2. Barry to Carmarthen-16.08.16

THE ARCHIVE FILES > Archive-2016 > 39. The Welsh Marches & South Wales-15 & 16.08.16 > 2. Barry to Carmarthen-16.08.16

On our second day Andy and I roughly covered the area between Barry and Carmarthen. We then turned for home with a pretty mammoth drive back to Northamptonshire; the old Combo van did well!

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Images 1-35 of 35 displayed.

GWR boundary marker, Rhoose station
If you walk around with your head facing the ground on GW territory, you will come across boundary markers. This particular example was adjacent to the level crossing and up platform at Rhoose station.
Keywords: GWR boundary marker Rhoose station

150253 & 143614, AW 07.42 Bridgend-Aberdare (2A12), Rhoose station
150253 and 143614 arrives at Rhoose station with 2A12, the 07.42 Bridgend to Aberdare morning commuter working. The station is a split platform affair that is a short distance from Cardiff International airport. The large chimney in the background belongs to Aberthaw power station.
Keywords: 150253 143614 07.42 Bridgend-Aberdare 2A12 Rhoose station

Aberthaw signal box (Barry, 1897)
Aberthaw signal box sits on the platform of the former Aberthaw Low Level station that closed 05.05.30. The box is a Barry Railway structure that dates from 1897. It contains an NX panel and a 53-lever frame. The box remains purely because it controls entry and exit to Aberthaw power station that can be seen emerging from the bank behind. It is now Grade II listed so its future after closure is assured in some form or another.
Keywords: Aberthaw signal box

150254, AW 06.38 Merthyr Tydfil-Bridgend (2E08), Aberthaw
150254 skirts the Bristol Channel as it approaches Aberthaw. It is working the 06.38 Merthyr Tydfil to Bridgend service. This train completes a virtually complete circular route starting at about 200 metres above sea level, then descending down the Taff Vale to Cardiff. It then takes the Vale of Glamorgan coastal line, as seen here, back up to Bridgend.
Keywords: 150254 06.38 Merthyr Tydfil-Bridgend 2E08 Aberthaw

43162, GW 07.30 Carmarthen-London Paddington (1L42), Bridgend station
43162 arrives at Bridgend station with the 07.30 Carmarthen to Paddington service. This HST set will have arrived at Carmarthen the previous night as the 17.15 from Paddington. Stabled over night it is cleaned, serviced and then ready to work back to London next morning as seen here.
Keywords: 43162 07.30 Carmarthen-London Paddington 1L42 Bridgend station

43129, GW 07.30 Carmarthen-London Paddington (1L42), Bridgend station
The rear end of the 07.30 Carmarthen leaves Bridgend with 43129 doing the work at the rear. It is looking like that it's going to be another sunny and hot day. Notice the bird of prey, possibly a red kite, hovering in the sky directly above the train, there is a large open space behind the large police station building seen, so I suspect that it was looking for its breakfast, as Andy and I were by now. We made do with a coffee from the platform retailer.
Keywords: 43129 07.30 Carmarthen-London Paddington 1L42 Bridgend station

158831, AW 09.16 Maesteg-Cheltenham (2G56), Tondu Junction
Tondu Junction is a shadow of its former self with just a single running line now compared with the many that there once were. The GWR Type 3 box that dates from 1884 is being passed by 158831 working the ATW 09.16 Maesteg to Cheltenham Spa service. Note the driver and signalmen exchanging the tablet.
Keywords: 158831, AW 09.16 Maesteg-Cheltenham (2G56), Tondu Junction

158831, AW 09.16 Maesteg-Cheltenham (2G56), Tondu station
With a lovely summer sky above it, 158831 pauses at Tondu station forming the 09.16 Maesteg to Cheltenham service. Dominating this view is Tondu's down bracket signal, TU63. It is not clear to see, but the left hand arm (as viewed from this angle) has a route indicator attached as out of view to drivers taking this route to Blaengarw there is a loop.
Keywords: 158831 09.16 Maesteg-Cheltenham 2G56 Tondu station

158831, AW 09.16 Maesteg-Cheltenham (2G56), Tondu station
158831 leaves all that remains of the once much larger station at Tondu. This small platform was one side of a V shaped platform arrangement with the major platform being off to the right of this image at the edge of the car park on the line that headed off to Margam. This line, whilst still extant, is extremely overgrown and out of use.
Keywords: 158831 09.16 Maesteg-Cheltenham 2G56 Tondu station

Tondu Junction looking towards Margam
A decaying scene at Tondu taken from the footbridge. The pair of tracks are heading in a westerly direction to become a single track in the trees is the distance. This line links Tondu with Margam and was once a busy line carrying coal trains out from the western valleys. It was also a useful diversionary route when the mainline was closed but trains needed to reverse out of view behind me just past Tondu signal box. Never say never, but I suspect that this line will not carry trains again even though its is connected at both ends and is fully signalled. However, there will need to be a little vegetation clearance!
Keywords: Tondu Junction Margam

Tondu signal box (GWR, 1884)
Given that Tondu signal box has a extremely limited life remaining, it is quite surprising that Network Rail have cloaked it in scaffolding and appears top be giving it some maintenance. It looked as though there was work being done to the roof of the GWR Type 3 box dating from 1884. The work of the signalman will be a lot less that in past years when it was a busy junction handing a lot of coal trains with many of the 65 levers now being painted white as out of use.
Keywords: Tondu signal box

Class 43, GW 09.28 Swansea-London Paddington (1L48), Pyle station
This is a bit of 'grab shot' because Andy and I heard this train as we were walking up the ramp on to the staion at Pyle. The class 43 HST is passing at some speed being only 19 miles into its 190 journey to Paddington as the 09.28 1L48 from Swansea. It was travelling too fast to read its number, but, examination of the picture has revealed that it can only be 43172 'Harry Patch-The last survivor of the trenches.' The nose cone is not the usual blue but black and the vinyls applied to the side of the power unit are also visible along with the nameplate.
Keywords: Class 43 09.28 Swansea-London Paddington 1L48 Pyle station

Port Talbot signal box (BR, 1963)
Not one of BR's finest structures but one of historical note none-the-less. Port Talbot PSB was opened in 1963 when it replaced a number of boxes on the South Wales mainline. However, time is now up for this relatively new box and, I believe that it is about (or it has already?) close. Notice the level crossing that has been recently closed as Port Talbot's shiny new station opened that I am standing on the end of to take this picture. Andy and I took a break at Port Talbot, taking a very satisfying breakfast in a huge Morrisons supermarket; very good value too!
Keywords: Port Talbot signal box

Neath & Brecon Junction signal box (GWR, 1892) SS749979
Neath and Brecon Junction signal box took a little finding and was extremely difficult to get a picture of. It now handles a handful of trains per week as virtually all of the coal traffic has dried up. All that remains is a class 66 trip up the valley to the Onllwyn washery plant and even this working is a little irregular. I suspect the end will come soon for this GW Type 5 box dating from 1892. Whilst the box is very reasonable condition, still having its finials on the gable ends, I am not sure about the authenticity of the front door that looks as though it was picked up from the local DIY store!
Keywords: Neath & Brecon Junction signal box SS749979

175103, AW 11.10 Milford Haven-Manchester Piccadilly (1W16) & 43139, GW 13.28 Swansea-London Paddington (1L66), Swansea station
Side by side at Swansea! To the left, ATW's 11.10 Milford Haven to Manchester Piccadilly waits to leave formed by 165103. It has arrived at the Welsh terminus and will then reverse o continue its journey. To the right, 43139 'Driver Stan Martin 25 June 1950-6 November 2004' will work the 13.28 to Paddington. Despite my many years of interest in all things railway, this was my first visit to Swansea station, quite how this situation has arisen, I am not sure?
Keywords: 175103 11.10 Milford Haven-Manchester Piccadilly 1W16 43139 13.28 Swansea-London Paddington 1L66 Swansea station

43175, GW 13.28 Swansea-London Paddington (1L66), Swansea station
Basking in the hot summer sun, 43175 'GWR 175th Anniversary' is being cleaned and prepared at Swansea station in order to work 1L66 or 13.28 to London Paddington. The rear power car, out if sight at Swansea's buffer blocks, was 43139 'Driver Stan Martin 25 June 1950-6 November 2004'. Andy can be seen to the left of this image walking up the platform to join me.
Keywords: 43175 13.28 Swansea-London Paddington 1L66 Swansea station

175103, AW 11.10 Milford Haven-Manchester Piccadilly (1W16), Swansea station
175103 leaves Swansea under some of its early electrical signalling equipment that was installed in the late 1960s. Now over 40 years old, the salty sea air at Swansea has begun to take its toll on the steelwork. In the background notice the new order in the form of the electrification masts and the construction of the new maintenance and stabling facilities for the IET class 800s. These will be running from here some time soon, however, when I do not know as the programme is now hopelessly behind schedule and way over budget.
Keywords: 175103 11.10 Milford Haven-Manchester Piccadilly 1W16 Swansea station

Nameplate, 43175, GW 13.28 Swansea-London Paddington (1L66), Swansea station
The nameplate of 43175 'GWR 175th Anniversary' sits nicely on the side of the power car that will lead the 13.28 Swansea to London Paddington. The nameplates were unveiled at Paddington station in a ceremony on 08.10.10 by the great, great, grandson of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. The ceremony was organised by First Great Western Trains, the Friends of Swindon Railway Museum, Network Rail and the Steam museum.
Keywords: Nameplate 43175 13.28 Swansea-London Paddington 1L66 Swansea station

43139, GW 13.28 Swansea-London Paddington (1L66), Swansea station
A wide-angle picture of Swansea station with Andy posing in the sunshine on platform three. In the shade, 43139 'Driver Stan Martin 25 June 1950-6 November 2004' is being prepared to work the 13.28 to London Paddington. Swansea station had a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere and despite it having barriers, we were permitted access with a happy smile; this is so often not the case!
Keywords: 43139 13.28 Swansea-London Paddington 1L66 Swansea station

Frontage, Swansea station
Swansea station first opened in 1850 and was built by the South Wales railway that was subsumed by the GWR a short time later in 1863. The station was a timber structure with a galvanised roof, nothing remains of this now. The present station building and frontage seen here was opened in 1934. Three years ago, the first phase of a comprehensive re-development was completed with further plans for the ticket hall.
Keywords: Frontage Swansea station

153327, AW 09.14 Crewe-Swansea (2V08), Llangennech station
Andy watches ATW's 153327 pass through Llangennech station working the 09.14 Crewe to Swansea. This train will travel as far as Llanelli and then reverse to complete its journey to Swansea. Llangennech station is at lovely and very quiet spot down on the Loughor Estuary. The line is at the far southern end of the Central Wales line that this train has just traversed.
Keywords: 153327 09.14 Crewe-Swansea 2V08 Llangennech station

Llanelli West signal box (GWR, 1877)
According to Coflein, the online catalogue of archaeology, buildings, industrial and maritime heritage in Wales, Llanelli's GWR signal box is the fourth oldest remaining structure of its types dating from 1877. It is a unique survivior of the Great Western Railway Type 2 box in Wales. Externally, it appears in excellent original condition; internally the frame is still in place although all the levers have been removed. The Individual Function Switch (IFS) panel was installed c.1973 to control the adjacent level crossing. When the box closed last year, Network Rail planned to demolish it but after a hurried campaign, the box has recently been awarded Grade II listed status so its future is now more assured.
Keywords: Llanelli West signal box

150229, AW 14.00 Swansea-Pembroke Dock (2E24), Llanelli station
150229 arrives at Llanelli station forming the 14.00 Swansea to Pembroke Docks afternoon service. It had turned into a glorious hot afternoon in west Wales but I suspect the passengers in the crowed class 150 with no air conditioning and only opening bin windows did not enjoy the heat so mush as Andy and I did!
Keywords: 150229 14.00 Swansea-Pembroke Dock 2E24 Llanelli station

150229, AW 14.00 Swansea-Pembroke Dock (2E24), Llanelli station
A crew change takes place at a sunny and hot Llanelli station. 150229 has just arrived with the 14.00 Swansea to Pembroke Dock working and is getting ready to continue its westward journey. The level crossing can be seen at the end of the platforms were the Grade II listed 1877 signal box, now closed, is situated just out of shot to the left.
Keywords: 150229, 14.00 Swansea-Pembroke Dock 2E24 Llanelli station

Pembrey signal box (GWR, 1907)
Finding Pembrey signal box, despite it being a large GW Type 7 structure that contained an 83 lever frame, proved al little tricky. It is actually situated in the town of Burry Port with the village of Pembrey being about two miles to the east! The box still wears its cast plate, Pembrey East signal box. This location is a significant spot as it marks the end of track circuits and power signalling all the way from Paddington, some 203 miles to the east; from here west it's absolute block all the way!
Keywords: Pembrey signal box

Kidwelly signal box (BR, 1950s)
Sounding like a Flanders and Swan song, the delightfully named Kidwelly signal box is not an attractive structure. However, looks can be deceiving as the base, even though it's been rendered is in fact the original 1885 GWR structure. The top and pitched flat roof were added by BR in 1950. It contains a mini panel that controls the signalling and the level crossing but it's still absolute block all the way, next box west is Ferryside.
Keywords: Kidwelly signal box

Kidwelly signal box (BR, 1950s)
Another view of Kidwelly signal box, this time from the side and back showing clearly the full barriers. The use of this type of barrier, even though favoured by Network Rail, is a little bit of surprise here as the road they protect goes nowhere apart from to a few houses down by the Gwendraeth estuary. Kidwelly's box is the intermediate block post between Pembrey to the east and Ferryside to the west and must be a lovely, quiet place to work.
Keywords: Kidwelly signal box

Ferryside signal box (GWR, 1880s)
Andy and I arrived at Ferryside, located on the Towy estuary, in late afternoon and what delightful place it was! To rest our weary selves, we bought ice creams and, after removing our shoes, had a relaxing paddle in the sea. This image shows the GW Type 3 signal box opened sometime in the 1880s. Even though this view does not show it, the box is in a superb location with the beach and the estuary just behind it. It is such a shame that the the ghastly 1960s style footbridge dominates any view of the box. The comedian Paul Merton visited Ferryside station in episode one of the three-part series Paul Merton's Secret Stations.
Keywords: Ferryside signal box

175005, AW 10.30 Manchester Piccadilly-Milford Haven (1V39), Ferryside station
The section of line that runs along the Gwendraeth and Towy estuaries is an equal for the south Devon coast line. The line hugs the coast from where it leaves Kidwelly all the way to Carmarthen offering delightful views to the passengers. Unfortunately, for the railway photographer, there are limited opportunities to take pictures due to difficult access so I believe that this is the reason that there is such a dearth of images. This picture shows 175005 approaching Ferryside station passing its down home signal forming the 10.30 Manchester Piccadilly to Milford Haven. Notice the HST stop boards on the up line. The tiny station enjoys a direct HST service to and from Paddington twice a day.
Keywords: 175005 10.30 Manchester Piccadilly-Milford Haven 1V39 Ferryside station

175102, AW 15.10 Milford Haven-Manchester Piccadilly (1W20), Carmarthen station
175102 is preparing to leave Carmarthen station working the 15.10 Milford Haven to Manchester Piccadilly 1W20 service. This train will have arrived at the terminus from west Wales and, after the crew change ends, leaves the same way it arrived for a short distance as far as Carmarthen Junction to continue its journey. Carmarthen station used to be a through station, but the lines to the north and east from here were early closures in the 1950s. The station now only has two platforms of the five it once had.
Keywords: 175102 15.10 Milford Haven-Manchester Piccadilly 1W20 Carmarthen station

Frontage, Carmarthen station
The frontage of Carmarthen station is built to a GWR style and was opened here in 1902 replacing the poorly sited South Wales Railway station that was located at the triangular junction some mile or so west from the town .
Keywords: Carmarthen station

Pantyffynnon signal box (GWR, 1892) & up starter signal
Pantyffynnon signal box is seen a short distance from the station of the same name. The box is a GWR Type 5 that opened in 1892. It controls a number of semaphores on the Central Wales (now referred to as the Heart of Wales) line. It also controls access to the freight only Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen line for removal of coal from the open cast mine. Unfortunately, this is as close as I could get to the box.
Keywords: Pantyffynnon signal box up starter signal

Andy on Pantyffynnon station
The delightful pergola style station at Pantyffynnon with Andy standing on the platform that trains traversing the Central Wales line stop at. Sections of the station were protected by barriers and it looked as though work was taking place to restore the Grade II listed building. The line off to the right is the freight only Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen branch.
Keywords: Pantyffynnon station

150252, AW 14.05 Shrewsbury-Swansea (2V10), Pontarddulais station
150252 arrives at Pontarddulais station working the 14.05 Shrewsbury to Swansea service. It is passing the un-used and fenced off section of the platform but I cannot help that feeling this is a poor greeting to passengers. This train has traversed the Central or the Heart of wales line, a distance of some 103 miles and is now a few stops away from its destination.
Keywords: 150252 14.05 Shrewsbury-Swansea 2V10 Pontarddulais station

150252, AW 14.05 Shrewsbury-Swansea (2V10), Pontarddulais station
The guard returns to the 14.05 Shrewsbury to Swansea service formed by 150252 at Pontarddulais station having stopped at the request only station. This single platform station at the southern end of the Central Wales line used to be a grander affair with two three further platforms, a substantial station building and an extensive goods yard. Paul Merton visited this station in programme two of the Channel 4 documentary Paul Merton’s Secret Stations.
Keywords: 150252 14.05 Shrewsbury-Swansea 2V10 Pontarddulais station

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