br2975 Posted January 15, 2011 Author Share Posted January 15, 2011 You have astounded me. I thought you 'did' eastern South Wales thoroughly. Although I never did really understand the railways of Newport or Cardiff - I only ever 'found' this place once. I have posted the three (!) photographs I have of GCC at http://paulbartlettsotherrailwayphotos.fotopic.net/c1933006.html Seems very good inspiration for a model - quite a simple layout. Are there plans available anywhere? Paul, For some reason I never took my camera to Newport Docks all the times I went there ...... starting in the summer of '68, walking amongst steam locos waiting to be cut by either Cashomres, Woodfields, Mahoney etc (albeit most people only know of Cashmores). It was there I saw my only BR built Pontnewynydd brake van, ignominiously buffered up to a BR Crosti 8F 2-10-0. It was at Cashmores I saw my first ever USA tanks, 30067/69/71 from a sand dredger as we made our way from the Moderator Wharf. It was across the river from Cashmores I spent a morning on an RSH 0-4-0ST 'Faraday' with a friendly driver and shunter who took us from the power station right around to the BR exchnage sidings, to watch the South Wales Pullman go past ! It was there one Saturday going to check Cashmores we found 6000 KGV being restored for mainline running in the United Wagon Works. All this, and not one photo to show for it ! Brian R PS I don't believe I have a plan of G.C.C. but I'll check. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
br2975 Posted January 16, 2011 Author Share Posted January 16, 2011 NCB Mountain Ash, the steam shed. . (Photo i) shows the steam shed at Mountain Ash, 27th March, 1976. The occasion was a visit organised by the Monmouthshire Railway Society as part of a DMU tour of South Wales. This picture is taken looking south-east and left to right shows; (a) the weighbridge, alongside the line to Abercwmboi phurtnacite plant (B) the spur into the Deep Duffryn colliery screens. © sidings holding 'fulls' destined mainly for Abercwmboi. (d) behind the loaded wagons can be seen an Andrew Barclay 0-6-0DH standing on the mainline that went thro the colliery yard toward Pontcynon and Penrikyber Colliery.The loco is almost outside the diesel shed. (e) centre is the steam shed, with Peckett 0-6-0ST 'Sir Gomer' and to his left Aveonside 0-6-0ST 'Sir John'. Hidden behind 'Sir Gomer' is ex-BR(WR) 7754. (f)The headframes are part of the former Nixon's Abergorky Colliery, famous at that time for its' Waddel fan. (g) The large gable ended building on the extreme right of the photo is the NCB Central Workshops (h) The Afon Cynon flows behind the bushes (right) alongside the right wall of the shed, then under the mainline. On the opposite bank of the Cynon to the shed was the BR(WR) line from Abercynon to Aberdare (former TVR) with an exchange siding alongside what was once Mountain Ash (Oxford St) station. The line from here northwest was on the bed of the former BR(WR) Pontypool Rd - Neath line, closed in 1964 (?) and which had a seperate ex-GWR station Mountain Ash (Cardiff Rd.) (Photo ii) the shed viewed from Cardiff Road, looking almost due south. (Photo iii) a closer look at the front of the shed, with some 16 tonners under the coaling canopy, and 'Sir Gomer' simmering before starting his day's toil. Brian R Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Barry Ten Posted January 16, 2011 RMweb Gold Share Posted January 16, 2011 Once again thanks for the great pics, Brian, and the very informative notes. I am delighted to see the Mountain Ash pannier. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
br2975 Posted January 17, 2011 Author Share Posted January 17, 2011 Let's divert our attention from 'Mount' for a moment, but stay with the 'Monmouthshire Railway Society' who, around 1980ish ran another DMU excursion around South Wales taking in such delights as Burrows Sidings, Aberpergwm/Blaengwrach, Gwaun cae Gurwen (G-C-G to the cognoscenti), Abernant Colliery and some of the freight lines around Margam. . The train comprised a 3x car Cl.120 and (IIRC) a 3x car Cl.117 (both 'bog' units !). The next two photos were taken from the train as we negotiated high-level lines around the BSC Abbey Works at Margam. Both locos are Brush-Bagnall Bo-Bo. Brian R PS Some of you may prefer to play 'spot the car' ! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
m0rris Posted January 17, 2011 Share Posted January 17, 2011 First picture right to left....Bedford HA, Renault 12, Cortina mk3,Ford Escort, (Chevetta/Opel Kaddett?), Hillman Hunter Estate, not sure, BMC 1100?, Cortina MK3, Jaguar and... no idea! Second... MK3 Cortina and a suzuki whizzkid (?) As for the pictures, they are very very nice, does anyone make a model of the Brushes? m0rris Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
br2975 Posted January 17, 2011 Author Share Posted January 17, 2011 First picture right to left....Bedford HA, Renault 12, Cortina mk3,Ford Escort, (Chevetta/Opel Kaddett?), Hillman Hunter Estate, - + FORD ESCORT ? + -, BMC 1100?, Cortina MK3, Jaguar or FORD GRANADA ? and. -+ FORD CAPRI + - ?! Second... MK3 Cortina and a ANOTHER RENAULT ?(?) As for the pictures, they are very very nice, does anyone make a model of the Brushes? Hywel Thomas of 'Morfa Bank Sidings' fame has built one from scratch, in EM. Brian R Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
br2975 Posted January 18, 2011 Author Share Posted January 18, 2011 The GWR built one of its' "Loan Act" type engine sheds at the down end of Radyr yard during the 1930s. . The shed closed to steam in May, 1965 but remained open as a diesel stabling point for a few more years. It was situated alongside the PAD (Pre-assembly depot) sidings, the home for many years of PWM651. For a while locos were stabled in the yard, then alongside Radyr station, before moving back into the yard. The loco shed stood empty for a while before it was leased by Powell-Duffryn (PD) for wagon repairs, mainly tank wagons.PD had a further, mush larger establishment at Maindy, Cardiff - alongside the Cardiff Queen St. - Llandaff (for Whitchurch) line of the former TVR. Industrial locos were used at both locations. Radyr was the first shed I ever "bunked" and it was enthralling to walk amongst so many "Ingi's", "shunters" , "nine-fivers" and a strange shunter whose number started "151??" When PD took over, their first loco was a JF 400 Class 0-4-0DM, and I recall it stabled alongside the shed, and 'the boss' told me "if you want it, it's yours for fifty quid" Not knowing what it was, I went home and scoured my then limited library and came to the conclusion it was most likely a departmental loco "ED2" - now I know better . . One Sunday morning in the mid-80s my colleague and I got a call to say the shed was insecure and could we check it out. Luckily, I had my camera with me, and stabled inside the now empty, and deserted former steam shed we found the following two PD locos. . RH 312433/1951 a yellow liveried 88DS, and RH 512465/65. Most of the former Radyr yard is now a housing estate, built in the fork of the former Radyr(Penarth Jct) - Roath Branch Jct - Queen St. and Radyr (Penarth Jct) - Ninian Park lines, and since the demise of the Cl.37 hauled 2V59 Rhymney-Radyr Cl.37 and 5V59 Radyr - Canton ECS there's been little to attract me to the area (save the monthly RCTS meetings !). Brian R PS For those who have difficulty with Welsh place names, Radyr is pronounced locally as "Radder" (as in ladder). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
br2975 Posted January 19, 2011 Author Share Posted January 19, 2011 Following our detour to Radyr , it's now back to 'Mount'. . Mountain Ash No.8 was built by RSH as 7139/44 and was used by the WD at Longmoor where it was named 'Rennes. . Around 1960ish it was purchased by the Hunslet Engine Co. and rebuilt at their Jack Lane works, Leeds, emerging as 3880/62. . The loco was purchased by the NCB and found its' way to Mountain Ash. . During the mid-70s it was 'shot' and everyone feared the worse, but then joy of joys it was taken into the central Workshop at 'Mount' and completely overhauled, emerging resplendent in the light green that formed a sort of livery at 'Mount' (albeit the shades varied !). . Here are a couple of shots of the rejuvenated "No.8" during the late 70s. . Photo 1 - shows "No.8" waiting to come off shed, in this case to bank a diesel hauled coal train bound for Abercwmboi that was being prepared alongside the shed by one of the Barclay shunters "Mountain Ash No.7" more of which in the future. . Photo 2 - shows "No.8" coupling up to "Sir Gomer" a Peckett 0-6-0ST in order to shunt him into the steam shed after the Peckett had been drawn out of the Central Workshop and then propelled toward the steam shed by one of the Andrew Barclay 0-6-0DH shunters which now waits to pass, en-route from 'Mount' to Abercwmboi. Brian Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hmrspaul Posted January 19, 2011 Share Posted January 19, 2011 It was situated alongside the PAD (Pre-assembly depot) sidings, the home for many years of PWM651. Yes Radder was a lovely yard; I wish I had known it was there when I lived in Cardiff! Pictures of 97651 in Radyr at http://paulbartlettsotherrailwayphotos.fotopic.net/p63101362.html and 97653 http://paulbartlettsotherrailwayphotos.fotopic.net/p52554707.html http://paulbartlettsotherrailwayphotos.fotopic.net/p52575544.html http://paulbartlettsotherrailwayphotos.fotopic.net/p63101359.html Paul Bartlett Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pacer lover Posted January 20, 2011 Share Posted January 20, 2011 hi all just to update here a photo of A 4wDM 'Planet' by F.Hibberd, Works No.3947 IIRC, at the forest of dean railway a few day ago regards rob Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ailg8048 Posted January 20, 2011 Share Posted January 20, 2011 There are some cracking pictures here and both number 8 and Llantarnam Abbey are still based in South Wales at the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway. The Abbey is undergoing restoration on site whilst No.8 is now in bits at Bridgenorth and The Flour Mill where the separate bits are being overhauled. We also have quite a collection of industrial diesels - many with a South Wales pedigree D1186 ex MSC D1, took over from the 03 at the GCC - http://www.aligrieve.fotopic.net/p57179863.html 104 (and 104) from Llanwern - http://www.aligrieve.fotopic.net/p51989809.html Trecatty from Cwmbargoed - http://www.aligrieve.fotopic.net/p56293864.html 170 (with 106 behind) from Ebbw Vale - http://www.aligrieve.fotopic.net/p56293796.html Panteg from BSC Panteg - http://www.aligrieve.fotopic.net/p7338491.html RT1 from BSC Abercarn - http://www.aligrieve.fotopic.net/p43425741.html This year should the opening of our Branch to Big Pit sometime during the season and to celebrate this our September gala 16th - 18th will be Industrial Steam of South Wales Reunion Gala and we hope to get several ex South Wales engines back for the weekend. Big Pit are also going to be involved and should be putting on a display of photographs from their archives of industrial Steam In South Wales so most of these will probably not have seen the light if day before. regards Alistair Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
br2975 Posted January 21, 2011 Author Share Posted January 21, 2011 Moving forward in time about twelve years from the photos of Mountain Ash, and heading south by about 20 miles, we have something different. . During August, 1990 one of the best Open Days I have attended was held at Barry Wagon Works and adjacent stabling point. . A fantastic array of diesel locos were on display, everything from an 08/9 through to a Cl.73, and with three Deltics as well. . Lurking on the south side of the shed was the pristine 0-6-0DM Drewery shunter from National Power, Aberthaw Power Station. . Not as rare as the Peckett 0-6-0DM fromerly at Aberthaw, but nice to see anyway. . Brian R Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
catman Posted January 21, 2011 Share Posted January 21, 2011 Great photos Brian Brought back many memories,I ad a ride on Sir Gomer Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
br2975 Posted January 22, 2011 Author Share Posted January 22, 2011 Another Ruston & Hornsby 88DS, this time its Works No. 441936/60; currently on display at the Rhondda Heritage Centre. Brian R Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kenton Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 (Photo iii) a closer look at the front of the shed, with some 16 tonners under the coaling canopy, and 'Sir Gomer' simmering before starting his day's toil. what a lovely inspirational photo for a layout, even has a prototypical 3-way point for compression Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
br2975 Posted January 23, 2011 Author Share Posted January 23, 2011 Let's come bang up to date, Sunday, 23rd. January, 2011 and return to where we started, Tremorfa steelworks, Cardiff. I know this industrial connection is tentative. . The owners have changed, no longer ASW but Celsa (UK). . The rail contract between Celsa (UK) and DB(S) has less than a week to run. . We find 08804 struggling for all it's worth to cajole 10 loaded MBA wagons up the short, sharp curving incline into the 'old' scrap bay. . As an enthusiast for over 45yrs the noise from 08804 was the worst I've heard, almost indescribable as it struggled, wheels slipping on the sh*t covered trackwork, almost screaming for help. . Eventually the 'driver' gave up, left the wagons and made off to the Cardiff Rod Mill to collext some empty billet wagons. . The big question is, what will GBRf be using to be shunt here next Sunday ? Brian R Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leon Posted January 24, 2011 Share Posted January 24, 2011 Hi Brian, great snaps, will you be going down there next weekend when GBRF start? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
br2975 Posted January 24, 2011 Author Share Posted January 24, 2011 Hi Brian, great snaps, will you be going down there next weekend when GBRF start? Hopefully Leon, but it depends on my grandfatherly duties ........................ Brian R Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fat Controller Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 Hopefully Leon, but it depends on my grandfatherly duties ........................ Brian R I'm sure they'll enjoy watching the trains with grand-dad.. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
br2975 Posted January 25, 2011 Author Share Posted January 25, 2011 I'm sure they'll enjoy watching the trains with grand-dad.. Maternal grandfather (tadcu) contributor to all things RMweb, paternal grandfather, Gloucester & Warwickshire regular; they can't really go wrong, can they ? . The basics have been put in place, their first book, a compendium of the Rev. Awdry's classics........ and they're only 8 months old ! Brian R Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenny Emily Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 As an enthusiast for over 45yrs the noise from 08804 was the worst I've heard, almost indescribable as it struggled, wheels slipping on the sh*t covered trackwork, almost screaming for help. Eventually the 'driver' gave up, left the wagons and made off to the Cardiff Rod Mill to collext some empty billet wagons. The big question is, what will GBRf be using to be shunt here next Sunday ? No wonder they get so many shifted cranks. It looks to be a place that the class 13s would have found a use in. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sir douglas Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 that photo at the very start of the thread looks oddly like a model (but i know that it isn't), and what a great photo of the "mardy monster", and yes the beast survives in yorkshire. the elsecar heritage railway in south yorkshire Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
HGT1972 Posted February 4, 2011 Share Posted February 4, 2011 Hi Brian - great pictures! I was on the 1976 Mon Rly Soc tour...great days! And great value if I recall! I notice in the background of the Port Talbot pics the Safety Shoe Special! In 1958 ex-GW ‘Monster’ CCTs W484W and W485W were purchased by SCoW for internal use. The latter had run in France as part of the SHAEF (Supreme Headquarters, Allied Expeditionary Forces) train of General Eisenhower during 1944-5. Both were later preserved, the former by the GWS in 1980. W484W ended up wandering the works as 'The Safety Shoe Special'! And, yes, a Bagnall does run on Morfa Bank. Powered by two Tenshodo bogies it works alongside a scratchbuilt Alco...one day I might do a couple of the smaller 4wD Bagnalls... Hywel Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
br2975 Posted February 4, 2011 Author Share Posted February 4, 2011 Hywel, Good to hear from you, how is 'Morfa Bank' ? Has it been transplanted yet ? I'm as impressed with the Bagnall Bo-Bo now, as when you first showed it to me. And thanks for identifying the 'Safety Shoe Special' for me. Methinks it's time for a few more photos ..... Brian Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
br2975 Posted February 4, 2011 Author Share Posted February 4, 2011 In 1978 I moved (for a short time) to Beddau, and located at the bottom of Ty Nant hill was Cwm Colliery & Coking Plant . . . . . I applied for a job here,underground, at the same time, but was not successful. I was not to know that after moving away, I'd return a few years later during the bitter times of 'the strike'. . It was during the winter of 'the miners strike' that these photos were taken. . At the time, Cwm Colliery employed three standard gauge diesel locos, No.1 0-6-0DE BBT 3073/55 No.2 0-6-0DE BBT 3075/55 0-6-0DH EEV D909/64 , and also BR Cl.08s were hired in from Cardiff, Canton on a regular basis. The coke works also employed three wire electric locos, to push the coke car as the ovens were emptied, and two diesel locos. Unfortunately, I didn't enter the coke plant. The colliery also employed a 2'9.1/2" gauge network on the surface, and underground. Two locos were used on the surface, both Hibberd diesel mechanicals, 3/521/58 4wDM FH 3734/55 3/521/173 4wDM FH 3735/55 A large fleet of Ruston Hornsby, Hunslet and Hudswell Clarke 'flameproof' locos were employed underground. Note that a number of internal user wagons had been drafted in from Mountain Ash after that system had closed down, prior to the arrival of these steel bodied wagons virtually all internal wagons were seven planked timber ones, which served the 'Landsale Yard' alongside what is now known as 'Codgers Corner' . Brian R Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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