5th January 1958

Stephenson Locomotive Society (Midland Area)
(Special Last Train from Abergavenny to Merthyr)

Locos Used 49121 & 58926 (2)
Stock used load 5 (1x ex-GW & 4x ex-LMS)

Route :

Loco(s) Route
49121 Abergavenny Monmouth Road - Abergavenny Junction
58926 + 49121 Abergavenny Junction - Clydach - Brynmawr - Beaufort - Ebbw Vale Jn - Ebbw Vale HL
58926 + 49121 (3) Ebbw Vale HL - Ebbw Vale Jn (4)
58926 + 49121 Ebbw Vale Jn - Nantybwch - Rhymney Bridge - (short of) Rhymney
58926 + 49121 (3) (short of) Rhymney - Rhymney Bridge
58926 + 49121 Rhymney Bridge - Cwm Bargoed Jn - Dowlais High Street - Cefn Coed - Rhydycar Jn - Merthyr Tydfil
58926 + 49121 Merthyr Tydfil - Rhydycar Jn - Cefn Coed - Dowlais High Street - Cwm Bargoed Jn - Rhymney Bridge - Nantybwch - Ebbw Vale Jn - Beaufort - Brynmawr - Clydach - Abergavenny Junction
49121 Abergavenny Junction - Abergavenny Monmouth Road

Notes :
(1) The last train to cover the Abergavenny Junction to Merthyr line. Passengers from Birmingham travelled in reserved carriages at the front of the 09.35 Birmingham Snow Hill to Cardiff, returning by the 18.35 from Abergavenny Monmouth Road. Both trains were hauled by 7912 'Little Linford Hall'. David Beilby comments: looking at photos of this tour I realise that the two locos carried different headboards.  The Coal Tank's one said 'Last Train Abergavenny-Merthyr 5th Jan 1958', whereas that on 49121 said 'Last Train Ebbw Vale and Rhymney Branches 5th Jan 1958'.  The coal tank was given a wreath at Rhymney Bridge on the way out and carried it for the rest of the trip.
(2) 58926 was originally uploaded as 58296 in error.
(3) Locos propelling.
(4) Booked reversal point was Beaufort.

Sources : John Clifford, Chris Harley, Alan Ogilvie, Robert Darlaston,
David Beilby, Ian Clark (SLS) & Andrew Fairholm

Photo Review


Passing Clydach station, with a few observers (photo: Robert Darlaston)


58926+49121 at Ebbw Vale HL (LNW) station (photo: Robert Darlaston)


On the LNW & Rhymney Joint Line between Rhymney Bridge and Rhymney
 (photo: Robert Darlaston)


Approaching Dowlais High Street (photo: Robert Darlaston)


Unscheduled photo-stop at Dowlais High Street (photo: Robert Darlaston)


From Andrew Fairholm's ticket collection


Timings (Booked Only)
(from Robert Darlaston)

Location Booked
Abergavenny Monmouth Road 12.30d
Abergavenny Junction 12L35 ~ 12L45
Brynmawr 13.15 ~ 13.25
Ebbw Vale HL 13.35 ~ 13.45
Beaufort 13.55 ~ 14.05
Rhymney (nearest possible point) 14.25 ~ 14.35
Rhymney Bridge 14.45 ~ 14.55
Merthr Tydfil 15.45a ~ 16.30d
Abergavenny Junction ??.?? ~ ??.??
Abergavenny Monmouth Road 17.50a


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