Work on clearing the huge amount of rubbish left by Network Rail at the Goods Yard has been steadily continuing since we took acquisition of the site. Several skips full of concrete, general waste and metal (the latter providing a useful income) have been filled and taken away.
Goods yard clearance, April 2021
Preparations are now being made for the summer, which will see the arrival of a two-car Class 143 Pacer diesel multiple unit, kindly donated by Transport for Wales. These units replaced the older 1950s/60s first generation of diesel multiple units from 1985 onwards and are now in turn being replaced by new vehicles. Pacer multiple units have their own underfloor engines (with a cab at each end) rather than being hauled by a locomotive.
The above photographs were taken on the 6th May 2021 and include views of the arrival and laying of four 60-foot panels of railway track kindly donated by Network Rail which will enable the Pacer unit to be stored alongside the platform in the steel extension of the Shed. It can be used for various purposes such as meeting rooms or classrooms and, if the unit is maintained in working order, even for short 150-metre rides within the site!