A Steam Train from Porthmadog to Caernarfon on the Welsh Highland Railway 04/06/2015 (Part 1)

On a perfect day, Mrs M and I travelled from Porthmadog to Caernarfon on the wonderfully scenic Welsh Highland Railway in Snowdonia in North Wales. The locomotive is a 1937 built Garrett Class NGG16 No87, and this powerful locomotive makes light work on this steeply graded line. Part 2 will follow.
Please note the sound on the clip of the train leaving Porthmadog was reduced too far as the sound of the crossing sirens were too loud.

[@andreacole8154]

Thank you so much Robert. My husband and I did this trip in 2012, in the observation coach , and it brought back so many happy memories. Sadly he is now in a nursing home with Alzheimers. I shall watch it again, and the return trip, to relive those memories.

[@robmasterman]

How wonderful Andrea, and I'm delighted that my work gives you so much pleasure during your Husband's awful illness....Best wishes....Bob

[@ArtyVanHoming]

got this trip booked up for Tuesday, so looking forward to it.

[@robmasterman]

It's quite amazing, hope you enjoyed it.

[@marekjuszczyszyn4421]

I am POLISH I visited porthmadog 3 times during the summer on vacation I stoped on BLACK ROCK TOURING and CAMPING PARK and I rode the local steam railway to Caernarfon, that's why I remember that in my youth when I studied at technical colleges in POLAND 1978-1983- especially in winter I rode wagons called texas pulled by a steam locomotive - that's why I remember such a railway with sentiment🥰🥰🥰🥰🤩🤩🤩

[@robmasterman]

Jak cudownie Marek i wielkie dzięki za podzielenie się swoimi szczęśliwymi wspomnieniami. Najlepsze życzenia z Walii... Bob

[@dianerogers8805]

Went on this train two years ago on a day like this with my husband, daughter and her fiance, son and his wife and their daughter, was absolutely fantastic.

[@robmasterman]

It must the most scenic route in the UK Diane, and a joy to ride on especially on a day like this one....Bob

[@dianerogers8805]

Robert Masterman We were on holiday in the area when it was being built. Yes it is one of the most scenic routes in the UK along with the view from the summit of snowdon.

[@robmasterman]

How wonderful Diane, you obviously enjoyed your stay in North Wales

[@dianerogers8805]

Robert Masterman We certainly dot. Been going there since our 3 children were young. They are now 36,34 and 30. My grandad was born in North Wales, so feel I have a connection.

[@jdmedia2784]

We have done this trip Bob...absolutely gorgeous countryside a joy to watch!

[@robmasterman]

John Meredith Thanks John, to have such fine weather and visibility is a rarity......we thoroughly enjoyed it...Bob

[@jdmedia2784]

We had 33 today here in The Netherlands and with it the thunder and lightning at the end of the day, way too hot!

[@robmasterman]

Hope you were out there capturing the power of Nature John.....:o)

[@jdmedia2784]

Just done a short time lapse Bob in 4K.. nothing special all testing!

[@JosefKKafka]

Great to see that this project got there in the end. I walked the totality of the trackbed in the very early 1970s - including gingerly clambering over the ironwork of the Avon Glasslyn bridge. I was a member of the restoration group for a few years, but left when the internal, and external, bickering became too much. CONGRATULATIONS to those hardy souls who saw this great project thru' to completion. Diolch yn Fawr i chi bob, a Bob

[@robmasterman]

I did the same as you in the 1980's Josef...The line is now a major tourist attraction in the area, and offers stunning views of Snowdonia in the right weather conditions. Diolch am wylio, ac yr wyf yn falch eich bod wedi mwynhau fy ngwaith. Dymuniadau gorau ... Bob

[@JosefKKafka]

Afon

[@aplinewalker]

Brilliant footage ,,,, a really enjoyable watch many thanks ,,,,,

[@robmasterman]

***** Thank you Alan, it was a wonderful trip with outstanding scenery....Bob

[@JPMiller14]

Marvellous video Bob, I have not been on this line, splendid forestry, rocky tunnels, mountain views, what more could you ask for....... great stuff.....

[@robmasterman]

JPMiller14 Well worth a visit Justin, although the fare of £32 return seems expensive, you're on the train for some five hours....Bob

[@STEVEHARLEY1956]

What a wonderful Day you and Di must have had...Beautiful scenery and stunning Weather...Just right for this Line. Really excellent clips Bob.. a very enjoyable watch...roll-on part two !! Best Wishes...Steve.~

[@robmasterman]

***** It was an amazing day Steve, you just couldn't get better weather to see Snowdon..so we were both delighted with the few days away, and this was certainly the icing on the cake...Corel has failed on me last night, so unable to do part two as yet....hopefully I get get it fixed....Best wishes...Bob

[@STEVEHARLEY1956]

No worries...it will be on when it's ready....interesting times at the WSR Gala Today...lol..

[@robmasterman]

A friend of mine was going down by train and catching a Bus from Taunton....apparently the timetable was not designed for such visitors....I'm looking forward to seeing your upload...All the Best...Bob

[@STEVEHARLEY1956]

There will be three...one each Day.

[@MervynPartin]

Definitely a perfect day, Bob. The trains, scenery and journey looked great. I guessed that you had muted the sound of the crossing sirens and then I read your note afterwards that confirmed it! Very enjoyable....Mervyn

[@robmasterman]

Mervyn Partin It certainly was Mervyn, messed up the clips crossing the road, as it was a lower sound on my editing suite, but no sound at all on the uploaded version, which is a shame......Thanks as always...Bob

[@MervynPartin]

Robert Masterman Interesting that you should say that, Bob. I've tried volume reduction on my editing suite (Corel ProX2) which is fine at the editing stage, but ends up back at the FULL volume on the output file. Still trying to sort that out! Anyway, I am just about to watch part 2. Regards....Mervyn

[@robmasterman]

These things are sent to try us Mervyn...I hope you enjoy part 2...Bob

[@philcowling5062]

In the early 1970's I used to walk the rail bed through the Aber Glaslyn pass, never believing one day that it would be posibble to ride on a steam train over the same route. Wonderful stuff and well videoed.

[@robmasterman]

+Phil Cowling Me too Phil, and what a wonderful success it's become....I was very fortunate with the weather on this visit, as to see Snowdon from the train is a rare treat....Bob

[@TheStephengthompson]

Superb Bob ,the up close detail was fantastic as it's not every that is shown . Your on board footage showed just how green everything is at the moment !

[@robmasterman]

TheStephengthompson Thanks Steve, as you can imagine, videoing on a winding narrow gauge Railway is not the easiest thing in the World, as your buffeted around quite a bit...but hopefully it hadn't spoiled the viewing experience....Regards...Bob

[@Sam_Green____4114]

When that train runs through the Abergalsyn pass it runs over sleepers and rails I put there !

[@robmasterman]

Now that is something to be very proud of Sam, well done....Bob

[@Sam_Green____4114]

I was in the Territorials and we did a two week exercise on the WHR and we actually put the track down through the Aberglasyn pass.It was about 2002ish

[@ADMIRALSCORNER]

Just superb Bob. The Welsh Highland is very high in my favourite railway list!

[@robmasterman]

ADMIRALSCORNER Thanks Mike, the weather was perfect and we enjoyed every minute of this stunning run...Bob

[@acw71000]

Excellent work Bob, looks like you had a wonderful day for your trip. I love the WHR and the wonderful scenery it passes through.. I remember being a bit sceptical when plans were announced that it was going to be rebuilt but ever so happy to be proved wrong.

[@robmasterman]

acw71000 Thanks Austin, it's a line that you are very familiar with, so it was nice to do on board footage for a change....Di and I enjoyed every minute of it.....Bob

[@KenBrownekb71000duke]

Superb work Bob and that little Garrett could have been built for this line, its so well suited to it and a real little terrier with a lovely bark off the exhaust. As always the scenery is breathtaking and Mrs B and I will def be paying it a visit hopefully very soon. Looking forward to part 2 Bob, best wishes. Ken

[@robmasterman]

Ken Browne Thanks Ken, for a narrow gauge loco, they are very large and powerful....they make light work of the heavy gradients on the line...still trying to catch up with things, so will catch up with yours in the morning....Bob

[@howarth004]

Hi Bob , you and Mrs M had a good outing with beautiful weather ..that Garrett looks pristine , lost some sound 1.30 +..fantastic scenery ..keep saying it but one day I will ...I like the coal Hopper ...look forward to part 2 ...dave

[@robmasterman]

***** I turned the sound down at 1:30, Dave but when it processed there was no sound at all....it was to reduce the piercing noise of the crossings over the road......Bob

[@howarth004]

Robert Masterman I understand now ..did wonder if it was on my end ...dave

[@robmasterman]

You must read the notes Mr Howarth...tut tut!

[@howarth004]

Robert Masterman OK I give in mist the last line ..

[@AndreiTupolev]

Oh dear yes, I don't know how people living near Porthmadog station can stand those sirens. You caught the sound of the Garratt very nicely; so often on 'out of the window' videos, as soon as it gets any speed up all you can hear is buffeting by the wind.

[@robmasterman]

AndreiTupolev I lowered the sound of the sirens, but unfortunately, when processed it went completely which is a little off putting....On the return journey I left it alone....we had a wonderful trip, and seeing Snowdon so clearly was a real bonus...Bob

[@PhilbruProduction]

Thank you, Bob, for this stroll in the beautiful scenery. Ardderchog iawn. Philippe

[@robmasterman]

Philbru Production Sur une journée comme ça, quand vous pouvez voir tout le pics montagneux Philippe, il est un merveilleux voyage ... Pob hwyl .... Bob

[@bobnweaver]

A wonderful video from North Wales Bob. What a superb locomotive operating in stunning scenery. Very well produced, looking forward to part 2. Regards, Jeff.

[@robmasterman]

bobnweaver Thanks Jeff, missing many comments at the moment, so my apologies for that.....it was a wonderful journey, and I'm so pleased to have captured it in these conditions....Regards...Bob

[@TheDoodyman1]

What a lovely film, Bob. And so expertly captured that I almost feel as if I've been there with you. This is definitely going on my list of lines to visit with the two boys. Thank you for posting - looking forward to watching part two - kind regards Frank.

[@robmasterman]

TheDoodyman Thanks Frank.....sorry for the delay in replying, I keep missing incoming messages at the moment...no notifications....Regards...Bob

[@EMuksteam]

Superb video Bob . What a great day out for you and Mrs M must of had and in glorious weather. That is a stunning line with fantastic scenery. You captured the journey brilliantly. C&A

[@robmasterman]

EMuksteam Thanks both, as you say Mrs M and I had a wonderful day travelling on the WHR.....it was perfect in every respect,,,,Bob

[@48snapper]

Just gorgeous Bob. I too have done this trip - and tried to shoot it. So I know just how good your video is, with remarkably steady camera work. Looking forward to part 2.

[@robmasterman]

48snapper If it wasn't for the excellent facilities on this camera Bill, it would be much worse...Thanks again...Bob

[@TheMichaelWilcock2016Railways]

I'll have to go one day....another BM excellent production.........looking forward to papt 2 Mike

[@robmasterman]

Mike Wilcock Thanks Mike, limited space to film out of the coach and it was quite rough on those tight curves, but got some decent footage in the end....Bob

[@ronfisher2-railwaytravelvideos]

I've got so used to those noisy wig-wags at Porthmadog that I hardly hear them. Despite the noise they make, it doesn't stop vehicle driver from driving across in front of the trains!

[@robmasterman]

That's terrible Ron, there really are some idiots about, it must be a big worry for the Footplate staff.

[@984francis]

Lovely. And the loco is pristine, I want one😊

[@robmasterman]

Thanks for that..the support teams on these Railways work very hard to keep their locos looking so good....Bob

[@tbonetoneo]

brilliant video of a great line!

[@robmasterman]

+tony martin Thanks Tony, unusually it was perfect weather for the run......Bob

[@bigtrainguythore]

Such a good video

[@robmasterman]

That's very kind of you...Thank you.

[@pwalpar]

Excellent production my friend

[@robmasterman]

pwalpar Thanks Walter......best wishes...Bob

[@ronfisher2-railwaytravelvideos]

The best railway in the world (together with the Ffestiniog, of course!)

[@robmasterman]

It takes some beating Ron, always a joy to travel along it. Thanks for your kind comments.

[@Bevoin1970]

Whats a train from South Africa Railways doing in north Wales...? lol You certainly picked a lovely day for the journey, very Picturesque, stunning scenery. Nice Pipework on the old engine too. Funny watching a modern day front loader next to a steam train, looks so out of sorts to me..ha ha, good way of getting coal onboard though. Nice one Bob, expertly put together as always. 5* :-)

[@robmasterman]

Bevoin1970 The two Garratts from South Africa, are ideal for this line Paul, they may be narrow gauge, but they are large and very powerful. The two sets of driving wheels allowing them to negotiate the many sharp bends....a memorable day for us and thanks as always for your kind comments...Best wishes...Bob

[@melanierhianna]

Bevoin1970 They were built in Manchester so they're nearly home :-)

[@robmasterman]

Very true Melanie, thanks for your comments...Bob

[@AndreiTupolev]

I'm pleased to note that (presumably) Afrikaans for boiler is "Ketel". :D

[@robmasterman]

AndreiTupolev Nice one!

[@BoatingBiker]

superb.

[@robmasterman]

Thanks very much David.

[@sanyojmest7509]

Wonderful

[@robmasterman]

Thank you very much Sanyoj, this Railway runs in the most beautiful part of North Wales..

[@sanyojmest7509]

@@robmasterman Yes both the train and the countryside is very beautiful

[@struck2soon]

Nice one Bob! I remember a cab ride in one of these in Natal in the early 90's, they are a real "pocket rocket". It looks absolutely superb in that original livery. I have finally got my test track layout up and running, feel free to have a look at a couple of my latest uploads.

[@robmasterman]

struck2soon Thanks very much..lucky you to have visited Natal in the 1990's.....I will check your videos shortly...Bob

[@rajeshkalal193]

nice journey by train

[@robmasterman]

Thank you Rajesh, it is a very beautiful journey....Bob

[@canvids1]

HEY Bob I think you did better video catches on this first posting than you did on the second video posting but this is only my opinion. But over all a great 2 part serious and I enjoyed it very much thanks for your work.

[@robmasterman]

***** Thanks very much for your comments Wayne, much appreciated as always....Bob

[@jimyoung2188]

A good one Bob

[@robmasterman]

Thanks Jim, the weather conditions were perfect for the run, and that's quite rare for Snowdonia....Bob

[@tombartram6842]

I'm a bit surprised that green brigade haven't laid down across the track what with this being a diesel train.

[@robmasterman]

Thank goodness they don't Tom, these Railways have a hard enough time as it is.

[@kianthetrainspotter7777]

Why turn of volume at crossing

[@robmasterman]

I did that because the siren id very loud and goes on for a long time as the train crosses the long section.

[@kianthetrainspotter7777]

Oh ok thanks