A silent treat this week - the operation of the rail system at Maenofferen Slate Quarry, Blaenau Ffestiniog in 1978, shot on 8mm cine film.
It fascinates me that this looks like another world, but is actually within my lifetime. Does this make anyone else feel old?
The mine itself closed in 1999, but by this time the internal railway system had been closed for over a decade.
Thanks Phil, that's a great bit of 8mm storytelling, and fascinating to see how the various defunct slate quarries I've explored used to be worked.
ReplyDeleteIt makes me wonder how many wagons managed to set off down their inclined planes before they had a chance to be attached to the rope. Exciting!
And how often the slate waste tippers followed the slate waste over the end of the track...
And yes, it's astonishing to know this was filmed during my young adulthood.
Fascinating. Real Work ! Love the little shunter.
ReplyDeleteThank you Phil, for a wonderful piece of film, and taken well within my lifetime! Just sorry I wasn't aware of it when I was younger - I might have taken more notice when I was in North Wales on holiday.
ReplyDeleteThe primitive points are fascinating and the self acting inclines are superb watching. A great little film
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