Rhosgoch

 

47233 at Rhosgoch 10/04/82 (s2593.jpg)

47233 runs light engine back from Amlwch on 10th April 1982. It is between Amlwch and Rhosgoch and is passing the connection to the Shell Tank Farm site. This site was used to store crude oil received from tankers moored offshore before it was pumped through an underground pipeline to Stanlow. Although expensively built in the 1970s, the whole setup was decommissioned within a few years.

40058 at Rhosgoch 14/05/83 (s2690.jpg)

1983 saw a number of special loco-hauled trains run over the branch for the first time in nearly 20 years. Here, 40058 approaches Amlwch on the first of these, Hertfordshire Railtours' 'Amlwch Pioneer' on the 14th May 1983. In the background is the bridge from which the previous shot was taken.

40034 at Rhosgoch 14/05/83 (s2695.jpg)

The train was top and tailed by Class 40s, to avoid run round at Amlwch, and on the return 40034 was leading. As the train heads away from the tank farm junction towards Rhosgoch station, the telephoto lens emphasises the rather switchback nature of the commendably weed-free track. The rarity of passenger trains on this line meant that these special trains didn't emerge at Gaerwen unscathed - the lineside bushes literally left their mark!

40122 at Rhosgoch 10/12/83 (s2855.jpg)

The final special of 1983 was the Hertfordshire Railtours' 'Britannia Belle' on the 10th December. This train was headed by 47524 and tailed by the 'celebrity' Class 40 40122 / D200, in its restored green livery. Here the train is seen passing the remains of the station at Rhosgoch. In the background, the storage tanks of the Shell facility are visible against the skyline.