News - last updated on 22nd June 2008
Sherpa at the Tom Rolt Rally
Sherpa successfully ran at the Tom Rolt Traction Engine Event at Tywyn on 25th May. The track was laid by Fairbourne staff and Talyllyn Railway volunteers. Unfortunately, the event was cancelled on safety grounds on the following day due to gale force winds.
Engine Shed Re-organisation
The engine sheds, that visitors have been familiar with since 1985, are now being converted into a carriage maintenance and paint shop facillity. Volunteer, Stewart Brown, has laid a wooden floor over two of the tracks (leaving the centre track free) and has constructed wooden benches and storage cupboards. The building is being re-wired to allow for new heating, lighting (supplemented by a new window for natural light) and extractor fans.
The locomotives are now stored in the workshop and are normally prepared for the days running in front of sector table.
Ferry Fares
From 12th July 2008 all the ferry operators will be changing their fare structures from the 2007 prices which are currently advertised. As of Saturday 12th July the Ferry Fares will be £1.50 per person (regardless of age) each way.
Water Tower
It was the end of an era when one of Fairbourne's local landmarks was demolished on 28th April. The Water Tower at Penrhyn Point was constructed in 1985 to supply water to the Railway Cafe and the WCs. The installation of a new more modern water tank, adjacent to the Cafe building, meant that the old structure had become redundant. This unusual structure had long intrigued railway visitors, who would pass it on the train, but the need for a tank that met modern water supply standards meant that its days were numbered.
Trackwork
A new set of points is being constructed at Fairbourne Station. The new points will be operated by weighted point levers instead of the compressed air system installed in the 1980's. The old pneumatic system is nearing the end of its useful life and this is the first stage in replacing the air operated points throughout the station.
Locomotives
Sherpa, Yeo and Beddgelert are all now in service with Beddgelert used as the spare locomotive. Sherpa will be visiting the Tom Rolt Vehicle Rally at Tywyn over the weekend of 25th & 26th May. Russell's chassis is now expected to return to Fairbourne from I.D. Howitt Engineering in September and we hope that Russell will enter traffic during the 2009 season.
The new two-foot gauge Hunslet diesel has had its wheelsets removed and the wheels have now been pressed off the axles by the Talyllyn Railway at their Pendre Workshops. This means that work can continue to re-gauging the locomotive to the Fairbourne's 12¼ inches (311mm). Pictured is diesel locomotive in Fairbourne's Workshop.
Shop/Booking Office
The Gift Shop and Booking Office has been refurbished. The building has been completely rewired with new lighting and heating installed. New slatwall shelving has been erected to replace the old metal shelving. A mahogany door now leads to the platform and the new replacement counter complies with the Disability Discrimination Act.
Driver Experience Courses
In addition to the ever popular Two-Hour Evening Driver Experience Courses, a number of One Day courses will be made available for £175 (which includes a packed lunch). The number of places for the One-Day Courses are limited so to enquire please write to; Peter Moore 328 Aton Street, Crewe, Cheshire, CW2 7RY. For the Two-Hour Evening Driver Courses please contact the Railway at the usual address or telephone number.
DVD
New Fairbourne DVD
£12 + P&P
