Here we see my footage of The Snowdonian and other movements on the F&WHR on 13/04/2019. Not everything went to plan however many things did go to plan. I guess you win some and you lose some.
Story:
I set out with my new(ish) video camera to record The Snowdonian, my first time ever seeing the run. This year I was super excited as L&B new build locos Lyn and Lyd (Lyn visiting from the L&B for the second time) would be double heading the special on the WHR leg. The Ladies, Lina & Blanche, hauled the FR leg and also put on a great show.
Late in the afternoon things became slightly hampered, as I waited at a good spot in Tanygrisiau for the 10.05 service from Porthmadog, due to a lineside fire (I believe) near Tan y Bwlch. With the 10.05 cancelled, we headed towards Tan y Bwlch where the Ladies had been held.
A few minutes after arrival, the horn of a diesel could be heard heading up the valley and recently rebuilt 'Harlech Castle' rushed in with a works train. I was pleased to see this, not only because I barely see the diesels about, because this was my first time seenig the loco in her new form. By this time, the fire had been dealt with and trains were cleared to pass so off went the Ladies.
After a closer look at the diesel, I then headed off to Beddgelert to see Lyn & Lyd climb out of Beddgelert and later NGG16 nos 138 ad 143 working the day's service trains. We see these near the summit of the line/Pitt's Head at a footcrossing. 138 came first blasting her way up the last stretch of the climb and the 143 descending.
We then see 138 again, this time descending the 1in45 on one of the bridges at Dinas where I had hoped to see Lyn & Lyd climb the other way. After a long wait there I realised that neither Lyn nor Lyd had been heard and decided that they had probably gone early or something (despite running roughly an hour late). We headed to Caernarfon to see 138 work the empty stock back to Dinas and also to see the new station building. It was there that I found out that Lyn & Lyd had turned around at Waunfawr in order to make up time. I have included a shot of Dewinton 'Watkin' on display inside the new station building. The vertical boilered loco was built just across the road at De Winton's locomotive works. She was built in 1893 for Penmaenmawr granite quarry and is 3ft gauge. She is on loan from the National Trust at Penrhyn Castle.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the day out. :)
Hope you enjoy.