A last look at 45231 at Blaenau Ffestiniog, being prepared for its return journey.

45231 runs round for the final time, and this time with ALL the coaches, to lead tender first back to Llandudno junction.

The missing two coaches now back in place-support coach ?35449 and unidentifed Mk.1.Open Standard.

Having collected the two coaches from betws-y-Coed, 45231 reverses the stock to couple up and complete the consist.

Mk.1 Miniature Buffet Car No. 1859. This was the rear coach on arrival at Blaenau Ffestiniog, with the support coach and another Mk.1 were left at Betws-y-Coed.

45231 scarpers back to Betws-y-Coed for the two remaining coaches.

Letting off steam after its exertions!

45231 arrives at Blaenau Ffestiniog minus two coaches. Adhesion difficulties in the tunnel resulted in the train reversing and leaving 2 coaches at Betws-y-Coed!

Off down the Conwy Valley line to Blaenau Ffestiniog.

Departure from Llandudno Junction 14 minutes late.

45231 in the process of running round, to lead boiler first to Blaenau Ffestiniog.

August 5 saw the Welsh Mountaineer Preston-Blaenau Ffestiniog, hauled by LMS Class 4MT 4-6-0 45231. Here, the loco is seen at Llandudno Junction running round to the front of the stock.

Another HDR image from 3 RAW files, combined in Photomatix. Looks quite dramatic!

The train was almost 3 coaches too long for the platform. Support WCRC Class 47 47245 is at the rear for train heating purposes.

Mark 2 Pullman First with kitchen, Windermere.

Mark 2A TSO Pullman Car Melissande.

Biding time until departure. The Junction is certainly a popular place for viewing these trains!

The visit to Llandudno was omitted for some reason, with the train continuing directly to Holyhead after its water stop. No doubt some must have been a little disappointed.

Sun is rare in August these days! Crowds inspect the Duchess.

The first run of the North Wales Coast Express (Railway Touring Company) occurred on August 2, with 6233 working from Liverpool lime St.-Holyhead. This is arrival at Llandudno Jct. and a water stop.

37670, in bright new DB Schenker livery, and a dull 37401 double head 1Z31 1110 Holyhead-Carlisle, The North Wales Fellsman, through Old Colwyn. No sun, but 37670 brightens the image!!

Bright 37670 and dull 37401 double head 1Z31 North Wales Fellsman Railtour from Holyhead-Carlisle past Old Colwyn. As usual for me, the sun had disappeared behind cloud!!