Great Little Trains of Wales - Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways 2024

Great Little Trains of Wales
18th - 22nd August 2024 saw a much overdue return visit to North Wales and the renowned narrow gauge systems of the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways.
The week's visit coincided with the railway's intensive summer timetables - which could feature up to eight locomotives in action per-day, transporting tourists through the stunning landscape Evyri (Snowdonia) National Park from the port town of Porthmadog either to the historic town of Caernarfon (via the Welsh Highland Railway) or the iconic mining town of Blaenau Ffestiniog - once the centre of slate production - high in the Moelwynion Mountains.
Motive power was provided by a selection of the F&WHR's operational Steam fleet, including Double Fairlie 0-4-4-0s; No.8 'James Spooner', No.10 'Merddin Emrys' & No.12 'David Lloyd George', South African Railway NG/G16 Garratt 2-6-2+2-6-2s; No.87 & No.143, and Penrhyn 'Ladies' Hunslet 2-4-0T+Ts; No.589 'Blanche' & No.590 'Linda'.
Filmed over the course of several days we see all the aforementioned locomotives in action - tackling the challenging gradients of both routes captured from various vantage points and locations set amongst the stunning backdrop of Evyri National Park.
Locomotive List;
FFestiniog Railway:
Double Fairlie 0-4-4-0T, No.8 'James Spooner'
Double Fairlie 0-4-4-0T, No.10 'Merddin Emrys'
Double Fairlie 0-4-4-0T, No.12 'David Lloyd George',
Penrhyn Hunslet 2-4-0T+T, No.589 'Blanche'
Penrhyn Hunslet 2-4-0T+T, No.590 'Linda'
Welsh Highland Railway:
SAR NG/G16 Garratt 2-6-2+2-6-2, No.87
SAR NG/G16 Garratt 2-6-2+2-6-2, No.143
Hope you enjoy!

[@nathancorcoran5347]

Nice videoing of this railroad over in Wales. The Ffestiniog Railway and the Welsh Highland Railway are both neat railroads that operates a lot of their steam locomotives, on both passenger and freight trains.

[@simonburrows1467]

Nicely shot

[@SDJR7F88]

Cheers!

[@RG-Models86]

When it comes to Welsh narrow gauge, there's something about it that's uniquely special. Great video Callum 👍.

[@SDJR7F88]

Certainly is! Can't believe it took me so long to get back there

[@lukenoble3319]

Very professionally shot and edited! The stillness in the audio between the shots is wonderfully peaceful. Stunning.

[@SDJR7F88]

Many thanks indeed! Try my best with the editing. Was quite difficult with slem of wind noise in places.

[@ncs8730]

Wonderful video! Most beautiful scenery, lovely flowers, great locos!

[@SDJR7F88]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@ЛЬВИНИ]

Very nice, like ! ! !

[@SDJR7F88]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@ModelRailwayTrainsUK]

I always love it when your videos pop up on my subscription’s notification, always a great watch! Wish my videos were as good.

[@SDJR7F88]

Many thanks indeed! Glad you enjoyed it

[@kineticrail]

Nice to see you had a nice trip to the little trains of Wales. I do like the Ffestiniog railway and the scenery the lines are set in. Ireally need to get back there at somepoint to check off a few more of the lines up there

[@SDJR7F88]

Many thanks indeed! Really did need a good break from it all. Likewise, need to do a bit more exploring up there myself.

[@eisenbahntraeumer]

Great video! Awesome filmwork!

[@SDJR7F88]

Thanks a lot!

[@TrainandSimple]

Great video - I would love to visit this railway at some point.

[@SDJR7F88]

Highly recommend! Need to try and visit for a gala next time around

[@Jimyjames73]

Hello Callum - I've been to the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways a few yrs ago with my Mum - Yes, A nice little Railway to go on!!! Something to do with the Coal Mining - That is why they are Narrow Gauge!!! 🤔🙂🚂🚂🚂

[@bodorganboys]

Nothing to with coal. The Ffestiniog was built to transport Slate from Blaenau Ffestiniog to the harbour at Porthmadog.

[@Jimyjames73]

@@bodorganboys Ar ok Thank you, I knew it was something do do with something like that!!! 🤔🚂🚂🚂