The first volume in this series was published in 1999 when the Welsh Highland Railway ran from Caernarfon only as far as Dinas, a mere 4 miles, on tracks officially re-opened in 1997. Volume 2 took the story on to 2003, when the relaid tracks had reached Rhyd Ddu, at the very foot of Snowdon, 13 miles from Caernarfon and in the heart of magnificent scenery surely unsurpassed on any UK narrow gauge railway. But Rhyd Ddu was only the half-way point in this phenomenal railway project. Ahead lay the final 12 miles to Porthmadog, where it was intended that the reborn WHR would connect with the Ffestiniog Railway at the latter's Harbour station. Now it is 2009, and the dream has become reality. Thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Ffestinog Railway and the mighty efforts of contractors, supports and volunteers, the railway has been completed to Porthmadog, and trains one more run through the town's streets to the harbour following a spectacular journey across the mountains from beneath the castle walls at Caernarfon. Now it will be possible to make a staggering 40-mile narrow gauge railway journey from Caernarfon to Blaenau Ffestiniog!
Volume 3 therefore represents the final chapter of this amazing story, with special emphasis on the restoration of the new section from Rhyd Ddu. John Stretton has selected further views of the original railway in operation and in dereliction, but this time each view on the main line can be paired with one showing trains in operation once more, negotiating sharp bends, climbing severe gradients and passing the foothills of Snowdon and on through Beddgelert and the famous Aberglaslyn Pass. It provides a fitting tribute to the great efforts of so many people who made it all possible. John Stretton, well-known railway author and photographer, and contributor of many titles to the "Past and Present" series, has chronicled the development of the Welsh Highland Railway from its inception. He lives in Ashchurch, Gloucestershire.