Gelert looks splendid in its deep blue livery, standing here at the head of the train in Pen-y-Mount station.

Andy Goodwin

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The demonstration freight train waits to depart from Pen-y-Mount station. It consists of Simplex No.6, with the Mines Rescue Van, a variety of ex Royal Navy box vans, and a Royal Navy brake van (the Famous Fighting Brake!).

The Extension works site is visible in the distance.

Andy Goodwin

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The demonstration freight train departs from Pen-y-Mount station. It consists of Simplex No.6, with the Mines Rescue Van, a variety of ex Royal Navy box vans, and a Royal Navy brake van (the Famous Fighting Brake!).

The wire fencing on the left is a careful replica of typical Welsh Highland fencing of old.

Andy Goodwin

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Emerging into the bright October sunshine, now with finished paintwork, is Hudswell-Clarke 6LW 1247. The side panels have been removed to allow public viewing of the machinery inside. This 100hp locomotive has yet to pull a passenger train, but its restoration has come a long way over recent years, almost all the work being done by one stalwart man, its owner.

Ben Fisher

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Bright orange Ruston & Hornsby 48DL No.3 tails at the rear of a demonstration works train as it passes through Gelert's Farm Halt. The train consists largely of various ex-RNAD box vans, with the famous 'Fighting Brake' van near the rear. In the doorway, volunteer Bob Menzies looks out nonchalently - if you knew Bob, you'd know that look means he's really enjoying himself! If you'd like to be there next year, get in touch!

Ben Fisher

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The great massif of Cnicht dominates this unusal view of Gelert and its train, as it heads southward from Pen-y-Mount. To the right of Cnicht lies the Croesor valley, at the head of which are the remains of extensive slate quarry workings. This industry was one of the main reasons the railway was built back in the 1860s (more history).

Ben Fisher

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Gelert purrs around the curve by Gelert's Farm with its train. At this point, the travellers in the would have a busy railway yard in view (off to the right), with many items of stock in action and on display.

In contrast with the previous photo, the wide angle of this photo puts Cnicht and the Moelwyn mountains into the distance.

Ben Fisher

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Gelert slides into Porthmadog Platform 1 with its train. Gelert is distinguished by its quiet efficiency - having been built in 1953, it is a relatively young engine, and benefits from having a good design. This is complemented by the excellent quality of recent restoration work it has received at Gelert's Farm over recent years.

The demonstration works train, mostly RNAD box vans, waits in Platform 2.

Ben Fisher

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Eryri is LYd2 no.60, one of three such 250hp Polish locomotives at Gelert's Farm. This photo was taken at Pen-y-Mount as the locomotive runs around the demonstration works train on the other road.

The extension work is currently taking place off to the right.

Ben Fisher

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WHR(P) Bagnall 0-4-2T 'Gelert' enters the loop at Porthmadog (WHR) station with an evening working. The brake van immediately behind the loco was originally built in 1902 for the Vale of Rheidol railway in Aberystwyth, but has now been a regular sight at the WHR(P) for some years.

Mark Herbert

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A contrast in diesel motive power - and in colour - at Porthmadog (WHR) station. All three of these locomotives were built by Ruston and Hornsby in Lincoln, and believe it or not, all three would originally have looked the same! The family resemblance is still obvious between 48DL Number 3 (the orange one) and 40DL Kinnerley (burgundy), but sister loco Glaslyn (blue) has been completely re-bodied at the WHR(P) works.

Mark Herbert

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