January - Intercity Railway Society

Ramblings of a Rail Enthusiast
by David Spencer – 1964 Part 5
I try to provide extra detail on the items of traction shown in photos, other than number, date and
location as provided by Dave…so it’s my fault if errors creep in, ed.
June: Only one night after my week in Scotland I was off again overnight with D129 taking me to
Bristol Temple Meads then continuing on to Cardiff General behind D1045. 5673 took me up to
Quakers Yard to spend most of the day on the Pontypool Road to Neath line. First 3708 took me to
Ystrad Mynach and all the way back to Neath. Two buses got me back up to Aberdare via Rhigos then
3717 from Aberdare towards Pontypool Road and another amusing story.
0-6-0PT 9600 (w/d 09/65), Aberdare, 2 nd June 1964
I asked the driver for a ride and he refused, so I went back to the train and told the guard what a
miserable old sod the driver was and thought no more about it. Imagine my surprise when at Hengoed
the fireman was sent back to find me and invite me into the cab! I was thrilled as it meant I could travel
over Crumlin Viaduct on the footplate, it was then I discovered the train was not due to stop at
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