Ffestiniog Railway/Welsh Highland Railway

The Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways are pleased to announce that following extensive discussions the principle differences between the companies have been amicably settled.

The Porthmadog based Welsh Highland company has agreed to fully support the FR in its plans to rebuild the Welsh Highland Railway from Caernarfon. The Company will provide volunteer teams and equipment to assist the project.

The Action Plan, which outlines its contribution and which has been accepted by the FR, makes provision for a start on an extension from Porthmadog once the Rhyd Ddu Millennium project is complete by the end of 1999. However, the company's volunteer teams and equipment will be available to the FR immediately work starts on the first phase, Caernarfon to Dinas, later this year. The company will continue to assist in the subsequent phases from Dinas to Rhyd Ddu, to enable the 10 mile section to be completed by 1999.

An immediate benefit of the accord was seen when the Welsh Highland track laying gang spontaneously offered to lay 1/4 mile of track at Blaenau Ffestiniog to house the Garratts purchased by the FR for use on the Welsh Highland line. The offer was accepted with alacrity, and the track will be laid today, Wednesday, by the eighteen man gang working with FR staff.

A spokesman for the Welsh Highland company said :-

"This agreement has changed the atmosphere overnight. Volunteers are needed urgently, and anyone wishing to be involved in this hugely exciting project will be made very welcome at our base in Porthmadog."

An FR spokesman added :-

"We are delighted to welcome the WHR64 co. aboard. With the support of the members we have no doubt we can look forward to an early completion of the Caernarfon - Porthmadog railway."

1. The company's principal objective remains its dedication to ensuring that the Welsh Highland Railway is rebuilt.
2. It acknowledges that the Ffestiniog Railway is now taking the lead in attaining that objective.
3. It further confirms, that whilst its principal interest lies in the south, which has been the centre of its operations for many years, it fully supports the Ffestiniog in plans for rebuilding the line from Caernarfon.
4. It also confirms that as an aspect of its heritage role it is developing its current operation as part of an inter-active Welsh Highland Railway museum.
5. However the company wishes to play a major role in the project, which it pioneered and which it has pursued single handedly for over 30 years.
6. Bearing in mind its geographical location, and substantial investment in Gelert's Farm, the company has proposed an action plan as its contribution to the overall scheme.

• Plan joint project with Welsh Highland Railway Society.
• Establish volunteer team to help at Caernarfon.
• Establish Heritage Assessment Team.
• Agree junction to Gelert's Farm line.
• Join FR's Gala planning team.
• Support FR's Transport and Works Order.
• Commence museum project.
• Confirm what facilities we can provide to help at Caernarfon, i.e.
  • diesel locomotives
  • wagons
  • workshop facilities
  • etc.
• Build from Pen-y-Mount to Cambrian Crossing, including if possible slate exchange loops as per original layout.
• Include a standard gauge wagon as part of the museum feature.
• Explore joint marketing both with the Northern line and the FR.
• Clear and fence trackbed between Pen-y-Mount and the next crossing (200 yards).
• Re-establish team to build to Pont Croesor (could this team gain experience at Caernarfon, indeed could it be the same team?)
• Arrange loco exchange with FR.
• Establish presence at Caernarfon.
• Continue to plan Pont Croesor extension.
• Prepare an assessment of the bridge at Pont Croesor.
• Start building extension to Pont Croesor. Start date 1999.

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