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0:00:52 > 0:00:57- Gwyn, we're here at what was once - Pontarddulais Junction station...
0:00:57 > 0:01:03- ..as we concentrate this week on the - line from Pontarddulais to Swansea.
0:01:04 > 0:01:07- We're standing on the spot - where the double line ran...
0:01:07 > 0:01:09- ..and there was a crossing here too.
0:01:10 > 0:01:14- The station stood behind us at - the point of the junction itself.
0:01:15 > 0:01:19- It's possible to imagine - the line leading away from us.
0:01:20 > 0:01:23- Yes, it's still fairly visible - at this point.
0:01:24 > 0:01:28- The station has changed but there's - still a waiting room here...
0:01:28 > 0:01:32- ..but today it's a doctor's - waiting room.
0:01:33 > 0:01:36- It used to be extremely busy here.
0:01:36 > 0:01:40- There were six tinplate works - in Pontarddulais, a foundry...
0:01:41 > 0:01:45- ..as well as the chemical works - - all supplied by the station.
0:01:46 > 0:01:50- Anything that went in or out - went via the station.
0:01:51 > 0:01:53- There were no lorries in those days.
0:02:05 > 0:02:10- There were five stations between - Pontarddulais and Swansea Victoria.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15- There was the halt at Groves End.
0:02:16 > 0:02:23- Then you had Gorseinon, - Gowerton, Dunvant, Killay...
0:02:25 > 0:02:29- ..Mumbles Road, Swansea Bay - and Swansea Victoria.
0:02:29 > 0:02:33- I used to go down with the children - at ten on Saturday night...
0:02:33 > 0:02:38- ..to collect the papers - and then run back up with them.
0:02:39 > 0:02:44- The shops would be open with - everyone waiting in Pontarddulais...
0:02:44 > 0:02:49- ..ready to receive - their Saturday night paper.
0:02:50 > 0:02:55- We'd run back up from the station, - selling our papers on the way.
0:03:02 > 0:03:04- During the rugby season...
0:03:04 > 0:03:08- ..the train journey to Scotland - was a regular highlight.
0:03:08 > 0:03:13- I remember the trains when Wales - used to play against Scotland.
0:03:15 > 0:03:20- They used to come back - on the Sunday afternoon.
0:03:21 > 0:03:26- We used to stand at the gates - and wave to them...
0:03:26 > 0:03:29- ..but the lads were all too tired.
0:03:31 > 0:03:35- Thank goodness the trip to Scotland - only happened once every two years!
0:03:35 > 0:03:40- But instead of going north today, - we'll head south.
0:03:52 > 0:03:57- Leaving Pontarddulais Junction, the - first stretch is straight and level.
0:04:00 > 0:04:03- Waving goodbye - to the town's industries...
0:04:04 > 0:04:08- ..the route of the M4 today - cuts across the old railway line...
0:04:08 > 0:04:12- ..near the site of the former - Groves End colliery.
0:04:33 > 0:04:36- Gorseinon is today - completely transformed.
0:04:37 > 0:04:41- The station buildings, the platform, - the signals, the bridge, the track.
0:04:42 > 0:04:44- All of them have disappeared.
0:04:45 > 0:04:47- Today, memories are all that remain.
0:04:53 > 0:04:57- It would be too risky to walk - where the track used to be...
0:04:58 > 0:05:01- ..because that's where - the main road is now.
0:05:02 > 0:05:06- Yes, a new road took over - when the line was closed.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11- But this adjacent path - is quite convenient.
0:05:12 > 0:05:17- It's easy to imagine the trains - rushing past here, Gwyn.
0:05:17 > 0:05:19- I'm not sure about rushing past.
0:05:20 > 0:05:25- You had a lot of slow freight trains - with their clattering wagons...
0:05:25 > 0:05:29- ..and the banging sounds - as they shunted.
0:05:30 > 0:05:37- This northern stretch of the line - serviced the industry around here.
0:05:38 > 0:05:40- It's still busy enough, anyway.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43- The nature of the line changes - as it heads south.
0:05:44 > 0:05:46- Next stop, Gowerton. Away we go.
0:05:51 > 0:05:55- Goodbye to the old station at - Gorseinon and on with our journey.
0:06:03 > 0:06:07- At one time there were - two stations here in Gowerton...
0:06:07 > 0:06:11- ..as well as the junction - for Penclawdd on the left.
0:06:11 > 0:06:16- Now, only the old GWR station on the - Swansea to Fishguard line remains.
0:06:26 > 0:06:28- What used to be on this site, Gwyn?
0:06:28 > 0:06:32- The junction was here and the line - to Penclawdd went off that way.
0:06:33 > 0:06:34- When was that line closed?
0:06:34 > 0:06:37- When was that line closed? - - It closed to freight in '52.
0:06:37 > 0:06:42- It had already closed to passenger - trains before the war in the '30s.
0:06:42 > 0:06:43- But our line continues ahead.
0:06:43 > 0:06:45- But our line continues ahead. - - Yes, it does.
0:06:54 > 0:06:58- The old station and the bridge - have long since disappeared...
0:06:59 > 0:07:03- ..but the authorities have granted - due respect to the line's old route.
0:07:04 > 0:07:08- Some people still have - happy memories of the trains.
0:07:09 > 0:07:13- We used to call it the push'n'pull, - because it couldn't turn around.
0:07:16 > 0:07:21- It would push us on the ride down - to Swansea Bay and Victoria...
0:07:21 > 0:07:25- ..and then pull back up - towards Pontarddulais.
0:07:26 > 0:07:31- It was great, with our heads out of - the window on the ride to Swansea...
0:07:32 > 0:07:34- ..but coming back wasn't such fun.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38- The train was pulling - and the steam was blown backwards.
0:07:39 > 0:07:41- As children, we had our heads out.
0:07:41 > 0:07:45- But we'd get the sand and steam from - the loco coming back into our eyes.
0:07:47 > 0:07:52- When we got home we were blind, - our eyes full of sand and steam!
0:07:59 > 0:08:02- From Gowerton, - the landscape changes.
0:08:02 > 0:08:06- The line twists and gradually - descends through the trees...
0:08:07 > 0:08:10- ..in the direction of Dunvant, - Killay and Swansea Bay.
0:08:33 > 0:08:37- Gwyn, this is all that remains of - the old platform at Dunvant station.
0:08:37 > 0:08:41- No trains, but there's still - coming and going along these tracks.
0:08:42 > 0:08:46- It's busy and even dangerous at - times with all the bikes going past.
0:08:46 > 0:08:50- You can ride as far as Swansea - on your bike now.
0:08:50 > 0:08:51- So I hear.
0:08:51 > 0:08:53- So I hear. - - When did you last ride a bike?
0:08:54 > 0:08:58- I haven't been on a bike - since the age of steam!
0:09:14 > 0:09:19- Many old railway routes have - been reopened as cycle paths...
0:09:19 > 0:09:23- ..under the auspices of the cycling - charity that renovates paths...
0:09:24 > 0:09:28- ..giving memorable, appealing - and safe detours for cyclists.
0:09:29 > 0:09:33- I don't know how safe this - cycle path is with us riding on it!
0:09:46 > 0:09:49- It's almost forty years - since trains passed this way...
0:09:50 > 0:09:54- ..but the name on the inn - is a reminder of past times.
0:09:54 > 0:09:58- At the Railway Inn we met an old - guard who once worked on the line.
0:09:58 > 0:10:02- Every Thursday we had - two large wooden boxes...
0:10:02 > 0:10:06- ..chained around the brake - and padlocked.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09- I'd lock the door to the train.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13- In my book, everyone - had to sign for their pay.
0:10:14 > 0:10:18- I'd give out the pay at every - station from here to Llandrindod.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22- Then I'd send the box - back to Swansea.
0:10:22 > 0:10:24- I bet you were popular.
0:10:24 > 0:10:26- I bet you were popular. - - Yes, every Thursday!
0:10:28 > 0:10:32- On the way back we'd pick up calves - at nearly every station.
0:10:33 > 0:10:37- They were tied inside sacks - but could stand up.
0:10:38 > 0:10:42- Sometimes they'd - work themselves free.
0:10:44 > 0:10:48- If the corridor door opened they'd - end up charging through the train!
0:10:49 > 0:10:53- At the next station - I'd have to herd them back together.
0:10:56 > 0:11:00- People would bring me pigeons in - baskets and pay me half a crown...
0:11:01 > 0:11:07- ..to release the pigeons in Builth - or Llandrindod or Craven Arms.
0:11:09 > 0:11:13- Once, after releasing the pigeons...
0:11:15 > 0:11:18- ..they flew into the train - instead of out!
0:11:24 > 0:11:28- The passengers must have enjoyed - some wonderful views, Gwyn.
0:11:29 > 0:11:33- Yes, although they may not always - have fully appreciated them...
0:11:33 > 0:11:36- ..if they were reading newspapers - or sleeping.
0:12:28 > 0:12:30- Look there in the trees.
0:12:30 > 0:12:31- Look there in the trees. - - Is that the original one?
0:12:32 > 0:12:34- Yes, it is.
0:12:35 > 0:12:39- What is the significance - of the number 8 on each side?
0:12:39 > 0:12:43- It denotes eight miles, - visible from both directions.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46- Does it also tell us - we've come halfway?
0:12:47 > 0:12:51- I suppose so. We're about halfway - between Pontarddulais and Swansea.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01-
0:13:11 > 0:13:15- When we heard the Sunday School trip - was going on the train to Swansea...
0:13:15 > 0:13:17- ..we were over the moon!
0:13:18 > 0:13:23- We had never been on the train, - the war was over...
0:13:24 > 0:13:29- ..and we were so excited we just - couldn't wait for the day to arrive.
0:13:31 > 0:13:36- When the day finally came, - we all met outside some local pubs.
0:13:37 > 0:13:40- That was ironic - for a Sunday School outing!
0:13:41 > 0:13:45- So we stood outside the Fountain - or the King or the Farmers...
0:13:45 > 0:13:48- ..and then walked down together - to the station.
0:13:52 > 0:13:57- Before us is the sight that - awaited passengers coming through.
0:13:57 > 0:14:02- Let's take a look from - the top of the wall here.
0:14:04 > 0:14:06- There's the first glimpse - of the sea.
0:14:09 > 0:14:11- Was the track at this level too?
0:14:11 > 0:14:16- Yes, the track crossed - above the road on a high bridge.
0:14:17 > 0:14:22- Opposite, you can still see the high - ground which the bridge joined up.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32- From Mumbles Road - to Victoria station...
0:14:33 > 0:14:36- ..the line practically - runs along the beach.
0:14:37 > 0:14:40- Today's cycle path closely - follows the train route.
0:15:21 > 0:15:24- Here we are Gwyn, - not at the end of the journey...
0:15:25 > 0:15:29- ..but the end of the line on - the site of Swansea leisure centre.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32- Victoria station was roughly here...
0:15:33 > 0:15:37- ..but can you identify - any points on this old map?
0:15:38 > 0:15:40- There's this small building.
0:15:42 > 0:15:46- We can see the location - of the station itself...
0:15:46 > 0:15:50- ..and on the other side of the road - stands the Baptist chapel.
0:15:55 > 0:15:59- In this old photograph we can see - the corner of this building...
0:16:00 > 0:16:05- ..which can still be - clearly identified today.
0:16:07 > 0:16:11- The station was bombed - during the war.
0:16:11 > 0:16:15- The glass panes on the roof - were destroyed and never repaired.
0:16:15 > 0:16:19- No more money was spent on it and - it became quite a depressing place.
0:16:20 > 0:16:22- It was a wooden construction.
0:16:22 > 0:16:26- Well, iron constructions - with the buildings made out of wood.
0:16:27 > 0:16:31- The original station was built - out of wood, which was widely used.
0:16:31 > 0:16:35- The line came to an end here but - where did the trams go from here?
0:16:36 > 0:16:41- The trams came out from the station - and crossed the road over there.
0:16:42 > 0:16:46- Let's see if there's any - indication of the old trams.
0:16:46 > 0:16:49- There are no trams now for certain.
0:16:50 > 0:16:54- Ten stations were scattered along - the line from Swansea to Mumbles.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07- It's nearly 200 years since - the Mumbles Railway opened.
0:17:08 > 0:17:12- Its appearance changed - several times over the years...
0:17:12 > 0:17:16- ..and some of Swansea's residents - still remember it fondly.
0:17:17 > 0:17:22- Wonderful memories - walking along - the coastline brings it all back...
0:17:24 > 0:17:29- ..the Mumbles Railway running - along the beautiful Swansea Bay.
0:17:31 > 0:17:36- It was a black day on 5 January 1960 - when they closed the line.
0:17:39 > 0:17:41- Tourism and everything went with it.
0:17:42 > 0:17:46- What kind of an experience - was the ride on the tram?
0:17:47 > 0:17:51- It was great fun, everyone looked - forward to arriving at the beach.
0:17:52 > 0:17:57- The trams used to be full of mothers - with their children - it was great!
0:17:58 > 0:18:02- We tend to think of trams - as catering for tourists...
0:18:02 > 0:18:05- ..but not so the Mumbles Railway.
0:18:05 > 0:18:10- No - it was useful and practical - to come into Swansea for shopping.
0:18:11 > 0:18:15- Mumbles wasn't such a big place - at the time...
0:18:17 > 0:18:21- ..and cars weren't such - a common sight in those days.
0:18:22 > 0:18:26- So the tram ran a regular service - and was always full of passengers.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31- What about safety? - Were there accidents on the tram?
0:18:32 > 0:18:33- It used to rattle as it went!
0:18:33 > 0:18:35- It used to rattle as it went! - - Apart from the sand...
0:18:35 > 0:18:40- ..the biggest problem was people - who were drunk crossing the line.
0:18:40 > 0:18:44- They said they used to carry a look - out on the front of the tram...
0:18:44 > 0:18:49- ..to see if there was a drunk - on the line.
0:18:49 > 0:18:51- But it was always great fun.
0:19:26 > 0:19:30- Here we are on the bridge, looking - towards the old Victoria station.
0:19:31 > 0:19:35- I still find it hard to imagine - how at one time...
0:19:35 > 0:19:39- ..three different modes of transport - used to pass beneath this bridge.
0:19:42 > 0:19:46- The line from Pontarddulais ran - more or less where the pavement is.
0:19:46 > 0:19:50- You had two lines slightly wider - than the width of the pavement.
0:19:50 > 0:19:54- Then you had a stone wall - like this one...
0:19:54 > 0:19:58- ..with the Mumbles line - the other side of it.
0:19:58 > 0:20:02- Beyond the Mumbles line - was the main road.
0:20:02 > 0:20:04- Was the sand a major problem?
0:20:04 > 0:20:09- Yes - you can imagine how the wind - blew the sand during storms...
0:20:09 > 0:20:15- ..over the wall and onto the track - and right inside the steam engines.
0:20:57 > 0:21:01- Gwyn, we've walked along the - old route of the Mumbles Railway...
0:21:02 > 0:21:06- ..which has tremendous - historical significance.
0:21:07 > 0:21:13- It is unique in that it was - the world's first passenger line.
0:21:17 > 0:21:22- Passenger services started in 1807 - when horses drew the carriages.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27- It's said there were sails on - some carriages to harness the wind.
0:21:29 > 0:21:34- After that, passengers travelled - on steam engines...
0:21:35 > 0:21:37- ..and then on electric trams.
0:21:38 > 0:21:42- If it were running today it would - attract visitors from everywhere.
0:21:42 > 0:21:46- There is such interest - in railways today...
0:21:46 > 0:21:50- ..people would flock here from - America, Europe and everywhere.
0:21:51 > 0:21:55- Then they could say they'd been - on the world's first passenger line.
0:22:02 > 0:22:06- Cars now occupy the route - of the old Mumbles Railway...
0:22:06 > 0:22:10- ..but the pier has survived - with little change.
0:22:11 > 0:22:15- There I met Mair Griffiths - from Pontarddulais...
0:22:15 > 0:22:18- ..who once worked on the railway.
0:22:19 > 0:22:23- She was the only female - member of staff at the time.
0:22:24 > 0:22:26- We were always on it as children.
0:22:27 > 0:22:32- If the tide was in, - the view was beautiful...
0:22:33 > 0:22:38- ..with the sun shining on the water - and I loved it on the little train.
0:22:39 > 0:22:43- On the pier we can hear - the lighthouse in the background.
0:22:43 > 0:22:48- Did a lot of people come here - for the day from Pontarddulais?
0:22:48 > 0:22:52- Yes, yes, the train would leave - at about 1.50pm.
0:22:52 > 0:22:56- Mothers would ride - with their children...
0:22:57 > 0:23:01- ..and we'd be busy selling tickets - and loading prams and pushchairs.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04- They'd alight in Swansea Bay...
0:23:05 > 0:23:09- ..and the porter would escort them - across the line to the beach.
0:23:13 > 0:23:17- The journey's end, Gwyn - and I must say I've enjoyed myself.
0:23:17 > 0:23:19- The combination of train and tram...
0:23:20 > 0:23:24- ..and the geographical variety - from the mountain to the sea.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27- It's a pity we've lost this line...
0:23:27 > 0:23:31- ..as a result of mismanagement - more than anything.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35- The loss of this line - is a loss to Wales.
0:23:36 > 0:23:40- The seagulls are crying above us - and as we're at the seaside...
0:23:40 > 0:23:44- ..I think we deserve an ice cream - as we search for the next line.
0:23:44 > 0:23:49- I think it's my turn to buy, - isn't it, Arfon?
0:23:49 > 0:23:53- I think so, after all - the cups of tea I've bought you!
0:24:19 > 0:24:23- S4C subtitles by- Testun Cyf