WRRC Forum

I have recently run a rake of Hornby: GWR Centenary Coaches on one of the Swansea club layouts, with roof boards "PADDINGTON. NEWPORT. CARDIFF. SWANSEA" This was greeted by one of our more mature members (possibly approaching 90 years or thereabouts) with the comment he didn't recall seeing these coaches run west of Cardiff.

Whilst I'm a follower of "It's my stock, I'll run what I like" there is however a niggle in my mind that Hornby might not got it quite right.

My research has failed to confirm my college’s comments one way or the other and I wonder if any members here can throw any additional light on his observations?

Thank you Noel, for your comprehensive and re-assuring reply.

Your additional comment: .. .. .. The 1936 GA lists various routes as being accepted for the use of "Red triangle" stock .. .. .. .. one of which is Paddington to Fishguard, Neyland and Milford Haven.

Is it indicated in that list if the route through Swansea includes the Swansea District Line, or is the original Neath & Swansea main line, or even both, that are shown as usable by “Red Triangle” stock?

The reason I ask is that I live a mile or so from the location of former Llangyfelach railway station, on the Swansea District Line which has prompted me in the past to carry out some lightweight research on Tramways & Railways (light & heavy) etc., etc. in the vicinity.

The amalgam of the different articles uncovered (two of which below) indicates that the Swansea District Line was built as late as 1912, for high speed running between Fishguard Harbour and London, bypassing both Swansea, High St. station and Neath station.

One could speculate if 'back in the day', GWR Centenary Stock might have traversed the Swansea District Line!

Railfuture Wales: West Wales Direct/ The Forgotten Rail Route, 2005: paragraph 2.3, 4.5 & 5.1 final bullet point
http://www.chartist.demon.co.uk/rdsw/sdl.pdf

“Gower”: Vol. 32, 1981: pages 61/62 & 64/65
http://welshjournals.llgc.org.uk/browse ... 351/get650

Noel,

Once again, I thank you for your additional research.

Michael Hale's Steam in South Wales vol 2 North & West OF Swansea, PLATES 152 &165 illustrate a local Clarbeston Road Fishguard service with a Centenary Van Third marshalled centre of three. The outer vehicles being 57' Third and Compo