European Railroad Discussion > At Penmaenmawr

ExhaustED's picture of 60055 enroute to the quarry at Penmaenmawr reminded me that I hadn't posted these shots from a short break in North Wales last week (the remainder are on the Steam board). DC Rail are currently hauling stone for HS2 from Penmaenmawr to a temporary unloading point called Quainton Railhead, about 45 miles north of London. These pictures were taken at Dwygyfylchi (a mile east of Penmaenmawr) and at the quarry loading point (which is easily observed from Penmaenmawr station).

Monday 30th March; 60055 having just left the quarry siding on 6A26 17:26 Penmaenmawr to Wembley DC Sidings (arr 02:30). On arrival at Wembley there's a crew change, the train leaving for Quainton Railhead at 04:14.

Wednesday 1st April; today DC Rail's 60028 was in charge. DC rail also amended the departure time, cancelling the 6A26 at 17:26 and activating a 6Z26 at 19:28, which at this time of year is only 20 minutes before sunset.

Thursday 2nd April, a view of 6A26 loading. The empties arrive at Penmaenmawr either just before or just after midnight. The incoming driver runs the loco round and positions the train ready for loading before going off duty. The following morning the relief driver arrives at about 09:45 and loading commences about 10:00 and is finished by lunchtime. And on Thursday the train left as scheduled at 17:26. The main road in the pictures is the A55 North Wales Expressway which links England with the resorts along the North Wales coast and Holyhead, the ferry port for Ireland.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 04/06/26 07:37 by 86235.

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Very nice shots!

I enjoyed these images.

Wow #3 is super interesting!  So are they mining the aggregates above the railway tunnel?  

On Google Maps it looks like the working quarry is on the back side of the mountain and that it is connected to the loading point by a very long conveyor system. Is that so?

dwatry Wrote:
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> Wow #3 is super interesting!  So are they mining
> the aggregates above the railway tunnel?  


Those are the disused workings, the quarry's been exploited for over 100 years. There're some abandoned Quarry working walks for those of a more adventurous nature.

Great set of photos, Nik. Good to see freight along here.