RMweb Premium keefer Posted February 17, 2014 RMweb Premium Share Posted February 17, 2014 completely out of my era/area but thank you for posting such wonderful pics. The composition and quality are amazing, yet without fuss - a proper, historical record of locations (and not just the stations/railway but everything around them too) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
avonside1563 Posted February 18, 2014 Share Posted February 18, 2014 There is a book on the railways around Pant and Llanymynech called "Trains on the Border" published by Neil Rhodes Books, ISBN 9780955555732 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post PGH Posted February 22, 2014 Author Popular Post Share Posted February 22, 2014 (edited) I was never a great fan of the BR blue period, but the construction of the new A55 road alongside the North Wales Coast Line in the Colwyn Bay Area in the early 1980s prompted the taking of several views which would disappear when the road was completed. Some of these photos are included in this post and the following post includes views taken during the construction work. 47540 on a Holyhead to London train departs unusually from the up slow line platform at Colwyn Bay in August 1980, the up fast line platform being occupied by a short container train. The four platform station was later reduced to two platforms. 25427 departs on the container train Unknown Class 47 on Holyhead to London train approaching Colwyn Bay in September 1980. This was originally a four track section to Llandudno Junction. To accommodate the new road here the line was diverted to the north (right of photo). 47508 "Great Britain" crossing Old Colwyn Viaduct on a London to Holyhead train in March 1981. The new road now occupies the area in front of the viaduct. 40117 on empty ballast hoppers to Penmaenmawr crossing the viaduct just east of Colwyn Bay Station in March 1981. This view is also now obscured by the new road. The flat roofed building in the shadow on the opposite side of the left hand viaduct pier is the former loco shed of the miniature railway, which ran on the promenade side of the railway embankment. 40013 on a Bangor to Manchester train at the same location 47489 on a Manchester to Bangor train leaving Penmaenrhos Tunnel in July 1983 To the east of Colwyn Bay - 40028 on the daily pick up goods train at Towyn Edited January 12, 2016 by PGH 23 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post PGH Posted February 22, 2014 Author Popular Post Share Posted February 22, 2014 (edited) "Celebrity" Class 40 No.40106 on a Bangor to Manchester train approaching Colwyn Bay in February 1983 - same location as the third photo in the previous post. Work is underway on the new formation for the BR line to the right. 40106 on the same train the following day at Old Colwyn, about to enter Penmaenrhos Tunnel. The train is actually on a temporary diversion to enable the construction of the bridge over the new road on the original alignment. A new goods yard was provided at Llandudno Junction to replace the existing yard and also the Colwyn Bay Yard, which had to be closed due to the new road. In June 1983 the yard is shunted by 08023. Between Mochdre and Llandudno Junction the new road was built on a foundation of PFA brought in by rail from Fiddlers Ferry Power Station. A total of 300,000 tons was required and this was unloaded at a purpose built facility at Llandudno Junction. In September 1983 56087 has backed its train of HAA hoppers over the drops for unloading. From here the material was distributed to the site by road transport In November 1983 tracklaying was in progress on the diversion west of Colwyn Bay Station with 47298 on the track panel train. This again is a view at the same location as the third photo in the previous post. The track panels were laid by a mobile road crane. Note how the hillside on the right has been excavated away for the new formation. Edited January 12, 2016 by PGH 24 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium DLT Posted February 22, 2014 RMweb Premium Share Posted February 22, 2014 Historic photos indeed. I had no idea that construction of the new road had had such an effect on the railway. Thanks very much, Dave. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold beast66606 Posted February 22, 2014 RMweb Gold Share Posted February 22, 2014 Historic photos indeed. I had no idea that construction of the new road had had such an effect on the railway. Thanks very much, Dave. Llandudno Junction signal box - the replacement with the panel - is rumoured to have "funded by the A55" on it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fat Controller Posted February 22, 2014 Share Posted February 22, 2014 For those who might be interested, the four wagons immediately behind 40028 are carrying bricks (I think they were loaded at Bangor for Butterley)- the black things are old tyres, placed between the pallets to stop damage. I hadn't realised quite how extensive the works for the new road were. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
class"66" Posted February 22, 2014 Share Posted February 22, 2014 Very interesting thread!!! luv all your photos cheers neil.. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold tractionman Posted February 22, 2014 RMweb Gold Share Posted February 22, 2014 In May 1984 I followed 25083 on a ballast train to Blodwell Quarry: The A495 level crossing at Porthywaen, view towards Llynclys 361.115B.jpg Excellent shots - I took a look at Google Streetview: Interesting 'then and now' comparison! cheers, Keith 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merfyn Jones Posted February 22, 2014 Share Posted February 22, 2014 (edited) Llandudno Junction signal box - the replacement with the panel - is rumoured to have "funded by the A55" on it. A rumour I think beast, I don't recall seeing that when we built it and later maintained it. It does however have a plaque inside referring to the last box constructed by the B R LMR signal box construction gang. Although it is true that it was funded as such, along with a lot of our overtime. Merf. Great shots Phil, much better than mine. Edited February 22, 2014 by Merfyn Jones Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gismorail Posted February 22, 2014 Share Posted February 22, 2014 The shots of the old loco shed on the cowlyn Bay miniature railways really does bring back some very happy memories for me. there was a funfair on the town side of the railway too where many a happy times were spent. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PGH Posted February 22, 2014 Author Share Posted February 22, 2014 (edited) Did you photograph any soon-to-disappear locations around Colwyn? Not really, just some more like the ones already posted but in black & white and quite a number of the goods yard, which I will post here later although I think this has already been covered on RMweb. I took many of the rail diversion works, although all in black & white, some of which I could post here if there is any interest. It would give me an opportunity to see them myself as the negs haven't been printed or scanned yet ! Edited July 29, 2015 by PGH 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold beast66606 Posted February 23, 2014 RMweb Gold Share Posted February 23, 2014 A rumour I think beast, I don't recall seeing that when we built it and later maintained it. It does however have a plaque inside referring to the last box constructed by the B R LMR signal box construction gang. Although it is true that it was funded as such, along with a lot of our overtime. The latter comment is oft-quoted (mine was tongue in cheek) I took many of the rail diversion works, although all in black & white, some of which I could post here if there is any interest. It would give me an opportunity to see them myself as the negs haven't been printed or scanned yet ! There certainly is. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
5050 Posted February 23, 2014 Share Posted February 23, 2014 The shots of the old loco shed on the cowlyn Bay miniature railways really does bring back some very happy memories for me. there was a funfair on the town side of the railway too where many a happy times were spent. I remember this miniature railway, it ran alongside and higher than the footpath and road behind some railings and was a 'treat' for me when we visited the area. I've mentioned it to other people and they have no knowledge of it. It must have started mid/late 50's - but how long did it last? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PGH Posted February 23, 2014 Author Share Posted February 23, 2014 I remember this miniature railway, it ran alongside and higher than the footpath and road behind some railings and was a 'treat' for me when we visited the area. I've mentioned it to other people and they have no knowledge of it. It must have started mid/late 50's - but how long did it last? There is some information here: http://www.nwrail.org.uk/nw1112c.htm and photos here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/trainsandstuff/2934511070/in/set-72157607953475930/ I've a vague idea that the steam loco went to Bressingham, but I'm not sure. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merfyn Jones Posted February 23, 2014 Share Posted February 23, 2014 There is some information here: http://www.nwrail.org.uk/nw1112c.htm and photos here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/trainsandstuff/2934511070/in/set-72157607953475930/ I've a vague idea that the steam loco went to Bressingham, but I'm not sure. I think you're right about Bressingham. I found a photo on flickr of the loco with Gwilym in charge but can't find it now. Merf. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
5050 Posted February 24, 2014 Share Posted February 24, 2014 Thanks for those posts guys, very helpful. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PGH Posted March 2, 2014 Author Share Posted March 2, 2014 (edited) I only made one trip along the Amlwch Line c1959 when the passenger services were worked by DMU - later steam was reintroduced for the last few years before the line closed to passengers in 1964. Evidently it didn't have the same interest as ex GWR lines covered during the early 1960s, so photos are limited to just two rather blurry views taken on that trip. The view above shows Amlwch Station The Associated Octel Company's Ruston & Hornsby 165DS 0-4-0 diesel loco crosses the main road in Amlwch en route to the exchange sidings at the rear of the station. The 3/4 mile line from Amlwch Station serving the Associated Octel Co.Ltd. works was first used towards the end of 1952. It was originally operated by the works own locomotives - an 88DS 4wDM and the 165DS 0-4-0DM shown above, both supplied new by Ruston & Hornsby in 1952. From the early 1970s BR locos began operating through to the works entrance and this continued until rail traffic ceased in 1993. Interchange at the works was effected with the aid of a short siding outside the entrance and required a co-ordinated effort by the BR and works locos. On two occasions in 1980/81 I photographed this operation. At that time incoming traffic was sulphur from Mostyn Docks in hopper wagons and outgoing traffic liquid chlorine and ethylene dibromide in tank wagons to the same company's Ellesmere Port Works. Edited January 12, 2016 by PGH 15 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post PGH Posted March 2, 2014 Author Popular Post Share Posted March 2, 2014 (edited) On 25th July 1980 there was no incoming traffic and 25285 arrived at the works with only a brakevan, stopping short of the siding points outside the works entrance. Associated Octel's 0-4-0DH Hunslet 7460/77 draws the outgoing train of 4 grey ethylene dibromide tanks, one white liquid chlorine tank and 5 empty sulphur hoppers out of the works, uncouples and runs into the siding. The BR loco uncouples from the brakevan and runs forward to couple onto the train. The Associated Octel loco runs out of the siding, couples onto the brakevan and draws it into the siding The BR loco draws the train forward past the siding points The Associated Octel loco places the brakevan at the rear of the train 25285 crossing the main road in Amlwch. The lorry was used by the Associated Octel workers who operated the gates on the three level crossings. (there is a fourth level crossing on a new bypass which cuts across the former station site, this has rails set in the road but the line each side is permanently fenced off so I assume this has been provided after the line was closed) Edited January 12, 2016 by PGH 24 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post PGH Posted March 2, 2014 Author Popular Post Share Posted March 2, 2014 (edited) On 31st July 1981 40057 arrived with an incoming train of 10 sulphur hoppers from Mostyn Docks and a van - the van being provided for the wagon tarpaulins on the return journey. The BR loco uncouples and runs into the siding. The Associated Octel loco couples onto the train and draws it forward detaching the brakevan on the works side of the siding points. The Associated Octel loco continues into the works with the incoming train The BR loco runs out of the siding, places the brakevan in the siding and couples onto the outgoing train, comprising 8 empty hoppers, which in the meantime has been propelled out of the works by the Associated Octel loco. After collecting the brakevan the outgoing train departs, seen here at the first level crossing from the works Edited January 12, 2016 by PGH 27 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post PGH Posted March 2, 2014 Author Popular Post Share Posted March 2, 2014 (edited) Some clearance work has been carried out on the line in recent years, but this was the situation in September 2004 End of the line at the works entrance, the short siding used to interchange traffic has been removed. The works was closed in 2003 and has since been demolished. The first level crossing from the works Minor road level crossing in Amlwch View towards station from the same crossing, rails just visible in foreground Loop at former interchange sidings, the station was just off the photo to left This is the first overbridge on the BR line itself, just outside the station - view towards station site View towards Amlwch from overbridge between Amlwch and Rhosgoch The same overbridge, note the different colours of stone (repeat this in model form and no-one would believe it !) Llanerchymedd Station from overbridge, view towards Gaerwen Llanerchymedd Station has since been redeveloped as a heritage centre, museum and café, opened in November 2010. Locos and rolling stock of the Anglesey Central Railway are also stored here. View of the line from Llanerchymedd Station towards Gaerwen Llangefni Station from the road overbridge. The station building is on the right, converted for other uses, and under the undergrowth, believe it or not, is the platform in the centre of the photo with the line itself on the left. Edited January 12, 2016 by PGH 24 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LNERGE Posted March 2, 2014 Share Posted March 2, 2014 Amlwch 005.jpg Yelp. Do I espy Betalights on that black St Georges cross? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoro Posted March 2, 2014 Share Posted March 2, 2014 (edited) 9A.21B.jpg I've no idea where this is, except it must be between Llandovery and Swansea, and where the Central Wales Line connected with a local service. This negative was never printed so when I recently scanned these negatives it was the first time I'd seen this view since I took it over 50 years ago ! I'm pretty sure this image 9A.21B.jpg is Llandeilo, with the Carmarthen train on the left. Edited March 2, 2014 by Andy Y Excess quoting pruned. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PGH Posted March 2, 2014 Author Share Posted March 2, 2014 (edited) I'm pretty sure this image 9A.21B.jpg is Llandeilo, with the Carmarthen train on the left. Already answered in Post #152, but thanks for your reply anyway. Perhaps some members are not aware that when using "reply quoting this post" they can edit out the part of the original text not relevant to the answer or query. This is the third time that my fairly long original post has been repeated in full, and I'm sure other members are tired of seeing it all again......and again......and again Edited March 2, 2014 by PGH Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnH Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 Great photos! I particularly enjoyed the 'Octel' operations. Do you have any photos of the old rail served oil installation near Amlwch? Thanks again. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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