DEVELOPMENT – OVERALL PLAN

First uploaded 4 July 2008

Last updated 16 June 2010

Our overall plan Development on the railway is divided into phases. It was originally intended that the phases would run sequentially as the railway expanded linearly. Experience has shown that in the funding world, things can go seriously out of sequence. Some things have taken a back seat, whilst others have come to the fore. Nevertheless the phases still reflect the original geography, and the ‘UndergrounD’ map, in the style of the famous Harry Beck, will show how the railway’s ambitious plans are divided into six phases. Phase 1 is any development between Whistle Inn Halt south to Blaenavon (High Level) station. We’ve run regular trains between Whistle Inn Halt and our main centre at Furnace Sidngs since 1983, and since May 2010 down to Blaenavon (High Level) station. Phases 2,3 and 6 are further extensions southwards as far as the northern edge of Pontypool. Although there is much political activity going on in the background, these must be viewed as long term aims unless there is an unexpected shift in the political landscape. On the other hand, phases 4 and 5 to Waunafon and Brynmawr respectively were once considered to be for the far future and, as the numbering suggests, would see development following phases 2 and 3. Although it is dangerous to make assumptions, especially in the uncertain world of politics, there does seem to be more political interest at present in going north than south. What is particularly intriguing is that Phase 5 would take the railway over the county boundary from Torfaen into neighbouring county of Blaenau Gwent. Now, whilst we are quite happy to dabble in the slippery political world, we are probably more at home galumphing around where things are a little more tangible. Nuts’n’bolts, rails, sleepers, concrete, timber – that’s our kind of thing. That’s not to say that we are not continually ferretting around in the background energetically seeking out opportunities, but there’s unlikely to be anything for the passenger to see. What there is to see at the moment is all wrapped up in Phase 1 – and Phase 1 is big and complex. For this reason Phase 1 is divided up into a series of ‘steps’, as, ultimately, will all the other phases. The steps are sub-divided into sub-steps, and sub-sub-steps, and so on. It’s all become a bit of a joke at the PBR, but it is essential if all the jobs and tasks that form a major project are not only to be managed physically, but control is maintained over that vital resource – cash!

PHASE 1 STEPS 1.0 Transport and Works Act Order 1.1 Water and sewerage 1.2 Extension to Blaenavon (high Level) 1.2.1 Trackwork 1.2.1.1 Trackwork – Furnace Sidings to Forgeside 1.2.1.2 Trackwork – Forgeside to Blaenavon (High Level) 1.2.2 Fencing 1.2.3 Platform at Blaenavon (High Level) 5 1.2.4 Bridges 1.2.4.1 Old Pit Road Bridge (Bridge 13) 1.2.4.2 New Pit Road Bridge (Bridge 14) 1.2.4.3 Cycletrack Low Bridge (Bridge 16) 1.2.4.4 Stream Bridge (Bridge 17) 1.2.4.5 Forgeside Road Bridge (Bridge 18) 1.2.4.6 Varteg Road Bridge (Bridge 19) 1.2.5 Ecological assessment along the route 1.2.6 Rail over rail Bridge (Bridge 12) 1.2.6.1 Repair of Bridge 12 to permit trains UNDER 1.2.6.2.Repair of Bridge 12 to permit trains OVER 1.3 Infrastructure improvements at Furnace Sidings 1.3.1 Construction of second platform at Furnace Sidings 1.3.2 Erection of footbridge between platforms 1 and 2 at Furnace Sidings 1.3.3 Construction of a comprehensive station building on platform . 1.3.4 Provision of extra utilities, such as three phase electricity, and broadband enabled telephone lines 1.3.5 Detailed improvements, such as fencing, crossing keepers hut and other minor works 1.4 Infrastructure improvements at Blaenavon (High Level) 1.4.1 - Construction of suitable buildings 1.4.2 - Construction of a run-round loop 1.4.3 – Construction of a second platform 1.4.4 - Erection of a footbridge at Blaenavon (High Level) station. 1.5 Branch line to Big Pit and Visitor Centre Step 1.5.1 - Rolling stock shed(s) with integrated visitor facilities Step 1.5.2 – Branch line to Big Pit - track laying and modifications to existing trackwork Step 1.5.3 – Construction of simple station near Big Pit Step 1.5.4 – Acquisition and adaptation of suitable passenger carrying vehicles Step 1.5.5 – Provision of suitable motive power Step 1.5.1 - Visitor centre Step 1.5.2 - Trackwork Step 1.5.3 - Station Step 1.5.4 - Train Step 1.5.5 - Engine Step 1.5.6 - Safe walking route for visitors over Br 12 Step 1.5.7 - Improvements to Old Pit road under Br 13 to connect to cycleway NCN46 Step 1.5.8 -Train shed 1.6 Extension to Top Shed 1.7 Fencing around Down Exchange Sidings

The panel alongside shows all the current steps in their correct hierarchy, whilst each step is described in a little detail. However for a fuller account complete with photos click HERE Step 1.0 - Transport & Works Act Order, and provision of water and sewerage facilities to the site. Work started on the TWAO in December 2004 and was completed in June 2006. Step 1.1 Water and Sewerage This step number was originally reserved for a step which planned to extend the railway only a fraction of the way to Blaenavon (High Level), but it was abandoned in the light of funding difficulties. It is quite useful, now, to reserve this step number for the water and sewerage facilities. Plans for the water were worked up in December 2005, and water finally squirted onto site in May 2007. The second-hand loos arrived on site in Spring of 2005, and the complete system commissioned by the Spring of 2007, though it was several months later before the trenches were filled. Step 1.2 - Furnace Sidings to Blaenavon (High Level) The extension to Blaenavon (High Level) was effectively completed on 29^th May 2010 when the public train service began. There are still small details to complete, but the work is essentially finished. One large item remains Step 1.2.4.6 – reconstruction of Varteg Road Bridge (Bridge 19). This is just beyond Blaenavon (High Level) station and is therefore not required for passenger operation, it is however needed for any southward extension. Torfaen County Borough Council are undertaking this work, and physical work is expected to start in late Summer 2010. It is stressed that this minimal extension, in itself, will not permit the operation of steam locomotives, nor indeed, the use of loco-hauled stock, unless the special (and wholly unprofitable) operation of ‘top and tailing’ is employed. This technique would require two locomotives. Only when a run round loop it Blaenavon High Level is complete will conventional loco-hauled operation be possible. However we have a cunning plan to use our recently acquired (but privately owned) EMUs and a Class 73 to provide loco hauled trains over the route by means of ‘through control’. This plan permits no easy access to Big Pit. There were plans in the abandoned Step 1.1 to include a interchange halt on the route to Blaenavon, but it would have permitted only modest interchange facilities that would have been somewhat limited, difficult for mobility-impaired passengers, and several hundred metres distant from of Big Pit . Sub-steps however 1.5.2 to 1.5.5 will provide for comprehensive interchange facilities Step 1.3 - ‘Infrastructure improvements at Furnace Sidings’ This step is intended to provide a second platform, a footbridge and a long-awaited and comprehensive station at Furnace Sidings to replace the completely unsuitable box van, which despite a recent face lift and internal refit is really inadequate for its intended purpose. The computer generated image below, viewed from the west and looking east, gives an impression of what the ensemble might look like when completed. The sub-steps are described below.

Impression of second platform, footbridge and station building at Furnace Sidings

Step 1.3.1 Construction of second platform at Furnace Sidings

This work is complete. It consists of a massive front wall on equally massive – and deep - foundations. Its cosmetic brick front leaf was completed on 21 June 2008, whilst on top, a total twenty six 2.5 sq.metre platform slabs have been laid. Around and underneath the platform a large drainage system helps to protect the front wall from the effects of water draining off the Coity Mountain behind it. Some tireless work by our volunteers saw almost 500 tons of infill piled up behind the front wall in order to establish the correct ground profile. The platform was completed towards the end of August 2008, though the track in the loop which serves the platform needs relaying.

Step 1.3.2 Erection of footbridge between platforms 1 and 2 at Furnace Sidings

This work means the dismantling, repair of components, re-assembly, and finally erection of the bridge on the platforms at Furnace Sidings. The original very battered and corroded, but genuine LNWR footbridge was recovered from Hinckley station in Leicestershire. Fortunately the bridge divides neatly into two supporting towers, two flights of steps and the main deck. Both towers are now in place, and welding and other steel work on the main deck is now complete. It is now painted ready to be dropped into place, but the wooden steps and decking remain outstanding. Tower 1 is bolted down with the flight walls in place, whilst No.2 tower will be inched to its final resting place when the main deck is dropped into place. At this stage the stair flight will be attached. It is planned that the main deck will be dropped into place during Summer 2010.

Step 1.3.3 Construction of a comprehensive station building on platform 1 with electricity, water and sewerage utilities.

The cost of the station building is estimated at around £80,000, and even this assumes that much of the building is constructed using volunteer labour. The building has been planned in considerable detail, and could start tomorrow if labour was available. Although we have some statutory funding, we will nevertheless need to make a substantial match to any statutory funding we receive.

Step 1.3.4 Provision of extra utilities, such as three phase electricity, and broadband enabled telephone lines

Western Power Distribution have been asked to provide estimates for various supply options, and a route for the cable has now been decided. As of June 2010 we have made no decision with regard to telephone lines.

Step 1.3.5 Detailed improvements, such as fencing, crossing keepers hut and other minor works

The installation of a extra fencing around the crossing and on the platform ramps is now complete, but no work has started on the crossing keepers hut. This must wait until there is a lull in the ‘heavyweight’ development.

Step 1.4 – Infrastructure improvements at Blaenavon (High Level)

This step, identifies the steps necessary to advance Blaenavon (High Level) station from its position as ‘statutory minimum’ to a more comprehensive station

Step 1.4.1 - Construction of suitable buildings

Step 1.4.2 - Construction of a run-round loop

Step 1.4.3 – Construction of a second platform

Step 1.4.4 - Erection of a footbridge at Blaenavon (High Level) station.

This is a relatively long term step, and as yet no serious attempts have been made to seek funding. However circumstances have permitted a start to be made on Step 1.4.1 (Buildings), and it is planned that some funds may be diverted in order to progress the job a little further. We have also been able to dig out and expose the remains of platform 2 (Step 1.4.3), though no construction work has started yet. We have even identified not one, but two suitable footbridges (Step 1.4.4), so that once Step 1.5 (Big Pit branch) is finished, we may be able to concentrate on Step 1.4.

Step 1.5 – Visitor Centre and branch line to Big Pit

This step was the most physically ill-defined step within Phase 1, and grew from the need to accommodate the possibility of making a substantial bid to HLF. However interest from the HOV programme, has focussed attention on this branch line to Big Pit element, funding is to hand, and physical work on this project has started, though the main work is only just beginning. The plan envisages running a very short ‘Colliers Train’ over the 600m or so line. This would consist of open wagons in good weather, or closed box vans otherwise. Interchange with ‘main line trains’ would be at Furnace Sidings station. The notion behind this plan is to provide the opportunity, insofar as is possible, for visitors to experience riding on miner’s works trains – a unique selling point amongst heritage railways. At present the Visitor Centre requires further progress on the HLF application.

Step 1.6 – Extension to Top Shed

The area is now clear for the Top Shed to be extended backwards by about 100ft – nearly twice its original length. Funding for this work has come largely from members. Steelwork and some roofing panels have been installed for about half of the extension, and with the back of Step 1.2 broken, labour can be directed to progressing this work.

Step 1.7 – Fencing around Down Exchange Sidings

This was an attempt to bring back into use four sidings backing onto but nevertheless outside our security fence. By adding one long side and two short ends, and removing the fence that separated the sidings from the main yard, we were able to effectively enlarge the yard. It has become very useful for storing operational stock and stock undergoing restoration.