DMU Operations: Western Region
Aberbeeg - Ebbw Vale (Low Level)
South Wales had its first British Railway's DMUs introduced to local services on Monday 2nd December 1957 when they began operating three services: Newport-Pontypool (Crane Street)-Blaenavon (Low Level); Newport-Aberbeeg-Brynmawr; and Aberbeeg-Ebbw Vale (Low Level).
A handbill was issued for the new services, the rear side being a map of the two main routes (Eastern Valley and Western Valley) and the branch to Ebbw Vale Low Level.
The DMUs used seem to always be Cardiff allocated Derby suburban triple DMUs (Class 116s) with second class only.
Sample Timetables
The timetable was shared with the Newport-Brynmawr and Newport - Blaenavon lines.
9th June to 14th September, 1958
Cover only shown.
15th September to 14th June 1959
Cover only shown.
12th September 1960 to 10th June 1961
This handbill give the times of trains from Ebbw Vale Low Level to/from Newport.
The introduction of the DMUs was not enough to make the passenger services remunerative, and they were withdrawn on 30 April 1962 after just 4 1/2 years of DMU operation, along with other parts of these routes.
1959
A Derby suburban triple set on an Aberbeeg service at Ebbw Vale station in 1959. Image by Norman Hurford. Peter Brabham Collection.
23rd April 1962
W51140 at the front of the 2.33pm Ebbw Vale to Aberbeeg service on April 23, 1962. Michael Mensing.
23rd April 1962
A Derby suburban triple set seen just north of Aberbeeg on Easter Monday, 23 April 1962 with the 2.33pm ex-Ebbw Vale. The centre car is W59032, the DMBS is probably W51140. Michael Mensing.
23rd April 1962
The 2.33pm ex-Ebbw Vale at Aberbeeg on Easter Monday, 23 April 1962. It is waiting to cross over at return at 3.08pm. The centre car is 59032, the power cars are likely 51153 (closest) and 51140. Michael Mensing.
23rd April 1962
A Derby suburban triple DMU seen with an Ebbw Vale service on 23 April 1962. It is thought to be at Marine Platform to the south of Cwm, looking south, which served Marine Colliery off to the right. Michael Mensing.
23rd April 1962
A Derby suburban triple DMU let by W51140 on 23 April 1962. Working an Ebbw Vale Low Level - Aberbeeg, thought to be passing Ebbw Vale steelworks. Michael Mensing.
23rd April 1962
A Derby suburban triple DMU is seen at Ebbw Vale on 23 April 1962. Michael Mensing.