Since its formation in 1984 the Heritage Group has seen many heritage developments on the Festiniog Railway. Some of these were in our original plan, some were thought up later but there are several we would never have thought possible. Progressing any project is difficult with the limited effort we have and the recent rebuild of the Simplex, Mary Ann, severely strained us. We would not want to be put under the pressure of such a time schedule again.

We see the solution as a list of "Aspirations" which we would like to see but have no obligation to undertake. We have therefore produced three lists; no priority is implied by the order within the lists.

Aside from the three lists, we still have the building of a proper museum - the only item still outstanding from our original list in 1984.

A-list, immediate potential, with money and labour. Some already under way.

1. Minffordd slate wharf display

Minffordd slate wharf in its heyday
Photo: LGRP, FR Archives

2. More double arm signals

3. ‘Porthole’ small Birmingham carriage (bugbox)

‘Porthole’ carriage as seen in 1935
Photo: H.F. Wheeler, courtesy R. Carpenter

4. Ashbury bogie Carriage No. 21

5. ‘Tent’ for open small Birmingham (formerly carriage No. 7)

Open carriage with ‘tent’ in 1887
Photo: R.H. Bleasdale, FR Archives

6. Restore Minffordd Booking office

7. Reinstall chaired track at Minffordd, Penrhyn, Porthmadog & Tan y Bwlch

8. Welsh Pony restored for display

9. Replica disc signals at Minffordd, Penrhyn, Porthmadog and Tan y Bwlch and restoration of two originals still in place

Original disc signal still in position above Penrhyn
Photo: Robert Bishop

10. Boston Lodge old Engine shed refurbished, including seaside road as crinkly tin

11. Maintain Tan y Bwlch bridge (at least keep a fund to help pay for the repaint which is due)

12. Replicate original milestones in their original locations (ref. Jim Parrish & D&M Group)

B-List, medium term potential, with money and labour.

1. Minffordd Weighbridge Office

2. "Sentry box" brake van

Early brake & luggage van at Duffws
Photo: FR Archives

3. Mk1 Quarrymen's carriage

4. Various extinct wagons

5. A decent, detailed, history of the old FR

6. The ‘Locos and Stock’ book to go with ‘Immortal Rails’

7. Rebuild Tanygrisiau Station building (as a volunteer hostel?)

8. Large bogie van

9. 100 waggon gravity train - restore Maenofferen waggons. The FR recently acquired around 70 slate wagons, some of which could be restored to make the 100 wagon train

Ex-Maenofferen waggons awaiting restoration, 2003
Photo: Jim Hewett

C-list, ‘wishful thinking’!

1. A second 4-wheeled Ashbury carriage (3rd class)

2. ‘Matchboarded’ Small Birmingham carriage.

3. Replica of James Spooner

4. Replica of Little Wonder

5. Replica Little Giant - original condition

6. Quarrymen’s train of Mk3 carriages

7. Replica of small England engine in near original condition - name??

8. Rebuild the Festiniog & Blaenau line

These are a few ideas put forward mainly by the Heritage Group Committee. Many will probably never happen. If you have ideas you think should be added to the list then email either chairman@frheritage.org.uk or secretary@frheritage.org.uk.