Cl 66s:The Cwm & Glo: CWMBARGOED BRANCH last revenue earning train?

A Pathfinder Tours enthusiasts railtour, which originated from Burton Upon Trent, toured a number of passenger and freight loops plus two freight only branch lines on Saturday the 9th March 2024. Motive power was provided by 66050 and 66070 in top and tail formation with blue grey Mk2 coaches and chocolate and Cream Mk1 Buffet. The video includes lineside/station views plus a few clips taken by my wife who was a passenger on the special train. Locations included in the video are Bristol Parkway (joining station), a brief view from the train of the East Usk Branch Newport, trains at Pontyclun including the excursion, Port Talbot (Tata steelworks), The Cwmbargoed branch (assent to the furthest permitted point and reverse back down the line), a brief view of the train at Ystrad Mynach and finally Bristol Parkway. There were a couple of problems on the Cwmbargoed branch. The train is permitted to run up to the boundary of Network Rail and Transport for Wales (colliery lines) but there has also been a landslip and too many shee were straying on the line on the day so the furthest point the train reached may have been slightly shorter

[@tom_tractor_trailerscotrai2809]

Seat K12. Great effort from both of you!

[@thefakewasp503]

Thanks very much for your comment and I am pleased you enjoyed it. My wife was in coach E Seat 9 and loved the trip.

[@thebrummierailenthusiasts5329]

I caught that tour at stoke works junction just 3 hours before I went over to earlswood to see 44871 to Stratford upon Avon

[@thefakewasp503]

You had a good day for seeing specials. I wanted to see the Pathfinder train on the branch up to the colliery. It was quiet a sad occasion.

[@thebrummierailenthusiasts5329]

@@thefakewasp503yeah I know it is

[@andrewhotston983]

Also perhaps Pathfinder's last enthusiasts' railtour? What few tours they're running now are aimed squarely at ordinary people going sightseeing.

[@thefakewasp503]

Yes they do sem to aim more at the general public for a great day out although they do intend to provide a few more steam specials in future. It seems a long time ago since they had excursions to the Bluebell Railway. Tinsley Open Day and a visit to Doncaster works all using 2 x 37 (and some tours with 2 x 20).

[@windymiller6908]

Nice run from the washery to Nelson. Hope they have plans to demolish that eyesore of washery and landscape what could be a nice area. Reforming and grassing the tips a little more won't do any harm either. Wishful thinking no doubt! 🙄

[@thefakewasp503]

I don't imagine they any buildings will be left intact and there will probably be a few demolition trains. Maybe a few trees planted on the slopes of the tips would help. It does look a desolate area at the moment, especially the slag heaps but it is surprising how nature itself will soon take over again.