27th November 2019 · ’50 Years Ago’

Presenter: Stephen Miles

“Fifty Years Ago” was the title of local boy Stephen Miles’ presentation at the Branch’s second meeting in Swansea on November 27th.It comprised Stephen’s railway photographs from 1969 to 1971 in and around Swansea, and on his travels which extended from South Devon to the Scottish Highlands.

In Swansea we enjoyed the array of semaphore signals, complex trackwork and the variety of motive power. Less enjoyable, but equally interesting, were many examples of the rationalised and abandoned former extensive network. Steam traction was well represented by working steam at various collieries and by preserved steam on the narrow gauge and at several heritage sites. Railway infrastructure was also well represented: The splendour of Wemyss Bay Station provided a vivid contrast to the condition of a number of closed stations, years after their tracks had been lifted.

It was also interesting to see the arrangements for handling coal in Swansea Docks.

Altogether we saw examples of the majority of locomotive classes ranging from Class 03s to 86, plus a good variety of DMUs and steam.

A bigger audience than first time round enjoyed a first rate show which made it a very enjoyable and successful evening.