Collection of photos from the early days of preservation.
LNWR view, 1961
Looking towards Glan y Pwll down the Ffestiniog Railway main line in 1961, you can see the footbridge still in existence. The line to the right heads into the LNWR station and the interchange sidings, which had remained in use after the railway had closed after the war
LNWR view, 1961
Above the LNWR tunnel, 1961
Looking from above Blaenau tunnel, the longest single bore tunnel on the main line system, towards Blaenau Ffestiniog. Prominent in the view is the viaduct to transport waste slate to the dumping grounds. The BR (ex LNWR) main line heads under that towards the station
Above the LNWR tunnel, 1961
Loco Shed, 1952
The tracks leading to the loco shed are fairly grassy after six years of no activity in this scene from 14 August 1952.
Loco Shed, 1952
Palmerston, 1952
Palmerston was used as a steam supply for the steam hammer in Boston Lodge works and is found in this condition on 14 August 1952.
Palmerston, 1952
Merddin Emrys, 1953
Inside the loco shed, Merddin Emrys stood with water in the tanks and coal in the bunkers, as left on the last day of services in 1946. The Welsh Highland Single Fairlie, Moel Tryfan, stands to the left. 3 August 1953.
Merddin Emrys, 1953
Minffordd, 1953
A similarly deserted view at Minffordd with barely any evidence of the railway on 3 August 1953.
Minffordd, 1953
The Short Tunnel, 1953
Further up the line, the line at Tafarntrip and leading into Garnedd Tunnel. 27 August 1953.
The Short Tunnel, 1953
Harbour Wagons, 1953
Redundant mineral wagons stand on the line to Oakeley Wharf in Porthmadog. In the background you can see Britannia Terrace, opposite Harbour Station.
Harbour Wagons, 1953
Prince, 1955
In its first few weeks of operation as a preserved loco, Prince stands at Boston Lodge on 25 September 1955. Note the wooden nameplates
Prince, 1955
Simplex Minffordd Yard, 1955
The armoured Simplex, Mary Ann, down in Minffordd Yard alongside the goods shed on 25 September 1955
Simplex Minffordd Yard, 1955
Scrapping, 1956
In Minffordd Yard, many wagons were scrapped to earn much needed funds for the restoration of the railway
Scrapping, 1956
Merddin Emrys, 1956
On 31 March 1956, out of use Merddin Emrys was towed across to Porthmadog for the Society AGM. It is seen in the condition in which it had completed work for the old company on the cessation of services in 1946
Merddin Emrys, 1956
Merddin and the Harbour, 1956
A wider view, looking towards Merddin by the station building
Merddin and the Harbour, 1956
Taliesin, 1956
With the establishment of services, a second loco was soon required. After a lot of effort and input from Vulcan Foundry, Taliesin (former Livingston Thompson) was restored and is seen here on trial at Boston Lodge on 2 September 1956
Taliesin, 1956
Taliesin Boston Lodge, 1956
A nice view showing some of the network of tracks in Boston Lodge yard outside the erecting shop, Taliesin undergoes further attention on 4 September 1956
Taliesin Boston Lodge, 1956
Moelwyn Porthmadog, 1956
In the yard at Harbour Station, WW1 petrol tractor Moelwyn
Moelwyn Porthmadog, 1956
Taliesin at Minffordd, 1956
Now in traffic, Taliesin departs Minffordd with a down train for Porthmadog
Taliesin at Minffordd, 1956
Prince Boston Lodge, 1957
Looking splendid with a fresh coat of paint and correct nameplates, Prince stands on Boston Lodge curve on 22 April 1957
Prince Boston Lodge, 1957
Prince at Port, 1957
With a bowsider unusually between carriages 11 and 12, Prince stands on the train on 22 April 1957
Prince at Port, 1957
Heading into Minfford, 1957
With a rake of slate wagons standing in the loop line, Prince enters Minffordd on 15 July 1957
Heading into Minfford, 1957
Glan y Pwll Crossing, 1957
Looking towards Glan y Pwll depot, the level crossing with the gates still intact on 19 July 1957
Glan y Pwll Crossing, 1957
Penrhyn Crossing, 1957
Prince heads a train over Penrhyn Crossing on 19 July 1957. Passenger services were not resumed to Tan y Bwlch until the following year in April 1958
Penrhyn Crossing, 1957
Tan y Bwlch, 1957
And the view at Tan y Bwlch shows the peaceful scene with the tracks largely covered by grass on 19 July 1957
Tan y Bwlch, 1957
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