Subject: National Welsh RS1320 (CAX 307K)
Chassis: Bristol RESL6L
Body: ECW B47F
Location: Abercynon, Traveller’s Rest
Date: 17-Oct-1983

These later short REs only spent a short period at Aberdare at the end of their lives. RS1320, originally RS771 and later RS4871, pauses at Traveller’s Rest whilst working to Bedlinog.

The photograph is taken from the trackbed of the original railway line from Pontypridd to Nelson. This was replaced by a more easily-graded route that ran immediately behind the bus in a cutting, all trace of which was lost with the building of the A470(T) behind. There was a halt here.

Dominating the background is Abercynon Dowlais Cardiff colliery, which at the time of sinking was the deepest colliery in South Wales, although it subsequently lost that distinction. Beyond that can be seen Carnetown.

Dowlais Cardiff colliery was by this time the furthest north Taff-Ely buses got on advertised workings, just a single early-morning works journey running there.