Pictures from Rhyd Ddu July 2003
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Porthmadog< March 2003 | August 2003 >
In July 2003, motive power was requested to assist the construction effort at Rhyd Ddu by the Welsh Highland Light Railway Ltd. Andrew Barclay No. 554 was despatched to do the work on the currently-isolated OB71 - Rhyd Ddu section, to haul the fencing contractor's material train, replacing the small Simplex that has unfortunately failed. The Barclay is be the only diesel loco on that section until the remaining track is laid as the P. Way tamping train with its two locos is needed to work south from Betws Garmon to the head of steel on track alignment work.
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Here, the Barclay is seen at Gelert's Farm, having just been loaded into a lorry from No.8 Road. Also partially seen here on the right is Bagnall 0-4-2T Gelert showing its reassembly is progressing, following its recent major boiler overhaul. The different companies involved in the project sometimes have confusingly-similar names For those who don't already know, the WHLR Ltd should not be confused with Welsh Highland Railway Ltd (WHR Ltd) - see Which Company is Which ?. Andy Goodwin 640x480, 45KiB |
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Arriving at Rhyd Ddu, Barclay No. 554 is unloaded from the lorry. Andy Goodwin 640x480, 47KiB |
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Barclay No. 554 is now on the rails at Rhyd Ddu for the first time. Andy Goodwin 640x480, 53KiB |
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Now at Rhyd Ddu station and with a SAR DZ wagon attached, Barclay No. 554 is ready for work. Because the Barclays are air-braked and the wagon is vacuum braked, the train is being operated with the engine on the downhill end to prevent runaways. Andy Goodwin 640x480, 46KiB |
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Barclay No. 554 has arrived at Snowdon Ranger halt, with the SAR wagon, ready to start work. Although only 30hp, these engines are ideal for small construction trains because of being easy to drive and having good visibility for the driver. The driver isn't seen here because he took the photograph! Andy Goodwin 640x480, 63KiB |
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Barclay No. 554 is at work with a train load of grit. The loco remained on the isolated construction length for a couple of weeks. Then it had the honour of meeting at the 'golden spike' joining of the extension into a single whole, leading from Waunfawr to Rhyd Ddu. Andy Goodwin 640x480, 49KiB |
