Preserving our rails and rolling stock for future generations

Historic views of the Ffestiniog Railway are always distinctive and we can be justly proud of our achievements in preserving our unique heritage. However, there are still vitally important areas where we need do more. Today, we have very little chaired track in visible daily use and across our fleet of over two hundred 19th century wagons (arguably the largest in the world), few are operational and the rest are slowly fading away. 

We have reached a time where action needs to be taken to protect both of these important FR features for future generations. It is rare for two relatively disparate projects to come together with mutual benefits to create a sustainable heritage future. 

With this in mind, the FR Heritage Group is launching its first major FR heritage appeal for many years, to preserve our special permanent way heritage, enhance one of our most-loved heritage stations and protect our unique but deteriorating fleet of heritage wagons. 

Bullhead or Bust?

Over the past decade we have seen many positive changes to Minffordd Station, from the impressive gardens to the replica lamp on the Up platform and the shelter on the Down platform. We now have the opportunity to add to the ambience of this picturesque and historic station by relaying chaired track.

To achieve this almost 1000 feet of track will need to be replaced with bullhead preserved for this purpose. The current permanent way, whilst worn, is not yet life-expired and could continue to give several years of valuable service. With sponsorship from FRHG and FR supporters the sight of bullhead rail with wooden keys could be recreated as early as next winter whilst the wholesale replacement of ballast and sleepers will provide a positive contribution to the operating railway.

As a bonus, the track materials released will benefit another vital FR heritage project…

 
Waggons Roll

We have a young, skilled and enthusiastic team of volunteers turning out an impressive range of waggons each year. However, the net gain rate is slow as progression is hampered by time spent maintaining the existing fleet; some vehicles are on their third overhaul and whilst there is constant improvement in both materials used and standards of restoration the current process is sadly not sustainable. 

At the current rate, some waggons will have rusted away before they reach their turn for attention. This would be a tragedy, not just for the loss of the irreplaceable vehicles, but also for loss of trains that entertain potential supporters, publicise the railway through photo charters and generate income in events such as Vintage Weekends and Galas.

To protect our valuable rolling stock both from the elements and from theft, bold action is required. The only practical solution is dedicated waggon sidings, in the longer term including covered storage. 

 
Waggon Tracks Project

In order to achieve these combined goals, FRHG are launching the Waggon Tracks Project. Working closely with the FR Outdoor Engineering Department, we aim to:

• replace the existing track in Minffordd Station
• cascade the removed materials to new dedicated waggon storage sidings 
• prepare the way for a covered waggon facility in a reorganised Minffordd Yard.

FRHG are aiming to raise £25,000 for this work. Whilst this sum may sound huge on its own, if every member were able to donate just £50, we would soon hit our target! 

 
Please give generously to this exciting project and help to preserve our heritage for generations to come.

 
Keep tracks on the appeal on this website, where regular updates will appear.

Please send donations, along with the appeal form, to:

John Powell

Heritage Group Treasurer

21 Madoc St.

Porthmadog

Gwynedd

LL49 9BU

Cheques to be made payable to Ffestiniog Railway Society.

Payment by cheque and post is the most cost-effective way of donating, however online payments can also be made here. Please state that your donation is for the Waggon Tracks Appeal (in the 'Personalise...' box which appears after you confirm your donation). 

If you have any queries relating to this appeal, please contact the project team at: 

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Please note: the UK Government’s Gift Aid scheme changes from April 6th 2011, meaning that we can claim back less of every Gift Aid contribution from that date. Donating before this time will allow us to gain maximum benefit from your donation, as well as allowing an early start on this vital project.

To download the appeal leaflet in pdf format, please click here.

 Download a free copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader.