Project Update – June 2023

Works at Boston Lodge

Much of the groundwork has now been completed at Boston Lodge, which means that work on the buildings can now start in earnest. This is a vital stage of the project, and the work undertaken so far is not to be underestimated despite little visual evidence. The former electricians’ workshop and oil store has been the target of extensive work and foundations laid for all the new buildings (Waggon Repair Shed, Training & Research Centre and new store).

An archaeology workshop with Bob Zeepvat at the Waggon Repair Shed saw the original slate slabs put on pallets to be stored before the salvageable ones can be brought back and re-laid. Slates from newly discovered slate floor of the recent oil store will be laid where there are no surviving original slates in the Waggon Repair Shed.

A set of corroded and damaged rails were also carefully recorded, but cannot be re-laid due to their decayed condition. Other rails will be laid as markers to show where they were.

The next bit of archaeological investigation will be the stables in front of 1&2 Boston Lodge.  We are also planning a workshop on the use of lime mortar.  If this sounds like the type of work you might like to be involved in, find out more here.

If a workshop sounds too much – come on a behind the scenes tour!

The Small Loco Shed frame is up, the walls are clad, and the roof is now being installed. Detailed planning for the electrical services and other volunteer led installation is well underway.

Interpretation

With just some final proofing to be done, the text for the suite of interpretation panels which will be put up all along the railway is nearly complete at long last. The stories range from the arrival of the first steam locomotive in Porthmadog in 1863, to the building of a modern Caernarfon Station, and so there is sure to be a story for everyone. A big thank you to all those who were involved in the process.

Our attention now turns to the tours of Boston Lodge. We will shortly begin collecting a bank of stories that will help inform the tours, and so if you would like to be involved in this process please get in touch at interpretation@ffwhr.com. Any and all help is much appreciated and gratefully received!

We will also need plenty of tour guides to help deliver the tours, so if you think you might be a good fit please get in touch by email or pop in to the Interpretation office!

Activities

A key part of the project is community outreach and helping people to develop skills. This part of the project continues to exceed targets and strengthen relationships with local colleges and schools. April saw students from Coleg Menai visit the railway for a week, where their work ethic and curiosity shone. This work will resume when the new school year begins.