A nice route which was taken down after heading up via the Rangers path. Even saw some cyclists carrying their bikes up to the top, ready to bike all the way down again! Now that's hardcore.
Various ascents via this route sometimes with wife and kids, occasionally stopping off at Cloggy. Quick descent once, sliding down the rack & pinion track on V shaped boulders. (naughty but nice). Never travelled on the railway by train though.
A very good route for beginners who can take their time and have all day to do it. Admittedly my least favorite of the routes up Snowdon, mainly because of its length and sheer monotony. I once did it as part of a "from sea level to Snowdon", trip which included the disused railway line from Bangor pier