THE COMPLETE REGIONAL GUIDE TO THE RAILWAYS OF BRITAIN

Volume 8

Wales

This is volume 8 of the invaluable guide to the UK's entire railway network and is better value than ever before! Every part of the country is thoroughly covered over all the 10 volumes giving a complete picture of rail operations in each region. Intercity, regional railways, and freight operations in each area are highlighted. Also included are references to private steam railway sites.

A comprehensive script contrasts present day workings with a brief history of the development of the rail network in each area.

Volume 8 covers the following approximate area:-

• Cardiff - Llandudno, Milford Haven - Newport. Mainlines Swansea to Severn Tunnel, North Wales coast to Holyhead.

• Secondary lines Whitland to Pembroke, Milford Haven branch, Mid Wales line, Valley lines including Rhymney-Ystrad Mynach, Pontypridd, Merthyr Tydfil, Treherbert, Machynlleth to Aberystwyth, Dovey Junction to Barmouth and Blaenau Ffestiniog.

• Preserved lines Vale of Rheidol, Llangollen Railway, Ffestiniog Railway, Snowdon Mountain Railway.

• Freight flows Steel traffic to Ebbw Vale, Iron ore from Port Talbot to Llanwern, Coal at Cwnbargoed, Oil to Robeston, Burngullow to Irvine china clay.

• Notable stations Swansea, Cardiff, Tenby, Taffs Well. Loco Classes 37, 47, 56, 60, 143, 153, 156, 158, HST plus preserved steam hard at work.

• A little over a decade ago it would have been inconceivable to think of a programme that featured Wales without substantial coal traffic. Today after years of close downs and rationalisation, the majority of this traffic has been lost. Yet as this programme shows there is some hope with a few new flows of coal recently being established. In South Wales many of the stations still retain a distinctive and characteristic Great Western feel, and for the time being at least services to the valleys are often controlled by attractive semaphore signals. Wales is an area of outstanding beauty and charm and this is particularly reflected on the magnificent scenic coastal stretches both near Barmouth and on the North Wales coast.

• On this one superbly made volume you'll find all you're ever likely to need to know about the history and present day operations throughout the entire length and breadth of Wales! Produced by the same team that made the highly praised Rail Freight Today, Loco Hauled & New Horizons series, it's your guarantee of superb quality.

The Complete Regional Guide to the Railways of Britain

Titles in this Series

Vol 1 Lakes & Dales Vol 2 Scotland Vol 3 South West Vol 4 North West Vol 5 Somerset & Dorset Vol 6 London & S East Vol 7 North East Vol 8 Wales Vol 9 Midlands Vol 10 Eastern Counties