Festiniog Quirks & Curiosities

by Vic Mitchell 

I visited the Festiniog Railway Society’s very special event, Quirks & Curiosities, on Saturday 2nd May. As one of the founders of the Festiniog, I have produced six albums featuring this railway. Here are a few of the unique items I enjoyed.

1. I stayed in Penrhyn and hailed the first up train, which was hauled by David Lloyd George. The signs for down drivers also reminded me of my early fascination in sanitary engineering. (K.Skillicorn)

2. The next arrival at Tan-y-Bwlch included a first generation open coach, no.7 (now 11). It is the only one in the world, but four ¼ scale ones run on my garden railway now. (J.Murgatroyd) 

3. Seldom seen is this replica of Spooners Boat. The original sailed across The Cob in the early years bearing the chief engineer. I am at Minffordd Yard. (Meirionydd Photo)

4. A recent construction is about to be driven across The Cob using the power of a motorcycle. I had the luxury of the Pullman, seen behind my right elbow in Boston Lodge Yard. (I.Hodgson)

My thanks go to the people who kindly took the photographs above on what was a memorable day.