Carrying on from the recent visit to Blaenavon, refreshed in Cam ... we returned to higher altitudes for a Visit to the Brecon Mountain railway, the line to Brecon from Merthyr was closed in 1964, but sections of it have been re-opening since 1980 as a tourist narrow gauge railway, now you can go all the way to Torpantau again... but with a Baldwin USA 1930 Built 4-6-2 Pacific complete with chime whistle and plenty of thrash (shrunk for narrow gauge!). The line now terminates at Torpantau, where the Beacon line went into a tunnel, at an elevation of 1313 ft, it was the highest standard gauge tunnel above sea level in regular use by BR anywhere in Great Britain. The tunnel is accessible by climbing boots if you care to dare! They say.. Whilst riding the train you are allowed to stand on the open ended carriage footplates and lean out with your camera, arms etc! Our train was nearly full of German students visiting the Brecon's, Debs had a conversation with them in German (as she can speak the language I can't!). A great day out riding on the 1/37 gradient to the clouds. I've put some old 1960 photos in to give a flavour for what was. We returned via the Rhymney Brewery to pick up an emergency case of ale! On the way home (to take home that is).Enjoy.
Copyright of all pictures in this gallery belong to R Kelsey.