OLDEST BRITISH RAILWAY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 30 November 1927, Page 2

OLDEST BRITISH RAILWAY

ELECTRIFICATION SCHEME The Mumbles Railway at Swansea,.the oldest railway in the United Kingdom, is to be electrified. The railway was incorporated in 1804 and opened in 1807. For 70 years horse-drawn trains plied its 5£ miles track, and for the last 50 years quaint steam trains, still running on the open road for a considerable part of the route, have carried on the service. Electrification of the line has long been discussed, and is now to be undertaken by the Swansea Improvement and Tramway Company in conjunction with the Swansea Corporation. It is expected that the change will be completed by next March. A 7.>- to 15-miniifce service is to be maintained as required, with a schedule speed of 12 miles an hour. Five twoear trains will he used, each car having accommodation for 110 passengers. The trains will be operated from an overhead trolley line nt 650 volts. A sub-station. 'which is to be provided at Blackpill. the middle point of the line, to give the necessary supply of direct current, will be entirely automatic in operation.