1. The Welsh Marches & South Wales valleys-15.08.16

THE ARCHIVE FILES > Archive-2016 > 39. The Welsh Marches & South Wales-15 & 16.08.16 > 1. The Welsh Marches & South Wales valleys-15.08.16

After an early start driving through quite foggy weather, we headed for Shrewsbury. We then made our way all the way down the Welsh Marches line fringing the Welsh/English border. In the late afternoon, we covered a couple of the South Wales valleys before heading for our overnight accommodation in Barry. We found a small curry house and enjoyed a convivial evening meal.

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Images 1-34 of 34 displayed.

$Abbey Foregate signal box (GWR, 1914) Shrewsbury's Abbey Foregate signal box is a GWR Type 7D structure that opened in 1914. Whilst it's a large box, the number of levers in use today is a fraction of what it once was. It is difficult to get access for a picture. This one was taken using my long ladder over a wall in a cul-de-sac opposite the railway. Keywords: Abbey Foregate signal box$

Shrewsbury Severn Bridge Junction signal box (LNWR, 1903)
The absolutely magnificent Shrewsbury Severn Bridge Junction signal box sits just south of Shrewsbury station. It was constructed by the LNWR in 1903 and controls the busy network of tracks in the vicinity. It is the largest operational signal box, not only in the UK but Europe only beaten around the world by Spencer Street No1 in Melbourne, Australia! It is interesting mixture of GW and LNWR equipment that has grown haphazardly over the years.
Keywords: Shrewsbury Severn Bridge Junction signal box

175010, AW 07.30 Manchester Piccadilly-Carmarthen (1V35), Shrewsbury station
175010 leaves Shrewsbury station with the 07.30 Manchester Piccadilly to Carmarthen. It is passing the up main home signal SBJ5. Unfortunately, health and safety has spoilt this WR tubular signal with the addition of a rather large protective cage style ladder.
Keywords: 175010 07.30 Manchester Piccadilly-Carmarthen 1V35 Shrewsbury station

170634, 08.47 Shrewsbury-Birmingham New Street (1G13), Shrewsbury station
London Midland's 170634 leaves Shrewsbury's bay platform six with the 08.47 to Birmingham New Street. The Tudor style clock tower is seen above the train. When this, and the facade was designed and constructed it was intended to mirror the frontage of Shrewsbury School (now the library) that is directly opposite.
Keywords: 170634 08.47 Shrewsbury-Birmingham New Street 1G13 Shrewsbury station

158818, stabled, Shrewsbury station
158818 stands in Shrewsbury's bay platform five. As can be seen, it was a glorious summer morning, and unusually, it stayed like this all day with perfect blue skies!
Keywords: 158818 Shrewsbury station

175004, AW 05.03 Carmarthen-Manchester Piccadilly (1W48), Shrewsbury Crewe Junction
The 05.03 Carmarthen to Manchester Piccadilly service leaves Shrewsbury station formed by 175004. The signalling and track layout is complicated at the northern end of the station with the signals controlled by Shrewsbury Crewe Junction box. The rather ugly galvanised brackets replaced a superb LNWR gantry that used to span the lines here, see..... https://www.ontheupfast.com/v/photos/21936chg/26146595404/x40113-40144-crewe-campaigner-relief
Keywords: 175004 05.03 Carmarthen-Manchester Piccadilly 1W48 Shrewsbury Crewe Junction

Shrewsbury Crewe Junction signal box (LNWR, 1903)
The pigeons appear to like the roof of Shrewsbury Crewe Junction signal box as they take in the early morning summer sunshine. The box is a charming LNWR structure built in 1903. Just in view is the end of its impressive wooden name board that acts more a running in board for passengers that simply says Shrewsbury. It looks as though the box is of a conventional construction. But, due to its elevated position from road level it towers above ground level striking quite sight when sitting in a car waiting at traffic lights on Cross Street. In the background is the striking Italianate tower of the former Shrewsbury congregational church. This has been used as commercial premises and, at the time of writing, is subject of a planning application for it be turned into apartments.
Keywords: Shrewsbury Crewe Junction signal box

Sutton Bridge Junction signal box (GWR, 1913)
Situated in the southern part of Shrewsbury is Sutton Bridge Junction. This is the point where the Welshpool line diverges from the main line. There was also another line that diverged running directly behind the box in the foreground of this image. This line followed a delightful route to Ironbridge and Bridgnorth, the home of the present day Severn Valley Railway.
Keywords: Sutton Bridge Junction signal box

Sutton Bridge Junction signal box (GWR, 1913)
Sutton Bridge Junction signal box is a GWR Type 7 signal box built in 1913. It nestles down in a cutting in the suburbs of Shrewsbury, hence the heavy shadows in this image. It now only controls the junction with the Welshpool line. The next block post to the south is Dorrington five rail miles away. Note that it has had its three windows on the lower level rather crudely boarded up but it's good to see that it still retains the traditional three over two window arrangement on the upper level.
Keywords: Sutton Bridge Junction signal box

Dorrington signal box (LNW & GW joint, c.1872)
Taken from the road bridge to the south of the site of the old station (closed 09.06.58) Dorrington signal box is seen. The box was constructed is a Type 1 LNW/GW joint design built c.1872 containing a 33 lever frame. Notice the mixture of upper and lower quadrant arms consummate with the box's heritage. When I last visited in 1981, I was able to take a picture standing on the loop that ran in the space to the right of the present day running lines. I would have been standing approximately just in front of the signallman's 2009 Ford Focus. Either the box was switched out and I ventured trackside or or the signalman on-duty permitted me access. My notes do say that the box had a wooden nameboard that I believe is still fitted today and that I saw the 1M84 11.50 Cardiff to Crewe working with an unidentified class 33.
Keywords: Dorrington signal box

Marsh Brook signal box (LNW & GW Joint, 1872)
Another lovely design of box still wearings its wooden nameboard is Marsh Brook just south of Church Stretton. It also dates from 1872, like Dorrington, and appears to be an identical LNR/GW joint Type 1 design. It is probably the best of the remaining few boxes of this type and design and is also one of the oldest still in use today. When I visited in 1981, I noted that the gates were mechanically operated. In 1986 I also visited and was permitted access to the box. It is also worth noting that whilst the box is referred to as Marsh Brook, the village in which it is situated is Marshbrook.
Keywords: Marsh Brook signal box

175102, AW 05.55 Milford Haven-Manchester Piccadilly (1W52), Craven Arms crossing
I am not a huge fan of units for so many reasons, but, one advantage is that a favourable going-away shot can be taken where necessary. Here, from Craven Arms level crossing, there is no real view looking south and it would have been straight into the sun. So this going-away picture of 175102 forming the 05.55 Milford Haven to Manchester is half reasonable. The lovely rolling fields of the Welsh border are clearly seen in this high summer image.
Keywords: 175102 05.55 Milford Haven-Manchester Piccadilly 1W52 Craven Arms crossing

Craven Arms Crossing signal box (Re-built, Railtrack, 2000)
Railtrack is not well remembered in the annals of railway history for a number of reasons, not least is this structure! It was built around the original GW 1947 box in 2000 encasing the wooden structure that was beyond repair. During the summer of 2000, the frame and cladding were constructed and finally, the old box was dismantled from within. The original frame, possibly dating from 1931, and other equipment were retained. Just coming into the shot on the left is my Combo van.
Keywords: Craven Arms Crossing signal box

Onibury signal box (BR, 1977)
Having criticised Railtrack's attempt at building a new box in the 2000 at Craven Arms, BR's attempt is pretty awful too! It is a BR (WR) Type 37 box that was constructed in 1977. Despite some searching, I have been unable to find a reason why this was constructed and if it replaced another signal box, can anybody shed any light? As an aside, my notes from my 1981 visit state that at Onibury there was a 'new signal box'; it would have been just four years old then!
Keywords: Onibury signal box

Former Onibury station
Taken rather into the sun but it's a record shot so has been kept. It shows the former Onibury station that closed on 09.06.58. It is now a private residence but notice the various signage attached to the front.
Keywords: Former Onibury station

Bromfield signal box (LNW & GW Joint, 1873)
Another of the LNW and GW Joint boxes that are found on the Welsh Marches line. Bromfield was opened in 1873 and is just adjacent to a race course. The remains of the old station building are seen to the left, closed 09.06.58. My shot taken on 01.08.81 is taken in exactly the same position as this, not a great deal had changed down to the same picket fencing, see..... https://www.ontheupfast.com/p/21936chg/30033442597/x4-bromfield-signal-box-lnw-gw-joint
Keywords: Bromfield signal box

Woofferton Junction signal box (LNW & GW Joint, c.1875) & former Woofferton station
Looking from the south Woofferton's old station buildings can be seen in the trees to the right. Beyond that, in the distance, is the 1875 LNW & GW Joint signal box and its associated signalling. In the background is the well known landmark of Clee Hill with the larger 'golf ball' at the top that forms part of the NATS radar network that keeps our aeroplanes flying safely in the sky.
Keywords: Woofferton Junction signal box Woofferton station

Woofferton Junction signal box (LNW & GW Joint, c.1875)
When I visited Woofferton Junction signal box in 1981 I was permitted to venture on to the tracks to take picture of the front of the box, see..... https://www.ontheupfast.com/p/21936chg/30033442595/x3-woofferton-junction-signal-box Not on today's world, where I have had to make do with a shot of the back taken over a gate. This is another example of the LNW and GW Joint Type 1 box built in 1875. It was extended in 1914 when a new GWR frame was installed. In recent years, it has undergone a number of changes that have spoilt its looks somewhat, such as new windows, aluminium steps and an air conditioner.
Keywords: Woofferton Junction signal box

175101, AW 09.30 Manchester Piccadilly-Milford Haven (1V38), Leominster station
170101 arrives at Leominster station working the 09.30 Manchester Piccadilly to Milford Haven service. The unusual footbridge that the train is passing under carries the circular long-distance footpath, the Herefordshire Trail over the railway.
Keywords: 175101 09.30 Manchester Piccadilly-Milford Haven 1V38 Leominster station

Leominster signal box (LNW & GW joint, c.1875)
I am not sure if Leominster is a crime hotspot, but it's such a shame that there appears to be the need to enclose a signal box inside pallisade fencing as seen here. Leominster box is another of the several LNW and GW Joint Type 1 box built c.1875. It used to be named Leominster South End as there three boxes in the station area including a huge an impressive structure on the middle platform of the station. Leominster used to be a major railway centre on the Marches line.
Keywords: Leominster signal box

Moreton-on-Lugg signal box (GWR, 1943)
Moreton-on-Lugg signal box is GWR Type 12A structure built next to the level crossing. It was constructed during WWII in 1943 when the rail-served Moreton Camp was built to store military materials. The new box controlled entry to the base that had its own internal rail network.
Keywords: Moreton-on-Lugg signal box

175113, AW 11.21 Cardiff Central-Holyhead (1W93), Hereford station
Taken a bit into the sun but I wanted a picture that showed off Hereford's superb Victorian Gothic station building, designed by R.E. Johnson, that opened in 1853 as a joint station called Hereford Barrs Court. 175113 leaves the station working the 11.21 Cardiff to Holyhead service, a journey that effectively goes the whole length of Wales from south to north.
Keywords: 175113 11.21 Cardiff Central-Holyhead 1W93 Hereford station

150107, LM 10.49 Birmingham New Street-Hereford (1V25), Hereford station
Andy and I took a refreshment break at Hereford station. Whilst drinking coffee sitting at some tables on the platform I was able to capture 150107 sneaking into Hereford's platform one with the terminating 10.39 from Birmingham New Street.
Keywords: 150107 10.49 Birmingham New Street-Hereford 1V25 Hereford station

Tram Inn signal box (GWR, 1894)
Tram Inn signal box is a GW Type 5 structure dating from 1894. In recent years the large framed UPVC windows have somewhat spoilt the look of the box but it's good to see that it still has its cast plate. The up home signal that protects the level crossing is sighted in a odd position right in front of the box.
Keywords: Tram Inn signal box

175106, AW 09.10 Milford Haven-Manchester Piccadilly (1W14), Tram Inn crossing
An unusual shot with tricky lighting but I wanted to show the signal boxe's namesake in the background. Now, here's a question, what came first, the inn or the crossing, or was the crossing known by another name before the inn arrived; anybody out there with local knowledge? 175106 speeds over Tram Inn level crossing with the 09.10 Milford Haven to Manchester Piccadilly service.
Keywords: 175106 09.10 Milford Haven-Manchester Piccadilly 1W14 Tram Inn crossing

Pontrilas signal box (GWR, 1880)
A picture that necessitated a walk up a path into a field a fair way from the box and then the use of the zoom at its full focal length. Pontilas signal box is delightful GW Type 3 box constructed in 1880. The steps and porch are later additions. Even though this looks to be a rural location, looks can be deceiving as it's in a busy village with a very active timber mill not far to the right.
Keywords: Pontrilas signal box

Pontrilas signal box (GWR, 1880)
The rear view of Pontrilas signal box reveals that it is situated atop a bridge that is actually a small and narrow tunnel under the line. Andy and I made good use of the Post Office, as seen in the picture, by buying ice creams in an attempt to cool us down on this now beltingly hot afternoon!
Keywords: Pontrilas signal box

Abergavenny signal box (GWR, 1934)
Abergavenny signal box is a Type 28b 1934 structure. Whilst it has had work done, including new windows, it has been kept looking pretty good. The only things really spoiling it is the lack of a chimney stack. Most have been removed from boxes due to the conversion away from a coal stove to keep it warm. Notice the mop hanging out of the window indicating that the vinyl floor (probably!) has had a good clean!
Keywords: Abergavenny signal box

Little Mill Junction signal box (McK & H and GWR, c.1883)
When I last visited Little Mill Junction in 1985, the site was nothing like it is now! There were virtually no trees and the vista was completely open. This is as close as I dare get to the box to take my picture, there was no gate or fencing that was strange given the obsession that the modern railway has with security. Built in 1883 by McKenzie and Holland for the GWR, Little Mill is the first on the Marches line north from Newport. It has an NX panel for signalling and one lone semaphore, as seen in this picture, that controls the single line to the left. This siding is a remnant of the former branch line to Monmouth, that closed to passengers in 1955. The initial stub of the route is occasionally used by Network Rail engineering trains.
Keywords: Little Mill Junction signal box

Park Junction signal box (McK&H and GWR, c.1885)
Park Junction signal box was somewhat tricky to find! Hidden down by a housing estate to the west of Newport it's at the point where the recently re-opened Ebbw Vale line heads north from Newport and is the third junction of a triangle with Ebbw and Gaer Junctions. The box is a dual operation type constructed by McK&H for the GWR and was opened in 1885 and fitted with a 100 lever frame and now contains an NX panel.
Keywords: Park Junction signal box

150285, AW 15.37 Ebbw Vale Parkway-Bridgend (2F46), Newbridge station
After a huge amount of discussion, planning and construction, the Ebbw Vale line was reopened passengers in 2008 some 46 years after it closed. Here at Newbridge station, 150285 pauses with the 15.57 Ebbw Vale Parkway to Bridgend. Note that Network Rail is relaying the second line as part of next stage of the development of the line to re-double between Aberbeeg and Crosskeys.
Keywords: 150285 15.37 Ebbw Vale Parkway-Bridgend 2F46 Newbridge station

153367, AW 16.37 Ebbw Vale Parkway-Cardiff Central (2B71), Ebbw Vale Parkway station
Ebbw Vale Parkway station is situated on the valley floor at the head of the valley. The relative flat bottom was occupied by the huge steel works complex. Its fortunes waxed and wained as went through various changes of owners with it finally closing in 2002. The land has been extensively redeveloped but the area remains a little bare in places with work still on-going. As part of the plans the railway that was used extensively by the coal and steel industries was re-opened to passengers in 2008. 153367 and a class 150 leave Ebbw Vale Parkway station with the 16.37 to Cardiff Central.
Keywords: 153367 16.37 Ebbw Vale Parkway-Cardiff Central 2B71 Ebbw Vale Parkway station

143616 & 143605, AW 17.17 Bargoed-Penarth (2P83), Bargoed station
In the glorious late afternoon sunshine, ATW's 143616 and 143605 leave Bargoed station with the 17.17 to Penarth. It is about to enter Bargoed's short tunnel. When I last visited this station in 2008 there was still a signal box at the north end of the station. The 1970 BR structure was decommissioned in August 2013 when the line was resignalled.
Keywords: 143616 143605 17.17 Bargoed-Penarth 2P83 Bargoed station

150240, AW 17.38 Merthyr Tydfil-Bridgend (2E52), Dinas Powyas station
The final picture of the day before our overnight stay at Barry sees 150240 leaving Dinas Powyas station with the 2E52 17.38 Merthyr Tydfil to Bridgend.
Keywords: 150240 17.38 Merthyr Tydfil-Bridgend 2E52 Dinas Powyas station

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