Thanks to everyone who took the time to get pictures of Virgin's clearance test train up the Conwy Valley branch on 17 March: the weather turned out to be excellent for the photographers, and of course this line is one of Britain's great scenic treats. The test run was in preparation for a private charter during the European Rail Conference being held at Llandudno next week. The charter will take place on March 28. Virgin say they "welcome the opportunity to showcase the very latest of British rail technology to delegates at this important conference which will attract delegates from all over Europe."
Congrtulations to Bill Rear for being the first to get pictures to us. Bill writes: 'It appeared in Llandudno Junction about 30 minutes late and then took off almost immediately for Blaenau Ffestinog. It stopped for clearance tests at Glan Conwy and Tal-y-Cafn.' The picture at Tal-y-Cafn shows people checking that the train is not going to scrape the platform edge. The nameboard prestented by the Llandudno and Conwy Valley Railway Society can be seen in the background.
220 017 makes its way Along the estuary near Glan Conwy (Ted Jones)
Passing Tan Lan near Llanrwst (Larry Goddard)...
... Climbing away from Dolwyddellan. Several minutes were spent at this station. (Larry Goddard)
Negotiating the sharp curve approaching Blaeanu Ffestiniog. (Larry Goddard)
An unfamiliar face at Blaenau Ffestiniog Central station, the first visit to the line of a Virgin Voyager.(Larry Goddard)
Voyagers do have a propensity for 'clag.' (Deiniol Williams)
Clearance tests took far longer than anticipated and the Voyager missed its 13.20 path back down the branch to Llandudno Junction. Rolling down the Lledr Valley on the approach to Pont-Y-Pant at 16.10 (Larry Goddard)
Down to Llanrwst North, where 220 017 awaits for 153 359 to arrive with the local passenger train to Bleanau Ffestiniog before it can proceed back down to Llandudno Junction. (Deiniol Williams)
Gingerly thtough the platform at Llanrwst North. (Deiniol Williams)
Passing Glan Conwy Station on its way home. The planned run to Llandudno was aborted. (Larry Goddard)
Thanks to everyone who helped with information and pictures for this feature. - 17 March