NINETEEN SIXTY FOUR – PART 60
Walnut Tree Viaduct
Michael L. Roach
This instalment marks Part 60 in the 1964 Series since the first one was published on 22 August 2024. In view of recent subjects, I thought that we would have one more look at another of the great steel truss bridges on the Western Region before leaving the subject and also remember the sixtieth anniversary of a railtour which took place on 31 July 1965. The two subjects come together at the Walnut Tree Viaduct, which was located some six miles north west of Cardiff General Station, where the viaduct crossed the valley of the River Taff and the main line of the former Taff Vale Railway.
The viaduct was built by the Barry Railway to carry coal trains to the Company's Barry Docks for export. The whole ethos of the Barry Railway was to break the stranglehold (and delays) that Cardiff Docks and the Taff Vale Railway had on coal exports. The Barry directly served three main valleys – the Rhondda, the Taff and the Rhymney but also carried coal trains from other valleys. The railway was a remarkable success but with the Grouping of 1921-2 all the railways serving the South Wales coalfield were merged with the Great Western Railway. The double track across the viaduct carried the freight-only route from the Rhymney Valley via Caerphilly, a crossing of the South Wales Main Line and Wenvoe to Cadoxton close to the east end of Barry Docks.
Walnut Tree Viaduct was 1548 feet long (Walkham 1100 feet); had 7 spans (15 spans); truss height not found (9 ft 7½ ins); height 120 feet (132 feet); 2 tracks (one but space for 2); in use 1901-1967 (1910-1962); demolished (ditto). Although Walnut Tree and Walkham were very similar it will be noted that the length of each span at Walnut Tree was more than three times the length at Walkham and the depth of the steel truss was much larger; and it carried a lot more, and heavier traffic, than Walkham which had an easy life by comparison. In the first seven weeks after opening to traffic Walnut Tree carried more than 100,000 tons of coal across the valley below.
The railtour was the Swansea Railway Circle's Rambling 56 Railtour of 31 July 1965 which started at Cardiff General and finished at Newport High Street more than six hours later. The engine used was one of the GWR's 0-6-2 tanks designed in 1924, powerful for their modest size, and would have no difficulty with the light load of four coaches. The cost of the ticket was 35 shillings (£1.75). The engine was 6643 of Llanelly Shed and it was withdrawn shortly after the railtour. The year 1965 witnessed the final run-down of steam in South and West Wales and this was one of a number of railtours that took place that summer and autumn.
The viaduct was built by the Barry Railway to carry coal trains to the Company's Barry Docks for export. The whole ethos of the Barry Railway was to break the stranglehold (and delays) that Cardiff Docks and the Taff Vale Railway had on coal exports. The Barry directly served three main valleys – the Rhondda, the Taff and the Rhymney but also carried coal trains from other valleys. The railway was a remarkable success but with the Grouping of 1921-2 all the railways serving the South Wales coalfield were merged with the Great Western Railway. The double track across the viaduct carried the freight-only route from the Rhymney Valley via Caerphilly, a crossing of the South Wales Main Line and Wenvoe to Cadoxton close to the east end of Barry Docks.
Walnut Tree Viaduct was 1548 feet long (Walkham 1100 feet); had 7 spans (15 spans); truss height not found (9 ft 7½ ins); height 120 feet (132 feet); 2 tracks (one but space for 2); in use 1901-1967 (1910-1962); demolished (ditto). Although Walnut Tree and Walkham were very similar it will be noted that the length of each span at Walnut Tree was more than three times the length at Walkham and the depth of the steel truss was much larger; and it carried a lot more, and heavier traffic, than Walkham which had an easy life by comparison. In the first seven weeks after opening to traffic Walnut Tree carried more than 100,000 tons of coal across the valley below.
The railtour was the Swansea Railway Circle's Rambling 56 Railtour of 31 July 1965 which started at Cardiff General and finished at Newport High Street more than six hours later. The engine used was one of the GWR's 0-6-2 tanks designed in 1924, powerful for their modest size, and would have no difficulty with the light load of four coaches. The cost of the ticket was 35 shillings (£1.75). The engine was 6643 of Llanelly Shed and it was withdrawn shortly after the railtour. The year 1965 witnessed the final run-down of steam in South and West Wales and this was one of a number of railtours that took place that summer and autumn.
The railtour ticket gives more details of the route, which involved a number of propelling movements. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
The railtour has arrived at the west end of Walnut Tree Viaduct after being propelled from Penrhos Junction. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
0-6-2 tank 6643 stands on the second span of the viaduct while on the right is the dolomite quarry. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
The enthusiasts detrain from the railtour's four coaches. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
The driver chats to an enthusiast. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
The sun has come out to highlight the viaduct in its magnificent setting crossing the valley of the River Taff. Note the width of the top flange of the truss. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
Walnut Tree had the same problems as Walkham with trees making it difficult to photograph. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
In this wonderful 80-year old photograph an empty coal train is heading up the valley beneath the viaduct while two coal trains head down the valley to the docks, both headed by GWR 0-6-2 tanks. Compare the trusses with the next image from Walkham Viaduct.
A scan of a single Walkham truss of 6 panels. The Walnut Tree truss visible in the previous image has many more panels.
Many thanks for another interesting article Mike - much appreciated.
For more of Michaels articles, please click here.
For more of Michaels articles, please click here.
One of Britain's last horse-drawn barges up for sale
and the CRS connection
From MSN News:
One of Britain’s last horse-drawn barge businesses, Tiverton Canal Company in Devon, has been put up for sale for £425,000 as its owners retire after more than 40 years. The listing includes two passenger barges, rowing boats, canoes, horses, vehicles, and exclusive carrying rights along the Grand Western Canal. Phil and Jacquie Brind, who have run the attraction since 2005, say they hope to find a buyer who will preserve the tradition. The sale also comes with facilities such as stables, workshops, a booking office, and a canal-side gift shop.
One of Britain’s last horse-drawn barge businesses, Tiverton Canal Company in Devon, has been put up for sale for £425,000 as its owners retire after more than 40 years. The listing includes two passenger barges, rowing boats, canoes, horses, vehicles, and exclusive carrying rights along the Grand Western Canal. Phil and Jacquie Brind, who have run the attraction since 2005, say they hope to find a buyer who will preserve the tradition. The sale also comes with facilities such as stables, workshops, a booking office, and a canal-side gift shop.
The news video regarding the barge - click the play button to view.
The CRS trip to the Seaton Tramway and The Grand Western Tiverton Canal took place on the 26th September 1992.
Roger Winnen, the event organiser, sailed on the first part of the voyage and returned on foot racing the horse and barge for photographs.
Some well known members of the CRS can be seen on tour as we had nearly a full coach load, driven by David Letcher.
A selection of images are below - please click on any for an enlargement. All images are copyright Roger Winnen.
Roger Winnen, the event organiser, sailed on the first part of the voyage and returned on foot racing the horse and barge for photographs.
Some well known members of the CRS can be seen on tour as we had nearly a full coach load, driven by David Letcher.
A selection of images are below - please click on any for an enlargement. All images are copyright Roger Winnen.
We wish the owners of the barge good luck with their sale, and hope that it remains in safe hands for future generations.
Clay to Fowey
Tony Shore & Jon Hird
Monday 18th August saw the first train of China Clay to Fowey since mid-August. 66063 in EWS livery did the honours, working 12 JIA's from Goonbarrow - Fowey.
66063 at Middleway, St. Blazey, with 6G09. 18.08.2025, copyright Tony Shore.
66063 drifts down the bank into Lostwithiel. 18.08.2025, copyright Tony Shore.
The train, now on the Fowey branch, approaches Coulsons Park, Lostwithiel. Viewed from the crossing. 18.08.2025, copyright Tony Shore.
The yellow fence is a new addition and the lineside has been cleared during installation. 18.08.2025, copyright Tony Shore.
Having collected the token/staff for the Fowey branch, 66063 departs for the docks. 18.08.2025, copyright Tony Shore.
6G09 passes Lantyan Woods with St. Winnow Church on the opposite bank of the river. 18.08.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
Many thanks for the photos, Tony.
A taste of the Southern
on the WSR
Andrew Hickson
The Hastings Thumper 1013 passes through Dunster, on the West Somerset Railway, on 16.08.2025. Copyright Andrew Hickson.
1013 heads on to Minehead through Dunster. 16.08.2025, copyright Andrew Hickson.
The unit at Minehead before working the return leg of the railtour. 16.08.2025, copyright Andrew Hickson.
Another Southern machine, Class 33 'Crompton' D6566 assisting the resident steam locos to mitigate the fire risks. 16.08.2025, copyright Andrew Hickson.
With the engines left running Minehead station reverberates to the sound of the English Electric engines of the Thumper. 16.08.2025, copyright Andrew Hickson.
Great shots, Andrew - many thanks.
The changing scene at Scorrier
Jon Hird
From this angle, at Scorrier, the Cornish Mainline separates two eras of industry. Nearest the camera is the iconic Hallenbeagle engine house, the backdrop to many a railway photograph. On the opposite side of the line is the relatively new Cornish Business Park - home to car dealerships, warehouses, manufacturing facilities and more 21st-century businesses. 221130 scurries through the centre of the scene with a Penzance - Birmingham Cross Country service. 18.08.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
Turning around 180 degrees, we see the Voyager continuing on towards Apex Bridge. The train gives some scale to the enormous new building which has sprouted up over the last year behind Hallenbeagle Mine. It's understood that this will be a new Suez household recycling centre. 18.08.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
The new recycling centre dwarves the engine house. The 'dead end' spur of the new roadway to the site suggests to me that the field behind is also earmarked for future development. Amazingly, this new building doesn't seem to intrude into the shot of the engine house from the crossing, despite its size. 18.08.2025, copyright Jon Hird.