Current Publications from the Welsh Railways Research Circle
The Circle has established a reputation for high quality production of not only its own journal, the Welsh Railways Archive, but also for publishing books of value to both the modeller and researcher of railways within Wales.Our first book, Volume 5 of Michael Hale’s six-volume ‘Steam in South Wales’ series, the first four of which had been published by OPC, appeared in 1996. That was followed by the late Mike Morton Lloyd’s ‘Private Owners on the Cambrian’ in 1998. The ‘Steam in South Wales’ series was completed in 1999 and then John Miles and Tudor Watkins contributed ‘Midland Railway - Swansea Vale & branches’ in 2004. Regrettably these are now all out of print but to see descriptions click here.
The late Colin Chapman's detailed research of the ‘Aber Branch’ was published in 2002, followed in 2004 by ‘Steam in Mid Wales’ by Michael Hale.
The most recent publication is the first in the series of 'Welsh Railway Records'. This new series of research publications is based around the collection of detailed drawings by Mike Morton-Lloyd and Trefor Jones of Welsh constituent company rolling stock and structures, which are accompanied by photographs and original research. The first volume examines the Rhymney Railway, and will be followed by volumes on the Barry, Taff Vale and Cambrian Railways.
WRRC Publications can be bought online or by post from our distributors Black Dwarf Lightmoor
Welsh Railway
Records Volume 1 - Rhymney Railway Drawings
by Nigel Nicholson, Trefor Jones and Mike Morton LloydThe Rhymney Railway opened in the winter of 1857-58 and this idiosyncratic company was largely reliant upon outside framed saddle tanks during the 19th Century. In the early 20th Century, under the guidance of R. Jenkins and C.T. Hurry Riches, the motive power and rolling stock was transformed, providing the Company with modern stock that survived in some cases to the British Railways era; the last of the powerful Rhymney tank locomotives only finally went to Swindon for cutting up in 1957.
The Introduction has returned to original source material to give a history of the Rhymney Railway whilst the Appendices give build, renumbering and withdrawal details of all the locomotives owned by the Company, and details of rolling stock types and their renumbering upon absorption into the GWR in 1922.
Hardback
Steam in Mid Wales
by Michael HaleThe seventh volume by Michael Hale to cover Welsh steam, it explores the railways and byways of Mid Wales from the edge of the industrial area in the south to Pwllheli and Wrexham in the north.
As in his previous books, many of the lineside structures illustrated lasted for only a short while after being captured on camera. This photographic record, accompanied by informative captions and historical notes, is thus a valuable chronicle of the later years of steam in this part of Wales.
Hardback
The Aber Branch
Caerphilly to Senghenydd
by Colin ChapmanA detailed examination of this short Rhymney Railway branchline from inception, through initial success to ultimate demise. Built to provide an outlet for the coal mines in the valley, it started to suffer after the closure of the colliery at Senghenydd, which never really recovered from the two pit disasters which struck it.
This book is fully illustrated with many fine photographs,
signalling and track diagrams, and is a worthy addition to any
bookshelf.
Hardback 96pp
Welsh Railways Archive
The Circle's own journal published twice yearly in May and November.Members receive the latest issue free.
Purchasing
All WRRC publications may be
obtained by post from: Black Dwarf Lightmoor
120 Farmers Close
Witney
OX28 1NR .
UK
or online at:
www.lightmoor.co.uk
for on-line sales where full details of all the publications available, including those of the WRRC, can be purchased on-line with a secure ordering facility.