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History
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The Conwy Valley line was constructed as far as Llanrwst in 1863 to the present Llanrwst North station, known originally as Llanrwst and Trefriw in order to cater for the tourist potential of the popular spa village of
Trefriw.
In 1868 the line was extended to the famous inland resort of Betws y
Coed. |
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By 1879 the line had again been extended, travelling the 1 in 47 curves up the beautiful Lledr Valley, through the longest single track tunnel in the UK, to arrive in the slate mining town of Blaenau
Ffestiniog. The railway provided a valuable means of transporting roofing slates into a rapidly expanding worldwide market at that time. |
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In addition, other allied industries such as agriculture and forestry benefited from the use of the railway in satisfying the economic needs of the area. |
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Blaenau Ffestiniog LMS
Stainer 2-6-2T Class 3P No.105 stands at the buffer stops in
1938, after working a morning train from Llandudno. These tank
engines worked the line until 1954 although their working on
the branch was supplemented by the smaller Ivatt Class2MT
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from 1953 which, despite
their lower power classification, were better engines all
round. The older engines were generally regarded as poor
steamers and their replacement was greeted with relief by
Llandudno Junction workers.
Photo: H.Rogers Jones. Bill Rear Collection
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Tal-y-Cafn 1954
Stainer Class 3MT 2-6-2T No.40133, a long time resident of
Llandudno Junction shed, coasts past the Down Distant signal
approaching Tal-y-Cafn with a local afternoon working to
Blaenau Ffestiniog.
Photo: H.Rogers Jones, Bill Rear Collection |
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Tal-y-Cafn 1954
Ivan Class 2MT 2-6-2T No.41236, a long term resident of
LLandudno Junction shed pullsaway from Tal-y-Cafn station
bunker first, with a return Class K freight working back to
Llandudno Junction yard.
Photo: H.Rogers Jones, Bill Rear Collection |
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Betws-y-Coed
Ivatt 2-6-2T No.41236 draws into Betws-y-Coed station with the
12/25pm local working from Llandudno Junction to Blaenau
Ffestiniog in August 1953.
Photo: Bill Rear Collection |
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Between Llanrwst and
Betws-y-Coed. 1953
Stainer Class 3MTT 2-6-2T No.40133 working a mid morning local
from Llandudno Junction to Blaenau Ffestiniog skirts the
river. This class of engine could only safely work three coach
trains up the branch in the summer months, which even then
taxed the engine to the limits.
Photo: H.Rogers Jones, Bill Rear Collection |
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A pair of Class 20 locomotives head the down Centenary Special Train on July
22nd 1979 on the approach to Llanrwst North Station.
Photo Copyright of D.Aston 2001 |
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The photographs are the copyright of Bill Rear.
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