This book draws on a collection of images, mainly of the aforementioned types, often in colourful sector liveries, set in the striking rural and industrial landscapes that typify South Wales.

This book covers the Vale of Neath line, the eastern portion of which was originally the Taff Vale Extension line, opened in the mid 19th Century, and taking in all the locations in this first book. It was unique in South Wales railway history as it was the only line running east to west across several of the valley lines which ran north to south, with connecting junctions into and from each. The line was famous for the iconic Crumlin Viaduct, hailed as one of the best examples of technological achievement during the Industrial Revolution and lasting 107 years until the line was closed as a through route in 1964. The line ran through several important valley towns, creating need for High Level and Low Level stations at several locations. The standard gauge Taff Vale Extension originally ran as far as Mountain Ash where it met and amalgamated with the broad gauge Vale of Neath line from Neath to Aberdare and Merthyr, locations that will be dealt with in future volumes. Fortunately the line was well photographed as the coverage given to each location will show.

A work “which must rank as one of the finest railway history books of 2020” from the author of Llanelly West to Carmarthen (West Somerset Railway Association). Railways and Industry in the Sirhowy Valley is the first full history of the railways that served this important area of Welsh industry, covering all aspects of its rail transport and manufacturing history. It is the latest volume in an ongoing series of books, covering the history and development of rail transport in the South Wales valleys. The area once boasted some very important industrial manufacturers, including the Tredegar Iron Works and numerous other iron smelting companies. This volume covers the industrial, economic and social history of this fascinating area of the South Wales valleys and the railway that once served the area. “A welcome addition to the literature, placing the line in a more appropriate context than previous volumes about the valley railways . . . John Hodge’s very attractive book presents a wealth of detail in a very readable form.” —Books on the Line “The photographic section is tremendous, with 36 road maps and a collection of 530 black and white photographs that offer us an interesting portrait of the area studied.” —Miniaturas JM