The train standing at Platform One is...

...208 years late. We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this short delay.

This is the commemorative statue to Cornishman Richard Trevithick, who built the first steam locomotive, in Merthyr Tydfil in 1804, many years before the north-east claimed the honour.

It can be found in Penydarren, in my home town of Merthyr Tydfil. I captured this image on a walkabout exploring old haunts after visiting the Aged Ps for the Wales Grand Slam and Mothering Sunday.

The train was indeed late arriving in Abercynon on its first journey from Merthyr, hauling iron. Apparently the original brick chimney was demolished by a low bridge, and the crew had to rebuild it before proceeding. But it won Homfray his bet against fellow Ironmaster Crawshay...