welsh wizard Posted May 25, 2014 Share Posted May 25, 2014 Have heard a rumour that Network rail are looking to shut the freight only line from Tondu to Margam ! anyone more definite info? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhydgaled Posted July 30, 2014 Share Posted July 30, 2014 Have heard a rumour that Network rail are looking to shut the freight only line from Tondu to Margam ! anyone more definite info? I think Tondu is on the Maesteg line isn't it? If so, I think that last I heard was that the line was to be upgraded to make it available as a diversionary route for PAD-SWA trains. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fat Controller Posted July 30, 2014 Share Posted July 30, 2014 I think Tondu is on the Maesteg line isn't it? If so, I think that last I heard was that the line was to be upgraded to make it available as a diversionary route for PAD-SWA trains. Tondu is on the Maesteg line, and also has a line that goes to Margam (the Ogmore Valley Extension); this has often served for weekend diversions for both freight and passenger services, though it does have the inconvenience that trains have to reverse at Tondu. It would be odd if it were to shut prior to the electrification of the SWML as, whilst passenger services might be replaced by buses, the steel traffic from Margam to Llanwern would have to be diverted via the Central Wales line and the 'North and West'. This would add more than a few miles to the journey.. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhydgaled Posted July 30, 2014 Share Posted July 30, 2014 Tondu is on the Maesteg line, and also has a line that goes to Margam (the Ogmore Valley Extension); this has often served for weekend diversions for both freight and passenger services, though it does have the inconvenience that trains have to reverse at Tondu. It would be odd if it were to shut prior to the electrification of the SWML as, whilst passenger services might be replaced by buses, the steel traffic from Margam to Llanwern would have to be diverted via the Central Wales line and the 'North and West'. This would add more than a few miles to the journey.. Sounds like Tondu to Margam is the line I was thinking of. Therefore, it is unlikely to be closed if what I read is true about it being upgraded for passenger diversions using class 800/801 units. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mervyn Posted October 25, 2014 Share Posted October 25, 2014 It has to do with the bridge over the main line that leads into margam yard apparently the bridge is to low for the electrification and the cost of either raising it or lowering the track bed is prohibitive so it seems the easiest way is to shut the line ! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fat Controller Posted October 25, 2014 Share Posted October 25, 2014 Shame they took out Newlands loop when they lifted those sidings on the Up side. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
clarkea1 Posted January 12, 2015 Share Posted January 12, 2015 It will be a shame if this closes, it certainly proved its worth on Sunday when it allowed freight to divert around engineering work at Stormy Down. Was quite a sight seeing 66's amongst the semaphores, and a 60 late at night when I nipped out for a second look! With some upgrading it could of allowed passenger trains to be diverted too, saving the dreaded bustitution which was causing chaos at Bridgend Alastair Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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