Rail enthusiasts given special treat on Conwy Valley line

Jun 4 2009 by Samantha Castle, North Wales Weekly News

Full steam ahead!

TRAIN enthusiasts were chuffed to bits during a community railway day on the Conwy Valley line.

The Conwy Valley Rail Initiative welcomed visitors to a community rail day at Blaenau Ffestiniog stations last month.

There were information points and displays by Cambrian and Conwy Valley rail partnerships, along with the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways.

But the highlights were the two visiting steam locomotives, Britomart and Palmerston, giving cab rides.

Llechwedd Quarry hosted a display of the skills of the slate industry, while the Conwy Valley line celebrated 130 years of service to the community this year.

Visitors who produced their Arriva Trains Wales or Ffestiniog Railway ticket on the day were able to step back in time to the rich history of the line, enjoying a 50% reduction in admission to the Railway Museum at Betws-y-Coed.