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The Ffestiniog Railway - Part 2 - Tan y Bwlch to Blaenau Ffestiniog

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Rating: 4.0; Vote: 1

In Part, 2 we leave the ancient woodland behind as our train meanders along the hillsides between dry stone walls with clear views to the stunning Llyn Mair (Mary-s Lake) far below. The unspoiled scenery and mountains stretch as far as the eye can see, this is Wales at its best. After a short tunnel, we are once again treated to kind of vista that would normally adorn a chocolate box lid, before passing under our line at Ddaultt where we leave the original alignment now flooded by the creation of Tanygrisiau Reaevoir to join a new alignment. We complete a spiral to cross over the line we have just traversed gaining enough height to take us along the banks of the man-made reservoir with glimpses of the abandoned track bed below. Over time the new lake has blended in to harmonise and even enhance the already stunning views from the train window. Regaining the original route at Tanygrisiau we run along a ledge hewn out of the rock face just wide enough for our narrow gauge train to pass. The pretty cottages either side of the line at this point are so close you could almost reach out and touch them. Journeys end is near as we approach Blaenau Ffestiniog surrounded by evidence of the once flourishing slate industry for which the line was built. Today the narrow gauge railway finishes in a new station it shares with the standard gauge Conwy Valley line. Blaenau Ffestiniog is a fascinating place brimming with railway history as the once independent companies all competed to transport the lucrative roofing slates to all parts of Britain and even other countries via the harbour at Porthmadog. In this video we take a now and then look at the old GWR line to Bala as far as Trawsfynydd, mothballed today, but there are determined people striving to breathe new life into this highly scenic and desolate line. We wish them luck as it would be a wonderful experience to step off of a narrow gauge steam train to join a full size one destined for Trawsfynydd. Finally I have included a few minutes of old cine film taken by my parents showing the Ffestiniog railway in 1963
Date: 2022-11-28

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Comments and reviews: 8

pega17pl
(32: 30( Hi Tim, you know at former time cars rolled alone by gravity from hills to port of Porthmadog and steam locos followed separately. Dangerous but what a (last) view! - Heinz
p. s. fascinating stories of railway and its history as well as steam loco developments
p. p. s. - at another video lots of quirks and curiositis at rolling stock watched - Ffestiniog Railway must be at an enchanted wonderland
p. p. p. s. the Kiwi solution!
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JasonMasters
The station at Llandudno reminds me of a now-demolished and replaced station which used to be near where I live. The train used to have to pull in, then the engine change ends and pull out again onto a different track in order to continue its journey. Nowadays, the line just goes straight through the new station so the train only needs to pause long enough for passengers before setting out again.
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Anjali
Such a beautiful scenery from rear view camera. You've rightly mentioned as Wales at being at it's best. Got to see interiors of the carriages too. Old is gold. A small clip in the end proves not much difference in the engine & the surrounding region. You're truly a rail enthusiast. Thanks Tim for sharing the beautiful experience.
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Chuck
Fantastic trip and video, cheers! One question: it's turistic or passenger (regular) train?
P. S. -39: 15+ When I was little boy I loved watching steam locomotives at station too. :)
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Chris
This appeared on YT today and I have watched a fair amount. Is it my imagination, o do the forward looking shots appeared sharper than the rear facing ones? But am enjoying the ride!
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Reg
Excellent video- track-work is superb! Great scenery- FINE! One further comment- the crew running the engine know what they are doing! CLEAN STACK= SUPERB FIRING!
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Stage
Another very fine edit for the return journey, really showcases the Ffestiniog railway so well. Brings back happy memories of holidays in Wales. Thank you Tim.
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prakash
Thanks for the video. Enjoyed like anything. No words to praise. Really it is a treat to the eyes. Old is gold. Very nice shooting.
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