Network Rail Cymdeithas Teithwyr Heart of Line Rheilffordd Canol Travellers’ Test Train Cymru Association Two photos from Tuesday 27thJanuary of the Network Rail HoWLHoWLTTAA Test Train that ran from Llandrindod to Llanelli and back. It departed from Llandrindod on Wednesday 28th as the 0805 to Longsight Carriage Maintenance Depot but appears to have developed a fault at Knighton NEWSLETTERNEWSLETTER where it stood for nearly a hour and a half finally departing 75 mins late. Perhaps one of your ‘northern correspondent’` has the Spring 2015 story? Number 132

DRS 37608 heads the 0745 Llandindod Wells to Llandrindod Wells (via [Photos © Stephen Miles] Llanelli) Network Rail Test Train between and Hendy. DRS 37605 was at the rear to provide power for the return journey from Llanelli.

PRICE £1.50 Free to Members The Pontarddulais ‘Hump’ [Photo © Stephen Miles]

In This Issue...Evacuation to Llandybie in Follow-Up Letter to Mrs Wartime ...... 10 Edwina Hart ...... 3 Memories of Old DMUs 12 DRS 37605 (with DRS 37608 on the rear) growls its way into Llandeilo heading the return working of Network Rail’s Along the Line ...... 4 Then & Now ...... 13 0745 Llandrindod Wells- Llanelli-Llandrindod Wells Test Train. News Items ...... 8 News from the HoWL Forum19 New Timetable ...... 9 Chairman’s Chat ...... 23 28 Printed by PostDatum, Llandovery HoWLTA Newsletter HoWLTA Newsletter From the Editor’s Desktop Clippings As I implied in the have been repeated attempts to close the rest last issue this is an of the line (notably in 1963 and 1987), but important time for these have been successfully resisted. Please Note the HoWL. Not In fact this year marks the 150th anniversary The views expressed in this only is a new of the official opening of the line between Newsletter are not necessarily timetable about Knighton and Llandrindod Wells. The official those of the HoWLTA committee. to be initiated, opening, on Tuesday 10th October 1865, was with welcome extra services (p.9), but other, celebrated by the running of a special train as yet modest, improvements are being containing the company’s directors and other HoWLTA carried out along the line, and perhaps more dignitaries from Shrewsbury to Llandrindod Subscription Rates significant ones may be on offer for the future followed by a banquet held in Llandrindod. (p.19). With continuing determination we This anniversary is to be marked by two Individual membership ... £8 Overseas membership ... £15 could be heading for a brighter future for our events being planned to take place on Family membership ... £10 Corporate membership ... £12 line. Saturday 29th August (during the Llandrindod The above rates apply from 1st March 2015. Renewal date is 1st March each year. At the same time, we are passing through a Wells Victorian Festival Week) and on 50% discount if joining after 1st September period of anniversaries of significant events Saturday 10th October (the actual anniversary in the line’s past. date). Full details of these events will appear It’s now 50 years since the closure of the in the August Newsletter. HoWLTA NEWSLETTER southern end of what was then the Central So, perhaps we can be forgiven for indulging Advertising Rates Wales line between Pontardulais Junction and in a little nostalgia by remembering how the (Black & white adverts only - colour rates on request) Victoria (see pp.13-15). Indeed there line was in the past (see pp.10-15). One issue 1 year (4 issues) [Continued at foot of p.3] HALF PAGE (128mm x 90mm) ...... £80 £200 QUARTER PAGE (61mm x 90mm) ...... £45 £120 FRONT COVER PICTURE HoWLTA EIGHTH PAGE (61mm x 43mm) ...... £25 £70 On 6th March 2015 the 0900 CONTACT SIXTEENTH PAGE (61mm x 22mm) ...... £15 £40 Shrewsbury – Central formed by 150253 slows to a stop at the new DETAILS raised section of platform at The address for general correspondence HoWLTA NEWSLETTER Pontarddulais. As the ‘hump’ is not long and all HoWLTA membership matters is Future Copy Dates enough to accommodate the two doors HoWLTA, c/o The Crossing House, Summer 2015 (pub. mid-August) Copy by 27th July 2015 of a 153, let alone the four doors of a Dolau, Llandrindod Wells LD1 5TG Autumn 2015 (pub. mid-November) Copy by 26th October 2015 Winter 2016 (pub. mid-February Copy by 25th January 2016 150, new ‘stop boards’ have been Letters relating to the HoWLTA Spring 2016 (pub. mid-May) Copy by 25th April 2016 erected for both up and down trains to Newsletter and all items for possible inform the driver where to stop so that inclusion on the Post Bag pages or the relevant doors are adjacent to the elsewhere should either be posted to Important Notice The Editor, Twin Oaks, Castle raised section. The up (north-bound) HoWLTA members are reminded that under no circumstances should they write Close, Llangadog SA19 9AH ‘stop boards’ can be seen to the left of or speak on behalf of HoWLTA unless they have specific authorisation from the the unit. (see also pages 17-18) or emailed to [email protected] committee to do so. Any deviation from this ruling will be acted on immediately, as it is important that all matters which carry the HoWLTA tag should have the Photographed by Stephen Miles Contact details for other officers and committee members are given on p. 22 approval of the committee.

2 HoWLTA Newsletter HoWLTA Newsletter 27 Line Representatives and Letter to Mrs Edwina Hart MBE CStJ AM Station Adopters Minister for Economy Science & Transport Shrewsbury John Creswell Church Stretton Church Stretton Rail User Group The following is a copy of the letter sent to Mrs Edwina Hart, the Minister, by HoWLTA. as a follow-up to that published in the Winter issue of the HoWLTA Newsletter and to Craven Arms Richard Watkins the subsequent meeting. Broome Alan Belcher Hopton Heath Paula Tucker Dear Minister Bucknell Beryl Starr; Bucknell WI; Ray Davies I am writing to thank you very much for meeting a delegation from the Heart Knighton Shauna Davies & Platform Pals of Wales Line Forum on February 2nd (of which I was a member) to discuss Knucklas Steve Crump; Jim Penser Llangynllo Anne Deakins; George Scarfe (unofficial adopters) the reports submitted to you by the Forum on the future of the line. Llanbister Road John & Lynda Morris On behalf of the Travellers Association (HoWLTA) I have Dolau Steve Vipond; Dolau Action Group been asked to say that we were very encouraged by the positive response Penybont Sue & Tony Cooke which you gave to the reports. Your comments suggested that you fully Llandrindod Llandrindod Wells (Cefnllys) CP School support HoWLTA’s vision of a train service which will radically improve public Builth Road Sara Poulson transport in the areas which it serves and thus boost economic activity and Cilmeri Ann & Stephen Frodsham social cohesion. In particular, we welcome your support for trains running daily Garth Joasephine Lewis; Janet Williams at least every two hours in each direction and for the need for high quality Llangammarch Ron Birchell; Llangammarch Council Llanwrtyd Wells John Price; Ainsley Jones; Station Action Group diesel rolling stock to make the trains more attractive both to local users and Sugar Loaf Peter & Margaret Joyce to tourists. We also look forward to further discussions between the Forum Cynghordy Gill Wright and Network Rail concerning ways of cutting journey times. Llandovery Llandovery Town Council; Friends of Llandovery Station On February 27th several of our Committee members attended the conference Llanwrda Richard Rees; Hywel Jones which the Forum organised in Llandrindod to consider ways in which the Llangadog Eileen Mainwaring; Dennis Harrison railway can work with local businesses and other organisations. It was pleasing Llandeilo Ros Bellamy to see a wide range of interest groups represented at the meeting, from whom Ffairfach David Rimmer a number of potentially useful suggestions were forthcoming. We feel that the Llandybie Gwyn Irving Ammanford Ammanford Lions conference was a useful step towards the goal of improving accessibility by rail Pantyffynnon Mike Smith, Amman Valley Railway to education, employment opportunities and tourist destinations and we look Pontarddulais Pontardulais Partnership forward to working as part of the Forum in this process. I understand that the Llangennech Llangennech Community Council; David Edwards Forum will be sending you a briefing note soon about the conference and its Bynea Friends of Bynea Station, Deryk Cundy plans to follow up the ideas which emerged duringVice the day.Chairman,Mike HoWLTAWatson, Llanelli Friends of Llanelli Station ––––* Swansea Felicity Cobley [continued] At the time of going to press there are vacancies at those stations marked * above. After all there was a time, not so very long information technology. But we can continue HoWLTA would particularly like to hear from potential volunteers for these. ago really, when our line ran many more to encourage and support the vital role the services than today, carrying far more line can and must play in the social and [Editor : Reports and news items from our Station Adopters will be found under “Along the Line” in this passengers as well as many tons of freight. economic life of the communities it and future issues (see pp.5-7)] Our line might never again achieve such giddy serves....Why else do we now call it the Heart heights in this age of road transport and of Wales Line? Peter Berry

26 HoWLTA Newsletter HoWLTA Newsletter 3 Along the Line.... News from the Association Membership Matters Note from the Treasurer Folk up The Track A big “thank you” to all those members who Please ensure that all monies for raffle ticket have renewed their subscriptions promptly, sales, donations, etc are sent to the Treasurer, Gill Wright, Mayor of Llandovery and in many cases taken out 200 club and any membership matters, for example, and her consort Sally Griffiths membership too. All profits from the 200 change of address or resignation, which do welcomed the Mayor and club go towards HoWLTA’s aims of publicising not involve money, should be directed to the Mayoress of Llanelli, Roger and and promoting our line. Membership Secretary. Ruth Price who brought Folk up There is still time to renew your subs and the Track to The Level Crossing join our 200 club but be quick to ensure you Next Committee Meeting in Llandovery on Saturday 7th don’t miss out on getting future newsletters. Thursday, 16th July 2015 at the Commo- March. dore Hotel, Llandrindod Wells. Starts 12 200 Club : HoWLTA’s Monthly Drawnoon. See next Newsletter for dates of future [Photo © Gill Wright] We have 302 numbers, the latest winners meetings. are : Annual General Meeting Llangadog Station February 2015 (the BIG one!) if the weather holds good, as we have to £100 M Price, Llandod Saturday, 19th September 2015. [Editor : Our little halt is still in the winter doldrums position and fill the new flower box which £50 B Roberts, Swansea sorry about the wrong date last time!] with little to do of any importance except is ready and waiting and then contemplate £25 J Greaves, Bucknell £25 K F Bishop, Abingdon Newsletter Stuffing Session pick up the litter - and little enough of that putting a fresh coat of paint on our little £25 F D Young, Sutton Coldfield The next stuffing session (for Newsletter - and do a little pruning of the bushes that fence and gate which are starting to look a March 2015 #133) will be on Thursday, 13th August 2015. seemed to think that winter never existed little dilapidated and unloved. There is also £20 H Jones, Kington This will start at 11.30am to suit the arrival and persisted in growing through the last the red carpet to shampoo and clean in £15 N Morgan, Llandovery time from Swansea (but will be a bit early for four months. We filled one of the flower readiness for the flood of new passengers £10 P Rees, Shrewsbury the train from Shrewsbury!) at The Level £10 Rev. A Tweed, Llandod boxes to capacity with assorted heathers in we are expecting when Arriva start up their £10 E Davies, Llandod. Crossing, just opposite Llandovery Station. October and these have put on several five trains a day service...... ! April 2015 Your help would be appreciated if you can inches since then. Eileen Mainwaring, Chief Adopter £20 W Hiddlestone, Swansea spare a couple of hours. We’ve had a good £15 R Webb, Llandod The tulip and daffodil bulbs were all planted Dennis Harrison, Assistant Adopter turnout recently, and it’s become a great £10 S Blyton, Ludlow chance for a chat! out in January and we look forward to their £10 G Lawley, Shrewsbury flowering any time now. Many thanks to £10 N Andrews, Swansea If you can help please email the editor on Geraint Morgan of Arriva. Nigel Bird, Membership Secretary. [email protected] . A recent inspection of our row of decorative If your club or organisation would trees planted on the waste ground adjacent like to enjoy a talk/slide show Useful Telephone Numbers / Web Sites to the platform have showed a very healthy about the Llandrindod Station Ticket Office (Kelsham Hanna) ...... 01597-822053 growth rate through last summer - the Silver Heart of Wales Line, then call National Rail Enquiries ...... 08457-484950 Birch and Cherry in particular putting on a Tony Birdwood Arriva Trains Wales (Customer Services) ...... 08456-061660 couple of feet and nearly all are now budding on 01550 777344 or 07852 115390 HoWLTA web site...... www.howlta.org.uk well which may well indicate another good or email HoWL Forum web site ...... www.heart-of-wales.co.uk growing season this coming summer. British Transport Police [email protected] (24 hours National Freephone No.) ... 0800-405040 I expect that the real work will start in April, Network Rail National Helpline...... 08457-114141 member of the Heart of Wales Line Travellers’ Association

4 HoWLTA Newsletter HoWLTA Newsletter 25 120 Miles of Station Gardens Stations on the Northern Half NOTICE OF As I have travelled up and down the line I of the HoWL have been able to see and appreciate the These notes are based largely upon wonders of nature under control at so many observations made during visits to the 17 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING places along the line. I have seen glimpses stations between Craven Arms and Sugar of the small armies with their orange vests Notice is hereby given that the 34th AGM of HOWLTA will be held on at work as I pass in the train. We have had Loaf on 18th, 21st and 23rd April. Saturday September 19th 2015 at the Victoria Hall, Llanwrtyd Wells, a very dry April which has meant it has been 1. Craven Arms – Although the station possible to get some of the ‘beating back’ starting at 11.30 now has just two platforms and an work done, but it is also a reminder that engineer’s siding, it still has a busy air with access to water at stations can be a problem. The Constitution states that the entire Committee, excluding the President frequent passenger and freight trains passing I am reminded too how much we depend on through it. The platforms looked tidy with and Vice-Presidents, shall retire and seek re-election at each AGM. Any the enthusiasm of people, but how do we little litter evident. Although limited in member wishing to stand for election to the Committee must give at least get to the next stage in the process. In fact number, the planters were colourful and process is the word – how do we ensure 14 days notice in advance of the AGM in writing to the Secretary. cared for. The semaphore signalling at this that all the good work does not go to waste. However, this aspect of the arrangements has been delegated to the How do we raise money to make it all station still reigns supreme but there is a Minutes Secretary (see below), who will be pleased to receive nominations sustainable? How do we ensure succession? scheme to replace all signalling between Shrewsbury and Pontypool & New Inn with either by letter or e.mail. It may be helpful to any member thinking of At the recent Forum meeting, I set out an seeking election to the Committee to know that at present Committee action plan which will form the basis of a modular signalling controlled from the new Regional Operations Centre in Cardiff by meetings are held quarterly, alternating between Thursdays and newsletter for the adopters. As with anything to do with gardens it will always be a draft the end of 2017. The inevitable march of Saturdays. The location is chosen to suit train times, and so is normally because everything constantly changes – progress perhaps but there must be some somewhere on the Llandrindod to Llanwrtyd section of the line. Meeting influences of the weather; changes in regret at the passing of the mechanical signal times are usually from about 11.30/12.00 to about 15.00/15.30. personnel – we never know what is round boxes and semaphore signals, much loved the corner but we can do our best to be links with the age of steam. prepared. Any member wishing to propose a motion for discussion at the AGM must 2. Broome – This station was neat and A couple of things that can be done – feed also give at least 14 days notice in writing. Such motions should be sent the platform boasted a ‘Harrington Hump’. reports of what is being achieved, with to the Minutes Secretary (see below). Matters which have not been pictures where possible, both to the The Harrington Hump is a specially raised notified in this way may only be discussed at the Chairman’s discretion Newsletter editor (psberry@tiscali. co.uk) and part of the platform to enable passengers, under “Any Other Business”, if time allows. to Rachel Francis (rachelzzzyx @gmail.com) particularly those with mobility problems, who is a whizz with Facebook and Twitter. to board or alight from trains more easily. Mike Watson You would be amazed how many followers They are being installed at stations where Minutes Secretary the Line now has. Pictures tell a thousand platforms are lower than the recommended 99 Ridgeway, Killay words. Any problems send them to me and standard. The appearance of Broome Swansea SA2 7AP I can then forward the information. Station would be further improved by the [email protected] See you from the train! Gill Wright addition of two or three planters placed along the platform. ADVERTISE HERE 3. Hopton Heath – Although the station Please remember our new address for correspondence : A 1/16th page advert like this costs just is in a picturesque setting, the platform HoWLTA, c/o The Crossing House, £15 for one issue (or £40 for a year). surface is in need of refurbishment and a Dolau, Llandrindod Wells LD1 5TG See page 27 for full advertising rates. resurfacing scheme is currently being considered by Arriva Trains Wales (ATW). 24 HoWLTA Newsletter HoWLTA Newsletter 5 The shelter also needs repainting and there flowers. Due to the low height of the is possible scope for station volunteers to platform, a Harrington Hump has also been Chairman’s Chat.... improve the station’s overall appearance installed here. At the time of the visit, the Firstly let me take this opportunity to with a planting scheme following recent Hump was physically complete but had not apologise to my colleagues on the discussions with Network Rail (NR). yet been ‘signed off’ by NR. for public use. committee. Due to an injury to my foot, 4. Bucknell - The functioning platform 9. Dolau – There was an extensive display then illness. I have not been able to and disused platform were both neat and of of colourful spring flowers in the well attend any meetings since January. So I tidy. The shelter was well maintained. A established flower beds and containers at have very little to report for this wildlife garden is being created on the this station, which is in a picturesque newsletter, so I will hand over to the disused platform, where two station location. At the north end of the station, committee members who attend nameboards in the style of the British the wooden paling fence at the adjacent level meetings for reports. [Photo © Peter Berry] Railways ‘double sausage’ logo were due crossing is being replaced by white palisade to be erected before the end of April. type metal fencing which should last for One of the meetings I was unable to from Shrewsbury. Recently I had the 5. Knighton – The station was generally many years with minimal maintenance. attend was the one on tourism for the opportunity to use the service. Although in good order. Agreement is being sought Sadly, high winds at the beginning of April region. At this meeting we launched a I did not travel the whole journey. I must with NR to enable the repainting of the brought down a laburnum tree planted by leaflet which I was asked to design on 5 say that the on board service was signal token cabinets on both platforms to HOWLTA volunteers in the mid 1980s. The destinations that you could visit by train excellent, although I did find it unusual take place. awning on the shelter was also damaged or bus from Llandrindod Wells. I have to have cold croissant for lunch. but repairs to the awning are in progress. 6. Knucklas – Only a third of the platform not seen the final version which was May I take this opportunity to welcome 10. Penybont – The clearance of excess is currently in use. The remainder is produced and printed by the Forum, but two new station adopters, John and vegetation on both the functioning platform cordoned off while a Harrington Hump is I am hoping that we can reproduce a Lynda, at Llanbister Road whose busy and the disused platform has been being installed. The works are due to be copy in the newsletter in the future. work can be seen from the train. completed in late May and, shortly after continuing during the winter months. This I have received a very interesting letter the completion, a bench seat is to be placed station looks at its best in the spring when Also, Llandrindod Wells Cefnllys CP on the platform in memory of Ted Conway, there is a colourful display of primroses and from Professor G.L. Huxley who has school. The school children have had the Station Adopter at this station for more daffodils to be seen. Early in April a bench written to the Department of Transport their railway safety talk and are now busy than 20 years. The columns of the waiting seat was installed on the functioning asking what is likely to happen when the visiting the station carrying out audits. shelter were repainted by volunteers last platform in memory of the late Bill Smith current TransPennine Express, the We will be producing a leaflet very soon autumn. who was a volunteer both here and at Dolau. Northern franchise and the current lease with information about the new 7 Llangynllo / Llangunllo – Bi-lingual 11. Llandrindod Wells – This station of the Class 170 run out. By the time was adopted by Llandrindod Wells (Cefnllys) this newsletter is printed, there may be timetable which starts on 17th May. signs for this station were erected on the This will accompany the more detailed platform during the second half of 2014. CP School in January this year. The children some answers, but the Department Of Arriva Trains timetable which is now The platform is low and a Harrington Hump have already carried out initial surveys of Transport are not giving away anything available. A lot has been written about is being installed here; it is likely to be the station which is generally in a tidy at this time. However it will be the long awaited additional services and completed during May. During the past few condition. The area of the southbound interesting to see what they come up months, volunteers have been removing platform between the signal box museum with and that may give us some ideas the hard work to achieve these. But if excess vegetation from the rear of the and the south ramp is rather overgrown for our future plans. we don’t use them, then all the hard however and permission is being sought work will have been for nothing. We platform area and have repainted the Just a reminder for the members who columns of the shelter. from NR to clear excess vegetation. must all do whatever we can to promote live in the North of the Heart of Wales 12. Builth Road – There was a good and use the Heart of Wales 8. Llanbister Road – This is a very neatly that we have a direct service to London, kept station with a good display of spring display of spring flowering plants in a Line. Kevin Knell 6 HoWLTA Newsletter HoWLTA Newsletter 23 number of containers placed along the 17. Sugar Loaf – It may seem a remote Heart of Wales Line Travellers’ platform. The station, which already has a wayside halt but Sugar Loaf has virtually Association –––– HoWLTA Harrington Hump, looked neat and well all the facilities enjoyed by the larger kept. A bench seat was placed there in early unmanned stations (eg a shelter, seating, Officials April. Although more than half a century lighting and a Customer Information President Professor Stuart Cole CBE has passed since it ceased to be a busy Screen). It was good to see the small display Vice-Presidents Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth Lord Berkeley of Knighton junction station, Builth Road still retains of spring flowers in containers on the short Peter Black AM Alun Cairns AM many reminders of its heyday. platform there. Martin Caton MP Alun Davies AM 13. Cilmeri – This station is in an attractive The Heart of Wales Line has long been Byron Davies AM Geraint Davies MP setting overlooking the Irfon Valley with the noted for its beauty in springtime and this Keith Davies AM Suzy Davies AM Mynydd Epynt range beyond. The station year the flowers and blossom at many of Philip Dunne MP Jonathan Edwards MP looked in good order with a well maintained the stations and on the verges along the Nia Griffith MP Mike Hedges AM shelter and a display of spring flowers in Line have been particularly eye-catching. Julie James AM Sian James MP large and impressive wooden containers In conclusion, I would like to thank Geraint Bethan Jenkins AM Daniel Kawczynski MP along the platform. The whole length of Morgan and Martyn Tudor of ATW for all Eluned Morgan MEP William Powell AM the approach road from the A483 trunk Rhodri Glyn Thomas AM Simon Thomas AM their good work in arranging the purchase road to the station itself is much improved. Joyce Watson AM Kirsty Williams AM and installation of the bench seats at Roger Williams MP 14. Garth – There were spring flowers in Penybont and Builth Road (and, soon to containers on the platform and the grass be, at Knucklas). Committee Members on the approach to the platform was neatly George Scarfe Chairman : Kevin Knell, Llandrindod Wells ([email protected]) mown. A line of various small shrubs have Vice Chairman : Mike Watson, Swansea ([email protected]) been planted recently along the rear of the Secretary : vacancy northern half of the platform. Membership SecretaryNigel : Bird ([email protected]) 15. Llangammarch – Another tidy [Photo © Brian Dotson] Treasurer : Ray Trend ([email protected]) station with a neatly kept shelter and a ADVERTISEADVERTISE Minutes Sec : Mike Watson, Swansea ([email protected]) display of spring flowers in containers along Newsletter Editor : Peter Berry, Llangadog (01550-777980; [email protected]) the platform. It seems a pity however that Publicity Co-ordinatorDavid : Edwards, Llangennech ([email protected]) the vegetation on the bank opposite the Committee Ray Davies, Bucknell (01547-530443) platform is tending to obscure the view of Members : Brian Dotson, Llandrindod (01597-824408; [email protected]) HEREHERE Len Elliot, Beulah ([email protected]) the village and the river below. Chris Horrocks, Church Stretton ([email protected]) 16. Llanwrtyd Wells – One of the line’s Gwyn Irvine, Llandybie ([email protected]) principal stations, Llanwrtyd was well A quarter page Rex Lloyd, Swansea (01792-580324) maintained generally. The station building advert like this costs Roger Price, Llanelli (01554-750045; [email protected]) on the northbound platform is being re- George Scarfe, Llandrindod Wells (01597-822524;geor [email protected]) occupied by a community enterprise and just £45 for one Gill Wright, Cynghordy (01550-750261;[email protected] ) some internal redecoration of the building issue (or £120 NEW ADDRESS for Correspondence : was already apparent. The very attractive raised flower beds of stone construction sited HoWLTA, c/o The Crossing House, Dolau, Llandrindod Wells LD1 5TG on both platforms were well filled with for a year). HoWLTA is affiliated to Railfuture and Better Transport plants. See page 27 for full advertising rates.

22 HoWLTA Newsletter HoWLTA Newsletter 7 platforms (making access to trains easier) Rail community licence and are undertaking News from Arriva Trains Wales have already been installed at Builth Road, an ambitious revamp of the walled area at Consultation on our May timetables Saturday and two additional return Pontarddulais and Llangennech, with others the front of the station. More news on improvements has been underway for journeys on Sundays) planned or in course of installation at gardens appears elsewhere in this Newsletter. Llandovery, Llanbister Road, Llangunllo and some time. — Additional week day services on the Free travel Knucklas. New benches have been provided The new May 2015 timetable will come Heart of Wales line which result in by ATW at Builth and Pen y bont. Welsh Government has announced that the into force on Sunday, 17th May 2015 significant changes to the current ‘free travel with a bus pass’ scheme on our CCTV is to go in at Pontarddulais. New [Editor : roughly when members will be line and others will return from October 1st timetable shelters are to be provided at Llandrindod receiving this newsletter], and has been 2015 – March 31st 2016 (and will also — The one minute earlier departure of (Northbound platform) and Llangennech. developed in partnership with Welsh operate in 2016-17) the 05:32 Shrewsbury to Crewe service Each of these is a modest change in its own Government and Network Rail. It link in with the 6:27 Crewe to right, but taken together they help to improve Finally, readers will want to know that Forum includes some important changes which service the journey experience. Chairman Cllr Mansel Williams was recently taken seriously ill and is currently receiving will result in service improvements for Funding was also provided for further — The 17:04 Cardiff to Tenby service treatment for a brain tumour. Cllr Williams is many of our passengers. ‘devegging’ work to improve the views at will now call additionally at Llanharan. active on many rail and arts projects in mid The key changes include: Cynghordy, but the work was not able to A summary of the new service on the Wales and Shrewsbury and we are all — Enhanced week day and weekend commence before the 2015 nesting season HoWL can be found on the opposite anxiously awaiting news of his recovery. In and so will be deferred until October. services on the Cambrian line (these page, and a copy of the full timetable is the meantime Forum vice chairman Cllr Paul include four additional Aberystwyth to enclosed with this issue. Social media, website, events Lloyd is deputising. Shrewsbury return journeys Monday to and activities David Edwards Our website www.heart-of-wales.co.uk Welsh Government News continues to do good work for us with nearly 60,000 visitors and 327,000 page views last Transport Minister, Edwina Hart, has fares scheme to provide access to public year. Google is by far the largest source of announced the concessionary rail transport in areas where bus services are referrals. The majority of visitors are from scheme in rural Mid and North Wales limited. the UK, with the US and Australia in 2nd will be extended for a further two years. It operates year round on the and 3rd place. The scheme which operates on the Borderlands and Conwy Valley Lines and Rachel Frances continues to come up with Conwy Valley Line between Blaenau during the autumn and winter months on ways to increase Twitter and Facebook Ffestiniog and Llandudno, the Welsh the Heart of Wales and Cambrian Coast supporters and at Easter she set up an empty section of the Wrexham – Bidston Line, Lines. ‘Favourite places and Easter events’ diary, inviting suggestions to help fill it. The idea the Cambrian Coast and Heart of Wales Transport Minister, Edwina Hart, said: worked well and attracted contributions “I am pleased to announce the extension lines, is available to all free bus pass ranging from farmers markets, through Easter holders in Wales. of this scheme, which provides vital egg decorating events to calving time at There are more than 720,000 access to transport for the elderly and Dinefwr Park. disabled in our rural communities, until concessionary pass holders in Wales, Gardens including armed forces personnel and the end of March 2017. This veterans. demonstrates the Welsh Government’s Liaison with the Arriva station adopters is continuing, and Gill Wright has worked to The scheme, which has been funded by commitment to providing access to support the development of a new group at sustainable transport across Wales.” the Welsh Government since 2007, Llanelli station. They now have a Network complements the concessionary bus

8 HoWLTA Newsletter HoWLTA Newsletter 21 NEW TIMETABLE Summary of Services * 17th May 2015 to 12th December 2015 Mon-Fri Sat. Sun. Swansea D ——0603 0933 1435 1821 0431 0915 1312 1821 1108 1528 Llanelli D — 0520 0625 0954 1453 1842 0450 0934 1332 1840 1129 1548 Llandovery A — 0621 0726 10.52 1552 1940 0549 1034 1433 1938 1229 1652 Llandovery D ——0728 1055 1554 1943 0551 1037 1435 1941 1232 1654 Llandrindod W A ——0838 1151 1654 2102 0644 1136 1531 2037 1328 1750 Llandrindod W D 0618 — 0845 1201 1659 2119 0655 1140 1542 2042 1343 1801 Shrewsbury A 0757 — 1014 1332 1828 2254 0822 1309 1711 2208 1512 1932

Shrewsbury D — 04450542 1009 1405 1825 0516 0900 1358 1801 1204 1618 Llandrindod W A — 0610 0734 1139 1536 1956 0643 1030 1533 1934 1335 1749 Llandrindod W D ——0735 1200 1541 1956 0653 1033 1540 1934 1341 1758 Llandovery A ——0832 1254 1646 2053 0744 1130 1634 2031 1435 1852 Llandovery D 0642 — 0834 1256 1648 2056 0746 1132 1636 2034 1437 1855 Llandelli D 0745 — 0939 1404 1752 2200 0855 1242 1740 2138 1541 1959 Swansea A 0808 — 1003 1425 1818 2221 0922 1301 1807 2206 1603 2020 * Only times for main stations are shown. Please consult full timetable to confirm times and for other stations.

Attendees at the February 27th Meeting [Photo © Rachel Frances] announced in the Winter issue of the Newsletter, ie Charter Train News Saturday 16th May - The HoW Explorer (DRS carried out so that HoWLEN can approach Fridays: the existing Saturday and Sunday Class 57/3 diesel) returning northwards via the Heart potential networking partners, and it has timetables will remain. Updates for 2015 of Wales Line (arr. Llandrindod Wells 16.48, dep. already been agreed that Llanwrtyd Key features Mondays-Fridays include Sadly the steam hauled charter train, ‘The Heart of 16.49). Organised by Pathfinder Tours. Community Transport will collaborate with Wales’, which was due to run along the Heart of Wales Sunday 7th June - HoW Scenic Rambler (two — An extra train at each end of the line Class 47/57 diesels) returning northwards via the Heart us. They have recently taken over the lease Line on Saturday, 25th April was cancelled by the tour — The ability to get to Swansea by 08.08 operator, The Railway Touring Company of King's of Wales Line (times not available). Organised by of Llanwrtyd station and we plan to work Compass by West Coast Railways. from stations south of Llandovery (for Lynn. closely with them. They were using the train operating company, The Saturday 20th June - HoW Rambler (possibly commuting and early shopping) DB Schenker Class 66 diesel) returning southwards via We are also seeking to build links with West Coast Railway Company, to provide the — Some trains through to and from Crewe locomotives, rolling stock and train crew for the the Heart of Wales Line (times not available). Organised interested parties in and understand excursion but Network Rail recently banned The West by Pathfinder Tours. that our approach is similar to that being Better connections Coast Railway Company from using the national rail Wednesday 24th June - HoW Scenic Rambler adopted by Shropshire County Council, a — More convenient tourist day trip timings network. (possibly two Class 47/57 diesels) running southwards via the Heart of Wales Line (times not available). member of the Forum. We plan to meet them The ban followed an incident on Saturday 7th March Rambler The Forum is aware that there are some at Wootton Bassett Junction, about six miles south- Organised by Compass by West Coast Railways. soon. disadvantages to the new times - there is a west of Swindon Station, when a steam hauled charter Wednesday 2nd September - HoW Scenic limit to the potential flows of traffic that can train returning from Temple Meads to Southend (possibly two Class 47/57 diesels) running More trains, and infrastructure southwards via the Heart of Wales Line (times not be satisfied with a small number of trains – overran a red signal on the junction approach and developments came to a stand about 700 yards further on at a point available). Organised by Compass by West Coast hence the content of the 2018 report already on the junction itself, barely a minute after a Swansea Railways. The modest service improvements from May referred to. We hope however that overall, to London Paddington High Speed Train (HST) had Friday 16th October - HoW Scenic Rambler 2015 have now been announced and will passengers will benefit from, and use, the passed over the junction. (possibly two Class 47/57 diesels from Watford Junction start on May 17th. Welsh Government was On a more cheerful note, The Railway Touring running southwards via the Heart of Wales Line (times new services. not available). Organised by Compass by West Coast only able to afford them by making more cost Company has indicated that it still hopes to run ‘The Welsh Government has also funded other Heart of Wales’ charter train at some point later this Railways. effective use of the existing fleet of trains. improvements along the line. Raised year. The new timetable will operate Mondays- There is otherwise very little change from the charters [Compiled from information provided by George Scarfe ]

20 HoWLTA Newsletter HoWLTA Newsletter 9 Memories of the Central Wales Line NEWS FROM THE HEART OF Evacuation to Llandybie in Wartime When, as an eight-year-old evacuee from a few miles away in mid Kent on 10 May, WALES LINE FORUM South-East London, I travelled up the and the planned German invasion of SE Central Wales Line (now more familiarly England, 'Operation Sealion', was already Continuing Welsh Government support known as the Heart of Wales) to known about, why on earth did we go to Last time I wrote was at the start of February, organisations along the route. The first steps Landybie on Sunday, 23 June 1940, I Rye in the first place? when in the Stop Press item I reported that in setting this up have now been taken and had probably not, until then, even heard Welsh Government Minister Mrs Edwina Hart on April 17th the Forum agreed in principle The only part of the long train journey had accepted the ‘Unlocking Mid Wales’ that it would support the creation of the of Wales! that I really remember, apart from our reports that we had submitted to her. ‘Heart of Wales Line Enterprise Network’ Shortly before the outbreak of the gas masks in their cardboard boxes over The reports set out the significantly enhanced (HoWLEN). A small Forum based project Second World War, my parents and I our shoulders, is when we were level of service on our line to be specified in team has been set up to develop the concept learnt that I had passed the junior eventually told we were now in Wales. the ‘Invitation To Tender’ (ITT) document entrance exam for the Roan School for But what I do remember from then on that will be provided to bidders for the new Boys, situated at the edge of Blackheath that day was people cheering us from rail franchise. That the Minister has agreed and adjacent to Greenwich Park, just the ends of their gardens and waving all to our proposals is a significant and very three miles from home. But as the school manner of objects, like frying pans and positive achievement and the Forum looks had already been evacuated to Ticehurst, saucepans And we boys were leaning out forward to discussions with bidders when the near Tunbridge Wells, and there were of the train windows shouting and ITT is launched at the end of 2015. 1 already plans to relocate, we would be singing. One of the key arguments in our Ministerial informed in due course what to do. So, submission was that an enhanced service will En route to Llandybie, the train dropped enable the railway to play a significant part in the meantime I attended a small off the seniors at Ammanford. When we in the regeneration of the area it serves – 4 private school just a half-mile walk from reached Llandybie we were taken in hence the report title ‘Unlocking Mid Wales’. home. Then, on 8 March 1940, we various directions. The master heading This approach – involving the development received a postcard from the Roan School my group would stop at houses and one of social enterprises – was set out in the last instructing my parents to take me to Rye, or more boys would be taken in. When Newsletter. on the Sussex coast, the following we reached Pontbrenlwyd, just beyond Mrs Hart was impressed by our argument and Monday, 11 March. As our nearest the now-realigned road bridge, the home offered us a 12-month revenue grant for station, Grove Park, was on the main line of Mr and Mrs James and their son preliminary work to be done, so that when from London to Tonbridge/Ashford/ the new franchise is launched we will have a Gareth, Mrs James had requested ‘one Prof Paul Salveson [Photo © Rachel Frances] Hastings, that would be a straightforward boy’, so the master picked me. The next rail-related development structure already in place. We moved swiftly and called a meeting for submission to the Forum AGM in journey, and my mother took me. We day I wrote home to inform my parents of interested parties in Llandrindod on September. were met at Rye station by one of the where I was. On Saturday, 29 June, my February 27th, to explore development The Wales Cooperative Centre is providing masters and taken to my digs. mother came down on the 11.55 from opportunities and exchange ideas. advice on what corporate form HoWLEN The school was only at Rye until Sunday Paddington, and her diary records that The keynote speaker was Prof Paul Salveson, should take. Glenn Bowen, Director of 23 June when we made our journey to Mr James and I met her at Llandybie who spoke of similar successful initiatives in Enterprise for the WCC, recently spoke to a Wales. When one considers that the Low station at 6.05 pm. We boys had already the UK and elsewhere. He envisaged the group of HoWLEN representatives and the Countries had already fallen to the started school in Llandybie Memorial establishment of a coordinated network of directors of the existing Heart of Wales Line Germans, there had been bombing just Hall, one class in each of the four corners. businesses and other social enterprise-based Development Company. An audit is being

10 HoWLTA Newsletter HoWLTA Newsletter 19 to be corrected) so that one My mother returned home on 12 July. in my class were Welsh twins called. door would be on the raised My parents made several visits to Hughes. section and the other door Llandybie and on one occasion we all Up until then the army had occupied. the on the ‘normal’ section went down the local coal mine in which Roan School, but they moved out after presenting a potential ‘elf Mr James worked. The pit ponies and safety’ issue and hardly filling in the trenches they had dug in the fascinated me and we still have in the overcoming the reason for front lawn. We moved back in for the the ‘hump’ in the first family a discarded horseshoe and a lump start of the autumn term on 14 place. I think the 150/2s of anthracite. September 1943. Very little bomb are fitted with selective Of course, during my period at Llandybie damage repairs had been done; the hall door opening and as any the Battle of Britain was taking place and ceiling was still down and there were two doors are closer tog- I know my parents were concerned about brick blast walls outside the ground floor [Photo © Stephen Miles] ether than the two on a the safety of our house when they were windows. 153, would be less of a problem. I introduced the concessionary rail scheme away. Even so, there were plenty of air Looking back, I wouldn't have missed the I also thought that it odd that the raised on a number of lines in Wales to provide raid warnings and we often watched the evacuation for anything, despite the section on Llangennech station (to Swan- access to rail services where bus services overhead dogfights between British and sea platform) was at the north end away are limited. While the scheme can be used obvious tragedy and futility of war. It German aircraft when there were attacks from the passenger access and shelter but as part of longer distance journeys, this is certainly was an education that the probably too many services in the platform not its primary purpose. on Swansea and Neath. When my present generations hopefully will not to contend with in the correct location? The rail fares quoted by your constituent mother came down on one occasion, on experience. Monday, 24 March 1941, Mrs James, By the way when the Llangennech ‘humps’ appear to be Advance Purchase tickets, I do remember the long goods trains with my mother, Gareth and I went to the are commisioned are HoWLTA going to which are commercial products priced by their loose couplings and friendly preserve the remaining set of wooden steps Palace cinema in Ammanford to see individual train operators and are not footplate crews and guards as they currently kept in the ‘to Swansea’ shelter? always available. You may wish to Charlie Chaplin in ‘The Great Dictator’. Stephen Miles (by email) rumbled up and down the line. contact Arriva Trains Wales Following the end of the Battle of Britain, Sometimes it was coal trains, sometimes Re the preservation of said steps I must (www.arrivatrainswales.co.uklcontact moves were afoot for some, at least, of armaments, tanks etc., and sometimes confess to not having thought of doing us/) about how they price and allocate the pupils and masters to return to troops. And we lads would place this. Probably best to leave them for the these tickets. London, and my parents chose for me ha'pennies on the lines to see them local anglers who use them as firewood on Edwina Hart MBE CStJ AC/AM to return. So, on 23 July 1911, both my flattened. We also watched the local a chilly night.... : ) parents came by train to Llandybie and David Edwards (by email) Letters for possible inclusion on the Post Bag Home Guard and LDV (Local Defence two days later we returned home. My Volunteers, which later merged with the [Editor : Readers can see the final (so far) result, pages can either be posted to me at Twin Oaks, Castle Close, Llangadog SA19 9AH mother's diary records that we arrived HG) having mock battles. And Nicholas at Pontarddulais at any rate, on the front cover of home at 5.30 pm. and I went out on my this issue.] or emailed to [email protected] the Milk with his bicycle and sidecar and bike! Your letter, if selected for publication, churns of bulk milk, proper milk, not this Unfair Fares? may be subject to editing. The school was not yet returning to skimmed and semi-skimmed apology for [Editor : The following response has been London, but those of us that did spent milk, which he would ladle into his received via Rhodri Glyn Thomas AM to Hywel Please include your full the next two years (during which there customers’ pots. And the loose coal left address, although this Jones’ letter] was still bombing) at an ‘Emergency on the roadside at the miners’ houses Thank you for your letter of 7 January on will not usually be published. Secondary School’ in Lewisham, just for was it, 7/6 a ton? behalf of your constituent regarding rail under three miles from home. And fares on services operating on the Heart of Keith H Hyatt, Rhandir-mwyn Peter Berry interestingly, at that school, Colfe’s, the Wales line. headmaster was a Mr Rees and two boys 18 HoWLTA Newsletter HoWLTA Newsletter 11 Old Diesel Multiple Units smoke pouring out of the exhausts to Christmas and will be missed by profession- Apparently the intrepid engineers, tempted roll into the fields as we passed - heaven! als in the industry, including his customers, to do some work rather than sitting in their I've been a member of HoWLTA for many for his tireless efforts to keep the railway rather posh cabin at Llangennech, found Even railwaymen admit that these old years but it’s also, unfortunately, been a running over many years, in the face of that there was ‘a design issue’ 2-3 weeks very long time since I rode the Central DMUs were the best trains of all and, adversity. Robin appeared on TV to rep- ago and decamped. Wales Line. I used to make the trip to luckily, some have been preserved on resent his company, having got involved Since then, the expensively hired kit has the friendly city of Swansea about three such heritage railways as Llangollen. with what was clearly a big impact on the stood empty and unused. times per year but then two things Mention of Knucklas reminds me of a travelling public. Yesterday I asked Adrian Carrington of happened which made me change my funny incident. On a lovely sunny day, I'd The publicly available reports and the ATW who is overseeing the whole shebang, ways. Firstly I got a new hobby - the Wife! left the train there, looking in vain for a coverage in Modern Railways provides a for an update.... more balanced analysis. Finsbury Park is David Edwards (by email) This took up much of my time (it still taxi rank (don't they have them in the recognised turn back location in the Wales?). Nevertheless, I walked down does) although we've both used the line tried and tested contingency plans when Funny you should say that...... When I and have retained our love of Wales, the hill, intending to stroll as far as Kings Cross is closed. The station handles was at Pontarddulais I thought it rather mostly visited now by car (North Wales Knighton where I’d re-board the train. high volumes of football fans on many strange (but perhaps not, knowing NR) that is on our doorstep, of course). Knucklas is a pretty place, and I spotted weekends. Unfortunately, local staff decid- the raised section was only a one coach length when 150/2s are regularly diagram- The other reason is the disastrous change an antique shop with its door wide open, ed to ignore the published plan and turned back the services in the platform on which med over the line (eg 0900 Shrewsbury - of rolling stock on our line. I’d always with all sorts of treasures glistening Cardiff). Hardly future proofing; more like loved the old DMU trains— the Diesel inside. I ambled in and began to explore. they had arrived, leading to passenger congestion and the collapse of the plan. the usual down to a cost and not up to a Multiple Units with wide windows, low- “Who are you?” a man suddenly asked. The “wrong” equipment sent to the standard. back bus seats from which you could “Oh, I'm just looking at the antiques in engineering site was actually brand new If you look again at my photo, I think it enjoy the scenery on both sides of the case there's anything that I might want” equipment, obtained in the belief that it may reveal the ‘design issue’. It would ap- track and a Guard’s Van section for large I said. “But this is my house” the man would be reliable – but it had not been fully pear the raised section is not long enough luggage. On these trains one could also gasped. “I'm awfully sorry, but the front tested. Andy Scott to accommodate both the passenger doors see out of the front and watch the driver door was open” I replied very One Hump or Two changing gear as the conveyance tackled apologetically. Inspired by David Edward’s the many hills in Central Wales. Now, I think that he saw the funny side but photo on page 7 of the virtually nothing can be seen because of fancy leaving your front door open - we Winter 2015 Newsletter of the high seats. have a 70 pound steel security gate over the new raised platform It was always a thrill as we left ours and it takes six keys to open the works at Pontarddulais your Shrewsbury in clouds of black fumes as house so, Mr Knucklas, perhaps it’s best intrepid photographer paid a the train picked up speed after sitting for if you remain amongst the innocence of visit on 17th February a while in the station waiting to go. In the countryside but keep your front door hoping to find the ‘hump’ in use, only to discover it still in those days only one carriage would be closed! the throes of construction a fitted with engines, the other a trailer and © Andrew Richardson, month after David’s photo. this did slow the train down a bit but, who Undeterred I also visited cared? RAILWAY BOOKS Llangennech to find that [Photo © Stephen Miles] It was great at Knucklas as the train (Bought & Sold) work had just started for the hump on the on a 153 so that only one door could be slowly crossed the viaduct before turning Over 4000 listed on my website ‘down’ (to Llanelli) platform (see page 18). used. However I believe the 153s are not left and chugging on and on in low gear www.nigelbirdbooks.co.uk Stephen Miles (by email) fitted with selective door opening (I stand for mile after mile, clouds of filthy black telephone 01974 821281

12 HoWLTA Newsletter HoWLTA Newsletter 17 October until 31st March, breakdowns are Post Bag inevitable, the units that are over 30 years The Southern End of Our Line days ending in Western Region administration old are probably working 20 hours daily. Then & Now as 87K. Upon closure of the shed in 1959 its These units are working hard when allocation was distributed to a number of sheds overcrowded to travel up inclines on A Photo Montage compiled by in the Swansea area – and East Dock, HoWL, especially over the Sugar Loaf Stephen Miles whilst its stud of Stanier Class 8F 2-8-0s were Summit and around the Llangunllo transferred to Llanelly where they continued (See photos on pp.14-15) Overcrowding on the HoWL ! stretches, thus leading to unnecessary to be employed on freight duties over the breakdowns. The attached photo taken with 18 Swansea Victoria Station line until the demise of steam on the route. Many passengers expressed their opinions standees on a packed 153 single unit However as Swansea East Dock shed did not to me that week for WAG/ATW to 1a. Then (1964) - With closure less than a have a turntable for turning tender travelling between Llandovery and week away, Black 5 45145 makes a spirited locomotives, that at Paxton Street survived, Llanwrda at 1644 hrs on 26th March. departure from Swansea Victoria heading the along with watering facilities, until the closure I had travelled between Llandeilo and 6.25pm up Mails on 8th June 1964. of the Swansea Victoria to Pontardulais Llandrindod that week on Tuesday, The 1 in 45 gradient out of the station was section of route in June 1964. noteworthy as being the steepest gradient Wednesday and Thursday and the 2a. Now (2014) - The site, pictured on 19 on the whole of the Central Wales Line. situation was the same at some point December 2014, is now occupied by Swansea between these two stations. Swansea Victoria station was opened on 14th Civic Centre (formerly West Glamorgan The Wednesday was an ‘adventure’ on December 1867 by the Llanelly Railway & County Hall), where ‘Wedding Cars’ now the HoWL with one engine hauling two Dock Company. Subsequently the whole occupy the former tracks. units to Llandeilo at a max speed of section of line between Pontardulais and Swansea Beach Sidings 25mph (according to driver), there must Swansea was purchased by the London & have been over 200 passengers on North Western Railway in 1873 for 3a. Then (1963) - In addition to the ‘main board. Most of the 24 passengers [Photo © Hywel Jones] £310,000, the station being rebuilt in 1882. line’ Central Wales Line trains, the section of 1b. Now (2014) - The site is now occupied double track between Swansea No.2 and intending to board at Llandeilo (some introduce a one-day rover ticket, costing say by Swansea Leisure Centre (LC2) with Swansea No.1 Signal Boxes carried transfer had travelled as far as Gwernogle) decided £7, for Cerdyn Cymru Bus Pass holders to freight trains between the main docks not to travel and left for home after seeing virtually nothing remaining to show a travel throughout the year between Swan- railway ever existed. The photo was taken complex east of the and the the number of standees on the train sea and Shrewsbury, thus resulting in a on 31st October. smaller complex of lines serving the South already. After repairing a water pipe on the better constant flow of rail travellers, Dock area on the west side, adjacent to disabled engine, and taking more (excluding the RWAS week in July of Swansea (Paxton Street) Engine Victoria Station. Swansea No.1 Signal Box passengers on at Llandovery the water course!). Shed can be seen behind the train of open wagons pipe failed again on leaving the Sugar Loaf Hywel Jones, Cwmdu 2a. Then (1938) - A photograph of Paxton from which ex Powesland & Mason 0-4-0ST Tunnel with all passengers transferred to a Station Adopter at Llanwrda since 2004 Street in its LMS heyday in June 1938 1151 has just uncoupled, having brought the waiting 150 unit (two carriages) bound for (soon after ATW took over the Franchise). showing the variety of LNWR and LMS train via the high level lines from Danygraig Swansea. This ensured that the transferred motive power that it retained to its closure as an ‘8 Target’ transfer freight. Shrewsbury-bound passengers were able to Chairman’s (Back) Chat in August 1959. Prominent in the centre is Beach Sidings to the right of the locomotive continue their journey in a more reliable As a life-long railwayman, whose early an LMS Class 5MT 4-6-0 paralleled by two form the entrance to the South Dock low manner. I travelled back on the disabled career involved HoWLTA (adopt-a-station ex LNWR freight locomotives – a D Class 0- level lines which included the fish quay and 8-0 on left and a ‘Cauliflower’ 0-6-0 on right. train to Swansea taking 1½ hours to reach scheme in 1985-6) I must say I was disap- Gregor Bros’ timber yard, which had always Swansea from Llandeilo - a journey norm- pointed at the cheap tabloid-style sniping Paxton Street, sometimes known as Victoria, been a source of considerable rail traffic. ally taking 1 hour. at Network Rail’s Robin Gisby in Chair- was the main shed at the south end of the 3b. Now (2014) - The former double track The overcrowding is due to the fact that man’s Chat (Winter 2015) about the Christ- Central Wales Line and opened in 1882 main line and Beach Sidings now form the concurrent with the rebuilding of Swansea Cerdyn Cymru Bus Pass holders travelled mas overrun at Finsbury Park. Robin had west car park of as this Victoria Station. It was coded 4B in LMS free on the HoWL from the beginning of announced his retirement well before photo taken on 19 December 2014 shows.

16 HoWLTA Newsletter HoWLTA Newsletter 13 1a Then 1b

[Photo © Les Turner]

2b [Photo[Photo © © Stephen Stephen Miles] Miles] 2a &

[Photo[Photo © © H H C C Casserley] Casserley] [Photo © Stephen Miles] 3b 3a Now [Photo © Les Turner] [Photo[Photo © © Stephen Stephen Miles] Miles]

14 HoWLTA Newsletter HoWLTA Newsletter 15