Ffestiniog cancels two days of trains after derailment

Just as this issue of NGW went to press the Ffestiniog Railway was forced to cancel trains on two successive days, following what the railway described as a “minor derailment.”

Few details of the incident emerged prior to our deadline, but according to an update issued by FF&WHR general manager Paul Lewin, on Friday 10th September an FR train suffered what was described as “a minor low speed derailment affecting one carriage wheelset”.

There were no injuries resulting from the incident. The FR did not reveal its location but it was between Minfford and Tan-y-Bwlch – an earlier service that was running ahead of the affected train was stranded at Tan-y-Bwlch station as a result.

As is standard procedure in such instances the Rail Accident Investigation branch was informed. “The FFWHR team have worked with them in working to restore normal services,” Paul Lewin added.

Remaining Friday services on both the FR and the Welsh Highland Railway were cancelled. A further train hauled by Planet diesel ‘Upnor Castle’ returned passengers on the affected train to Porthmadog while road transport was used for those passengers stranded at Tan-y-Bwlch. Passengers heading for the restored railwayman’s cottage at Coed y Bleiddiau, between Tan y Bwlch and Dduallt, were also accommodated by special trains.

Paul Lewin thanked the staff that worked extra hours to ensure recovery operations were completed safely and effectively before dusk. Trains had to be stabled overnight at Tan-y-Bwlch station and extra security was put in place.

WHR trains returned to normal on 11th September but FR services remained suspended while ‘formation repairs’ were undertaken and safety checks made. Services on the line were expected to resume on 13th September.