Trawsfynydd Branch III

Taking advantage of the opening of the Trawsfynydd branch for a regular DMU train service, on Sunday 20th August 1989, Hertfordshire Railtours ran their 'Trawsfynydd Flyer' tour along the branch.

DMU at Blaenau 20/08/89 (s89118.jpg)

This tour started at London Euston, but because of the lack of run-round facilities on the branch, the participants were forced to change into a DMU at Chester. Formed of 1 3-car BR Derby set and 2 2-car BRCW sets, the train is seen starting its trip along the branch at Manod viaduct.

DMU at Maentwrog Road 20/08/89 (s89122.jpg)

I had assumed that this train would terminate (like the shuttles) at Maentwrog Road, but in fact, permission had been obtained to traverse the whole branch. Here the train is seen passing under a bridge between Maentwrog Road and the power station, led by BRCW set CH608. Note that the bridge has been constructed to allow double track to be laid.

DMU at Trawsfynydd Lake 20/08/89 (s89124.jpg)

At the end of the line, the train ran onto the seldom used stretch of line beyond the CEGB siding. This part was heavily overgrown, but the train continued! In fact, having picked my spot for this picture, I had to retreat as the train eventually reached the point were I was standing. To the left, very overgrown, are the remains of the platform for Trawsfynydd Lake Halt.

DMU at Maentwrog Road 20/08/89 (s89126.jpg)

Returning, the train was led by set CH371, and is seen passing the re-used station at Maentwrog Road. Following the GWR naming standards perfectly, Maentwrog Road was only about half-a mile from the road to Maentwrog, but about 3 miles from Maentwrog itself.

DMU at Blaenau 20/08/89 (s89132.jpg)

The tour arrives back at Blaenau Ffestiniog, having been the first passenger train to Trawsfynydd CEGB sidings since 1969. Later, when topping-and-tailing railtours with locomotives became commonplace, many more tours, with surprisingly large engines, made the trip, until Hertfordshire Railtours' 'Trawsfynydd Lament' on the 28th October 1998 became the last before the branch closed.