This would win my vote. (The programme's just turned up from some file-clearing... I recall the cost was £55 per person)

I'm sure I've told the tale of how it went on the day somewhere here but can't track it down.

Basically, despite the hairiness of the schedule, everything worked to time, including breakfast, which was arriving immediately we left Euston in somewhat grim weather. I recall kippers.

Rather later, and with the sun out, no passengers were lost at Blaenau Ffestiniog - and despite the opportunity, none at Porthmadog either.

The descent of the Ffestiniog railway involved beer.

How no one managed to vanish while walking across the town at Porthmadog I've no idea.

The wait at a rather faded Porthmadog BR station - a large gathering suddenly feeling far from home - in failing light and with no train in sight was very moody. There was considerable relief when a class 37 appeared through the gathering gloom from further up the line, with 'Train 'A'... I seem to recall that once aboard, the train took us out from beneath the shadow in which Porthmadog sits at that time of day in November to reveal an impressive sunset across the sea, at which point one of the stewards appeared and asked if we'd like the carriage lights to be turned off. As it happened, yes we did - and once they were out he was round again: "G & T anyone?" - and I think he sold a carriage-full, especially as everyone was already swooning at the sunset.

Then, at Machynlleth, more passengers - from a failed service train. The staff happily tucked them away where they could, including in the fiddle carriage next to the carriage with the kitchen in it and the class 37 set to its task of hauling the entire consist at a stately pace up to Talerddig...

Mark

InterCity VIP Charters
Tournament House Paddington Station London W2 1HQ
THE SNOWDONIAN
SATURDAY, 12 NOVEMBER 1988

TRAIN "B"

GOOD MORNING and a warm InterCity welcome to The Snowdonian - another 'first' in our programme of Luxury Days Out. We hope you will take the time to read this leaflet carefully as it contains important information about the itinerary and timings for today. As you may be aware, the arrangements cover two separate trains with the passengers off each train travelling in opposite directions over the privately-owned narrow gauge Ffestiniog Railway. If all goes to plan, the two groups will 'cross' in Porthmadog!

Thus, Train "B" will leave Euston at 08.40 and breakfast will be served as we welcome aboard guests joining at Watford Junction (08.56). Following the map overleaf, the route now will be via Rugby and Stafford to Crewe where we stop briefly for operational purposes before heading along the North Wales coast line via Rhyl to Llandudno Junction. Here the train reverses before joining the branch line to Blaenau Ffestiniog (arrive 13.20).

Upon arrival at Blaenau Ffestiniog, please make your way as quickly as possible to the waiting Ffestiniog Railway train which will depart at 13.30, it is important that this train leaves punctually if delays are to be avoided elsewhere today. This train will run non-stop to Minffordd (arrive 14.21) before arriving at Porthmadog at 14.30. We strongly recommend that passengers make the inter-station transfer in Porthmadog where both the facilities of the town itself and the terminus of the Ffestiniog Railway will be available during the waiting period. ~~Please note that although the Ffestiniog and BR stations at Minffordd are adjacent~~ there are virtually no facilities available in the area of the stations and very little cover in the event of inclement weather.

At Porthmadog, the Ffestiniog Railway are arranging to have the full facilities of their terminus open during the afternoon; these include a cafeteria, a small gift shop and their own museum. Their own staff will be on hand to help with any questions you may have about the railway. Please leave about 20 minutes for the transfer to the BR station.

The return BR train leaves Porthmadog BR station at 16.25 and travels via the Cambrian Line to Shrewsbury; a 3-course dinner will be served as the train passes through the West Midlands before joining the West Coast main line at Rugby. The train is due to arrive Watford Junction at 22.34 and Euston at 22.55. A service of soft and alcoholic drinks will be available from the trolley during the day at tariff prices and a selection of wines will also be available to accompany your meal.

PLEASE remember that upon arrival at Blaenau Ffestiniog and Porthmadog/Minffordd, it is important you take all your belongings with you when you leave the train. Although both BR trains being used today are of identical formation so that your coach/seat allocation will be the same for outward and return journeys, you will actually be travelling in different trains.

Finally, thank you for travelling with us today and we hope the weather will be kind so that we can enjoy the magnificent Welsh scenery. We welcome any comments you may have about today's tour, or any other aspect of our programme, at the above address - in any event we look forward to welcoming you and your friends aboard other InterCity Land Cruises in the near future. Please ensure you have everything with you when you finally leave the train and have a safe journey home!

Mark