NORTH WALES COAST RAILWAY:NOTICE BOARD
Rheilffordd arfordir gogledd Cymru: Hysbysfwrdd
08 August 2022
Contributions to the Notice Board are welcome, although they may not always be used, due to time constraints, especially if they don't follow the file name convention given on the Contributions Page.
Forthcoming events
Charter trains, and meetings, may be subject to cancellation or postponement. See our Calendar Page for Club and Society details.
August 2022
Postponed. see 9 September
September 2022
Friday 2 September Clwyd Railway Circle: “The Greatest Railway Builder in the World” A 60 Minute Talk on the Life and Times of Thomas Brassey by Peter Bolt
3-4 September Llangollen Railway Diesel Weekend
Saturday 3 September The Cheshireman steam (6233) Norwich - Chester and return (diesel Peterborough - Norwich)
Friday 9 September Pathfinder Tours Cambrian Coast Express. Oxford - Pwllheli
24 September Trailffest Half Marathon : An Event Train will be provided to take the competitors from the event centre at Porthmadog to the start of the race in Tanygrisiau, the cost of which is included in the entry fee.
Friday 7 October “Fond Memories” A look back over 70 years of Railway interest by Larry Davies
7-9 October: Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways: Vintage weekend.
8-9 October Llangollen Railway DMU railcar weekend
November 2022
Friday 4 November Clwyd Railway Circle: “A trip by Norwegian Railways to Hell (and back).” Geoff Morris
Saturday 5 November Llangollen Railway Ride the Rocket Firework Train
December 2022
Friday 2 December Clwyd Railway Circle: “Members Selections & Christmas Celebrations” Members are invited to give a 15-minute presentation of their choice (Any format). Contact David Jones 01244 537440 to book a slot.
(see our Calendar page for meeting venues)
North Wales Coast Railway website created and compiled by Charlie Hulme
158 833 crosses Llandulas viaduct on 8 August with the 17:06 Birmingham International to Holyhead, as the moon looks down on the scene. Picture by Greg Mape.
A lot of contributions this week - aapologise if you are missed! - Charlie
On the Slate
Wednesday 3 August saw the first run of a new flow of slate waste for Beedon Aggregates from Glan Conwy sidings at Llandudno Junction, carried by road from Penrhyn Quarry. Eleven photographers massed on the Queens Road bridge to witness the historic event; we'll present a selection of the result. Above, the train arrives at Llandudno Junction from Doncaster (Gary Thomas). The chosen locomotive was 66 773 Pride of GB Railfreight with its subtle rainbow-based livery modifications.
The loading procedure involved dividing the train. Above, the loco has run round the western half and is about to propel the wagons to the loading point.
Loading, with the water sprays in action (Garry Stroud).
Moving the second section to the loading point (Garry Stroud).
Second section now loaded, train re-coupled, loco at the correct end for departure ...
... backing out on to the main line (Gary Thomas). The 11:41 Llandudno to Manchester Airport, formed of 175 106, departs from Platform 3.
Departure (Garry Stroud). It had been booked to depart from Platform 3, but actually left from Platform 1.
The return run passes Rowton (Paul Shannon).
Approaching Crewe at Daisy Lane bridge, on time. North Wales-based driver Mark Jones in charge (Steve Morris).
Although the long-term plan is to serve the Hope cement works in Derbyshire, this train ran to Wellingborough, contnuing the next day to Luton Crescent Road where there is an unloading terminal for the cement works there. It has been reported that the Hope terminal is not ready due to planning permission for an unloading point in the National Park.
Trains on YouTube
Sarah Bell writes: 'We've just had a week in North Wales and captured quite a lot of interesting movements on the North Wales Coast Line, including the first Freight into Llandudno Junction, a freight to Penmaenmawr and plenty of Class 67 action around Conwy and Colwyn Bay. I've uploaded several videos to the following YouTube channel and wondered if your members would be interested in seeing them if you might be good enough to share the link on your site.'
Certainly, Sarah - Here it is.
Pen Stone - images by Garry Stroud
The Penmaenmawr stone train didn't run on 3 August, so we were denied the spectacle of two freights in Noth Wales at once. It did run on 4 August, as seen above arriving at the sidings ...
... and under the loader. These trains too have to be split for loading. The loco is 66 759 Chippy.
Borderlands news
Transport for Wales have hired two Class 150/2 units (150 269 and 150 270) from Northern Trains to stand in for the two that were damaged in the derailment and fire caused by vandals at Craven Arms. They are to work on the Borderlands service and the Saturday Holyhead - Maesteg run. Do the TfW planners realise that these 150s retain the original 3 + 2 seating, hardly suitable for as long journey, whilst the TfW ones were refurbished with 2 + 2 seating, and better bike space, years ago?
150 270 is seen as it leaves Prestatyn with 1V97 12.38 Holyhead - Maesteg on 6 August; this service was cancelled at Shrewsbury due to a 'problem on a road' - level crossing issue, or bridge bash? Picture by Ivor Bufton.
Meanwhile, we are now being informed that TfW are planning that the promised half-hourly weekday service will be operated by two Class 197s and two class 230s. Do they expect only two of the five troublesome 230s will be available each day? There remains the objection by GBRf who have a daily freight train path during the daytime.
The last we heard about this was in May when an Office of Rail & Road spokesperson told the press that “The two applications (TfW and GBRf) for use of capacity on the Borderlands Line are currently awaiting Network Rail completing some further timetabling work. Network Rail will not have the necessary work completed in time for ORR to make its decision on granting of access in time for the May 2022 timetable change.”
More freight news
The freight service between Wembley sidings and the Holyhead Aluminium site that appeared in the timetable on 8 August was cancelled (it is a 'runs as required' service), so we still don't know what's being transported.
More good news is that the Aberystwyth - Chirk timber train trials have been a success, and a contract has been signed for a continuing service. Information here.
Out and About - with Stephen Dennett
66 742 ABP Port of Immingham Centenary 1912-2012 came from Bescot Engineers Sidings to Penyffordd Cement Sidings light engine on a 'loco swap' on 1 August ...
I then photographed it on 5 August on the Avonmouth Hanson to Penyffordd Cement run, taken at a foot crossing just off Stryt Isa between Hope and Penyffordd as it came back to the cement works from Avonmouth. On this run it took a new route as far as Shrewsbury using the Severn Tunnel, then up through Hereford and Craven Arms, instead of what has been the usual journey via Gloucester, Washwood Heath, Wolverhampton and Telford. It took over two hours less time on the new route, so maybe this will now be the preferred way.
46100 Royal Scot made a vigorous start from Crewe on 3 August, having taken over Saphos trains “The William Shakespeare” to Stratford-on-Avon ...
... with 47 828 on the rear in its nostalgic Intercity livery.
At Flint on 4 August I saw DB Red 67 013, which has now joined the loco hauled roster ...
... a slightly different combo of Class 197s 197 013 (my first sighting) leads classmate 197 011 at Flint on the usual Chester to Llandudno Junction mileage accumulation run.
Also on 4 August passing Flint, another Penmaenmawr Quarry to Tuebrook Sidings run, this time with low emission loco 66 759 Chippy. The name is in memory of Clive Chippington, who was an assistant train manager with Gbrf.
Twice during the week I tried to get some shots of the Colas 56/66 combo which ran from Bescot to Dee Marsh, but late evening and the fading light defeated me.
From Dave Sallery's archive
More 37/4 classics: 37 421 The Kingsman on a Crewe - Bangor train near Beeston Castle, 13 June 1996.
37 422 Robert F Fairlie entering Crewe on a train off the coast, 5 June 1996.
37 420 The Scottish Hosteller, still to receive its Ragional Railways liverym passes Promised Land Lane near Chester on a Bangor train, 20 May 1995.
37 408 Loch Rannoch passes Chester East junction heading for Crewe, 13 June 1996.
Correction: Dave's Flickr site address was incorrect as given in the last issue. It is https://www.flickr.com/photos/penmorfas/sets
Miscellany
On rainy 30 July 67 014 on the Saturday 'swap' empty stock Holyhead - Crewe taking the Up Fast through line at Bangor at 10:14 which seems well used despite the weeds ...
... and the replacement for the next week, 67 013 on empty stock Crewe-Holyhead passes through Penmaenmawr at speed at 16:09.
On 8 August one-time Wrexham and Shropshire loco 67 012 found itself propelling 1W93 11:22 Cardiff Central - Holyhead, seen near Rhyl (Ivor Bufton).
On 8 August, TransPennine 68 025 Superb and 68 022 Resolution returning from Llandudno Junction to Preston. A training / route learning run?
The Llangollen Railway's Wickham DMU in action, with a Class 108 set, on Thursday 4 August. Trains are running every day except Monday during August: Timetable here. Picture by Peter Dickinson.
Welsh Highland Railway loco Russell seen in the Aberglaslyn pass, 31 July. Picture by Barrie Hughes, who writes: ''We had to wait a while in the Aberglaslyn Pass which was in sunshine as Russell was filled up from the small tank at Beddgelert to allow photographers to recreate photos from the 1930s!"
A full house at Altrincham on 1 August: 66 010 on the Knowsley - Wilton loaded Merseyside refuse containers; on the left the 12:39 Manchester Piccadilly - Chester formed of 156 464 and 150 141 (Greg Mape).
Barmouth Bridge update - by Kate Jones
A picture from the morning of 5 August as the 7.34a.m. from Morfa Mawddach was approaching the metal structure on the bridge. The workmen have been working on the main pillars but it won't be long before the top is completely renewed, as 'like for like' as they can get it I believe
Complete closure of the bridge and footpath start on 11 September. It will be interesting to see how they cope with this amazing task before them and the end result! The replaced woodwork/track bed and rails on the rest of the bridge is excellent and should enable trains, cyclists and pedestrians to > use it for many years to come. Well done to all the Griffiths team, as the weather and tidal conditions can make things very difficult.
Looking back: Steam, Diesels and Electrics 2006 Part 2 - by David Pool
This location is perhaps changed today, but on 28 April 2006 it was possible to get a good view of 67 024 with 6D19, 13:30 Warrington to Anglesey Aluminium. It was taken from the road bridge at Greenfield, with Flint in the distance.
At Winwick on 10 May 2006 I was tempted to photograph a colourful Class 158, which was not gaining the attention of other photographers there. 158 860 was in 'Alphaline' livery, having recently been operated by Wessex Trains, and was working the 16:47 Llandudno to Manchester Piccadilly. Trying to get some more information on this unit has not been easy, but it turned out to be named Isambard Kingdom Brunel, and was in a Promotional livery.
This made me wonder how many other Isambard Kingdom Brunels I had seen. The first slide I found was of 60 081, the locomotive in GWR green, and I had photographed this at Winwick on 21 October 2003 with a train of ex JMA National Power Hoppers, probably heading for Fiddlers Ferry.
The next IKB was better known, being the celebrity Class 47, built as D1662 but now 47 484. I only photographed it on one occasion, but it was on a very memorable 6 September 1985. This was the day on which the Steam Ban in Cornwall was lifted, and hundreds of spectators turned out to see 7029 Clun Castle work between Plymouth and Truro with a “GWR 150” Steam Special. The returning train passing over the Royal Albert Bridge was clearly one of those “not to be missed” occasions, and I was not disappointed with the result.
But what about 47 484? To add to the interest on that day, 47 484 conveyed an Inspection Saloon, which I believe to be the Swindon built DB 999509, across the Bridge, presumably for VIPs. It propelled the Saloon to Saltash to meet the Steam Special, then followed it back to Plymouth. Quite a few photographers had waited to see 47 484. The other IKB had been Castle Class 5069, but I only saw this once in 1953 at Dawlish, and never photographed it.
One of the Class 87 Electrics being used on Mail Trains in 2006 was 87 019, in LNWR black livery and carrying the name ACoRP Association of Community Rail Partnerships. This was photographed on 10 May approaching Warrington Bank Quay with 1S96, 16:20 Willesden to Shieldmuir.
The afternoon freight from Holyhead to Warrington was 6F18, and on 20 May 2006 it was passing through Flint behind 66 193. The first wagon is rather unusually conveying some aluminium slabs.
Returning to the GWR theme, the Pullman Steam Special passing through Rhyl on 1 July 2006 was 4936 Kinlet Hall with the “100 Staffordshire Newsletter” (I assume commemorating 100 issues). There is a nice video on YouTube which shows the train moving slowly across Conwy Cob, then cautiously through the Tubular Bridge (memories of the Britannia Bridge fire in 1970?) and finally accelerating past the Castle.
Statfold's new 'Gate Guardian' - report by Mark Hambly
A standard gauge locomotive with Wirral and North Wales connections has been installed as ‘Gate Guardian’ at Statfold Barn Farm near Tamworth, home of the Statfold Barn Railway and the Statfold Narrow Gauge Trust's collection of locomotives and rolling stock. The Hudswell Clarke 0-4-0 diesel mechanical, works number D1012 of 1956 is better known to many as the ex-Moreton and ex-Llangollen Cadbury No.14. It was lifted by road crane on to a short section of track at the entrance to the farm.
It has been repainted in lined maroon livery with the company name on the side of the engine compartment and the fleet number below the cabside window, while to avoid possible damage the cab glazing has been replaced with steel sheet painted silvery grey. The only visually significant item which seems to be missing is the air horn at one time positioned on the cab front. With customary Statfold attention to detail the loco is of course positioned ‘rods down’ on the side visible from the road.
Like many locos of that vintage which are still with us, it has spent longer in preservation, first active and then static, than it did working in industry. New to Cadbury’s Moreton (Wirral) factory, after rail traffic ceased it moved to Llangollen in 1977 when preservation activities there were in their infancy. The loco was used extensively on works trains in the early years as the line was progressively relaid westwards to Pentrefelin and then across the Dee Bridge towards Berwyn, but in due course was deemed too small as works trains grew heavier and had further to travel. After a period out of use the loco returned to Moreton in 1991 for display before subsequently moving to Cadbury World at Bournville and then ultimately to Statfold earlier this year.
[The Moreton factory, built for Cadbury's in 1952, with its 'Ty-Phoo signs a landmark of the Merseyrail line , latterly was owned by a Swiss firm, Barry Callebaut, who closed it down in May 2022.]
A Return to Corris 16/17 July – via Cynheidre - by Richard Putley
Having last visited the Corris Railway in August 2010, I decided it was
time for a return visit.(See Archive Noticeboard for 16 August 2010).
I had also decided I would like to visit the Llanelli and Mynydd Mawr Railway (LMMR), which only opens infrequently, I decided I would visit them too! So on Saturday 16 July I set off to Cynheidre near Llanelli, the headquarters of the LMMR. Not the easiest of places to find, being located one what was once Cynheidre Colliery (long since demolished). But with the help of a friend navigating, we found it!
My friend was impressed with their collection of Pacers – four, no less - including ex Transport of Wales 142 006 (above). All are in working order ...
... but on the day of our visit the motive power was 1965-built Sentinel Diesel Shunter No 10222, donated to the railway by Hanson Aggregates in 2001, hauling a brakevan.
Also present are two ex-London Undeground ex-Isle of Wight EMUs 483 006 and 483 008. We were able to “cab” 008! (I wonder what the Welsh is for "Mind the doors"!)
Other motive power includes Class 122 “Bubblecar” 55019 and ex Dutch Railways English Shunter 690 (similar to an BR class 08 diesel shunter)
wearing no 16.
Following an overnight stay in Aberystwyth we set off for Corris, where we were booked on the first train of the day at 11:00. On our way we paused briefly at Machynlleth, where we saw 158 833 come off the depot ready to form the 10:04 to Pwllheli.
On our arrival at Corris, we noticed the new traverser they've just installed. It takes up less space than a point would. This enables them to accommodate more coaches in the platform. Not long afterwards, Steam Loco No. 7 (new-build, completed 2005) arrived with the passenger coaches. We watched with interest as the driver drove the loco slowly onto the Traverser. Then he and the Fireman pushed it over to align with the run round road. Once No. 7 had run round, we boarded the train.
At the other end of the line, Maespoeth Junction are located the locomotive and Carriage Sheds. We saw two of the four diesels locos owned by the Corris, the tiny red No. 5 Alan Meaden (named after the present Corris Railway's founder) and blue No. 6 Malcolm.
The replica carriages based on the original design are quite impressive. We alighted and watched No. 7 run round and take water before returning to Corris. Another enjoyable visit to a small and friendly railway. For details and timetables etc. see the Corris Railway website.
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