A Caernarfon bound service from Porthmadog.
(Below) Having arrived at Porthmadog, our South African Railways Garratt locomotive will take water prior to attaching to the Pullman end of the train in readiness for departure at 14.15hrs. Note: I remember Porthmadog ending with the letter “C”, hence today’s incorrect, or English spelling I use occasionally.
The (presumably original) brass cabside number plate.
(Below)
A couple of green liveried Welsh Highland Railway coaches at Portmadog. The trains I saw were mainly of coaching stock in dark red and cream livery with one or two passenger coaches in all-over maroon. This elegant colour scheme generates a certain credibility in what I see is a superb and highly professional organisation.
(Above) A passenger vehicle in dark green with cream panels. Again, very attractive; I need to learn more about previous Welsh Highland and Ffestiniog coaching stock colour schemes.
The magnificent Pullman car which like those on the main line, offer single arm chair seating each side.
(Above) Water stop on the way back to Caernarfon. (Below) “Journey’s end” after a spectacular (thanks to the weather brightening up) 135 minute ride from Porthmadog. Tomorrow, I make my own way to Porthmadog for a return journey on the Ffestiniog Railway…after a period of 52 years. I rather think that “we English” used to spell Ffestiniog with one “F”. Storm Bronagh has subsided. Apparently, the next storm system is headed for the southeast, leaving the distinct possibility of a decent day tomorrow.
Thanks for reading and best wishes,
David.
“Journey’s End”
Ex South African Railways loco No.87 takes on water at Caernarfon after a spectacular 50 mile round-trip into the Welsh Highlands and on to Porthmadog.
D.N. 22/9/18
David's Cruise 