The minimal railway

I learned only minutes before typing this that Network Rail is to sell the "Valley Lines" emanating from Cardiff to the "Welsh government". Is there such a thing? I thought it was a "regional assembly". What is its relationship to the government at Westminster? As John Junor used to say, I think we should be told. The network is to be modernised and electrified, "...to become a core element in the South Wales Metro". Gosh ...I hadn't heard of that. Signalling centre and depot at Taff's Well. All jolly interesting, but I suppose I'll be six feet under or ga-ga with age by the time it comes to fruition. We all know how these schemes are modified, exceed their budgets and run into miscellaneous delays.

All railway dweebs of a certain age deplore the encroachment of greenery at the margins of our railways. It must be conceded that this is not an intrinsic flaw, the objection being mainly to the obstruction of the view ...not a consideration that weighs heavily with accountants. In this view, near Miskin, brambles reign and it all looks pretty knackered, doesn't it? Reduced to single line (passing loop at Mountain Ash), inessential maintenance unattempted and very basic two-car accommodation. Fencing and "security", on the other hand, are elaborate and the footbridge from which I took this shot is one of few that haven't been screened and caged in. One feels almost that one oughtn't to look at a railway line, or interest one's self in matters that don't concern one. Such pleasure as you are able to take in the process of living should be directed into various approved recreational activities. Just keep your eyes to the ground as you make your way to and from your employment. I think that's the footbridge at Penrhiwceiber up ahead, lost in the grain.

Done