February 2026 – RailwayWorld.net

Pantyffynnon revisited

37409 “Loch Awe” passes signal PF47 with 0Z37 from Crewe to Landore

Loss of the semaphore signalling at Pembrey & Burry Port and Ferryside in October 2025 has left just two mechanically-signalled locations west of Cardiff in South Wales, at Tondu on the Bridgend-Maesteg branch line and at Pantyffynnon on the Heart of Wales Line from Llanelli to Craven Arms.

Having enjoyed time at Pantyffynnon when travelling the full length of Wales’ most scenic railway line in October 2024, I am tempted to make a return visit on 23 February 2026, after discovering that there is the prospect of capturing a LSL-owned Class 37 (37409) on a route-learning run from Crewe to Landore.

Let’s look at Longton

Ex-EMR Meridian 222003 passes the Foley Crossing down distant signal on 9 February 2026 with training run 5Q36 from Etches Park Sidings to Widnes Transport Tech.

Travelling along the North Staffordshire Line from Stoke-on-Trent for a visit to Uttoxeter last autumn [feature: November 2025] had reminded me that mechanical signalling interest along this fascinating route begins a mere five minutes after leaving Stoke, at Longton, and four semaphores controlled by the nearby Foley Crossing Signal Box.

This heavily-fortified signal box (North Staffordshire Railway, 1889) stands around 300 yards west of the rather desolate Longton station, controlling a busy foot crossing and from where an up home signal can be seen. Two other semaphores visible from the station’s down (westbound) platform are a down home and tall up section signal.

Return to Craven Arms

DB 67008 pushes set HD02 past signal CA27 with 1V39 from Manchester Piccadilly (10.30)

Three years after its installation and opening (January 2023) it is time to pay a return visit to the revolutionary lightweight footbridge that stands north of Craven Arms on the busy Newport-Shrewsbury Marches Line, and offers a great vantage point from which to watch trains passing the semaphores controlled by Craven Arms Crossing Signal Box.

Despite the loss of five semaphores when a cross-over for Heart of Wales-bound trains was moved from north to south of Craven Arms station, the rather hideous-looking signal box still controls seven semaphores, with an up (northbound) trio comprising home (CA2) and starter signals, (CA3), both visible from the station, and section signal CA4 north of the footbridge.