FFESTINIOG railway lineside and steam train ride 1961

Built to carry slate from quarries around the Welsh town of Blaenau Ffestiniog down to the port of Porthmadog the 2 foot gauge Ffestiniog Railway started operating in 1836. Passengers were carried from 1865.
By the 1920s demand for slate had started to decline, alternative roofing materials had been developed. Seasonal tourist traffic helped, but much of that now used the roads. By 1946 the railway had all but ceased operating.
Enthusiasts started restoration efforts in the early 1950s. Their first public passenger service ran in the summer of 1955 between Porthmadog and Boston Lodge. Since then operations have been gradually extended as track and other facilities were restored to useable condition.
The formation of a reservoir across part of the route of the disused railway was probably the largest problem restoration had to overcome. This was to need construction of a 2.5 mile deviation, mainly by volunteers.
Now in the 21st century the considerably improved line has become one of the main tourist attractions of this part of Wales.
Please note: the Track Gauge is actually 1foot 11.5 inches (597 mm) , but is commonly referred to as Two Foot Gauge.
Please view my other transport films via / alansnowdon
Kindly like, comment, share and subscribe to support my channel & videos © A Snowdon 2016-21.
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The line was incomplete when I filmed in 1961, see ‪@Timsvideochannel1‬'s excellent recent Ffestiniog cab ride for the complete route • Ffestiniog Railway - D...
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[@ianburnett7333]

To Alan. Your cine films are a jewel in the crown, priceless!

[@peterhunt2723]

This was the year of my first visit,, love the railway have been going ever since, well last visit 2019, ext will be 2022 spring!

[@andrewr2825]

These videos are invaluable, bringing to life the thousands of photos of the line in the late 50’s and early 60’s. I think we’re all thankful that these were filmed - and no hi-viz jackets in sight! Great stuff Alan

[@peterhunt2723]

I’ve just had to watch this again! I find it hard to believe that it is 60 years since I rode this line, in my 81st year it is still a great interest to me and I hope to ride at least once more. I introduced my wife to the FR in 1969 so she is just a beginner but luckily for me she also fell in love with it big time.!!

[@GRAHAM1514]

I like the Double Fairlies Anyway but seeing this and more on a lovely colour film is a bonus thanks for sharing

[@Timsvideochannel1]

Hi Alan, I really enjoyed this one, it bought back a lot of memories. The shots of the track bed before re-opening are priceless. Thanks for sharing. Tim.

[@AlanSnowdonArchive]

Thanks Tim, 3 great Ffestiniog videos and much more for my viewers to find on your great channel th-cam.com/users/Timsvideochannel1 ... always nice to cross-promote!

[@Timsvideochannel1]

@@AlanSnowdonArchive Hi Alan, "yes" it makes good sense to cross promote. I have added your channel to "Featured Channels" visible under "Channels" on my Channel page. Keep up the good work, I know how long it take to correct and stitch together a large number of short clips. I often wish I had someone to commentate on my videos, I can't do it myself, because I don't like the sound of my own voice. Cheers. Tim.

[@Simonize41]

Wonderful stuff Alan. These videos of yours are priceless. I always enjoy them.

[@jonathanmarsh7561]

Another wonderful film from the Snowdons