Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway (Rheilffordd Eryri) (WHR Section) In October 2025 (Part 1 of 2)

Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway
A Two Part Feature Focusing On The WHR
Locations between Porthmadog and Caernarfon during
October 7th and October 9th 2025

For me one of the most stunning narrow gauge preserved railway's, has to be this one, situated in North Wales and running from Ffestiniog to Porthmadog, and then the Welsh Highland section from Porthmadog to Caernarfon. Locomotives of Steam and Diesel are based outside Porthmadog, at Boston Lodge Depot. A large collection of running and non running Locomotives and Rolling Stock are stabled here for maintenance and restoration work, by the dedicated and skilled men and women, volunteers and employed. On my 3 day visit to the railway, I managed to pace the trains and capture them on film in many locations along the WHR section, even managing to do a splendid 3 minute tracking shot from my car (In safe conditions). I have included a list of Featured Traction at the start of each part, but for much more additional information do visit the Railway's web site and search for the Railways Locomotives and Stock. What I witnessed running were the Locomotives of the NGG16 Class, that the railway have purchased from South Africa and also 0-4-4T engine 'Taliesin' a single fairlie working on the Ffestiniog Section. Diesel Locomotives I witnessed were a 4 wheeled Hunslet shunting engine named 'Bill' (Partner to 'Ben') busy on 'Engineers' duties along the line on all 3 days. Diesel Locomotive 'Vale of Ffestiniog' deputised for a through journey on the second day from Porthmadog - Beddgelert - Caernarfon, which I caught on film in two locations. The Locomotive resembled a BR Class 20 and at first sight I even thought it was, apart from the sound.
Enough of the traction for now, but the stunning scenery and peacefulness of this route has to be mentioned. The beautiful mountains and superb Caernarfon Castle on the River in Caernarfon made such a wonderful backdrop to the Station. The pretty station at Waunfawr and the crossing point for trains at Rhyd Ddu, both set in picturesque surroundings, close to Mount Snowdonia are just the perfect location. This is just a few of the delightful locations I encountered on this section and I trust you will enjoy this two part look at the railway.
Part 1 focuses on the material gathered on the 7th October and Part 2 focuses on the 8th and 9th October. If you do enjoy the feature please support the channel with a like or subscribe. Feel free to make a comment, hopefully I will respond, (I usually do) and of course Many Thanks for your interest and for watching....