The Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway have announced that steam locomotive ‘Beddgelert’ will be visiting the line for their upcoming Hunslet 125 gala.

Beddgelert, which is currently a resident at the Fairbourne Railway, is a half-size replica of the full-size Beddgelert, which is no longer around, she was built in the 1970s by David Curwen.

Beddgelert is currently out of service awaiting a boiler overhaul and currently resides in the museum at Fairbourne station. Currently, the Fairbourne Railway is looking for £35,000 to bring Beddgelert back to steam, more information on that here

The locomotive will form a special mixed train on Sunday 24th June from Porthmadog to Beddgelert. This train will depart Porthmadog at 12:45, cost of this trip is £5, which will be donated to the Beddgelert restoration fund, and is in addition to your gala ticket. You can phone 01766 516024 to reserve your seat.

Beddgelert’s announcement now brings the number of locomotives visiting the Ffestiniog Railway to 14, with up to 18 locomotives in operation on the F&WHR network.

What did the officials say?

Fairbourne Steam Railway General Manager Murray Dods commented:

“Taking ‘our’ Beddgelert to Beddgelert for the first time was too good an opportunity to miss, considering the links of the original locomotive to the Welsh Highland Railway’s predecessors, and there is no better time to do it than as part of this memorable ‘HUNSLET 125’ event.”

Paul Lewin, Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways General Manager said:

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome BEDDGELERT to the F&WHR… and that’s not something I thought I would say in my lifetime. As well as providing some quirky photographic opportunities, we love the fact that we’re able to help the Fairbourne raise funds for BEDDGELERT’s much-needed overhaul.”

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