Porthmadog

The last passing loop on the Cambrian Coast line, before the terminus at Pwllheli was Porthmadog. Here too was a substantial freight yard, by this time only handling coal and for storing empty vans for traffic from Penrhyndeuadraeth, all controlled by a signal box at the level crossing.

25282 at Porthmadog 12/07/77 (s1205.jpg)

Lunchtime on the 12th July 1977, and 25282 sits in the yard at Porthmadog, with 3 empty coal wagons and a brake van. This being a Tuesday, this train was due to arrive Porthmadog 12:38, and then depart for Pwllheli at 12:53. However, it had arrived early, and looks ready to leave for the south, without bothering to go to Pwllheli. The outward working was 7J23 from Bescot at 01:20, which supposedly ran to Pwllheli (East) on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and Porthmadog via Aberystwyth on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The return was 7G34, due to depart Pwllheli East at 13:49 (TThO) and Porthmadog at 14:25 for Bescot, where arrival time would have been around 23:00. Behind the train are empty vans, awaiting traffic from Penrhyndeudraeth.

40004 at Porthmadog 18/06/78 (s1693.jpg)

Journey's end for 40004 on the F&W excursion from Bristol on the 18th June 1978. Here the loco is seen during the run round movement, showing the large amount of track still in place at the west end of the station at this time. The train terminated at Porthmadog because of weight restrictions on the line at Afonwen.

40004 at Porthmadog 18/06/78 (s1697.jpg)

40004 draws the empty stock into the up platform, past the sign still showing the station's anglicised name of Portmadoc.

40004 at Porthmadog 18/06/78 (s1698.jpg)

One last look at 40004 at Porthmadog. With no regular Sunday service, it can remain in the up platform until departure. Two Crosville buses are seen alongside in National Bus Compamy "leaf green" livery.