Subject: National Welsh U1271 (BTX 326J)
Chassis: Leyland Leopard PSU4A/2R
Body: Willowbrook B45F
Location: Tylorstown, Penrhys Road
Date: 31-Oct-1981

U1271 slogs up to Penrhys from Tylorstown on the service from Blaenllechau which had changed with the introduction of the MAP scheme. From Tonypandy it used to run to Clydach Vale but at the time of the photograph it continued instead to Porth via Penygraig.

The background is quite dramatic and demonstrates the impact coal mining had on the landscape. In the valley bottom behind the bus was a colliery, initially known as Pontygwaith Colliery, it later became Cynllwyn Du Colliery and was finally known as Ferndale No 8 Colliery. Closed in 1936 it was the deepest mine in the Rhondda at 606 yards.

The spoil from this colliery was deposited on the hill top with the incline up the hillside being a very visible scar stretching above the bus. To add further spoil to this tip there was also an incline from Ferndale No 1 and 5 Collieries in Ferndale itself. This can be seen coming from upper left to join the other incline at the top of the hill.

Underneath the spoil heap lies the settlement of Stanleytown, served later by the Skyliner (555) bus.

Photograph by courtesy of John Jones