The Chairman of the Festiniog Railway Company, Dr. John Prideaux, welcomed the invited guests and other visitors and Mr. Caerwyn Roberts, chairman of the Snowdonia National Park Authority responded.

2009/05/21.RD3557a (RD3676). The 21st May, 2009 was another Red-Letter day in the history of the Welsh Highland Railway as another section of the line was opened for traffic. This time it was the section southwards from Beddgelert through the scenic Aberglaslyn Pass to a temporary terminus at Hafod-y-Llyn, south of Nantmor. A special train for the invited VIPs was run from Caernarfon and this picture shows the VIPs, invited guests and others congregated on the station platform at Beddgelert while the opening speeches are made by Dr. John Prideaux, Chairman of the Festiniog Railway Company, and Mr. Caerwyn Roberts, Chairman of the Snowdonia National Park Authority. Photograph by Richard Savory.

2009/05/21.RD3557b (RD3677). The 21st May, 2009 was another Red-Letter day in the history of the Welsh Highland Railway as another section of the line was opened for traffic. This time it was the section southwards from Beddgelert through the scenic Aberglaslyn Pass to a temporary terminus at Hafod-y-Llyn, south of Nantmor. After the opening speeches by Dr. John Prideaux, Chairman of the Festiniog Railway Company, and Mr. Caerwyn Roberts, Chairman of the Snowdonia National Park Authority, the official opening was performed by the Ffestiniog Railway's 0-4-0ST/T PRINCE which was driven through an appropriate banner. It is seen here in the Goat Cutting approaching Beddgelert station. Photograph by Richard Savory.

2009/05/21.RD3557c (RD3678). The 21st May, 2009 was another Red-Letter day in the history of the Welsh Highland Railway as another section of the line was opened for traffic. This time it was the section southwards from Beddgelert through the scenic Aberglaslyn Pass to a temporary terminus at Hafod-y-Llyn, south of Nantmor. After the opening speeches by Dr. John Prideaux, Chairman of the Festiniog Railway Company, and Mr. Caerwyn Roberts, Chairman of the Snowdonia National Park Authority, the official opening was performed by the Ffestiniog Railway's 0-4-0ST/T PRINCE which was driven through an appropriate banner. It is seen here in the Goat Cutting approaching Beddgelert station. Photograph by Richard Savory.

2009/05/21.RD3557d (RD3679). The 21st May, 2009 was another Red-Letter day in the history of the Welsh Highland Railway as another section of the line was opened for traffic. This time it was the section southwards from Beddgelert through the scenic Aberglaslyn Pass to a temporary terminus at Hafod-y-Llyn, south of Nantmor. After the opening speeches by Dr. John Prideaux, Chairman of the Festiniog Railway Company, and Mr. Caerwyn Roberts, Chairman of the Snowdonia National Park Authority, the official opening was performed by the Ffestiniog Railway's 0-4-0ST/T PRINCE which is approaching Beddgelert Station and the waiting banner. Photograph by Richard Savory.

2009/05/21.RD3559. [53] The 21st May, 2009 was another Red-Letter day in the history of the Welsh Highland Railway as another section of the line was opened for traffic. This time it was the section southwards from Beddgelert through the scenic Aberglaslyn Pass to a temporary terminus at Hafod-y-Llyn, south of Nantmor. The official opening was performed by the Ffestiniog Railway’s 0-4-0ST/T PRINCE who stormed out of the Goat Cutting to burst through an appropriate banner.

2009/05/21.RD3559a (RD3681). The 21st May, 2009 was another Red-Letter day in the history of the Welsh Highland Railway as another section of the line was opened for traffic. This time it was the section southwards from Beddgelert through the scenic Aberglaslyn Pass to a temporary terminus at Hafod-y-Llyn, south of Nantmor. After the opening speeches by Dr. John Prideaux, Chairman of the Festiniog Railway Company, and Mr. Caerwyn Roberts, Chairman of the Snowdonia National Park Authority, the official opening was performed by the Ffestiniog Railway's 0-4-0ST/T PRINCE and a short rake of vintage coaches; the train is approaching Beddgelert Station and the waiting banner. Photograph by Richard Savory.

2009/05/21.RD3560. [55] The Ffestiniog Railway’s 0-4-0ST/T PRINCE bursts through the banner at Beddgelert station to officially open the Welsh Highland Railway’s newest extension from Beddgelert through the scenic Aberglaslyn Pass to a temporary terminus at Hafod-y-Llyn, just south of Nantmor. 21st May, 2009.

2009/05/21.RD3561. [50] With the opening banner still wrapped round its smokebox, the Ffestiniog Railway’s 0-4-0ST/T PRINCE has declared the Welsh Highland Railway’s new extension to Hafod-y-Llyn officially open. This section, southwards from Beddgelert, runs through the scenic Aberglaslyn Pass to a temporary terminus a little to the south of Nantmor. 21st May, 2009.

2009/05/21.RD3561a (RD3685). The 21st May, 2009 was another Red-Letter day in the history of the Welsh Highland Railway as another section of the line was opened for traffic. This time it was the section southwards from Beddgelert through the scenic Aberglaslyn Pass to a temporary terminus at Hafod-y-Llyn, south of Nantmor. After the opening speeches by Dr. John Prideaux, Chairman of the Festiniog Railway Company, and Mr. Caerwyn Roberts, Chairman of the Snowdonia National Park Authority, the official opening was performed by the Ffestiniog Railway's 0-4-0ST/T PRINCE which ran into Beddgelert Station from the south and into a waiting banner. Photograph by Richard Savory.

2009/05/21.RD3561b (RD3688). The 21st May, 2009 was another Red-Letter day in the history of the Welsh Highland Railway as another section of the line was opened for traffic. This time it was the section southwards from Beddgelert through the scenic Aberglaslyn Pass to a temporary terminus at Hafod-y-Llyn, south of Nantmor. After the opening speeches by Dr. John Prideaux, Chairman of the Festiniog Railway Company, and Mr. Caerwyn Roberts, Chairman of the Snowdonia National Park Authority, the official opening was performed by the Ffestiniog Railway's 0-4-0ST/T PRINCE which ran into Beddgelert Station from the south and into a waiting banner. Photograph by Richard Savory.

2009/05/21.RD3561c (RD3691). The Ffestiniog Railway’s 0-4-0ST/T PRINCE stands in the platform at Beddgelert after performing the official opening of the Welsh Highland Railway’s new extension through the scenic Aberglaslyn Pass to Hafod y Llyn. 21st May, 2009. Photograph by Richard Savory.

2009/05/21.RD3561d (RD3692). Ex South African Railways NGG16 class 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 Beyer-Garratt No.87 at Beddgelert on the 21st May, 2009. This was the occasion of the opening of another section of the Welsh Highland Railway from Beddgelert, through the scenic Aberglaslyn Pass, to a temporary terminus at Hafod - Llyn. The Garratt was double-heading with sister loco No.143 and the pair were working a special opening train for the VIPs and invited guests. Photograph by Richard Savory.

2009/05/21.RD3561e (RD3693). Ex South African Railways NGG16 class 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 Beyer-Garratt No.87 at Beddgelert on the 21st May, 2009. This was the occasion of the opening of another section of the Welsh Highland Railway from Beddgelert, through the scenic Aberglaslyn Pass, to a temporary terminus at Hafod - Llyn. The Garratt was double-heading with sister loco No.143 and the pair were working a special opening train for the VIPs and invited guests. Photograph by Richard Savory.

2009/05/21.RD3561f. (RD3695). Ex South African Railways NGG16 class 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 Beyer-Garratts No.87 and 143 departing from Beddgelert on the 21st May, 2009. This was the occasion of the opening of another section of the Welsh Highland Railway from Beddgelert, through the scenic Aberglaslyn Pass, to a temporary terminus at Hafod y Llyn. The pair were working a special opening train for the VIPs and invited guests. Photograph by Richard Savory.

2009/05/21.RD3562. [57] With the speeches and official opening over, the VIPs and invited guests rejoined their train and set off for their celebratory ride over the new section of the Welsh Highland Railway from Beddgelert to Hafod-y-Llyn. The special train departs from Beddgelert en route for the highly scenic Aberglaslyn Pass and Hafod-y-Llyn and enters the Goat Cutting behind two of the ex South African Railways NGG16 class 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 Beyer-Garratts Nos. 87 and 143. 21st May, 2009.

2009/05/21.RD3563. [59] The Welsh Highland Hafod-y-Llyn extension opening train conveying the invited guests and VIPs on its return journey from Hafod-y-Llyn. It is coming out of the Aberglaslyn Pass and rounding the curve towards Pont Bryn-y-Felin with the Afon (River) Glaslyn to the right. The locomotives are ex South African Railways NGG16 class 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 Beyer-Garratts Nos. 87 and 143 and both the Welsh Highland Pullman cars, one with an observation window at the end, are coupled together at the Caernarfon end of the train. 21st May, 2009.

2009/05/21.RD3564. [63] Ex South African Railways NGG16 class 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 Beyer- Garratts 87 and 143 at work on the Welsh Highland Railway in North Wales. The train is a special working run for VIPs and invited guests to celebrate the opening of a further section of line from Beddgelert through the scenic Aberglaslyn Pass to a temporary terminus at Hafod-y-Llyn. 21st May, 2009.

2009/05/21.RD3565. [57] Ex South African Railways NGG16 class 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 Beyer- Garratts 87 and 143 at work on the Welsh Highland Railway in North Wales. They are crossing the Afon (River) Glaslyn near Beddgelert on a recently constructed girder bridge. This replaced the original structure which had become unsafe (see next picture). 21st May, 2009.

2009/05/21.RD3565a. (R92) A flashback to 1960! This is the original Welsh Highland Railway girder bridge that crossed the Afon (River) Glaslyn near Beddgelert. It became unsafe and had to be replaced by the new bridge seen in the previous picture before the line could be reopened. 17th April, 1960.

2009/05/21.RD3565b (RD3696). Ex South African Railways NGG16 class 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 Beyer-Garratts No.87 and 143 departing from Beddgelert on the 21st May, 2009. This was the occasion of the opening of another section of the Welsh Highland Railway from Beddgelert, through the scenic Aberglaslyn Pass, to a temporary terminus at Hafod y Llyn. The pair were working a special opening train for the VIPs and invited guests. Photograph by Richard Savory.

2009/05/21.RD3565c (RD3697). Portrait of a Garratt. Ex South African Railways NGG16 class 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 Beyer-Garratt No.87 at Beddgelert on the occasion of the opening of another section of the Welsh Highland Railway from Beddgelert, through the scenic Aberglaslyn Pass, to a temporary terminus at Hafod y Llyn. The loco was double-heading with sister loco No.143 and the pair worked a special opening train for the VIPs and invited guests. 21st May, 2009. Photograph by Richard Savory.

2009/05/21.RD3566. [51] While the invited guests and VIPs were entertained to lunch at the Royal Goat Hotel in Beddgelert, another special train was run, but this time for the local residents of Beddgelert. While I was waiting for it at the top end of the Aberglaslyn Pass, the sun was shining brightly. However, as the time for the train got nearer, the sky darkened and, by the time the train arrived, it was pouring with rain! Despite having to shelter under a brolly, I managed a reasonable shot as the two ex South African Railways NGG16 class 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 Beyer-Garratts, Nos. 87 and 143, headed the train into the Pass. 21st May, 2009.

2009/05/21.RD3567. [44] While the invited guests and VIPs were entertained to lunch at the Royal Goat Hotel in Beddgelert, another special train was run, but this time for the local residents of Beddgelert. While I was waiting for it at the top end of the Aberglaslyn Pass, the sun was shining brightly. However, as the time for the train got nearer, the sky darkened and, by the time the train arrived, it was pouring with rain! Despite having to shelter under a brolly, I managed a reasonable shot as the two ex South African Railways NGG16 class 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 Beyer-Garratts, Nos. 87 and 143, headed the train into the Pass. 21st May, 2009.

2009/05/21.RD3568. [45] While the invited guests and VIPs were entertained to lunch at the Royal Goat Hotel in Beddgelert, another special train was run, but this time for the local residents of Beddgelert. While I was waiting for it at the top end of the Aberglaslyn Pass, the sun was shining brightly. However, as the time for the train got nearer, the sky darkened and, by the time the train arrived, it was pouring with rain! Despite having to shelter under a brolly, I managed a reasonable shot as the train headed into the Pass with both the Welsh Highland Railway’s Pullman Cars bringing up the rear. The rearmost one with the large observation windows has only just been built by the skilled craftsmen at the Ffestiniog Railway’s Boston Lodge Works. 21st May, 2009.

2009/05/21.RD3569. [50] While the invited guests and VIPs were entertained to lunch at the Royal Goat Hotel in Beddgelert, another special train was run, but this time for the local residents of Beddgelert. It is seen here on the return run to Beddgelert having been down to the new temporary terminus at Hafod-y-Llyn. The locomotives are ex South African Railways NGG16 class 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 Beyer-Garratts, Nos. 87 and 143. 21st May, 2009.

2009/05/21.RD3570. [55] Ex South African Railways NGG16 class 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 Beyer- Garratts 87 and 143 at work on the Welsh Highland Railway in North Wales. They have just come up through the scenic Aberglaslyn Pass and are rounding the curve before crossing the Afon (River) Glaslyn on their way back to Beddgelert. 21st May, 2009.

2009/05/21.RD3571. [46] A third special train was run on the Welsh Highland Railway’s Hafod-y-Llyn opening day, and this was a train of heritage coaches hauled by the Ffestiniog Railway’s 0-4-0ST/T PRINCE. The train has just crossed the Afon (River) Glaslyn and is entering the scenic Aberglaslyn Pass. 21st May, 2009.

2009/05/21.RD3572. [50] A third special train was run on the Welsh Highland Railway’s Hafod-y-Llyn opening day, and this was a train of heritage coaches hauled by the Ffestiniog Railway’s 0-4-0ST/T PRINCE. The train has just crossed the Afon (River) Glaslyn and is entering the scenic Aberglaslyn Pass. 21st May, 2009.

2009/05/21.RD3572a (RD3698a). A third special train was run on the Welsh Highland Railway’s Hafod-y-Llyn opening day, and this was a train of heritage coaches hauled by the Ffestiniog Railway’s 0-4-0ST/T PRINCE. The train has been down to Hafod-y-Llyn and is now on its way back to Beddgelert. It is approaching the curve that leads to the bridge over the Afon (River) Glaslyn at Pont Bryn-y-Felin. 21st May, 2009. Photograph by Richard Savory.

2009/05/21.RD3573. [50] A third special train was run on the Welsh Highland Railway’s Hafod-y-Llyn opening day, and this was a train of heritage coaches hauled by the Ffestiniog Railway’s 0-4-0ST/T PRINCE. The train has been down to Hafod-y-Llyn and is now on its way back to Beddgelert. It is approaching the curve that leads to the bridge over the Afon (River) Glaslyn at Pont Bryn-y-Felin. 21st May, 2009.

2009/05/21.RD3574. [56] A third special train was run on the Welsh Highland Railway’s Hafod-y-Llyn opening day, and this was a train of heritage coaches hauled by the Ffestiniog Railway’s 0-4-0ST/T PRINCE. The train has been down to Hafod-y-Llyn and is now on its way back to Beddgelert. It is approaching the curve that leads to the bridge over the Afon (River) Glaslyn at Pont Bryn-y-Felin. 21st May, 2009.

2009/05/21.RD3575. [46] A third special train was run on the Welsh Highland Railway’s Hafod-y-Llyn opening day, and this was a train of heritage coaches hauled by the Ffestiniog Railway’s 0-4-0ST/T PRINCE. The train has been down to Hafod-y-Llyn and is now on its way back to Beddgelert. It is seen here the curve that leads to the bridge over the Afon (River) Glaslyn at Pont Bryn-y-Felin. 21st May, 2009.

2009/05/21.RD3575a (RD3699). A third special train was run on the Welsh Highland Railway’s Hafod-y-Llyn opening day, and this was a train of heritage coaches hauled by the Ffestiniog Railway’s 0-4-0ST/T PRINCE. The train has been down to Hafod-y-Llyn and is now on its way back to Beddgelert. It has just crossed the bridge over the Afon (River) Glaslyn at Pont Bryn-y-Felin. 21st May, 2009. Photograph by Richard Savory.

2009/05/21.RD3575b (RD3700). A third special train was run on the Welsh Highland Railway’s Hafod-y-Llyn opening day, and this was a train of heritage coaches hauled by the Ffestiniog Railway’s 0-4-0ST/T PRINCE. The train has been down to Hafod-y-Llyn and is now on its way back to Beddgelert. It has just crossed the bridge over the Afon (River) Glaslyn at Pont Bryn-y-Felin and is about to go under the A498 road bridge. 21st May, 2009. Photograph by Richard Savory.

2009/05/21.RD3575c (RD3701). A third special train was run on the Welsh Highland Railway’s Hafod-y-Llyn opening day, and this was a train of heritage coaches hauled by the Ffestiniog Railway’s 0-4-0ST/T PRINCE. At the end of the day, the train passes Cwm Cloch in the lower ’S’ curves above Beddgelert on its way back to the depot at Dinas. Photograph by Richard Savory.

2009/05/21.RD3575d (RD3704). With the special opening trains over, the Ffestiniog Railway’s 0-4-0ST/T PRINCE makes its way back to the Welsh Highland Railway’s depot at Dinas with the heritage train. Between Beddgelert and Rhyd Ddu the line gains height by means of two sweeping ‘S’ curves and this shot was taken in the upper one by Richard Savory.

2009/05/21.RD3576. [57] A view of the re-laid Welsh Highland Railway just north of Pont Croesor, looking north towards Croesor Junction and the Aberglaslyn Pass. Although one or two special trains have passed over it, this section of line is not yet open for regular train services. 21st May, 2009.

2009/05/21.RD3577. The rebuilt bridge that carries the Welsh Highland Railway over the Afon (River) Glaslyn at Pont Croesor. Although one or two special trains have passed over it, this section of line is not yet open for regular train services. 21st May, 2009.

2009/05/21.RD3577a. A flashback to 1960! The old Welsh Highland bridge over the Afon (River) Glaslyn had long gone even by 1960, but the bridge piers still remained and were clearly visible. They were still in a good enough condition to be re-used, with a little additional work, when the new bridge was built for the re-opening of the line. The B4410 road crosses the river at the same point and the road bridge is still in use today. The remains of an old Croesor Tramway waggon can be seen in the foreground. 17th April, 1960. Rodney Thorp writes : Hi Ron, the waggon is not a Croesor Tramway. It is the Festiniog Railway brine tank waggon that used to carry sea water for use of the Oakley family at Plas. When the Welsh Highland opened it was mounted on a sleeper stack at this point to act as a water tank for the engines. Thanks, Rodney.

2009/05/21.RD3578. [51] A closer view of the new Welsh Highland Railway bridge over the Afon (River) Glaslyn at Pont Croesor. The bridge piers are the originals - see previous picture. Although one or two special trains have passed over it, this section of line is not yet open for regular train services. 21st May, 2009.

2009/05/21.RD3579. [50] The rebuilt bridge that carries the Welsh Highland Railway over the Afon (River) Glaslyn at Pont Croesor. Although one or two special trains have passed over it, this section of line is not yet open for regular train services. This is a view looking southwards towards Porthmadog. 21st May, 2009.

2009/05/21.RD3580. [57] The rebuilt bridge that carries the Welsh Highland Railway over the Afon (River) Glaslyn at Pont Croesor. Although one or two special trains have passed over it, this section of line is not yet open for regular train services. This is a view looking northwards towards the Aberglaslyn Pass, Beddgelert and Caernarfon. 21st May, 2009.

2009/05/21.RD3581. [56] The rebuilt bridge that carries the Welsh Highland Railway over the Afon (River) Glaslyn at Pont Croesor. Although one or two special trains have passed over it, this section of line is not yet open for regular train services. This is a view looking northwards towards the Aberglaslyn Pass, Beddgelert and Caernarfon. 21st May, 2009.

2009/05/21.RD3582. [63] This is where the Welsh Highland Railway crosses the B4410; the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Osprey Visitor Centre is situated just off the road immediately round the bend. Although one or two special trains have passed over this level crossing, this section of line is not yet open for regular train services. 21st May, 2009.

2009/05/21.RD3583. [65] The old Welsh Highland Railway had a halt here, just to the south of the river bridge at Pont Croesor. It is therefore planned to have a station and passing loop here when regular train services are running on the reopened line; it will serve the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Osprey Visitor Centre which is situated off the B4410 at this point. 21st May, 2009.

2009/05/21.RD3584. [64] Recently laid track through the site of the old Welsh Highland Railway ‘Portmadoc New’ station. There was once a water tank here and the grey concrete pillars which used to support this can still be seen. 21st May, 2009.

2009/05/21.RD3585. [54] The start of the tramway track where the Welsh Highland Railway enters Porthmadog. The bridge in the centre of the picture is where the railway crosses ‘Y Cyt’, the canal which once connected Portmadoc to Tremadoc (as Porthmadog and Tremadog were then known). 21st May, 2009.

2009/05/21.RD3586. [54] As the Welsh Highland Railway enters Porthmadog town, it passes in front of the old Snowdon Mill and crosses Snowdon Street by a level crossing. The old mill building was in the process of being converted into flats when this view was taken on the 21st May, 2009.

2009/05/21.RD3587. [60] Once passed the old Snowdon Mill building, the Welsh Highland Railway crosses Snowdon Street by a level crossing. It then passes through the car park and runs alongside Llyn Bach before crossing over the Britannia Bridge to join up with the Ffestiniog Railway at Porthmadog’s Harbour Station. The old mill building was in the process of being converted into flats when this view was taken on the 21st May, 2009.

2009/05/21.RD3588. [65] The Welsh Highland Railway tramway track round the old Snowdon Mill and across Snowdon Street in Porthmadog reverts to normal flat bottom track on the Harbour Station side of the Snowdon Street level crossing. 21st May, 2009.

2009/05/21.RD3589. [57] The final stretch of the Welsh Highland Railway in Porthmadog as it runs alongside Llyn Bach. From here it swings out onto the Britannia Bridge which it crosses to reach the Ffestiniog Railway’s Harbour Station. The tramway track shown in the foreground of this view is used to cross the bridge. 21st May, 2009.

2009/05/21.RD3590. [57] Where the Welsh Highland Railway swings out onto the Britannia Bridge in Porthmadog the formation had to be widened; the so-called link span. The track through here and across the bridge to the Ffestiniog Railway’s Harbour Station is set into the road, tramway style. 21st May, 2009.

2009/05/21.RD3591. [46] Porthmadog is getting ready for the arrival of the Welsh Highland Railway; the track is laid through the town, as is the tramway track across the Britannia Bridge. This view shows the curve where the line starts the crossing of the bridge. 21st May, 2009.

2009/05/21.RD3592. [49] Britannia Bridge, Porthmadog, looking towards the High Street. The recently laid Welsh Highland Railway tramway track across the bridge curves away to the right. 21st May, 2009.

2009/05/21.RD3593. [48] Looking towards the Ffestiniog Railway’s Harbour Station across the Britannia Bridge, Porthmadog. The recently laid tramway tracks of the Welsh Highland Railway stretch across the bridge to connect with the Ffestiniog Railway’s tracks at Harbour Station. 21st May, 2009.

2009/05/21.RD3594. [48] From the approach to Harbour Station, Porthmadog, a view across the Britannia Bridge looking towards the High Street. The recently laid tramway track of the Welsh Highland Railway stretches across the bridge and then swings round to the right behind the Shell petrol station. 21st May, 2009.

2009/05/21.RD3595. [48] This is where the Welsh Highland Railway enters Porthmadog’s Harbour Station. The join between the tramway track that crosses the Britannia Bridge and the normal flat bottom track can be seen in the foreground. 21st May, 2009.

2009/05/21.RD3596. [59] The end, or the beginning, depending upon which way you are going, of the Welsh Highland Railway in the Harbour Station at Porthmadog. This turnout is situated where the original turnout to the old Welsh Highland Railway used to be. It is, however, only a temporary arrangement; a new connection will eventually be made further down the embankment known as The Cob. 21st May, 2009.

2009/05/21.RD3597. [59] Looking across the embankment known as The Cob at the Harbour Station, Porthmadog. The turnout in the foreground is the end, or the beginning, depending upon which way you are going, of the Welsh Highland Railway. It is situated where the original turnout to the old Welsh Highland Railway used to be but this is only a temporary arrangement; a new connection will eventually be made further down The Cob. 21st May, 2009.

2009/05/22.RD3598. With the opening day special trains over, the Welsh Highland Railway could begin the job of running trains through the Aberglaslyn Pass in earnest the following day. The first regular timetabled train was the 10:00 departure from Caernarfon, and I caught it at Rhyd Ddu. This is my ticket; although it does not say that it is for the first train, it does show that it was issued on the first day, the 22nd May, 2009.

2009/05/22.RD3599. [44] The first regular timetabled train to run south of Beddgelert was the 10:00 from Caernarfon on the 22nd May, 2009. This is a shot from the train as it rounds the curve off Pont Bryn-y-Felin and heads for the Aberglaslyn Pass.

2009/05/22.RD3600. [37] The first regular timetabled train to run south of Beddgelert was the 10:00 from Caernarfon on the 22nd May, 2009. This is a shot from the train as it rounds the curve by the Afon Glaslyn and heads for the Aberglaslyn Pass.

2009/05/22.RD3601. [47] The first regular timetabled train to run south of Beddgelert was the 10:00 from Caernarfon on the 22nd May, 2009. This is a shot from the train as it heads into the scenic Aberglaslyn Pass.

2009/05/22.RD3602. [47] The first regular timetabled train to run south of Beddgelert was the 10:00 from Caernarfon on the 22nd May, 2009. The train is about to enter one of the two short tunnels in the scenic Aberglaslyn Pass.

2009/05/22.RD3603. [43] The first regular timetabled train to run south of Beddgelert was the 10:00 from Caernarfon on the 22nd May, 2009. The train is running through the scenic Aberglaslyn Pass with the Afon (River) Glaslyn visible down to the right. The locomotive ‘up front’ is ex South African Railways NGG16 class Beyer-Garratt 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 No. 143.

2009/05/22.RD3604. [41] The first regular timetabled train to run south of Beddgelert on the Welsh Highland Railway, the 10:00 from Caernarfon, enters the run-round loop at the temporary terminus of Hafod-y-Llyn on the 22nd May, 2009.

2009/05/22.RD3605. [42] Although a number of test and special trains had used the run-round loop at the temporary terminus of Hafod-y-Llyn, this was the first time that the loop had been used by a regular timetabled train, the 10:00 from Caernarfon on the 22nd May, 2009. The locomotive running round its train is ex South African Railways NGG16 class 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 Beyer Garratt No.143.

2009/05/22.RD3606. [41] In somewhat inclement weather, the first regular timetabled train to run south of Beddgelert on the Welsh Highland Railway, the 10:00 from Caernarfon on Friday the 22nd May, 2009, nears Nantmor on the return run. The locomotive ‘up front’, is ex South African Railways NGG16 class Beyer-Garratt 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 No.143.

2009/05/22.RD3607. [43] In somewhat inclement weather, the first regular timetabled train to run south of Beddgelert on the Welsh Highland Railway, the 10:00 from Caernarfon on Friday the 22nd May, 2009, approaches the short tunnels in the scenic Aberglaslyn Pass on the return run.

2009/05/22.RD3608. [44] In somewhat inclement weather, the first regular timetabled train to run south of Beddgelert on the Welsh Highland Railway, the 10:00 from Caernarfon on Friday the 22nd May, 2009, approaches the Bryn-y-Felin river crossing at the northern end of the scenic Aberglaslyn Pass on the return run. The locomotive ‘up front’, is ex South African Railways NGG16 class 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 Beyer-Garratt No.143.

2009/05/22.RD3609. [42] In somewhat inclement weather, the first regular timetabled train to run south of Beddgelert on the Welsh Highland Railway, the 10:00 from Caernarfon on Friday the 22nd May, 2009, approaches the Bryn-y-Felin river crossing at the northern end of the scenic Aberglaslyn Pass on the return run. The locomotive ‘up front’, is ex South African Railways NGG16 class 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 Beyer-Garratt No.143.

2009/05/22.RD3610. [41] In somewhat inclement weather, the first regular timetabled train to run south of Beddgelert on the Welsh Highland Railway, the 10:00 from Caernarfon on Friday the 22nd May, 2009, approaches the Bryn-y-Felin river crossing at the northern end of the scenic Aberglaslyn Pass on the return run. The locomotive ‘up front’, is ex South African Railways NGG16 class 2-6-2 + 2-6-2 Beyer-Garratt No.143.