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br2975

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Everything posted by br2975

  1. (D)6889 was reported as headlight fitted in a BR (WR) fleet / allocation ist dated Wednesday, 31st. December, 1968, and although allocated to Landore was at Radyr the previous weekend, having been employed on the Sundays Only 05:05 Cardiff - Treherbert passengers and news . . Just a thought....................... . If, as has been suggested the containers shown in the Cardiff image are insulated, and are heading west from Cardiff, the most likely destination may be either Danygraig, or Fishguard Harbour for 'Irish traffic', and, could they be in the process of delivery, ex-works ? . Commencing with the introduction of the 1969-1970 Winter WTT in October, 1969 the WR had intended for; The 08:00 Paddington-Fishguard Harbour TThSO to pick up Freightliner wagons at Llanelli, which had been worked across by the 10:50 ex-Danygraig. The empty wagons to return on the 13:55 ECS Fishguard – Llanelli from whence they would depart at 15:55 for Danygraig, and on Saturdays to Cardiff, Canton for maintenance. NOTE:- The 'mixed' liner trains to/from Fishguard did not materialise. As a result, the following working was introduced from; 22nd. October 1969 07:00 Danygraig – Fishguard TThSO 12:45 Fishguard – Danygraig TThO 12:45 Fishguard – Cardiff, Canton SO (for maintenance) This was a Cl.47 diagram, although on Saturday 27th. November, 1971 4F35 the 07:00 ex-Danygraig was hauled by 6606..
  2. . Oh yes. . Having watched the Cheltenham Gold Cup in Barcelona we flew back early Saturday. . On the drive back from Bristol Airport I listened in as Cardiff City capitulated in the South Wales derby, and arrived home in time to see another capitulation, but with a different shape ball. . However, the weather had been beautiful in Catalunya, the food and drink exceptional. . Recommended to anyone visiting Barcelona..... . Antic Cafe Espanyol, Avenida del Paral-lel, 64 Ciutat Vella. . A ten minute walk from La Rambla, but a different world !
  3. How about this one ? . Cardiff General . Strange thing about this image, is it gives the impression the train is working 'wrong road' as it appears to be an 'up' train on the 'down through' road at Cardiff General. However, I cannot recall these ever working in South Wales. I would date the photo as late 60s, when 8F27 was the 08:45 Margam (Knuckle Yard) - STJ (Bristol Yard). But why that train would be carrying containers, is open to debate. The only container destinations west of Cardiff (Pengam) at that time were Danygraig (Swansea) and Fishguard. The alternative explanation is - the containers are on the right road, heading west with the train loco out of view, and the light Cl.37 has drawn up behind, not uncommon in those days.................Unless someone out there has the info we (OK , I ) seek ? . An explanation given on another group is that this It IS on the down through running from Cardiff (Pengam) to Swansea (Danygraig) as one of many early trial runs. Loco on the rear is to provide sufficient brake force for 75mph running as without this the train would have been limited to 60 or even less dependant upon weight. At that time it was not uncommon to put a loco on the rear for additional brake force. . But, should 6889 on the rear have a taillamp ? . Answesr please, on a post card.................. .
  4. . In my case this came about because the basic training ( in relation to attendance and performance issues ) provided to myself and colleagues (as a 'reps') by the PF outweighed that provided by my force to its supervisors and managers. . Hence I told my Chief Constable I had no doubt I had kept failing officers in the job, due to the failings of the force, not to any superiority on my part.
  5. . After being purchased by BR 'Falcon' was taken into Swindon Works late in 1970, overhauled and her vac brakes removed and air brakes fitted - I suspect in advance of air braked Mk.2 stock being introduced on the Padd-Bristol route; but unusually she appears to have kept her steam heating.. . At this time she was also repainted blue, initially keeping her number "0280" only losing the 'D' . . However, she was renumbered 1200 before being released from the works, back to Bristol, Bath Road. . She was officially renumbered from '0280' to '1200' on 19/12/1970. . 'Falcon' was transferred to Ebbw Junction during August 1972 ( NOT 1974 as mentioned by 'Johnster' ), thence to Canton from 21/10/1972 (was this just a paper exercise ?) before returning to Ebbw Junction from 12/05/1973. Canton was theoretically responsible for Falcon's more involved 'needs' and there are photographs to show she was dealt with at Canton. A longtime friend of mine and retired Canton fitter repaired Falcon's speedo there. . 'Falcon' was also dealt with, at Gloucester, Horton Road on a few occasions. .. Following transfer from Bath Road, I first saw her at Ebbw Junction on 26th. August, 1972, and many times after. . On 27th. September, 1972 she arrived at Derby,towing Cl.25 7520 which was destined for works attention. 'Falcopn' promptly returned light to the Western Region. . I would argue that she wasn't 'clapped out' on her arrival at Ebbw Junction, as she was but 4 months out of Swindon ( I had seen her there on 4th. April, 1972 ), and straight off front line workings between Paddington, Bristol and WSM, as well as summer saturday jaunts to Torbay. . Whilst she may have been seen on Newport Docks - Llanwern (Spencer Works) iron ore turns, this was not her intended, or rostered duty, as by the time she arrived at Ebbw Junction that depots Newport Docks - Llanwern and Newport Docks - Ebbw Vale iron ore turns had been in the hands of pairs of Cl.25s since late 1970, Ebbw Junction had copious amounts of Cl.25s by August 1972. . 1200s rostered duties whilst at Ebbw Junction were 'Class 9' trips from ADJ (Alexandra Dock Junction) yard opposite Ebbw Junction on the south side of the SWML, to East Usk Yard, the Uskmouth Branch including Stewarts & Lloyds, Orb Works, Monsanto Chemicals, British Aluminium and Lysaghts. . These trips were normally 05:20 - 23:50 Mondays, 01:05 - 23:50 Tuesdays - Fridays and 01:05 - 14:17 Saturdays or until 17:57 if required. There are reports of 'Falcon' reaching as far as Hereford, Radyr and Ebbw Vale whilst allox to Ebbw Junction. . 'Falcon' was officially withdrawn on 18th. May, 1974 and turned up out of the blue at Brush, Loughborough about a week later. . The story goes that she had failed at Newport and 'higher authority' felt she should be returned to her owners, Brush. Brush asked BR "why is Falcon in our siding ?" "Well it's your loco" was the alleged BR response "You bought it off us four years ago !" said the Brush employee. 'Falcon' returned to Ebbw Junction, passing Derby on 16th. June, 1974 behind 47106, was repaired and reinstated to traffic, for almost a further year's service.. This tale is allegedly part of Ebbw Junction folklore. As mentioned elsewhere, along with some Cl.47s, 'Falcon' was involved in the recovery of the Cl.37 that fell down an embankment at Cwm, twixt Aberbeeg and Ebbw Vale during 1975 where 'Kelbus' gear was used to extricate the errant Cl.37. Hardly a job for a 'clapped out' loco. . . As for 'Falcon' retaining her cast emblems to the end, that was more by luck, than judgement - and the work of the BTP in recovering the missing crest.......... which during its enforced absence had been replaced by a self adhesive image of 'Babar the Elephant' - which was not removed when the recovered crest was restored to the side of the loco, and remained visible beneath. See the photo below........................... . .
  6. . I don't believe the Houthi rebels, or their Tehran financiers would honour any claims.
  7. In 1964 I stood here and watched Cardiff East Dock pannier tank, 3790 shunting coal wagons in Ely coal yard. . Little did I think then that exactly 60 years later, on 23rd. February 2024, I'd be stood in the same spot to watch the last scheduled train load of Welsh mined coal en route from the doomed Ffos-y-fran / Cwmbargoed opencast complex to the doomed Tata, Port Talbot steelworks. . Greta and her friends may have slept well that night., but a great many Welsh workers and their families would not. 10000000_6915933481869537_8599964129904983114_n.mp4
  8. . I can't go because the Pope gave me syphilis . Sounds like one of the notes my mum used to write when I was off school.......................
  9. . All noted ! . Standing by . Out !
  10. Your best bet would be back issues of Narrow Gauge & Shortline Gazette. . I don't know whether there is an index to the magazine available anywhere.
  11. . My old force was formed in 1969 by the amalgamation of several smaller forces. . From 1969 to date, that force has only ever fired one round in anger, and that was a "Hatton round" at the engine block of a car full of drug traffickers during a planned operation. . Not bad for 'lawless Britain' .
  12. Obtained this from a 'well known online auction site' . No additional information came with the image.
  13. Yesterday, Sunday 25th. February, 2024 the TfW 'Metro' took another step forward. . Cl.231 unit(s) eg 231009 were tried out as far as Treherbert - the Rhondda Fawr line is due to reopen tomorrow, but initially operated by existing Cl.150/2 'Sprinter' units and the OHLE has yet to be energised. . Cl.756 tri-mode units were tried out in the evening along the 'City Line' for the first time since last Autumn. . A large number of the Cl.756 units are 'stored' at the Barry Depot ( formerly used by the Barry Tourist Railway ). . On Sundays, GBRf Cl.66s have been working from Cardiff Tidal to Treherbert and back, on route learning jobs. . Next weekend Cardiff Queen Street and the Cardiff Bay branch ( Bute Road to those of my age ) will close completely from Friday to Monday to allow improvement work to be undertaken. . Several PW trains ( nowadays called 'infrastructure' apparently ) are scheduled in connection with the works. . As a result Treherbert, Merthyr & Aberdare workings will be diverted off the Radyr - Queen St. - Cardiff Central axis and onto the City Line, all will be non-stop on the City Line, with no service at all calling at Danescourt, Fairwater, Waungron Park and Ninian Park. . City Line passengers can use their rail tickets on Cardiff Bus services. . There is still one Cl.398 'Tram Train' set waiting to be delivered from Asfordby ? to Taffs Well using the Cl.20s as described above.
  14. Being from South Wales, and a diet of then 12 year old Derby Suburban DMUs ( Cl.116 for the younger element ) finding myself, one day in May 1970, travelling back and forth twixt Eastbourne and Brighton on 'antiquated' (i) 2-BIL (ii) 2-HAL, and (iii) 4-COR units certainly broadened my horizons, to the ride, noises, accomodation and general ambience. .
  15. One down, only two to go. . This Thursday will see the final scheduled trainload of Welsh mined coal; from Cwmbargoed D.P. (Ffos-y-fran) to Margam, for Tata Steel, Port Talbot. . However, coke will continue to be imported through the Port Talbot deep water harbour until the blast furnaces at Port Talbot cease production later this year. . Importing the coke, instead of mining it here in Wales boosts our 'green credentials' . In order to reduce our footprint further, our leaders at Cardiff Bay are now planning to force Welsh farmers to reduce their livestock herds by 10% and grow trees instead. . All this crossed my mind earlier as I stood in an empty Welsh field, surrounded by trees, awaiting the arrival of the late running 6C83 11:30 Cwmbargoed - Margam, the antepenultimate Welsh coal train. . Welcome to Wales.............................
  16. . I recently misted my trackwork with diluted IPA prior to ballasting, using diluted PVA dribbled on with a hypodermic syringe . It stained my sleepers with a white effect. . The trackwork was Peco Code 75, sprayed first a dark brown. . I then reverted to using a "wet water" mix of water & washing up liquid to mist over first, and the white staining was no longer an issue.
  17. Despite having an inherited interest in railways, genetically handed down from my dad - I never started 'spotting' per se until Jeff Evans, a school friend, suggested we go 'train spotting' . Our grandstand was a footbridge linking Finchley Road and Wroughton Place, that spanned the South Wales main Line just on the down side of the former Ely (Main Line) station on the western outskirts of Cardiff. . The year was 1964, and the first number into my book was 8750 pannier, 3790, shunting the coal yard (one siding). . Then Jeff let out a cry of 'double peg' - the meaning of which had me totally flumouxed - and shortly after, a great green beast hove into view from the St. Fagans direction . I wrote down the number, 92220, and saw that this monster had a nameplate, but was dragging a long line of dirty brown vans. . I was hooked. . For our next spotting adventure Jeff suggested "Pwllmelin Road bridge, by the Top Shops" as we should get some steamers. . Our OP (observation position) was on a dirt lane running behind Waterhall Junction Signal Box, where we were disappointed by the failure to see any of nearby Radyr shed's steam fleet, by then one of the largest allocations on the Western region. . All I came away with, was my first railway photo, an EE Type 3 ( they weren't Clas 37s, Growlers, or Tractors back then ) propelling a brake van towards Penarth Curve North. . I've never looked back - I've pursued my hobby across four continents, seen many sights and made many friends. . Photo No.1 The footbridge at 'Ely (Main Line)' where it all started - as it is today. This bridge was humorously christened the "BRMB" ( Brian R's Memorial Bridge ) in my honour, by one of my friends - I'm still waiting for a commerative blue plaque to be fitted ! . Photo No.2 My first railway photo, Waterhall Junction 1964 . Photo No.3 Waterhall Junction today, looking towards Radyr.
  18. . I need to secure some supplies, so may well pop in. . If not, a social afternoon 'in town' ( bus pass, the use of ! ) may be called for ?
  19. My brother Paul ( 'naturol' of this parish ) and I were the original organisers of the 'Cardiff Small Model Railway Shows' which were held at the Pontcanna Scout HQ in Cardiff. . We were assisted by Messrs Lord & Butler. . In the aftermath of the pandemic we considered the possibility of reviving the event, but after lengthy discussions decided against it. . 'NHY581" has mentioned to me that he would be willing to consider staging a similar event to the one time 'Cardiff Small Model Railway Show' . My brother Paul, and I support Rob's (NHY581) consideration of staging such an event, and would be prepared to assist in the background, if and where we can. . We are all of the opinion that there is a local need for such a small, friendly, one day event with exhibitors, demonstrations, societies and a trader or two. . Brian R
  20. Andrew Barclay 0-4-0F 1944/1928 was delivered 9th. January, 1928 to J. & J. Colman Ltd. Carrow Works, Norwich . It as fitted with a reducing valve. . Livery when delivered was; Caledonian blue, picked black and edged yellow - named "Gamma". . Sold 11/1952 to Midland Tar Distillers. . Hope this helps ? . Brian R
  21. Here is the link to Karl Crowther's "Hebble Vale" https://emgauge70s.co.uk/layout_hebble.html
  22. . Get a back copy of MRJ 230 where Karl Crowther describes how he used, joined and painted Wills stone sheets on his Hebble Vale layout.. . Consider the article the most informative and useful so far published. . You can find his work at:- https://emgauge70s.co.uk/layout_hebble.html
  23. . And I can recall very little Latin from my schooldays, other than "caveat emptor"
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