The Cambrian Line News
Network Measurement Train
On 08/08/2006 the Network Rail Track Recording Unit waits at Barmouth to cross the late running 13:48 down train to Pwllheli. The unit having arrived at 11:19 on the 10:21 Pwllheli to Derby. Having crossed the Class 158 unit at Barmouth the unit proceeded as the 13:53 up 2Z09 working to Shrewsbury, onward to Abergavenny the next day. This train has been constructed from a standard Class 150 suburban Sprinter body. This class of Diesel Multiple Unit was once a common sight on the Cambrian lines from the mid 1980s to the early 1990s in Provincial light blue livery. Having light axle loadings, these sets are preferred to the Class 43 (HST) hauled sets which regularly check the rails on the main lines.ŠTrevor Roberts
Vegetation Control Train
On 10/08/2006 at around 21:00 the Network Rail weed killing train waits at Barmouth to move forward down to Pwllheli. Again, as in the case above the unit is composed of a lighter vehicle intended for use on lighter constructed lines such as the Cambrian. The Freight Multiple Unit design seen here is similar to the one used on the recent timber freight trains that ran to Aberystwyth last year. The leading car is powered and the trailing one runs dead without an engine, this combination making the unit more efficient than a loco hauled train.ŠTrevor Roberts
