The Anonymous Widower

Cardiff And Caerphilly – 24th March 2026

I took this pictures, as I rode up the Rhymney Valley from Cardiff to Caerphilly.

Note.

1. The trains I took up and down the valley were both Class 756 tri-mode trains.
2. My train reversed to Penarth in Platform 1.
3. I think they were running using the diesel power in the power pack.
4. There is an overhead conductor rail in Platform 1 at Caerphilly station to charge trains.
5. The electrification North of Caerphilly station can be seen through the bridge in one of the pictures.
6. Platforms 2 and 3 are not electrified.

I think Caerphilly station is a very neat electrification layout for occasional charging of battery-electric or tri-mode trains.

I have some specific thoughts.

What Have Caerphilly And St. Pancras Thameslink Stations Got In Common?

These pictures show the rigid conductor rail through St. Pancras Thameslink station.

It looks remarkably similar to that in Platform 1 at Caerphilly station.

The rails are probably out of the same Swiss electrification maker’s parts bin.

March 25, 2026 - Posted by AnonW | Transport/Travel | Caerphilly Station, Cardiff Central Station, Class 756 Train, Electrification, Rhymney Line, Rigid Overhead Conductor Rail, South Wales Metro, St. Pancras Station, Thameslink