Tondu

[Gwenllian2001]

I note that the materials deposited along the loop at Tondu have now been removed and placed alongside the running line to the south of the station. Maybe someone dropped them in the wrong place and judging by the state of the trackwork in the loop it would be an understandable mistake to make.

 

[Tumbleweed]

Network Rail seem to drop materials in the most random places - there have been about 10 bags of ballast in Pontyclun for months

 

[Gwenllian2001]

There has been quite a lot of activity along the Maesteg line in recent weeks.

The track into Maesteg Station has been relaid with concrete sleepers and the buffer stop fixed into place, for years it has just sat in the ballast unconnected to the running line. Why concrete sleepers when the rest of the line is, or soon will be, on steel sleepers? In addition, the station site has been cleared of trees and bushes and covered with a layer of ballast. I suppose that it might make a useful place to store materials when electrification works start.

Steel sleepers have been laid out alongside the line from Tondu all the way to Llynfi Jc at Bridgend. The loop, however, looks as if it will remain untouched. A variety of track laying machinery and flood lights is to be seen in the yard at Tondu.

 

[Markdvdman]

I can testify to Gwenllians2001 doubts about the Tondu loop. Merthyr was flaming horrendous last week!

Cancelled trains, delays etc. It was the worst week I can remember.

Passing loops work well only when no delays are prevalent.

For all the money spent on Merthyr to Abercynon to allow for 30min services, they should have double tracked it simple as!

The costs rise (due to sorting platforms unless islands etc), but the benefits far outweigh the cons.

Maybe a lesson needs to be learnt here - but fact is it will not!