Replica FR brine wagon

THE Festiniog Railway Heritage Group is progressing the rebuild of a Ffestiniog brine tank wagon. The remains of the original vehicle were salvaged from Pont Croesor, where it served as a loco water tank. Although in poor condition, sufficient remained to draw up plans for a rebuild. A new oak frame has been built and while some original metalwork (primarily castings) can be reused, the wheels, tank and underframe will also be new. The wagon carried sea water to a slate tank (which still exists) near Plas Tan-y-Bwlch so the Oakley family, owners of one of the major Blaenau Ffestiniog slate quarries, could bathe in salt water.