South Wales Valleys

This book, as part of the South Wales Valleys series, deals with the former Brecon & Merthyr Railway line which ran from Bassaleg (north of Newport) to Brecon and Rhymney B&M, the latter line being closed north of New Tredegar in 1930 due to a landslide, one of several in that area. The most important and lucrative traffic was of course coal from the many collieries on the line, much bound for Newport Docks, though there was a regular passenger service both to Brecon and New Tredegar which ran to Rhymney B&M before 1930. At Machen the line diverted to Caerphilly and Pontypridd again with coal and passenger services, mostly covered by auto trains. Each location along all lines in the area is covered in detail with copious photographs to illustrate, and an OS Map from the start of the 20th C. to present a detailed coverage of the area around each location. The line is still open from Bassaleg to Machen Quarry for occasional trains of stone traffic using modern traction and wagons.

The third in a trilogy on the Brecon & Merthyr Railway, this book covers the line from Merthyr to Pontsticill where it met the line from Newport and continued to Brecon. Between Pontsticill and Brecon the line ran through beautiful scenery with reservoirs on the west side and the Brecon Beacons on the east with the famous Seven Mile bank to test the ability of fireman not to stall their engine. The book is hugely illustrated as it passes through Pontsticill and on through Dolygaer, Pentir Rhiw, Torpantau and Talybont on Usk, this being one of the most scenic sections of the Western Region. Talyllyn and Brecon itself are also very well illustrated giving an idea also of the variety of services that ran into Brecon, not only from Newport, but from Neath, Hereford and Mid-Wales. Passenger services to Brecon from all these places were withdrawn in December 1962, though freight, mostly domestic coal, services from Merthyr continued until 1964. The area is not without some passenger services however in the present day as the Brecon Mountain Railway has been developed between Pant, Pontsticill and Torpantau. This final volume of three provides views in stark contrast to the industrial section at the south end of the Brecon & Merthyr where it runs through the South Wales Coalfield and the former iron producing areas of Merthyr and Dowlais.

This book on the Brecon & Merthyr, deals with the section from Bargoed to Pontsticill Junction, covering the line built by the B&M to join onto the section running north from Bargoed built by the Rhymney Railway, much dominated at the time by nearby Dowlais Ironworks. Included is the short section from Pant to Dowlais Central. It contains photographs of every location along the line, including many that have not before been published. The volume includes a fascinating account of the Pantywaun Marshalling Yard, operative until Dowlais Ironworks ceased production, when the B&M ran freight services to and from Pantywaun, before the many collieries and levels in the area were closed almost overnight and the location finally obliterated under the development of Cwmbargoed Opencast.

This book covers the railway and industrial history of the lines that once operated in the Sirhowy valley in South Wales. Railways and Industry in the Sirhowy Valley, is the first full history of the railways that served this important area of Welsh industry, covering all aspects of its rail transport and manufacturing history. Being the latest volume in an ongoing series of books, covering the history and development of rail transport in the South Wales valleys. The area once boasted some very important industrial manufacturers, including the Tredegar Iron Works and numerous other iron-smelting companies. This volume covers the industrial, economic and social history of this fascinating area of the South Wales valleys and the railway that once served the area.

A photo-filled history of this part of Welsh coal country and its freight and passenger service. Following the first volume dealing with the Llynfi Valley, this book provides details on individual aspects of railways operation focusing on the Ogmore, Garw, and Porthcawl branches in this area of South Wales. The books give a history of the railway, coal mining, and other industrial aspects of each Valley that combine to make up the Tondu Valleys, with detailed comments on the operation of the railway, passenger and freight, and details of each colliery within the area and their place within the South Wales coalfield. The study of Porthcawl traces its development from a dock to a seaside resort with supporting photographs of both aspects. Each location is studied in detail with abundant photographs of railway and colliery activity. This is the first time such a study of this area has been undertaken in such detail.

The book begins with a history of the industrial development of the Tondu Valleys, including the succession of great industrialists who led the way in the area. This is followed by a chapter on the position of the Tondu Valleys in the South Wales Coalfield with colliery and colliery company details. Railway passenger services are next covered, followed by railway coal services. Then follows a detailed account of the sole railway depot, which covered all the operations in the Tondu Valleys. A location specific account then follows of Llynfi Valley detailing both railway and colliery aspects, following the line from Bridgend, through Tondu, and all locations to Cymmer Afan and on to the original terminus at Abergwynfi, then from Blaengwynfi through the Rhondda Tunnel to Treherbert. The north end of the South Wales Mineral Railway became an adjunct to the Tondu Valley with the closure of the former Rhondda & Swansea Bay line and this is also included in similar detail. The closure of the passenger service in 1970 and renaissance of a new service from Maesteg to Cardiff in 1992 concludes the account. Detailed Appendices of operating statistics completes this very comprehensive account. The book is the fullest account ever produced of this part of the South Wales scene and is a must for anyone interested in either the railway or mining activities (or both) in this part of South Wales. A further volume covering the Ogmore & Garw Valleys (and associated lines) and the Porthcawl branch will appear soon.