NOTES AND NEWS

WEST COUNTRY AREA

Avonmouth

07/03 Engineering work, involving track relaying between Sneyd Park and Shirehampton (until 12/03) saw all Wessex Trains services between Clifton Down and Severn Beach replaced by road buses up until 19/03. Both Saturdays saw a normal full service, except the final two return trips of the evening that were road buses. From 14/03, track-work was replaced from Shirehampton marshes through to just beyond Avonmouth station road level crossing (upside only from Avonmouth dock junction).
14/03 66236 was noted in the Avonmouth station area on empty flat wagons, whilst later 66 044 appeared on ballast.
16/03 66063 and 66044 were noted top n'tailing a ballast train near to Avonmouth Dock level crossing beneath the M5 motorway viaduct. Some of the track machines noted in the area during the period included;- DR73805. road/railers; Hydrex 4158, 4193, 4438(or 4138?). BCL 283. Trailers RT123/155. TRRR0245, TRRR0250.
21/03 Outstanding Virgin drivers and conductors, who had not completed their Avonmouth diversionary route knowledge from last year, used a Riviera owned Class 47 over the route on weekdays starting from today until 08/04. Two locos were used (and noted as follows); 47812 (23/03, 25/03) and Police liveried 47829 (21/03, 22/03, 28/03, 29/03). The diagram was; 0Z67 07.00 Barton Hill-Bristol Parkway (08.25 return), 10.52 Temple Meads-Parkway (11.55 return), 0Z68 13.03 Temple Meads-Parkway (14.25 return), 16.52 Temple Meads-Parkway (17.55 return) with a booked 18.36 return to Barton Hill. In practise, the loco was regularly back on Barton Hill depot around two hours early at 16.45!!
25/03 Because of their being no walkway into the Chittening Industrial estate from Hallen Marsh junction, a brake-van has been deployed for propelling movements to this location. Interestingly, DB955172 (Ashford 1962. lot 3394) has arrived, this one having been used on the 2001 Portishead branchline 'rebuilding' trains and is in EWS colours, fitted with sun visors on each veranda and twin-warning air horns! This vehicle had been stored in Mossend yard for two years prior to an overhaul and return to service in 2001. However the van is expected not to see much use as it complicates shunting moves (!). Also the Class 09 here is expected to be going soon with mainline locos taking over the shunting.
26/03 With engineering work between Filton Abbeywood and Narroways junction, all Wessex, Virgin and Arriva services were diverted via Avonmouth during the day, the third time the route has been used for this purpose following last Easter and a two-week period during June 2004. Brief observations on Hallen Moor between 12.30-13.15 recorded;- 158867+158859 on 09.22 Portsmouth Harbour-Cardiff Central, 220003+220001 on 08.27 Penzance-Newcastle and 220008 with 08.24 Newcastle-Plymouth. The Virgin XC diversions were this time round listed in a Easter 25-28th March, Table 51 timetable supplement and were only hourly as opposed to half hourly last year.
28/03 Steam returned to the area with Pathfinder Tours latest 'Avon Branchline Explorer' trips using steam loco 5029 Nunney Castle. Because of clearance problems at Clifton Down, a complete circuit could not take place, so an out and back (both ways) via Henbury was run. The trains were; 2Z27 09.32 Bristol TM-Avonmouth Terminal and 10.40 return and 2Z30 14.08 Bristol TM-Avonmouth Terminal and 15.08 return. The train also visited Portbury during the day and used coaching stock; W35461, 5365, 5341, 4902, 1863, 5040, 4927, 5322, W6310.
Locos recorded on coal during the month included the following 66023/086/088/118/180/207/214/220. 09003 continued as the area pilot.

Bristol Parkway

03/03 Two evening freights noted were; 66071 on 6M27 16.36 Newport ADJ-Wembley freight (17.41) and 60013 with 6V60 12.01 Angerstein Wharf-Swansea (18.02). Also noted were 66250 with empties for Portbury and the NR HST utilising power cars 43013/014.
04/03 50031 + 50049 called with Pathfinder's 'Monarch of the Glen' (1Z32 06.35 Swindon-Fort William arrived 23.38). The locos visited Mallaig and Dundee, being reported as new locations for the Class north of the border although a trip to Oban was not possible before the return three days later.
07/03 The returning 'Monarch of the Glen' with 50031 + 50049 was running 112 minutes early off Birmingham New Street at 16.16! The tour set-down at Parkway around 18.10. Two empty MGR working seen tonight firstly 66107 heading for Portbury and 66088 Avonmouth bound. Also seen was a loaded car train from Portbury behind 66056 and the MoD liner with 66018.
09/03 66136 was on the 6M17 Newport ADJ-Wembley freight.
10/03 Two empty MGR workings seen again, 66140 bound for Portbury and 66088 for Avonmouth.
12/03 Mainline-blue 60044 was over at Westerleigh on fuel tank duty, whilst 66533 passed through on a Wentloog bound container service around 07.30.
14/03 66208 seen this evening on a loaded MGR from Portbury for the Midlands. Having run light-engine from Kingsland Road, 47197 returned on 5Z45 12.37 Stewarts Lane-Caerwent formed with scrap emus 1704 (Connex livery) + 1851 (white undercoat) + 1854 (Connex) with odd coaches 70713 (1404) + 70720 (1410) around 16.15.
15/03 Trainload Coal 60091 was at Westerleigh on fuel tank duty and DRS 37029 + 37229 passed at 13.15 on the Bridgwater-Crewe nuclear flask service.
16/03 158966 was noted working as a two-car formation on the 07.36 Worcester Shrub Hill-Weston-super-Mare Wessex Trains local service.
18/03 A track circuit failure between Parkway and Filton junction between 16.00 and 17.15 saw Virgin XC services travelling via Patchway to just east of the Severn Tunnel before reversing back towards Patchway and the west. There was disruption and delays to all down trains, which were standing at each signal from Patchway onwards at 16.45. Also noted during the day was the NRT HST set on a Swansea working formed with power cars 43062 + 43013.
21/03 66712 worked the 6V91 10.40 Shoeburyness-Newport docks scrap unit stock, the consist being 312730 (complete), 62521+76986 (312792), 76030+76084 (1707), 76062+76116 (1719), 76126 (1740). Single freight this evening, 66094 with the MoD Liner.
26/03 A 1Z50 Cardiff-Cardiff Northern Belle circular dining special called during the late morning and afternoon top n' tailed by 67015 + Royal 67006.
28/03 The 11.45 Paddington-Cardiff First/GW service was terminated here with a broken cab side window following the throwing of a missile at the train near Uffingham around 12.30. There were no injuries, the set being taken out of service at Parkway and moved to St.Phillips Marsh depot, passengers being transferred to other services following a 45-minute delay.

Bristol Temple Meads and Barton Hill

01/03 Freightliner Heavy-Haul 'on loan' 47841 worked 5Z43 07.00 St. Phillips Marsh-Minehead with HST power cars 43094 + 43198 and a barrier van. The loco returned as 5Z44 at 10.50 ex Minehead with the barrier van only. 37427 ran light-engine from Bescot-Barton Hill depot to collect steam loco 7802 Bradley Manor and support coach, following railtour duty, leaving at 07.40 and running via Bath, Swindon and Oxford. Another Class 37 noted was 37059 paired with 20308 on the Bridgwater-Crewe nuclear flasks.
02/03 Steam 34045 Ottery St. Mary (34027 Taw Valley) stood in for the unavailable 34067 Tangmere on 1Z82 08.50 Victoria-Bath/Bristol and return VSOE.
03/03 66601 worked stone empties from Kingsland Road to Jersey Marine, returning with the loaded train during the evening (passing Filton Abbey Wood at 17.55) and 60036 powered a return Newport ADJ-Westbury departmental, also during the early evening via Day's curve. At Barton Hill depot, 31601 and 31459 arrived during the morning top n'taling an ECS run from Westbury (returning towards Bath later in the day), believed for fuel and later 56081 became the latest class arrival from Eastleigh for 'over-seas' modifications being hauled in by a Class 66. On the subject of 'over-seas' modifications, the completed and in undercoat livery 37377 is reported to be regularly started up to prevent frost damage along with 37379, the only other 'serviceable' class member of the four present. The latest Virgin Class 57 to visit Devon (although not reported as passing through the area) was 57305 being in use during the day on the regular Plymouth-Newton Abbot and return driver training runs.
05/03 Due to engineering work all Severn Beach line services were cancelled and replaced by road buses. 60017 worked 6W24 15.57 Westbury-Uphill junction (via Taunton), returning via Temple Meads at 09.13 during the following morning.
06/03 Ballast train seen at 14.15 powered by 60085. The Weston-super-Mare loop was closed during the day (and also on 13/03), as the down platform/passing line was re-laid. The up line here was replaced in July 2001. A number of road/rail machines were active and 66189 was present on a loaded auto-ballaster. Road bus services were operating during the rail closure days, the avoiding line still being open.
07/03 A northbound coal train from Portbury was recorded at 14.40 behind 66145.
08/03 20306 + 37611 were paired on the Bridgwater-Crewe nuclear flasks.
09/03 66167 worked through at 17.45 on 1Z99 14.30 Margam-St.Blazey crane and re-railing vans (formed ADRC96714, ADB975494, ADB975573, ADB975612, the coaches still carrying Cardiff Canton brandings) to attend a 15 loaded CDA wagon de-railment near Pontsmill on the Newquay branchline. The loco involved was 66194, the line being closed for a few days whilst track repairs took place. Also seen during the afternoon were;- 66171 on the 6S55 Burngullow-Irvine china clay slurries and 60 017 on Westbury-Machen Hanson stone empties.
10/03 59202 was on an afternoon Newport ADJ-Westbury departmental. 66210 seen heading south at 16.45 with a rake of Network Rail ballast hoppers.
11/03 47197 was seen stabled in Kingsland Road at 07.30.
12/03 50049 (complete with large Scottie dog logo, from its recent Scotland visit!) worked Pathfinder's 'West Somerset Wanderer' (1Z24 05.21 Chester-Minehead) as far as Gloucester for steam 6024 King Edward I to take over. The Class 50 was attached to the rear as far as Bishop's Lydeard from Gloucester, and returned the train running as 1Z25 15.15 Minehead-Chester (working via the Severn Tunnel). The train was seen leaving Temple Meads at 11.20 with the following coaching stock;- W21272, (3068), (3069), 1692, W3122, 3112, W3143, W3107, 1863, 5322, 4902, 5341. Another tour during the day was Hertfordshire's 'Bath and Bristol' which arrived top n'tailed with 67019 and 67020 from Letchworth returning just before 18.00.
13/03 From today until 18/03 buses replaced Wessex Rail services over the Severn Beach line between Clifton Down and Severn Beach, excluding Saturday 12/03. Track replacement work was taking place (also see Avonmouth Notes & News). A Freightliner Heavy-Haul 6Z56 to Harlow Mill formed of empty stone boxes was noted in Temple Meads with an unidentified loco running round. The train departed after 10.00 running via Parkway.
14/03 158837+153313 were paired on the 06.24 Penzance-Crewe Arriva Trains service and 66167 worked 2Z99 08.00 St.Blazey-Margam return breakdown train.
15/03 Northbound at 12.10 was 60069 with a "rail" train, possibly bound for the Severn Beach line.
15/03 Recorded during the day were; 37209+37229 on the Bridgwater flasks, 59204 on what was believed to be the Machen stone empties and 59202 on 6B66 10.45 Westbury-Newport ADJ departmental.
17/03 66601 was on the 6M37 Moorswater-Hope sidings cement empties.
18/03 A rare 'daylight' viewing for the 6V41 16.21 MThO Irvine-Burngullow china clay empties (booked 03.26-03.28) was recorded with 66123 passing at 13.05 some ten hours late! At Barton Hill, Riviera owned 47812 and 47829 had arrived for Virgin driver route learning trips over the following three weeks via the Avonmouth diversionary loop.
19/03 59203 was on the Machen-Westbury loaded stone via Day's curve. The Wessex Class 31s, 31459 and 31601 worked 2M83 08.50 Swindon-Southampton, 2V73 11.27 Southampton-Westbury, 2M84 13.20 Westbury-Swindon, 2M85 14.23 Swindon-Southampton and 2V91 17.27 Southampton-Westbury. To release units for use in strengthening trains for the Wales v Ireland rugby international.
20/03 Double headed ballast train seen at 12.25, northbound, behind 60027/071.
22/03 66546 was noted, unusually stabled in platform 2 as 66612 was reported de-railed in Kingsland Road sidings. Two southbound workings seen today, 66137 with a stone train at 16.10 and 66092 at 22.00, consist unknown.
23/03 Having left Swindon on-time, Pathfinder's 'Eden Belle 1' (1Z27 Swindon-Penzance, via Gloucester) arrived 65 minutes late at Temple Meads behind 67014, the reason for the late running was not known.
24/03 Northbound car train noted at 18.05 powered by 66207.
25/03 59201 was allocated 6Z66 11.15 Westbury-Exeter (Riverside) departmental, but actually ran 0Z66 light-engine, late during the afternoon!!
26/03 For the Wales v Austria football international, the Wessex loco-hauled Class 31s and coaches were again back in action working 2Z66 08.11 Westbury-Bristol TM and 2O88 09.40 Bristol TM-Westbury. Royal 67005 worked Pastime's 'Mayflower' (1Z27 07.00 Paddington-Plymouth), for steam 5051 Earl Bathurst to take over at Taunton, returning as 1Z29 16.35 Plymouth-Paddington. The Class 67 again took over, this time at Temple Meads on the return, the all maroon coaching stock being;- 21245, 4996, 5008, 1813, 4946, 4949, 35469.
28/03 67012 worked 5Z27 06.15 Old Oak Common-Bristol TM ECS for Pathfinder's 'Avon Branchline Explorer' trips (2Z27 09.32 Bristol TM-Avonmouth, 10.40 return. 2Z28 12.00 Bristol TM-Portbury, 2Z29 13.05 return. 2Z30 14.08 Bristol TM-Avonmouth, 15.08 return. 2Z31 16.00 Bristol TM-Portbury, 2Z32 17.05 return and 2Z33 18.55 Bristol TM-Taunton), worked (for a second year) by steam 5029 Nunney Castle. The Class 67 returned the train as 1Z34 20.35 Taunton-Bristol TM, later in the evening. Coal service bound for Westbury seen at 19.45 behind 66135.
29/03 Portbury bound MGR empties recorded at 16.05 with 66038. 20302+20311 worked the Bridgwater flasks, 67025 was on the Victoria-Temple Meads VSOE and Freightliner 47197 was noted stabled in Kingsland Road sidings.
30/03 Loaded MGR from Portbury behind 66012 noted at 00.15.New loco 66619 passed through Temple Meads late at night with 6V20 18:36 Hope-Moorswater cement train.
31/03 66201 noted with a Westbury bound coal train at 20.10.
Other general news during the month included Wessex introducing car-parking charges at Yate, Worle and Yatton stations, although weekends are free. This has resulted in less use, with more local street parking and at Yatton, passengers driving to Nailsea & Backwell station which still has free parking.

Cornwall

17/03 St.Blazey depot (view) 08994 Olive. 09016 The Sniper. 47306 The Sapper. 66 033/073/194. freight yard;- 09019.
18/03 Penzance, Long Rock (view);- 08410. 57603 c/stock;- 6721. 10532/589. 96602/603/604/605. 96606/607/608/609.
19/03 Pathfinder's 'Western Lizard' (1Z52 07.04 Ealing Broadway-Plymouth, 1Z53 13.32 Plymouth-Plymouth, 1Z54 19.42 Plymouth-Ealing Broadway) was worked throughout by D1015 Western Champion with 66248 assisting in top n'tail formation from Plymouth and over the Fowey and Newquay branch lines. The 'Western China Clay' headboard was carried during the tour, 28 years on from 4th December 1976 when this tour was headed by D1023 Western Fusilier and D1056 Western Sultan which were the last Class 52s to visit both Fowey and Newquay (as well as Falmouth) during the day. The present day coaching stock formation in use was 5341, 4902, 5040, W5009, 4927, 5322, 1863, W21272, W3107, 3148, S3124, S3127, W6310.

Gloucestershire

05/03 The 09.33 Cheltenham Spa-Paddington First/GW service suffered a power car fire on 43005 near Kemble station. The fire brigade were in attendance and passengers evacuated. A most unusual working involving one of the only two non Class 37/4 locos left in service (at this time) saw 37669 work 6Z69 08.30 Bescot-Newport ADJ departmental consisting of a single empty flat wagon. The Class 37 returned light-engine following its arrival at Newport.
15/03 For the 2005 Cheltenham National Hunt race festival (now with an 'extra' day) a number of loco hauled special trains operated. A 1Z27 07.17 Paddington-Chelteham ran via Bath and Bristol Parkway, hauled by 67013 (15/03), 67019 (16/03), 67028 (18/03) with coaching stock 17077, 1692, 3390, 3348, 3330, 1683, 3304, 3383, 3340 (no number on at least one side!), 6310. This train returned as 1Z28 19.42 from Evesham each day. 67020 and 67028 top n'tailed 1Z29 09.25 Euston-Cheltenham (via Birmimgham) on 15/03, 16/03, 17/03 with 67012 and 67025 working on 18/03. The stock in use on this train was 21245, 3144, 3132, 1671, 3131, 3122, 1699, 3112, 3140, 80041, 3068, 3069, 35469. This train returned as 1Z30 at 20.18. Also a 1Z82 08.27 Victoria-Cheltenham 'Queen of Scots' was top n' tailed by 67025 and 67012 with the regular coaches;- 35, 86, 9004, 159, 807, 41.
18/03 Two further 'extras' for the final day were; 67003 on 1Z82 08.27 Victoria-Cheltenham VSOE (and 1Z42 18.36 return) formed with coaches;- 99545, 99536, Zena, Gwen, Ibis, Cygnus, Phoenix, Ione, Audrey, Minerva, Lucille, Vera, 6313 and 67016 on a Northern Belle excursion from Liverpool formed with; Ullswater, 3174, 3273, 3267, 1566, 3182, 3247, 17167, 10729.
23/03 A return Pathfinder's Penzance-Swindon 'Eden Belle' trip with 67014 was piloted between Gloucester and Swindon by 66098 the reason for this was thought to be that the Class 67 was low on fuel.

Portbury Branchline

03/03 EWS restarted their car-flow as 6X52 16.30 Portbury-Washwood Heath (for Bathgate). 66061 worked the first of this series and was noted passing Parkway at 17.24, being routed via Charfield to the north.
04/03 Despite rumours of an end to Freighliner automotive operations at Portbury, 47841 passed Temple Meads at 18.10 with a lengthy loaded car train for Mossend.
07/03 66056 was on the 6X52, which did not leave until after 18.00.
08/03 66609 was on 6X42 17.50 Portbury-Mossend loaded cars.
10/03 47197 arrived during the morning on 6V14 Basford Hall-Portbury empty car carriers and 66228 was on the 6X52 later in the day.
11/03 66609 was again on 6X42.
16/03 The 6X42 was reported double-headed with 66614 and 66617.
21/03 66618 worked the 6X42.
28/03 Steam 5029 Nunney Castle visited the branch on railtour duty (see Avonmouth and Bristol Notes & News). There was a report of a 'minor' demonstration at Pill by local residents campaigning for the re-opening of the Portishead branchline 'fully' to passenger trains. Members of the Portishead Heritage Rail Project (PHRP) and Portishead Railway Action Group (PRAG) held banners and placards in view of the first working of the day to promote their cause.

Severn Beach Line

Track renewal took place from 07/03-19/3/05 on a section between Clifton Down - Avonmouth resulting in a train service from Temple Meads - Clifton and a bus for the remainder of the journey. Various train movements were heard mainly overnight and some were identified, the line reopening on 19/3? as a sprinter was noted at Shirehampton at 19.45. Sightings are as listed below;

07/03 - Ballast train towards Avonmouth, Cl66 utilised. (23.30)
08/03 - Track machine towards Avonmouth (23.00)
09/03 - 66210 with a rake of empty flatbed wagons (23.00)
10/03 - Cl 66 +? at 06.30
16/03 - Ballast train towards Temple Meads with 66063 on rear (23.00)

The following week, leading up to Easter, Class 47s were used on route refresh runs as diversionary workings were imminent, these runs by light locos have continued into April as it would seem more activity is being planned. Two locos are being used and they are 47812 and 47829.

SOUTH WALES AREA

Cardiff Canton (from footbridge)

06/03 08651/792/955/994. 09008. 37509. Units: 150250/264
27/03 Locos as for 06/03 + unit 150285.

Cardiff Central

11/03 67006 in Royal train livery worked 1Z50 08:05 Swansea-Edinburgh via Shrewsbury, taking rugby fans to a Scotland v Wales match.
14/03 The rugby fans that went to Scotland returned on 1Z19 10:35 Edinburgh-Swansea, also hauled by 67006.
19/03 To take fans to a Wales v Ireland rugby match at the Millennium Stadium, 67014 hauled 1V75 08:26 from Crewe, 67016 1V76 08:57 from Crewe and 67015 1Z67 09:53 from Crewe.
22/03 57601 took politicians from the Welsh Assembly and local councils on a tour over the Vale of Glamorgan line using an inspection saloon. It returned the ECS as 5Z01 16:45 Cardiff-Carnforth.
26/03 67006 hauled 10729, 17167, 3247/75, 1566, 3182, 3267/73, 99678 with 67015 d.o.r as 1Z50 11:15 to Worcester (via Swindon & Oxford) Northern Belle dining excursion. 67017 worked 1W94 17:44 to Crewe via Wrexham & Chester taking fans home from a Wales v Austria football match at the Millennium Stadium.

Newport

04/03 09015. 60030/058/093/094. 66041/058/062
11/03 At 23.45 the following were noted 37405. 66037/144/217.
14/03 66167 brought the Canton breakdown train into East Usk Yard from St. Blazley. The train stayed a few days in the yard. Also present in the Yard during the afternoon was 47197 running around a scrap train of units heading for Caerwent. Other locos included 09105 60047/100 66016/070/159/223.
15/03 Jumbo Challenger arrived in the docks with eight new Class 66s for Freightliner. 31106 and 31105 were in East Usk Yard heading the tunnel gauging train.
16/03 66578-581/619-622 were unloaded from the ship.
18/03 The new 66s were parked in two rakes of four on the quayside, seemingly ready to leave. 66619 is the 100th Class 66 for Freightliner and the tarpaulin cover had this information, on although no plaque was visible on the locomotive. The following were also noted 37405. 60027/059/063/096.
20/03 66621 hauled 66579/620/619 as 0Z60 15:15 Newport Docks-Crewe Basford Hall and 66581 hauled 66578/580/622 as 0Z61 16:00 Newport Docks-Basford Hall. 66621 had a Welsh flag on the front, presumably celebrating Wales' victories in the recent Six Nations rugby championships!
23/03 66612 and 66616 double headed the Portbury - Mossend car carrying train.
24/03 66032/105/177/203.

Units noted during the month included
150232/233/236/241/243/247/281
153305/318/323/327
158820/824/825/827/830/831/833/835/840/845/848/863/870/871/872/961/962
158965
170105/109/110/111/116/517/631
180105/110

LOCO AND UNIT NEWS

CLASS 37

01/03 37411 hauled 2R38 16:50 Cardiff-Rhymney, 37408 2R42 17:11 Cardiff-Rhymney and 37405 2R46 17:48 Cardiff-Rhymney.
02/03 37408 did 2R38, 37411 2R42 and 37405 2R46.
03/03 37425 was on 2R38, 37411 2R42 and 37405 2R46.
04/03 37408 operated 2R38, 37405 2R42 and 37425 2R46.
05/03 37410/411/425 worked most of the Saturday services to/from Rhymney. 37669 hauled 6Z69 08:30 Bescot-ADJ.
07/03 37425 hauled 2V07 06:59 Rhymney-Radyr and 2R42, 37405 2F05 07:19 Rhymney-Cardiff, 37411 2F06 07:40 Rhymney-Cardiff and 2R46, whilst 37408 was on 2R38.
08/03 37425 did 2V07 & 2R42, 37411 2F05 & 2R38, 37408 2F06 & 2R46.
10/03 37408 was on 2V07, 37411 2F05 and 37425 2F06.
11/03 37411 operated 2V07, 37425 2F05, 37408 2F06.
12/03 37408/411/425 worked the Rhymney Saturday services.
14/03 37425 hauled 2V07, 37411 2F05 and 37408 2F06.
15/03 37411 did 2V07, 37425 2F05 and 37408 2F06.
16/03 37408 operated 2V07 & 2R38, 37411 2F05 & 2R42, 37425 2F06 & 2R46.
17/03 37425 was on 2V07, 37411 2F05 and 37408 2F06.
18/03 37411 hauled 2V07, 37408 2F05 and 37425 2F06.
19/03 37408/411/425 worked the Rhymney Saturday services.
21/03 37425 did 2V07 & 2R42, 37411 2F05 & 2R38, 37408 2F06 & 2R46.
22/03 37405 hauled 6B71 07:15 ADJ-Tidal Sidings, 37425 was on 2V07, 37408 2F05, 37411 2F06.
23/03 37425 operated 2R38, 37408 2R42 and 37411 2R46.
24/03 37408 hauled 2V07 & 2R46, 37411 2F05 & 2R38, 37425 2F06 & 2R42.
25/03 37425 did 2V07 & 2R46, 37408 2F05 & 2R38, 37411 2F06 & 2R42.
26/03 37408/411/425 worked the Saturday services on the Rhymney line.
28/03 To handle expected crowds of leisure travellers on Easter Monday, nearly all services on the Rhymney line were loco hauled by 37405/408/425 to provide extra capacity and free up units for use on other lines.
29/03 37405 did 2R38, 37408 2R42 and 37411 2R46.
30/03 37411 worked 2V07 & 2R38, 37408 2F05 & 2R46, 37405 2F06 & 2R42.
31/03 37408 was on 2R38, 37411 2R42 and 37405 2R46.

CLASS 47/57

14/03 47197 worked 5Z45 12:37 Stewarts Lane-Caerwent with units 1704, 1851/74 for scrapping.
18/03 47847 hauled 1Z47 14:31 Holyhead-Cardiff with 47815 d.o.r. with ex-VT stock 9504, 5963/84, 6054, 5987/10, 6101, 5986, taking Welsh and Irish rugby fans to Cardiff for a match the following day.
19/03 47847/815 at either end of their stock worked 1Z90 10:12 Carmarthen-Cardiff, 2N90 12:50 Newport-Cardiff, 2N91 18:00 Cardiff-Newport, 1Z92 19:30 Cardiff-Swansea and 1Z89 20:50 Swansea-Hereford.
20/03 47847/815 returned to North Wales on the 12:35 Cardiff-Holyhead.

LOCAL FREIGHTLINER WORKINGS

4V50/4O51 Millbrook - Wentloog and return containers.
07/03 66505. 14/03 57002. 15/03 66571.
4V60/4M60 Calvert-Avon area empty and return loaded refuse containers.
01/03 66546. 11/03 66546.

LOCAL EWS WORKINGS

6M33 16:22 (SX) Avonmouth-Wembley.
03/03 66134. 09/03 66090. 10/03 66102. 14/03 66199. 16/03 66191.
17/03 66087. 23/03 66147+67028.

STOCK ALTERATIONS

Locomotives

Transfers
47830(WN)-FD.
WZGF: 56018/032/048/071/091/094/095/113/133/134. WNXX: 56099.

Stored
08689/907/933/934. 09011/020/102. 37669. 60031/035/038/039/045/051/064/085. 87003/030/033.
BK: 56081. BS: 37669. DR: 09020. 60089/090. DY: 43086.
IM: 60019/039/045/051/064. MG: 09011/102. 60035. ML: 08689/933. 60035. NL: 43159. TD: 08907. TE: 60031/038/085.
TO: 56018/032/048/058/134. WN: 08934. 87003/030/033.
Wembley: 86213. Tyseley Loco Works: 86259.

Traffic
08770 -MG, 08921 -OC, 37214. 47492 -HQ..

Withdrawn
08750.

Disposals
Sims: 37902 @ Beeston Site.
HNRL: 31275. 37095/141 @Carnforth, 86611/631 @ZC (Final)
R Hull: 31449. 47547.
Brynn: 08601/817. (Brynn Eng of Wigan)

New Stock
66578/579/580/581/619/620/621/622 -FD.

Diesel Multiple Units

Transfers
150258(HA)-CF.
156422(TS)-NC.
158721/722/723(HA)-IS.

Disposals
Eden Valley: 205.009

New Stock
170433/434 -HA
222102/103 -HQ

Electric Multiple Units

Stored
SL: 1411. 1853. 3403. SS: 3415/34/67. 3508. WD: 1884. 3408. 3581.

Withdrawn
312725/783/787/790/791/797.
(S): 1404/10. 1704. 1851/74. 2311. 3907. Cars 70713/720, 76350..

Disposals
IMRFT: 1404/10. 3907
JT Land: 1704. 1851/74. plus cars 70713/720.
Sims(Npt): 312.725/783/787/790/791/797.
Eden Valley: 2311. Bideford & Instow Rly Group: Car 76350.

Renumbered
465209 - 909, 219 - 919. (Refurbished)

New Stock
376032/033/034 -SG.
377452/453/454 -BI.

Coaching & NPCC Stock

Stored
BS: 94500. CS: 96135. LT: 10234/248/251. 11017/046/054/069/081/082/090/098/099. 17175. 82111/121/124. MA: 10219. NC: 3292. 3318. 5956. 6110/39. 6804/09/13.
OO: 3255/69. 5657. 6720. PC: 10222/226. 11031/071/074. 12007/008/094/097/106/112/126/130/152. 82103/140. ZB: 10229. 82102. ZD: 11072/073/075. 12009/030/041/049/060/090/091/118/146/159.

Swindon Museum: 40423. 42353.
Wembley: 11067/080. 12044/073/084/098/155/158. 82104/125.
Wilton: 11042/052. 12017/022/047/071/072/076/080/083/086/095/113/144/169.
Tavistock Junc: 94209. Tees Yd: 94101/117/182/191/199/205/218/227/228. 94429.
Tyne Yd: 94212/215. 94306. 94542/546.

Traffic
5458/95 -DI, 11290/319/320/419/420 -BN*(See renumbered), 11019 -MM, 12029/055/059/068 -PC, 81081. 42086/087 -NL, 82114 -NC.

Withdrawn
325(99539). 4915. 5275. 6060. 6347. 10549/566/662/727/731. 975.966. 977.084/450.

Disposals
Raxstar: 975.966.
Booth: 10549/566/662.
JT Land: 6347.
Paignton: 4915/16. Braugling Station: 5275. Battlefield. 6060. 977.084/450. Dartmoor Rly: 10727.
Wensleydale: 10731. Swanage: 325(99359)

Renumbered
11242 - 11420, 11247- 11319, 11250 - 11320, 11255- 11320, 12530 - 11290.

Eurotunnel

Renumbered
9004 - 9804, 9019 - 9819.

FREIGHTFLOW NEWS

Stone Traffic
The new EWS stone-flow from Waterston has a projected 06.30 departure time once set-up and running.

Coal Traffic
04/03 The new 7Z75 07.00 Daw Mill-Westbury coal flow (replacing the Parc Slip-Westbury, as detailed in last months Magazine) departed at 07.55 behind 66132 via Didcot. 60093 was the hauling power three days later. The return empties are booked 6B63 17.49 Westbury-Newport East Usk yard.
Freightliner

Automotive
The 6M16 13.50 Southampton Western dock-Crewe 'automotive' has been recorded with the following varied motive power during the month;- 04/03 66 614. 07/03 47 197. 08/03 47 197. 10/03 66 616.
21/03 47 197. 22/03 47 197. 23/03 66 622. 24/03 66 619.

PRESERVATION & INDUSTRIAL MATTERS

DRCS Caerwent (R.W.Giles) (15/03/05)
The site was viewed from outside the 'inner' security gates.
Main Gate;- Industrial Army loco;- 01549 (258. TH298v/81). Robel 5627-3 AF32 (assumed).
East Gate ;- J.T.Landscapes;- Industrial Army loco;- 01530 (269. TH311v/84) shunting EMU set 1854 (which had arrived with two others during the previous afternoon). Withdrawn c/stock;- W2574 (maroon MkI sleeper). 6347.
Reception sidings (view from A48);- Stored c/stock;- 3363/369/403/438.
Notes;- Also visible at the latter location were the Channel 4 TV 'Scrap heap' Challenge locos;- 'Loose Baggage' (4w electric). 'Virgin on the Ridiculous' (4w diesel). 'The Flying Rivets' (4w steam).

Midsomer Norton, Heritage Railway Group. (R.W.Giles) (27/03/05)
Outside goods/loco shed;- steam 37 (super Sentinel) in undercoat, awaiting restoration. Inside shed;- No.10 David J. Cook (EEV D1120/66) under repair. Station platform;- C/stock;- M5562 (in maroon livery, possibly a MkI catering vehicle, but M3452? was visible under the paintwork a BSK?). Yard/sidings;-Internal user;- 061201 (flat wagon). Road/rail excavator;- H867YCB.
Notes;- Restoration is progressing well with site drainage work underway and track relaying in the Chilcompton (which is hoped to be eventually reached) direction underway. An old stable building has seen roof re-tiling and is to become a museum and another coach is soon to arrive from Cranmore for refreshments. A Jinty 0-6-0T loco is expected to be present in steam during mid July, and could be in use on passenger trips depending on whether buffer stops/catch points can be installed, to the Health & Safety Inspectorate's satisfaction, next to the main road where the over bridge has been removed in the Radstock direction. Of the stock present, 061201 was previously at Westerleigh.

Radstock West (R.W.Giles) (27/03/05)
The former sidings/yard area was noted well fenced off, but the Somerset & Avon Railway Association 'old' loco shed still remained standing. At Mells Road, guardsvan PR4919 remained derelict alongside a newly laid and tarmaced cyclepath to Frome, the railway track remaining in situ alongside, but overgrown.

Congresbury, North Somerset (R.W.Giles)
It has been reported locally that a railway carriage is to be sited on one of the remaining platforms of the former station site (closed in 1963), this location now forming part of the Yatton-Cheddar 'Strawberry Line' walk and cycleway.

ROAD MOVEMENTS

13/03 9466 noted on road lorry trailer near Gordano M5 westbound (14.50) for the West Somerset Rly.
23/03 4936 Kinlet Hall noted travelling north-bound during the day from the WSR.
28/03 3440 City of Truro seen northbound near Clevedon M5 also from the WSR.

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