13. North Wales Circular-23 & 24.04.16

THE ARCHIVE FILES > Archive-2016 > 13. North Wales Circular-23 & 24.04.16

Andy and I went to North wales for our Easter trip travelling in his Nissan Micra. After an overnight stay at the M6 Knutsford Service's Travelodge we made an early start. Unfortunately, the weather was absolutely foul that did spoil the day somewhat!

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Images 1-35 of 35 displayed.

Frontage, Stone station
On the way up for our pre-trip night's accommodation, we stopped off at Stone's grade II listed station. Here is the station frontage that looks very grand in the artificial lighting. The building was opened in 1849 by the North Staffordshire Railway and sits within the angle of Colwich to Manchester spur of the West Coast Main Line's Stafford to Stoke-on-Trent route only having platforms serving this line. In recent times it has been taken over by Stone Town Council and is now in use as a community centre. Notice the blue plaque on the frontage giving an account of its history.
Keywords: Frontage Stone station

Penmaemawr Signal Box (BR, 1952)
Penmaemawr signal box is seen at the eastern end of the station. The top has been drastically modified in more recent years with its original steel framed windows completely removed and replaced by the ghastly cladding and UPVC windows. The box was built by British Railways in 1952 to the standard LMS 1948 design. It was built in this revised location due to a serious and fatal collision on 5th August 1950 involving the up night boat train (the Irish Mail) hitting a stationary locomotive. As part of the enquiry, it was stated that the poor siting from the old signal box was a major contributory factor in the collision. When I last visited the box back in 1981 it was in its as-built condition, see.... https://www.ontheupfast.com/p/21936chg/30035069789/x32-penmaenmawr-signal-box-br-1952
Keywords: Penmaemawr Signal Box BR 1952

Penmaemawr station
Andy stands on Penmaemawr's down platform with the station building the background. The station building, built by the Chester and Holyhead Railway Company in 1850, was sold off by BR in 1986 and subsequently went through a number of uses. This all changed in 2013 when the grade II listed granite-built structure was offered for sale for £127 000. It is now in the hands of its new owner and has had various works undertaken. When I last visited the station in 1981 with Graham the weather was somewhat better than on this miserable April day, see........ https://www.ontheupfast.com/p/21936chg/30035069788/x31-penmaenmawr-station
Keywords: Penmaemawr station

Bangor Signal Box (LNWR, 1923)
This is the second time that I have taken a picture of Bangor's LNWR 1923 signal box. The first time I visited in 1981 I was able to get a lot closer and a frontage shot resulted, see.... https://www.ontheupfast.com/p/21936chg/30035069794/x37-bangor-signal-box-lnw-1923. No chance of this now with all areas around it totally off-limits. This is the remaining box of the two that were situated at either end of the station with this one being formally known as Bangor Number 2. It is built in an interesting position half into the bank behind with the iron frame base sitting atop a substantial brick structure incorporated in the retaining wall.
Keywords: Bangor Signal Box

Bangor station
During my last visit to Bangor in August 1981 (apart from being hospitalised at Ysbyty Gwynedd in July 1989!) I took an almost identical picture to this. It shows the footbridge and lift towers with things look very similar, see..... https://www.ontheupfast.com/p/21936chg/30035069793/x36-bangor-station. The platforms to the right of the green fencing have now gone and the university buildings on top of the hill have been rebuilt. The station appeared to be in very good condition and was well used, indeed its passenger numbers have begun to rise again.
Keywords: Bangor station

220102, VT 08.55 Holyhead-London Euston (1A23), Bangor station
221102 'John Cabot' arrives into Bangor station working the 08.55 Holyhead to London Euston. Bangor station only has two platforms remaining in use of the five that once existed but the structure of the building is basically the same.
Keywords: 220102 08.55 Holyhead-London Euston 1A23 Bangor station

220102, VT 08.55 Holyhead-London Euston (1A23), Bangor station
Despite that it's now raining it remains bright, indeed, looking into the sky above Bangor station reveals that the sun can be seen still trying to cut through the cloak of cloud. 221101 'John Cabot' wiats at platform one with the 1A23 Holyhead to London Euston.
Keywords: 220102 08.55 Holyhead-London Euston 1A23 Bangor station

Frontage, Bangor station
The frontage of Bangor station that faces Deiniol Road. This building was constructed by the LMS between 1924 and 1927 when the station was expanded with an additional platform created behind this new building. Considerable work has been done to renovate this building, and the rest of the station, with the whole place having a pleasant atmosphere.
Keywords: Frontage Bangor station

Frontage, Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiligogogoch (Llanfairpwll) station
The old station building at Llanfairpwll is now used as a warehouse having no railway use apart from being adorned with the huge reproduction totem carrying its 'other' name Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiligogogoch. This name was a creation of the Victorians and has no histrionical precedent other than to attract visitors in, and, come they do! There is a huge carpark on the site of the old shed and station yard where the coaches of tourists roll in to get their pictures taken with the station signs. They then visit the nearby gift shop to buy their trinkets.
Keywords: Frontage Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiligogogoch Llanfairpwll station

Llanfair PG Signal Box (LNW, C1871)
Llanfair PG signal box is believed to be the oldest surviving signal box in Wales being constructed by the LNWR around 1871. With its hipped slate roof and brick construction, it is largely original despite a lot of rationalisation having taken place. The wicket gates are now hand operated by the signalmen and it only has four levers remaining in operation.
Keywords: Llanfair PG Signal Box

158836, AT 09.23 Holyhead-Birmingham International (1G32), Llanfair level crossing
158836 passes Llanfair level crossing and signal box working the 09.23 Holyhead to Birmingham International. This box is believed to be the only surviving example of a gate box used for controlling the adjacent level crossing in Wales. The station can be seen towards the back end of the train.
Keywords: 158836 09.23 Holyhead-Birmingham International 1G32 Llanfair level crossing

Gaerwen Signal Box (LNWR, 1882)
Despite having had some modernisation work undertaken, not least of which is the UPVC cladding, the Gaerwen signal box retains its slate roof and finials. Constructed by the LNWR in 1882 it controls the level crossing in the village and controls the junction with the mothballed Almwch branch. There was once a station located to the left of the box in this image where the cars are, it closed in 1966. Notice the post box integrated into the signal box wall.
Keywords: Gaerwen Signal Box

Ty-Croes Signal Box (LNWR, 1892)
With its distinctive three high window panes, Ty-Croes signal box is a LNWR structure that is a development of a Saxby & Farmer design. It was opened in 1892 at a remote spot on Anglesey. It is unusual in that it is integrated with the lineman's accommodation in the single storey building. The box was downgraded to the status of a crossing box in 1989 but it remains largely original retaining its timber windows and steps. The triangular slate roof is an interesting feature.
Keywords: Ty-Croes Signal Box

Ty-Croes Signal Box (LNWR, 1892) & level crossing
The unusual Ty-Croes signal box with its integrated lineman's accommodation is seen with the manually operated level crossing gates. Built by the LNWR in 1892, the box is largely unmolested retaining its unusual pyramidal slate roof. The signalman has a fair trek to operate the gates going from the box steps around the back of the building to the road. I hope that suitable foul weather clothing is provided by Network Rail for use as in the winter I should imagine that this is a pretty rough place to work!
Keywords: Ty-Croes Signal Box level crossing

175001, AW 10.40 Holyhead-Llanelli (1V95), Rhosneiger station
ATW's 170001 approaches Rhosneiger station working the 10.40 Holyhead to Llanelli service. Across the dunes through the murk in the distance is RAF Valley. This is the base used for RAF search and rescue training. It is also the location for Anglesey's new purpose built airport (Maes Awyr Môn) that was opened to great fanfare in 2007.
Keywords: 175001 10.40 Holyhead-Llanelli 1V95 station

Valley Signal Box (LNWR, 1904)
Valley signal box looking a bit in need of a paint sits in the gloom of an April day. It still controls a number of semaphores and the associated facility used for the loading and unloading of nuclear flasks from Wylfa nuclear power station before it closed in 2013. The signal box was built by the LNWR in 1904 and, due to its originality, is now grade II listed. It still uses its as-built frame and levers.
Keywords: Valley Signal Box (LNWR, 1904)

Valley Signal Box (LNWR, 1904) & up starter
Valley's up tall up home signal stands at the platform end with the LNWR 1904 signal box behind. Note the round shunting disk signal at the base of the post. This is for the cross-over and spur that links the mainline to the short siding that was used to load and unload the nuclear flasks when Wylfa power station was open. This siding is situated behind the shrubs and trees in the background of the image.
Keywords: Valley Signal Box up starter

Holyhead station
A familiar site to many a traveller intending to sail to Ireland is Holyhead station. With the ferry terminal in the distance, the station is seen with its curved platforms. It is not as busy as it once was with some platforms taken out of use. The adjacent Freightliner terminal also shut in the 1990s that quietened things down either further. The vacated land was used to expand the car parking facilities.
Keywords: Holyhead station

Up starter signal, platform 1, Holyhead station
Holyhead station's platform one starter signal is seen along with a number of other mechanical signals. The signal post has a permissive calling-on arm below the main arm. This allows a driver to pass the main arm at danger in order to complete a move, for example for an engine to be released from its train. Above the substantial stone wall is the station access road that leads to the bridge that marks the start of the main A55 trunk road.
Keywords: Up starter signal platform 1 Holyhead station

Holyhead Signal Box (LMS, 1937)
Just a short distance south east of Holyhead station is the signal box just out of sight of the platforms. To take this picture I stood on my short stool, looking over a wall on a busy roundabout getting some strange looks from the normals! Holyhead signal box was constructed by the LMS in 1937. It's a type 37 box that was built to replace five existing boxes. It has undergone a number of changes over time and has been modernised in recent years with horrible galvanised steel steps, UPVC cladding and windows.
Keywords: Holyhead Signal Box

158827, AW 13.38 Pwllheli-Machynlleth & Birmingham International (2G55 & 1G55), Pwllheli station
At a dismal Pwllheli station 158827 is about to leave forming the 13.38 to Birmingham International. This train will join with a service from Aberystwyth at Machynlleth and work forward as the 1G55. Pwllheli station is now a signal platform affair that is a shadow of its former self. Part of the original station building still remains being incorporated into a small retail development and travel centre.
Keywords: 158827 13.38 Pwllheli-Machynlleth Birmingham International 2G55 1G55 Pwllheli station

Pwllheli West Frame Signal Box (Cambrian, 1909)
The rather sad looking Pwllheli West Frame signal box stands unused and unloved just beyond the station. The box has been closed since 1976 being downgraded from Pwllheli West to Pwllheli West Frame. This was when BR introduced the no-signalman token system that precipitated the closure of a number of boxes on the line. The box was built by the Cambrian Railway Company to a Dutton and Company type 2 design fitted with a 40 lever frame and was opened in 1909.
Keywords: Pwllheli West Frame Signal Box

158827, AW 13.38 Pwllheli-Machynlleth & Birmingham International (2G55 & 1G55), Criccieth station
Criccieth is a small seaside town on the southern coast of the Llyn Peninsula. It is served by the small station seen in the background of this image that used to have another platfrom on the left that remained in place until signalling rationalisation caused its closure in 1977. 158827 arrives at the request stop with the 13.38 Pwllheli to Birmingham International.
Keywords: 158827, AW 13.38 Pwllheli-Machynlleth & Birmingham International (2G55 & 1G55), Criccieth station

GWR boundary post, Criccieth SH49683806
GWR boundary posts pop up all over the place and, if you walk with your head down, they can be found marking the boundary of GWR property where there is no obvious feature to indicate it. Here in Criccieth, a short distance from the station, this one remains on the entrance road.
Keywords: GWR boundary post Criccieth

158824, AW 10.09 Birmingham International-Pwllheli (2J11), Llandecwyn station
Apologies for the terrible composition of this picture with the sign in the middle of the departing train but it was absolutely pouring with rain and we arrived at the station as the train was stopping. 158824 leaves the rather exposed halt of Llandecwyn with the 10.09 Birmingham International to Pwllheli.
Keywords: 158824 10.09 Birmingham International-Pwllheli 2J11 Llandecwyn station

158824, AW 10.09 Birmingham International-Pwllheli (2J11), Llandecwyn station crossing Briwet viaduct
158824 crosses the new Briwet viaduct forming the 10.09 Birmingham International to Pwllheli service. The combined road and rail viaduct opened in 2015 replacing the 150 year old wooden structure that was life expired. Note the huge amount of fencing installed, it looks to be a little over-the-top?
Keywords: 158824 10.09 Birmingham International-Pwllheli 2J11 Llandecwyn station Briwet viaduct

Andy & KY52ZFT, platform ramp, Talsarnau station
With the Micra virtually on the platform at Talsarnau station Andy stands in front in the rain! The occupier of the old station house was not keen on how far we had driven up the ramp reminding us that there was a small car park for our use.
Keywords: Andy KY52ZFT platform ramp Talsarnau station

158826, AW 12.09 Birmingham International-Pwllheli (2K15), Barmouth station
158826 pauses at Barmouth station forming the 12.09 Birmingham International to Pwllheli service. It had a fairly generous dwell time at the station enabling the train crew to have a chat with each other.
Keywords: 158826 12.09 Birmingham International-Pwllheli 2K15 Barmouth station

Frontage, Barmouth station
Barmouth station was opened in 1867 and retains its imposing impressive building that is now in use as a tourist information office. Andy is just seen emerging from the doors having 'bagged' the station even though he had visited it before during a family holiday.
Keywords: Frontage Barmouth station

KY52ZFT & old platform, Morfa Mawddach station
"The Nissan Micra standing at platform three is the 16.30 to Bala Junction" so could be the announcement at Morfa Mawddach station. This once very busy and important station, originally called Barmouth Junction, now has just one platform and no facilities. The Micra is sitting on the course of the trackbed with the redundant platform clearly in situ. Trains from this platform headed up to Bala Junction and then onwards to Wrexham (via the now Llangollen Railway) or to Denbigh and the North Wales coast
Keywords: Morfa Mawddach station

158824, AW 15.37 Pwllheli-Machylleth & Birmingham International (2G65 & 1G65), Aberdovey station
Andy takes an equally dismal picture as I have managed at Aberdovey station. As well as rain, the sea mist had started to roll in and this really capped off an utterly appalling day for weather! 158824 is about to leave with the 2G65 15.37 Pwllheli to Machynlleth and Birmingham International. This train will join with an Aberystwyth service at Machynlleth to become the 1G65 for the rest of its journey to the Midlands.
Keywords: 158824 15.37 Pwllheli-Machylleth Birmingham International 2G65 1G65 Aberdovey station

Machynlleth Depot
In the gathering gloom of an early evening, Machynlleth stabling point is seen with no units inside. The walls of the structure are all that remain of the GWR steam shed that has been extensively modified for current day use. Note the tall radio mast used for the transmission of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) signalling information.
Keywords: Machynlleth Depot

Machynlleth RETB operation centre
The interior of the Machynlleth European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) operation centre. It's all work stations rather than levers and bells now. This system was introduced in 2001 replacing the early RETB signalling system. The Cambrian Coast line was an early conversion to RETB in the 1970s that undoubtedly cut costs considerably and probably saved the lines from closure.
Keywords: Machynlleth RETB operation centre

Machynlleth station
The scene at Machynlleth station showing the extensive works being undertaken by Network Rail and ATW to improve facilities. Not least of these is the installation of a huge new footbridge complete with lifts. The station has good facilities and passenger numbers are growing steadily. The railways in the area are of key importance to many people as the road infrastructure is not good as we found out on our long drive home!
Keywords: Machynlleth station

158823, stabled, Machynlleth Depot
158823 sits stabled in Machynlleth depot receiving attention. This is ATW's main maintenance depot for its 158 DMUs. The depot was opened in 2007 to great fanfare replacing the Victoria era shed that was not suitable for modern traction. The new depot has very high environmental credentials featuring rainwater harvesting and wind turbine power. Notice the wheelie bins in the foreground with the small laminated image above them reminding staff what to recycle and where.
Keywords: 158823 Machynlleth Depot

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