A new book detailing the history of the former Brecon and Merthyr railway line has been published, giving insights into the locations along the historic route.

Railways and Industry on the Brecon & Merthyr, by John Hodge and Ray Caston, is the first modern book published on this former railway. With detailed coverage of all locations, collieries and main works along the line, as well as copious photographs to illustrate each location, the book is a must-have for local historians or those interested in locomotive history.

The former railway line ran from Bassaleg (north of Newport) to Brecon and Rhymney B&M, the latter line being closed north of New Tredegar in 1930 due to a landslide - one of several in that area.

The most important and lucrative traffic was coal from the many collieries on the line, much bound for Newport Docks, though there was a regular passenger service both to Brecon and New Tredegar which ran the Rhymney B&M before 1930.

At Machen, the line diverted to Caerphilly and Pontypridd again with coal and passenger services, mostly covered by auto trains. Each location along all lines in the area is covered in detail with photos, as well as an OS map from the start of the 20th century to present a detailed coverage of each area. The line is still open from Bassaleg to Machen Quarry for occasional trains of stone traffic using modern traction and wagons.

John Hodge is a retired railwayman, who started his working life on the Western Region in South Wales in 1961, later transferring to London Paddington and British Railways Board. He was brought up in Barry, which has strong railway connections, once being an important port for coal traffic and later being famous for Woodham Brothers scrap yard, which held over 200 locomotives, that are now mostly preserved on heritage lines. John is a lifelong railway enthusiast and historian, with many railway histories published.

Ray Caston is a former chemist, working for Monsanto in Newport. He has a lifelong association with the B&M where his father and grandfather were both employed. He has lived in Bassaleg for all his life, where he is a local councillor. Since 1970, he has maintained a continuous interest in the operation and history of the B&M line, Bassleg being its southern terminus. Ray has a wide knowledge of the South Wales railway scene and is a valued member of local railway societies.

Railways and Industry on the Brecon & Merthyr, published by Pen & Sword Books LTD, retails at £35 in hardback form.