At its peak, the South Wales railway network was one of the most
complex in the world. Its primary purpose was to transport Coal
from source to point of consumption or export via the various
docks. To this was added the other raw materials necessary for
making Iron and ultimately Steel, together with the respective
products of that industry. True, there was no glory in this day to
day phenomenon and as a consequence, the area has been poorly
represented in the annals of the British railway network. Even that
paragon of railway publicity the Great Western, found easier plums
to pick elsewhere on its system. However, in addition to the GW,
the area was a magnet for the London & North Western, the
Midland Railway and not to be forgotten, the 15 indigenous
companies. Yet, in terms of traffic, engineering enterprise,
operating practices and locomotive types, the area boasted an
unequalled variety which this book attempts to reflect. Many of the
photographs have not been published before and capture an essence
of the variety to be found. The captions contain extensive details
to supplement the photographic record enabling a more comprehensive
appreciation and understanding of what was involved. It is
difficult to appreciate the railway was once a Common Carrier
obliged to convey any consignment offered. Even though Coal was
predominant other traffic, including the more unusual, are also
featured; Although of secondary importance in regard to revenue,
Passenger services were carefully dovetailed into the intensive
freight operation and matched any other location's provision. After
the 1923 Grouping, the GW became the major player in South Wales.
It absorbed all 15 of the independent companies and further
extended its policy of standardisation. Nevertheless, where the
smaller companies demonstrated good practices, these were embraced.
The L&NW and MR elements became LMSR but still remained far
flung tentacles from the parent. All this is recognised here albeit
in proportion. The Gallery aims to provide a flavour of what the
railways of South Wales had to offer and enlighten the reader as to
its major part in the national network.
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