NINETEEN SIXTY FOUR – PART 45
The Railway Stations of Dowlais
Michael L. Roach
There were four rail routes passing through or terminating at Dowlais up until the 1950s. Heading roughly north to south overall, along the eastern boundary of Dowlais was the secondary route from Brecon to Newport (Originally The Brecon & Merthyr). This had two stations both of which had crossing loops on the single line. The most important was Dowlais Top at the top of a long hill up from Merthyr and Dowlais. The site of the station can easily be identified in a piece of waste ground just north of the A465 and just east of the road leading into the present Asda store. The other was at Pant (Glam) on the northern outskirts of the present Dowlais built-up area but then convenient only for the the major cemetery for the two towns. Running roughly east to west overall was the secondary route from Abergavenny to Merthyr (Originally the Merthyr, Tredegar and Abergavenny). This also had two stations. The most important was High Street on a high embankment where the line crossed the main road from coming up from Merthyr. High Street Station was actually at Dowlais Top according to the OS map of 1901 with Dowlais Top Station further east. Further north along the line from High Street Station was Pantysgallog Halt Low Level which had a single platform. I have no photo of either of these stations.
Approaching from the south was the joint line (GWR and Rhymney Railway) from Nelson terminating at Cae Harris Station just off the main road and best for those going south to Cardiff and Newport. Approaching from the north was the short 1¼ mile branch from Pant (Glam) on the Brecon to Newport line terminating at Dowlais Central and much used by workers at the nearby factories and works. The extensive Ivor Iron Works dated from 1839 but there had been iron works in the area since 1759. Later there was an ammonia works in the area. Pantyscallog Halt High Level was half way along the short branch to Pant where branch trains started from a third single platform alongside the main station, at a slightly lower level. There is a story about Pantyscallog High Level Station. When my one-and-only photo of the halt was published in the Welsh Railways Research Circle's Newsletter about ten years ago I was contacted by an enthusiast who told me he was brought up in a house in the street on the left of the photo overlooking the railway in the 1940s and 1950s. He had been watching the trains passing right through his childhood and had worked in the steelworks. We collaborated on a couple of articles both of which were published in the prestigous Merthyr Historian. For many years Alistair has lived on the other side of the world in The Phillipines and has endured health problems and severe weather problems. I wish you well Alistair if you should be reading this.
So in an area just one mile wide and less than two miles long there were once 7 railway stations and for the last 60 years there have been none. However just north of that area is Brecon Mountain Railway's southern terminus at Pant. The best map to consult is Sheet 154 of the OS One inch Seventh Series from the mid-1950s, available on NLS. The built-up area of Dowlais is much larger now than it was then. I will now look at certain aspects of some of the stations.
In Part 38 I related how Dowlais Cae Harris was just one of 7 stations and halts in Dowlais. Cae Harris was just off the High Street and was the main station for passengers heading south to Nelson, Caerphilly and Cardiff. The other main station in the town was Dowlais High Street. The entrance to this station was just 100 metres up the main road at a point where the Methyr, Tredegar and Abergavenny line passed over the main road. High Street Station was for passengers heading east to Abergavenny and beyond and west to Merthyr, Aberdare, Neath and Swansea. The MTA line was an early casualty closing on and from Monday 6 January 1958. On the roads of the time it was just over 19 miles from Abergavenny to Merthyr, but by rail it was 23 miles. This disparity is explained by the MTA line making a large circle around the north side of both Dowlais and Merthyr to approach Merthyr from the south. The extra miles were necessary to lose height. At Dowlais High Street the railway was at an elevation of about 1,150 feet AOD while at Merthyr Station just 540 feet – a difference of 610 feet (186 metres). The gradient was falling at 1 in 45/50 for nearly the whole distance. At Morlais Junction another line came in from Pontsticill Junction the next station north of Pant (Glam) and from here to Merthyr the line was a joint railway originally MTA / B&M. The last station on the line before Merthyr was Heolgerrig Halt opened by the GWR on 31 May 1937 at a point where the line crossed over the main road heading west out of Merthyr. Just the other side of that road a superstore was opened a couple of years ago by Trago Mills; their only store outside Devon and Cornwall.
The first route to close was the Abergavenny to Merthyr in January 1958 with High Street and Pantysgallog LL. The Dowlais Central Branch was closed to passengers on 2 May 1960, although the branch trains had been annotated workmens trains for the last few years. Brecon to Newport closed on and from 31 December 1962. The last passenger station to close was Cae Harris on and from 15 June 1964. All 7 stations had been closed in just 6½ years. The Western Region had done their worst and Dowlais has now had no standard-gauge railway station for more than 60 years; except that Dowlais is part of the Merthyr Tydfil County Borough which is the smallest local authority in Wales and there is a passenger station at the bottom of that long steep hill in the middle of Merthyr itself. The population of the Borough is about 60,000 people.
Approaching from the south was the joint line (GWR and Rhymney Railway) from Nelson terminating at Cae Harris Station just off the main road and best for those going south to Cardiff and Newport. Approaching from the north was the short 1¼ mile branch from Pant (Glam) on the Brecon to Newport line terminating at Dowlais Central and much used by workers at the nearby factories and works. The extensive Ivor Iron Works dated from 1839 but there had been iron works in the area since 1759. Later there was an ammonia works in the area. Pantyscallog Halt High Level was half way along the short branch to Pant where branch trains started from a third single platform alongside the main station, at a slightly lower level. There is a story about Pantyscallog High Level Station. When my one-and-only photo of the halt was published in the Welsh Railways Research Circle's Newsletter about ten years ago I was contacted by an enthusiast who told me he was brought up in a house in the street on the left of the photo overlooking the railway in the 1940s and 1950s. He had been watching the trains passing right through his childhood and had worked in the steelworks. We collaborated on a couple of articles both of which were published in the prestigous Merthyr Historian. For many years Alistair has lived on the other side of the world in The Phillipines and has endured health problems and severe weather problems. I wish you well Alistair if you should be reading this.
So in an area just one mile wide and less than two miles long there were once 7 railway stations and for the last 60 years there have been none. However just north of that area is Brecon Mountain Railway's southern terminus at Pant. The best map to consult is Sheet 154 of the OS One inch Seventh Series from the mid-1950s, available on NLS. The built-up area of Dowlais is much larger now than it was then. I will now look at certain aspects of some of the stations.
In Part 38 I related how Dowlais Cae Harris was just one of 7 stations and halts in Dowlais. Cae Harris was just off the High Street and was the main station for passengers heading south to Nelson, Caerphilly and Cardiff. The other main station in the town was Dowlais High Street. The entrance to this station was just 100 metres up the main road at a point where the Methyr, Tredegar and Abergavenny line passed over the main road. High Street Station was for passengers heading east to Abergavenny and beyond and west to Merthyr, Aberdare, Neath and Swansea. The MTA line was an early casualty closing on and from Monday 6 January 1958. On the roads of the time it was just over 19 miles from Abergavenny to Merthyr, but by rail it was 23 miles. This disparity is explained by the MTA line making a large circle around the north side of both Dowlais and Merthyr to approach Merthyr from the south. The extra miles were necessary to lose height. At Dowlais High Street the railway was at an elevation of about 1,150 feet AOD while at Merthyr Station just 540 feet – a difference of 610 feet (186 metres). The gradient was falling at 1 in 45/50 for nearly the whole distance. At Morlais Junction another line came in from Pontsticill Junction the next station north of Pant (Glam) and from here to Merthyr the line was a joint railway originally MTA / B&M. The last station on the line before Merthyr was Heolgerrig Halt opened by the GWR on 31 May 1937 at a point where the line crossed over the main road heading west out of Merthyr. Just the other side of that road a superstore was opened a couple of years ago by Trago Mills; their only store outside Devon and Cornwall.
The first route to close was the Abergavenny to Merthyr in January 1958 with High Street and Pantysgallog LL. The Dowlais Central Branch was closed to passengers on 2 May 1960, although the branch trains had been annotated workmens trains for the last few years. Brecon to Newport closed on and from 31 December 1962. The last passenger station to close was Cae Harris on and from 15 June 1964. All 7 stations had been closed in just 6½ years. The Western Region had done their worst and Dowlais has now had no standard-gauge railway station for more than 60 years; except that Dowlais is part of the Merthyr Tydfil County Borough which is the smallest local authority in Wales and there is a passenger station at the bottom of that long steep hill in the middle of Merthyr itself. The population of the Borough is about 60,000 people.
0-6-2 tank no. 5666 is ready to leave Dowlais Cae Harris with two suburban coaches on the 4.15pm to Nelson on 3 September 1962. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
5677 has arrived at Cae Harris with the 9.35am from Nelson on 11 April 1964. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
A view of Dowlais Top looking east on 3 September 1964. From here the line turned south across barren moorland to enter the South Wales coalfield. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
The level crossing and signal box at the east end of Dowlais Top Station on 3 September 1962. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
Pannier tank 4690 arrives at Pant (Glam) with the 2.25pm workmens train from Bargoed, which terminated here. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
Pant Station looking north on the same day 3 September 1962. Through the white gate between the station building and the water tank a path led down to the third platform from where branch trains to Dowlais Central departed. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
Dowlais Central Station looking south towards the buffers. Some of the buildings survive as part of Dowlais Leisure Centre. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
Another view of Central Station. In the middle is the goods shed and on the right the former engine shed opened by the Brecon & Merthyr in 1898 and closed in May 1960. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
Pantyscallog High Level Halt seen on 11 April 1964 when I arrived at Dowlais Cae Harris on a train from Nelson and walked here and to Central from Cae Harris. Note the terraced houses on the left. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
Many thanks as always, Michael - another great article.
For more of Michaels work, please click here.
For more of Michaels work, please click here.
Bodmin Branch Line - 1887
Jim Lewis
An article regarding the Bodmin branchline taken from 'The Cornish Times' published 28.05.1937. 88 years ago today. Copyright Jim Lewis.
Many thanks indeed, Jim - a really interesting historical piece.
More GBRF Route Learning
Jon Hird & Mick House
GB Railfreight have once again dispatched class 69 69005 to the westcountry for Exeter - Penzance route learning turns. The loco is seen between Largin East and St. Pinnock viaducts, on the single line section, working 0Z31 (1037 EXD - PNZ). The height restriction board on the bridge compliments the motive power. 27.05.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
Further west, Mick captures 69 005 'Eastleigh' approaching a wet and windy Apex Bridge at 13.30. 27.05.2025, copyright Mick House.
69005 running alongside the A30 at Scorrier. 27.05.2025, copyright Mick House.
69 005 Eastleigh 0Z32 Penzance (PZ) to Plymouth Park Sidings approaching a wet and windy Wheal Busy foot crossing at 14.52. 27.05.2025, copyright Mick House.
Many thanks, Mick. Hopefully some better weather for todays runs!
West Cornwall
Jack Burchill
57305 idles in the sidings at Long Rock depot in Penzance. 25.05.2025, copyright Jack Burchill.
08836 sits with two sleeper coaches. 25.05.2025, copyright Jack Burchill.
Looking down the line towards Penzance station you can see 57305 with the sleeper stock. 25.05.2025, copyright Jack Burchill.
Great photos, Jack - many thanks.
4079 + 60103 at DIDCOT
Ken Mumford
Although the normal opening time was 10-30 a,m. Tricia and I were able to go on site about 20 minutes before then. From near the top of the coaling stage this was the best I could do - several folk were already tng photos of the TWO RIVALS plus other locos! 26.05.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.
A peep inside the locomotive shed. 26.05.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.
60103 shows off its cylinder cocks YET AGAIN! 26.05.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.
FLYING SCOTSMAN nameplate. 26.05.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.
4079 - PENDENNIS CASTLE 26.05.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.
Branch line - as opposed to the main demonstration line alongside the Didcot to Oxford main line. NOTE GWR initials under station seat! 26.05.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.
'Trojan' was the locomotive hauling the two coach train on this branch line. 26.05.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.
Turning a half-circle - we see three locomotives. A sectioned ex-GWR 2-8-0T freight locomotive with a Brush Type [class 31] in blue and beyond that is one of two gas turbine locomotives that were built for the GWR/Western Region. 26.05.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.
18000 looking slightly better than on my 2021 visit but still there's work to be done - there always is in railway preservation as in any other form of preservation. 26.05.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.
60103 coming towards the camera. 26.05.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.
RIGHT to LEFT - Myself, then Steven Rowe - an ex-pupil who I had not seen for some 65+ years! with his wife, Jenny , both from DOWN UNDER!! 26.05.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.
Some unique photos, many thanks indeed, Ken.
The Weedkiller heads west
Joe Birchall
Tonight I went out to see the MPV on its way to Truro, barely making a sound as it cruised down the 1 in 78 gradient. Unfortunately I couldn’t quite see its number, but I still managed to get a few photos which I have attached.
Network Rail's MPV's DR98906 and DR98956 head to Truro Yard where they'll be based for the next few days carrying out night time weedkilling duties around the region. 27.05.2025, copyright Joe Birchall.
Many thanks, Joe. And with thanks to Karl Hewlett, below are the timings for the weedkillers trips over the coming days:
27th May 3Z15 Margam TC to Truro Yard
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U49547/2025-05-27/detailed
29th May 3Z15 0020 Truro Yard to Truro Yard via Penzance and St Ives
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U49583/2025-05-29/detailed
29th May 3Z15 2229 Truro Yard to Truro Yard via Moorswater, Looe and Parkandillack
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U49584/2025-05-29/detailed
30th May 3Z15 2323 Truro Yard to Truro Yard via Gunnislake
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U49582/2025-05-30/detailed
01st June 3Z15 2330 Truro Yard to Truro Yard via Newquay and Fowey
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U50000/2025-06-01/detailed
02nd June 3Z15 2310 Truro Yard to Truro Yard via Falmouth Docks and Lostwithiel Goods Loop
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U50001/2025-06-02/detailed
03rd June 3Z15 2015 Truro Yard to Exeter Riverside NY
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U50002/2025-06-03/detailed
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U49547/2025-05-27/detailed
29th May 3Z15 0020 Truro Yard to Truro Yard via Penzance and St Ives
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U49583/2025-05-29/detailed
29th May 3Z15 2229 Truro Yard to Truro Yard via Moorswater, Looe and Parkandillack
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U49584/2025-05-29/detailed
30th May 3Z15 2323 Truro Yard to Truro Yard via Gunnislake
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U49582/2025-05-30/detailed
01st June 3Z15 2330 Truro Yard to Truro Yard via Newquay and Fowey
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U50000/2025-06-01/detailed
02nd June 3Z15 2310 Truro Yard to Truro Yard via Falmouth Docks and Lostwithiel Goods Loop
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U50001/2025-06-02/detailed
03rd June 3Z15 2015 Truro Yard to Exeter Riverside NY
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U50002/2025-06-03/detailed
Class 45 Peak Military Nameplate Re-dedications
1985 & 2025
Clive Smith
This Friday 30th May there will be a Saphos Trains private charter operated by Locomotive Services Limited with 45118. The train will run ECS Crewe to Warminster and will operate 1Z44 10.04 Warminster - Salisbury, 1Z45 11.26 Salisbury - Southampton Central and 1Z46 12.02 Southampton Central - Salisbury via Chandler's Ford before returning ECS to Crewe. Very appropriate headcodes for a peak. The train is by invitation only and will see the nameplate 'Royal Artilleryman' re-dedicated at Salisbury station which is the nearest station to the regiment's base at Larkhill before the dignitaries go off on a near ninety minute circular tour. The pick up at Warminster is presumably to facilitate a further transfer of guests as that station is also fairly close to Larkhill, home of 'The Gunners'. Let's hope that our photographers at the eastern end of our region are out in force for the veteran loco's appearance in Wiltshire and Hampshire.
Talking of which...
On the 11th June 1985 to celebrate the 300th anniversary (1685 - 1985) of the Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards, 45143 was sent to Waterloo for a re-dedication of its nameplate at the London station. The ceremony was held four days before the 170th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo. The loco was specially prepared by Toton Depot and worked throughout on the 05:48 Exeter St Davids - Waterloo service. It returned on the 13:10 Waterloo - Exeter service. The 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards were based at Tidworth near Andover and various top brass, dignitaries and regimental bagpipers were also there at Andover station to meet the return train and the rededicated name-plated class 45. It was all a bit of a melee with the loco, train and an awful lot of well-refreshed peak bashers milling around the platform during the four minutes plus the train was at the platform. Less than two years later the loco was withdrawn on May 7th 1987. My pictures are of 45143 on the outward working to Waterloo at Salisbury looking very smart indeed and then whatever was going on in four minutes at Andover.
Talking of which...
On the 11th June 1985 to celebrate the 300th anniversary (1685 - 1985) of the Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards, 45143 was sent to Waterloo for a re-dedication of its nameplate at the London station. The ceremony was held four days before the 170th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo. The loco was specially prepared by Toton Depot and worked throughout on the 05:48 Exeter St Davids - Waterloo service. It returned on the 13:10 Waterloo - Exeter service. The 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards were based at Tidworth near Andover and various top brass, dignitaries and regimental bagpipers were also there at Andover station to meet the return train and the rededicated name-plated class 45. It was all a bit of a melee with the loco, train and an awful lot of well-refreshed peak bashers milling around the platform during the four minutes plus the train was at the platform. Less than two years later the loco was withdrawn on May 7th 1987. My pictures are of 45143 on the outward working to Waterloo at Salisbury looking very smart indeed and then whatever was going on in four minutes at Andover.
45143 on the outward working to Waterloo, for its rededication ceremony, pictured at Salisbury. 11.06.1985, copyright Clive Smith.
The 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards meet the returning train at Andover station. 11.06.1985, copyright Clive Smith.
Wonderful, Clive - many thanks. Perhaps we'll see some pictures of 45118 on its big day out?
Wet Wiltshire Diesels
Guy Vincent
Much needed rain in Wiltshire today with several interesting workings to go out for after an early shift had finished.
First up was 37422, now owned by Swietelsky Rail Services, repainted and named 'Pegasus', working a special 0Z10 0857 Derby RTC - Reading Triangle light loco movement. Some time was spent on the Hallen Marsh - Filton Junction freight only line, possibly connected with future reopening to passenger traffic. Seen first at Bradford on Avon in heavy rain then in slightly better conditions at Heywood Road Jcn, Westbury from a road that runs parallel to the Berks and Hants route where the former Westbury Cement Works sidings diverge. Before the 37 appeared it was preceded by 59204 running into the sidings on 6V62, the 1321 from Southampton Up Yard (Northam).
First up was 37422, now owned by Swietelsky Rail Services, repainted and named 'Pegasus', working a special 0Z10 0857 Derby RTC - Reading Triangle light loco movement. Some time was spent on the Hallen Marsh - Filton Junction freight only line, possibly connected with future reopening to passenger traffic. Seen first at Bradford on Avon in heavy rain then in slightly better conditions at Heywood Road Jcn, Westbury from a road that runs parallel to the Berks and Hants route where the former Westbury Cement Works sidings diverge. Before the 37 appeared it was preceded by 59204 running into the sidings on 6V62, the 1321 from Southampton Up Yard (Northam).
2025 05 27 Heywood Road Jcn 59204 6V62 1321 Southampton Up Yard - Westbury Tarmac. Copyright Guy Vincent.
2025 05 27 Bradford on Avon 37422 0Z10 0857 Derby RTC - Reading Triangle. Copyright Guy Vincent.
2025 05 27 Heywood Road Jcn 37422 0Z10 0857 Derby RTC - Reading Triangle. Copyright Guy Vincent.
2025 05 27 Heywood Road Jcn 37422 0Z10 0857 Derby RTC - Reading Triangle. Copyright Guy Vincent.
2025 05 27 Heywood Road Jcn 37422 0Z10 0857 Derby RTC - Reading Triangle. Copyright Guy Vincent.
Next, an equally wet Warminster where 59104 came through on 6V22 1344 Woking - Merehead ahead of the current celebrity working, the 6V30 1405 Eastleigh - Westbury engineers headed again by 69007, formerly 56037.
2025 05 27 Warminster 59104 6V22 1334 Woking - Merehead. Copyright Guy Vincent.
2025 05 27 Warminster 69007 (56037) 6V30 1405 ESL - WSB. Copyright Guy Vincent.
Also in the area today were DC Rail's two class 56s, 56103 and 56301 which brought 60029 and a set of empties from Willesden to Bristol East Depot via Newbury and the Avon Valley before returning light to Willesden. These were seen at Hawkeridge Jcn whilst en-route from Salisbury to Bristol and at East Depot on my return.
The ever-worsening lineside vegetation issue means new locations for photography now need finding or old ones revisiting. At least on dull, wet days there are no shadows or face-on sun to worry about, so some compensation.
The ever-worsening lineside vegetation issue means new locations for photography now need finding or old ones revisiting. At least on dull, wet days there are no shadows or face-on sun to worry about, so some compensation.
A productive days photography, Guy - many thanks for sharing the results with us.