Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway

They intend to reopen the LNWR/GWR line from Brynmawr to Pontypool (Wainfelin), which would give the society an amazing run of 10+ miles over some impressive scenery and a few viaducts as well (someone help me here, what's the actual length of the preserved section?).

Celtic Energy own the trackbed a few yards beyond the Whistle Inn road bridge to outside the Waunavon Station.

In terms of heavy mainline steam traction, it seems the focus is on Austerities and Class 37 diesels, while I love the "tractors", but yes, a GWR or "Super D" locomotive would be very much appreciated (fat chance of that), they are trying to do up their resident Pannier though, so fingers crossed for its fundraising and ultimate development.

To lengthen the line a few hundred yards to the display sidings would obstruct the car park, so that's a no. Not essential at any rate.

 

This is just my recollection but

Furnace sidings to Whistle Inn 3/4m
Furnace sidings to High Level 1.5m
High Level to Coed Afon 1/4m
Furnace Sidings to Big Pit 1/2m

On the subject of the pannier, it does seem to be a long-term project, hopefully a rolling chassis would be the next step within a few years.

Regards

Matt

 

Sorry should have been more specific. I mean the trackbed from Brynmawr to Pontypool (Wainfelin).

 

Thanks for the info.
I sent an email with similar questions and praise for the Gala to their website on Sept 20 but, had no reply. I then rang the number and was told that the person concerned would reply but, more silence so, I tried this route. One person letting the whole side down, as is often the case. Also, their email link doesn't work. They have a contact form but no email address on the page so, I found a link from a local website, that used their email address. That one worked. There are ways and means...........
The email address not on their site is, info@pbrly.co.uk

 

To be fair, a lot of websites use feedback forms instead of publishing email addresses due to spambots

Keith

 

The railway is in ongoing discussions with local authorities regarding extending south, initially to Varteg, the sticking point for that being the cyclepath that now occupies the single track formation south from the current limit of the track. Northwards plans are being put together to divert a stream that runs down the middle of the trackbed through the bridge at Whistle Inn without which a northwards extension to Waunavon will not be possible when the trackbed becomes available.

 

I believe the owners of the Whistle Inn were gracious enough to let the railway lease the land to the road bridge.

Though it makes good business sense to allow it in any case. More line means more passengers providing more custom. A win-win for all. Varteg is an attractive run through the woods, but P&BR really needs to focus their attentions on Waunavon, without a run-around loop they are going to be hurting operation-wise.

Also. Who the hell ran that divert away from its original route, straight down the short section of trackbed to start with?

 

Sounds as though its a project that's got legs to carry it through to fruition.

Sad they haven't got any big steam but the industrial locos have their charms & are properly at home in the valleys.

31203 & 37216 plus possibly 37023 as it's owned by les emery (31203/37216s owner) if he decides to base 023 at blaenavon gives a decent diesel fleet too. Gives the steam & diesel enthusiasts a bit of variety.

 

Any future extension to Brynmawr may be potentially jeopardized by the recent development of what appears to be a large housing estate near Pontygof.

I can't find any news stories about this online anywhere, but work has already commenced in clearing the site.

 

A start has been made this month on the construction of a new carriage storage shed at Blaenavon, the shed is being constructed over what use to be the exchange sidings for Big Pit and the Washery. The shed is 13.5m wide and 91.5m long and will take the equivalent of 4 x Mk1 coaches on each of the 3 lines when complet.

 

excellent

 

Well crap. If the housing estate is built, could a run-around loop be built near Brynmawr, with a station?

 

Great to see construction on the carriage shed, it'll hopefully save thousands of hours worth of work by slowing deterioration. Every railway should have one.

 

@aron33, I was hoping someone with more info could shed a light on this. I tried the Blaenau Gwent planning portal, but couldn't find anything meaningful there...

Hat off to the Blaenavon boys for getting the steelwork up. I have worked on my house during the winter periods and in South Wales that is NOT a fun chore I can tell you.

 

Is some of the discussion (viaducts post 81) and Pontygof housing, confusing this with the MT&A which runs along the south side of the Clydach gorge. I think the Blaenavon line is further inland and now ends in an industrial estate. This, however, is a project that has support and prospects.

 

Blaenavon's line currently ends, at its northern most extreme, next to a pub called The Whistle Inn surrounded by fields, hills and moorland. https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place...f7b31144cf5!8m2!3d51.772502!4d-3.085896?hl=en

 

I see what you mean.

 

Indeed. I meant the extension to Brynmawr would end in an Industrial Estate. The whistle inn area is ok but... Ok but that’s about it.


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