Thanks to all who commented.
Rob, I'm not sure if the links you mentioned are to my other stories or to the railways's own web site. Either way, I think worth a look.
Mr. Harris, we rode behind the 87 the next day -- story about the WHR forthcoming. We stayed at the Royal Sportsman Hotel in Porthmadog (see their website). It was acceptable, but I could not campare it with other opportunities. Station facilities in Porthmadog are just now undergoing changes for trains of the WHR -- the north end of the Cob is being widened for new trackage.
Glen
Railroad Glory Days