Crumlin Viaduct - my iron giant

Looking at the viaduct and finding the remains of this iconic structure. The highest railway viaduct in the UK.
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):uppbeat.io/t/iros-young/amazi... code: Z8FD1F47R046FWZD

[@22whizzo56]

Crumlin Viaduct could - and should - have been listed and preserved. But as usual, British Railways used one of their favourite sayings - "It's ageing fabric has deteriorated rapidly since closure" - and decided to weigh it in for scrap. In fact, BR actually said that the money they made from the scrap from the viaduct more than paid for the cost of demolishing it!! There is an old steel bridge in Scotland that is of similar age to Crumlin Viaduct which is still carrying trains to this day! So if Crumlin Viaduct had been saved , it would have required minimal maintenance as it would not be carrying any trains. What a fantastic sight it would be for any tourist. People would be coming from all over the world to see it. Politicians have no foresight whatsoever.

[@user-ei1hf5sf2v]

I lived right by the viaduct, just below the crumlin high level station. I remember them taking it down and seeing `gregory Peck and sophia Loren when they were filming Arabesque. thank you for this fabulous video of what was a magnificent feat of engineering.

[@LinesideSouthEast]

Very interesting video, sad to think how many historic structures we have lost over the years.

[@TiswasTerry]

The best 18 minute I have watched in ages. Bob, I never realised you are a genius on yet another subject, the Crumlin Viaduct, something which we have in common. I know a lot about this viaduct, and yet you taught me a few things today, so thank you, and keep up the good work. I will spread the word if that's ok with you.

[@bobsrailrelics]

Thanks Terry, good to hear from you. I really enjoy making them. Hope you are enjoying retirement.

[@mriggst]

I've just remembered the very good view of under the viaduct in Steam in the Landscape by K. Westcott-Jones... a book I hadn't opened for thirty years!

[@bobsrailrelics]

Thanks, I will look that one up

[@JuicyPixel]

Unfortunatly for me growing up in the area and being born in 86 i never got to experience or see these local feats, great content Bob thanks for sharing

[@Alsatian01]

Hitched a ride once (about 1958) in a GW guards van across the viadict. What a view! And what a frisson when I looked over the side...

[@bobsrailrelics]

I just wander what was going thorugh the minds of the footplate crews on those engines. At least Hengoed had walls! In windy weather it must have been a challenge.

[@Alsatian01]

Sorry - I was brought up in Maesycwmmer, so it has to be Maesycwmmer viaduct!@@bobsrailrelics

[@PhilipSearle]

I stumbled across your videos by sheer luck and watched the Coryton to Tongwynlais, pts. 1,2, and 3. Brilliant. Like yourself I was not born in Wales but spent a lot of time at the Grandparents' place in Pontllanfraith in the 50's and 60's. I and a mate took the train from Pont to Pontypool Rd. in October 1963 so a little under a year before the viaduct was taken out of use. It was a bit scary for a young 13 year old who didn't like hights (still don't) but what a thing to have done! Our loco was 6690 and I have the smokebox number plate from that which lives on my shed wall. The signal box name board from Pont LL also is in my possession and is a treasured reminder of days gone by. Looking forward to your further offerings from my favourite part of the country!

[@bobsrailrelics]

My Grandparenst lived on Islwyn Terrace by the Welfare and the Swimming pool. I remember the level crossing and have memories of trains passing by Pont. Two lines and two stations and both now gone. I ma hoping to get up that way and look at the Sihowy at some point - its on the list!

[@harropharry]

Crumlin was the location of the place where Pot Noodles were made when GoldenWonder owned the brand. In my working life. I was a truck driver and picked up trailers in the middle of the night.Without a doubt Crumlin was the most eerie place I ever knew, almost frightening. There wasn't a soul about and it had a weird half light. I half expected to see a real ghost walking about. Even scarier was the abandoned Big Pit just outside the town. Thank goodness I'm now retired and don't have to visit the place.

[@bobsrailrelics]

It must have been odd. I am guessing you were up on the industrial park near Oakdale colliery? That would have been a bit odd to see in the dark!

[@martinevans3863]

Brilliant video Bob, thanks for making and posting it. I read that the Warren truss design was also used on a bridge in India but I have not been able to find it online. There was a book in Caerphilly library years back that detailed the engineering design of Crumlin. One thing that sticks in my mind was that the main trusses were not attached to the piers with anything like rivets or bolts but had pins and relied on gravity. I would love to find that book again.

[@bobsrailrelics]

That is interesting, I wonder where that was? If you haven't, take a look at my Short on Crumlin as well. Turns out to a bit of structure remains and is on display in the USA. Thanks for watching.

[@stephendavies6949]

My dad used to wax lyrical about The Crumlim Viaduct (capital definite article used intentionally). Alas I was too young to remember it. Thank you for making the effort to make a most excellent video.

[@turquoisecat761]

Another very interesting video, thanks. I must visit Crumlin soon and have a nose about, there's something so interesting about viaducts, especially this and Walnut Tree. I bought Arabesque some years back purely because it shows the viaduct at the end; I'm sure there is a sign visible at one point stating 'Birds' on the film. Shame it had to be demolished, it would have made an epic cycle / walk route today.

[@BecsterDotCom]

It's a freaking shame it was pulled down but I can understand why at the time. I would have loved to have seen it. I'm always in awe of Victorian creations especially if they're railway related. I love a good viaduct!

[@bobsrailrelics]

Can't disagree with that. So many built around here and most gone.

[@tsl56]

I saw it in about 67, when it was no longer in use, but demolition of the spans was about to begin. Truly awesome! The advantage of the Hengoed viaduct is that you can now walk and ride a bike across it.

[@bobsrailrelics]

I get up to Hengoed a lot, it is one of my granddaughters favourite walks. It still makes an impression on me every time I drive underneath it.

[@tsl56]

@@bobsrailrelics We shouldn't forget the Trethomas to Energlyn viaduct. That was a bit lower than Crumlin, but probably longer. It had already gone by 67, but only by a few years. And then there are also the smaller scale present-day viaducts at Bargoed and Pontlotttyn. And how about taking us to Butetown, near Rhymney Bridge. Another amazing valley site! Llancaiach Manor, Gelligaer Church. ..........

[@laurenceskinnerton73]

Fascinating.

[@Tobeshadow]

My father was born and raised in Crumlin/Newbridge and remembers the viaduct fondly. He has pictures taken on his Box Brownie of Sophia Loren and Gregory Peck when they filmed Arabesque and we spent many days in my youth exploring the old railways around Crumlin. A real treat to see all this again, thanks for a wonderful video!

[@bobsrailrelics]

My pleasure. It's been on my "want" list for ages.

[@janemorgan2369]

Fantastic. I do remember it standing but our Dad obviously didn't take me that day because I don't remember it being demolished. Lovely to see some of his photos too.

[@bobsrailrelics]

Thanks Big sis 😁

[@davidberlanny3308]

Hi Bob, Very enjoyable video, really interesting and a bit of nostalgia to boot, well done!! Interesting to see in the comments about the surviving section out in California, I wonder how it got out there? The Wikipedia page describes it as the third highest viaduct in the world. Must have been quite some crossing in high winds. Near to me we have a viaduct from a later period which was, when in its original position, 50m high. Unfortunately the land was unstable and the railway line was redirected. Eventually the viaduct was dismantled and moved about 100 miles to serve as a tramway viaduct which these days can be walked across, I think you may have seen the photos that I posted on this one. Great video, well done, have a great week!!

[@bobsrailrelics]

Not sure about the section in California, but I will have a look when I get back from my holiday. Thanks for watching.

[@stevendowden2579]

great video

[@user-nb9pi9dy4l]

Great stuff bob...been waiting for this one..my nan lived in crumlin..they were all there watching filming for arabesque but i dont think sophia loren even noticed me (i was only 4) lol.

[@MrReakes]

very interesting bob

[@dgattenb]

so sad , went to area a while ago ..

[@grumbeast]

Another excellent video Bob! And some wonderful photographs too!, thanks for braving the hills to bring this to us!

[@neilwalters4571]

What a coincidence, Ive been looking this up over the last few days as Ive been working in Blackwood. Im sure there used to be 2 pillars or abbutments visible 20 years ago.

[@neilwalters4571]

Oops, shoulve watched all the video before commenting!

[@andrewmerriman7133]

Hi Bob, Brilliant video the photographs you father took showed such unusual views of the viaduct thank you for sharing them with us. A quick correction the viaduct was changed to single track in 1927 not 1947, Token Block working replacing Absolute Block between Crumlin Junction and Crumlin High Level Station. There were steps down to the High Level Station from the embankment above, these I understand are still there today. I was lucky enough to see the viaduct after the train service between Pontypool Road and Neath had finished on the 13th June 1964 whilst it was still complete, there was a very steep road near the viaduct with a sign 'Test your Brakes now' and a sand drag to run into if you had a problem with your brakes. I was eight at the time and nearly sixty years later it is still etched in my mind.

[@bobsrailrelics]

Its amazing how these things stick. I am guessing that was the hill down into Crumlin from Hafforynys.

[@andrewmerriman7133]

Hi Bob, Yes it was from the Hafodyrynys direction. The rail you found is Broad Gauge Rail which after the conversion to Standard Gauge was used for fence posts and straining posts etc. There was a temporary singling of the line in 1904 first over the UP line and then over the Down Line for strengthening work on the viaduct which lead to the Viaduct Works closing after completion of this work. The permanent singling of the line started on the 22nd April 1928 using the Up Line and then from 21st July 1929 using the down line. Between late 1927 and 22nd April 1928 Single line working was in operation but the track layout remained the same. At this time the Crumlin Junction Signal Box frame was re-locked and the decking on the viaduct was renewed.@@bobsrailrelics

[@chrisandteresabartley438]

Excellent video Bob. I think I can vaguely remember it, and always used to look up at the parapets, which as are now harder to see due to the trees, though I have a photo taken in 1995 from the Ebbw valley east parapet that shows the west parapet. I also walked up the same steep hill and scrambled up to the Kendon valley east parapet onto the short section to the Ebbw Valley west parapet, but unfortunately I didn't have my camera, so no photos.

[@nigelwilliams7403]

Nice one Bob ! This railway one of my South Wales favourites! Have u not got the pic of Kennard on the viaduct decking, wearing his black top hat ? Cheers Nigel

[@bobsrailrelics]

Thanks Nigel, I have only recently come across that one and a few others. Its often the same story, I come across images after I have done the vidoes and there is no way of updating a video once it's gone live!

[@MervynPartin]

I never managed to see the Crumlin Viaduct in place, unfortunately, so my only memory of it is in "Arabesque". I don't even remember the plot of the film! This video is an excellent history of its construction and eventual demolition. I don't think that it was as beautiful as the Walnut Tree Viaduct, but it still looked good standing above the valley. However, I do agree with you completely that letting it remain would not have been a good idea, as maintenance would have been unaffordable.

[@paulhowells6172]

Well done Bob , you definitely get fit walking up and down the valleys of south wales . Any I have a bit of information for you that you might know or not , but a peace of the metal viaduct still exists today , a peace of the viaduct is in a university in California but sadly that’s all I know about it , there is a picture of it somewhere but for the love of money I can’t find it or anything online , perhaps with someone with your knowledge might find it . Thank you for the video and my thoughts on it surviving today , I think it could have been saved .

[@bobsrailrelics]

I had no idea this existed 😮 Thank you for this. Did a quick Google search and found this link: www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WMJH4X_Remnant_of_the_Crumlin_Viaduct__San_Diego_CA

[@stephendavies6949]

11.34 & 14.30: jackpot!

[@bobsrailrelics]

Indeed. There was a tramway on the Kendon side but I didn't have time to see it. I may have to go back. Any excuse!

[@Nik-8it5p]

Yet another sad case where the country no longer respects its own heritage.

[@michaelread4987]

You should visit the 2 old Quakers Yard viaducts the old High level station and tunnel.

[@bobsrailrelics]

So much to see but that is added to my list. It would be logical to see the end of the line as it was originally built.

[@martinbrown699]

Sorry this video for me was spoilt by the spelling errors etc I got annoyed by the amount of times CRUMLIN was referred to as Crumbling I grew up with the VIADUCT This video with all the memories it brought back to me was spoilt with the above mentioned If you do another video check out the spelling etc 😢

[@huxleypiguk]

Hi Martin, I will admit I was a bit confused by this. Are you referring to the captions/subtitles? If so I don't generate them, they are automatically done. I would agree with you that if so they have got that wrong.

[@bobsrailrelics]

If you are able, please have another look. I have just ahd a crash course in how to edit subtiles. I think I got it in place now but will tweak later in the week. Thanks for the heads up