European Railroad Discussion > A foreigner rides the Heart of Wales line to Swansea

One of the items on my to-do list was to experience the beauty of Wales by riding the Heart of Wales line from Shrewsbury to Swansea. This line features two epic stone viaducts and is operated by the exchange of tokens at manned signal boxes. I love that sort of thing. This is not a heavily-traveled line and service is provided by older 153-class DMUs. They ride fine on good track but the motors are noisy.

1. This is a view from the platform in Shrewsbury to the north and Crewe Junction while waiting for my train. Note the signal box at the left. Looks like a couple of signals have been modernized.

2. The two-unit 153-class DMU set has arrived at the platform.

3. One of the two cars bore a special paint scheme and a sticker denoting the Heart of Wales line.

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4. The aforementioned sticker.

5. The tables in the specially-painted car had this helpful map.

6. And grade profile with notable landmarks.

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7. And finally, a grab shot of the Knucklas Viaduct, I think taken from the station stop in Knighton.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/22/25 10:28 by NMlurker.

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