THE programme for the June 23-25 Welsh Highland Railway (WHR) centenary celebrations has been published. The primary focus is on the southern part of the line marking the June 1923 opening of the WHR from Rhyd Ddu to Porthmadog, thus completing the 22 mile WHR from Dinas. Each day is themed; June 23 ‘Pre-1923 & Opening’, June 24 ‘Like the Photos’; and June 25 ‘Revival & 21st Century WHR’.
The event will feature the public debut of Welsh Highland Heritage Railway’s (WHHR) ex-WDLR Baldwin 10-12-D No.794 (BLW44699/1917) appearing ‘as’WHR No. 590 following completion of its restoration. Having been unveiled to donors in late May it will haul its first public trains on the WHHR to Pen y Mount on June 23 and appear on the WHR during the following two days hauling WHHR vintage stock to Beddgelert.