Welsh Coal Traffic
Martin Buck in the latest edition of Freightmaster (No.83, Oct-Dec 2016) states that coal rail-freight has fallen to its lowest level since the year-long 1984/1985 Miners’ strike. This is a result of Government’s policy to reduce fossil fuel consumption; volumes fell by 22% in 2015-2016. Fortunately, in South Wales, there is still quite a lot of coal traffic, mainly to Aberthaw power station but also to Port Talbot steel works, Immingham and to Hope in Derbyshire. That said, I am informed that Aberthaw will only generate electricity when required in 2017 (Buzz 688) so coal traffic will reduce even further. Hence, I believe it is really important to record the few workings that still exist whilst we still can.
In this scene, 66197 is seen heading down the Taff Bargoed Valley having loaded with coal at the Cwmbargoed wash plant in the background, working the 6C93 Cwmbargoed - Port Talbot Grange. Meanwhile, an unidentified Class 66 heads the 6M77 Cwmbargoed – Hope (Earl’s Siding) service and loads up with coal at the wash plant.
Welsh Coal Traffic
Martin Buck in the latest edition of Freightmaster (No.83, Oct-Dec 2016) states that coal rail-freight has fallen to its lowest level since the year-long 1984/1985 Miners’ strike. This is a result of Government’s policy to reduce fossil fuel consumption; volumes fell by 22% in 2015-2016. Fortunately, in South Wales, there is still quite a lot of coal traffic, mainly to Aberthaw power station but also to Port Talbot steel works, Immingham and to Hope in Derbyshire. That said, I am informed that Aberthaw will only generate electricity when required in 2017 (Buzz 688) so coal traffic will reduce even further. Hence, I believe it is really important to record the few workings that still exist whilst we still can.
In this scene, 66197 is seen heading down the Taff Bargoed Valley having loaded with coal at the Cwmbargoed wash plant in the background, working the 6C93 Cwmbargoed - Port Talbot Grange. Meanwhile, an unidentified Class 66 heads the 6M77 Cwmbargoed – Hope (Earl’s Siding) service and loads up with coal at the wash plant.