NOTES AND NEWS

WEST COUNTRY AREA

Avonmouth

06/04 Police 47829 was recorded on the Virgin driver route-learning light-engine runs during the day and the Class 150 design test-unit 950001 passed through the area being noted crossing Hallen Moor at 16.17 towards Bristol Parkway.
Locos recorded on coal duty during the month included;- 66127/164/170/234/246 and 09 003 remained as the area pilot.

Bristol Parkway

02/04 From this date through to 24/04, drainage work and track relaying took place in the Patchway tunnel area which saw all First/GW services diverted via Gloucester with an extra 45 minutes added to journey times. During the first 14 days, booked freight trains were still able to use the up line, but most down services ran via Kemble and Stroud and some via Bath, Day's curve, Bristol Parkway, Westerleigh junction to South Wales via Gloucester. Road bus services were used between Newport-Parkway-Swindon, although some Paddington services terminated and started at Parkway.
04/04 At 13.35 , test-unit 950001 was in the down loop, whilst yellow Network-Rail 31233 was in the up loop on a return Temple Meads-Derby route-learning trip. As part of the Patchway tunnel scheme, a ballast loading point was set up using the down goods loop at Pilning, just to the south of the station. Trains were loaded trackside by a mechanical grab, 66036 being noted on one such working here today. Once loaded, the loco reversed the wagons to the work site in the tunnel area. With the down line to South Wales closed there was a reduction in the number of services seen, basically HSTs, the only additional traffic being an Arriva service from Penzance to Cardiff as Wessex cancelled all workings. Just two MGR workings were noted this evening, 66170 with empties for Avonmouth and 66183 with a loaded Didcot bound service.
06/04 At 17.00, 66036 was again recorded at Pilning on an auto-ballaster for loading. Later 66184 passed with the 6M17 16.38 Newport ADJ-Wembley 'enterprise' freight service.
07/04 Similar to 04/04, 66136 with an eastbound ballast working and 66170 with a Didcot bound MGR working from Avonmouth.
08/04 66062 worked a diverted 6B66 11.15 Westbury-Newport ADJ departmental passing Chepstow at 14.00.
09/04 The final destination and route was amended for Pathfinder's 'Solent Syphons' (1Z37 05.04 Derby-Weymouth and 1Z38 15.52 return) instead of the Southampton docks area, and running outward via Stroud and Kemble to Swindon (not Parkway, Day's curve,Bath and Westbury although this route was used on the return!). The locos used to and from the Midlands were 37401 and 37 406 (with 57002, 57005 and 60091 also providing haulage at various points during the day), the return working called at Parkway to time at 18.45. The coaching stock formation used on the working was;- 5365, 4902, 5040, 4927, 5009, 1863, 21272, 3240, 3148, 3132, 6310. On the freight side during the day, 60027 worked the Westbury-Machen stone empties via Gloucester (Chepstow 10.05) and 66622 was on the 4V60 10.55 Calvert-Bristol/Bath refuse container service running via Kemble, Stroud to Gloucester (run-round) and Charfield.
11/04 Four freights recorded this evening, 66127 with empty HAAs heading for Portbury, 66022 with loaded MGR from Avonmouth, 66053 with HAAs from Avonmouth and 66126 with empty MGR from Didcot to Avonmouth.
11/04 Freightliner Heavy-Haul 47830 ran 0Z73 07.42 Kingsland road-Wimbledon to collect 5Z23 12.32 Wimbledon-Caerwent, formed of withdrawn units 3569 + 3459 being routed via Salisbury, Westbury, Bath, Day's curve, Parkway and Gloucester. Also recorded during the day were diverted 59203 on Westbury-Machen stone empties, 66 179 with 14 MBAs for Tower and 66001 on the 6C01 Newport ADJ-East Depot loaded steel. 66044 was also seen on 6X52 16.30 Portbury-Washwood Heath loaded cars.
14/04 Another good evening with five freights, 66126 MGR bound for Didcot, 66027 empty MGR headed for Portbury, 66022 also with empty MGR destination Avonmouth, 66164 loaded service from Avonmouth to Didcot and to round off, Moorswater - Earles cement train running 60 early behind 66610. The NR HST also put in appearance utilising power cars 43062/154.
14/04 There was much interest trackside today with photographers hoping to picture an 0Z87 11.00 Willesden-Caerwent (Parkway 14.03-14.11) booked to run formed with 87005, 87024, 87029 and 87035 (for store). The working booked to run via Bath, Day's curve, Parkway and Gloucester was however cancelled due to platform clearance issues at both Bath Spa and Chippenham. The working was again cancelled on 25/04 and an 08.50 Willesden-Caerwent (booked via the GW mainline) on 28/04 also suffered the same fate!! Today's freight diversions included 60 052 on the 6B79 Westbury-Tower empty MBAs (noted in Parkway up loop from 14.15-15.15) and 47 830 on 5Z23 12.32 Wimbledon-Carewent, with emu sets 3405 + 3456 being routed the same way as on 11/04, passing at 15.47. The 6A10 (ThO) Cardiff Tidal-Colnbrook loaded steel was also recorded running it's normal way via the Patchway up line at 14.42 behind 66 115.
18/04 Reversal of fortunes this week services running to South Wales but not from, HSTs present in greater numbers. Just 3 freight workings recorded starting with a loaded MGR comprising HAAs from Portbury powered by 60023, 66168 with empty MGR for Avonmouth and finishing with 66248 with a loaded ballast train which headed for Bristol. The down line trackwork at Patchway over ran and at 12.00, no less than four engineers trains were still in the area. There was a wrong line working operation in use during the day for westbound freights, although most were still operating via Kemble and Gloucester.
21/04 The Patchway down line finally reopened at 06.30, later in the day 60020 passed on 6B33 Theale-Robeston empty fuel tankers and train load 'coal sector' 60 091 worked 6V60 Angerstein Wharf-Margam. A Freightliner Heavy-Haul, 5Z23 12.32 Wimbledon-Caerwent withdrawn emu stock move was however cancelled.
26/04 60500 was on the 6B33 Theale-Robeston fuel tank empties.
28/04 66228 was noted with empty HAAs heading for South Wales.
30/04 Following the failure of the Network Rail measurements HST in the Swindon area, the set was moved to Parkway and 31233 attached to run 6Z81 14.06 Stoke Gifford down sidings-Derby. However the train was stabled overnight, and a second Class 31, 31285 arrived the following day and with both locos working the train returned north as 5Z19 12.30 Stoke Gifford-Derby. A person travelling to Erith, Kent, had an eventful journey boarding the 16.30 Cardiff-Waterloo First/GW HST at Newport (17.19) the train returning to Newport at 20.30 due to signalling problems at the Severn Tunnel, and then ran via Gloucester. The train on arrival at Waterloo (diverted here because of engineering works in the Maidenhead area), was met by a taxi as all connections had gone, the passenger eventually reaching Erith at 03.30!

Bristol Temple Meads and Barton Hill

15/04 New loco 66619 was at Kingsland Road.
04/04 Southbound stone train seen at 18.20 behind 66065.
10/04 Railtrack ballast hoppers recorded northbound at 01.05 with 59204/206 in top 'n' tail mode.
13/04 66048 noted at 19.15 with a southbound ballast train.
14/04 Furzebrook - Hallen LPG service noted en-route behind 66038 at 23.30.
20/04 Southbound stone train recorded at 20.25 with 60017.
02/04 67014 was on a 1Z86 09.37 Victoria-Bath VSOE working, the ECS going forward as 5Z87 12.51 Bath-Margam, the return to London being two days later. 59206 was on the Machen-Westrby stone.
03/04 Barton Hill was viewed during the afternoon, the following being visible;- 08516. 47812/829. 66119. 67020. dmu set; 143610. stored locos; 37077/(377)/379/696. 56065 (in Fertis white livery for overseas use). 56081 (viewed inside undergoing a rub-down for the new Fertis livery).
Note;- Correcting last months Magazine, 37 077 not 37 379 (which has a seized traction motor!) has been the loco besides 37377 started up to prevent frost damage. Also viewed was Kingsland road with 47197, 66546/622 being visible and St.Phillips Marsh, where 08 822 and HST power cars 43124/141/195 were seen.
04/04 The new £400,000 steel terminal opened at Bristol East depot for Clugston distribution, the first train formed of seven BEAs arriving behind 60 083. Steel from the North-East is conveyed here on a daily out and back 'trip' working; 6C01 09.15 (Sx)Newport ADj-Bristol East depot and 6C02 14.06 (Sx) return empties. Yorkshire based Grant Rail had completed the site ground and trackwork during March, the location now having a single off-loading siding and a run-round loop. Load storage facilities are also present, along with a compound containing portakabin offices and a mess room. Following on from the appearance of brand new 66619 towards the end of last month 66621 worked the 6V37 Hope sidings-Moorswater cement. Stabled at Kingsland Road were 47197, 66546 and 66622. 66546 was later noted on the 6X42 Portbury - Mossend Cars.
06/04 Test unit, 950001 was in the area working 2Z08 07.30 St.Blazey-Bristol TM, 12.51 Temple Meads-Portbury and 13.34 return, then 14.22 to Tytherington and Westerleigh (via Avonmouth and Hallen Marsh). The final area working was 16.45 Hallen Marsh-Swindon (via Henbury). Also recorded during the day was 66207 on the Bristol East depot steel, arriving late at 11.45 and 66 562 on the 6X42 16.47 Portbury-Mossend cars, retimed to leave early and run via Gloucester due to the Patchway tunnel work.
08/04 Kingsland Road held 66549/622 during the evening.
09/04 The consortium was announced for the building of the new concert venue on the former Bath Road diesel depot site. The Bristol Waterside Arena Ltd, is led by Orion Land and Leisure Ltd, SMG (Europe) Ltd, Bellway PLC and Sir Robert McAlpine. The £40 million building will hold 10,000 seats on land sold in March 2003 by Network Rail. The South-West Development Agency put £13 millions towards the project, due to be completed by Christmas 2008. 66549 was stabled on Kingsland Road.
10/04 Barton Hill held 66164 and 67014, across the line in Kingsland Road was 66549/622.
11/04 143620 was derailed in the former motorail bay (platform 2) and Freightliner Heavy-Haul 47830 ran 0Z47 07.30 Crewe-Bristol Kingsland road light-engine.
12/04 Wessex Trains 158 860 was named Isambard Kingdom Brunel by the Lord Mayor of Bristol Councillor Simon Cook at a ceremony held at platform 3, having earlier worked 09.00 Bristol TM-Penzance and 12.00 return. The unit carries a vinyl sticker picture livery showing some of Brunel's achievements and promotes the Brunel 200 website. This marked the start of the Brunel 200 celebrations marking his birth on 9th April 1806 and his contribution to engineering and design in the 19th century.
13/04 67024 was on a 1Z62 06.05 Sheffield-Penzance and return 'Edenex', 20 311+37 611 were paired on the Bridgwater-Crewe nuclear flasks and 66241 worked 6C01 09.15 Newport ADJ-Bristol East depot steel. Observations of the Wessex Class 158/9 fleet has seen 158961 disbanded (but reformed by the end of the month, formed 52867+57867+52868!), 158962 as 52749+52815+57815 and 158968 as 52868 +52869+57869.
15/04 The Network Rail HST was seen heading in the up direction passing Keynsham at 09.40 and later trainload petrol 60 054 passed on the Parc Slip-Westbury loaded cement works coal.
16/04 Two excursions were recorded during the day; 67014 on a 1Z60 Hooton-Minehead and 1Z61 16.45 Minehead-Hooton (organised by a branch of the Ffestiniog Railway society) and 1Z52 06.33 Skegness-Bath (via Parkway and Day's curve) with a 'Train Tours' top n'tailed by 57601 and 47854. The latter returned as 1Z53 16.12 Bath-Skegness (having stabled at Westbury) and ran via Temple Meads (reverse) believed to be due to fuel balancing on both locos, with West Coast coaching stock; Bassentwaite (99672), Buttermere (99674), Windermere (99679), Rydal Water (99673), Derwent Water (99677), Patricia, Julie, 3136, 1861, 4973, 4960, 5035. Also recorded via Day's during the early afternoon was 60 027 on the diverted 6B33 Theale-Robeston empty fuel tanks (now a booked Saturday working), running via Gloucester) and 66170 with 66208 top n'tailing 6W11 (at 17.06) an engineers train carrying sleepers assumed for the Patchway tunnel track work. An evening view of Barton Hill, amongst the regulars recorded found; 66168/182/248. 221112. Mpv; DB98911+DB98961, with 56049 also visible inside one of the sheds in new Fertis colours. Over at Kingsland Road, 47197, 66549 and 66619 were visible.
19/04 Diverted workings during the afternoon via Day's curve saw 47150 at 15.45 on a Wimbledon- Caerwent EMU move with sets 3468, 3458, 3466 (later running 'wrongline' between Patchway and Pilning West) and Load-haul 60059 following on the 6B33 Theale-Robeston fuel tank empties. Earlier 67001 had worked 5Z63 Old Oak Common-Cardiff (also via Gloucester) hauling Arriva liviered MkII coaches for Valley Line's use, passing Bath three minutes late at 13.47.
20/04 Steam 34027 Taw Valley (still running as 34045 Ottery St. Mary) stood in for 34067 Tangmere on a 08.45 Victoria-Bath/Bristol and 16.05 return, VSOE working. Kingsland Road contained 47150 66549/619.
21/04 The 4V60 Calvert-Bath/Bristol was reported as being in trouble (between Bristol and Bath) with 66 549. Freightliner Heavy-Haul 47 830 was despatched from Kingsland road to assist.
22/04 A second FLHH 47, 47816 ran 0Z47 Kingsland Road-Meldon and 0Z48 14.31 return driver route learner, in readiness for a Meldon-Westbury stone working due to start later in the month. 47830 meanwhile ran 0Z67 Kingsland Road-Crewe light-engine. At Barton Hill 56049/051/065 in Fertis livery were visible and 47150 66549/619 were at Kingsland Road.
23/04 A 1Z26 05.13 Worcester-Par was Class 67 hauled to Exeter for steam 5029 Nunney Castle and 6024 King Edward I to take over. The return 1Z27 15.19 Par-Worcester ran steam hauled as far as Taunton. A further steam working during the day was a private charter using 5051 Earl Bathurst and West Coast stock on 5Z29 07.38 Didcot-Newbury ECS, 1Z59 09.57 Newbury-Bristol TM (arriving just after noon), 1Z32 18.04 Bristol TM-Newbury and 5Z32 20.11 ECS to Didcot.
24/04 A 5Z59 Caerwent-Meldon stored stock transfer involving former Virgin MkIIs was cancelled, 31128+33103 apparently being allocated. Kingsland Road held 47150 66531/605.
25/04 60061 was on the 6C01 and 6C02 Newport ADJ-Bristol East depot steel and 66601 work a 6Z52 Westbury-Stoke, via Day's curve, Parkway and Yate.
26/04 47150 was back in the area on a Bath-Crewe Basford Hall 'cripple trip' with two empty bin liner flats and two MJA stone empties.
27/04 20301 and 20309 were paired on 6V74 Crewe-Bridgwater empty nuclear flasks. 66516/531 were stabled on Kingsland Road.
28/04 60047 was on the Bristol East depot steel trip from Newport. During the evening 47150 66516/531 were on Kingsland Road.
29/04 A 4Z08 Derby-St.Phillips Marsh test working, arrived during the afternoon top n'tailed by 31105 and 31106.
30/04 A 1Z50 08.12 Manchester-Bath and 1Z51 17.20 return was worked by 67014, the return was reported as being via the Severn Tunnel, instead of Parkway.
Completing last month's Magazine's Cheltenham race special notes;- 67013 worked 1Z27 07.17 Paddington-Cheltenham (and 1Z28 19.42 from Evesham) on the missing date of 17/03.

Gloucestershire

10/04 For the LDV Van Football Cup Final between Southend and Wrexham a number of specials were diverted via Kemble and the Stroud Valley to Gloucester and South Wales. Noted were;-
67012 + 67018 1Z24 07.05 Southend-Cardiff (EWS) with c/stock; 4986, 5023, 4925, 5037, 5027, 4946, 5008, 4996, 1671, 3131, 3124, 3127, 21245 (Stroud 11.17).
67001 + 67030 1Z25 07.30 Southend-Cardiff (EWS) with c/stock; 4991, 4956, 5005, 4959, 4998, 5002, 4999, 4949, 80041, 3144, 3100, 21246 (Stroud 11.29).
47815 + 47812 1Z26 07.55 Southend-Cardiff (Riviera) with c/stock; 5955, 5932, 6163, 6104, 5937, 1842, 3333, 3304, 3330, 9509 (Stroud 12.08).
All the workings were top n'tailed, only the Riviera Train's special returned the same way, the other to being routed via Birmingham, Nuneaton and the West Coast manline. Both workings had problems over the Lickey bank requiring assistance from the banking Class 66 loco!
12/04 Diversions via the Stroud Valley line included; 60001 on the 6B33 Theale-Robeston empty fuel oils and Main-line blue 60044 on 6B11 12.30 Thorney Mill-Margam the latter passing Standish junction at 16.15.
13/04 60044 passed through the area again, this time on 6V92 Corby-Margam loaded steel, working this train again the following day.
14/04 Diversions noted during the day included;- 60049 6B66 Westbury-Newport ADJ departmental, 60052 on 6B79 Westbury-Tower empty MBAs, 60054 with 6B33 Theale-Robeston empty fuel tankers and 60088 on 6V60 12.01 Angerstein Wharf-Margam. Also recorded during the day were; 60099 on 6B13 Robeston-Westerleigh (then light-engine to Barton Hill) and 60022 on 6E41 Westerleigh-Lindsey tanks. The 6V19 overnight 18.04 Immingham-Margam headed by 60002 was used to convey large-logo repaint 37425 back to the Cardiff area for Valley Lines use.
16/04 60500 was on 6E09 09.33 Margam-Lackenby steel empties and 66 234 was recorded on the diverted 6B80 Westbury-Machen stone empties.
17/04 47815 + 47839 top n'tailed an 07.20 Manchester-Cardiff and 17.30 return football special for the Manchester United v Blackburn FA Cup semi-final tie.
18/04 37411 departed Margam 100 minutes late with 6E09 Lackenby steel empties. The loco was heading north en-route to Toton for a repaint into a heritage green livery for Valley Lines use. More diversion notes for Standish junction recorded; 60023 with 34 HAAs on 6C79 Parc Slip-Westbury coal, 60030 on northbound fuel (possibly the un-diverted 6E41 Lindsey tanks) off the Bristol line and 66 016 running around 300minutes late on 6C01 Newport ADj-Bristol East depot steel formed of 9 BEAs (noted passing Cam at 14.45). Later at 18.25, 66129 was seen on 6M17 16.38 Newport ADj-Wembley 'enterprise' freight, a normal working for the Stroud Valley line if conveying hazardous goods not permitted through the Severn Tunnel.
18/04 The 4O51 10.08 Wentloog-Millbrook containers was routed via the Stroud Valley behind 66 503 passing Chalford at 12.25.
19/04 57008 was on the diverted 4O51 and 66 117 worked 6C23 10.29 Hayes-Est Usk stone empties noted passing St.Marys at 11.40.
20/04 57006 was noted passing Stroud at 11.00 on the 4O51 container service for Millbrook. Freight was still reported in both directions during the day due to the over running Patchway tunnel work, three days late!
21/04 A most unusual diversion during the afternoon (despite the down line at Patchway being reopened) was 66 715 on a 6Z80 10.05 Wimbledon-Caerwent EMU move with 3402, 3539, 1302. The train was seen near Stroud at 13.37, possibly a GBRf first and a rare location for electric stock! A pilot man was visible in the loco cab, although which company he worked for was unknown. On the opposite side of the River Severn, Load-haul 60059 was reported to have worked the 6V92 Corby-Margam steel service.
24/04 A second GBRf condemned unit move was routed via Stroud, in the hands of 66701 again as 6Z80 10.05 Wimbledon-Caerwent with 3407, 3540, 3542.
27/04 60500 was on the 6V92 Corby-Margam steel empties, performing the same duty two days later.

Portbury Branch

06/04 Due to the Patchway Tunnel work the 6X42 car train to Mossend was retimed to leave at 16.47, (and diverted via Gloucester) being noted today behind 66 562. Earlier, test-unit 950001 worked 2Z08 12.51 Temple Meads-Portbury and 13.34 return, passing Clifton Bridge at 13.38 and 14.32 respectively.
08/04 66562 was again on the 6X42 loaded car service.
11/04 66076 was on the EWS loaded cars, 6X52 16.30 Portbury-Washwood Heath, noted at the dockgate at 17.00, with 66 234 also visible on a loaded HTA coal service ready to follow.
12/04 66044 worked 6X52.
'Unofficial' clearance work has been taking place at the Portishead end of the branchline led by Councillor David Pasley who has organised Saturday morning 'clearance' volunteers on the 'mothballed' three mile section from Pill-Portishead. Local company Hydrex provided a road/rail machine to assist over a short section, and have stated they would assist the complete clearance and relaying of the track if agreement can be reached on the lines reinstatement. The Government have stated £15 million would be needed to reopen the line to passengers, with £2 million a year operating costs. Councillor Pasley feels if the track bed is in a cleared condition, when Government officials eventually visit and view the line it will help the re-opening cause.

Units noted during the month

143618/621.
150221/230/240/242/244/246/248/253/263/265.
153302/374/380/382.
158747/818/819/842/870/871/872.
220001/004/006/009/010/012/018/020/021/025/027/029/034.
221102/104/109/116/118/119/120/124/125/129/130/131/133/135/136/137/140
221144.

SOUTH WALES AREA

Cardiff Canton (from footbridge)

10/04 08651/792/955/994. 09008. 37509.
24/04 08499/651/792/955/994. 09008. 37509. Passing 60500.

Tidal Sidings/Celsa steel works.

17/04 08689/714/900.
24/04 08714.

Cardiff Central

10/04 To take fans to the LDV Vans Final football match at the Millennium Stadium between Southend United and Wrexham, 67012 hauled 1Z24 07:05 from Southend with 67018 d.o.r and 67001 hauled 1Z25 07:30 from Southend with 67030 d.o.r.
19/04 67001 hauled six Arriva liveried coaches as 5Z66 Old Oak Common-Canton.
26/04 150245 in Anglia livery (but without branding) worked the 07:14 to Chester.
28/04 150245 worked 2C77 07:05 Pembroke Dock-Exeter.

Newport

02/04 The following were noted today on MGR workings 66030/031/087/098 with 60028/060 66025/090/095 on Godfrey Road.
04/04 175001 worked the 05:19 Crewe-Cardiff. Locos noted included 09015 60032/083/094 66031/115/191. Track machine DR73806 was in the old parcel bay.
05/04 The following locos were noted 09105 60023/087 66025/063/115/571.
06/04 170103 worked the 05:19 Crewe-Cardiff also noted were 57007 60032/053/091 66005/006/049/052/090.
07/04 During the morning the following were noted, 57011 60002/023/028/094 66006/031/052.
08/04 During the day the following were noted 57008 60032/044/088. 66001/005/013/015/031/072/086/090/129/136/185/199/207/220/505.
09/04 Godfrey Road held 60049 66046/090/185/191/223/239/240.
10/04 The following were noted 60027/034/099 66073/150/184/194/239/249.
The following footexs were noted 67012/018 1Z24, 67001/030 1Z25, 47805/843 1Z67 and 47815/812 1Z26. Two road railers were employed on points renewal at the east end of the station.
11/04 Noted this morning were 60002/500 66013/129/194/223/239.
15/04 At 07:00 an immaculate 37425 in large logo livery passed through in the consist of an Immingham - Margam service behind 60002, the 37 was detached at ADJ. Also noted during the morning the following were 57002 60088 66066. At 23.40 there were no locos on Godfrey Road SP, 66171 and 66204 headed west bound within a couple of minutes with MGR services consisting of HAA wagons.
16/04 Godfrey Road held 60034 66036/066/117/130/131/163/194/201/204/223 47839 and 47815 were in charge of 1Z67 Manchester - Cardiff footex.
18/04 Noted today were 66016/115/151/228/229/503.
19/04 09015 57008 60046/091 66183/204 were noted on freights with 09105 60020 66066/130 were on Godfrey Road.
20/04 Locos noted on freights included 09105 57006 60032 66040/115/190. Godfrey Road held 66001/11/131/183.
21/04 66715 worked 6Z80 10:05 Wimbledon-Caerwent with SWT EMUs 3402, 3539, 1302 for scrap. Also noted were 37408 57010 60003/010/046 66005/083/084/222.
22/04 Noted today were 57005/006 60003/032/048/054 66115/129/148.
23/04 Godfrey Road held 66005/052/073/151/201. Also noted were 09203 60032/052/091 66115/120/135/155/158/190.
25/04 Noted today were 60003/023/061/066 66061/155/183/538.
26/04 66701 worked 6Z80 10:05 Wimbledon-Caerwent with SWT EMUs 3407, 3540/42 for scrap. Also noted were 09015 47150 57001 59206 60044/066/096/500 66061/062/064/070/079/103/148/158/190/204/228/239 175004 was on the 05:19 Crewe-Cardiff.
27/04 Noted today were 57007 60012/023/047 66012/050/062/132/141/148/156/161.
28/04 Locos working through today included 09105 57011 60012/025/047 66020/048/062/148/237
29/04 Noted were 09015/203 57001/002. 60023/032/058/096. 66016/033/048/050/061/113/153/156/176/229.
30/04 60047 66031/043/115/135/147/158/167/174/537 were employed of freights today. 67014 worked the Northern Belle from Manchester to Bath.

Units noted during the month included

143611/618/619.
150232/233/241/259/260/278/281/283.
153361.
156403.
158821/825/835/841/842/844/845/848/852/853/854/855/857/861.
170111/117/398/501.
220001.

LOCO AND UNIT NEWS

CLASS 37

01/04 37411 worked 2V07 06:59 Rhymney-Radyr and 2R38 16:50 Cardiff-Rhymney, 37405 2F05 07:19 Rhymney-Cardiff and 2R42 17:11 Cardiff-Rhymney,
37408 2F06 07:40 Rhymney-Cardiff and 2R46 17:48 Cardiff-Rhymney.
02/04 37405/408/411 worked most of the Saturday services on the Rhymney line.
04/04 37408 hauled 2V07, 37405 2F05 and 37411 2F06.
05/04 37411 did 2V07 and 2R42, 37408 2F05 & 2R38, 37405 2F06 & 2R46.
06/04 37411 operated 2V07 & 2R42, 37405 2F05 & 2R38, 37408 2F06 & 2R46.
07/04 37411 was on 2V07, 37408 2F05 and 37405 2F06.
09/04 37405/408/411 were in action on Rhymney line Saturday services.
11/04 37411 did 2V07, 37408 2F05 and 37405 2F06.
12/04 37411 was on 2V07 & 2R42, 37405 2F06 & 2R46, 37408 2F05 & 2R38.
13/04 37405 did 2R38, 37411 2R42 and 37408 2R46.
14/04 37411 operated 2V07 & 2R38, 37408 2F05 & 2R42, 37405 2F06 & 2R46.
60002 worked 6V19 18:04 Immingham-Margam with a immaculate 37425 d.i.t. between Toton and Newport ADJ.
15/04 37425 (in BR blue with large numbers and National Rail logo!) worked 2R38, 37405 2R42 and 37411 2R46.
16/04 37405/411/425 operated most of the Rhymney's Saturday services.
18/04 37411 hauled 6E09 09:33 Margam-Lackenby, 37405 2R38, 37408 2R42, 37425 2R46.
19/04 The evening Rhymneys were a repeat of the previous day.
20/04 The evening Rhymneys were another exact repeat!
21/04 37425 did 2R38, 37405 2R42 and 37408 2R46.
23/04 37405/408/425 did the Rhymney Saturday services.
25/04 37405 operated 2V07, 37425 2F05 and 37408 2F06.
26/04 37408 hauled 2V07, 37405 2F05 and 37425 2F06.
27/04 37425 worked 2V07, 37408 2F05 and 37405 2F06.
28/04 37405 was on 2V07, 37408 2F05 and 37425 2F06.
29/04 37425 did 2V07, 37408 2F05 and 37405 2F06.
30/04 37405/408/425 worked the Rhymney Saturday services.

CLASS 47/57

10/04 To take fans to the LDV Vans Final football match at the Millennium Stadium between Southend United and Wrexham, 47815 hauled 1Z26 07:55 Southend-Cardiff with 47812 d.o.r. and 47805 hauled 1Z67 08:40 Wrexham-Cardiff with 47843 d.o.r.
12/04 47830 hauled 3459/69 as 5Z23 12:30 Wimbledon-Caerwent for scrap.
14/04 47830 hauled 3405/56 as 5Z23 12:30 Wimbledon-Caerwent.
16/04 To take fans to the FA Cup semi-final at the Millennium Stadium between Arsenal and Blackburn Rovers, 47839 hauled 1Z59 07:07 Manchester-Cardiff with 47815 d.o.r.
17/04 To take fans to the FA Cup semi-final at the Millennium Stadium between Manchester United and Newcastle United, 47839 hauled 1Z67 07:20 Manchester-Cardiff with 47815 d.o.r.
27/04 47150 worked 5Z26 11:20 Crewe Carriage Sidings-Caerwent with ex-Virgin Mk3 buffets 10238/220/210/251/248/254/207/209/221/234/252.


LOCAL FREIGHTLINER WORKINGS

4V60/4M60 Calvert - Avon Binliner
01/04 66546. 04/04 66622. 05/04 66622. 09/04 66622. 12/04 66549.
21/04 66549.

6V20/6M27 Earles - Moorswater Cement
31/03 66619. 04/04 66621. 05/04 66621. 07/04 66619. 11/04 66614.
12/04 66614. 14/04 66610. 19/04 66545. 21/04 66611. 25/04 66612.
28/04 66611.

Portbury - Mossend
04/06 66546. 06/04 66562. 08/04 66562.

4V08 Crewe - Wentlooge
08/04 66505. 18/04 66541.

4V30 Ipswich - Wentlooge
18/04 57003.

4051 Southampton - Wentlooge.
04/04 57011. 05/04 66571. 06/04 57007. 07/04 57011. 08/04 57008.
11/04 66537. 13/04 57002. 14/04 57002. 15/04 57002. 18/04 66503.
19/04 57008. 20/04 57006. 21/04 57010. 22/04 57006. 25/04 66538.
26/04 57001. 27/04 57007. 28/04 57011. 29/04 57001.

LOCAL EWS WORKINGS

6M33 16.22 (sx) Avonmouth-Wembley 'enterprise'
06/04 67014. 11/04 67014. 27/04 67005.

STOCK ALTERATIONS

Locomotives

Transfers
37427(TO)-ML, 87001/002/010/012/019(WN)-WB. (WB = Wembley).

Stored
08798. 37418/421. 47358. 67010. 86602. 90033.
CB: 86602. CE: 86615. 90033. DI: 56091. HM: 56037/041/068/103/104/110/112/116.
MG: 60084. ML: 37418/421. OC: 08798. ST: 47358. TO: 60008. 67010.
WB: 56071/094/095/113/133.

Traffic
08689 -CF, 08750 -HQ, 43086 -NL, 67001/018/030 -TO, 92019 -CE.

Withdrawn
08492/758/813/815/825/827. 37152/178/672/682/704. 86102.

Disposals
JT Land: 86102.

Diesel Multiple Units

Transfers
150217/237(NC)-TS.
153326(NC)-CF
156412/418(TS)-NC.

Stored
205012 @ St Leonards

Disposals
N Yorks MR: 205.205

Formations
150007 (52107 + 52202 + 57107)
150009 (52109 + 57202 + 57109)
150202 - Disbanded
158961 formed 158.745/746 disbanded - 158.745 operational
158961 (52868 + 57867 + 57867) 158966 (52864 + 57864 + 52865)
158967 (52866 + 57866 + 57865) 158968 (52869 + 57869 + 57868)

New Stock
171727/728 -SU.

Electric Multiple Units

Transfers
465: 907/911/912/913/915/918/919/926(SG)-GI.

Stored
BM: 3402/58/66. 3516/40. CJ: 1393. 3468. 3539. SL: 1854. SS: 1882. 3408/11/70. 3581.
WD: 1302. 3407. 3542. 3809/10/12.

Withdrawn
312730.
(S): 1308/99. 2315. 3405/56/89. 3569.

Disposals
JT Land: 3405/56/89. 3569.
Sims(Npt): 312.730 plus cars from 312.792, 1707/19/40, (62521/660. 71280. 76030/062/084. 76116/126. 76986/997. 78048).
Eden Valley: 2315 Dartmoor Rly: 1399. G Central (Nottingham): 1308.

Renumbered
465: 211 - 911, 212 - 912, 213 - 913, 215 - 915, 218 - 918, 226 - 926. (Refurbished)

New Stock
350114 - HQ
360201 -OH.
376035 -SG
377150. 455/456/457/458 -BI.

Coaching & NPCC Stock

Stored
BS: 94509/511/519. ML: 94100. NC: 10230. 11038. 82122. NL: 42308/309. 44060.
OM: 94108. 94435. PC: 10206/208/215/218/225/232/236/237/238/246/253/255/258. 11011/018,
11020/030/044. 12013/025/027/033/057/111/114/137/163/170. 17174. 82143/150.
Mossend: 94106. 94515.
Wilton: 10204/226/242/245. 11031/040. 12007/008/106.
Willesden Sidings: 92901. Willesden Euro Terminal: 94207.

Traffic
3115. 5412 -BT, 10229.11067/070/071/072/073/074/075/076/078/080/084/093/096/097/101 -NC,
11321/421 -BN*(See renumbered), 12009/024/026/030/031/035/037/041/044/048/049/058/060/062,
12073/079/084/090/091/094/098/103/105/109/112/118/120/123/126/127/130
12136/142/146/152/155/158/159. 82104/125 -NC.

Withdrawn
4866/80. 4938. 6102/47. 15916. 25828.(18828). 34624/949. 82119.

Disposals
Booth: 4938. 6102/47. 15916. 25828(18828). 34624/949.
JT Land: 82119
East Lancs: 4866/80.

Renumbered
11232 - 11421, 11245- 11321.

Pool Codes

EWS has carried out a further review of its NPCC stock and created various pools, the latest version is as given below:

PPAA Vehicles assigned for future traffic growth in 2005
94103/104/118/150/168/190/191/203/207/213/225. 94416/495. 94507/519/543/545. 95743/758.
PPAD Vehicles assessed (in good order) for Project Phoenix
94400/405/412/429/435/497/498. 94500/501/504/511/515/520/522/525/527/530/531/532/534/535/536.
95729/734/754/759/761/763.
PPCT Company Train based at TO
10211. 10546. 11039. 82146.
PPEF Express Freight (Parcels) based at ML
94137/147/166/176/192/195/196/197/221/229. 94308/323. 94401/406/413/423/528/541. 95400/410.
PPEN Vehicles assessed (Good Bodies) for Project Phoenix
94101/102/107/112/200/222/227. 94314/319/324/332/343. 94408/420/427/428/431/432/440/494/510,
94518/539/540/542/544.
PPEV Vehicles assessed (Bogie Donors) for Project Phoenix
94106/138/153/155/170. 94204. 94410/422/437/138/439/445/447/451/452/458/462/463/470/479/481,
94482/488/490.
PPEW Project Phoenix vehicles - C7 Overhaul due
80361. 80426/430/433. 94116/160/199/204/208/209/217. 94302/304/305/306/312/313/318/326/327,
94333/335/342/344. 94411/414/418/434/492/493/496/499/512/513/514/537/546/547/548.
PPPV Vehicles available for Preservation
80320/321/331/333/337/340/345/373/382/384/395. 80400/425/456/457/458. 94121. 94315/320/339.
94502/506/509/538.
PPXX Vehicles surplus to requirement
3225/26/58. 4860. 13582. 80309/319/322/323/324/325/326/327/330/334/339/341/342/343/344/346/347
80348/349/350/351/352/353/354/355/356/357/358/359/360/362/363/364/365
80366/367/368/369/370/371/372/374/375/376/377/378/379/380/381/383/385
80386/387/390/392/393/394/402/403/404/405/406/411/412/413/414/415/416
80417/419/420/421/422/423/424/427/428/429/431/435/436/437/438/439.
84387/519. 92193/198/314/321/400/410/412/413/872. 93446/714/930. 94027.
94100/108/110/111/113/114/117/119/123/123/132/133/140/1460/148/164/172
94174/175/177/180/182/193/198/202/205/211/212/215/216/218/223/224/226/
94228/303/307/309/310/311/316/317/321/322/325/331/334/336/337/338/340
94341/345/403/404/407/415/424/433/436/441/442/443/444/446/448/449/450
94453/454/455/459/460/461/464/465/466/467/468/469/471/472/473/474/475
94476/477/478/480/483/484/485/486/487/503/505/508/516/517/521/523/524
94526/529.
95128/129. 95228. 95300/301. 95715/739/749/762. 99645/646.

FREIGHTFLOW NEWS

Stone Traffic
26/04 A Class 60 loco delivered wagons into the new Waterston (West Wales) branchline terminal and returning light-engine.

PRESERVATION & INDUSTRIAL MATTERS

DRCS Caerwent (R.W.Giles)
From 25/04, daylight operations were to commence over the branchline from the mainline junction at Caldicot following the repair of the A48 rail overbridge at Chirk. Movements of coaching stock for store or scrapping at J.T.Landscapes had been resticted to early hour moves, needed because of the possibility of objects falling from the bridge due to it's condition! Workings however were put back to start during May using three of the four MoD locos on the Caerwent site over the branch to top n'tail inward trains involving either Army 422 (RH459517 ), 01530 (Th311v ) or 01549 (Th298v). Army 425 (RH459519) is also present in the repair workshops out of traffic.
26/04 FLHH 47 150 arrived 60 minutes late, at 16.45 with 5Z26 11.20 Crewe-Caerwent hauling MkIII buffet coaches; 10231/220/210/251/248/254/207/209/221/234/252, having been routed via the Marches and Maindee junction. Whether the stock was for store or scrapping was unknown, but the first MkIII was scrapped here in November last year.

ROAD MOVEMENTS

13/04 Class 14. D9525 was noted at the North Petherton truckstop (near Bridgwater) heading north-bound on a road low-loader from the South Devon Railway.

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