There is rapid progress to report on yet another ‘new’ building in Minffordd Yard.
As part of a Kids Week project in 2009, a new shelter for the Porthmadog signalman, in the style of the original, was erected by the ground frame.
When Harbour Station was redeveloped the ‘Bobby Box’ by the ground frame became surplus to requirements and was taken to Minffordd Yard for safe keeping while a future use for this fairly new building could be considered.
Then Iain Wilkinson discovered a photograph from the turn of the 19th Century (picture below) of a view across Minffordd Yard with a cabin clearly in view.
After a number of discussions a plan emerged to recreate another ‘lost’ piece of company heritage.
So far, a new base has been cast using surplus concrete from the new workshop foundations. The Buildings Dept laid the perimeter foundations in a day and it is hoped that the ‘Bobby Box’ will be planted on its new base in time for the ‘150 Years of Passenger Trains’ Gala and the FR Society AGM weekend. There will be some finishing off work required, namely, laying a new floor and connecting the electrics.
So, if anyone has some woodworking or electrical skills, and is interested in helping to complete this latest re-creation of the railway’s earlier history I would really love to hear from you.
Ian Hartill
