Welsh steam loco marks 60 years of service since restoration

On August 3, 1955, the Ffestiniog Railway's Prince hauled its first passenger train of the restoration era, comprising carriages 23 - now in regular use on the Welsh Highland Railway - and 12. It entered regular passenger service two days later.

To mark the 60th anniversary of this landmark in steam preservation, the 152-year-old loco, complete with flags, will double head the 1010 and 1335 departures from Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog on August 3, 4 and 5 as an added bonus to the Summer of Fun celebrations.

Double heading is required because, these days, two carriages simply aren't enough and 10 is rather more than the 'Old Gent' can manage on its own…