| Ddisgrifiad / Description | During the week before the 19 February, the 123 Transformer, believed to be the heaviest single load to be transported into North Wales, was in a siding at Colwyn Bay Station ready to be taken to Trawsfynydd. The transformer was built by Ferranti in Hollinwood, Lancashire to exact dimensions to enable it to pass through the two and a half mile long tunnel at Blaenau Ffestiniog with less than an inch to spare on each side. To transport it a 1000 h.p. diesel electric locomotive was used to haul the transformer on a 24 wheel wagon up the steep gradients of the Conwy Valley and the Ffestiniog Tunnel. For a time a cavalcade of cars, numbering up to sixty, followed the big load's progress from the road running parallel to the line. The detailed plans including the use of a traversing gear to swivel the load clear of line side obstructions were directed by Mr. T. J. Moseley, of the Civil Engineer's Department, Euston. He walked most of the route giving instructions over a telephone link with the driver, Mr. John McGrath of Crewe, who started his railway service in Llandudno Junction. Between Llanrwst and Roman Bridge, a steam locomotive followed the train in case its help was needed on the steepest gradients. From Ffestiniog North Station, the transformer travelled to Tan-y-grisiau by road on a Pickford's heavy haulage lorry.
Additional information courtesy of David Hughes, ex Mochdre resident:
The 123-ton transformer was hauled by ex LMS 42852 on the 12th of Feb to Colwyn Bay from Hollinwood. Because of the width of the transformer other trains could not pass by, hence the Sunday working, less traffic around. The diesel locomotive was D8036. A wooden mock up of the transformer had been tested beforehand. See 'Vintage transport film - Measured for transport - 1962' available on YouTube for footage of a transformer moved along the same line in 1962. The 1961 train had one carriage for the staff accompanying the transformer, the 1962 train had two carriages.
Original Index No. R0060. |