Maesteg Branch - depressing?

[Gareth Marston]

Did my first trip over the branch on Tuesday evening. Stations were packed tightly and progress very slow, 27 minutes to do 8 and a bit miles from Bridgend.

A couple of stations in the "suburbs " of Bridgend and almost no view apart from overgrown hedges until Tondu was reached, there we had the highlight of the trip if he could be called that. the Signaler at Tondu Signalbox, he must have been pushing 25 stone in weight and clearly struggled going up and down the box steps ( we came to a halt by the box so he could climb up some other steps to exchange the token for the Tondu to Maesteg section), we then had the only bit of speed on the trip till we hit the "suburbs" of Maesteg and another two stops before terminating next to Asda's car park. Unlike most valley lines towns Maesteg is on a bit of plateau rather than at the bottom of deep narrow valley and scenery was not as stunning.

At Tondu the line up form Margam didn't look like anythings been over it in some time nor did the loop, the line to Blaengarw was still there but rusted. Mix of stock working the line was interesting I saw the 1615 down the valley at Bridgend which as a 2 car 142, i went up it on the 1645 from Bridgend which was a 2 car 158 and saw the 1745 when i got back to Bridgend which was a 3 car 175. Loading's were not great the 1645 was barely half full leaving Bridgend, the 1745 looked slightly better but i suspect had discharged most of its passengers between Cardiff and Bridgend.

 

[PHILIPE]

Did my first trip over the branch on Tuesday evening. Stations were packed tightly and progress very slow, 27 minutes to do 8 and a bit miles from Bridgend.

A couple of stations in the "suburbs " of Bridgend and almost no view apart from overgrown hedges until Tondu was reached, there we had the highlight of the trip if he could be called that. the Signaler at Tondu Signalbox, he must have been pushing 25 stone in weight and clearly struggled going up and down the box steps ( we came to a halt by the box so he could climb up some other steps to exchange the token for the Tondu to Maesteg section), we then had the only bit of speed on the trip till we hit the "suburbs" of Maesteg and another two stops before terminating next to Asda's car park. Unlike most valley lines towns Maesteg is on a bit of plateau rather than at the bottom of deep narrow valley and scenery was not as stunning.

At Tondu the line up form Margam didn't look like anythings been over it in some time nor did the loop, the line to Blaengarw was still there but rusted. Mix of stock working the line was interesting I saw the 1615 down the valley at Bridgend which as a 2 car 142, i went up it on the 1645 from Bridgend which was a 2 car 158 and saw the 1745 when i got back to Bridgend which was a 3 car 175. Loading's were not great the 1645 was barely half full leaving Bridgend, the 1745 looked slightly better but i suspect had discharged most of its passengers between Cardiff and Bridgend.

You missed seeing a 150 at that time of day as they are the predominant user of the route.

 

[headshot119]

Did my first trip over the branch on Tuesday evening. Stations were packed tightly and progress very slow, 27 minutes to do 8 and a bit miles from Bridgend.

A couple of stations in the "suburbs " of Bridgend and almost no view apart from overgrown hedges until Tondu was reached, there we had the highlight of the trip if he could be called that. the Signaler at Tondu Signalbox, he must have been pushing 25 stone in weight and clearly struggled going up and down the box steps ( we came to a halt by the box so he could climb up some other steps to exchange the token for the Tondu to Maesteg section), we then had the only bit of speed on the trip till we hit the "suburbs" of Maesteg and another two stops before terminating next to Asda's car park. Unlike most valley lines towns Maesteg is on a bit of plateau rather than at the bottom of deep narrow valley and scenery was not as stunning.

At Tondu the line up form Margam didn't look like anythings been over it in some time nor did the loop, the line to Blaengarw was still there but rusted. Mix of stock working the line was interesting I saw the 1615 down the valley at Bridgend which as a 2 car 142, i went up it on the 1645 from Bridgend which was a 2 car 158 and saw the 1745 when i got back to Bridgend which was a 3 car 175. Loading's were not great the 1645 was barely half full leaving Bridgend, the 1745 looked slightly better but i suspect had discharged most of its passengers between Cardiff and Bridgend.

As far as I know Blaengarw is out of use totally. and I doubt much if anything ever uses the line to and from Margam, and hence nothing will use Llynfi Goods Loop.

 

[PHILIPE]

The Blaengarw Branch was finally closed in 1997 although the collieries it served closed well before then but much of it is still in situ. The Garw Valley Heritage Group are aiming to use it as a heritage railway. The Tondu to Margam is still open but nothing uses unless a possible Freight Diversion

 

[ValleyLines142]

The 1745 forms the 1718 from Cardiff (ex-1232 Holyhead) and it is very busy!

 

[PHILIPE]

The 1745 forms the 1718 from Cardiff (ex-1232 Holyhead) and it is very busy!

It was once in the top 10 Most Crowded trains when a 2 Car.

 

[noddy1878]

Did my first trip over the branch on Tuesday evening. Stations were packed tightly and progress very slow, 27 minutes to do 8 and a bit miles from Bridgend.

A couple of stations in the "suburbs " of Bridgend and almost no view apart from overgrown hedges until Tondu was reached, there we had the highlight of the trip if he could be called that. the Signaler at Tondu Signalbox, he must have been pushing 25 stone in weight and clearly struggled going up and down the box steps ( we came to a halt by the box so he could climb up some other steps to exchange the token for the Tondu to Maesteg section), we then had the only bit of speed on the trip till we hit the "suburbs" of Maesteg and another two stops before terminating next to Asda's car park. Unlike most valley lines towns Maesteg is on a bit of plateau rather than at the bottom of deep narrow valley and scenery was not as stunning.

At Tondu the line up form Margam didn't look like anythings been over it in some time nor did the loop, the line to Blaengarw was still there but rusted. Mix of stock working the line was interesting I saw the 1615 down the valley at Bridgend which as a 2 car 142, i went up it on the 1645 from Bridgend which was a 2 car 158 and saw the 1745 when i got back to Bridgend which was a 3 car 175. Loading's were not great the 1645 was barely half full leaving Bridgend, the 1745 looked slightly better but i suspect had discharged most of its passengers between Cardiff and Bridgend.

I was on that three car 175. It was full and standing when it left Cardiff but by the time it got onto the branch it was lightly loaded. Not sure if anything uses the branch from Margam but I did that bit last year on the Taffy Tug 2.

You are right though, the branch is slow.

 

[Gareth Marston]

I was on that three car 175. It was full and standing when it left Cardiff but by the time it got onto the branch it was lightly loaded. Not sure if anything uses the branch from Margam but I did that bit last year on the Taffy Tug 2.

You are right though, the branch is slow.

Margam-Tondu-Bridgend is suppose to be cleared as an IEP diversionary route.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

It was once in the top 10 Most Crowded trains when a 2 Car.

at what level UK or ATW?

 

[The Planner]

Margam-Tondu-Bridgend is suppose to be cleared as an IEP diversionary route.

It could well be in the position to now, doesn't mean it needs to be completely enhanced to do so.

 

[PHILIPE]

Margam-Tondu-Bridgend is suppose to be cleared as an IEP diversionary route.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
at what level UK or ATW?

UK level. I have never seen TOC lists published. What use to happen is that people for Bridgend use to join the Maesteg train leaving Maesteg Branch passengers left behind when there was another train close behind. Also FGW, without any thought, revamped some services and terminated a Swansea train at Cardiff round about this time to provide an HST for a new (at that time) 17 55 Cardiff to Paddington. FGW were quite entitled to do what they did but there was no local consultation.

 

[TheNewNo2]

I rather like the Maesteg branch, it's quite interesting.

 

[ValleyLines142]

UK level. I have never seen TOC lists published. What use to happen is that people for Bridgend use to join the Maesteg train leaving Maesteg Branch passengers left behind when there was another train close behind. Also FGW, without any thought, revamped some services and terminated a Swansea train at Cardiff round about this time to provide an HST for a new (at that time) 17 55 Cardiff to Paddington. FGW were quite entitled to do what they did but there was no local consultation.

Now it's not so bad as there's a 1739 to Milford Haven and a 1748 FGW Swansea. The 1804 Swanline also calls at the three intermediate stations in between Cardiff and Bridgend too.

 

[PHILIPE]

Now it's not so bad as there's a 1739 to Milford Haven and a 1748 FGW Swansea. The 1804 Swanline also calls at the three intermediate stations in between Cardiff and Bridgend too.

Ah but they wouldn't wait for a following crowded train and the Bridgend passengers forced Maestegs off the train when there was not another one for an hour.

 

[alb1]

Still sounds remarkably similar to the 1740 to West Wales, especially on a Friday.

I've lost count of the number of times I've done that journey sat in the luggage rack because people going to the main stations won't wait a whopping 8 minutes for the next train.

 

[gazthomas]

I did this line last August. I didn't think it was too bad given it was the South Wales valleys. Hey, I've been to Cleethorpes and Skegness and not a lot of difference except the sea. You been to Heysham Port, now that is depressing?!

 

[Parallel]

Maesteg departures from Cardiff Central do get very busy. Made worse when the train is already moderately full with passengers from towards Cheltenham Spa/Gloucester. I know there are long term aspirations for Maesteg to receive a half-hourly service, but I think the short term priority should be for an additional hourly service from Cardiff Central to Bridgend calling at Pontyclun, Llanharan and Pencoed. This would take some pressure off the very busy peak Maesteg services. Is it possible for such a service to terminate in the bay platform at Bridgend (The Cardiff bound bay, not Maesteg bound), or would there be issues with terminating services from Aberdare/Merthyr Tydfil via. The Vale Of Glamorgan?

Last few passengers trying to board a service for Maesteg

 

[PHILIPE]

Maesteg departures from Cardiff Central do get very busy. Made worse when the train is already moderately full with passengers from towards Cheltenham Spa/Gloucester. I know there are long term aspirations for Maesteg to receive a half-hourly service, but I think the short term priority should be for an additional hourly service from Cardiff Central to Bridgend calling at Pontyclun, Llanharan and Pencoed. This would take some pressure off the very busy peak Maesteg services. Is it possible for such a service to terminate in the bay platform at Bridgend (The Cardiff bound bay, not Maesteg bound), or would there be issues with terminating services from Aberdare/Merthyr Tydfil via. The Vale Of Glamorgan?

Last few passengers trying to board a service for Maesteg

I think you'll find access to the Bay at Bridgend is to/from VOG only. There is already a morning and evening peak additional between Cardiff and Bridgend which is slotted I the diagrams between Ebbw Vale trips. They arrive in Platform 1, go to the West to cross over into Platform 2. ECS down in the morning and back in the evening as there is no time for stops.

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

Has the Maesteg line ever made any claim to areas of outstanding natural beauty or can it be kindly described as an "Industrial Heritage" line?

 

[Greenback]

Describing the line as an industrial heritage line is extremely kind. I've always found Maesteg to be a miserable place, which is probably largely to do with its more exposed position compared to other 'valleys' towns. Strangely, and at odds with many other opinions, I've always found Aberdare and Merthyr Tydfil quite nice places to visit!

The line itself is not very interesting to my mind. I find seeing Tondu quite depressing these days, it was still a fairly busy location up until the mid 1980's.

Llanharan, Pontyclun and Pencoed deserve a half hourly service all day.

 

[nottinghamcity]

I did this line last August. I didn't think it was too bad given it was the South Wales valleys. Hey, I've been to Cleethorpes and Skegness and not a lot of difference except the sea. You been to Heysham Port, now that is depressing?!

I catch the Birmingham - Wolverhampton stopper generally daily. Now there is a depressing route!

 

[colchesterken]

I used to visit a relative on the outskirts of Bridgend the train ran along the side of a footpath/cycleway it was nice to watch the trains going by
Just looked it up on Google it was Wildmill

 

[Parallel]

Describing the line as an industrial heritage line is extremely kind. I've always found Maesteg to be a miserable place, which is probably largely to do with its more exposed position compared to other 'valleys' towns. Strangely, and at odds with many other opinions, I've always found Aberdare and Merthyr Tydfil quite nice places to visit!

I've been to Ebbw Vale, Merthyr Tydfil and Bargoed on the valley routes north of Cardiff. The former two were nice places to spend an hour exploring. The latter, less so. I've not ventured into Treherbert, Rhymney, Aberdare or Maesteg yet...

 

[Gareth Marston]

UK level. I have never seen TOC lists published. What use to happen is that people for Bridgend use to join the Maesteg train leaving Maesteg Branch passengers left behind when there was another train close behind. Also FGW, without any thought, revamped some services and terminated a Swansea train at Cardiff round about this time to provide an HST for a new (at that time) 17 55 Cardiff to Paddington. FGW were quite entitled to do what they did but there was no local consultation.

0514 Aberystwyth to New St was on it once as well about 10 years ago. The current 0530 Aberystwyth to BHM INTL is now 6 car east of Salop.

 

[Greenback]

I've been to Ebbw Vale, Merthyr Tydfil and Bargoed on the valley routes north of Cardiff. The former two were nice places to spend an hour exploring. The latter, less so. I've not ventured into Treherbert, Rhymney, Aberdare or Maesteg yet...

Bargoed has declined since I first went there back in 1988. Even then, though, it was considered a bit rough and ready!

 

[PHILIPE]

Bargoed has declined since I first went there back in 1988. Even then, though, it was considered a bit rough and ready!

There's been a lot of money spent over the last few years on rejuvenating Bargoed.

 

[Michael.Y]

I think you'll find access to the Bay at Bridgend is to/from VOG only. There is already a morning and evening peak additional between Cardiff and Bridgend which is slotted I the diagrams between Ebbw Vale trips. They arrive in Platform 1, go to the West to cross over into Platform 2. ECS down in the morning and back in the evening as there is no time for stops.

Correct. Trains can go from VOG to P1 (mainline) but not other way round.

 

[Gareth Marston]

There's been a lot of money spent over the last few years on rejuvenating Bargoed.

Not as much as Ebbw Vale