Great video with some footage I've not seen before. If I can correct one inaccuracy - the video of Merddin with Hunslet boiler and new tanks burning coal is captioned as "in the late 1970s when carriages were maroon and engines were green but still coal fired". The carriage livery was cherry red, and Merddin was the last working steam loco in the fleet to be converted when it was completed in 1973. It's a great bit of footage though which is probably quite rare as it only ran on coal in that form from 1970-1972, and I hadn't appreciated before that it got its cab roof while still on coal.
The drone footage of the original route around the present Garnedd Tunnel [17'20"] is the clearest view of that section I've ever seen . The setting makes you appreciate just what an achievement James Spooner's original survey (1830-31) was.
At 5:00 there is footage of what looks like a dual gauge point, with narrow gauge merging with standard gauge. Where was this? It is a tragedy that nothing like this has been preserved. There should be a campaign to recreate it! Everyone focusses on the engines, but track is what makes a railway.
There was a crossing of the standard gauge goods yard headhunt. Sadly this whole area was changed beyond recognition with the closure of the ex GWR station and the redevelopment of this area. We are very conscious of the importance of historical track work and much has been preserved, although not necessarily on public view at this time.
Know what you mean, but from an operational POV, not so much use. It *really* was a prototype, with *very* few of the kinks sorted out and in all honesty, not a patch on the magnificent machines fielded by Blodge these days. Mind you, a group *are* constructing a 'Small England' in original(ish) condition, so never say never. If you Google *1863mountaineer* you'll find details of the 0-4-0T+T
Great video with some footage I've not seen before. If I can correct one inaccuracy - the video of Merddin with Hunslet boiler and new tanks burning coal is captioned as "in the late 1970s when carriages were maroon and engines were green but still coal fired". The carriage livery was cherry red, and Merddin was the last working steam loco in the fleet to be converted when it was completed in 1973. It's a great bit of footage though which is probably quite rare as it only ran on coal in that form from 1970-1972, and I hadn't appreciated before that it got its cab roof while still on coal.
Very interesting video and enjoyed the background music with subtitles format.
Nice of you to say.
Fantastic historic footage
The drone footage of the original route around the present Garnedd Tunnel [17'20"] is the clearest view of that section I've ever seen . The setting makes you appreciate just what an achievement James Spooner's original survey (1830-31) was.
Fascinating and informative video, not sure I envy the Firemans job ! Thanks for posting.
The 1930s footage is amazing!
Great regulator control at 26:30. Must be very well designed/made regulators as well.
and not forgetting the 2 vulcans and the Gowrie on the WHR
At 5:00 there is footage of what looks like a dual gauge point, with narrow gauge merging with standard gauge. Where was this? It is a tragedy that nothing like this has been preserved. There should be a campaign to recreate it! Everyone focusses on the engines, but track is what makes a railway.
There was a crossing of the standard gauge goods yard headhunt. Sadly this whole area was changed beyond recognition with the closure of the ex GWR station and the redevelopment of this area. We are very conscious of the importance of historical track work and much has been preserved, although not necessarily on public view at this time.
Rode behind Merddin summer of 1961 Port to T y B……..driver was Bill Hoole..grand memory!
part of me would love to see a replica of Little Wonder on the railway. That missing link between the Englands and the Fairlies of today.
Know what you mean, but from an operational POV, not so much use. It *really* was a prototype, with *very* few of the kinks sorted out and in all honesty, not a patch on the magnificent machines fielded by Blodge these days.
Mind you, a group *are* constructing a 'Small England' in original(ish) condition, so never say never. If you Google *1863mountaineer* you'll find details of the 0-4-0T+T
It would be fascinating to see how it compared but a very expensive experiment, if you have a deep cheque book I’m sure one could be built. 😁
@@TheHoveHeretic Ah yes I've seen this group. I can't wait to see a 1963 England locomotive running on the Ffestiniog.