2006's major special event commemorated the 125th anniversary of the original station at Rhyd Ddu; the NWNGR terminus of 1881 was cannily named "Snowdon", as it was the closest station to the mountain's summit until the Snowdon Mountain Railway was opened.

Rhyd Ddu

Rhyd Ddu's 2006 WHR station was at the heart of the weekend, with displays of Phase 4 plans and equipment, society stands and shunting activity.

Mixed Trains

The NGG16s brought mixed trains to Rhyd Ddu throughout the weekend, leading to some surprising sights such as the ballast hoppers coupled behind the Pullman car. The mixeds were more than just symbolic. The rail carriers are seen above empty, being coupled on to a Down train from Rhyd Ddu on Saturday; they were loaded as a demonstration at Dinas on Sunday morning, and then delivered to Rhyd Ddu behind no. 143 (below). The restored SAR van also took its turns in mixed formations, as did the tool van.

Steam Beyond Rhyd Ddu

The FR's Palmerston was a star attraction as it became the first steam engine on the line south from Rhyd Ddu since 1937. This was the loco's second visit to WHR(C), having visited before in 1998. Palmerston worked construction freight trains on the extension from Rhyd Ddu South to just short of Pont Cae'r Gors crossing, in conjunction with a minibus service will operate between Rhyd Ddu and Pont Cae'r Gors. Remarkably, this was the loco's third stint on construction duties; Palmerston was hired out for NWNGR construction work between Dinas and the original Quellyn terminus at Castell Cidwm in 1876-7, and again for WHR construction in 1922-3. The workings were topped and tailed by Palmerston and Mike Hart's 1917 Simplex (not to be confused with the FR's similar loco).

Palmerston also became the first steam loco to use the new Rhyd Ddu water supply - even if directly from a pipe rather from the water tower to which it would be connected at a later date!

The Simplex was driven up from Dinas the day before, and is seen below at Betws Garmon.

K1 Shuttles

The pioneer Garratt was a late addition to the programme, having been passed for solo passenger work just four days before the event. K1 ran the Caernarfon - Dinas - Waunfawr shuttles for most of both days, performing well despite some remaining problems with the injectors. The trains ran push-pull, with a formation of FR reproduction Hudson open no. 39 (a welcome late replacement for the intended two four-wheelers), FR no. 16, and WHR no. 1001.

The FR carriages are seen below being returned to Minffordd the day after the event.

Dinas

Dinas was quieter than in previous years, with the emphasis of the event shifted to Rhyd Ddu, but still featured displays, sales stands, refreshments, a 16mm live steam layout powered entirely by Garratts, and Drive-an-Engine. With Castell Caernarfon displaced from most shuttles by K1 it did the honours in place of Conway Castle, running with two DZ bogie wagons.

Reports from the 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005 events.