The Swansea & Mumbles Railway ran along the shore of Swansea Bay for 8.9km. There were a varying number of stations along the route. The line started operating in 1807, and closed in 1960.
The line was operated using horse power, then by steam, and finally by overhead supplied electricity.
My father, Brian, took the majority of the photos that appear on this page, both B&W and colour. There are some interesting photos of the electric double-deck car No 2 that was given to the Middleton Railway in Leeds for preservation, being split in half by using a railway bridge. My father was instrumental in arranging the transportation of car No 2 to Leeds via British Railways. Very sadly, despite some efforts at preservation, car No 2 was heavily vandalised, and later burnt out, whilst at Leeds. The only remaining part of the electric cars that has been preserved is the front end of car No 7, which is displayed at the Tram Shed alongside the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea’s Maritime Quarter.
My father was given an enamel sign from one of the cars for his help in the effort to preserve car No 2.
Many of the photos were taken on the final day of operation, or in the weeks leading up to the closure in 1960.
The final two photographs were taken by myself at a birthday party for my father which was held in the Junction Cafe in Blackpill. The cafe is situated in the building that was the former electric sub station for the railway.
My father, Brian, and his mother, Grace
Mural inside the Junction Cafe
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