NOTES AND NEWS
WEST COUNTRY AREA
Avonmouth
04/02 66175 was present shunting the Massey Wilcox sidings during the
morning.
17/02 67009 powered an 'extra' Avonmouth-Newport ADJ three empty HTA wagon
cripple trip. The loco returning to Bristol light-engine.
Locos recorded on coal duty during the month included;-
66019/022/038/039/042/085/091/111/120/125/135/148/154/181/184/185/188/193/197/199/223/236.
The local shunting pilot was 08685 until mid-February with 09003 onwards into
March. This is the first time a Class 09 shunter has been out-based here.
Bristol Parkway
02/02 66549 worked a early running of the Binliner and 60013 was on the
Margam - Fawley empty fuel tanks.
05/02 60023 was over at Westerleigh, having arrived at 13.37 with fuel tankers
and 67014 was on a 5Z67 Washwood Heath-Parkway four Res van driver trainer run,
passing Yate inward at 12.43 and return at 13.26. 66122 worked a loaded MGR from
Avonmouth to Didcot and 66179 headed the Tytherington "Stone".
09/02 66090 was in charge of the Tyne Yard "Boxes", 37694 worked the
MoD Liner, 66188 was on a empty MGR bound for Portbury and 66184 headed for
Avonmouth BHT with an empty MGR.
12/02 66185 worked an Avonmouth - Didcot MGR service and 66002 was on the
Tytherington "Stone".
14/02 60095 was at Westerleigh on fuel tank duty and60032+66 008 were seen on a
top and tail departmental working near the station at 22.40.
15/02 A Sunday engineering blockade saw all services routed via Day's curve and
Box, to/from Swindon. First/GW trains were additionally calling at Patchway for
a road coach connection to Parkway. The work was due to finish during the late
afternoon, with a Class 67 hauled 5Z67 16.55 Cardiff-Old Oak Common ECS booked
to run this way.
16/02 60095 worked the Tyne Yard "Boxes", 66125 headed a loaded MGR to
Didcot from Avonmouth, the MoD Liner heading westbound behind 66184, was
somewhat behind schedule and 66040 was on the "Fuel Train".
17/02 66022 worked a loaded MGR service from Avonmouth to Didcot.
19/02 66009 worked the Tytherington "Stone" followed by two MGR
services, 66039 from Avonmouth bound for Didcot and 66197 in the reverse
direction.
20/02 This was to be the final day of mail operation;- 67004 being on the last
1M61 18.44 Swansea-London and 67008 working the 1V34 20.30 London-Swansea. 67028
was on the final West Country train, the 1M65 19.15 Plymouth-London. No
head-boards were carried on either of these trains.
23/02 60077 was on the Westerleigh tanks, 60078 being present there five days
later.
23/02 On mgr duties were 66195 Didcot bound and 66185 heading for Avonmouth,
66009 working the Tyne Yard "Boxes and 47703 light engine in the Bristol
direction after a 15 min stay.
25/02 66194 worked the MoD liner and 66057 worked a loaded MGR from Avonmouth.
29/01 The 10 former NCPP vans which were moved by 37694 from Oxford Hinksey
yard-Caerwent (reported in last month's Magazine) have been identified as;-
92306, 92325, 92333, 92341, 92353, 92357, 92401, 92402, 92873, 95227.
Bristol Temple Meads, Kingsland Road and Barton Hill
07/02 67030 was on 1Z40 08:00 Manchester Victoria-Bath Northern Belle
excursion and 67014 hauled the return 1Z41 17:38 from Bath.
08/02 An MML HST with 43158 in VT livery and 43180 on the rear worked 1V35 08:17
Manchester-Plymouth and 1M50 15:15 return, whilst an FGW HST did 1E32 11:58
Bristol-Birmingham and then worked 1Z51 13:42 Birmingham-St Austell!
13/02 Heading southbound with a "Carillion" stone train at 18.10 was
66247.
17/02 The "Enterprise" working was seen in the early evening at 17.30
southbound behind 60041.
27/02 Seen at 10.00 heading towards Avonmouth, at Montpelier, was 47712 on a
route learning working. This locomotive was a replacement for 47703 seen 23/2/04
at Parkway as the latter had failed. The reason for such activity is associated
with the works at Filton Abbeywood when the line is to be closed and a number of
services are being re-routed via the Severn Beach line. Sleeper replacement and
recovery of used/replaced items has also been observed at Montpelier station in
subsequent days.
02/02 The following were visible on Barton Hill at 08.00;- 09101. 47727/778
whilst 47843 and 66614 were present in Kingsland road sidings.
03/02 Wessex train's 150 41 was on the 1M32 19.00 Exeter St. Davids-Derby Virgin
XC service as far as Temple Meads, inplace of a Voyager set.
04/02 67005 ran 0V95 06.20 Barton Hill-Newport ADJ light-engine to work a 6V95
07.40 freight service to Exeter formed of ten china clay wagons.
06/02 SWT's 159012 arrived at Temple Meads during the early afternoon on a
driver's route learning trip from Salisbury.
07/02 Workings via Day's curve during the day were;- 60062 on the return 6C80
10.30 Machen-Westbury loaded stone and a 1Z40 08.00 Manchester Victoria-Bath Spa
and return 1Z41 17.39 return Northern Belle special, worked outward by 67030 and
returned by 67014. The ECS of this train ran to and from Swindon for servicing.
47843 was on Barton Hill depot.
08/02 Virgin XC hired in a Midland Mainline 'Rio' HST set (no. 2) for the 1V35
08.17 Manchester-Plymouth and 1M50 15.15 Plymouth-Preston services in place of a
Voyager set. The train was formed with 43158 and TGS carrying 'unbranded' Virgin
red colours, the rest being in the new Midland Mainline 'Rio' colours. Also,
First/GW provided an HST set to cover Virgin XC's 1E32 11.58 Bristol
TM-Birmingham NS and 1Z51 13.42 Birmingham NS-St.Austell services in place of a
Voyager set.
09/02 66138 was on the St.Phillips Marsh fuel tanks from Westbury and 67027+67
019 double-headed the 1M65 19.15 Plymouth-Willesden mails.
10/02 There were some morning delays with the failure of 158815 on the 1F07
08.30 Cardiff Central-Portsmouth Harbour service at Severn Tunnel junction.
11/02 67018 arrived at platform 10 at 13.37 with the VSOE from Victoria.
13/02 159006 arrived at 12.38 on a further SWTs driver training run from
Salisbury.
14/02 The mainline was closed between Bristol and Taunton for engineering works,
mainly on the up line at Highbridge, Weston-super-Mare and Flax Bourton. The
work was to continue with weekend closures during the rest of February. Today
saw 66247 with track panels at Puxton at 09.35 with 66157 and 66002 on a top
n'tail autoballaster in Weston station. 60041, 66073 with 66076 (in a top n'tail)
formation, 66172 (track panels) and 60013 (spoil) were all recorded in the area
as the day progressed. 66247 was also later seen top n'tailing a train with
66221. At Flax Bourton, the cross-over points and siding connections were noted
removed and by the end of the month, the former MoD fuel tank depot sidings were
being lifted. An 0W80 10.00 Margam-St.Blazey light-engine move was formed
60035+60067+66135+66072 via Day's curve, passing Bath at 12.30.
15/02 60067 with 60035 top n'tailed a further engineers train in the Weston area
formed of ten autoballasters. A 14.40 Laira-St.Phillips Marsh stock move was
formed with back to back power cars 43002+43037. The former was to return as
0Z77 with barrier coach 6336. Res vans noted stored in the Bristol West end bay
and old fish dock area were;- 94119/168/176/214/413. 94307/318/331/332.
18/02 An 09.17 St.Phillips Marsh-Cardiff Central empty Hst working was formed
with Hst power cars 43037 and 43146, the former being named Penydarren in
platform 0 at a 10.30 ceremony (This followed an 'F exam' at Laira depot during
the previous few weeks).
19/02 66069 ran 0C91 Newport-Bridgwater light-engine passing at 09.30 to collect
the 6C91 formed of three empty cargowaggons.
22/02 Engineers trains noted west of Bristol on the closed mainline to Taunton
with track work trains were;- 66009 and 66134 with 7W15 top n'tailing a working
at Flax Bourton during the morning and 66117 and 66061 on a 6W21 top n' tail
working at Bristol West.
23/02 There were delays at Bridgwater during the morning due to a Landrover
being parked on the up line, the obstacle being cleared by 08.00. Central trains
green 158855 (now working for Wessex trains) and 158 815 in new Arriva turquoise
made a colourful sight on the 06.15 Penzance-Manchester Piccadilly service and
66225 was on the 6C62 St.Phillips Marsh fuel tanks.
24/02 From 23.30 through to around 05.00 the following day, platforms 1 to 7
were closed for engineering works in and around the station area. Some road/rail
machines were seen in action, although non were identified.
25/02 67030 arrived during the early afternoon on a VSOE working from Victoria.
28/02 60038 was on a 6W22 23.30 Westbury-Uphill junction engineers routed via
Taunton (run-round). Other PW trains believed to have reached the Bridgwater
area during the morning were;- 66030 (6W23) 00.01 ex. Westbury, 66136 (6W24)
00.30 ex.Westbury, 66074 (6W25) 01.00 ex. Westbury and60058 and60067 top
n'tailing a 7W27 working. Pathfinders 'Anglian Ambassador' (1Z27 06.45 Bristol
TM-Ely and 1Z29 16.47 Ely-Bristol TM) hauled to and from Willesden SW sidings by
67022 and 67029 respectively. Steam loco 34067 Tangmere worked the train to/from
Ely from here.
An announcement at the end of the month stated that Barton Hill depot is to
receive ten Class 56 locos to prepare for overseas use, locos 56 090/117/118 are
expected to be the first in line for attention.
Portbury Branchline
The 6V03 Washwood Heath-Portbury coal empties and return 6M04 09.20 to
Rugeley were worked by the following during the month;-
66237 (02/02), 66089 (05/02), 66009 (13/02), 66015 (23/02), 66116 (27/02). The
4G31 21.28 East Usk-Portbury coal empties were noted with;- 66148 (02/02), 66159
(03/02) and 6G37 02.21 Portbury-Aberthaw loaded coal ;- 66229 (05/02). The 4F21
01.50 East Usk-Portbury was seen with;- 66042 (03/02), 66144 (05/02) and 6F22
with 66144 (04-06/02).
Postal sets noted
4s (PCV)
94325 94202 94191 94341
94327 94177 94208 94344
Postal activity ceased w/e 21/2/04.
SOUTH WALES AREA
Cardiff Central
12/02 47805 worked the 13:25 from Crewe, bringing Scottish rugby supporters
to Cardiff for an international match on 14/02.
13/02 The arrival of more Scottish supporters at Crewe led to 47829 working 1Z47
15:30 relief to Cardiff.
14/02 Cardiff was a Mecca for loco hauled services, with nine different trains
using the station. The first left at 05:30, when 67028 hauled a Past Time
Railtours excursion as 1Z27 to Preston, where a steam loco took over to take it
via the Settle & Carlisle. It returned as 1Z69 15:50 from Carlisle. Fifteen
minutes later, 47635 in blue large logo livery departed on Pathfinder's 1Z33 to
York, returning as 1Z66 17:30 from York. A third excursion was 47851 on 1Z37
05:38 Watford Junction-Carmarthen, which passed through Cardiff two hours late
at 13:15 after loco problems. It returned as 1Z38 17:05 from Carmarthen. For the
rugby international, 67012 worked 1V77 09:13 from Crewe and 2M33 19:44 return
hauling 9503, 5905, 5773, 1260, 5792. This was a trial to evaluate use of 67s on
such services. As ATW drivers don't sign 67s, an EWS driver had to be hired.
47805 hauled 5365/78/64, 9417, 5307, 5376 as 1Z48 10:06 from Crewe via Chester
and Wrexham and 1Z49 19:15 return. 47812 hauled 5791/96, 5816, 5794, 5814, 9526
as 1Z47 10:18 from Crewe and 1Z56 18:05 return. Both 47s were in VT livery with
a green Freightliner label underneath the driver's side window. The other three
loco-hauled services were provided by 37406/417/425 working trains on the
Rhymney line.
15/02 47635 worked 5Z33 14:35 Canton-Old Oak Common ECS.
18/02 To celebrate the 200th anniversary of the run of the first railway
locomotive between Penydarren and Abercynon, HST power car 43037 was named
Penydarren by Kim Howells, Transport Minister, at Cardiff Central platform 0. It
was coupled directly to another power car, making the unusual sight of an HST
without coaches! Wales again played Scotland at the Millennium Stadium, this
time at football! 47848 worked 1Z47 13:36 from Crewe via Wrexham and 1Z38 22:03
return.
21/02 To celebrate the 200th anniversary (to the day!) of the first railway
locomotive, 37417 was named Richard Trevithick by Peter Waterman at Merthyr
Tydfil.
To get it there, the 10:30 Penarth-Merthyr service was replaced from Cardiff
Central onwards by 37406 hauling 6119/83, 9531 as 2Z37 10:43 Cardiff-Merthyr
with 37417 d.o.r. This was because there is no run-round facility at Merthyr
station. The set was formed from the spare ex-VT Mk2s held at Canton for the
Rhymney services, as a standard four coach rake plus two locos would not fit in
the platform at Merthyr.
After calling at Cathays, the train ran non-stop to Treforest and then called
all stations. It was standing room only for some passengers, as half the train
was filled with enthusiasts enjoying a Class 37 to Merthyr. Amazingly, around
300 people were waiting at Merthyr to greet the train, along with a Sixty-Sixty
coach in Trevithick livery and a steam traction engine! Rhodri Morgan, the Welsh
Assembly's First Minister, also spoke at the naming ceremony.
37417 was then started and took the train as 2Z38 11:55 to Cardiff Central,
running in the path of the 11:52 to Penarth. A further treat was in store for
the enthusiasts, as the two locos made another round trip to Merthyr in the path
of the 13:30 from Penarth and the 14:52 return. 37406 had worked 2F04 07:13 from
Rhymney and was substituted on that diagram by two units. The other Rhymney
diagrams were operated throughout the day by 37402 and 37425.
29/02 For the Carling Cup final, 47812 worked 08:03 from Manchester, 47854 1Z77
07:11 from Bolton, 57601 1Z78 07:22 from Bolton and 67028 1Z25 from Darlington.
Cardiff Canton (viewed from the footbridge)
01/02 08576/955/957. 37412/413/415/428/798/890. 47761/772. 56100.
60003/040/077.
08/02 09855. 37412/413/415/428/509/517/670/704/798/890. 47761/772. 56100.
15/02 08955. 37402/412/413/415/509/517/704/717/798/890. 47761. 56100. 67028.
22/02 08955. 37412/416/415/509/517/704/717/798/890. 47761. 56100. 67006.
29/02 08955. 37412/413/417/422/509/517/704/798. 47761. 56100. 60003.
66017/088/236. 67001.
Tremorfa Steelworks
08/02 09006. 13/02 08951.
Newport
06/02 Locos noted included 60006/034/050/076/095.
66018/036/058/073/120/136/144/152/183.
07/02 47197 hauled 1Z70 Pathfinder railtour from Crewe, to East Usk Yard, where
the loco was swapped for 66614 to take the train forward to Margam. Here, 56038
and 60021 were attached to the front and rear and the train travelled to Radyr
via the Vale of Glamorgan line and Ninian Park. It then reversed and was hauled
by 60021 to Machen Quarry. 56038 brought the train back to East Usk Yard, where
57007 took over back to Crewe. The stock was 5365/78/64/07, 5275, 5350, 1842,
17056, 3148, 3069/68, 6310.
12/02 56038 worked 6V49 Lynemouth-Newport Docks and 56119 6E47 Newport
Docks-Lackenby.
13/02 Locos noted included 37685. 60004/01/072. 66040/117/219. (23.50)
20/02 Locos noted included 31452/458. 57012. 60050/060/067/096.
66011/019/061/076/117/125/165/247.
27/02 Locos noted included 57003. 60010/017/027/039/049/064/071/078/096.
66009/160/250.
LOCO AND UNIT NEWS
CLASS 31
03/02 31468 and 31602 started the FNW 06.40 St.Annes-Greenbank and 2N97 15.49
Chester-Blackpool North diagram. The previous day saw stock problems with this
train which was cancelled.
06/02 31452 and 31454 top n'tailed the 5O98 away from Westbury for Bristol TM at
11.20. The return 1O98 was terminated back at Westbury however due to a
defective speedo, 158872 completing the diagram.
12/02 31128+31601 top n'tailed a 4Z10 01.40 Paddington-St.Phillips Marsh test
train arriving at 07.06 for fuelling. The train was to later run 22.35
St.Phillips Marsh-Tyseley (via Hullavington).
13/02 31452 and 31454 worked off Westbury at 10.47 on the 5O98, then running
1O98 12.52 Bristol TM-Brighton and 1V96 17.00 Brighton-Cardiff Central.
17/02 31454 and31 452 worked off Weymouth at 11.07 on a return top n'tail driver
training run to Westbury. The same locos performed the same duty the next day,
leaving at 11.10, and passing Frome at 12.18.
20/02 31452/454 hauled/pushed 1O98 12:52 T.M.-Brighton.
27/02 Frozen coaching stock saw the 31s cover the 1O98 onwards from Westbury to
Brighton only, a unit working the Bristol-Westbury part of the diagram.
CLASS 37
02/02 37047 and 37308 were on a 'B' exam at St.Blazey depot. 37417 worked
2R38 16:50 to Rhymney, 37425 2R42 17:11 to Rhymney and 37406 2R46 17:47 to
Rhymney.
03/02 37051 and 37402 were paired on the 7O26 10.45 Oxford Hinksey
yard-Eastleigh departmental, 37402 then working the 7V41 13.54 Eastleigh
yard-Westbury train. 60013+37051 were paired on the 7Y40 Eastleigh-Hoo junction
departmental. 37425 operated 2V07 06:59 Rhymney-Radyr and 2R46, 37406 2F05 07:19
from Rhymney and 2R38, whilst 37417 did 2F06 07:40 from Rhymney and 2R42.
04/02 66231+37402 'dit' were on the 7B66 10.45 Westbury-Newport ADJ
departmental. 37047 and 37308 worked 6G94 St.Blazey-Exeter and 6G95 return.
05/02 37308+37047 were on a five wagon 6G94 and 6G95 return. 37425 was on 2R38,
37406 2R42 and 37417 2R46.
06/02 37406 hauled 2R38, 37425 2R42 and 37417 2R46.
07/02 37406/417/425 worked numerous Saturday services on the Rhymney line. 37676
passed Chepstow at 08.40, 140 minutes late with a 6C82 Crewe-Newport ADj
working. 37 047+37 308 ran 0P05 07.40 St.Blazey-Fowey docks light-engine for the
6P05 07.40 09.25 CDAs to Tavistock yard.
09/02 37417 did 2V07 and 37406 2F05. 37685 worked 7M82 19:58 ADJ-Basford Hall
and 02:10 return the next day. 37694 worked the 4A24 Wentloog-Didcot return MoD
stores at 18.40.
10/02 37047+37308 worked the 6G94 and return 6G95 ballast runs during the day.
The same duties were performed over the following two days.
37406 was on 2V07, 37425 2F05 and 37417 2F06.
11/02 37685 hauled 6M75 ADJ-Arpley. The morning Rhymneys were a repeat of the
previous day, with 37425 doing 2R38, 37406 2R42 and 37417 2R46.
12/02 37406 did 2V07 & 2R46, 37417 2F05 & 2R38, 37425 2F06 & 2R42.
13/02 37308+37047 were on a 6W69 St.Blazey-Burngullow departmental for the
mainline re-doubling. 37402 worked 6M75. 37425 did 2R38, 37406 2R42 and 37417
2R46.
14/02 37406/417/425 worked trains on the Rhymney line.
16/02 37417 did 2V07, 37406 2F05 and 37425 2F06. 37667 worked the 6Y27 10.28
Quidhampton-Eastleigh trip later running light-engine to Newport ADJ. 37694 was
on the 4B24 14.05 Didcot-Wentloog MoD stores and 37674+37372 top n'tailed a 1Z14
08.45 Derby-Oxford Serco test train outward via Worcester and return via Evesham
and Worcester yard in place of Class 47s. 66030+37669 were paired on the 6M44
12.28 Eastleigh-Wembley freight.
16/02 37685 hauled 6M75.
17/02 37402 worked the 6C91 09.14 Newport ADJ-Bridgwater trip freight, in place
of the allocated60099. The loco returned 0C92 light. 37047 and 37308 were down
to do a Devonport flask (or escort coach move), but worked the regular 6F94, the
locos returned a loaded 6F95 to St.Blazey.
37406 hauled 2V07 & 2R38, 37417 2F06 & 2R42, 37425 2F05 & 2R46.
18/02 37417 did 2V07, 37425 2F05 & 2R42, 37406 2F06 & 2R38 and 37402
2R46. A most unusual driver training turn was the 5Z94 08.20 St.Blazey-Exeter
(Riverside yard) via Tavistock yard. The train, which left Par at 09.25, was
headed by 37047+37308+60041 with TPO vans 80416, 80340, 80406, 80384, 80425,
80372. The return, for Tavistock yard passed Starcross at 13.02, with an
addition coach 80333 attached.
19/02 37047+37308 worked 19.45 St.Blazey-Tavistock junction and 6Z37 22.00
Tavistock Junction. 37425 operated 2R38, 37406 2R42 and 37402 2R46.
20/02 37402 was on 2R38, 37406 2R42 and 37425 2R46.
23/02 37047 and 37308 were back on Probus track re-doubling duties running 0W65
22.14 St.Blazey-Burngullow light for 6W65 23.28 Burngullow-Truro departmental.
37047 worked 6W66 23.28 Burngullow-Truro the following day top n'tailed with
66219. 37417 did 2R38, 37425 2R42 and 37402 2R46.
24/02 37707 hauled 6V75 Dee Marsh-Margam after 66160 failed en-route.
25/02 37425 hauled 2R38, 37417 2R42 and 37406 2R46. 37670 did 7M82.
25/02 With 37308 still out of traffic on St.Blazey requiring oil filters, 37047
worked an 11.30 train from St.Blazey-Goonbarrow formed of china clay CDA wagons
for storage.
26/02 Both West Country Class 37s departed Par with 6W68 for Truro.
28/02 37402/406/425 worked the Saturday Rhymneys.
37047 and 37308 ran 0F94, St.Blazey-Exeter light-engine for the 6F95 14.02
return Meldon-St.Blazey ballast.
37372/674 top and tailed the 1Z12 06:18 Worcester-Swansea Serco test train.
CLASS 47/57
02/02 47727+47778+67 014 ran 0Z98 17.20 Barton Hill-Bescot light, 47727
working a Wolverton-Old Oak Common train of two ex.works motorail vans the
following day.
03/02 47 828 ran light from Crewe-Birmingham NS to drag a 5V97 from Longsight-Laira.
The train passed Bristol TM at 00.25, formed with two power cars only, 43067
(exhaust stack fire)+43084 (flat batteries). 05/02 The 5Z32/5Z33 test run
operated, and routed was via Bristol, behind 57604 to drop off 47843 which had
assisted a sleeper failure the previous day. Large-logo 47635 worked a 5Z47
12.32 Wolverton-Eastleigh unit working formed of 465219. The train was however
terminated at Willesden Brent sidings, reason unknown. 47793 also worked during
the day on the 6M44 12.26 Eastleigh-Wembley freight service.
07/02 57603 was unusually reported at Newquay at 16.00 on a driver route
learning trip from Penzance.
09/02 The 1C99 Paddington-Penzance First/GW sleeper failed near Exeter, 47813
then assisting 57 602 onwards to Plymouth running late. 47813 then worked 5A99
15.55 Laira-Penzance sleeper ECS later.
14/02 Having been stored the previous day, 47 635 replaced two unavailable Class
33s on a Pathfinders 1Z33 06.07 Cardiff-York excursion (via Bristol Parkway)
using coaching stock;- 6310, 3122, 3112, 3140, 3107, 21272, 1863, 5322, 5009,
5040, 4902, 5309, 5235. The ECS was returned as 5Z33 14.35 Cardiff Canton-Old
Oak Common (via Box) the following day by 47635, the loco then being taken out
of service again on the return to Old Oak. 57603+47815 departed Penzance at
10.30 on 5C99 Penzance-Laira sleeper ECS.
15/02 47815 and 57603 were visible on Laira depot.
19/02 47815 formed a three coach 5Z77 10.45 Penzance-Laira stock move with
coaches 10563, 96604, 96607.
23/02 Virgin drivers began using Fragonset Class 47s on route-learning trips via
Avonmouth and the Henbury freight-only line ready for diversions via this way
due to the Filton junction remodelling which is taking place during April and
June. 47703 was the loco in use, running 0Z67 07.00 Bristol Barton Hill-Severn
Beach and 08.16 return to Temple Meads (via Clifton Down), before an 09.58
return to Severn Beach. The loco then returned 10.59 Severn Beach-Dr. Day's
junction, then 12.06 from here to Bristol Parkway for 0Z68 13.07, and 14.28 runs
to Hallen Marsh. The loco then ran 14.47 to Lichfield and return to Bristol.
These trips were to operate each week-day until 05/03.
24/02 47703 was on the Virgin training duties again passing Avonmouth at 07.57
on the first trip and being recorded at Shirehampton at 11.15 on the second
return working.
25/02 47703 failed at Bristol Temple Meads with TPWS problems. The new system
was being activated on the loco at green signals!!! The first replacement loco
failed at Lichfield en-route, but 47712 was despatched as 0V74 Derby-Barton Hill
the following day. 57604 was again on test train duty with a now unbranded 47832
attached to the rear running as 5Z32 09.18 Old Oak Common-Plymouth and 5Z33
14.40 return. The coaching stock in use was set OC82, formed 3269, 3255, 3232,
3241, 6721, 5679, 5657, 9490, the train passing Exeter down at 13.09.
26/02 57604+47832 double-headed 5Z32 Old Oak Common-Plymouth test train, via
Swindon and Melksham. The train was terminated at Taunton Fairwaters yard
however due to an axle counter problem at Dawlish.
27/02 47712 was on the 0Z67/0Z68 driver route learning trips, the loco being
stabled on Barton Hill depot during the following day.
LOCAL DRS WORKINGS
6V74/6M67 Crewe-Bridgwater-Crewe nuclear flasks.
03/02 20306+37607. 05/02 66407+66409. 10/02 66407+66409.
12/02 66407+66409. 16/02 20304+20311. 18/02 20306+20310.
23/02 66401+66402. 27/02 37608+37610.
6V73 Crewe-Berkeley/6M56 return nuclear flasks.
11/02 20305+37607.
LOCAL FREIGHTLINER WORKINGS
4V50 Southampton-Wentloog & 4O51 Wentloog-Southampton
02/02 66574. 03/02 66567. 04/02 66573. 06/02 57012. 09/02 57012.
10/02 57006. 12/02 57002. 16/02 57012. 17/02 57011. 18/02 66568.
19/02 57002. 25/02 57002. 27/02 57011.
4V30 Ipswich - Wentloog & 4L56 Wentloog - Ipswich
05/02 57006. 06/02 66570. 13/02 66569. 18/02 66571. 26/02 57008.
6V14/6X42 Crewe Gresty Lane/Mossend-Portbury and return cars.
04/02 66614. 05/02 66614. 11/02 66614. 18/02 66618. 20/02 66618.
25/02 66618. 27/02 47847+66618.
Notes;- 25/02 47847 was attached to the train (6V14) at Crewe for Portbury, to
replace 47805 as 'standby' loco at Kingsland road which had been used to assist
the 6M37 cement north the previous day. The large logo 47 was returned north two
days later on the 27/02 as part of the train's consist.
4V60/4M60 Calvert - Avon - Calvert Binliner
02/02 66549. 27/02 66549.
6V20/6M37 Hope sidings-Moorswater-Hope sidings cement.
04/02 66616. 05/02 66616. 09/02 66523. 11/02 66523. 18/02 66527.
20/02 66528. 25/02 66515.
Note;- 21/02 The return 6M37 with 66528 failed with a main auxiliary generator
fault at Newton Abbot, 47805 ran light from Bristol to assist.
Other Freightliner sightings
06/02 The 4O17 15.51 Lawley street-Southampton MRT was headed by 57 011 and 66
569 'dit', 66 614 was present on Barton Hill depot at 08.00 and 66 516 was at
Westbury.
11/02 47843 hauled 6Z18 10:05 Kingsland Road-Aberthaw cement with five
Freightliner intermodal wagons.
15/02 The following were noted in Kingsland road sidings during the afternoon;-
47 843. 66 549/614.
17/02 66503 newly named Railway Magazine powered the 4O17 15.51 Lawley
street-Southampton MCT liner.
18/02 47843 was on the 6M16 13.08 Southampton-Crewe automotive service.
21/02 A Saturday additional container working running as 4Z30 10.12 Thamesport-Wentloog
was headed by 66534+66523.
24/02 66 559+47 805 were paired on the 6M16 Southampton-Crewe automotive train.
25/02 Large-logo 47847, which replaced 47805 in the Bristol area ran 0Z67 09.33
driver route learner light-engine to Birmingham Landor street. The loco had
arrived at Portbury with 66618, leaving the port at 08.02 for Temple Meads, then
09.40 to Birmingham and returning at 17.27.
26/02 47847 was again in driver route knowledge use running as 0Z67 09.33
Kingsland road- Birmingham Landor street via Worcester Shrub Hill and Birmingham
New Street. The 4S59 15.24 Southampton-Coatbridge liner was headed by
66543+57002 'dit'.
27/02 66517 was on the 11.50 Southampton-Westbury ballast and 47 847 ran 0X42
light-engine Kingsland road-Portbury to be conveyed in the 17.53 cars (as far as
Crewe) to Mossend behind 66 618.
LOCAL EWS FREIGHT WORKINGS
6G51 18.00 (T,ThO) Cardiff Tidal-Plymouth Tavistock yard scrap empties
03/02 60097. 05/02 66216. 10/02 66040. 17/02 66123. 19/02 66160.
23/02 66011. 27/02 66011.
6G58 20.01 (W,FO) Plymouth Tavistock yard-Cardiff Tidal loaded scrap.
04/02 60097. 06/02 66216. 11/02 66040. 18/02 60041. 20/02 66160.
25/02 66011. 28/02 66079.
6M67 ADJ - Wembley
03/02 66042. 05/02 66014. 06/02 66230. 09/02 66136. 10/02 66136.
11/02 66136. 16/02 66172. 17/02 66187. 24/02 66172. 25/02 66172.
26/02 66236. 27/02 66236.
6M68 22.26 (SO) Burngullow-Carlisle loaded china clay slurries.
07/02 66109. 14/02 66118. 21/02 66212. 28/02 66207.
6M72 16.52 St.Blazey-Cliffe Vale.
02/02 66088. 05/02 66222. 09/02 66222. 12/02 66043. 16/0260041.
19/02 66043. 23/02 66163. 26/02 66123.
6S55 09.38 (WO) Burngullow-Irvine china clay slurry
04/02 66088. 11/02 66222. 18/02 66138. 25/02 66043.
6V41 16.21 (T or ThO) Irvine-Burngullow china clay slurry empties
02/02 66109. 05/02 66118. 09/02 66017. 12/02 66167.
16/02 66163. 19/02 66212. 23/02 66219. 26/02 66207.
6V70 (M,T,W,FO) Cliffe Vale/Bescot-St.Blazey 'empty clayliner'
03/02 66197. 06/02 66233. 10/02 66222. 13/02 66043.
17/0260041. 20/02 66043. 24/02 66163. 27/02 66123.
STOCK ALTERATIONS
Locomotives
Transfers
08510(IM)-OC, 08900(OC)-CF, 31459/468/602(DF)-NH.
Stored
Due to the number of locomotives stored, only the last known location is
recorded below;
AN: 08397. AY: 08695. BK: 37077/696. BS: 08538/543/828. 47770/787.
BZ: 08993. CD: 37668. 47778/784. CE: 47760. 90025/030/032/034/038.
CF: 08651/792/941. 09203. CL: 47757. CU: 08485/738. DC: 08582/623/665.
56032/072. DI: 08913. EH: 08442. FB: 47798/799. 56107. HG: 09010/012. HM:
47734/793. 56051/056/065/069/070/133. IM: 08599. 56104.
MG: 08770/900. MI: 47747. ML: 08402/441//881/883/927/933. NL: 43101.
OC: 08506/919. SW: 08994. SY: 47791. TE: 08389/655/911. 56049/095.
TI: 08587/953. TM: 08872/890. TO: 08480/500/516/635/683/765/884/896/915.
47635/727/732/47737/773. TY: 09204. WA: 47749. WE: 86260. WN: 87009/012.
90003/007. ZB: 08922. 09021.
Battlefield Line: 47640 for Fragonset, Cranmore - 47365, Willesden Railnet -
47742.
CL = Carlisle Upperby, CU = Carlisle Currock, DC = Doncaster Carr, DI = Didcot,
MI = Millerhill, SW = Swindon, TM = Temple Mills, TY = Tyne Yard, WA =
Warrington, WE = Wembley Yard.
Traffic
37685 - CD, 43154 - DY, 47375 -DF, 56087/094 - IM, 57604 - LE.
Withdrawn
31296. 37170. 56050/075. 73101/106/108/110/128/131/133/136.
86206/210/254/261/416/425/426.
Disposals:
Booth: 08702/751. 37225. 47310/476/513. 56003/010.
Sims(CF): 86206.
LNWR: 31296.
EMR: 08625/957.
Battlefield Line: 08576.
North Norfolk: 31207.
Renumbered
47209 - 57604.
Diesel Multiple Units
Transfers
158 758/759(NH)-HT.
Withdrawn
51185/224/341/353/356/392/395/398/428. 53163. 59486/492/521.
Disposals
IMRFT: 51185/224/428. 53163.
Swanage Railway: 51341/353/356/392/395/398. 59486/492/521.
New Stock
170430/431/432/433 - HA.
222008 -HQ.
Electric Multiple Units
Stored
312702/705/713/725 -IL.
377143/144/147/149/158/161 - MoD Marchwood.
(S): 1401. 1744/50 -BI.
Withdrawn
(S): 1531. 1726?/38?/47. 2321/22/24/25/27. 9101.
Disposals
IMRFT: 1531. 2321/22/24/27.
Sims(CF): Cl421 cars: 70712. 76026/093(1747), 62050(1726), 62064(1738).
Sims(NM): Cl421 car: 76058(Spare).
East Kent: 2325. 68002.
Wyvern Rail: 9101.
Bluebell: car 69341.
Renumbered
375330 - 377320, 375336 - 377326
To Dept: 8307 - 910002, 8309 - 910001.
New Stock
375906/907/908/909/910/911 - HQ.
377141/160/162/163/164 - BI.
390039/040 - MA.
450051/058/068 -HQ.
Coaching & NPCC Stock
Stored
Similar to the locomotive section, vehicles shown as stored at their last
reported location.
BH: 3360. BK: 94103/119/147/168/176/196/209/214/223. 94318/331/332.
94400/411/413/432/440/449/455/458/463/469/483/485/513/548.
BZ: 94326/333. 94479/540. CE: 94207. CF: 94312. CSY: 94108. 94334/340. DD:
80390. EH: 94104. EN: 80346/349/352/354/359/368/379/414/419/431. 94229. 94308.
94405/418/429/447/467. EX: 80319/341/355/362/420. 94110. 94501. LA: 94101/200.
94303/335. ML: 94133/155/166/221/225/304/322/343. 94433/460. NT: 94121. OM:
9501/37. 10251/257. 11016/045/081. 12041/100/134/137. 94102/113/227. PQ: 94493.
RU: 94315.
SM: 94111/213/217/403//472/497/528/541. TY: 94116/140/203/226.
94401/408/431/434/465/473/475/477/478/512/539/544. WA: 94224. 94406/416/448/476.
WB: 94114/117/153/174/182/193/310/311/313/337/338.
94410/423/445/451/454/466/510. 95727/739/758/761/762/763. MoDBI: 3520/22. 5744.
6200/02/03/06/07/12/13/19/21/26.
CSY = Crewe area, DD = Doncaster Decoy Yard, LA= Plymouth area, NT = Newport
area, RU = Rugby area, MoDBI = MoD Bicester.
Traffic
10248. 11082. 12077. 17175 -HQ, 40801. 41186/187 -NL.
Withdrawn
5293. 5353/79. 5472. 80213. 92306/311/325/333/341/353/357/363/401/402/873/986.
95227.
Disposals
JT Landscapes: 5293/353/379/472. 92306/325/333/341/353/357/401/402/873. 95227.
R Garrett: 92986.
Pontypool & Blaenavon: 92311.
Rushden Station: 92363.
Oswestry Cycle & Rail Museum: 80213.
Renumbered
40427 - 40801, 42311 - 41187, 42312 - 41186.
Road Movements
10/02 Steam 1369 was seen heading westbound on the M5 passing Clevedon
junction 20 at 15.00, earlier former Freightliner 47365 passed Clevedon at 09.50
bound for the East Somerset Railway at Cranmore.
20/02 25072 was moved from Meldon Quarry north during the day noted between
junctions 19 and 20 (near Weston-super-Mare) on the M5 at 12.55. The loco was
seen near Carnforth three days later at 12.25 still heading north.
Railtour News
Pastime Rail are to run their Torbay Express steam specials again this year,
again using 7802 Bradley Manor from Bristol TM-Kingswear and return. Dates set
are;- Sundays 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th and Saturday 28th August with a proposed
09.10 departure time as last year. 6024 King Edward I is epected to be the spare
loco.
Pathfinders 'Caerwent Cavalier' is now to run on 17th July, covering the MoD
Caerwent , Whatley quarry and Highworth freight lines. The Class 40 tour from
Newport-North Wales on 22nd May will now run from Plymouth and start at Crewe.