Cefn Junction Signal Box, now known as the Cefn and Pyle Junction Railway, was built in the 1860s to serve the growing local coal and iron industry.
Two remaining levers still stand today as a memory to this time. The history of the junction box has been researched extensively by Neville Granville, a local historian who still lives in Cefn Cribwr. He compiled his research in a book entitled 'All Change At Cefn Junction' (1998).
In 1983 the signal box and line closed for rennovation. The line by the box is now used to transport coal from the nearby Parc Slip West open cast mine.
The other rail line is the path, which we walked along towards Bedford Park. It was used as a passenger line and took people who lived up in the valleys to places as far as Porthcawl.
your comments
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David Kennedy, Derby
A band called Ezra whom I like very much, recently rehearsed in this very signal box and I was delighted to see that Mark Shobbrook also had a band that did; it is an amazing use for the building! Cefn Junction box features on their album cover which they entitled "Songs From Pennsylvania" which made everyone curious - it refers to the Pennsylvania Woods where this is located!
I wonder how long it has been used as a band rehearsal site and is this a unique use? A tracks and signals connection, albeit in a musical sense!
Mark Shobbrook, Bridgend
I used to practice with my band many years ago inside the junction box, I have many fond memories. PS Thanks to Tina for the link to your site.
Larry Myers. Windsor, Ontario.
I remember all these places as a young boy!
Very interesting!
