Interview with Hugh James by Alison and John Beck on 6th March 2024. Hugh gives vivid memories of growing up by the Great Western Railway in Briton Ferry, where trainspotting, express services, and busy freight traffic shaped daily life. He also reflects on local stations, industrial locomotives, and his eventual career with British Rail.

00:00:11 – 00:01:47 – Childhood of the Great Western Railway Hugh James recalls his childhood living by the Great Western Railway at Rockingham Terrace, describing constant train activity at Briton Ferry, including express passenger services, freight, and named trains like the Pembroke Coast Express and Red Dragon.

00:01:47 – 00:03:33 Briton Ferry Train Station He describes the 1935 Briton Ferry station, built with government grants during the Depression, its four platforms, immaculate upkeep, and eventual closure in 1964 during the Beeching cuts [Beeching Axe]

00:03:33 –00:05:30 Memories of freight trains James shares memories of freight traffic—milk, cattle wagons, and coal—and explains his family’s long railway tradition. He recalls GWR lorries delivering goods locally. Discussion of trains stopping to refill water tanks at Briton Ferry.

00:06:15 – 00:08:27 - Trainspotting James reflects on trainspotting as a childhood passion, using Ian Allan spotting books, and traveling to Bristol and Cardiff with friends. He recalls engine classes, the excitement of express trains, and their distinctive whistles.

00:08:39 – 00:09:18 – Old signals and passenger carriages He explains semaphore signals at Briton Ferry and the demanding work of signalmen. He describes passenger carriages—dusty, often without corridors or toilets—and contrasts them with modern stock.

00:11:17 – 00:12:03 – Recognition of spotters and working for British Rail Memories of waving to drivers and being recognized by them; the pride and precision of express trains. James recalls starting work for British Rail at age 17 in Swansea, arranged by his father.

00:12:37 – 00:15:09 – Old local locomotives Stories of local industrial locomotives (“Dolly,” John Bevan, Herbert Eccles), the narrow-gauge works lines, and his memory of seeing and attempting to clean Evening Star, the last steam engine built by BR in 1960.