Tunnel Mess
| Deviation Navigator | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | |||||
| |||||
| Deviation | Dduallt | |||||
Due to the remote location of the work on the deviation, a site hut was deemed necessary, not only as a place for refreshment, and to retire to when the liquid sunshine became too hard to safely continue working, but also as overnight accommodation for the Deviationists.
To this end, a hut was acquired in 1967 and transported to the southern mouth of the old tunnel, largely on the site of the former Tunnel South Halt, where the formation was wider. This position was still served by track from the line, and was approximately at the centre of the total deviation work.
*Date :1887 Photo: Bleasdale, from New Spooner Album Plate 32
*Date: 2nd August 1968
Sundry Tunnel Mess information[edit]
(Source: [1])
It was referred to as the 'Top Mess' in order to differentiate it from the Dduallt Manor 'Bottom Mess'.
It was originally designed for two parties of 12, but this was modified later.
Bunks were in tiers of 3, 7 ft high.
Sleeping accommodation at each end was separated by communal areas/facilities in the centre.
It had its own private railway (the old line from Dduallt) with a siding which ran along the embankment.
The water supply was originally by a large semi-rotary hand pump which was later superseded by a hydraulic ram.
Charges were originally 10 shillings (50p) per night full board.
The occupation of 36 beds available was organised by four geographically arranged group organisers.
The septic tank was constructed in 1971. (page 79)
After completion of the Deviation the building was re-erected at Boston Lodge in the Top Yard and used as the S&T workshop until 2015, when in August it was deemed life-expired and broken up for firewood for lighting up locomotives.
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ Source: Ffestiniog Adventure (1981), Brian Hollingsworth, David & Charles ISBN 0-7153-7956-9, FRM 230.