Trainspotting: Cambrian logs…

The weekly Kronospan sponsored timber train from Aberystwyth to Chirk has become something of a celebrity in recent months thanks in no small part due to it's use of a pair of Class 37s as haulage over the Cambrian...

It's usual path means it's out and back on a Friday, with the locomotives staying in Aberystwyth whilst the wagons are loaded and returning in the evening. However, on occasion changes happen and this week the return journey was scheduled for Saturday - which meant a change of route too! On a Friday it's routed to Aberystwyth / Shrewsbury / Crewe / Chester / Chirk, on Saturday it ran Aber / Shrewsbury / Chester / Chirk meaning it came through Ruabon twice in daylight. I decided to try and catch it at the station on it's route north to run around to gain access to the Kronospan siding at Chirk which is a kick back off the south main.

Usually the 97/3 (Network Rail 37s fitted with ERTMS cab signalling) comes off at Shrewsbury, as it did on this occasion but 37405 was left on - making the photo more interesting - but alas, dead in train so 56096 was doing all the work. Sounded great coming through Ruabon at speed (see video).

   

How long the 97/3s rule this train remains to be seen - I've read rumours on forums about the imminent trial of a portable ERTMS system which would allow the use of 'any' traction on the Cambrian. That, and the upgrade of Barmouth bridge may see larger and heavier locomotives in use - and I suspect either 56s or 66s would then run the timber trains from Aber throughout. Sadly the (lack of) passing places on the 'branch' north to Pwllheli mean that extra trains on that section are unlikely but we may see the odd tour run, but either way, whilst the opportunity to see classic traction on revenue freight is available we should take the chance to enjoy it!

 

As usual, the real hero in this story is RealTimeTrains, a resource that takes a lot of guesswork out of chases like this - even my partner, Janey, enjoyed the trip out and waiting to see if we'd managed to get ahead of it... and it's non stop run and acceleration through Ruabon at speed certainly helped with the excitement.

I hope the passion and energy I have for railways in whatever their form come across with all I do here on the blog - I'd encourage you all to get out and see as much of the real railway (mainline, secondary, branch, passenger, freight, preserved) as you can. It's a real tonic and a way to fuel the passion for model making as well as a pastime in itself. Until next time though, more soon...