Monmouth to Lydbrook Junction - Diversions

[davemarvin]

Monmouth to Lydbrook Jcn was part of the Ross to Little Mill Jcn Line. Local passenger services were withdrawn in 1959, then the line closed completely in 1964. At its southern end, it joined the Hereford and Newport Line north of Pontypool Road, whilst to the north at Ross it connected with the Grange Court and Hereford Line. (Monmouth was also a junction with the Wye Valley Branch coming up from Chepstow.)

In theory therefore, the line through Monmouth and Ross provided an alternative route for trains between South Wales and Hereford. On this occasion, heavy overnight snow in the Abergavenny area has caused points and signalling failures on the Hereford and Newport Line. To relieve conjestion, some trains have been diverted via Monmouth and Ross.

First we join No.7805 'Broome Manor' with a Swansea to Hereford passenger as it runs into Monmouth Troy...


Preparing to stop...


...to take a signal check


A busy day for the box


Cleared to proceed


Running alongside the Wye Valley Branch on the left


Clear through to May Hill


Easing across the Wye on Monmouth River Bridge...


...and approaching Monmouth May Hill


Accelerating through Monmouth May Hill...


...and clear to Lydbrook Junction


Approaching Lydbrook Jcn with the Lydbrook Branch to the right


Running through Lydbrook Jcn


Re-crossing the Wye at Lydbrook River Bridge...


...and on towards Ross.

More later,

Dave

[jbilton]

Hi Dave
Excellent shots of a beautiful route.
Cheers
Jon

[davemarvin]

Thanks Jon, the route does look great especially in certain lights and conditions.

Here are just a few more shots taken during the afternoon of the same day as previous ones. We catch up with another diversion in the form of Dean Goods No.2576 with a Newport to Hereford mixed freight which suffered the inevitable signal checks on a chaotic day...


Trundling through Monmouth Troy


Passing Monmouth yard


Held at Monmouth May Hill


Trimming the fire


Lydbrook Junction distant


Lydbrook Junction outer home


Easing past the junction


Ross line to the left, Lydbrook Branch to the right


Slowing into Lydbrook Junction station...


...for another check at the starter


And finally away past Lydbrook Cable Works towards Ross.

With thanks to Reg Furniss for the route and to all providers of the stock. Any more ideas for diverted traffic ?

Dave