The last regular stronghold of
Class 25 locomotives was the Cambrian line, Summer Saturdays,
especially during 1984 (the year of the rat!) saw Members of the
Roadshow out and about. The maximum mileage possible off the
class was 666 which solely depended on a tight connection at
Newtown. This was only ever made once and by one person (Me!
smarm smarm).
The highlight of the journey was
on the way from Aberystwyth to Shrewsbury, the formidable
Talerddigg incline after Machynlleth. Quite a few locomotives
gave up during the assault.
Below we have a view taken at
Shrewsbury on 21st August 1982. 25184 waits with the excellent
25083. The locomotives arrived from Wolverhampton and have run
round their train. For those who really want to know the Class 08
shunter on the extreme left is 08802!
Next a classic view of Aberystwyth
with 25303 and 25249 awaiting departure with the 1010 service to
London Euston of 16th June 1984, which the locos worked through
to Wolverhampton. Note the narrow gauge vehicle visible, this is
the adjacent Vale of Rheidol steam line.
As the line was mostly single
trains needed to pass at stations although there were other
passing loops in between. Returning to the summer of 1984 the
venue here is Newtown station. On the left 25311 leading 25298
wait patiently with the 1010 Aberystwyth - London Euston as 25224
leads 25042 into the station with the 0735 London Euston -
Aberystwyth on 7th July 1984
Click HERE for more on the Cambrian