Building Back to Blaenau
From Festipedia, hosted by the FR Heritage Group
This article first appeared on the company website back in 2002, and reappears here with permission from the company, and Chris Jones, the photographer.
As the 20th Anniversary of the Ffestiniog Railway reopening to Blaenau Ffestiniog approaches, here is the first in a series of 'photo specials' showing the construction of the spiral at Dduallt, the new line and tunnel between Dduallt and Tanygrisiau, and the work to restore line from Tanygrisiau to Blaenau Ffestiniog. These photographs were all taken by Chris Jones.
This view looks towards Tanygrisiau and shows the area around Gweithdy Cryddion
*Date: 1974 *Photo: Chris Jones
*Date: 1974 *Photo: Chris Jones
Looking towards Blaenau, in 1975, before the A487 road bridge was completed. The BR station on the left is still in use, and an old water tower support is towards the centre of the picture.
*Date: 1975 *Photo: Chris Jones
*Date: 1975 *Photo: Chris Jones
Some old sleepers remain in the foreground in this shot (looking towards Glan y Pwll), as does an old signal post just before the bridge.
*Date: 1975 *Photo: Chris Jones
*Date: 1975 *Photo: Chris Jones
The old gates at Glan y Pwll crossing await their fate as work commences
*Date: 1975 *Photo: Chris Jones
*Date: 1975 *Photo: Chris Jones
Back then, track workers attack the job in hand wearing more casual attire than would be permitted these days
*Date: 1975 *Photo: Chris Jones
*Date: 1975 *Photo: Chris Jones
Looking from footbridge 2, a works train passes over the new, unballasted track.
*Date: 1975
*Photo: Chris Jones
*Date: 1975
*Photo: Chris Jones