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The Ffestiniog Railway Society exists to support the oldest independent railway in the world (being founded by an Act of Parliament in 1832) – now a historic and world-class tourist attraction.
Merddin Emrys returned to service in 2005 thanks to a £185,012 grant from the Society for major repairs 
Lilla New Boiler 2009, Chassis Overhaul 2015: Lilla returned to traffic in 2008 with a brand new (Boston Lodge-built) boiler, thanks to the sterling efforts of the Lilla Group raising £42,286 through the FR Society. Another £22,000 was raised to fund a chassis overhaul in 2015 
Porthmadog Heritage Signalling 2014: The call went out to members to support the installation of heritage signalling features as part of the rebuilding of Porthmadog Harbour Station. The response was magnificent with £68,000 being raised to support the installation of semaphore signalling and the associated features 
David Lloyd George new power bogies 2014: A major fundraising initiative over five years to provide 1992-built double Fairlie David Lloyd George with new piston-valve power bogies, at a cost of £200,000. This is only possible due to the fundraising by members and general donations received 
Minffordd Infrastructure Shed 2015–6: Using a legacy from long-time S&T volunteer Cyril Barnett and additional general funds to a total of £280,000, the construction and fitting out of a fully equipped workshop for use by the outdoor engineering department. The largest project we have funded to date 
Welsh Pony 2014–2020: Specific fundraising for the project to complete this ‘unfinished business’ of restoring large England Welsh Pony to steam after nearly 80 years. With the project launched in 2013 in tribute to long time General Manager Allan Garraway. Over £260,000 was raised by members and supporters with a first steaming in June 2020 
Slate Waggon refurbishments 2011–2013: Major investment by the Society to enable the continuing use of the slate waggon fleet, whilst also providing parts for further waggons to be restored. This has included the purchase of new wheels and axles and couplings, along with the machining required. The work has enabled 60 slate waggons to be part of the operational fleet 
Boston Lodge new points 2017: The Society funded new sets of points on the fan into the main yard at Boston Lodge as part of the improvements, costing £50,000
Looking for the main railway website?
For train service details, tickets and all visitor information for Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways:
Go to festrail.co.uk »
Society Membership
When you join the Ffestiniog Railway Society, you become not just a supporter of the oldest independent railway in the world, you become part of national network of like-minded enthusiasts.
Go to our membership page to see the full range of activities and benefits.
