Carriage 120 Launch
The latest addition to the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways’ carriage fleet has entered service thanks to a generous donation from Ffestiniog Travel that funded the entire build.
Built at the F&WHR’s workshops at Boston Lodge – the oldest working railway workshop in the world – the new carriage, 120, makes use of the maximum available loading gauge of the narrow and winding Ffestiniog Railway to provide more comfortable and spacious accommodation for passengers and features graphics on each table acknowledging the support of Ffestiniog Travel.
The carriage was officially launched on Monday July 16th at Porthmadog Harbour Station, when management and staff of Ffestiniog Travel came to inspect the new vehicle. Ffestiniog Travel General Manager Maria Cook was presented with a special wooden plaque made in the carriage works at Boston Lodge as a token of the railways’ appreciation.
F&WHR General Manager Paul Lewin comments:
“While our older FR carriages served us well for many years, it became clear that upgraded accommodation was required, hence the commencement of a programme to construct a number of these spacious ‘Super Saloons’. Carriage 120 will go straight into service providing an immediate benefit to our customers. The levels of comfort afforded by the larger carriages on the Welsh Highland are now available to passengers on the Ffestiniog, with heating and double glazing in every carriage, together with bigger windows, increased space and legroom. We are indebted to Ffestiniog Travel for their generous contribution.”
Ffestiniog Travel General Manager Maria Cook comments:
“Ffestiniog Travel is delighted to see that the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways (F&WHR) continue to benefit from our rail holiday business. Our profits have been helping support the heritage railways since we were established in 1974, but it is particularly pleasing to see our fundraising efforts finance a specific project such as the new 120 Super Saloon Carriage at a cost of £106,000. We know our regular travellers and new customers feel an even greater sense of satisfaction knowing their holiday booking also benefits the F&WHR.”
