Welsh Marches and Welsh Highland
2nd October 2009 to 3rd October 2009

After train chasing in Switzerland this weekend brought another change of scene, courtesy of my in-laws who were holidaying in the Welsh Marches near Bishop's Castle.

Being so near to the Welsh Highland was too good to be true so I took myself off to Beddgelert on Saturday and was rewarded by a few shots of the Belgian Garrett no.87 on a lengthy train. At this time of the Year the WHR run a two train service, leaving Caernarfon at 1000 and 1430. The weather was pretty grim to begin with but, as promised, it picked up in the afternoon, although the blustery wind lasted all day.

I also managed some pictures on the Marches line of the ATW Holyhead to Cardiff Express and its late afternoon return.

<-- Index | Showing 1-19 of 19 pictures | Index -->
The 06:30 from Manchester to Milford Haven speeds past Bromfield's northbound starter.
The 06:30 from Manchester to Milford Haven speeds past Bromfield's northbound starter.
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 The signal is classic BR(W) although the block instruments in Bromfield Box are actually GWR c1947.
The signal is classic BR(W) although the block instruments in Bromfield Box are actually GWR c1947.
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 ATW's 05:32 Holyhead to Cardiff express passing Bromfield's outer home. It used to control access to a loop, hence the bracket as it would have had two dolls, rather than the single one which remains.
ATW's 05:32 Holyhead to Cardiff express passing Bromfield's outer home. It used to control access to a loop, hence the bracket as it would have had two dolls, rather than the single one which remains.
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 The 16:15 Cardiff to Holyhead speeding through Craven Arms
The 16:15 Cardiff to Holyhead speeding through Craven Arms
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NGG16 no.87, built by the Belgian company Cockerill heading down the Aberglaslyn Pass with the 10:00 from Caernarfon.
NGG16 no.87, built by the Belgian company Cockerill heading down the Aberglaslyn Pass with the 10:00 from Caernarfon.
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 Bringing up the rear, and well filled, is the Pullman observation car
Bringing up the rear, and well filled, is the Pullman observation car
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 Another treat on the Afon Glaslyn was this young male red breasted merganser, one of two on the river at Beddgelert on Saturday.
Another treat on the Afon Glaslyn was this young male red breasted merganser, one of two on the river at Beddgelert on Saturday.
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 87 climbs past Meillionen (Forest Campsite) halt on the 11:55 from Hafod y Llyn, the current temporary terminus of the line pending completion through to Porthmadog in 2010.
87 climbs past Meillionen (Forest Campsite) halt on the 11:55 from Hafod y Llyn, the current temporary terminus of the line pending completion through to Porthmadog in 2010.
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On the final portion of the climb to Rhyd Ddu, which had been the temporary terminus until April this year.
On the final portion of the climb to Rhyd Ddu, which had been the temporary terminus until April this year.
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 The scenery through which the railway runs is pretty breathtaking, especially along the upper reaches, here between Rhyd Ddu and Swondon Ranger, both on the flanks of Mount Snowdon itself.
The scenery through which the railway runs is pretty breathtaking, especially along the upper reaches, here between Rhyd Ddu and Swondon Ranger, both on the flanks of Mount Snowdon itself.
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 The predessor of the WHR was the North Wales Narrow Gauge Railway, originally promoted to exploit both the tourist potential and slate deposits. Neither provided enough income to sustain the railway, but the remains of the slate workings are still very apparent.
The predessor of the WHR was the North Wales Narrow Gauge Railway, originally promoted to exploit both the tourist potential and slate deposits. Neither provided enough income to sustain the railway, but the remains of the slate workings are still very apparent.
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 87 drifting down to Snowdon Ranger.
87 drifting down to Snowdon Ranger.
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The 14:30 on the S curve between Waunfawr and Betws Garmon.
The 14:30 on the S curve between Waunfawr and Betws Garmon.
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 Approaching Snowdon Ranger halt, which is also the site of a Youth Hostel and is the start of a path up to the summit of Snowdon.
Approaching Snowdon Ranger halt, which is also the site of a Youth Hostel and is the start of a path up to the summit of Snowdon.
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 Another picture with the old slate workings
Another picture with the old slate workings
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 Approaching Rhyd Ddu.
Approaching Rhyd Ddu.
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About to enter Beddgelert forest on the down grade towards Beddgelert and the Pass of Aberglaslyn. The first vehicle is an open wagon for carrying bikes, the second is a replica of a North Wales Narrow Gauge coach.
About to enter Beddgelert forest on the down grade towards Beddgelert and the Pass of Aberglaslyn. The first vehicle is an open wagon for carrying bikes, the second is a replica of a North Wales Narrow Gauge coach.
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 The train entering the Pass of Aberglaslyn, taken from the river. As luck would have it the sun briefly shone.
The train entering the Pass of Aberglaslyn, taken from the river. As luck would have it the sun briefly shone.
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 And another picture of the observation saloon.
And another picture of the observation saloon.
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© 1998-2009 Nick Slocombe - All copyrights rest with the Author
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