Token Exchange, Pantyffynon
Pantyfynnon South Signal Box in Carmarthenshire, is a GWR box of GWS design that dates back to 1892 when it had 49 levers. It is a Grade II listed building and clearly has been looked after judging by its current condition. The box controls the entire length of the Heart of Wales line up to Craven Arms in Shropshire using a "No-Signalman Token Remote" signalling system developed in the 1980s to reduce running costs on lightly used single track railways in rural areas. It also allows single freight train access along the Amman Valley Branch. The line was reopened in 2009 for coal trains running to Gwaun Cae Gurwen open cast coal mine (East Pit) run by Celtic Energy. I am told the signal box will remain in service until 2020.
The driver of an Arriva Trains Wales single unit Sprinter, 153323, on the Swansea to Shrewsbury service, is seen collecting the token from the signalman for the onward journey to Craven Arms.
Token Exchange, Pantyffynon
Pantyfynnon South Signal Box in Carmarthenshire, is a GWR box of GWS design that dates back to 1892 when it had 49 levers. It is a Grade II listed building and clearly has been looked after judging by its current condition. The box controls the entire length of the Heart of Wales line up to Craven Arms in Shropshire using a "No-Signalman Token Remote" signalling system developed in the 1980s to reduce running costs on lightly used single track railways in rural areas. It also allows single freight train access along the Amman Valley Branch. The line was reopened in 2009 for coal trains running to Gwaun Cae Gurwen open cast coal mine (East Pit) run by Celtic Energy. I am told the signal box will remain in service until 2020.
The driver of an Arriva Trains Wales single unit Sprinter, 153323, on the Swansea to Shrewsbury service, is seen collecting the token from the signalman for the onward journey to Craven Arms.