Workshop – How does that work? How do they do that?
June 30th – How steam engines work
Morning workshop – Meet at Harbour Station 10:10 and return to Harbour Station 13:45. Maximum 12 places.
If there is enough demand then a second workshop will be run in the afternoon which would meet at Harbour Station 13:45 and return to Harbour Station 17:10. You will be met at Harbour Station by an Event Leader who will give you an initial safety briefing before being taken to Boston Lodge on a scheduled train service.
Everything you ever wanted to know about how get lumps of black rock to get 15 or more tons of metal to pull a line of carriages and know what it feels like to control it. During the workshop you will find out exactly what happens from lighting the fire right through to all the controls used to manage the locomotive. You will also get a chance to work with an experienced driver and operate the controls to move the locomotive yourself (and maybe sound the whistle…). Please note the nature of the workshop site and the locos themselves means that attendees must be able to walk across uneven surfaces and climb up and down into the locos.
Cost: £50.00
More workshops to come throughout the year looking at other areas.
What do I need to know before I come?
Boston Lodge is a working engineering site with rails and uneven surfaces throughout, often muddy in places and this is combined with frequent vehicle and train movements. For safety reasons it is therefore only suitable for people who are fully mobile without assistance and who’s sight is sufficient for them to see dangers themselves. Please watch this safety briefing before booking as it will help you understand what the site is like.
Unless specifically advertised all workshops and tours are for adults (16+).
We are hoping to film some of our tours and make them available on the website so those who cannot attend because the site is unsuitable for them will be able to find out more online.
Getting here
Car parking for our visitors is available in the fenced area at the end of the nearby Llyn Bach car park, a short walk away from Porthmadog Harbour Station. Parking is free for Railway passengers in this section only. The remainder of this car park is council run and the appropriate fee should be paid. (see map) Disabled badge holders may park at the station and should make themselves known to a station host on arrival.
What to wear
Please wear warm clothes and bring a waterproof, the weather can be unpredictable. Please wear stout, preferably leather, walking boots. Absolutely no sandals or trainers. You are strongly advised to wear cotton outer clothing for workshops involving sparks or embers.