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NORTH WALES COAST STEAM

 

FROM THE GOLDEN YEARS
UP TO THE PRESENT DAY.

THIS PAGE SHOWS NOSTALGIC SHOTS OF WORKING
STEAM ENGINES,  ON THE NORTH WALES COAST LINE ,
FROM THE HEYDAY OF STEAM,  UP TO THE PRESENT
DAY PRESERVATION SPECIALS.

THE PHOTOGRAPHS ON THIS PAGE WERE TAKEN BY VARIOUS
PHOTOGRAPHERS AND ENTHUSIASTS.

The usual copyright rules apply so please contact this website 
through the email link on the HOMEPAGE,
if you wish to contact the photographers.

All photo's taken by me are low-resolution copies to save space and 
enable faster download times.

If hi-resolution copies are required I would be pleased to email them free of charge.
Please identify the photo required and the page it is located on plus your full email address
and the reason it is required.

If any of my photographs are required for publication please contact 
me first to discuss the matter.

PLEASE NOTE: HI-RESOLUTION FILES CAN BE UP TO 5MB SO A BROADBAND 
CONNECTION WOULD BE ADVISABLE.
 

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May 8th 2008.

An email and two great photo's by Alan Taylor, taken when he was on holiday in North Wales in June 1964, are reproduced below. Alan wonders if Les Nevitt and his fireman shown on the footplate of Jubilee 45653 "Barham" (photo 1) are still with us. 
If anyone can help please let me know. 

(Photo 2) shows Britannia's 70024 "Vulcan" and 70053 "Moray Firth" on 6G in June 1964.

Many thanks for your contact Alan.

 

 

Enjoyed your site on Llandudno Junc. MPD.
 
I noticed in the list of passed firemen 'No. 538 Nevitt L.'
 
This must surely be Les Nevitt who I befriended in June 1964 whilst on holiday in North Wales.
 
He allowed me (aged 16 at the time) and a couple of friends, to ride with him on the footplate
of 'Jubilee' No. 45653 'Barham' from Conway to Bangor when working a Manchester to Holyhead express.
We came back with him in the cab of an English Electric type 4 (class 40) diesel.
 
Attached is a photo of Les and his fireman on 45653 at Llandudno Junc. before the train left. Also a photo
of 70053 and 70024 on 6G taken during the same holiday.
 
The list gives Les's DOB as Dec. 1929 so he will be 78 if he is still with us, does anyone know?
I don't know the name of the fireman, perhaps you may recognise him. He would be about the same age as Les as I remember him telling me that he had a 16 year old daughter. 

Les lived in Rhyl at the time.
 
Best regards,
Alan Taylor.

 

                                           lesnevittjune64comp.jpg (23813 bytes)                                            70053&24june64comp.jpg (19616 bytes)
                                                      (1)                                                                 (2)

 

 

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April 26th 2008.

Two shots of an immaculate LMS Coronation Class 4-6-2 No. 6233 "Duchess of Sutherland"
are shown below. They are both on the outward leg of today's "Welsh Dragon". 

(1)   Approaching Station Road bridge Mochdre, 5 minutes early at 11.30am today.

(2)  After the usual rest at Llandudno Junction she approaches Conwy Morfa dead on time
       at 12.15pm today.

Both photo's by Geoff Poole.

 

                                        6233atmochdrebridge.jpg (45719 bytes)                                                     6233atconwymorfa.jpg (23582 bytes)
                                                  (1)                                                                                                      (2)

 

 

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April 22nd 2008.

The two photo's below show 6201 "Princess Elizabeth" on her recent visit along the North Wales Coast main line on Saturday April 19th 2008 with the 1Z71 Bristol T.M. to Holyhead Train.

(1) A great shot by Alan Roberts with "Lizzie" in full bore passing Pen Uchaf Foot crossing, near Abergele, working the outward leg.

(2) One of my shots taken at Mochdre with the return leg.

 

                                                 6201penuchafresize85.jpg (78698 bytes)                                  6201gpmochdre191108resize.jpg (32438 bytes)
                                                             (1)                                                       (2)

                               

 

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March 30th 2008.

Stanier 2-6-0 No. 2948 heads a Bangor to Llandudno Junction stopping train out
of the up line tube of Conway Bridge on June 9th 1948. 
PHOTO SUPPLIED BY JOHN POWELL.

july070022comp.jpg (17751 bytes)
CLICK THUMBNAIL

 

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March 5th 2008.

Another rare shot, sent in by John Powell, of a  Merseyrail unit 507022 in 
the carriage shed (then LJ) on December 2nd 1994, taken from a "RAIL" magazine of 1995.

5070226g021294comp.jpg (13039 bytes)

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March 3rd 2008.

John Powell has sent in this great Keith Pirt slide of 46200 "The Princess Royal" 
under the coaling stage at 6G in 1962.
There is a similar black and white shot of the same engine elsewhere on the site
but I make no apologies for the duplication as Keith Pirt is one of my favourite
 photographers who always created a magical feel in his shots and this one 
is no exception.

462001962pirtcomp.jpg (14845 bytes)

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March 3rd 2008.

Another good shot sent in by John Powell of Black 5 45282 on 6G
on June 11th 1963 alongside an unidentified class mate. 

45282atjunctioncomp.jpg (16879 bytes)

 

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February 18th 2008.

Roger Stronell the webmaster of the excellent 
STEAM TRAIN GALLERIES WEBSITE 
has kindly allowed me to publish two of his original photo's that appear on his
website showing a train leaving the Junction  and also an 8Fon shed at 6G (both undated).

Roger tells me that they were both taken with a Kodak Cresta camera.

PHOTO (1)
LMR "Black 5" 4-6-0 No. 45278 hauling empty stock out of Llandudno Junction.

PHOTO (2)
LMR class 8F, 2-9-0, on shed at 6G

                                                    45278emptystockjct.jpg (19788 bytes)                               48771on6g.jpg (13421 bytes)
                                                              (1)                                                      (2)

 

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January 10th 2008.

A photograph by H.C.Casserley, sent in by John Powell, from Casserley's book
 "Welsh Railways" showing Royal Scot 6133 "The Green Howards" pulling the Irish Mail at Llanfairfechan on July 17th 1941.

6133llanfchncomp.jpg (14988 bytes)
CLICK THUMBNAIL

 

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January 10th 2008.

Another shot, sent in by John Powell, of a vintage bus crossing Telford's suspension bridge at Conwy in June 1933 from a book about Crossville buses John borrowed from the library.

busatsuspbdgcomp.jpg (18276 bytes)
CLICK THUMBNAIL

 

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December 12th 2007.

Below is a photo from the John Powell collection showing 4472 "Flying Scotsman" passing through Rhyl Station on her first visit to North Wales on June 6th 1966.

july20070021comp.jpg (22904 bytes)
CLICK THUMBNAIL

 

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December 12th 2007.

A photo of 4472  "Flying Scotsman" by Alan Roberts is shown below , taken from Llandudno Junction signal box in 1995, leaving for Holyhead with the North Wales Coast Express.

4472from jctboxcomp.jpg (37227 bytes)
CLICK THUMBNAIL

 

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December 5th 2007.

An undated photo of Llandudno Junction Goods Department showing staff loading or unloading an open wagon outside the warehouse. The site is now occupied by Netto and Iceland shops.
Photo sent in by Alan Roberts.

jctgoodsdeptcomp.jpg (12183 bytes)
CLICK THIMBNAIL

 

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November 25th 2007.

 D229 "Saxonia" with a Holyhead to Crewe train meets a D.M.U arriving from Blaenau Ffestiniog
 in the summer 1961. 

july20070011comp.jpg (31808 bytes)
CLICK THUMBNAIL

 

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November 14th 2007.

The up "Irish Mail" passes beneath Conway Castle, hauled by un-rebuilt Royal Scot class
No 6120 "Royal Inniskilling Fusilier" circa mid 1930s.
(photo sent in by John Powell)

 

july20070016comp.jpg (20384 bytes)

 

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November 6th 2007.

Two lovely photo's from the John Powell collection showing the Conway toll bridge. 
The present day road bridge was built alongside Telford's suspension bridge in 1958.

Traffic passed over the suspension bridge one way at a time, controlled by lights.

Photo (1) taken from the castle, shows traffic using the toll bridge (circa 1940s)
Photo (2) taken from the Llandudno Junction side (circa 1950s)

For more detail on Thomas Telfords  Conway suspension bridge take a look at this link.
THOMAS TELFORDS CONWAY SUSPENSION BRIDGE

CLICK THUMBNAILS

                                      conwaytoll30scomp.jpg (25444 bytes)                                                          conwaytoll50scomp.jpg (14461 bytes)

                                                (1)                                                                               (2)

 

 

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November 1st 2007.

A photo of "Royal Scot" class No.6112  "Sherwood Forester" with 7C shedplate, passes 
Chester's No. 6 signalbox, and heads for North Wales with a special. (possibly late1947) 
sent in by John Powell.

 

july20070005comp.jpg (25227 bytes)

 

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October 21st 2007.

Three more photo's from the Alan Roberts collection are shown below.

(1) Class 24 D5009 in Rhyl station (undated)  The class 24 remained as one of the main diesel motive power classes in North Wales until the early 80s.

(2) Black 5 No 45027 heads the 1X00 Royal train through Llandudno Junction (undated)

(3) Type 4 English Electric (Class 40) D308 stands alongside 46250 "City of Lichfield in Llandudno Junction station (undated)

CLICK THUMBNAILS

                         D5009rhylcomp.jpg (12847 bytes)                             45027royaltraincomp.jpg (13190 bytes)                           46250.jpg (21962 bytes)

                                    (1)                                                  (2)                                                  (3)

 

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October 21st 2007.

An interesting shot of one of my favourite classes, "Patriot " 45547 (unnamed) displaying a 
6G shed plate at Willesden depot in May 1961. (photo sent in by John Powell)

45547jctplatecomp.jpg (18373 bytes)
CLICK THUMBNAIL

 

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October 19th 2007.

An early LNWR postcard shows the viaduct at Penmaenmawr 
(west of Pen y Clip Avalanche tunnel) sent in by Alan Roberts.

pmawrviaductcompresize.jpg (37035 bytes)

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September 30th 2007.

John Powell has sent in the following photo taken from an old postcard. John would appreciate 
any information that would throw any light on the occasion.

 

Geoff, I found this postcard at a car boot in Caernarfon recently, but the only info on it was BR Staff
 at Holyhead with Civil Service Rifleman. I think it must have been taken during the early sixties, possibly
 1961 as 46163 was allocated to 6J at that time.                        John.
 

46163holyheadcomp.jpg (20584 bytes)

 

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September 30th 2007.

An email and photo from John Powell are reproduced below.

This photo is from another magazine, but the info was a depot in the Chester area, but having looked at
 it closely, I would say it is 6G possibly 1965 as 45285 was on its allocation.  What do you think?
 
                                                                                    John.
 

I have no doubt that this is 6G. Well spotted John.

 

45285at6gcomp.jpg (22831 bytes)

 

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September 30th 2007.

An email and photo from Alan Roberts are reproduced below.

Geoff,

Please find enclosed a photo showing a MK1 coach getting craned over from the promenade at Colwyn Bay to Colwyn Bay Station  in October 1988. The coach arrived by road from Carnforth Steam Museum and was destined to the new but short-lived Platform 3 at Colwyn Bay station and was utilized as a dining coach at the complex. Also a small 0-6-0 tank steam engine named "Firefly" arrived the previous week. It was located on the former platform 1 at the station ex-up slow, later up loop. The up loop at Colwyn Bay station was done away with from 9th October 1983 but formed a temporary siding thereafter until January 1984 to convey new track for the alignment of the main line between Colwyn Bay and Mochdre in conjunction with the construction of the new A55 roadway.
As mentioned Platform 3 was short lived due to financial problems and the complex closed down in 1993.

Alan

plat3coachcomp.jpg (47743 bytes)

 

The 0-6-0 tank engine "Firefly" mentioned by Alan above is pictured below with her MK1 coach 
from a photo by John Powell which was published on this page in July 2006. At that time John
was unsure about the details of the shot so thanks to Alan for clearing it up.

jp0010bcomp.jpg (21264 bytes)

 

 

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September 6th 2007.

Alan Roberts has sent in this unusual shot taken from Conway Castle showing an unidentified engine hauling a goods train passing the goods yard at Conway. (PHOTO: by the late I. Vaughan)

 

trainpassingconwaygoodscomp.jpg (37220 bytes)
CLICK THUMBNAIL

 

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August 27th 2007.

A selection of photo's, sent in by John Powell, showing "The Irish Mail" at various 
locations and on various dates are shown below.

(1) Royal Scot class 46108 "Seaforth Highlander" leaves Chester with the down 
      "Irish Mail" passing the "Roodee" racecourse in the late 1930's.

(2) The down "Irish Mail" passes Old Colwyn station hauled by "Claughton" class 
      loco's 5967 and 5993 on August 10th 1928. 
(from B.Jeuda collection) 

(3) The "Irish Mail" leaves Chester for Holyhead in the 1950's hauled by Royal Scot class 
      46127 "Old Contemptibles"

(4) A very smoky "Irish Mail leaves Holyhead pulled by an unidentified  un-rebuilt 
      Royal Scot class in the mid 1930's.

(5) Royal Scot class (Fowler) 4-6-0  No. 6113 "Cameronian" passing Colwyn Bay 
      on the five coach second portion "Irish Mail" on June 5th 1948.

               CLICK THUMBNAILS FOR LARGER VIEW

           july20070006comp.jpg (21763 bytes)       july20070007comp.jpg (12836 bytes)       july20070010comp.jpg (21585 bytes)        july20070026comp.jpg (12965 bytes)        july20070023comp.jpg (16447 bytes)

                     (1)                             (2)                             (3)                              (4)                             (5)

 

 

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August 24th 2007.

John Powell has sent in this lovely shot of my favourite class "Patriot" unnamed 45510
leaving Colwyn Bay with a train from London Euston to Llandudno in August 1952.

At last it looks as though someone with the right backing has put together a viable proposal
to start a "new build" Patriot project. Steam Railway are giving it their support and the group have set up their own website to keep us informed as well as appealing for funds and support.
If you are interested in this idea or if you want to help with funds have a look at the website.
The website is   LMS PATRIOT PROJECT      

 

july20070024comp.jpg (13896 bytes)

 

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July 31st 2007.

Another three shots sent in by John Powell.

(1) A Crewe to Holyhead train leaving Bangor station hauled by ex-works No. 46231
      Duchess of Atholl on April 7th 1961.
PHOTO TAKEN FROM TRAINS ILLUSTRATED

(2) An empty stock train passes Conway Castle heading for Bangor, hauled by 8F 2-8-0 
      No 48633. 11 / 08 / 1960.  From a Railway Magazine, photo taken by the late Derek Cross.

(3) The up "Irish Mail" enters Chester station hauled by "Royal Scot "class No. 46161
      "The Kings Own"  mid 1951.

                     july20070002comp.jpg (20339 bytes)                                  july20070003comp.jpg (20904 bytes)                              july20070004comp.jpg (23936 bytes)
                                (1)                                                        (2)                                                   (3)                    

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July 27th 2007.

John Powell has sent in this rare shot of streamlined  6220 "Coronation" passing Mostyn on her  return home after her appearance at the main line photographic event  between Llandudno Junction and Colwyn Bay in 1937 to commemorate the Royal Trains of 1835,1911 and 1937. 
(see "STEAM DAYS" page)

 

 

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July 18th 2007.

I received an email a few days ago from Alan Roberts who edits the SIGNALLING page on 6G
asking if the K.Wood, who's photo of 46229 "Duchess of Hamilton" at Bangor published on 
this page on July 6th 2007 below, was the same K. Wood that Alan worked with at the Bangor box.
 
I emailed Ken Wood's son Dave who sent the photo in and Dave's reply and Alan's further reply
are reproduced below. Thanks to both of you for following this up and updating the detail on Ken Wood. What a shame Ken didn't enjoy a longer retirement after 41 years on the railway.

 

Hi Geoff

Yes it is the K. Wood that worked at Bangor. My dad finished on ill health in 1999.
My dad had 41 years working on the railway.
He sadly passed away in May 2000.
Please could you pass my email address to Alan Roberts.

Thanks Geoff.
 
Dave Wood
..................

 

Geoff,

Many thanks for the e-mail re-Ken Wood of Bangor.

I was aware he had passed away after he retired. Working as a relief signalman I worked Bangor when Ken worked there and he always made a note in the back of the Train Register Book in the box of the engine number of a certain train he was interested in or when he took a photo of one.

Alan.

 

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July 12th 2007.

John Powell has sent in the four shots below.

(1) LNWR Precursor class 4-4-0 3P 25304 "Greyhound" near Llandudno junction in 1945.
The line leading off to the right went to a government store ( possibly to do with the war)

(2) 2-4-0 number 54 at Llandudno in 1906.

(3) An unidentified tank engine at the Junction in 1949 with a train possibly for Blaenau Ffestiniog.

(4)  Another unidentified engine approaches Llandudno Junction with Conway Castle in the background, in the mid-1920s.

                        25304greyhoundcomp.jpg (16623 bytes)         54llandudnocomp.jpg (13109 bytes)        jct1949comp.jpg (10390 bytes)       cob1920comp.jpg (20943 bytes)                             
                                   (1)                               (2)                             (3)                            (4)

 

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July 6th 2007.

Another shot of 6233 "Duchess of Sutherland" on her recent visit to North Wales. 
This is an early evening photo taken on Saturday June 9th 2007 at Mochdre 
with the up "Welsh Dragon". 

 

6233mochcopycomprs.jpg (24699 bytes)
PHOTO : GEOFF POOLE

 

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July 6th 2007.

Two photo's sent in by Dave Wood from Rainhill, Merseyside are shown below.

(1) 46229 passing through Bangor. The exact date is unknown but Dave thinks it is 1996. 
The photo was taken by Dave's dad
( PHOTO : K. Wood )

(2) An unusual shot of the two class 20 diesels giving rear support to 4472 "Flying Scotsman"
at Llandudno on July 24th 1991.
( PHOTO : Dave Wood )

                                              46229davewoodcomp.jpg (10494 bytes)                                             4472davewoodcomp.jpg (9419 bytes)

                                                         (1)                                                                  (2)

 

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June 9th 2007.

46233 "Duchess of Sutherland" pulls the down WELSH DRAGON.

(1) Approaching Llandudno Junction.
(2) Passing through Penmaenmawr.

PHOTOS GEOFF POOLE.

                                      6233pmawrelevcomp.jpg (50061 bytes)                                                     6233pmawr3copycomp.jpg (18449 bytes)            
                                                 (1)                                                                           (2)

 

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June 2nd 2007.

GWR Hall Class 4-6-0 No. 4965 "Rood Ashton Hall" with the down "North Wales Coaster" approaching Penmaenmawr at Morfa .


PHOTO: GEOFF POOLE

 

 

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May 31st 2007.

This is the Old Station at Colwyn Bay with Staff.  circa  1890 sent in by John Powell.
 

cbaystaffcomp.jpg (13558 bytes)
CLICK THUMBNAIL

 

 

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The photo of the Patriot below has been sent in by John Powell. May 18th 2007.

 

Below is Patriot 45507 "The Royal Tank Corps" leaving Penmaenmawr on a returning
"extra" to Birmingham in August 1954.

John Powell.

45507pmawrcomp2.jpg (14065 bytes)
CLICK THUMBNAIL

 

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May 14th 2007.

An email and photo from Alan Roberts are reproduced below.

 

Geoff,
A photograph in my collection shows an un-named Claughton Class leaving Colwyn Bay with an up train at around 1930.


Alan Roberts

unamedclaughtoncompresize.jpg (47005 bytes)
CLICK THUMBNAIL

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April 15th 2007.

An email from Chris Hazlehurst is reproduced below thanking me for publishing his photo's and recollections (see below). It's a pleasure Chris but I think it is us who should be thanking you for sharing your memories of the glorious years. As you will see from Chris's email he may 
have some more memories to share. 
Many thanks again Chris.

Thanks Geoff.  You are very welcome.  I thought a lot about it before sending my note of very happy memories from 45 years ago.  I'm pleased to see my offering on Loco Shed 6G and I have been spurred on to think of some more recollections for a further submission later in the year. 
I`ve begun to remember Caernarfon and Menai Bridge, a busy day at Gaerwen and somewhere I have at least one more photo, of a 78000 on shed at Pwllheli, and maybe others plus my Runabout tickets from 1962 & 1964.  All of the best sites are those that develop rather than stagnate and 6G happily continues to develop.  I'm sure it is hard work and costly so thanks again.  If there should ever be another reunion of similar I would certainly try to come.
My Easter Saturday trip went well leaving Boston at 6.15 a.m. and getting to Holyhead around 2.30 p.m.  I had set out to photograph all of the historic North Wales stations and, starting at Prestatyn, got most of them.  I had a break at Llandudno Junction for an hour, meeting a number of enthusiasts who were waiting for a top & tailed class 47 Railtour from London to Llandudno.  I even saw 37 422 on cargo wagons at Holyhead and later at Chester.  I got back to Boston at 11 p.m. very tired but having enjoyed a cloudless and nostalgic day.
Keep up the good work Geoff.
With best wishes,
Chris Hazlehurst
Boston, Lincolnshire   

 

 

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April 12th 2007.

John Powell has sent in the email below, along with two photo's of interest that 
his Sister in Law in Canada found, in an old book about Llandudno.

Hi Geoff, The enclosed photo's have come from my sister in law in Canada. She loves books about Llandudno and Royalty, and found them in a book that she borrowed from her local library.
 
Photo (1)    A Special occasion at Llandudno Station, when the Prince of Wales, the future Edward V11 visited in 1899.

Photo (2)    L.N.W.R. photo of Llandudno Station at the turn of the century.   

 

                                        oldcoach014fin.jpg (17056 bytes)                                                          llandudnooldintfin.jpg (14530 bytes)
                                                   (1)                                                                                  (2)

 

 

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April 11th 2007.

A while ago I received an email from Chris Hazlehurst from Boston in Lincolnshire, who enjoyed the site and promised to send in a couple of photo's he had taken, whilst on holiday in 1962 and 1964, along with his recollections of happy days spent watching the steam movements around North Wales.  True to his word he has sent the detail and I must say as well as the atmospheric photo's he has sent, his writing is beautifully composed  and I think he captures the excitement and nostalgia of the "glorious days". 

Well done Chris and many thanks for your contribution.

 

Hello.

Some time ago I wrote to complement you on the Loco Shed 6G site and offered to share my memories plus two photographs taken in July 1962.  Here goes.

As a youth, our family had two North Wales holidays, to Penmaenmawr in July 1962 and September 1964 at Gaerwen.  I was 11 and 14 years old on these trips and photography was really unknown but my memories of travels on a Holiday Runabout Ticket for a week of each holiday are clear although merged together.  Although not fully about 6G my travels always ended up at Llandudno Junction which I found to be a Mecca of trains with constant action including engines coming on and off shed.  I visited the shed several times and well remember the line of stored engines beside the Conwy Valley Line.   The first trip was to a largely steam railway with just the Conwy line in the hands of Derby Lightweight units.  Even then I witnessed a Black 5 in the yards at Bleanau Ffestiniog.  On at least one of the years the "Welsh Dragon" service was steam worked and I visited the shed at Rhyl where I saw 52119, the only 50,000 series engine I ever saw.  The 1962 Runabout ticket only went as far as Prestatyn but the 1964 one took in Chester.  I recall a Standard 5 non-stop sunny Saturday run from Chester to Holyhead, doubtless a boat train.  I have vague recollections of Holyhead shed and Britannia`s resting between duties.  I rode from Gaerwen to Almwch behind an LMS 2-6-4T in what must have been the last weeks of the branch.  My bedroom window of our holiday farmhouse at Gaerwen gave a panoramic view of the lines just northwest of the station.  I rode the switchback Caernarfon to Afon Wen line behind an LMS 2-6-4T and was fascinated by the open ground frames in lieu of signal boxes.  I went on to Pwlllheli and Porthmadog to visit to early rebirth of the Ffestiniog Railway.  Was this during the final weeks of the Afon Wen line too?  I was brave and sneaked into Bangor shed and one of my 1962 pictures bears testimony to a busy scene.  The Llanberis line eluded me but I remember the lines turning towards Bethesda beyond Bangor tunnel and the narrow gauge track deep below shortly afterwards.  There was the camping coach at Llanfairfechan and I still own platform tickets from Llanfair PG from all those years ago.  I rode behind steam to Liverpool in 1964 to watch football at Goodison Park and visited Crewe Works and saw Brush Type 4`s under construction.

But it was always to Llandudo Junction that I ended up at.  It would be a Black 5 ride from Penmaenmawr or Gaerwen and in 1962 at least I must have seen some of the more exotic steam classes.  My other July 1962 photo shows the locomotive that took me home from the Junction to Penmaenmawr each evening around 5 p.m. 45527 Southport, just about to leave with the stopping train to Holyhead.  I was never chased away from my unauthorised tours of 6G and always found that the railwaymen tolerated me.

As well as the books already mentioned on the site I have found the following most interesting - Steam on the North Wales Coast, Michael Jones, OPC, 1996 plus the two Foxline publications, Railways of North Wales - Bangor & The Conwy Valley Line, both by Bill Rear.  Derek Williams book - The Men of 7A & 6G Loco Shed is a treasured possession.

I have always thought that, with due respect to Llangollen,  North Wales deserves it's own preservation centre and tourism could easily support a facility that housed other railways out-of-ticket locomotives.  It is thus a tragedy that 6G has not survived long enough to be saved but this site reminds us of happy days in times gone by.  I personally feel that the Bangor shed site offers a real opportunity given that the building still survives.  A fanciful pipedream?  Well maybe but after what preservation has achieved over the past 50 years - never say never.  I'm amazed how many coast line stations have survived more or less intact and I'm making a pilgrimage this Saturday to take photographs incase somebody turns them all into bus shelters one of these days.

Congratulations Web Master for a great site and best wishes to all who, like I, have fond memories of 6G, and as Derek says, Gone But Not Forgotten.

Chris Hazlehurst, Boston, Lincolnshire.     

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April 11th 2007.

Shunting mishap at Penmaenmawr

Mishaps occur from time to time during shunting and the undated photo shows an example at Penmaenmawr. Apparently the brake van shown in the photo was being propelled from the yard into the refuge siding when the hand points forming half of the double slip in the picture moved under the vehicle!. There are dramatic changes to the area since the photo was taken. The layout was completely remodelled and the new layout commissioned in January 1988 also the new A55 roadway now dominates the background crossing over the line forming a tunnel known as Moel Llys Tunnel. The photo was taken by Alan Hayward who at the time was a guard at Llandudno Junction . Following a brief spell off the railway he returned and took over a relief signaller post in the area. He now works as a Signaller at Poulton near Blackpool.   (Alan Roberts)

shuntmishapfin.jpg (17861 bytes)
PHOTO: Alan Hayward

 

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March 24th 2007.

The down "Irish Mail " passing through Colwyn Bay, overtakes an 0-6-0 4F on an excursion to Llandudno in August  1932, sent in by John Powell.

downirish1932fin.jpg (13595 bytes)

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March 17th 2007.

A couple of shots of diesels at 6G, sent in by John Powell, are shown below.

                                           401316gfin.jpg (20437 bytes)                                                    560426gfin.jpg (13798 bytes)      

March 21st 2007.
An email from Alan Roberts is reproduced below giving some detail on the above photo of 40131.
Many thanks Alan.

Geoff,
One of the pictures sent in by John Powell, I can update the following :-

John Calvert is seen standing next to the engine (40131) observing the movements. Goods Guard Colin Hughes is also seen walking towards the engine.

Alan Roberts

 

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March 16th 2007.

A photo by Alan Roberts is shown below.

View shows Class 507/8 Merseyrail units stabled in the carriage shed at Llandudno Junction in 1992. These were moved out in 1993 together with the prototype 151 units stabled alongside the shed in the sidings.

mrailunits6gfin.jpg (32104 bytes)

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February 18th 2007.

Alan Roberts has sent in this photo of the footbridge and level crossing gates at Deganwy Station.

 

Geoff,
Another photo of the footbridge at Deganwy enclosed for G.Parry. The footbridge was abolished in 1978, before the commissioning of the barriers in 1979. The level crossing used to be quite narrow with the footbridge spanning at this location. The next footbridge on the curve alongside the Castle Hotel is the original structure dating back to 1866 complete with its stone built pillars.

Alan Roberts.

deganwygatesarfin2.jpg (53047 bytes)

 

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February 17th 2007.

I published an email on the NEWSPAGE on February 16th 2007, from Gwyn Parry asking for a photo of the Deganwy Station footbridge. He has received the shot I sent him and has explained that he is trying to identify a railway footbridge that is shown in a photograph he has of his 
Great Uncles on their way to the Great War. He has now eliminated the Deganwy Station footbridge so if anyone recognizes the location in the photo below please email me and I will let Gwyn know.

Geoff,
Thanks a lot. I am only an "almost" railway enthusiast. The reason I was after a picture of the bridge was to compare it with a photo of my Great Uncles who were posing on a railway bridge in the Deganwy area (i.e. where they were from) on the way to the Great War. I remember this bridge when I was kid staying at my Grandmother's in Deganwy (I'm not that old by the way !). Your photo has eliminated this bridge from my quest. I enclose a scan of the photo and as can be seen there are fundamental differences. You are more than welcome to publish this picture if you want ! I hope you have broadband.
Cheers
Gwyn
 

parryfootbridgecropfin.jpg (39087 bytes)

 

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February 12th 2007.

 

John Powell has sent in the following old postcards showing some great old railway 
views of our area. I think they portray the era and scenes wonderfully.

                          postcard1fin.jpg (27702 bytes)              postcards2fin.jpg (22389 bytes)           postcard3fin.jpg (21269 bytes)          postcard4fin.jpg (15922 bytes)

                             (circa 1906)                  (circa 1906)               (circa 1907)              (circa 1907)

 

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February 7th 2007.

An interesting photo and detail from Alan Roberts is reproduced below.

 

INCIDENT AT COLWYN BAY INVOLVING A TIPPER TRUCK

Photo shows an incident west of Colwyn Bay station on the 6th February 1984 during the construction of the A55 through the town. It shows an Aveling Barford tipper truck having problems after offloading its material and started to sink into soft earth next to the railway. The two personnel standing on the track were Supervisors that British Rail employed during the construction of the A55 next to the railway. Trains were stopped during the incident as a precaution in case the worst was to happen. The truck was finally rescued by a bulldozer  and an excavator seen in the photo.

Alan Roberts.                                    
   CLICK THUMBNAIL

  incidentatbayfin.jpg (46686 bytes) PHOTO ALAN ROBERTS

 

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February 4th 2007.

Alan Roberts has supplied the two following shots of the Colwyn Bay Goods Yard that show the yard in 1981 and then after the lifting of tracks in 1982. A photograph of the yard appears on the 
"Local Railway History" page on the site, which gives a good idea of where it was situated.
The yard made way for the Bay View shopping centre and the A55 expressway.

 

 

                                                 colgoodsyardfin.jpg (21972 bytes)                                     colgoodsyard2fin.jpg (24466 bytes)

(1)  is a view of Colwyn Bay Goods Yard taken at June 1981 following the demise of the last coal traffic in the yard. The yard was then used briefly for the stabling of cable laying trains (called mole plough!). 
Cable drums can be seen in the photo.

(2) After lifting operations - taken in 1982. To make way for A55 and Bay View Shopping Centre.

Both photo's by Alan Roberts.

 

 

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January 29th 2007.

John Powell has sent in this interesting article from the Railway Magazine 1969, putting forward the reason for the Mochdre troughs being lifted and re-installed at Aber was that the Mochdre stream, which was the water supply for the troughs, had dried up and expensive pumping machinery would have been needed to be installed so it was decided a cheaper alternative 
was to move them further along the main line to Aber where there was a plentiful supply of a 
gravity fed water supply.

 

moctroughs.jpg (44248 bytes)
CLICK THUMBNAIL

 

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January 18th 2007.

 

I sent out an appeal to one of the more prolific suppliers of detail for this website,
 Alan Roberts, who also compiles the "SIGNALLING AROUND THE JUNCTION" page
 and because of his occupation as a relief signaller on the North Wales Coast main line
 I thought he would be the best person to ask to explain the complicated track layout
 at Llandudno Junction station that existed in the heyday of steam
 and how it differs from today's layout. 

Not surprisingly Alan took up the challenge and the following detail below is the result. Alan has tried to make the complicated rail network at the Junction more understandable to the layman 
and I think he has succeeded in that aim. 

Many thanks Alan and I'm sure site visitors will be interested  in understanding
 how it all works so smoothly.

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PLEASE NOTE:  THE TERMS "UP AND "DOWN" TO CLARIFY DIRECTIONS OF TRAFFIC,  ARE USED
 IN THE FOLLOWING DETAILS.

WHEN THE TERM "UP" IS USED IT MEANS THAT THE DIRECTION OF THE TRAFFIC IS SOUTH AND VICE VERSA
WHEN THE TERM "DOWN" IS USED THIS MEANS THE DIRECTION OF TRAFFIC IS NORTH.

THIS IS PECULIAR TO RAILWAY JARGON AND THERE MUST BE AN EXPLANATION AS TO WHY THESE TERMS ARE
USED, BUT I MUST ADMIT I CAN'T EXPLAIN IT,  WHEN GEOGRAPHICALLY TRAFFIC TRAVELLING FROM NORTH WALES TO LONDON IS GOING, NORTH TO SOUTH,  DOWN WOULD SEEM TO BE THE MORE ACCURATE DESCRIPTION AS NORTH IS ALWAYS SHOWN AT THE TOP OF A MAP. BUT HISTORICALLY THESE TERMS HAVE BEEN USED AND THEY STILL ARE TODAY. MY GUESS IS THAT ALL LINES LEADING TO THE CAPITAL, LONDON,  ARE DEEMED AS "UP" NO MATTER FROM WHICH DIRECTION THEY ORIGINATE, BUT I AM PREPARED TO BE PUT IN MY PLACE IF
 ANYONE CAN SUPPLY A BETTER REASON.


January 22nd 2007.
A further explanation of this is now explained in this email from Alan Roberts 

Geoff,

Thanks for explaining the query of up and down lines.

You are correct to say that Up travels to the capital.  In Llandudno Junction the up direction is from Blaenau Ffestiniog. So an up train leaving Blaenau Ffestiniog to Llandudno travels in the down direction between Llandudno Junction and Llandudno. A Llandudno to Manchester train travels in the up direction as far as Chester but continues in the down direction between Chester and Warrington. Saltney Junction was another example in steam days when two London bound trains passed each other in opposite directions, i.e. Birkenhead to Paddington and a Holyhead to Euston.

Alan Roberts.

 

LLANDUDNO JUNCTION STATION

Llandudno Junction had 4 through platforms and 4 bay platforms.

Platform 1 (Up Slow)

Platform 2 (Up Fast)

Platform 3 (Down Fast)

Platform 4 (Down Slow)

Bay Platform 1A. Located at the Holyhead end on the upside.

Bay Platform 2A. Located at the Holyhead end on the upside.

Bay Platform 3B. Located at the Chester end on the downside.

Bay Platform 4B, Located at the Chester end on the downside.

 

Additionally there was an Up Goods line (later renamed Up Avoiding), a Down Goods line (later renamed Down Avoiding) to enable freight to by pass the platforms during busy times.

 

The Bays 1A and 2A were mainly used for local trains to and from Llandudno & Bays 3B and 4B used for Blaenau Ffestiniog trains or any local services from the Chester direction terminating at Llandudno Junction.

 

During busy times in the summer, as a rule, up trains from Llandudno towards Chester used platform 1 and continued along the slow line to Colwyn Bay.

Up trains from Holyhead towards Chester used platform 2 & continued along the up fast to Colwyn Bay.

Down trains for Llandudno were kept on the down fast from Colwyn Bay and ran into platform 3 unless there was an express for Holyhead following close behind; the train would then be running slow line.

Down trains for the Holyhead direction were routed on to the down slow at Colwyn Bay and continued along the down slow line into platform 4. The exception to this of course if platform 4 was already occupied by a train the signalman at No1 box could set the route so that it could run into platform 3. Trains from Blaenau Ffestiniog to Llandudno used platform 3 or 4.

During the winter months things were quieter with less trains running, passenger trains would travel on the fast lines between Colwyn Bay and Llandudno Junction & any slow goods trains and local shunting trips would travel on the slow lines.

 

In the summer train movements moved slightly quicker with the opening of Mochdre & Pabo box to split the section between Colwyn Bay and Llandudno Junction.

The layout at Llandudno Junction No1 was quite flexible which enabled the signalman to switch moves from fast to slow & vice versa if needed in both directions and it was possible at times to see 2 trains each way between Llandudno Junction and Colwyn Bay signalled.

 

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Geoff ,
Please find enclosed a photo of the layout at Llandudno Junction No1 taken from Queens Road bridge (Bridge 107) c.1964.
I have added numbers of certain points and signals on the photo and the names of the lines.

Alan.

jctlayout1fin2.jpg (65295 bytes)
CLICK THUMBNAIL

 

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Geoff,
Photo below shows comparison to photo above. This was about to change again in 1983 when the east end of the layout was remodelled and the reinstatement of the Up Slow line as far as the bridge at Pabo Lane. This became an Up Passenger Loop which compensated for the loss of the Up Avoiding line at Llandudno Junction and the Up Loop at Colwyn Bay.

Alan

 

jct1978ar1fin95.jpg (34607 bytes)
CLICK THUMBNAIL

 

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Diagram of Llandudno Junction No 1 layout.

jcylayout2fin.jpg (79613 bytes)
CLICK THUMBNAIL

 

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January 14th 2007.

The following slides have been sent in by Chris Evans, which he took in late July 1965.

 

70054ce3fin.jpg (24725 bytes)
Britannia class 70054 "Dornoch Firth", with nameplates removed, waits at 
Llandudno Junction station with a Holyhead bound train, and
 a good shot of 6G in the background

 

 

412xxce9dolgarrogfin.jpg (32174 bytes)Unidentified 2-6-2 T  pulling a freight between Llanrwst and Dolgarrog
 on the Conway Valley line.

 

 

84009ce2fin.jpg (37638 bytes)
2-6-2T 84009 simmering in Bangor shed's adjacent yard, two months after closure,
 pottering about with a few wagons - something long just a memory!

 

 

45277ce5bangorfin.jpg (33058 bytes)Black Five 45277 passes with a freight through Bangor station.

 

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January 8th 2007.

An email and photo from Alan Roberts are reproduced below, many thanks again Alan.

Geoff,
Happy New Year to you !!

Another photo of mine enclosed.

This was a Farewell To British Rail weekend along the North Wales Coast which was held over the Easter weekend in 1994.

A special titled "Intercity Sunset Railtour" ran down the coast on Good Friday 1st April 1994 and the whole event was planned to have a steam engine from all the four companies.

Crewe - Llandudno Junction = GWR Castle class 4-6-0 No 6029 Nunney Castle double headed with SR S15 4-6-0 No 828.

Llandudno Junction - Holyhead = LNER A4 class No4498 Sir Nigel Gresley.
Holyhead - Llandudno Junction = LMS 46203 Princess Margaret Rose
Llandudno Junction - Chester = 71000 Duke of Gloucester.

During the day's events, all 5 engines made a line up in the yard at Llandudno Junction.

On Sunday 3rd April 71000 developed a problem and returned back to Crewe.

Engine line up at Llandudno Junction on Sunday 3/4/1994 was as follows :-

46203, 4498, 6029 and 828.

Photo taken from signalbox shows 71000, 4498 and 46203 + support coach arriving at Llandudno Junction ready to propel into the sidings. The first leg of the special was behind this movement and was hauled by 6029 and 828.

Alan Roberts

 

sunsetrailtourcomp75.jpg (29333 bytes)
CLICK THUMBNAIL

 

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November 23rd 2007.

An email and photo from Alan Roberts are reproduced below.

Geoff,

This 1979 view shows Colwyn Bay station staff Rodney Fitzgibbon on the left and Richard Roberts on the right. Rodney now works at Llandudno Junction station and Richard was formerly a Steam-raiser at 6G. He started work at Colwyn Bay station soon after 6G closed in 1966.

Alan Roberts

 

baystaffarfin.jpg (16210 bytes)

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November 18th 2006.

Some time ago I had a request by email from Richard Thornton for any photo's of the 
Park Royal DMU's allocated to 6G.  Regular contributor John Powell sent me various 
shots that I have forwarded on to Richard. One of the shots is shown below.

parkroyal2fin.jpg (11999 bytes)

Park Royal DMU's at Glan Conwy on March 10th 1956 with a Blaenau to Llandudno service.
PHOTO : JOHN POWELL 

An email pointing out the incorrect caption above has been received from Chris Evans,
many thanks Chris.

Just one point I have spotted whilst browsing your site again: a photo by John Powell of a DMU at Glan Conway is not, as captioned, of a 'Park Royal' unit but is an early Derby Lightweight as first appeared on the branch in 1956.  Just 20 Park Royal DMUs were built for BR in 1957 and some appeared in North Wales in the early 60s.  Being non-standard (and insulated with blue asbestos) they were relatively short-lived and withdrawals began in the early 70s, the survivors eventually ending their days at Chester.  They were, from the front, similar in appearance to the early Derby units but did not have the roof-dome mounted marker-light or the horizontal strip across the windscreen, both of which are clearly visible in John's photo.  Hope that helps!
Chris Evans.

 

 

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November 14th 2006.
An email and photo received from Alan Roberts is reproduced below.

Geoff ,
Enclosed is an old photo in my collection showing station staff at Colwyn Bay in the 1960's.
L to R
.....  Frank Pennington,   Aneurin Edwards,  Edward Hugh Davies,    ( ? ) ,    Tom Cross.


Alan Roberts.

colbaystaff1960comp.jpg (33983 bytes)

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November 14th 2006.

Below are two photo's from my collection showing steam on the North Wales Coast main line.

 

(1) Ian Riley's Black 5, 45407 as 45157 leans into the curve at Conway Castle with the Holyhead-Crewe "Ynys Món Express" on August 16th 2000.

(2)"Coronation Class" 6233 "Duchess of Sutherland" taken from Bryn Euryn makes her way through Colwyn Bay to Holyhead  on October 19th 2002.

 

PHOTO'S GEOFF POOLE

                                      45157conway16aug00re.jpg (52481 bytes)                                                       6233colbay19oct02re.jpg (64804 bytes)           
                                                 (1)                                                                             (2)

 

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December 14th 2006.

 

John Powell has sent in the two shots below from the "glorious years"
and both are taken at the same location as my shot above of 45407.

                                      6124conwayjpfin.jpg (24634 bytes)                                                       46424conwayjpfin.jpg (14793 bytes)   

                                                 (1)                                                                             (2)

(1) The up Irish Mail hauled by un-rebuilt" Royal Scot" 6124 "London Scottish" circa 1930's.

(2) The "Coronation Land Cruise" train threads through the walls of Conway Castle on her 
way back to Rhyl hauled by 2MT 2-6-0 46424 circa 1953.

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November 11th 2006.

6201 "Princess Elizabeth" skirts around Conway Castle with the down Irish Mail 
to Holyhead.

6201web111106.jpg (44382 bytes)
PHOTO GEOFF POOLE:

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Below is an original plan showing the proposed positions of the retail buildings
that were about to be built on the 6G site. The layout of the retail park
is shown over the outline of the carriage shed and offices.

6gretailparkcomp2.jpg (41916 bytes)

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October 18th 2006.

Some great nostalgic shots with detailed information, sent in by regular contributor
 Alan Roberts,  are shown below.


More old photos dug out of my collection. (1964)

1) First photo shows 45410 passing Colwyn Bay in 1964 on the down fast. Colwyn Bay No1 signal box is on the right hand side.

2) A DMU leaves Colwyn Bay on the Down Fast near Colwyn Bay No2 signal box. Note signal off for another down train on the Down Slow line.

3) Britannia class  70028 " Royal Star " passes Penrhos College on the down slow. 
The footbridge where the photo was taken was one of my favourite spots for taking my photos between 1966 and 1979.


Alan Roberts

 

                             45410passingcolbay1964comp.jpg (34023 bytes)                        dmuleavescolbaycomp.jpg (36701 bytes)                          70028comp.jpg (17108 bytes)  

                                         (1)                                              (2)                                                (3)

 

 

 

70023 VENUS leaves Colwyn Bay on the Down Fast c.1964. As a rule to prevent 
conflicting moves at Llandudno Junction down trains for Bangor and Holyhead 
travelled slow line from Colwyn Bay, most were turned in by No1 box and travelled
through platform 4 (down slow platform) or occasionally travelled through 
platform 3 (down fast platform) and used the scissors crossover at No2 box
 to gain the down slow. Trains for Llandudno used the Down Fast 
unless there was an express due to pass behind on block, the train                     
 would then run on the down slow.

venusleavescolwynbaycomp.jpg (26868 bytes)

 

 

 

A photo in my collection shows the transformer stabled at the back siding (aka Town Siding)
at Colwyn Bay. It was en route to Blaenau Ffestiniog on Sunday February 19th 1961.
It was destined for the new nuclear power station being built at Trawsfynydd. 
The transformer, nearly 14 feet high and 10 foot wide ( 1 foot wider than a normal load)
was carried on a specially designed 24 wheel transformer wagon equipped with traversing gear, 
which allowed the load to move sideways on th