NOTES AND NEWS

Avonmouth

21/09 With the GBRf biomass wagon tests completed, 66403 + 66730 left the area as 4Z98 05:00 Avonmouth BBHt - Drax, being reported as passing Ashchurch at 06:26. The locos had been a familiar sight in the terminal for the past two weeks, although only 66730 was recorded as present on Saturday 11/09. Another report for the day was FLHH 66619 which brought in 6Z38 04:25 Dagenham down yard - Avonmouth Bennetts stone empties formed of 20 JGAs (Bardon hoppers), later departing as 6Z39 13:30 Avonmouth - Stoke Gifford sidings loaded stone.

25/09 A Modern Railway magazine/Pathfinder Tour’s GWR 175 ‘Brunelian’ excursion saw HST power cars 43022 + 43195 (with coaching set LA13) pass through the area as 1Z44 13:45 Swindon - Portbury, passing Brentry at 14:25 and Avonmouth at 14:43 following 143619 working the 2K27 14:35 service to Temple Meads from Avonmouth. Also, the 2K28 14:34 Temple Meads - Severn Beach service was held at Clifton Down to allow the HST to pass. This was the first HST working over this route since 26/06/04, when Virgin XC power cars 43094 + 43097 were in charge of the diverted 1V29 07:07 Leeds - Paignton service during the Filton PW blockade (see August 2004 Magazine - page 5). Also, the NRMT HST with power cars 43062 + 43014 visited Hallen Marsh via Henbury, before returning to Parkway again by the same route on 11/10/08 running as 1Z24 13:05 Swindon - Old Oak Common (see December 2007 Magazine - page 5).

28/09 66615 was on the 6Z38 Dagenham stone empties.

05/10 DBS liveried 59206 worked the 6C63 Westbury - Avonmouth stone empties, returning on a loaded train to Westbury.

08/10 66511 was present in the Bennett’s / West Wharf stone terminal.

12/10 66511 was again present on a loaded stone service for Thorney Mill, at Holesmouth junction as 66165 passed at 13:20 on a 4D97 Barton Hill - Avonmouth repaired HTA wagon trip formed of two wagons..

21/10 66585 worked a morning loaded stone working (formed of HJAs) to Theale (passing Parkway at 08:22), returning the empties as 6V44 18:48 Angerstein Wharf - Stoke Gifford (due 01:17).

22/10 66046 was on an additional 6Z13 Avonmouth - Didcot P.S. loaded coal service formed of 25 HTAs.

26/10 59001 was reported as passing Bradford Junction at 14:08 (151 minutes late) on 6C63 Westbury - Avonmouth stone empties.

Locos recorded on coal duty during the review period have included: 66046/049/090/097/153. 66164/184/237.

Bristol Parkway , Pilning and Westerleigh

16/09 66171 arrived at Parkway with Volker Rail plant VR405, DRK81613, VR97406 and VR97407 as an unidentified working. Test unit 950001 was back in the area working up from South Wales at 12:24 and continuing down to Temple Meads at 12:55.

17/09 950001 was again recorded, passing Filton at 11:53 heading towards Avonmouth, later returning towards Temple Meads at 13:15 and returning north 14:08.

18/09 The Badminton route was closed for track work from 15:45 on this date.

22/09 DRS 37423 + saloon coach Caroline passed at 12:16 (running around 120 minutes late) on 2Z01 09:05 Cardiff - Ealing Broadway, having been routed via the Vale of Glamorgan line and Barry.

23/09 The return 6B47 Westerleigh - Margam empty fuel tanks departed the terminal with 14 empty tanks, 10 less than what was delivered on the morning 6B13 service.

24/09 Signalling problems at Reading affected some South Wales and Bristol bound services during the day.

25/09 A 0N66 12:45 Margam - Eastleigh light-engine move was noted through Pilning at 14:15 and Filton at 14:26 formed: 66150 + 66145 + 66177 + 59202 + 66168 + 66204.

29/09 66595 and 70005 were noted stabled in Stoke Gifford sidings.

30/09 66620 arrived during the early evening with 6V60 11:56 Angerstein wharf - Stoke Gifford stone empties.

01/10 59005 passed Pilning West at 17:55 light-engine running Westbury - Cardiff Canton light-engine for wheel-turning.

02/10 Stoke Gifford sidings held: 66511, 66520, 66514, 66620. Several additional loco-hauled passenger trains operated in conjunction with the Ryder Cup golf tournament held at Celtic Manor, Newport around this date. Details of these workings can be found in the Newport Notes & News section.

06/10 60074 passed Westerleigh junction at 06:25 on 6B36 Acton - Moreton-on-Lugg stone empties (arriving at its destination at 09:26). The 6Z35 12:35 return to Acton was later recorded through Parkway at 15:28.

07/10 Newly named HST power car 43175 GWR 175 Anniversary , in a very clean condition (with 43003 Isambard Kingdom Brunel) was noted working the 1B42 14:15 Paddington - Swansea service. The power car was believed to have been named at Paddington earlier in the day.

12/10 60048, having worked the morning 6B65 Westbury - Newport ADJ departmental trip returned the balancing return 6C41 to Westbury passing Patchway at 15:48.

15/10 Bardon blue liveried 66623 was on the 6M36 Westbury ’la farge’ - Hope (Earles sidings) cement empties, being recorded in Pilning loop at 13:50 as 66615 was stopped in the up loop on a Taunton Fairwater bound part HOBC working.

16/10 66077 + 66207 arrived in Pilning loop at 10:16 on the 3S59 Barton Hill - Barton Hill (via South Wales ) water cannon, later being recorded through Patchway at 11:09. Now continuing to be a Saturday, as well as weekday operation the 4V50 Millbrook - Wentlooge containers headed by 66590 was reported as running 172 minutes late. The return 4O51 to Millbrook is booked off Wentlooge at 12:44.

17/10 Locos stabled in the downside at Parkway during the day were listed as: 66513, 66530, 66585, 66610, 66612.

18/10 66605 passed through the area on 6V20 20:36 (Sun) Hope (Earles sidings) - Westbury cement formed of 36 PCA wagons.

21/10 66606 powered a 6Z21 08:46 Llanwern exchange sidings - Eastleigh covered German registered steel wagon (HIA) move. The wagons were destined for storage, the train loco later returning 0Z21 light-engine to Stoke Gifford sidings. The loco had run light from Taunton Fairwater to Llanwern during the morning to collect the working.

24/10 Evening occupants of Stoke Gifford sidings were as follows: 66510, 66513, 66526, 66610. 70006. 66610 had earlier in the day passed Filton Abbeywood at 14:05 on a down autoballaster.

25/10 The 3S59 Bristol water cannon top n’tailed by 66067 + 66077 passed Pilning at 08:47 heading for Barton Hill ex. South Wales , with wagons 642005 + 642020.

29/10 A 6Z35 Moreton-on-Lugg - Hayes loaded stone service arrived at Parkway at 16:25 double-headed with FLHH 70005 + DBS 66050 ! Quick thinking by ‘control’ saw the Class 70, which was running 0Z74 Crewe Basford Hall yard - Stoke Gifford sidings, rescue the Class 66 which had failed on the English side of the Severn Tunnel. Some service diversions took place including West Coast’s 5Z37 07:48 Carnforth - Bristol TM ECS top n’tailed by 37601 and 37038 + 47500, for a railtour from Taunton which ran during the following day. The failed train had surprisingly not been looped at Pilning, once the rescue had taken place, passing here at 16:16.

30/10 At 14:00, Stoke Gifford down sidings held: 66510, 66554, 66610. 66620. 70003.

31/10 66615 + 66585 top n’tailing 6Y33 track replacement train running as 08:45 Berkeley Road junction - Taunton Fairwater yard passed Westerleigh junction at 08:35.

Bristol Temple Meads, Barton Hill and Kingsland Road

09/08 Additional Information: The evening working of DBS livered 67018 from Barton Hill to Aberthaw has been reported for route learning purposes for Portbury and Avonmouth import power station coal. The depot is undertaking additional duties including DBS stone workings from Westbury to Avonmouth and Tytherington previously dealt with by Westbury drivers.

28/08 Correction: The ‘Devonian’ railtour from Crewe - Paignton on this date with two DRS Class 47s was run by Compass Tours - not Spitfire Tours as stated.

12/09 Additional Information: The DRS test train arrived in the area as 1Q12 08:55 Derby - Bristol TM, via the Stroud Valley , Swindon (reverse), Chippenham, Bath and a reverse at Bristol West junction.

16/09 Test unit 950001 returned from West Country test duties as 2Q08 07:12 St. Erth - Temple Meads , being noted passing Worle Junction at 11:57. A 6Z28 12:40 Newton Abbot Hackney yard - Eastleigh move was worked via Bristol headed by 66596. Also during the afternoon the First/GW ‘hire’ 2C79 14:00 Cardiff Central - Taunton service (with 67019 + 67020) was terminated at Highbridge due to central door locking problems (CDL). Passengers were transferred to the following Arriva XC 1V56 06:32 Aberdeen - Plymouth Voyager, which made an additional stop.

17/09 153382 + 142029 were an unusual combination on the 2U12 09:33 Exeter St. Davids - Cardiff Central First/GW service as far as Temple Meads only.

18/09 Diverted freight services via Dr. Day’s curve and Bath due to track work in the Westerleigh area included: 59202 on Theale - Robeston empty fuel tanks (6B33) and 66122 on 6Z35 Moreton-on-Lugg stone empties. Steam 71000 Duke of Gloucester ran 5Z56 13:30 Southall - St. Phillips Marsh (due 17:35) with support coach for railtour duty during the following day along with a second steam loco 60019 Bittern as 5Z56 13:30 Southall - Barton Hill again for tour duty on the following day. BR large logo 47580 later appeared on a 5V19 10:45 Carnforth - Temple Meads ECS, reported as passing Filton Abbeywood at 17:35 (23 late) for the A4 Bittern trip to Cornwall.

19/09 Two morning steam departures from Temple Meads to the West Country! 60019 Bittern was the first with the Railway Touring Company ‘Cornishman’, (1Z19 08:05 Bristol TM - Par and 1Z20 16:45 return) rescheduled from 29th May 2010, with c/stock: 17013, 3150, Ullswater (504), 3148, 5229 The Green Knight, 6528, 4905, 5278 Melisande. Later, 71000 Duke of Gloucester worked the regular ‘Torbay Express’ (1Z27 09:15 Temple Meads - Kingswear and 1Z28 16:42 return). It was interesting to note that the Bittern ‘Cornishman’ trip connected with the Looe GWR 175 event and passengers could enjoy a return trip part steam hauled from Liskeard - Looe as one of the options available on the trip (also see Looe branch line notes & news). For the record, the loco was watered at Tiverton loop on the outward and at Plymouth and Taunton on the return and was possibly a Cornish first visit wise for an A4.

20/09 47580 return the previous day’s ‘Cornishman’ ECS as 5Z20 12:42 Temple Meads - Carnforth via Pilning (reported 12:55 - 12 early), Maindee North Junction (13:17) en-route to Hereford and Crewe . Steam loco 60019 Bittern returned as 5Z36 St. Phillips Marsh - Southall and was late leaving. Other records for the day included: FLHH 66618 on a 6Z85 05:30 Taunton Fairwater - Taunton Fairwater HOBC wagon turning move and Colas 47749 which ran 0Z47 11:00 Washwood Heath - Totnes (noted in Temple Meads at 12:30 - 37 early) to collect preserved 37037 for some heritage line visits including a Class 37 - 50th Anniversary event on the Mid Norfolk Railway which brought 10 class members back together !

21/09 47749 + 37037 returned as 0Z37 10:00 Totnes - Kidderminster (SVR) reported as passing Worle Junction at 11:56 (1 early) and Temple Meads at 12:20. Another Class 37 to appear in Temple Meads during the day was DRS 37423 which arrived on a 2Z01 09:31 Ealing Broadway - Cardiff working (noted in platform 1 at 14:40) propelling saloon 975025 Caroline, via Swindon (noted at 11:46) and Bath being reported through Oldfield Park at 12:03. 66620 was noted stabled in Kingsland Road sidings at 12:00.

22/09 A signalling blackout saw all stop in certain areas of Bristol around 14:00! The 6M67 Bridgwater - Crewe nuclear flasks (with 37059 + 37688) were held at Nailsea, whilst the 6B35 Moreton-on-Lugg stone empties and a Paddington bound HST were held at Parkway. However, all was back to normal by 15:00. 31106 was an evening arrival on a 3Z08 Exeter - Temple Meads test working formed with dept c/stock: 6262, 999605, 9702.

24/09 The end of week First/GW loco and stock ‘hire’ formations were: 67026 + 67028 with c/stock: M9508, 6042, M6008, M6064 and 67019 + 67020 with c/stock: 5985 + M6046 + 5998 + 9527. Having arrived the previous day, 31106 worked to Swansea and back on a 4Z08 test train, later stabling in Kingsland Road .

25/09 Pathfinder’s ‘Tamar Devonian’ saw the rare double headed pairing of an LNER design steam 60163 Tornado + GWR design 6024 King Edward I (from Taunton). The trip was worked to Taunton via Bristol behind 67028 as 1Z63 05:52 Eastleigh - Plymouth , noted passing Worle junction at 09:06. The 1Z24 17:02 Plymouth Eastleigh was later seen passing Nailsea & Backwell at speed with 60163 piloting 6024 at 19:49. The c/stock in use was reported as: 14007, 35333 (both loco support coaches), 3120, 3066, 80041, 3146, 3144, 3098, 3107, 1863, 4902, 5341, 5322, 5226. The train’s watering stop took place in Tiverton loops in each direction. Other reports for the day included: 66167 + 66130 as 0Z66 10:00 Crewe - St. Blazey light-engines for water cannon duty and 31106 with dept c/stock: 6262, 999605, 9702 on 4Z33 23:00 Kingsland Road - Derby RTC (via a reverse at Swindon and then via the Stroud valley line), the train having earlier in the day run from Bristol East to Milford Haven and back. An evening PW train report was 66610 on a 6Y34 18:19 Taunton Fairwater - Charfield working via Bath , Swindon (run-round), Kemble and Gloucester (run-round).

26/09 67026 + 67005 + 67022 ran 0F54 14:00 Toton - Barton Hill (via the Marches and the Severn Tunnel) having to reverse in Newport due to track work on the Maindee North - East curve which was being singled. Reports suggested the final 2010 ‘Torbay Express’ (1Z27 09:15 Temple Meads - Kingswear and 1Z28 16:42 return) was to be double-headed from Bristol to Taunton by 60163 Tornado + 6024 King Edward I as far as Taunton for the King to make a West Somerset Railway visit. The move did not however take place: 60163 working the ‘Torbay Express’ solo and King Edward later running 5Z20 Barton Hill - Bishop’s Lydeard loco and support coach passing Parson’s street at 12:20 (92 early !).

The Barton Hill water cannon (3S59) was booked to run from this date in a similar diagram to that operated in 2009 (see October 2009 Magazine) a summary of which follows: Sundays: Barton Hill (dep 16:53), Bath - Westbury (reverse) - Bath - Patchway (19:23) - Severn Tunnel - Newport - Cardiff Central (reverse) - Cardiff Queen St. (20:34) - Caerphilly - Bargoed - Tir Phil (reverse) - Bargoed - Caerphilly - Cardiff Queen St. - Cardiff Central (22:29) - Ninian Park - Radyr - Pontypridd (22:56) - Mountain Ash (reverse) - Abercynon (reverse) - Merthyr (reverse) - Abercynon - Pontypridd (00:31) - Radyr - Ninian Park - Cardiff Central (01:05) - Cardiff Queen St. - Radyr (reverse) - Cardiff Queen St. (01:09) - Cardiff Central (reverse) - Ebbw Vale parkway (reverse) - Newport - Abergavenny - Hereford (05:55) - Moreton-on-Lugg (reverse) - Hereford - Abergavenny (06:30) - Severn tunnel - Pilning - Patchway (08:53) - Avonmouth (09:37 - 09:41) - Clifton Down (09:55) - Bristol TM (reverse) - Filton AW (10:20) - Bristol Parkway (reverse) - Filton AW (10:49) - Barton Hill 10:58.

MTWThO: Barton Hill (dep 21:07) - Bath - Westbury (reverse) - Bath - Clifton down (23:31) - Avonmouth - Hallen Marsh (23:59) - Patchway - Severn Tunnel - Newport - Cardiff Central - Ninian Park - Radyr (reverse) - Ninian Park (01:37) - Cardiff Central - Cardiff Queen St. - Radyr (02:01) - Pontypridd - Abercynon - Merthyr (reverse) - Abercynon - Pontypridd (reverse) - Abercynon - Mountain Ash (reverse) - Abercynon (03:47) - Pontypridd - Radyr - Cardiff Queen St. - Cardiff Central (reverse) - Ebbw Vale Parkway - Newport - Abergavenny - Hereford - Morton-on-Lugg (reverse) - Hereford - Abergavenny (09:44) - Severn Tunnel - Pilning (11:42) - Patchway - Bristol TM - Weston-super-Mare (12:37-12:45 reverse) - Bristol TM (13:17) - Barton Hill 13:22.

FO: Barton Hill (dep 21:07) - Bath - Westbury (reverse) - Bath - Clifton Down (23:31) - Avonmouth (23:48) - Hallen Marsh (23:58) - Patchway - Severn Tunnel - Newport - Cardiff Central - Ninian Park - Radyr (02:06) - Pontypridd - Abercynon - Merthyr (reverse) - Abercynon - Mountain Ash (reverse) - Abercynon (03:52) - Pontypridd - Radyr (04:16) - Cardiff Queen St. - Cardiff Central (reverse) - Ebbw Vale Parkway (reverse) - Newport - Chepstow (07:21) - Gloucester (reverse) - Chepstow (09:14) - Newport (reverse) - Severn Tunnel - Pilning up loop (10:22-11:05) - Patchway - Hallen Marsh (11:26) - Avonmouth (11:29-11:41) - Clifton Down - Bristol TM - Weston-super-Mare (12:37-12:49 reverse) - Bristol TM - Barton Hill 13:29.

27/09 The ‘Torbay Express’ stock was returned as 5Z13 Temple Meads - Eastleigh hauled by an unidentified Class 67, green liveried 47815 which had been a familiar sight as a Barton Hill shunt loco during the Summer was also included in the train’s formation. Steam 60163 Tornado also departed the area as a 5Z95 move off Barton Hill, but the locos destination remained unreported. The First/GW loco and stock ‘hire’ diagrams started the week covered by 67020 + 67022 with the Taunton – Cardiff’s (until 01/10) and Royal 67005 + 67026 on the Cardiff - Paignton (until 01/10 and then 04/10 - 08/10) diagrams. The c/stock in use on the latter diagram was reported as M9508, 6042, M6008, M6064.

28/09 70005 failed at Bristol West on 4C04 Stoke Gifford - Portbury coal empties at 07:32 , 66614 being despatched as the rescue loco from Stoke Gifford and later headed the 6M04 10:50 departure to Rugeley P.S. being noted passing Severn Tunnel junction at 11:58. Blue liveried 31106 was seen in Temple Meads during the afternoon and later departed on a 3Z35 23:59 Barton Hill - Crewe C.S. test working. The 6C99 21:47 Newport ADJ - St. Blazey freight with 66076 was reported through North Somerset junction at 22:43 heading for Bath and Westbury.

29/09 The DBS managers train was back in the area with dedicated train loco 67029 leading DVT 82146, running as 1Z05 10:25 Paddington - Cardiff Canton sidings (noted passing Swindon at 11:47 - 2 late and Patchway at 12:17 - 1 late) and 1Z06 13:59 Cardiff - Paddington (reported through Severn Tunnel junction at 14:30 - 4 early) via Bristol, Bath, Westbury and the Berks & Hants. The train was noted in Temple Meads at 14:40 prior to a reverse.

30/09 A high mileage Northern Belle dining special titled the ‘Spirit of Travel’ was top n’tailed by 67027 + 67029 and operated as: 5Z80 13:39 Crewe C.S. - Oxford ECS, 1Z80 17:51 Oxford - Bath then via Day’s curve, Parkway, Charfield (booked 20:02) to Birmingham NS, then back to Oxford via Banbury and onwards to Bath, returning here just after mid-night. A 4V32 (ThO) 07:25 Southampton Maritime - Bristol West (Railport) container service (due Temple Meads 11:53 - 11:56) commenced from this date instead of a direct working from Felixstowe, which now runs 4V32 18:59 (Wed) Felixstowe- Maritime (03:16). The return is 4L30 18:25 (ThO) to Felixstowe (01:47) via Bath at 18:52. 66567 was on today’s working. An associated light-engine move after shunting at Bristol West is 0C30 12:59 Bristol West (Railport) - Stoke Gifford, for servicing (13:32).

02/10 A steam hauled 6024 King Edward I ‘Bristolian’ trip from Bristol - Paddington and return was cancelled. An engineering train report for the evening period was: 66150 on 6W32 21:45 Westbury - Maindee West junction.

04/10 The new week commenced with 67020 + 67022 on the First/GW loco and stock Paignton diagram (until 08/10) and 67019 + 67003 on the Bristol – Caridff’s (until 08/10). Another Class member, 67026 was also noted as stabled on Barton Hill depot during the day. The Barton Hill water cannon (3S59) was reported as formed with 66207 + 66077 with wagons 642005 + 642020. The train was recorded as passing Cwmbran during the day at 10:00 (see the full diagram listed under 26/09). Steam loco 5029 Nunney Castle and support coach W35461 formed a 5Z29 09:30 Bishop’s Lydeard - Tyseley loco and support coach move being noted passing Yatton at 10:37 (1 late), departing Temple Meads at 12:03 (27 late) and through Parkway at 12:17.

05/10 Coaching stock on the two First/GW ‘hire’ diagrams was recorded as : M9508 + 6042 + M6064 + 9520 (CP02) - Taunton - Cardiffs and 5985 + M6046 + 5998 + 9527 (CF04) - Cardiff - Paignton .

06/10 A 5V12 23:28 Willesden - St. Phillips Marsh (due 02:36) unit transfer (involving 150120 + 150123 + 150129 + 150130) was cancelled. A second planned move two days later again 5V12 from Willesden at the same time to Laira (due 02:44) was also cancelled! The 6V74 Crewe Coal sidings - Bridgwater nuclear flasks with 66426 + 66430 passed Temple Meads at 07:22 (83 late) and was later noted at Taunton Fairwater yard for a loco run-round at 08:52 due to an earlier points failure at Bridgwater. Also, a morning 0Z25 Taunton Fairwater - Crewe Basford Hall yard light-engine move formed with 66618 saw 66602 + 66595, reported as added en-route at Temple Meads . The 3S59 Barton Hill water cannon, with locos 66077 + 66207 were reported as arriving at Weston-super-Mare at 12:50, nearing the end of the day’s diagram.

07/10 Steam 60019 Bittern (standing in for 34067 Tangmere, 6201 Princess Elizabeth and latterly 6233 Duchess of Sutherland!) worked Steam Dreams ‘Cathedrals Express’ (1Z94 08:45 Victoria - Temple Meads and 1Z95 17:35 return), with a 5Z96 14:35 ECS move to Bristol West after arrival, later returning as 5Z97 which arrived late in Temple Meads and saw the return working not depart until 17:55 (20 late). The c/stock in used was recorded as: 17013 (loco support), 5216, 5171, 5200, 1840, 13440, 9104, 99121, 3136, 1961, 5237, 5236, 5249, being banked by 37516 (the ECS stock loco) between Victoria and Grosvenor Bridge junction in the London area. Also, a 5Z63 08:15 Carnforth Steamtown - Temple Meads ECS, reported as passing Patchway at 15:10 (5 early) and top n’tailed by 47804 + 47760 arrived formed with the following c/stock: 5928, 1201, Buttermere (551), Bassenthwaite (549), Rydal Water (550), Ennerdale Water (552), 1659, Sovereign (3188), Apollo (3231), Derwentwater (586) and stabled in the centre canopy road. The train was to be used on a weekend Scottish excursion from Swindon over the following weekend (also see Gloucester Notes & News). Also during the day, the 3S59 water cannon was noted passing Parson’s street at 12:18 heading for Weston and later the NRMT HST set departed at 19:55 for Taunton.

08/10 Two unidentified DBS Class 66 took out the Barton Hill snowploughs ‘on test’ as 2Z99 00:13 Barton Hill - Barton Hill (03:30) via Gloucester (booked here 01:36 - 02:07).

09/10 The Bristol & South Gloucestershire girl guides to mark their 100 anniversary, chartered a First/GW HST set for a trip to Bath from Temple Meads and back during the day. The morning empty stock returned to St. Phillips Marsh via a reverse in Bathampton loop and the return train was later recorded back in Bristol at 18:10.

10/10 A high tide, combined with strong winds saw Voyager sets temporary banned over the Dawlish sea wall section during part of the day. 67003 + 67022 + 67019 + 67020 ran 0Z68 Peterborough - Barton Hill light-engines following East Coast electric ‘dragging’ duties covering track maintenance work diversions.

11/10 The new weeks First/GW loco hauled ‘hire’ services were in the hands of: 67020 + 67022 (with stock set CP02) on the Taunton - Cardiff and 67003 + 67019 on the Paignton diagram, in it’s final week of operation. 47760 + 47804 returned railtour ECS as 5Z64 15:32 Temple Meads - Carnforth being reported through Filton Abbeywood at 15:54. There were in fact CDL problems on the Taunton service during the day, with the 2U24 16:16 Taunton - Cardiff Central service being terminated at Weston-super-Mare, running onwards from here as 5U24 17:25 Weston-super-Mare - Barton Hill ECS. 67020 + 67022 were to remain on this diagram until 15/10. On the freight side: 66511 ran 0Z28 09:01 Stoke Gifford - Newton Abbot Hackney yard for a 6Z28 12:40 Newton Abbot - Hinksey yard move (booked Temple Meads from 16:20 - 16:40) but was reported as passing Uphill junction (Weston-s-Mare) at 14:59 (53 early).

12/10 31602 was an arrival in Bristol on a 4Z08 test train from Derby RTC, the 3S59 Barton Hill water cannon unusually made a morning visit to Weston-super-Mare (following the 2Y10 09:12 Parkway - Weston Class 67 hauled service train and later 66148 was routed via Day’s curve, Bath and Westbury with the evening 6C99 Newport ADJ - St. Blazey freight.

14/10 A DMU move bringing former LM stock west saw 150120 + 150123 + 150130 run as 5V12 00:18 Willesden - St.Phillips Marsh (via Bristol Parkway). The working actually departed at 23:40 (38 early) on 13/10 being booked to arrive in Bristol at 02:38 and due to replace one of the current First/GW loco and coach diagrams. An unidentified water cannon move was reported through Bath at 06:51 in the up direction, possibly a return run for an ‘off route’ Didcot based train? Later, 66617 worked a 6Z86 HOBC move via Bridgwater, Bristol , Bath and Westbury.

15/10 This was the last day of one of the First/GW ‘hire’ loco and stock diagram with 67019 + 67003 in charge throughout the day. The 2U20 12:47 Paignton - Cardiff Central was noted with its coaches carrying small ‘Torbay Express III, Paignton and Torbay Class 67 loco-hauled Farewell’ window stickers. 66617 was again on a further 6Z86 HOBC Taunton Fairwater wagon turning move departing Temple Meads at 10:56 for Bath and Westbury. Earlier in the day a temporary speed restriction of 20 mph was in force at Nailsea around 08:00, due to checks following a lorry bridge strike.

16/10 67003 + 67019 + 67020 + 67022 for the second week-end, departed the area for East Coast electric dragging duties as 0Z67 02:37 Barton Hill - Doncaster West yard (booked to arrive here at 09:20), via Parkway, Didcot, Acton and the East Coast mainline). With the end of the Paignton First/GW loco ‘hire’ diagram, two were to return for the following Monday. One railtour report for the day was a Pathfinder’s 1Z29 06:00 Whitchurch - Kingswear and 1Z30 return worked throughout by 67026 and calling at Weston-super-Mare in each direction.

17/10 The Barton Hill water cannon was called to work an additional Sunday diagram from this date (until 14/11) as 3S59 08:00 Barton Hill - Barton Hill (14:00) via Plymouth (departure time for the return being 11:08). This was to cover for the St. Blazey train which was not able to reach Plymouth due to engineering work on the Cornish mainline. 67024 + 67022 returned 0Z68 Peterborough - Barton Hill light-engines following East Coast mainline electric ‘drags’. Over at Bristol East freight depot, several hundred off loaded bags of ballast were noted suggesting a recent train move into the terminal which now only sees occasional ECS for mainly weekend stabling.

18/10 One of the new former LM dmu arrivals, 150120 worked 5C42 04:05 St. Phillips Marsh - Temple Meads for the First/GW 2C42 05:24 Temple Meads - Penzance service. The remaining First/GW loco and stock hire diagram was covered with 67022 + 67024 on the Taunton – Cardiff ’s (until 22/10). The other former loco-hauled diagram was noted with 150248 + 153318 on the 2C67 08:00 Cardiff - Paignton part of the diagram. A HST name rededication took place involving 43189 Railway Heritage Trust, which with 43010 ran back to back as 5Z43 10:48 St. Phillips Marsh - Didcot (via Parkway) and 5Z44 14:42 return (via Bath ). A 5Z71 09:55 Crewe - Keyham two coach stock move was worked by 57010 being recorded passing Parson’s street at 14:02.

19/10 150120 was again reported in use working 2S04 06:02 Taunton - Cardiff Central and 2C69 09:00 Cardiff Central - Plymouth . as part of the day’s diagram. 66171 was on the evening 6C99 Newport ADJ - St. Blazey freight service routed via Day’s curve, Bath and Westbury.

20/10 The 4M60 02:28 (TWFO) Bristol Barrow road - Calvert empty refuse containers were severely delayed in the Oxford area, not arriving at Calvert until 11:03, 6 minutes after the train should have departed for the run back to Bristol ! 57010 was due to return a 6X50 19:30 Keyham - Carlisle Kingmoor flask move, but due to a points failure at Keyham this was cancelled.

21/10 A fatality at Bedminster station involving 150221 working the 2C71 10:00 Cardiff Central - Taunton service saw a number of cancellations and diversions via Westbury during the morning including: Arriva XC: 1S39 09:15 Plymouth - Aberdeen (220034), 1V47 08:07 Manchester Piccadilly - Paignton (220012), 1V46 06:44 Newcastle - Plymouth and First/GW: 1C09 10:00 Paddington - Paignton HST (43136 + 43198). The 1V48 06:44 Newcastle - Plymouth (221131) became the first down long distance service to run the correct way during the late morning. Two new to the area unit reports for the day were: 150123 on the 2C42 05:24 Temple Meads - Penzance service (as far as Plymouth ) and 150120 on the 2M20 05:19 Gloucester - Southampton service. The return 6X50 (with a revised schedule) ran 09:55 Keyham - Carlisle with 57010 formed with submarine flask wagons 95771 + 95770 (apparently reported as empty?) with escort coaches 9428 + 9419 being recorded as passing Highbridge at 12:13 (3 early), Parson’s street 12:38 (7 early) and Parkway 13:23 (8 late).

22/10 66610 was on a further 6Z86 09:50 Taunton Fairwater - Taunton Fairwater HOBC wagon turning move passing Worle at 10:33 (1 early) and departing Temple Meads at 11:35 (right time) for Bath and Westbury. Later, 66077 + 66207 top n’tailing the 3S59 Barton Hill water cannon were noted departing Temple Meads at 12:03 and passing Worle junction at 12:36 for Weston-super-Mare . During the evening, the 2M72 21:48 Exeter St. Davids - Temple Meads First/GW service was formed 150123 + 150244 + 150261.

23/10 67027 + 67019 top n’tailed a 1Z13 07:22 Manchester - Bath (and 1Z14 16:56 return) Northern Belle dining special, the ECS running to and from Swindon Cocklebury yard for stabling. The working was booked both ways via the Marches to Newport and the Severn Tunnel.

24/10 66077 + 66067 (which had replaced 66207 by this date) worked the Sunday’s only 3S59 08:00 Barton Hill - Barton Hill water cannon working via Plymouth, being recorded passing Parson’s Street at 08:06. Two engineering train reports for the day were: 59205 on a 6W32 10:12 Newport - Westbury and 6W35 13:42 Westbury - Newport ADJ headed by 66158.

26/10 A points failure saw the 4V60 Calvert - Barrow Road binliner in platform 4 at Bristol Parkway and later in Temple Meads for loco run rounds, prior to accessing the Barrow Road branch line (as usual) at Lawrence Hill.

27/10 An unusual pairing on the day’s British Pullman VSOE working (1Z82 08:45 Victoria - Temple Meads and 1Z83 16:39 return) was steam 71000 Duke of Gloucester piloting 67002 arriving in Bristol at 13:45 (36 late), having earlier departed Reading at 11:26 (50 late) following the late arrival of the empty stock at Victoria. The train’s water stops were booked for Newbury racecourse (outward) and Theale loop (return). Also during the day, Colas 47749 passed through the area on a 0Z75 light-engine move to Taunton

28/10 66133 arrived in Temple Meads at 19:55 on an unidentified tank train working.

29/10 Following a diversion via Newport (see Bristol Parkway , Pilning and Westerleigh Notes & News) the ‘Jorvic Growler II’ ECS (5Z37 07:48 Carnforth - Temple Meads ) top n’tailed with 37038 and 37601 + 47500 arrived in Temple Meads at 17:08 (84 late!).

30/10 Two railtours in Bristol during the day were: Spitfire Tour’s ‘Jorvic Growler II’ (1Z37 05:45 Taunton - Saltburn and 1Z38 14:15 return) with locos 37038 and 37601 top n’tailing 47500 and c/stock: 99680, 4994, 5032, 99328, 4905, 99311, 3313, 3352, Windermere (506), 3350, 3326, 3150. The outward train was reported as departing Parkway at 07:19 (right time) but the return was running slightly late leaving Temple Meads at 21:59 (8 late) for Taunton and calling additionally at Highbridge at 22:55 as the connection for this station was just missed in Bristol. The ECS then ran 5Z38 (22:50) Taunton - Temple Meads for over night stabling. The second railtour was a high mileage steam hauled Steam Dreams ‘Cathedrals Express’ with 60019 Bittern (inplace of the not ready 70000 Britannia) running as 1Z82 08:10 Waterloo - Exeter St. Davids and 1Z83 16:37 Exeter St. Davids-Paddington via Weston-super-Mare for a water stop, Bristol, Bath and Westbury. With 37516 attached to the rear of the train the c/stock in use was as follows: 21268 (loco support), S5236, S5237, 1961, 3136, 99121, S9104, 13440, S1840, S5200, S5171.

31/10 The 3S59 Barton Hill water cannon carried out it’s additional Sunday morning move to Plymouth and back top n’tailed by locos 66077 + 66067. Later, the return 5Z38 12:00 Temple Meads - Carnforth ‘Jorvic Growler II’ railtour ECS was noted passing Dr.Day’s junction treble headed with 37038 + 37601 + 47500 early at 11:34.

Didcot

02/10 Former French ‘hire’ loco 66026, complete with French logos and wasp end lines was present on the stabling point along with 66073.

Gloucester

20/09 The CEGB Berkeley nuclear flask trip now has a booked 10:11 departure time from the South Gloucestershire terminal, 37059 and 37688 being in charge of today’s working. The final load of nuclear fuel elements (made of uranium metal rods encased in magnesium alloy - magnox) was loaded into the two reactors at Oldbury power station at the end of October. Both reactors are expected to remain in operation until June 2011 and then just one into 2012. The first loading of reactor 1 took place in July 1967, ahead of electricity being produced four months later and was done by hand. Since then all refuelling has taken place with machines.

01/10 DRS 66428 worked 6Z90 Tyne yard - Cardiff Tidal sidings loaded scrap metal.

04/10 66428 headed a 6Z68 21:17 Cardiff Tidal - Stockton train of 15 JXA scrap empties.

08/10 47804 + 47760 top n’tailed a 1Z63 06:04 Swindon - Fort William land cruise, the train returning on the 10/10 as 1Z64 09:35 Fort William - Swindon.

12/10 66066 worked the 6M73 20:45 Swindon - Liverpool scrap empties. 66112 was on this train two days later.

20/10 150120 was in use on the Swindon - Cheltenham First/GW services via the Stroud Valley during the day.

23/10 66067 + 66077 on the 3S59 Barton Hill water cannon, having been reported through Newport at 09:08, was reported as departing Gloucester 80 minutes early at 07:23, heading back to Newport.

25/10 It was 50 years ago to the day that the third longest rail bridge in Britain from Sharpness to the Forest of Dean was lost due to a tragic collision with two oil barges. In foggy weather conditions, the two vessels the Arkendale H and the Wastdale H having missed the Sharpness docks entrance, struck one of the bridge’s steel columns bringing down two of the cast iron spans. The collision caused a massive explosion and a gas pipe rupture, also sadly five crewman died in the accident. BR did in fact plan to rebuild the bridge but in 1961 it suffered another accident and was dismantled in 1970, although a couple of stone pillars next to the Sharpness - Gloucester canal and some pier foundations survive, along with remains of the two barges as a reminder of the sad event, visible at low tide in the channel nearby. It was reported a goods train was due to cross the bridge around the time of the disaster, but had been cancelled and a track gang were also due to carry out maintenance work at the time, but were found to have remained in Lydney junction signal box listening to a boxing match on the radio. The single track rail bridge was completed in 1879 at 4,162 feet long and was used by both passenger and freight trains as well as being a diversionary route when the Severn Tunnel was closed for engineering work. Two memorial plaques, fitted to two stones from the original bridge remembering those who lost their lives in the event were unveiled on each side of the channel at Lydney and Purton on Sunday 24th October, bells also being rung at six nearby Severnside churches to mark the occasion. A wreath was also placed in the waters near Sharpness at 22:30 on the 25th, at the exact time of the disaster.

28/10 66129 worked the 6A36 Ashchurch - Didcot MoD trip, the loco then running 0O79 light-engine to South Marston.

30/10 66575 passed Gloucester at 17:26 with a diverted 4M64 Wentlooge - Crewe Basford Hall yard container service.

Looe Branchline

19/09 As part of the GWR 175 celebrations, steam services operated over the Liskeard - Looe branch over two consecutive Sundays in September. This event also marked the 150th anniversary of the opening of the Looe line, initially for goods only (passenger trains started running 19 years later!) and the first steam over this line since the 1960s. Steam loco 9466 was delivered by road to Laira depot as motive power, the train and coaches having arrived the previous day as Vintage Train’s 1Z57 Solihull - Plymouth ‘Down Devonian’ behind 37685. Both Sundays saw the following workings throughout the day: 2W10 09:35 Plymouth - Liskeard (calling at Saltash 09:48 - 09:51), 2W11 10:50 Liskeard - Looe, 2W12 11:35 Looe - Liskeard, 2W13 13:00 Liskeard - Looe, 2W14 13:40 Looe - Liskeard, 2W15 14:55 Liskeard - Looe, 2W16 15:40 Looe - Liskeard, 2W17 17:10 Liskeard - Looe, 2W18 17:55 Looe - Liskeard, 2W19 19:10 Liskeard - Plymouth (calling at Saltash 19:34 - 19:37). The c/stock in use was: (5198), (5157), W5177, 9101 and the Class 37 was on the Looe station end of the train, 9466 being at the other end leading from Liskeard to Coombe Junction (where the train reversed) and on the return from Looe back to Coombe junction. An unidentified fifth coach was also brought down from Tyseley, but remained at Laira. The Looe line was to become the final Cornish and West of England branch to see preserved mainline steam workings during the ‘modern’ era.

27/09 Following the second Sunday of operation, over the previous day, 9466 ran mainline 0Z66 10:45 Laira depot - Totnes (South Devon railway) light-engine for attention in the Buckfastleigh workshops.

Newport

16/09 60013 powered the overnight 6V19 Immingham - Margam freight onwards from Llanwern.

18/09 Mainline preserved Deltic 55022 Royal Scots Grey made a rare South Wales visit (in place of the unavailable D1015 Western Champion) working Pathfinder’s ‘Western Wales Explorer’ (1Z50 Crewe - Robeston) passing Newport at 10:09. 66015 was used to top n’tail the train in West Wales later in the day, the trip also covering the Fishguard Harbour line.

21/09 66100 passed Newport at 19:10 on 6M17 carrying loaded vans and containers from Barry - Wembley.

24/09 67027 + EWS silver 67029 top n’tailed a circular 1Z54 Birmingham International - Hereford Northern Belle dining special through Maindee North Junction at 13:47 (7 early).

25/09 The Saturday’s only 6M60 Exeter ( Riverside ) - Bescot (downside) freight was noted through Newport at 09:17 headed by 66009 + 66115 + 66066.

27/09 57302 worked the Arriva 1W91 16:15 Cardiff Central - Holyhead service.

01/10 The big South Wales sporting event of the year started - the 37th Ryder Cup golf tournament held at Celtic Manor, near Newport - over 45,000 spectators being reported as on site by 09:00! Additional loco-hauled services were as follows: 67029 - 1Z30 07:03 Paddington - Newport (GW charter) noted 09:15 - 09:23, 5Z51 09:27 ECS to Pengam, 5Z11 10:00 Pengam - Newport ECS for the return 1Z31 19:10 Newport - Paddington. 67027 - 1Z40 06:51 Euston - Newport (Northern Belle) noted 10:03 - 10:12, 5Z41 10:28 ECS to Pengam, 5Z42 11:50 Pengam - Newport for the return 1Z41 19:25 Newport - Euston . 67016 top n’tail 66181- 1Z20 07:37 Paddington - Newport (British Pullman) noted 10:22 - 10:30, 5Z21 10:26 ECS to Pengam, 5Z22 13:22 Pengam - Newport ECS for the return 1Z21 19:34 Newport - Paddington.

02/10 Two additional Ryder Cup specials operated: 67016 top n’tail 66181 - 1Z20 07:35 Paddington - Newport (British Pullman), 5Z21 10:29 ECS to Pengam, 5Z22 12:19 Pengam - Newport ECS for the return 1Z22 19:29 Newport - Paddington, with c/stock reported as: 99545, Lucille, Ibis, Gwen, Minerva, Cygnus, Phoenix , Perseus, Vera, Audrey, Zena, 9502. HST set LA13, with power cars 43079 + 43195 (GW charter) - 1Z30 07:15 Paddington - Newport and 1Z31 19:22 Newport - Paddington. The HST ECS ran to and from St. Phillips Marsh between duties.

03/10 One additional ‘golf-ex’ for the day was: 67027 top n’tail 67029 - 1Z30 07:35 Paddington - Newport (Northern Belle), 5Z21 10:20 ECS to Pengam, 5Z22 12:19 Pengam - Newport for the return 1Z22 19:29 Newport - Paddington. Subsequent information to this report suggested some of the ECS workings remained stabled at Pengam, although which ones remained unconfirmed.

04/10 Due to rainy weather conditions and loss of nearly a day’s play, the Ryder Cup went into an extra day on the Monday for the first time ever. Europe eventually retained the Cup, beating the United Sates 14.5 - 13.5!

08/10 66007 was on the evening 6M17 Barry - Wembley freight service, which called (as booked) at Alexandra Dock junction en-route.

09/10 66077 + 66207 top n’tailed the 3S59 Barton Hill water cannon eastbound at 09:17, whilst 60075 was later on a 6V75 Dee Marsh - Margam steel service. A 0W44 Margam - Bescot light-engine loco move passed Ebbw junction at 09:15 formed: 66143 + 66031 + 66144 + 66155. The NRMT HST set with power cars 43013 + 43062 was also noted at 08:18 heading in the down direction on 1Z20 05:56 Old Oak Common - Derby RTC (via Swansea).

12/10 Test unit 950001 passed Newport in the up direction at 08:25 on a 2Q08 Ebbw Junction - Cardiff working via Gloucester . 60096 was on an afternoon 6V55 Bedworth - Margam tank train.

14/10 Having departed Margam at 23:08 (104 late) on 13/10, 60010 passed Newport during the early hours with the 6E39 Margam - Scunthorpe freight service.

16/10 66148 + 66149 departed Newport at 09:38 on the Saturdays only 6M60 Exeter ( Riverside ) - Bescot downside freight service.

23/10 66171 + 66220 (‘dit’) were paired on the morning 6M60 freight from Exeter - Bescot.

26/10 66067 + 66077 were noted with the 3S59 Barton Hill water cannon heading in the up direction at 06:32.

30/10 66015 + 66114 (‘dit’) departed Newport on the 6M60 Exeter - Bescot freight. 60096 was also reported at 07:44 on an unidentified down freight service.

Portbury branchline

25/09 First/GW HST set LA13, with power cars 43022 + 43195 became the first HST over the Portbury (Portishead) branch arriving outside the dock gate at 15:49 with the ‘Brunelian’ railtour (also see Avonmouth Notes & News), the return departure for Temple Meads being at 16:07 (2 late). For the record this Modern Railway Magazine/Pathfinder and First/GW organised trip covered much of the Isambard Kingdom Brunel rail-network as part of the GWR 175th Anniversary celebrations. The trains details were as follows: 1Z43 09:15 Paddington - Swindon (via the Berks & Hants route), for a Steam Rail museum visit by participants. 1Z44 13:45 Swindon - Portbury dock (via Avonmouth and Clifton Down). 1Z45 16:05 Portbury dock - Bristol TM and 1Z46 18:14 return to Paddington (via Box tunnel). Plans to form the train in a 2 + 7 formation including two trailer first buffets, four trailer firsts plus a standard TGS were dropped following low bookings for the on board meal option, a standard formation being used instead.

07/10 Following a lengthy conversation with ‘control’, the driver of the 6X52 loaded and empty car carriers for Warrington/Mossend was allowed to use 67026 (with a ‘dit’ 66162) as lead loco, becoming only the second Class 67 to power this train, the first being 67014 on 11/05/07 (see July 2007 Magazine page 11). The electric sliding security gate (controlled from within the token control office) was noted back in use here early in September. The gate had been replaced by two manual hinged gates (which remain in a fixed open position), following damage received after a loco collision during 2008.

Locos recorded on coal duty during the review period have included: 66510/511/513/514/520/530/553/585/596/614. 70002/005/006.

Taunton

13/10 A BBC filmed HST speed trial passed around 14:00 running as 1Z55 12:50 Plymouth - Paddington using First/GW set 43027 + 41141 + 41142 + 40734 + 42330 + 44038 + 43003. Having passed Exeter at 13:39 (1 early) the train arrived in London at 15:33 (2 late) covering the distance in 2 hours and 43 minutes.

28/10 Having run 0Z76 05:50 Taunton (platform 1) - Plymouth Tavistock yard, 47749 returned a 6Z76 08:32 Tavistock yard - Taunton Fairwater departmental move, then returning later as 0Z77 16:10 Taunton - Tavistock yard light-engine.

Tytherington Quarry branch line

29/09 Deliveries of inward stone scalpings for blending have continued as 7Z52 05:25 Whatley quarry - Tytherington Quarry and 7Z53 11:50 return empties. 59002 worked today’s train formed of 18 box wagons being noted on the inward passing Filton at 07:08 and on the return working passing Parkway at 13:18 (43 late).

30/09 DBS liveried 59206 headed the day’s workings, the return 7Z53 being recorded arriving Yate Middle at 11:55 (25 early) and departing at 12:04 (21 early) and later through Lawrence Hill at 12:38 (3 early). The day’s train was formed of 16 wagons, the inward load total being 1,474 tonnes.

01/10 59206 did a repeat performance on 7Z52/7Z53.

04/10 59103 was noted departing Yate at 12:34 on the 7Z53 with the return stone empties to Whatley.

05/10 59002 worked what turned out to be the final inward and outward workings. However, the line is expected to see a substantial increase in traffic during 2011.

Westbury

23/09 60071 was present, departing on a stone working to Exeter .

24/09 66531 arrived during the morning on 6V20 20:55 (Thur) Hope (Earles sidings) - Westbury formed of 18 JPA cement tanks.

27/09 West Coast 37685 passed through on 1Z58 09:30 Plymouth - Southall the ‘Up Devonian’ (also see Looe Branch line Notes & News) being routed via Melksham, Swindon and Oxford .

Units seen during the month

142029/030.

143603/611/612/617/618/619/620/621.

150120/121/123/127/128/219/221/232/234/238/239/243/244/248/261/265/267/278/279.

153305/318/368/370/373/382.

158749/766/767/950/954/955.

159001.

220004/005/012/029/034.

221121/131/136/141.

950001

Arriva XC power cars: 43207/285/301/304/321/366/384.

SWT First/GW ‘hire’ units: 158888 (16/10). 158890 (21/09).

FREIGHT REVIEW

Well here we are with another look at the freight scene over the past couple of months. I'm sorry that I managed to miss a month out -- I have been very busy at home as the family house has been placed up for sale and the associated events to that have curtailed some of my activities. Anyway, enough of that, on with the job. During the first couple of weeks of January the Eastleigh-Mountsorrel engineers' service was noted fairly regularly through Leicester at about 07.00 on it's way north. The two locomotives that seemed to cover the working between them were 66403 and 66404 -- except when 66404 failed and the service was taken over by 66845. The vehicles in the train (which appeared to be the same wagons consistently) were as follows: 29526/ 458/ 412/ 026/ 366/ 265/ 060/ 257/ 201/ 261/ 084/ 211/ 185/ 154/ 222/ 103/ 507/ 418/ 522. The service returns southbound through Leicester at about 11.30. The coal services passing Leicester, both Freightliner and DB Schenker, have been very regular so far this year with a variety of locomotives appearing on the trains including, on the evening of 20th January, when one of the Freightliner services was graced with 70006 -- not it's first visit to Leicester actually as, in late December, it had been noted on the Crewe-Mountsorrel aggregate service.

My first real visit to Nuneaton in 2011 was on 24th January. Before departing Leicester the Lafarge cement service was noted heading northbound in the charge of 66622. The consist was: 11024, 10784, 12403/ 427/ 435/ 445/ 430/ 418/ 433/ 444/ 437/ 402/ 409/ 429/ 447/ 431/ 441/ 424/ 429/ 432/ 438/ 443/ 423/ 427 (note the two four-wheel PCAs at the front of the train. The evening was quite busy with all the usual services appearing. Problem at the moment is that the period at Nuneaton is dark and wagon identification virtually impossible. The Hinksey-Mountsorrel was in the charge of a fairly uncommon (in these parts anyway) 66604, with the southbound empty automotive service having 90039 and 92041 at the head.

On 27th January, myself and three colleagues headed north and spent the day at Milford Junction. Whilst not as busy as my previous visit, 28 freight workings were noted in the time we were present -- which gave us an average of a freight every 17 minutes, plus light engine movements, 09201 back and forth, a couple of class 185 units, a class 170, and the passenger service -- in the charge of 144010 -- up and down all day, wasn't too bad. First up was 66718 working the biofuel train with the following consist: 37.70.6955.288/ 284/ 283/ 271/ 273/ 280/ 278/ 278/ 286/ 269/ 270/ 285/ 287/ 267/ 282/ 277/ 276/ 281/ 275/ 268/ 274 (all "winners" for me incidentally!). Next passing was 66519 on a Freightliner coal with the following train: 370224/ 187/ 124/ 358/ 349/ 432/ 104/ 202/ 377/ 099/ 080/ 089/ 164/ 137/ 354/ 153/ 239/ 416. The first DB Schenker coal was worked by 66041 with the following vehicles: 310505/ 149/ 858/ 301/ 549/ 401/ 513/ 728/ 172/ 901/ 038/ 375/ 837/ 573/ 066/ 647/ 710/ 108/ 163/ 859, 311118. Two other DB Schenker workings followed in quick succession, 66134 with the following rake: 310847/ 514/ 438/ 966/ 604/ 348/ 829/ 402/ 506/ 864/ 757/ 110/ 950/ 602/ 315/ 023/ 809/ 868/ 912, 311051/ 095. Then 66160 in charge of: 310521/ 202/ 682/ 487/ 078/ 783/ 812/ 399/ 433/ 127/ 457/ 664/ 129/ 727/ 975/ 684/ 492/ 659, 311127/ 044/ 084. Next was another Freightliner service headed by 66518: 370224/ 187/ 124/ 358/ 349/ 432/ 104/ 202/ 377/ 099/ 080/ 089/ 334/ 153/ 239/ 416/ 104/ 137. Another Freightliner service in the charge of 66513 (noted the previous Monday evening at Nuneaton on a Daw Mill-Ratcliffe coal!) was made up of the following wagons: 370419/ 217/ 062/ 336/ 423/ 319/ 078/ 118/ 228/ 161/ 151/ 368/ 175/ 125/ 007/ 181/ 215. The next working was a GBRf coal with 66404 at the "sharp end" (yes, the engine that had been on the Eastleigh-Mountsorrel the week previous) with the following rake: 371106/ 100, 37.70.6955.256/ 262/ 248/ 244/ 245/ 247/ 246/ 263/ 217/ 219/ 251/ 260/ 252/ 253/ 254/ 250/ 259. Another freightliner coal service followed behind 66547(again noted at Nuneaton the previous Monday evening), with the following train: 369008/ 039/ 056/ 023/ 015/ 071/ 036/ 108/ 117/ 088/ 055/ 024/ 102/ 064. There then followed four more Freightliner coal services -- 66595, 66514, 66511, 66529 being in charge of those, before the Redcar-Margam coke train hauled by 66149 with the following impressive rake of 31 HTAs: 310140/ 041/ 581/ 635/ 846/ 277/ 259/ 476/ 723/ 345/ 222/ 640/ 335/ 941/ 981/ 152/ 833/ 751/ 668/ 216/ 907/ 700/ 491/ 157/ 495/ 342, 311003/ 072/ 016/ 011/ 036. A British Gypsum service then passed in the charge of 66122, vehicles being: 610267/ 268/ 172/ 173/ 093/ 094/ 163/ 164/ 263/ 264/ 281/ 282/ 335/ 336/ 353/ 354/ 247/ 248. The final working was a large rake of MEAs -- some of which were not noted due to speed and the state of the vehicles. The train was headed by 66006 and the vehicles identified were: 391679/ 443/ 310/ 560/ 602/ 645/ 689/ 633/ 603/ 155/ 674/ 122/ 151/ 273/ 640/ 497/ 269/ 526/ 389/ 358/ 671/ 676/ 573/ 563/ 357/ 151/ 358/ 356. These vehicles looked to have contained gypsum as eveything was covered in a white dust and there is a gypsum working in the area that uses open vehicles.

Moving to Nuneaton on 31st January, amongst the usual workings was a late running GBRf service out of Hams Hall. Headed by 66724 the train consist included a lot of the single container flats now being seen in regular traffic. On this particular working were: 640644/ 657/ 688/ 666/ 643/ 677/ 693/ 659/ 651/ 680/ 678/ 671/ 674/ 655. Closely following this was the Crewe-Mountsorrel aggregate service hauled by 66952, vehicles being: 501066/ 136/ 128/ 129/ 006/ 103/ 249/ 248/ 247/ 043/ 009/ 142/ 141/ 150/ 070. The same train was noted a couple of weeks later, on 4th February, at Leicester hauled by 70006 with the following rake: 501076/ 166/ 168/ 167/ 016/ 005/ 137/ 133/ 134/ 065/ 063/ 125/ 126/ 127/ 002.

To bring this effort to a close a couple of snippets of news. By the time you read this 66608 should be working in Poland and the four class 20s that operate the tube stock trains through Leicester now include "spare" loco 20308 due to the failure of 20304, locos now being 20301, 20302, 20305, 20308. Sorry it's a bit of a long report this time. Hope no-one falls asleep whilst reading it! All the best.

 LOCAL FREIGHTLINER WORKINGS

4V50/4051 Southampton - Wentlooge containers

16/09 66576. 18/09 66505. 20/09 66564. 21/09 66956. 22/09 66504.

23/09 66566. 24/09 66575. 28/09 66504. 29/09 66577. 30/09 66562.

01/10 66589. 02/10 66592. 04/10 66543. 05/10 66567. 06/10 66567.

07/10 66594. 08/10 66576. 09/10 66505. 11/10 66566. 12/10 66576.

13/10 66502. 14/10 66565. 15/10 66536. 16/10 66590. 18/10 66540.

21/10 66570. 22/10 66590. 23/10 66594. 25/10 66591. 26/10 66569.

27/10 66954. 28/10 66534. 29/10 66592. 30/10 66956.

4V60 Calvert - Bristol Barrow Road binliner

21/09 66520. 22/09 66520. 01/10 66514. 06/10 66520. 08/10 66520.

13/10 66602. 14/08 66513. 15/08 66513. 29/10 66554.

Note: This train is expected to run for the last time on 27/03/11, or a few days earlier after 26 years of operation.

6M61 08:26 Portbury - Rugeley P.S. loaded coal

20/09 70005. 21/09 70005. 24/09 66620. 27/09 66511.

04-07/10 70006. 11/10 66596. 22/10 66513. 26-28/10 66595.

6M04 10:50 Portbury - Rugeley P.S. loaded coal

20-22/09 70002. 23/09 66511. 24/09 70005. 25/09 70005.

28/09 66614. 01/10 66520. 04/10 66511. 06/10 66511. 07/10 66514. 20/10 70002. 21/10 70006. 22/10 70006.

4V32 11:44 (SO) Ipswich/Felixstowe - Bristol West (Railport) containers

25/09 66535. 23/10 66577. 30/10 66501.

4L32 11:00 Bristol West (Railport) - Tilbury containers

16/09 66516. 17/09 66566. 20/09 66541. 21/09 66541. 23/09 66543.

25/09 66535. 27/09 66535. 04/10 66569. 07/10 66548. 08/10 66534.

11/10 66534. 20/10 66576. 22/10 66562.

4L30 10:00 (MO) Bristol West (Railport) - Ipswich/Felixstowe

20/09 66566. 27/09 66562. 04/10 66542. 23/10 66576.

4O24 11:00 Bristol West (Railport) - Grain containers

07/10 66569. 11/10 66516. 25/10 66577. 27/10 66577. 28/10 66533.

29/10 66533.

6A21 Pengam - Theale loaded stone

28/09 66520. 08/10* 66511. 19/10 66602. 26/10 66585.

Note: * The train ran as 6Z21 ex. Cardiff docks on this date.

6M36 Westbury ‘la farge’ - Hope (Earles sidings) cement empties (MFO)

17/09 66957. 24/09 66531. 01/10 66539. 15/10 66623. 25/10 66530.

6M05 21:40 Avonmouth West wharf - Ironbridge P.S. loaded coal

19/09 66555. 20/09 66555. 21/09 66952. 26/09 66595. 28/09 66595.

29/09 66595. 24/10 66513.

6Z50 04:55 Portbury - Uskmouth (Fifoots) P.S. loaded coal

23/09 66555 + 70002. 28/09 66620 + 70002. 20/10 66513.

21/10 66513. 23/10 66510 + 70006. 26/10 66510. 27/10 66510.

28/10 66510. 29/10 66595. 30/10 66595.

Note: Trains on 23/09, 28/09 and 23/10 were confirmed as operating in a top n’tail formation over the Uskmouth branch line.

6Z51 11:48 Portbury - Uskmouth (Fifoots) P.S. loaded coal

13-16/10 66530. 18/10 66530.

 LOCAL DBS WORKINGS

6B13 Robeston - Westerleigh loaded fuel tanks

16-18/09 60010. 20-24/09 59202. 29/09 60010. 30/09 59202.

01/10 59202. 04/10 59202. 05/10 59202. 07/10 59202.

11-13/10 60010. 15/10 60063. 18-22/10 60063. 25-30/10 60063.

6E41 Westerleigh - Lindsey fuel tank empties

18/09 60040. 20-23/09 60011. 25/09 60096. 27/09 60096.

30/09 60096. 02/10 60096. 07/10 60096. 09/10 60073. 11/10 60073. 12/10 60073. 16/10 60073. 18/10 60073. 21-23/10 60010.

25/10 60074. 29/10 60019.

6B49/6B50 Llanwern - Swindon stores yard loaded steel (TThO)

24/09 66006. 28/09 66081. 01/10 66193. 08/10 66031. 12/10 66165.

13/10 66067. 19/10 66020. 26/10 66078. 29/10 66122.

6B33 Theale - Robeston fuel tank empties

16/09 60084. 17/09 66126. 18/09 59202. 21/09 60010. 23/09 60010.

25/09 60010. 28/09 66041 30/09 66016. 02/10 60010. 05/10 60010.

07/10 60010. 09/10 60010. 12/10 66061. 14/10 60096. 16/10 60096.

19/10 60096. 21/10 60096. 28/10 60096.

6B83/6A83 Westbury - Machen - West Drayton ARC loaded stone

20/09 66227. 22/09 66007. 24/09 66085. 29/09 66002. 04/10 59205.

06/10 66171. 11/10 59101. 08/10 66171. 13/10 66189. 15/10 66166.

16/10* 59205 18/10 59203. 20/10 59203. 25/10 66158. 27/10 59201.

29/10 66238.

Note: The working was confirmed as 6C80 14:10 Machen - Westbury only, on the return.

6V62 Eastleigh - Plymouth Tavistock yard fuel tanks (TO)

21/09 66067. 28/09 66039. 05/10 66107. 12/10 66037. 19/10 66196.

26/10 66147.

6X52 Portbury - Warrington / Mossend loaded and empty car carriers

16/09 66031. 21/09 66183. 23/09 66248. 28/09 66108 + 67019.

30/09 66124. 05/10 66011. 07/10 67026 + 66162. 12/10 66165.

14/10 66109. 19/10 66019. 21/10 66099. 26/10 66120. 28/10 66004.

6V78 Dolland’s Moor - Margam export steel empties

18/09 66145. 22/09 66044. 23/09 66144. 05/10 66161. 07/10 66019.

08/10 66070. 12/10 66024. 15/10 66153. 19/10 66116. 22/10 66006.

26/10 66206. 30/10 66129.

6O78 Margam - Dolland’s Moor export steel

21/09 66044. 28/09 66035. 29/09 66041. 06/10 66037. 28/10 66194.

6B35 Hayes - Moreton-on-Lugg stone empties

18/09* 66122. 22/09 66221. 23/09 66158. 28/09 66067. 29/09 66158.

04/10 66131. 06/10 66193. 20/10 66037. 21/10 66039. 22/10 66057.

23/10 66012. 25/10 66037. 27/10 66037. 28/10 66132. 28/10 66037.

Note: The working was confirmed as running as 6Z35 on this date.

6B65 Westbury - Newport ADJ departmental

21/09 66140. 28/09 66150 + 59202. 12/10 60048. 14/10 66151 + 59202.

6B59 Exeter ( Alphington Road ) - Cardiff Tidal sidings loaded scrap (ThO)

16/09 66061. 23/01 66155. 07/10 66125. 14/10 66067. 19/10 66093.

21/10 66068. 28/10 66081.

6L97 Port Talbot (Grange sidings) - Lea Interchange ( Camden ) loaded stone

06/10 66113.

6M60 Exeter ( Riverside ) - Bescot downside via Newport (SO)

18/09 66176. 25/09* 66009 + 66093. 02/10 66076. 09/10 66057.

23/10 66171. 30/10 66015.

Note: On this date the working was confirmed as routed via Westbury.

6C39 19:14 (ThO) St.Blazey - Newport ADJ freight

16/09 66176. 23/09 66009. 14/10 66148. 28/10 66114.

LOCAL DRS WORKINGS

6V73 / 6M56 Berkeley CEGB - Crewe coal sidings nuclear flasks

16/09 37038 + 37059. 20/09 37059 + 37688. 19/10 37038 + 37087.

25/10 37423 + 37610. 28/10 20308 + 37682.

6V74 / 6M67 Bridgwater - Crewe coal sidings nuclear flasks

22/09 37059 + 37688. 24/09 37603 + 66415. 29/09 66413 + 66422.

01/10 66431 + 66432. 06/10 66426 + 66430. 08/10 66431 + 66432.

13/10 66424 + 66428. 20/10 66431 + 66425. 22/10 20306 + 37682.

27/10 20308 + 37682.

Stock Alterations

Locomotives

Transfers

66010/026/042/072 –France, 96371/372/373/374/375 – DB Regio

MBDL Former Fastline Class 66 66301-66305 (Only Temp to XHSS)

WBEP DB Schenker Class 66 Poland 66163/220/227/248

Stored

BH: 47811/830. CS: 37412. FD: 66604. TO: 08567/703/865/888/995. 09201. 66163/227/248. Washwood Heath(Boden Rail?)- 08809

Traffic

08331 –Cemex (Washwood Heath), 08605 –TO, 08613 –Ketton,

08706/804 –TO(Tidal), 09022 –TO( Eastleigh ), 66544/547/551/552 –LD,

67001/010 –CE

Disposals

Booth: 31301/437/439

Thomson: 37680

EMR Kingsbury: 08928. 09016. 20197. 37898

Private: 03020/197 (X HNRS) Epping & Ongar: 37029

Diesel Multiple Units

Transfers

150128/129/131(WN)-PM

153354/364(TS)-NC (Loan)

Electric Multiple Units

Transfers

508301/302/303 -SCXH

Stored

313121 –ZN, 122/123/134 -HE

Traffic

321407 –HE

Renumbered

313108 - 208

378016/017/022/023/024 – 216/217/222/223/224 (4 Car)

New Stock

379001 – 030 -Registered

380001/003/102/103/104 -HQ

Coaching & NPCC Stock

Transfers

3241. 6722 –SAXH, 41033/034. 42048/050/066. 44016 -OO

Traffic

12173/174/175 –AL (WSMR)

Disposals

N/K: 40729. 43234

Renumbered

11042 – 12173, 11052 – 12174, 11058 - 12175  

PRESERVATION & INDUSTRIAL MATTERS

Bristol Harbour Railway                               (31/10/10) R.W.Giles

No.34 Portbury was in use on the harbour side shuttles. This was believed to be the final running day of the 2010 season. Operations over the remains of the Wapping Wharf branch to the Create warehouse near Ashton swing bridge were suspended around this date as the Vauxhall footbridge (alongside Cumberland Road) was due to be overhauled which involved access scaffolding being positioned over the running line. The new ‘M Shed’ museum has been confirmed as re-opening on Friday 17/06/11.

East Somerset Railway                                 (31/10/10) R.W.Giles

In use during the day: Ex. GWR steam: 5637 (carrying a ‘Warlocks Express’ headboard) with c/stock: W4764, S35207, W4562 all suitably decked out with Halloween cobwebs, spiders, bats and pumpkins! Old Bitumen sidings: Ex BR MkI: E3013/063. W4823/907. (16263) a CK - assumed - sheeted over (ex. Bluebell). W81156. Ex. SR van: S256 (receiving new body planking and a repaint into green ex. Preston Park and Swanage). Ex. Internal user: 041842/843 (both CCT grounded bodies). IU083686. Milk tank: W3035. Cowans hand-crane: (ADM14) works no.7220/41, previously on the Avon Valley Railway. Alongside path to loco shed: c/stock: S1000S (fibre glass bodied coach - recent overhaul completed, carrying a green livery). Ex. GWR Fruit D: (W2391/060972) - assumed. Ex. BR MkI: 21246 (in blue/grey - bodywork attention). Loco shed area (outside): Ex. BR steam: (32)110 (out of service). Industrial steam: GW705 (AB 2047/37). Lord Fisher (AB1398/15). Lady Nan (AB1719/20). Industrial diesel: MD & HB 45 (HC D1373/65). (Eric) (S10221/65) stabled in headshunt. ESSO Petroleum Cattewater (S10199/44) in an immaculate Esso red livery - dedicated c/stock shunting loco. Ex.BR MkI: (1674) under repaint and internal overhaul, in front of train care shed (which was locked on the day of visit). (S25917) accommodation coach. E10656. 10578 (both MkIII sleepers were stored in the depot head shunt). (43289) under repaint into red - assumed. 9241/99450. W92069/091. M94798. Ex. SR vans: 1650. (2157). Ex. Internal user: 061022 (CCT). 083394 (SR van). Ex. fish van: E88058. Cranes: Ransomes & Rapier DW2 (B4411/08). Army 63063 (Grafton 1540), stored at rear of site with no jib. Inside loco shed: Ex BR diesel: (33057) under heavy overhaul - owned by the Diesel & Electric Group at Williton (WSR). Industrial steam: No.47 Moorbarrow (RSHN7649/55) under light repair. Industrial diesel: (2 Joan) (S10165/64) stripped down - heavy overhaul. Ex.BR MkI: M35204 stripped down - under overhaul. Inside workshop: Industrial diesel: (39 Cabot) (S10218/65) heavy overhaul. Industrial steam: loco parts only on a flat wagon, assumed from RSHN7609/50 of the Avon Valley Railway. Merryfield Halt siding: Milk tank: (ADW44044) assumed.

West Somerset Railway                                           (23/10/10)

A Railway Touring Company ‘Quantock Hills Explorer’ (1Z92 07:52 Eastleigh - Minehead) trip was top n’tailed by steam 44932 + diesel 47500. The train was unusually routed via a reverse at Weymouth (booked departure at 10:10), for the Class 47 to lead, so the steam would again be back in charge from Castle Cary, the working having run via Maiden Newton and Yeovil Pen Mill. 6024 King Edward I paired up with 44932 onwards from Bishop’s Lydeard to Minehead. The return 1Z93 18:00 Bishop’s Lydeard - Eastleigh did the reverse move at Frome, instead of Castle Cary, being booked here from 18:32 - 18:38.

Road Movements

21/09 Ex.GWR steam: 3205 M5 near junction 19 (Gordano) northbound at 13:15.

28/09 Ex.GWR steam 4953 M5 junction 7 ( Worcester ) southbound to the WSR at 17:30.

29/09 Ex.GWR steam: 5786 M5 junction 25 ( Taunton ) northbound at 17:50.

TRACK MACHINES & DEPARTMENTALS

02/08 Bridgwater yard: DR73114. DR73903.

08/08 Weston-super-Mare : DR73115. DR73903.

18/09 DR73905 + DR73115 Taunton - Gloucester yard move.

25/09 Bristol Parson’s Street: Quattro rail r/r excavator: 451. support trailers: 604. 711.

17/10 Bristol East freight depot: Loram rail-grinder: DR79251 - DR79257.