Granite waggons at Blaenau Ffestiniog GWR Transhipment Yard.

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(52°59′38″N, 3°56′12″W)

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iBase ID

1850

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Granite waggons at Blaenau Ffestiniog GWR Transhipment Yard.

Rake of derelict granite waggons (converted from 3-ton slates) at Blaenau Ffestiniog GWR Transhipment Yard, probably in the early 1950's. The tipper for these waggons whilst in FR use was not in this yard, and they have been repurposed for general use during the closure period. The nearest vehicle is converted from Boston Lodge built vehicle, whilst the next two are early Brown Marshalls. The three at the rear are not in fact purpose built granites. They appear to be a FR 3-ton and two LNWR built 2-ton slate waggons with steel sheet lining or boards inserted so that they can be used as general purpose bulk carriers without the cargo spilling out the side. Note the chain in use as a chock. The straw on the ground had been used to prevent packed slate from rattling and breaking whilst in transit.

The standard-gauge waggons have BR markings, as does the GWR Toad brake van, which is labelled RU Bala. RU on brake vans meant 'restricted use' and was similar to a shed code on locomotives, which suggests that the vehicle's 'home base' was Wrexham and the FF refers to its use on the Bala to Ffestiniog line (it's allocation) and the lettering on the left seems to read 'Not in Common Use' which supports this theory. The waggons appear to be five plank open wagons, the M prefix indicates LMS origins, possibly a D1666, and are marked up for Wrexham Ruffydd colliery.

Note the Queen's Hotel and Brymer's department store in the background.

Source. AG Collection

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SH7009845847

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