br2975

Well, that saved me a lot of typing ! . In 1971 L340-L343 were 'parcels units' . Sets in the 100 series were initially single cars, and also 50090 and 50132 . Those in the 200 series were the former LMR Park Royal twin-sets. . The 300 series were mainly Derby Cl.116 sets. . Those in the 400 series were Pressed Steel and Gloucester RCW high density units. . 500 series were Cross Country units, Cl.119 and 120 units. . 600 series were the six Swindon Cross Country twin sets allocated to Canton but used in West Wales and on the Central Wales route. . 700 series sets were Cl.123, Swindon Inter-City units. . 800 and 900 sets came much later and were Met-Camm and Derby sets. . Brian R Brian R

This is what I find confusing ? / annoying ? (not sure which) ...... in that the WR starts to paint set numbers on the front of its (say Cl.116) units when a number of those sets are being transferred away to (predominantly) the Eastern and Scottish depots, whilst a few still contained a composite trailer and others weren't yet gangwayed, regardless of being in the 500xx, 508xx or 511xx series and doesn't take the opportunity to have a rethink and condense the set numbers into an almost consecutive block. But, what I'd give to see a 'Derby sub set' roll into Ninian Park 'Halt' spewing exhaust fumes, frames sagging, windows rattling. Then to climb in and sink into a seat breathing in the exhaust fumes and doze off because the heating was excessive (summer) and after two blasts of the buzzer and with a farty raspberry sound (from the DMU, not me !) slowly accelerate the one stop to home. Brian R

I suspect the relevant Western Region prefixes L, B, P, C etc may have referred to operating divisions initially e.g. London, Bristol, Plymouth, Cardiff etc. . Unlike most other regions, the Western were quite strict as far as keeping their DMU sets in the same formation. Locally (to me) Cardiff area units started to receive their set numbers painted under the right hand cab window during 1971. . What has confused me was the way the WR allocated its' DMU set numbers. . e.g. Although WR sets had set numbers for sometime prior to 1971, when they were applied to the cab fronts I began to take notice and record them. . However, there was no apparent set pattern to the numbering of say the Derby suburban units (later Cl.116) which ran 300, 301, 303-311, 314-316, 318, 320, 321, 327-329, 331, 337, 338, 344, 346, 351. . At the time the set numbers began to be applied the fitting of through gangways within these WR sets was coming to an end - but, as was the issue with the Ian Allan pocket books in those days, the published information was at variance with reality, and my 1971 Combined Volume for example, whilst not showing details of the composition of the region's sets, shows some sets I identified, as having only one or two cars in a set gangwayed. . There were some weird and wonderful 'set' numbers as well e.g. 50090 was 'set' 101, and 50132 was 'set' 104 having been split from their trailer (59040) which went to Bristol and was at one time formed between Swindon Cross Country cars 50665 and 50715 to work local Diagram 27 (whatever that was). 50090 & 50132 were used as additional power cars on the 'North & West' Cardiff-Crewe route locked out of use, and coupled to buffet fitted Cl.120 Swindon Cross Country sets. Canton single cars were also used as additional power and some were numbered:- 55023 - 'set' 103 and 55026 as 'set' 102, I am sponge for information about WR DMU sets in the early 70s - so if anyone has other gen, please feel free to post it. . Brian R

A number of LMS hoppers, fitted with rooves were once based on Llantrisant and employed on the Creigiau Quarry - Cardiff East Moors limestone and open tops on the Llanharry - Cardiff East Moors iron ore workings - the latter becoming redundant in the mid-1970s and the roofed versions soon after. . Quite likely this is where the GKN (later ASW) wagons originated ? Brian R

Saturday 11th. November, 1972 Cardiff General Cl.45/46:- 16, 163, Cl.52:- 1041, Cl.47:- 1609/10/36/72/76, 1749, 1907, Cl.08:- 3595, 3606, Cl.25:- 5179+7510, 7520, 7657 Cl.37:- 6600, 6837/81, 6908/13/30/32/36 (8V49)/41/54/55/56/73/78/82, Cl.35:- 7055, DMU:- B574 (51056+59415+51xxx), C320 (50901+59356+50848), C308 (50128+59036+50086), 347 (50126+59373+50084), 126 (55026)+C512 (50648+59296+50706), C520 (50674+59278+50723), C303 (50122+59030+50080) 86A Canton Cl.46:- 169, Cl.52:- 1025, Cl.47:- 1557/88, 1613, 1951, Cl.25:- 5246, Cl.37:- 6936/96 Observations5246 at Canton – a ‘foreign’ visitor ‘may’ have been from the 4V10 Guide Bridge - Cardiff parcels working (unconfirmed). Brian R

The comparison of photographs, taken during the era in which you are interested is always a help. Brian R

"Some people believe football is a matter of life and death, It's more important than that !" . Bill Shankly.

Until recently they had a plant on Rover Way, Cardiff oposite the Tremorfa steel works. In the days of the BSC East Moors Works formerly the Guest Keen 'New' Dowlais Works the molten slag was taken by train to the foreshore near the site of the present heliport and tipped into the sea - solidfying as it hit the water, then exploding in a shower of sparks. . The locos that performed this task were 'registered' by the GWR - later BR (WR) and/or the BTC. In recent years, the slag from the Tremorfa works was taken by a tipper vehicle across the public road that is Rover Way to the Slag Reduction site - IIRC a driver was killed when the slag slopped over the cab ! Brian R

Barry & Penarth - end of this month ?

First 20mins - all Swansea, Michu fluffed a chance he'd normally slot - then he became a spectator until Wilfriend Bonie replaced him, and apart from his thighs, he had nothing to contribute. Singing and support ? - You were obviously at a different stadium ? - I quite liked the 'Ashley Williams, he's not even Welsh' song - but am bored to tears with your rendition of Hymns & Arias, and find the Cardiff version puerile to say the least. . As for the Malaysian flag, it's as common amongst Cardiff fans as a Swansea fan at a Welsh international match ! . At the end of the season, it's not the 'bragging rights' that keeps you in the Premiership, it's the three points. Next up - Villa away, then Man Utd and Arsenal at home (not much on offer there) ! . Brian R

I won't be joining any threads that refer to Swansea supporters their caravans,lucky heather and fear of electric lights. I didn't need to switch on my central heating last night - I just basked in the after-glow !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! . Brian R

Oh ! it'll be busy if I see you Sunday afternoon ....................... where will you all park your caravans ? . Brian R

Mike I've pondered long and hard, and think this is Aber Jct. and the lines curving away right are those to Beddau Loop Jct. and behind us the line would continue curving toard Penyrheol - which means Aber Jct 'box should be just out of shot to the left. . The line to Caerphilly would bear away left, the other side of the light coloured building which appears to look like a goods shed. . The Rhymney tank would be to the left of the box, and facing us, in this link. http://www.flickr.com/photos/auchlander/6784136101/ All conjectural, of course ! . Brian R

I used to walk the streets around there, Despenser St. / Plantagenet St. / Fitzhamon Embkt. / Clare Gardens etc .................. but we'll leave the subject at this point ! . Several years ago Victoria House was known amongst a certain type of local person as 'brown towers' - because of the colour of what you could buy there ! ............ again, I think we'll move on . Brian R

Correct Mike, the loco is facing in the up direction and the house backs are (rather were) in Tudor St. and Tudor Lane . The large building on the left hand edge still stands at the junction of Clare Road / Tudor St / Clare St. Brian R

Mike My knowledge of the depot isn't great, but I believe this is taken at the back end of Newport, Pill shed, with the back wall of the shed to the photographers left and the transporter bridge over his right shoulder. . Brian R PS Some nice shots of the depot on the site "Quiet Womans Row"

In the post above, the Rhymney 'R' Class loco is viewed from inside the shed at Rhymney, the chocolate and cream carriage being in one of the station platforms; and the BR 0-8-2T is at Barry. . Brian R

I suspect the Target may be " D7 " which in later years at least could legitimately put the loco at Aber Jct. As for "6669 and 4177 at Radyr (well I'm reasonably sure it's Radyr!)" - I would concur, having stood at the very spot on many occasions (it was the first shed I ever bunked) and 4177 was a Radyr stalwart.. Brian R

....nicer than a 'Pacer' I know ! Brian R

5648 & 3401 parked on the roads between Radyr shed and the Pre-Assembly Depot sidings. The bush behind the farthest 56xx is at the top of the bank leading down to the River Taff. . Brian R

If it helps, the Taff Vale 0-6-2T is at standing outside Abercynon shed. . Brian R .

And size isn't everything ! (The best things come in small packages) . Brian R

And I took an envelope along for you ! . Perhaps another time Wayne . Brian R

Returning to 'Roll' wagons - I have located a photograph of a loaded GWR 'Roll' wagon - 32211 - which appears in both Russell 1971 (A Pictorial Record of Great Western Wagons) and Atkins, Beard, Tourrett etc (Great Western Wagons). . The wagon is loaded with what appear to be two 'cogging' rolls, but I stand to be corrected. . The mill rolls are of a dull finish and are not sheeted, so may be life expired ? . Both tomes also contain photos of such creations as:- W21999 GWR Dia.B6 a former Rhymney Railway 6-wheeled Armour Plate wgon in BR livery and branded "Roll WG" . The BR 'Special Wagons' booklet of 1964 shows all ten of the BR Dia.450 12 tons "Roll WC" wagons still in service, together with 23 ex-GWR 12 ton wagons, and a further 6 ex-GWR 10 ton "Roll WB" wagons. . How many were actually " in use " in 1964 (as opposed to "in service") would be a moot point. . Brian R

Mike, Merv . I'll be there, either operating Ranelagh Bridge (which will be next to Minster) or on the door ....... . Either way, stop for a chat . Brian R