Spirit of the Welsh Highland Gala

Baldwin 778 powers the WHR heritage train towards Porthmadog. In the background are the old cliffs, a reminder that the whole area was reclaimed from the sea. PICTURE: Michael Chapman

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2009-05-04 01:50:30

A close up of the visitor. Baldwin 778 has been expertly restored to the condition it would have operated in during the First World War. It's owned by the Greensand Railway Museum Trust and is based at the Leighton Buzzard Railway in Bedfordshire. PICTURE: Michael Chapman

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2009-05-05 02:49:22

The original Welsh Highland Railway Baldwin was number 590, and differed slightly from 778: a wooden cab back was added to keep off the worst of the Welsh rain, something not necessary in this view from the first day of the gala. PICTURE: Geoff Jenkins

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2009-05-02 11:53:22

The Baldwin brings the WHR heritage train round the curve alongside Gelerts Farm Works. Immediately behind the loco is the PICTURE: Geoff Jenkins

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2009-05-02 11:53:23

Not quite 1924, but pretty close. The heritage train includes the original WHR observation car, the Buffet and a 1923 Hudson toastrack carriage. Bringing up the rear is a brake van from the Vale of Rheidol railway in Aberystwyth. PICTURE: Michael Chapman

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2009-05-02 21:58:41

The Baldwin had a reputation on the old WHR for being large and rough riding...... but the visit of 778 has certainly destroyed a few myths. PICTURE: Michael Chapman

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2009-05-03 03:16:22

778 proved to be a competent machine capable of handling things in style. Here it heads at speed (line speed!) for Pen-y-Mount. PICTURE: Michael Chapman

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2009-05-04 01:20:46