37181 Central Wales diagrams

[Big Jumby 74]

An extreme long shot. The above worked over the Central Wales variously during the 1970's being one of those fitted with bonnet mounted headlights. I believe it was so involved on Saturday 5th March 1977, but unable to identify trains concerned?

TIA

 

[robert thomas]

On 21st August 1976 I travelled on the 14.50 Swansea-Shrewsbury behind it as far as Ammanford.

 

[Magdalia]

An extreme long shot. The above worked over the Central Wales variously during the 1970's being one of those fitted with bonnet mounted headlights. I believe it was so involved on Saturday 5th March 1977, but unable to identify trains concerned?

TIA

RCTS diesel dilemmas is trying to identify the locos that carried the headlights for use on the Central Wales Line see here:

Class 37’s fitted with Central Wales Line headlights (1960’s & 1970’s) – Railway Correspondence & Travel Society

features.rcts.org.uk

Locomotive hauled trains using the Central Wales line between Craven Arms and Pantyffynnon in the late 1960's and 1970's utilised Class 37 locomotives fitted with headlamps. These headlamps were mounted between the nose end lamp brackets. What doesn't appear clear from what has been published is precisely which locomotives were so fitted and when. Thus, the aim of this dilemma is to try and establish which locomotives were so fitted and when. The requirement ceased by early 1980 when portable headlamps started to be used instead.

5 March 1977 was a Wales v England 5 Nations rugby international so may have been related to that.

 

[Big Jumby 74]

Thanks both;

On 21st August 1976 I travelled on the 14.50 Swansea-Shrewsbury behind it as far as Ammanford

Strangely enough, trying to make sense of my jumbled notes, that was the train that made most sense to me as well, albeit took it through to Shrewsbury.

5 March 1977 was a Wales v England 5 Nations rugby international so may have been related to that.

That's interesting, as the day started at Reading with a run to Cardiff behind 47145, possibly a rugby relief, although I have no memory of fellow passengers, be they rugby supporters or not!

 

[Harpo]

Through the 70s and 80s the Cardiff rugby plan was very roughly
- London commuter sets ECS to Wales Friday PM to work:
- Milford - Swanseas extended to Cardiff plus reliefs. (ECS to Newport for reliefs back to Cardiff)
- Release DMUs from the west to strengthen valleys.
Plus reliefs from London and North Wales.

Central Wales loco hauled might have been a local move to release a DMU in the 70s? It became a planned move for a couple of years at the start of the 90s when John Davis got hold of a 37/4 + 3 wanting a DMU released. Only Central Wales was possible.

 

[Big Jumby 74]

Thanks again.

One further conundrum which I have been unable to solve (as yet).

No exact date this time, other than a Saturday in the summer months of 1980 (so no pressure you fine amateur detectives ), so could be last days of the 1979 GBTT or more likely in to the 1980 GBTT.

Something in back of my distant memory is saying the train was a Fishguard Harbour service, starting Paddington and calling at Reading. So am guessing likely 0926/27 ex Paddington, also due to pick up only at Cardiff (11u49), or at a push the following 0938 Paddington to (Tenby - 1979 TT/Pembroke Dock - 1980 TT) which had an open stop at Cardiff 10 mins behind the Fishguard train.

On the occasion to which I refer it was worked by an unknown (not recoded) Brush 4, the said loco expiring West of Swindon, or just after passing Wootton Bassett Junction as best as I remember. How long we had to await a rescue I do not recall, but this did come in the form of 56037, which took the train forward to Cardiff, where 'one' alighted.

Presume both locos were detached (the 56 is noted as being on Canton during those few days in the RCTS Observer mags), but have no idea if the train went forward, or was terminted?

Here is the formation just after arrival at Cardiff. Thanks again if anyone can shed any light?