The narrow-gauge Ffestiniog Railway in Wales is now one of the country’s leading heritage lines. Running from the slate-quarrying town of Blaenau Ffestiniog to the coast at Porthmadog, the line now carries countless thousands annually as part of the region’s burgeoning tourist industry. Prior to passing into preservation in the 1950s, the Ffestiniog had an equally important role in the local economy as a means of shipping vast quantities of slate from the quarries in and around Blaenau Ffestiniog down to the harbour at Porthmadog where they could be transhipped, either by standard-gauge railways or by ship to the rest of the country or overseas for the worldwide market. The FR’s origins dated back to 1832 when the company received its original act. When the line first opened in 1836 it was operated by gravity and horse power. Steam locomotives were introduced during the 1860s and the line was notable for its use of the distinctive Fairlie-patent locomotives. By the mid-20th century, however, changing economic circumstances forced the line towards closure and, had it not been for the preservationists, it would have become as much a part of history as the slate industry it was built to serve.
Peter Johnson has been actively involved with the Ffestiniog Railway for many years, including a long period as editor of the preservation society’s magazine. He has, over the years, researched widely into the history of the railway and is the author of several highly-regarded books on the line, including Portrait of the Festiniog and The Festiniog Railway: A View from the Past. In the course of continuing researches since the publication of those earlier books, he has unearthed a considerable amount of new information on the railway and many unpublished photographs. This new material enhances this new and highly detailed history of the FR during the years prior to its preservation.
Peter Johnson’s previous book for Ian Allan Publishing’s OPC imprint, the companion volume on the Welsh Highland Railway, is now into its third impression. This new book will further enhance the author’s considerable reputation as one of the leading historians of the Welsh narrow gauge. It will be of interest to modellers of the narrow gauge, those involved in the preservation and operation of the contemporary Ffestiniog Railway and all those fascinated by the local and industrial history of this part of Wales.
Title: AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF THE FESTINIOG RAILWAY
Author: Peter Johnson
Format: HB Book 160 pages
Publisher: OPC
Pub date: June 2007
ISBN: 9780860936039
List Price: £19.99
