|
Aberdare Railway, The by Eric R Mountford and RW Kidner Soft Cover
The Aberdare Railway by Eric R Mountford and RW Kidner
Oakwood PRess
Soft Cover
128 pages
Copyright 1959
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter OneIron and Coal Found in the Valley 7
Chapter TwoPlanning The Railway 12
Chapter ThreeThe Line Opened and Working 17
Chapter FourEarly Problems Overcome 25
Chapter FivePulling out of Depression 41
Chapter SixInvasion from All Sides 49
Chapter SevenThe GWR Takes Over 69
Chapter EightTrain Services 91
Chapter NineLocomotives and Engine Sheds 103
Appendix OneSummary of Passenger Station
Opening and Closing Dates 119
Appendix TwoMineral traffic from Opening to 1871 121
Appendix Three The Dare Valley Branch 123
AUTHORS NOTE
Unlike most other valleys in east South Wales which conveniently run north to south, the Aberdare or Cynon Valley runs from south-east to north-west. For clarity, the railways through the valley have been describes as running west or east.
Another problem arose over what name to call the main valley. Valleys are normally named after the river that runs through them, such as Rhondda, Rhymney etc. The Aberdare valley is, however, so widely known by that name that it is so called in this history, although the author is only too well aware that many local inhabitants prefer it to be known, correctly, as the Cynon Valley, hence apologies are due to local readers for the choice of name.
Finally, so many collieries, also a few railway locations, had a slight change of name over the years, usually from the Welsh spelling to its English form, that it was difficult to decide which spelling to use. As far as possible this has followed the spelling used on maps and official documents at the time in question. There is one major exception - Duffryn - which in the nineteenth century was usually spelled Dyffryn. As so many collieries incorporated this name, and as some maps of the late 19th century used both spellings, it was thought better if the latter spelling was used throughout.
The great export coal trade from South Wales brought the rise of Cardiff from a comparatively minor harbour to one of the world's leading docks, due in no small measure to the efforts of the miners in the Aberdare valley, and also to the Taff Vale Railway for transporting the coal to Cardiff for shipment. Of the 31 TVR mineral trains daily to Cardiff in 1860, no less than 20 were from the Aberdare valley. By 1854 over one million tons of coal annually was being raised in the valley, and this had risen to well over two million tons by 1862. The trade recessions over the next 12 years or so kept the annual totals to around this figure. But in the 1880s they began to climb again and over three million tons were raised in 1889 and five years later a total of over four million tons had been exceeded.
All pictures are of the actual item. There may be reflection from the lights in some photos. We try to take photos of any damage. If this is a railroad item, this material is obsolete and no longer in use by the railroad. Please email with questions. Publishers of Train Shed Cyclopedias and Stephans Railroad Directories. Large inventory of railroad books and magazines. Thank you for buying from us.
Shipping charges
US Shipments: Ebay will add $1.25 each additional items, there are a few exceptions.
Ebay Global shipping charges are shown. These items are shipped to Kentucky and forwarded to you. Ebay collects the shipping and customs / import fees. Refunds may be issued if you add multiple items to your cart and pay with one payment. For direct postage rates to these countries, send me an email. Shipping varies by weight.
Payment options
Payment must be received within 7 days. Paypal is accepted.
Terms and conditions
All sales are final. Returns accepted if item is not as described. Contact us first. No warranty is stated or implied. Please e-mail us with any questions before bidding.
Thanks for looking at our items.
| 
