The other side of the coin?

"Russell", one of the original engines of the Welsh Highland Railway, at the WHHR terminus in Porthmadog.

As most narrow gauge nuts know, Porthmadog is the home of three superb narrow gauge railways- the Ffestiniog, The Welsh Highland Railway...and the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway. The latter is a sometimes misunderstood, yet wonderful little line with it's terminus at the other side of town to the mighty Ffestiniog. The WHHR runs along northwards, almost linking up with the Welsh Highland, yet shying away from joining rails with it's big sister at the last moment- as if it's fingers have been burnt. Some say they have. Now, I haven't the energy (or the interest) to detail the last five years of politicking, but from where I'm standing, as a fan of all three railways, it seems that the little line has conducted itself with a good deal of dignity. I'm also pleased to say, the signs are that everybody is getting on with each other again.

Now, the Ffestiniog and the Welsh Highland need to attend to their image with the local people, who are understandably upset at the proposed level crossings through Porthmadog and the habit both railways have of leaving fires behind them on the moorland and farmland of this beautiful area. I can see the local point of view, sometimes there is the feeling that the railway is an English toy, run for the benefit of outsiders and causing inconvenience to local folk...although many of these are incomers, of course (like your scribe).

So how timely is this piece from the little WHHR on the benefit of the railway to the local economy? They reckon, based on fairly rough estimates, that the WHHR and it's supporters pumped a quarter of a million pounds into the local economy last tourist season. The railway also sources civils and loco engineering work locally. In that case, how much more are the two big sisters contributing?

For the betterment of local relations, I think we should be told.