Indefatigable
Well-known member
Following on from Prinzofdark's previous visit to BP Chemicals in Baglan, he wanted to go along again and was happy for me to tag along. We met up in Baglan, got kitted up and started what would be a very long walk (Had I known, I'd have parked closer 
).
Prinzofdark had an old plan of the site showing the refinery buildings, but most of it has been knocked down. There were still some buildings left that he wanted to get into, so we made a beeline for the rear of the site.
Wandering around the outside of the perimeter fence, we could see across most of the site and there weren't many buildings left. We were also unable to access the site due to 'technical difficulties', so we carried on and came across a building sort of on the outside, which we were able to get into. I'm guessing it was some form of pumping station. There was a room under the grates full of water and equipment of some form, with some funky noises coming from inside The small room we were able to get into on top of the platform didn't have anything in it save for an electrical box.
We pressed on and walked down the Gas and Water pipes leading into the site. I don't think they're anything to do with the Gas powerstation on the site as they seemed mostly disconnected and broken at the other end, which was a long walk away.
There was a manhole cover which we were able to open as it wasn't locked. There was a large pipe inside with a valve. I'm guessing it would be cooling water from the power station, but I'm not sure.
Long walk!
Pressing further on we came across what appeared to be a storm drain that Prinzofdark hadn't noticed before. Bonus! We went in...
It didn't got too far in and there were some weird cutouts into the side that dropped down through some grating and passed a valve. The whole place was full of wood and rubbish and we're not sure how it got there. There was also a random and freaky teddy...
We left and carried on, coming across what looked to be a substation of sorts, in fibreglass buildings. Most of the machinery has been smashed up, wires were cut and appeared to have been stripped so the Gypo's had been there.
It was dark in there, so I whipped out the tripod and torch for some more light painting...
Could resist...
We left and continued around, coming across the weighbridge hut and shunting engine. It was fantastic to have a look around. I bet it would start too if the battery was charged up.
Wandering on further, we came to the lighting tower that they tried to climb last time but was too windy. Leaving my kit bag on the floor, I started my climb up. It doesn't look tall from the ground but I can assure you it's tall enough from the top!
Oh f*ck!
And yes, it wobbled.
After climbing down, my arms and shoulders were aching and I was sweating like a paedo in a bouncy castle. We left the site, taking photo's and admiring the sunset.
We went looking for a tunnel that had been spotted from the road, but couldn't find a way to get to it, so that was a non-starter. All in all, it was a fantastic day. Thanks to Prinzofdark for letting me tag along, it was enjoyable if tiring. Lessons learnt; Wear thicker socks, have a decent breakfast (Toast and tea = fail) and take some snacks and drinks.
There are many, many more pictures (218) on my Photobucket Account
Thanks for looking and I'm sorry if I've just blown your modem up.
Indefatigable
).Prinzofdark had an old plan of the site showing the refinery buildings, but most of it has been knocked down. There were still some buildings left that he wanted to get into, so we made a beeline for the rear of the site.
Wandering around the outside of the perimeter fence, we could see across most of the site and there weren't many buildings left. We were also unable to access the site due to 'technical difficulties', so we carried on and came across a building sort of on the outside, which we were able to get into. I'm guessing it was some form of pumping station. There was a room under the grates full of water and equipment of some form, with some funky noises coming from inside The small room we were able to get into on top of the platform didn't have anything in it save for an electrical box.
We pressed on and walked down the Gas and Water pipes leading into the site. I don't think they're anything to do with the Gas powerstation on the site as they seemed mostly disconnected and broken at the other end, which was a long walk away.
There was a manhole cover which we were able to open as it wasn't locked. There was a large pipe inside with a valve. I'm guessing it would be cooling water from the power station, but I'm not sure.
Long walk!
Pressing further on we came across what appeared to be a storm drain that Prinzofdark hadn't noticed before. Bonus! We went in...
It didn't got too far in and there were some weird cutouts into the side that dropped down through some grating and passed a valve. The whole place was full of wood and rubbish and we're not sure how it got there. There was also a random and freaky teddy...
We left and carried on, coming across what looked to be a substation of sorts, in fibreglass buildings. Most of the machinery has been smashed up, wires were cut and appeared to have been stripped so the Gypo's had been there.
It was dark in there, so I whipped out the tripod and torch for some more light painting...
Could resist...
We left and continued around, coming across the weighbridge hut and shunting engine. It was fantastic to have a look around. I bet it would start too if the battery was charged up.
Wandering on further, we came to the lighting tower that they tried to climb last time but was too windy. Leaving my kit bag on the floor, I started my climb up. It doesn't look tall from the ground but I can assure you it's tall enough from the top!
Oh f*ck!
And yes, it wobbled.
After climbing down, my arms and shoulders were aching and I was sweating like a paedo in a bouncy castle. We left the site, taking photo's and admiring the sunset.
Here's one for the Pylon Appreciation Society too.
We went looking for a tunnel that had been spotted from the road, but couldn't find a way to get to it, so that was a non-starter. All in all, it was a fantastic day. Thanks to Prinzofdark for letting me tag along, it was enjoyable if tiring. Lessons learnt; Wear thicker socks, have a decent breakfast (Toast and tea = fail) and take some snacks and drinks.
There are many, many more pictures (218) on my Photobucket Account
Thanks for looking and I'm sorry if I've just blown your modem up.
Indefatigable
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