South Wales has a dense network of railway lines, many of which have only been used by freight trains. Of around 500 route miles in South Wales thirty years ago, half were for freight only. These lines have served collieries as well as numerous oil and chemical refineries, cement works, quarries and power stations.

In comparison, the passenger service is quite simple, based on the main line from Fishguard to Severn Tunnel Junction and its branches.

This book combines a comprehensive collection of photographs covering the railways of South Wales with a detailed description of the varied freight and passenger train workings in the area.