Quarry Hunslet 0-4-0ST Irish Mail visited the Welsh Highland Railway for the 25th Anniversary since the re-opening to the public (2nd August 1980). This pretty little locomotive is normally at the West Lancashire Light Railway.

Here, Irish Mail waits at Pen-y-Mount with the goods train, which we'll see more of in later photographs.

Rick Beton, July'05

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Irish Mail and the passenger train are seen departing from Porthmadog station. The signal cabin on the left has been opened recently.

Rick Beton, July'05

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Behind Irish Mail, Coach 42 is making its debut on the Railway following its recent restoration. It immediately proved popular with visitors. Behind Coach 42, the four-wheel Coach 06 is also a recent introduction into service following its lengthy (re-)build.

Rick Beton, July'05

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Irish Mail is not fitted with an air brake compressor. Therefore braking power was provided by R&H 40DL Kinnerley, attached at the southern end of the train behind the V.o.R. Brake Van.

Rick Beton, July'05

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In addition to Irish Mail, Bagnall 0-4-2T Gelert (seen here) and LYd2 Eryri (seen in later photos) also provided motive power. Here, Gelert draws into the headshunt having just uncoupled from the passenger train. Gelert's next task will be hauling the freight train - the working timetable ensured that each locomotive rotated between a passenger duty, a freight duty and a lay-over.

Rick Beton, July'05

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In Gala spirit, station staff were attired appropriately. Here is a raffle stall outside the bookshop.

Rick Beton, July'05

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Shop Manager Lyn Seale and Chairman James Hewett were also attired to suit the special occasion.

Rick Beton, July'05

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The crew of LYd2 Eryri take a break. Behind, Gelert waits at the far end of the freight train for the signal to clear.

Rick Beton, July'05

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A Class 37 Special service coincided with our Gala. Here, the Special ran past into Porthmadog (Cambrian) station whilst LYd2 Eryri returns into platform 2 road with the freight train.

Rick Beton, July'05

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Irish Mail returns with the passenger service into Platform 1. Meanwhile, the standard-gauge Special stands waiting for the level crossing before entering Porthmadog Cambrian Station.

Rick Beton, July'05

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The interior of Coach 7 filled with cheerful travellers. Passenger figures were strong throughout the weekend.

Rick Beton, July'05

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The interior of four-wheel Coach 6 has two simple side benches. Full all-round glazing makes this an attractive coach if it's wet.

Rick Beton, July'05

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Ruston & Hornsby Glaslyn was available for 'drive a diesel' experience rides. The father and son seen here clearly enjoyed this!

Rick Beton, July'05

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One of the Barclay diesels was parked at Pen-y-Mount, making a special venue for this particular group of cheerful children. Actually, the cab seems about the right size for children! (now I know why I bump my head!)

Rick Beton, July'05

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An attraction at Pen-y-Mount was a miniature railway. Yes, there really is a fully grown man inside the cab of Castell Deudraeth!

Rick Beton, July'05

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Station Master Goodwin at Pen-y-Mount.

Rick Beton, July'05

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LYd2 Eryri couples up to the passenger train. Although Eryri has an air brake supply, Kinnerley remained in the rake (it was required for Irish Mail).

Rick Beton, July'05

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Irish Mail runs around at Pen-y-Mount. In the distance, some members of the extension gang are visible: extension work was progressing throughout the Gala and afterwards.

Rick Beton, July'05

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The Gala atmosphere was enhanced by visiting re-enactors, dressed as you see for the Second-World War. Despite their authentic looking weaponry, their smiles underline the cordial fun!

Rick Beton, July'05

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Another special guest to the Gala was a bird handler with two of his wonderful creatures. The peregrine falcon is one of nature's most emminent hunters.

Rick Beton, July'05

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This female tawny owl accompanied the peregrine falcon visiting the Railway.

Rick Beton, July'05

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The car park was completely full of classic cars of various vintages - only a few of them are seen in this photo.

Rick Beton, July'05

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Inside the Big Shed, many attractions were laid on for visitors, in addition to the normal shed exhibits (which are mostly static locomotives, slate wagons etc). This model railway is hugely popular.

Rick Beton, July'05

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Another attraction inside the Big Shed, and running out across the yard, was a 5" & 3" gauge miniature steam railway on elevated track. This photo was taken after the main event had finished: volunteers had a chance to relax together with a barbecue. The miniature train has a youthful driver: Katherine, the daughter of one of Gelert's regular drivers, is evidently giving Mark and Mark a good opportunity to enjoy their beer!

Rick Beton, July'05

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