Would you like to follow in the footsteps of generations of North Wales people before you, and drive a quarry steam locomotive?
If this sounds of interest, the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways (FfWHR) is the place to go!
The FfWHR is home to a number of these locos including Britomart, a Pen yr Orsedd (Dyffryn Nantlle) quarry engine, Hugh Napier from Penrhyn Quarry, Lilla who worked Cilgwyn (also Dyffryn Nantlle) and Penrhyn along with sister machines, Linda and Blanche, also from Penrhyn.
The FfWHR is now offering ‘How Steam Locomotives Work’ workshops where you can have a go at driving a quarry Hunslet locomotive and find out just how they work.
The workshops are run by the FfWHR’s experienced staff and volunteer loco crew and held at the historic Boston Lodge Works in Porthmadog, where engines have been built and maintained for over 160 years.
Organiser, Iain Wilkinson said:
“For some people this is a chance to try first-hand what their Taid did as a job.
“The workshops are a good opportunity to learn and have an enjoyable time. You will get to help prepare a steam loco, see it in action behind the scenes, find out more about ‘how it works’ and then have a go at firing and driving in the yard! It’s all very friendly and relaxed.
You may even find the railway is in your blood and join us as a volunteer.”
This workshop makes an ideal gift for anyone with even a passing interest in stream locomotives, heritage, engineering or simply the challenge of driving an unusual vehicle.
A great idea for Dads (and Mums!) with Fathers’ Day on Sunday, 16th of June.
Father and son David and Philip Mercer recently took part in the ‘How Steam Locomotives Work’ session. They had both visited the FfWHR many times over the years, David was brought here by his father, a volunteer, in the 1960s and in turn brought his family here too in the 1980s but hadn’t before had the opportunity to see behind the scenes at the Boston Lodge Works.
Philip Mercer said:
“It was really good fun taking part. A real treat for Dad too, to be able to fulfil a childhood dream of getting behind the controls on the footplate.”
There’s more information about the Workshops and our new Guided Tours of the historic Boston Lodge works here: www.festrail.co.uk/boston-lodge-tours-and-workshops/
There are other opportunities to learn more heritage skills over the coming months.
National Heritage Lottery Funding has been allocated to run taster session for the community in the carriage works, laying heritage track, signwriting and hot riveting!
To find out more about our heritage skills ‘have a go’ sessions contact jkindberg@ffwhr.com
