Magical than ever more...
GRAVITY RAILWAY
in Ffestiniog Railway
The day after “Snowdonian”On April 24th, the most special event in Ffestiniog was held quietly.
This is a private event that is not listed on the Ffestiniog Railway website. Step back in time to the 1920s and board a slate wagon for a one-hour round trip journey.
Just place a cushion on the 2-axle freight car and sit down. The area we are going to be on is a narrow mountain road with a cliff on one side. There are also several tunnels. There is no other train that gives you such a sense of freedom.
The main characters of this event are "BrakeMan" (some women are also included) who wear hunting caps. Operate the brakes on the freight cars to control the train going down. This is Gravity Railway. The ascent is pulled by a locomotive, but the descent is a free fall.
Never stand up while driving. Do not lean out of the wagon. After receiving a brief orientation, board the freight car. It is led by Double Fairy.
There was no one in front of the freight car we boarded, so it was a 30-minute journey, covered in steam, water and smoke. I thought my face would start to sting tomorrow, but the ride quality is surprisingly good, and I don't notice any vibrations or shaking when taking curves. Only some enthusiasts would think that riding in a small, rattling freight car, bathed in the smell of steam locomotives and fresh greenery, is much more fun than riding in a Pullman car with high tea on a beautiful day. It's not a desire that you feel.
The locomotive separates in a valley narrow enough for a train to pass through, and passengers move their cushions to the other side of the wagon. It's finally the beginning of Gravity Railway.
There is no locomotive at the beginning of the long train. All you need is a freight car with brakes and a “Brake man”. I didn't think it would be scary since I was sitting in a freight car, but the descent was quite fast and it reminded me of the wooden trolleys at old amusement parks. Moreover, “BI feel nervous that I'm entrusting my life to "rake man"...Gravity Railway depends on their skill.
Britain is often described as a land of fantasy because it has produced many world-famous bestsellers such as ``Alice in Wonderland,'' ``Winnie the Pooh,'' ``The Chronicles of Narnia,'' and ``Harry Potter.'' there is. And of course, speaking of Wales, there is the Thomas the Tank Engine series. Riding the Gravity RailwayIt reminds me of the mean wagon that appears in Thomas's picture books. Running only on freight cars is like the world of Thomas. I feel that this is a country where the driving force for creating stories is hidden everywhere.
The final stop is Minffordd Station, which I visited yesterday.
To participate in this event...
Go to the Ffestiniog Railway and get to know the volunteers. Or, you may receive an offer while volunteering and working.
However, it's not a secret event, so if you know the schedule, you can come and see it, and you can even try sitting on the slate like this (↑).
Two types of Ffestiniog Railway slate wagons are available from PECO.
OO-9 2 ton Slate Wagon Festiniog Railway
(No brake, 3 cars)
GR-320
OO-9 2 ton Slate Wagon Festiniog Railway
(2 cars without brakes, 1 car with brakes)
GR-320