NOTES AND NEWS

WEST COUNTRY AREA

Avonmouth

06/05 08630 continues as the out-stabled shunting pilot. 66060 handled the Tyne Yard (MO) Tyne Yard boxes.

07/05 66020 arrived during the morning with the 09.45 trip freight from Newport having travelled via Gloucester.

16/05 66072 was seen at the Holesmouth Dock junction with the late running return 6C91 14.37 trip to Newport

21/05 Coal restarted to Aberthaw Power Station during the month. 66147 being recorded on the 6B66 05.52 MGR to Aberthaw.

22/05 66218 headed today's trip from Newport conveying the sulphuric acid tanks and containers.

30/05 Green liviered 60081 worked the 6W65 17.09 Eastleigh-Furzebrook and 6V29 20.29 Furzebrook-Hallen Marsh LPG tanks.

05/06 66159 was the Newport trip loco.

07/06 60086 worked the evening Avonmouth-Middlesborough fertiliser empties. Earlier 66 235 + 37 372 had run from Newport-Avonmouth light and returned a rake of HTA coal hoppers to East Usk yard.

08/06 66011 + 66213 arrived light during the morning.

10/06 66019 worked the evening 4E41 18.52 Tyne Yard (M0).

13/06 66170 arrived with the morning trip from Newport

25/06 66223 arrived with the fertilisers from Middlesborough and returned the evening empties.

26/06 66046 arrived with the morning trip freight ex Newport.

Locos recorded on coal workings in recent weeks include;- 66011/013/023/027/036/046/047/049/080/100/147/156/157/158/206/211 66213/222/233/235/240/246. A change of pilots also took place during the month with 08630 (still present on 03/06) being replaced by 08685 (noted on 12/06).

Bristol Parkway

02/05 The Royal Train (1Z01) formed of coaches 2920 + 2915 + 2917 + 2923 + 2918 + 2904 + 2903 + 2921 headed north at 11.43 top n'tailed by 47799 and 47798 en route as ECS to Wolverton. The train was being returned from the Queen's West Country Golden Jubilee visits. Earlier 66024 headed north with a Keyham-Sellafield nuclear flask submarine reactor movement complete with escort saloon coaches DM45020 and DB999509.

03/05 66534 passed at 10.48 with the 4Z51 09.55 Wentloog-Southampton container train.

04/05 A large number of extra services were operated by First/GW for the FA Cup final between Arsenal and Chelsea at the Millenium Stadium mainly HST, but 47783 headed a 1Z50 09.43 Finsbury Park-Cardiff Central formed of MkI Stock and 47733 passed with the 10.08 Victoria-Cardiff Northern Belle. 37372 was reported stabled in the cripple siding at Severn Tunnel junction as a 'Thunderbird' rescue loco in case of any problems with the extra trains. Also recorded during the day were;- 60007 on the Tytherington stone trip from Westbury and 47750 with coaching stock on the 1V47 07.10 Edinburgh-Plymouth from Birmingham NS in place of an HST set. The loco and coaches returned as 1E40 17.12 Plymouth-Leeds.

08/05 57005 headed the 4Z50 Southampton-Wentloog freightliner running late passing at 09.44. Later in the day the Westbury-Tytherington stone trip was hauled by 66 185 with MEA wagons.

09/05 60085 headed the Theale-Robeston empty bogie fuel tankers and 66207 was in charge of the 4B24 Didcot-Wentloog MOD train.

10/05 60041 was on today's Theale-Robeston fuel empties whilst over at Westerleigh 60044 was on the Port Clarence fuel tanker empties.

11/05 58041 worked the morning Tytherington stone trip to Westbury.

12/05 Two special trains were routed via Parkway for the Norwich City v Birmingham City Division 1 play-off final held at the Millenium Stadium Cardiff;- these being 47773 passing at 11.50 on a mixed liveried Mk1 rake of stock and 66133 on the 1Z29 06.35 Norwich-Cardiff (12.45) with Anglian stock complete with DBSO driving van. The 66 was working the train in place of a non-available Class 47 from Liverpool Street.

13/05 Super Voyagers 221109 + 221119 were recorded during the day heading north on a driver training run.

14/05 47289 headed the 4V30 18.48 Ipswich-Wentloog liner in the early hours and later 66101 worked the Tytherington-Westbury stone trip departing the quarry at 18.00. 47843 worked the 1S93 15.35 Bristol Temple Meads-Edinburgh throughout following problems with 86224 at Preston.

15/05 66541 worked the 4Z51 Wentloog-Southampton containers and 37797 headed a 7Z23 Ely-Newport East Usk train of 23 empty FPA wagons. On arrival at Newport the loco ran light to Canton for an exam. Over at Westerleigh, the Port Clarence tanks had arrived nearly 3 hours late behind 66044 following a double loco failure on the train earlier in the day. Fragonset's 31452 + 31602 were also seen passing Pilning at 16.20 light running as 0H50 Cardiff Canton-Tyseley having delivered a brake coach as 5Z84 from Carnforth.

16/05 57004 on the Southampton-Wentloog containers was seen held in Parkway down loop at 08.20. There were reports of an electrical failure in the Severn Tunnel, the 05.30 Swansea-Paddington hst having been diverted via Gloucester. The 4Z51 Wentloog-Southampton containers, again with 57004 returned at 12.13 all Swansea-Paddington services were reported to be terminating at Reading during part of the morning.

17/05 66156 headed the 6M17 Newport-Wembley freight and 60038 was on the Theale-Robeston fuel empties. 47815 was in charge of a 5Z74 10.00 Old Oak Common-St. Phillips Marsh HST set drag being routed via Parkway during the afternoon.

18/05 This being a Saturday, 66534 was a surprise sight on the 4Z50 and 4Z51. This working was probably due to the non-running of the service on the previous day.

21/05 66502 worked the 4Z50, 47770 + 47785 top n'tailed a Serco test train to Swansea and 60068 was at Westerleigh on the fuel tankers.

22/05 66185 headed the Westbury-Tytherington stone empties.

23/05 A signalling problem on the Filton-Patchway chord saw a number of services run into Parkway and reverse. 60003 worked the 6M17 Newport-Wembley freight through at 17.40.

24/05 66206 headed 30 empty Warflats passed Westerleigh Junction.

25/05 60022 was present at Westerleigh on fuel oil duty. Specials for the Rugby Cup Final at the Millenium Stadium between Leicester and Munster were 47734 with the 1Z29 09.22 Paddington-Cardiff and return 1Z30 18.20 Cardiff-Paddington and 47767 on the 1Z27 09.45 Paddington-Cardiff and return 1Z28 19.20 Cardiff-Paddington, the later formed of Pride of the Nation stock.

26/05 A 1Z50 14.24 Oxford-Oxford Northern Belle dinning special was routed Swindon-Bath-Dr.Days curve-Parkway-Swindon and headed by Royal Train reserve loco 47787. The 1V42 07.46 Manchester-Plymouth and 1M87 15.45 Plymouth-Manchester was headed by Fragonset 47712.

27/05 66076 hauled the 6M17 Newport-Wembley freight whilst 60015 was present at Westerleigh during the day. 66535 was the power on the Wentloog-Southampton containers passing at 10.21.

29/05 58050 worked the Tytherington stone trip, departing the quarry at 17.40. 20310 + 20315 had earlier worked the Bridgwater-Crewe nuclear flasks now operating without barrier wagons. During the morning 57007 passed the 4Z51 Wentloog-Southampton containers.

30/05 66534 headed the 4Z51 Wentloog-Southampton containers.

31/05 Afternoon observations saw 58047 shunting the sidings at 13.00 and 47635 on a 5Z46 14.09 Crewe-Yeovil Junction ECS ready for a Holyhead railtour the next day. A most unusual stock move was 37216 with HST power cars 43122 + 43101 on an 0Z43 18.25 St. Phillips Marsh-Derby Etches Park. 66239 had earlier worked the 6M17 Newport-Wembley freight.

01/06 With the closure of the Chepstow mainline for engineering works over the following few weekends all traffic was diverted via Parkway and Westerleigh to the north. On the freight side 60086 was recorded with down loaded slab and 60039 with up empties during the morning. Later during the afternoon 60086 headed north with scrap empties. The Westerleigh- Robeston fuel tankers suffered a loco failure with 60064. 66190 was sent to assist leaving at 13.00 for Gloucester to run-round. The return train passed Parkway at 14.45 with the failed 60 attached to the rear.

02/06 A 1Z82 10.23 Victoria-Cardiff VSOE failed somewhere in the Didcot area. 66038 had replaced the Class 47 when seen passing at 14.05. 47635 worked a 5Z92 13.20 Yeovil Junction- Parkway RMT ECS, the booked arrival time being 15.00. The coaching stock was to be used on a Temple Meads-Par excursion the next day.

05/06 180106 worked the 16.55 Cardiff-Paddington.

06/06 Flooding at Alderton Tunnel, between Westerleigh and Wooton Bassett saw all Paddington-Cardiff-Paddington services cancelled and Swansea-Paddington services routed via Bath and Box. Freight train delays included the 4L56 Wentloog-Felixstowe containers passing at 11.37 behind 47287 and the Wentloog-Southampton liner (4Z51) which passed at 11.56 with 66533. Both inward trains had been heavily delayed. 47756 worked the 1M61 18.44 Swansea- London mails (dep 21.05) and 31452 was in charge of a Kineton-Cardiff Canton (for Cathays) stock move formed 6013+5913+5965+9539. The coaches carried Glasgow-Manchester window stickers, and were complete with rubbish still on the tables! They are to be used on Valley line services, or for the new Wessex Weymouth loco- hauled service. The latter train was believed to have run via Bath, being recorded at Pilning at 20.35. This train had also been held up at Didcot because of a points failure. A brief visit saw 66203 work from Avonmouth with the Teeside Fertiliser service, with a shorter formation than usually seen.

07/06 60 019 worked the 6B33 Theale-Robeston fuel tanks and 47635 was on the 1M61 18.44 Swansea-London mails.

08/06 Diverted steel services were recorded in the hands of 60029 and 60011 during the day.

09/06 Engineering trains recorded during the morning were headed by 66018 and 66021. An afternoon 6W66 12.00 Gloucester-Newport Alexandra Dock junction departmental was top n'tailed by green 60081 and silver 60006. It was however unconfirmed if this train actually worked via Parkway or ran via Chepstow.

10/06 66536 worked the 4Z50 05.02 Southampton-Wentloog and 4Z51 09.55 return containers and 60099 later worked the 6M17 Newport-Wembley freight (17.13). 58047 headed five empty container flats west at (Pilning 17.19) and 180106 worked the 16.55 Cardiff- Paddington service. 66011 was incharge of the Tytherington stone, 60100 the Westerleigh tanks, and 47756 worked the 1M65 19.15 Plymouth-London mails. Earlier in the day 47853 on the 1V39 06.40 York-Bristol TM service was piloted from York as far as Birmingham NS by 31128 due to a speedo defect. By Birmingham the train was running late and caped, the 31 had however also failed! 10/06 Four freight services recorded this evening starting with 66011 the Tytherington "Stone", 66027 MGR service from Avonmouth, 58047 MoD "Liner" and finally 66146 Margam - Fawley "Fuel Train". Noted during the evening was 158.790 working through to Bristol then ecs northbound, one car requiring the fitting of an emergency lamp white/red due to an electrical fault.

11/06 180104 worked the 16.55 Cardiff-Paddington service and 66540 was on the 4Z51 Wenloog-Southampton containers at 10.50. 37688 worked the overnight 6V30 Dagenham- Brigend Ford car parts. 60003 headed the 6B33 13.35 Theale-Robeston tanks (Pilning 16.13) and 47756 worked the 1V34 20.30 London-Swansea mails. 20312 + 20314 headed the Bridgwater- Crewe nuclear flasks at 12.53 and green-liviered 60 081 was at Westerleigh on fuel tank duty.

12/06 66536 worked the 4Z50 containers and 58 050 the Westbury-Tytherington and return stone trip (Parkway 20.05). 180 105 worked the 16.55 Cardiff-Paddington service.

13/06 66501 headed the 4Z51 containers at 10.55, 60089 worked the 6M17 Newport- Wembley freight and 66156 the Didcot-Cardiff Tidal sidings fuel tanks (both crossing at Pilning at 18.15). 47 756 worked the 1V33 16.02 London-Plymouth mails departing at 19.00. 47798 + 47787 top n'tailed an 18.00 Cardiff-Euston Royal train formed of 8 coaches, passing at 18.50, 60014 hauled the 6M17 Newport-Wembley freight (18.27), silver 60 033 headed the 6V99 Hamworthy-Cardiff Tidal scrap (19.36) and 47 784 worked the 1V33 16.02 London-Plymouth mails (departing around 18.30). 66062 worked the Avonmouth - Teeside "Fertiliser" service, the only freight seen this evening.

15/06 66 213 powered the Tytherington stone and 60049 with 60 075 were recorded on diverted steel trains. Most unusually, a late morning train of steel slab was headed by blue liveried 56 006+60 019. Pathfinder Tours 'Western Druid' (1Z15 09.09 Paddington-Swansea and 1Z52 15.10 Swansea-Paddington) was headed by preserved Class 52 No.D1015 Western Champion, this being the loco's third mainline passenger outing (Cattybrook 17.34).

17/06 58033 passed at 15.46 on a Newport-Didcot train of sleepers and rails and 66020 headed an up train of of army vehicles (6X85 Haverfordwest-Didcot) passing Coalpit Heath at 18.57. This train was later stopped following a phone call by a local enthusiast saying some tarpulin sheeting had worked loose and was collecting ballast. A Class 57 was recorded on the 4Z51 containers passing late at 12.30. 17/06 Quiet tonight only the "Fuel Train" (Margam - Fawley) recorded this evening behind 66170.

18/06 66541 worked the Wentloog-Southampton containers, 60 085 the Theale-Robeston tanks, and 66 074 the Tytherington stone service.

19/06 66534 passed Pilning at 10.53 with the 4Z51 containers and 180 105 worked the 09.55 Cardiff-Paddington service. (Some other previously un-recorded Wenloog locos are;- 66 503(05/04), 66 534(10/05), 66 538(20/05). 60 054 hauled the 6M17 (Pilning 17.43) freight and 66 179 was on the Didcot-Cardiff Tidal sidings fuel tanks.

20/06 47733 departed around 23.00 on a westbound mail service. An incident at Newport in the late afternoon, circa 16.30, saw the lines closed through the station resulting in the suspension of all services which resumed running at around 19.45. Displayed on the screens were the 17.00 and 17.30 (Adelante) Paddington services so you have some idea of the delays caused. Road transport being noted used but not to a great extent. Once the blockade was lifted it was a procession of services to and from S Wales through the station as well as through Filton. The 17.30 service (see above) was formed of unit 180103 and an ecs unit noted at 21.20 heading for London, 180105. Freight activity comprised, a late running Wembley "Intermodal" hauled by 66088, 66173 with an eastbound "Departmental" service and 66031 working St Blazey - Cliffe Vale "Clayliner". Good news was that 66524 noted light engine to Bristol with 66525 travelling in the reverse direction means there is a different loco on the "Binliner".

21/06 An unidentified Class 57/66 combination was seen on the 4Z51 Wentloog containers at 11.40 and 60073 worked the 6V99 Hamworthy-Cardiff Tidal scrap service. 47840 failed at Barnt Green on the 1V48 11.17 Manchester-Bristol TM service and was assisted onwards at 14.42 by DRS 37606 which had been on a route learner trip. The 37 piloted the train very late onwards to Bristol returning as the booked 1S93 15.35 Bristol-Edinburgh nearly two hours late, 47840 being left at the rear of the train.

22/06 60042 departed Tytherington at 08.00 on the Westbury stone service, reported running with 9 loaded and 5 empty wagons. Afternoon and early evening freight diversions included 60 089 with Saltley-Cardiff Tidal loaded scrap, 60 027 on up scrap empties and 66 241 with down loaded steel slab.

23/06 Further Sunday diversions included 60027 with the Saltley-Cardiff Tidal scrap and 60014 with northbound steel empties. 56 098 was also recorded on the 6E47 16.55 Newport-Tees Yard steel (19.20). A derailment at Oddingley (between Bromsgrove and Cheltenham) of an engineer's train which saw at least three wagons on their side blocked the line requiring diversions via Worcester. 66 206 worked to the scene with the Cardiff Canton re-railing vans via Parkway during the mid-afternoon

24/06 66019 worked the Tytherington stone trip formed of MBA wagons (arr 19.00 at the quarry), 60 041 headed the fuel tanks at Westerleigh and 66 537 hauled the 4Z51 containers. No MGRs again, the reason said to be work on the track in the Didcot area and in the power station?. Seen tonight were 66019 with the Tytherington "Stone" and 66088 with the "Fuel Train". Unusually two of the Postal services were Cl47 hauled in-lieu Cl67, locos seen were 47749 and 47791. On the unit front, a 5-car "Voyager" zipped through ECS heading for Bristol, 221125, car numbers not ascertained so it is not known if this was a "correct formation" set. 180104 seen later heading towards London, ecs from Cardiff.

25/06 A Class 57 worked the 4Z50/4Z51 containers, returning at 09.54 and 60081 were at Westerleigh on the fuel tankers. RES/EWS 47781 was unusual power for the 1V50 Preston- Penzance service running 75 minutes late and 47791 hauled the 5V64 Tyne Yard-Plymouth empty RES vans.

26/06 57001 worked the 4Z50 passing Patchway at 08.10 and returning passed Parkway at 10.43. 180 105 worked the 09.55 Cardiff-Paddington service and 67 001+67 009+47 791 with two RES vans formed the 5A24 07.45 (W0) Barton Hill-Old Oak Commom passing late at 09.33. The Worcester derailment was reported to be cleared completely by 18.00. 60 053 worked the Tytherington stone trip formed of MEA wagons.

27/06 47289 headed the overnight 18.43 Ipswich Yard-Wenloog liner, 66533 headed the 4Z51, 60081 worked the 6B13 Theale-Robeston fuel tanks, and 60093 hauled the 6M17 freight. A 20.06 Margam-Didcot MOD army vehicles train was hauled by 66167 the train having originated at Cwmbargoed. Earlier in the day 180111 was reported 'on test' and GBRF locos 66709 + 66708 + 66710 + 66712 ran light from Newport (dep 13.26)-Willesden. 66711 remained at Newport being reported to be awaiting a move to Canton for a bogie swap. No MGRs again, but freight was running and as testimony the Teeside "Fertiliser" service was seen with extra "Tank" vehicles attached hauled by 66186. 66033 was waiting light engine in one of the down loops and eventually departed towards Bristol. 66106 worked the Purfleet "Steel" and was followed by 66524 with the "Binliner" which suggests engineering work was taking place hence its early departure. Finally 56094 headed towards S Wales with a short "Scrap" train, loco noted earlier heading eastbound light engine.

28/06 66223 + 47732 were an unusual combination on the 6E09 10.27 Margam-Lackenby steel empties (12.54).

29/06 The only recorded diversions today were 66017 on a Round Oak steel working and 60089 with westbound steel empties.

30/06 66008 + 66214 top n'tailed an engineers working.

Bristol Temple Meads and Barton Hill

29/04 Multi Purpose Vechicle (MPV) DB965902+DB965962 worked west from Cardiff to take up West Country weedkilling

01/05 47739 worked in on the Victoria-Bath/Bristol VSOE

03/05 47846 was in charge of the 1A28 06.30 Plymouth-Paddington and return 1C50 15.42 Paddington-Exeter service. 58030 worked the 7B66 Westbury-Newport engineers and return 14.50 (6C42) service and 66246 was an unusual site in the late afternoon on the 6M91 13.48 (TThO) St. Blazey-Earles Sidings, Hope cement empties presumably retimed because of engineering works. 67005 later arrived with the final 1V64 14.06 Low Fell-Plymouth mails.

06/05 50031 + 50049 arrived at Bristol with Pathfinder's 'Cornish Castles' (1Z50 05.05 Crewe-Penzance), 50049 fai;ed and was removed to Barton Hill depot. 50031 continued the train onwards using Yatton loop between 08.52 and 09.04 to allow two other services to overtake. The train returned as 1Z51 15.00 Penzance-Crewe with the Class 50 and steam loco 5051 Earl Bathurst (5029 Nunney Castle had been declared a failure on arrival at Penzance on the outward trip two days previous, having to return from Cornwall on a road low-loader). From Exeter onwards to Bristol, 5051 took the train solo the Class 50 running with support coach leaving at 20.35. 50 031 took over from the steam loco at Bristol. 5051 carrying a 'Great Western Limited' headboard the coaching stock used being 35461(support coach) + 4902 + 4927 + W5009 + 1863 + W21272 + 3098 + 3140 + 3112 + 1692 + 3122 + 3125. HST power cars 43010+43004 formed a back to back 0Z77 Laira-St.Phillips Marsh stock move during the day.

07/05 The 1A28 06.30 Plymouth-Paddington service was cancelled (57601 was reported to be at Landore for exam). Noted on Barton Hill at 00.35 were 66525 and 66546. 50049 was also seen still present during morning. 66135 worked the overnight 6C24 Newport-Exeter freight.

08/05 57601 was back on the 1A28, but 47 830 returned on the balancing 1C50 service. The 7M53 14.29 Bridgwater-Crewe nuclear flasks was headed by 20307 + 20312 and 66172 arrived after 13.00 on the Victoria-Bath/Bristol VSOE (in place of the regular Class 47) stabling on platform 15. The return Bristol-Bath (for Victoria) ecs was recorded passing Keynsham at 16.05 still with the Class 66 in charge. Also seen was 66525 with the refuse train at 16.50, only a few of the original 'blue' containers remained in use.

09/05 47830 worked the 1A28 and 57601 returned the balancing 1C50 and 180105 was on the 11.15 Paddington-Bristol TM service. The Westbury-Machen and return ballast was headed by 66603.

10/05 66168 was on the Bridgwater trip and 57601 worked the 1A28. 11/05 There were two Westbury-Machen ballast workings;- 66602 with 6Z01 (05.25 ex. Westbury), and 60057 on the second working. The latest Pastime Rail 'Eden-ex' was hauled outward by 47733 as 1Z47 05.24 Doncaster-Par and returned as 1Z28 16.25 Par-Doncaster behind 47756.

12/05 Sunday engineering work saw the Bristol-Bath mainline closed at Keynsham. At 17.00, 66236 (ballast) and 66029 (concrete sleepers) were stopped on the embankment alongside the road by-pass, along with a number of road/rail machines. Earlier Super Voyagers 221106 + 221119 worked the 1V56 09.58 Manchester-Temple Meads and return 1E32 15.00 Temple Meads-York, this was thought to be the first West Country Super Voyager passenger working. At 18.30 the following were visible on Baton Hill depot;- 08685. 66123/164/240/525/602. 67021/022/027. Voyager sets 220032/004 passed at 18.52 with a late running 1V64 Newcastle-Exeter service.

13/05 66101 was in charge of the Tytherington-Westbury. 57 601 was again in charge of the 1A28/1C50 and 47826 was running slightly late on the 1M56 08.46 Penzance-Manchester following level-crossing problems at Long Rock, near Penzance.

14/05 66092 worked the overnight 6V41 Irvine-Burngullow slurry tanks and celebrity 'XP64' 47 853 was seen back in action following repairs on the 1V35 06.05 Derby-Plymouth and 1M40 11.50 Plymouth-Manchester. One of the last Class 220 Voyager sets 220012 was seen having it's Lanarkshire Voyager nameplates fitted at Barton Hill depot during the evening

15/05 What will possibly be the final Virgin Class 47 repaint 47840 North Star made it's West Country debut on the 1V35 06.05 Derby-Plymouth and 1M40 11.50 Plymouth-Liverpool. The loco carries a rail blue livery complete with yellow ends and painted in black headcode panels. Original GW style nameplates are now carried along with the 'old' BR arrows emblems on the middle of the bodyside.

16/05 Fragonset 47712 worked the 1V35 06.05 Derby-Plymouth and 1M40 11.50 Plymouth-Liverpool and 47 816 was on the 1A28/1C50. 66217 was in charge of the Bridgwater trip. 43170 + 40755 + 43168 formed an early evening 5Z74 17.30 Laira-St.Phillips Marsh stock move.

17/05 47816 again worked the 1A28/1C50. 66224 worked a coal train to Westbury via Day's Curve at 10.36 and 60007 powered the 7B66 Westbury-Newport engineers. Severe thunderstorms in Devon caused a signalling blackout at Newton Abbot. A large number of northbound services were delayed and the 1V38 06.05 Leeds-Plymouth was terminated at Taunton to form the 1S71 07.22 Penzance-Glasgow, running north as 1Z71. The original 1S71 was eventually terminated at Plymouth. For the record the following late running was detailed as follows;- 1S35 09.22 Penzance-Edinburgh 41 late, 1M56 08.42 Penzance-Manchester 67 late, 1M40 11.50 Plymouth-Liverpool 3 late and 1S71 07.22 Penzance-Glasgow 57 late. Nearer Bristol, the 1C06 07.15 Paddington-Bristol TM was stopped at Bath Spa for fitters attention following a report of loose panels beneath one of the coaches.

18/05 47725 working a Mid Cheshire Rail Users 'Somerset Coast Express' (1Z45 07.00 Altrincham-Minehead) suffered a traction motor fire near Highbridge. 47 733 the Newton Abbot 'thunderbird' ran light to collect the failed loco and train departing over 100 minutes late. The 1V42 06.45 Newcastle-Plymouth HST was also seriously delayed, being trapped in behind. The return 1Z44 Minehead-Altrincham was also in trouble at Bishop's Lydeard with 47 733 running low on coolant! Another delay of 40 minutes was encountered. Rounding off the day 67008 took over the late running train at Shrewsbury for the remainder of the journey and an eventful day! Also recorded during the day were Central liveried 158 851 on the 1B98 15.36 Penzance-Cardiff Central and 60094 with the Tytherington stone trip from Westbury. During the afternoon a 14.45 Newport-Cogload junction engineers was top n'tailed by 66153 + 66226.

19/05 The 10.36 Bristol-Newcastle Hst ran ECS to Birmingham NS the reason for this being unknown

20/05 47733 was reported to have dragged the 1V65 15.50 Newcastle-Plymouth HST, with power cars 43071 + 43092 onwards from Bristol and 66 199 piloted 47 829 which had suffered a speedo failure on the 1E61 15.50 Plymouth-Leeds (Worle 18.17). The 66 returned light to Newton Abbot, 47806 topping 47829 for the journey north from Temple Meads. The 1M07 05.35 Plymouth-Birmingham International was again cancelled and 47712 was again in action, this time on the 1V48 11.17 Manchester-Bristol and 1S93 15.35 return to Edinburgh. 57601 was back on the 1A28 and 1C50 diagram.

21/05 47770 + 47785 top n'tailed a 1Z14 08.00 Swindon-Taunton Serco test train and the 1A28 06.30 Plymouth-Paddington was a hst formed with power cars 43041 and 43191 instead of a loco an coaches.

22/05 57601 again worked the 1A28 and 1C50. On the freight side, 66189 worked the Westbury coals, 66168 the overnight 6B99 St.Blazey-Newport and 66079 the 6M91 Moorswater-Earles sidings cement empties.

23/05 Steam Dreams first of the year 'Cathederal Express' (09.10 Victoria-Bristol and 15.52 return) was hauled by steam loco 35005. A special £15.00 fare is now on offer for anyone wishing to have a return trip between Bristol and Bath on future outings. An afternoon bridge strike near Cheltenham recorded some late running notably;- 1V49 06.40 Dundee-Penzance 30 late and 1V50 08.40 Glasgow-Penzance 10 late. 57601 was again on the 1A28/1C50 and 47 712 headed the 1M40 08.46 Penzance-Glasgow. 47 741 and coaches ran inplace of the booked HST set on the 1V65 15.50 Newcastle-Plymouth running 75 minutes late. The 1S85 0720 Plymouth-Aberdeen was failed at Totnes, having lost a number of panels off two coaches in Marley Tunnel. Locally the 10.30 Bristol TM- Severn Beach service and return was cancelled.

24/05 57601 continued on the 1A28/1C50 and 47 712 headed the 1V50 08.40 Glasgow-Penzance. 66 151 was the Bridgwater (6C91) trip loco and 66047 worked a 6G78 11.15 Newport-Taunton train formed of three empty wagons to act as brake runner wagons for the movement of the failed 47725 back to Cardiff for repair. The return working was 6G79 15.15 Taunton Fairwater-Cardiff. 66529 and 66602 were seen on Barton Hill depot during the day. 220009 worked a 5Z76 13.30 Barton-under-Needwood-Plynouth driver training trip (Westerleigh 15.13). 47741 returned the ECS from the 1V65 as 5Z62 18.11 Laira-Oxley. The 1V49 06.40 Dundee-Penzance was running 60 minutes late suffering a power car failure with 43087 but was turned at Derby en-route.

25/05 67027 worked a VSOE trip between Westbury-Bristol and 47 712 returned north on the 1M40 08.46 Penzance-Manchester. 47 790 worked a 1Z40 Chester-Par and return 1Z42 16.09 to Chester for the Eden project.

26/05 47813 worked a 5Z70 15.00 St.Phillips Marsh-Laira stock move formed of a complete HST set.

27/05 The 1E29 06.20 Plymouth-Newcastle, normally a hst set was worked by Voyager set 220009 as far as Bristol. 57 601 again covered the 1A28/1C50 and 47792 powered the 1C06 13.53 Plymouth-Parkway mails. 43069 + 43067 formed a Laira-St.Phillips Marsh stock move.

28/05 The 1V64 13.08 Newcastle-Bristol was formed of only one, instead of two Voyager sets. Early evening problems at Highbridge found a trespasser in the middle of the track at the station with the 1C98 Cardiff-Exeter, formed 153382 + 150254 + 143621 held for around 10 minutes. Also delayed behind was 67006 with the 5V62 Low Fell-Plymouth empty vans. The overnight 6B99 was headed by 66027 with six departmental wagons for Newport. Earlier in the day 43031 + 43130 were reported to have been sent from St.Phillips Marsh to Reading to collect 43170 + 43190 with a failed set having been terminated on the 1B42 14.30 Paddington-Cardiff. Also during the day, 57601 worked 1A28/1C50, 220009 a 5Z22 test run from Laira to Bristol and 47725 ran light from Cardiff to Barton Hill following repairs to the traction motor fire on the 18/05. The 1F26 15.30 Portsmouth Harbour-Cardiff Central was delayed at Portsmouth by a passenger carrying a firearm! The 3-car Class 101 test DMU unit was seen on Barton Hill depot departing as 4Z08 23.00 to Reading. 43190 + 43170 formed a 0Z74 St.Phillips Marsh-Laira move, 43170 for repairs.

29/05 59102 ran light to Canton for wheel-turning during the day, 57601 worked the outward 1A28 and 1C50.

30/05 58050 hauled two Virgin power cars 43101 + 43122 as 0Z74 18.08 Laira-St.Phillips Marsh passing Lympsham (Weston-super-Mare) at 20.26. 57 601 worked the morning 1A28 but a HST set covered the return duty because the 57 received damaged jumper cables whilst uncoupling at Old Oak Common.

31/05 57601 returned on the 1C50 a HST set covering the morning 1A28.

01/06 47848 hauling a Virgin West Coast set complete with DVT worked 1V37 08:16 Birmingham-Paignton. The first 2002 Summer Saturday and still Class 47 hauled trains! The planned Voyager take-over may well now be at the end of the Summer Timetable following technical problems. Of note today were 47828 on the 1V26 23.30(Fri) Manchester-Paignton running 90 minutes late due to no guard being present at Birmingham NS and 47848 on the 1V45 09.17 Manchester-Paignton service with DVT 82132 and return 1M25 16.17 Paignton-Manchester. The 1M31 15.08 Paignton-Preston with 47 854 was diverted to run via Oxford (70 minutes late) following a freight train failure near Cam & Dursley. Another Class 47 recorded was 47635 working a Pathfinder's North Wales excursion (1Z46 05.22 Yeovil Junction-Holyhead) passing Lockleaze at 07.29 formed of Riviera coaching stock. 46035 hauled the train from Crewe to Holyhead and return. The new timetable will make the sight of the green-livery Centro Class 158 units more common on West Country duties. One working is the 1C91 08.00 Cardiff-Penzance Wales & Borders service recorded today with 158783. An 0F74 17.10 Laira-St.Phillips Marsh power car move was formed 43126 + 43023, to collect a buffet car at Bristol.

02/06 The 1S35 12.05 Penzance-Edinburgh Virgin XC service was formed of Wessex 153380 + 153382 in Cornwall following a Virgin driver shortage. 57601 worked the 1A99 overnight Penzance-Paddington sleeper service, 220029 + 220028 headed the afternoon 1V66 Newcastle-Exeter (15 mins) late service and 221 107+221 116 were in charge of the 1V44 07.50 Manchester-Plymouth and 1M90 15.50 return. 47 812 failed near Dawlish Warren on the 1M87 09.35 Penzance-Manchester and 47 832 (FirstGW) was sent light from Laira to assist the train forward to Bristol. Here the train was terminated arriving substantially late. 47 832 returned light to Laira, whilst 47 839 had run light from Saltley to take 47812 and stock north (depating Temple Meads at 17.40) and passing Wickwar at 18.00. The 1M87 had already been restarted earlier at Birmingham NS to continue to Manchester behind 47712.

03/06 Seen northbound at 07.45 was 66206, and 66017 in the reverse direction at 12.15 with a stone train. 59004 + 59103 worked a Mendip Rail employees/Pathfinders special to Par (1Z59 08.08 Bristol-Par and 1Z60 17.12 return) formed of Riviera Trains coaches and routed out and back via Westbury. At 07.15 the following were visible on Barton Hill depot;- 08685. 66206/525/602. 67010/012/020/023.

04/06 58025 worked a Westbury-Newport departmental service during the day.

05/06 66190 worked a 6G90 06.00 Margam TC-Exeter Riverside rake of HAA MGR hoppers for storage running two hours early! 47 770 headed a Westbury-Bath/Bristol VSOE working whilst 47 830 worked the 1C53 16.15 Paddington-Plymouth service in place of 57 601.

06/06 220028/029 worked 1V55 13:08 from Newcastle. 66602 headed a Westbury-Machen and return ballast working. 66032 recorded at 14.13 northbound with "Fuel" tanks.

07/06 47733 hauled 1M40 11:50 Plymouth-Liverpool and 47709 did 1E33 Bristol-Newcastle. The afternoon "Enterprise" noted on its way at 15.50 with 60071 + 66136 up front. 58050 returned a rake of fly-ash wagons from Westbury-Newport following the end of this freight-flow, the loco returned hauled by 59001 back to Westbury (Keynsham 17.05). 57601 worked the 1C53 and Fragonset 47709 was in charge of the 1V39 06.40 York-Bristol and 1E33 12.10 return. 47830 headed a Laira-St.Phillips Marsh stock move formed 43186 + three barrier vans + 43151. Problems in the West Country, firstly saw the failure of 47 812 with a blown turbo on the 1V35 06.05 Derby-Plymouth near Exeter. The local 'thunderbird' loco 47733 assisted the train onwards and the return 1M40 11.51 Plymouth-Liverpool as far as Temple Meads. To provide another loco the 1V48 11.17 Manchester-Bristol (running 52 minutes late) was top n'tailed by 47826 + 47806. 47826 + 47812 departed Bristol 108 minutes late with the 1M40, whilst 47806 returned on the booked 1S93 15.35 Bristol-Edinburgh. The 1M40, along with a number of other northbound trains were delayed by a fatality involving the 2E23 Paignton- Exeter Central service at Marsh Barton.

08/06 47709 worked the 1C05 07.00 Bristol-Paignton and return 1E33 10.02 Paignton- Newcastle whilst 47 726 was on the 1V45 (with a DVT van) 11.11 Birmingham NS-Paignton but failed at Temple Meads with high water temperature. The loco and stock were moved to St. Phillips Marsh and the return 1M25 16.17 Paignton-Manchester cancelled. There were at one point rumours that Freightliner 47297 was to pilot the train onwards as this loco was in the area, but this did not happen. The failed loco and train were eventually moved as ECS to Manchester from St. Phillips Marsh. Two railtours in the Bristol area during the day were, 47 790 on Cheshire Railtour's 1Z27 07.25 Slough-Shrewsbury which called at Keynsham and Patchway and Pathfinder's (Post) Festive Freighter, originally planned for December last year, (1Z37 07.03 Crewe-Portbury Automotive Terminal and 1Z38 14.24 return) which visited the Westerleigh, Avonmouth (out/back via Henbury) and Portbury freight lines, becoming the first public passenger train along the newly re-opened latter and into the dock. The train was top n'tailed by 37670 + 37798 and 37042 + 37372. The former brought the train into and away from Bristol whilst the latter were attached at Temple Meads for the branchline running, having run from and returned to Newport. The coaching stock in use was;-5335 + 5331 + 3122 + 3140 + 3098 + 21272 + 1863 + 5009 + 4927 + 5040 + 4963 + 5029 + 4902. There was some afternoon late running recorded following the failure of the 6V24 13.24 Saltley-Cardiff Tidal scrap service behind 60 033 at Ashchurch. The 1V60 13.43 Newcastle- Swansea was 156 late and the 1V61 15.08 Newcastle- Plymouth 105 late.

08/06 47726 worked 1V45 11:11 Birmingham-Paignton with a VWC Mk3 set plus DVT. The 1M25 16:17 return was caped at Temple Meads with a fault on the 47.

09/06 Southbound "Ballast" train at 14.25 was powered by 66027.

10/06 220010 worked 06:45 to Newcastle and 1V55 return. 47830 returned the 1C53 16.15 Plymouth-Paddington service 57601 having earlier worked a 21 minute late 1A34 07.30 Plymouth-Paddington following fitters attention at Plymouth before departure. On the freight side, a Class 66 visited East Depot yard during the morning to collect a single wagon for repair at Westbury and blue liveried 56006 visited Bridgwater on the trip from Newport (an earlier report for this year of this loco working this train was incorrect). Present at 19.00 were 66525/544/602. Also noted was that only one road of the "Voyager" servicing shed was operational, the other under going repairs of some description.

11/06 66525 worked 4V60 Calvert-Bristol Avon Binliner, 58050 + 60077 were an unusual combination on the 7B66 10.45 Westbury-Newport departmental service, the 58 returning a train of track sections as 7C42 17.15 Newport ADJ- Westbury and 66050 worked a train of empty MBAs on a Westbury-Tower working. Having run 0M72 St.Blazey-Tavistock yard light, 47635 worked the 6M72 Cliffe Vale freight of only four wagons forward. However the train failed at Temple Meads and was assisted onwards by 47790. 43035 worked a Laira-St.Phillips Marsh stock move formed of a complete HST set and a barrier van at the rear and 220012 formed a 5Z74 21.24 Laira-Barton Hill movement.

12/06 220 012 worked west on a driver training trip.

13/06 A morning bridge strike at Nailsea saw the 1V35 06.05 Derby-Plymouth, with 47817, delayed by 24 minutes and some northbound trains were running up to 15 minutes late due to a track circuit failure at Ivybridge. 57601 worked the 1C53 16.15 Paddington-Plymouth First/GW service. At Barton Hill at 21.25 were 66525/603. 220012.

14/06 58050 again worked the 7B66 Westbury-Newport engineers and returned light, 66207 handled the Bridgwater trip and 47756 worked the 1C06 13.56 Plymouth- Bristol RMT mails. Despite failing during the morning on the 1A34 07.30 Plymouth-Paddington service at Southcote Junction (the train being assisted to Reading by 60088), 57 601 returned the balencing 1C53 16.15 Paddington-Plymouth, back via Bristol. 66525 was still on the Binliner

15/06 220010/012 worked 1M09 from Newcastle. 47789 was in charge of the 1V45 11.11 Birmingham NS-Plymouth and return 1M25 16.17 Paignton-Manchester (with DVT 82148), noted at Lockleaze at 18.27. Fragonset 31452 + 31602 worked an Eagle Tours 1Z31 05.50 Leamington Spa-Penzance (Temple Meads 09.22) and return 1Z32 15.53 Penzance-Leamington Spa with coaching stock 35470 + 5191 + 5198 + 1801 + 5157 + 5177 + 4905 + 9993 +17018 + 99993 + 17018. The return was noted passing Nailsea at 20.42 around 20 minutes late. The outward journey saw the locos take on fuel at Exeter. 66213 passed by southbound at 10.20 with "Yeoman" vehicles.

16/06 The 1V84 10.03 Glasgow Central-Penzance, with 47 847 was recorded running 186 minutes late and 220 004+220 032 worked the 1V44 07.50 Manchester-Plymouth and return 1M90 15.50 Plymouth-Manchester.

17/06 A minor bridge strike at Nailsea caused some delays around 07.30. The derailment of a Class 92 hauled timber train near Gretna, saw 47840 start the 1V50 as 12.50 Preston-Penzance using the stock from the 1S48 07.15 Bristol-Glasgow service (brought in and terminated, headed by 47848). The 1V57 09.15 Aberdeen-Plymouth and 1S85 07.19 Plymouth-Glasgow were both routed via Hexham and the East Coast Mainline. 57601 worked the 1C53 16.15 Paddington- Plymouth. From the 17/06-20/06 the 1V50 08.40 Glasgow-Penzance was hauled by a Class 47/8 throughout, due to overhead electric work as well as the 1S93 15.35 Bristol-Edinburgh service between 24/06-27/06, the latter running via the Edinburgh suburban lines. Barton Hill was host to 08630. 66156/525/545/603. 221109 at 19.05.

18/06 The 1C53 was in the hands of an HST set in place of 57 601 whilst the 1V50 08.40 Glasgow-Penzance behind 47 843 was running 103 minutes late due to the lack of a guard at Wolverhampton. 20 314+20 312 were paired on the Bridgwater-Crewe nuclear flasks.

19/06 47759 worked in on the VSOE from London carrying a headboard during the early afternoon and 47832 worked the 1A34 07.30 Plymouth-Paddington (routed as normal via Westbury) and return 1C53 16.15 Paddington-Plymouth (via Bristol). On the freight side, 60053 worked the Westbury-Tytherington stone trip and 66120 the 15.54 Westbury-Tower 18 Hanson hopper stone empties. 58033 was present on Barton Hill depot during the day out of service. Departmental service seen heading southbound at 19.30 with 66187.

20/06 The 1S48 was reported to be caped today and on the 21st. Overnight freights were 66020 on the 6V41 Irvine-Burngullow slurry tanks and 66018 on the St.Blazey-Earles sidings cement empties.

21/06 47840 shut down near Bromsgrove on 1V48 11:15 Manchester Piccadilly-Bristol and 37606 rescued it. The next working of the diagram, 1S93 15:35 Bristol- Edinburgh, left T.M. at 16:19 hauled by 37606 with 47840 dead on the rear. The 37 was detached at Birmingham. Another train in trouble was 1V51 12:08 Newcastle-Plymouth, which left T.M. an hour late behind 66092.

21/06 66092 ran light from the West Country to pilot the 1V51 12.08 Newcastle-Plymouth HST, with power cars 43197 + 43122 onwards to Plymouth around 60 minutes late. 43129 headed a Laira-St. Phillips Marsh stock move formed of a unit set with barrier 6338 bringing up the rear. Southbound coal hoppers noted at 20.30 behind 66042, the likely destination being Portbury.

22/06 31452/602 worked 1Z63 17:35 Bath Spa-Leeds. 66019 headed northbound at 09.40 with "Hanson" vehicles in tow. 66019 worked a Machen-Westbury loaded stone train formed of Hanson hoppers (Pilning 16.57, morning empties Bath 09.20) and Fragonset 31452+31602 headed a Green Express 1Z62 06.25 Leeds-Bath and return 1Z63 17.35 Bath-Leeds (Pilning 18.16). Both outward and return were routed via Shrewsbury, the Marches and the Severn Tunnel. Part of the Carnforth-based West Coast stock used was Julie 991?? + 99127 + 3143 + 99125 + 21266 + 99311 + 4994 + 4984. Earlier in the day 47 843 worked the 1V45 09.16 Manchester-Paignton with DVT running 45 minutes late and 47853 was on the 1V43 10.15 Manchester-Penzance 105 minutes late. 47726 having worked the 1C05 07.00 Bristol-Paignton returned with the 1S66 09.00 Paignton- Edinburgh but failed at King's Norton, the rescue loco unusually being 87012. 43016 + 43030 were used on a Laira-St. Phillips Marsh stock move during the afternoon the former being in ex-works First/GW livery. 24/06 Whilst clearing work was taking place at Oddingley (See Parkway Notes) some late running was recorded for the 1V39 06.40 York-Bristol and 1E33 12.10 Newcastle return. The 1V45 09.10 Liverpool-Plymouth was running 45 minutes late and the 1V48 11.17 Manchester- Bristol was caped. 57 601 was back on the 1C53 First/GW service. The afternoon and evening saw a particular good showing of Class 47s on mail trains. Recorded were;- 47757 1C06 13.53 Plymouth-Parkway, 47791 1E41 Plymouth-Low Fell, 47784 1V33 15.58 London-Plymouth and 47749 1M65 19.15 Plymouth-London. 25/06 47781 worked the 1V50 08.40 Glasgow-Penzance, 66524 the 4V60 Calvert-Bath/ Barrow Road refuse containers and 47791 the 5V64 Low Fell-Plymouth Res vans. More southbound coal hoppers at 17.30 with 66065.

26/06 At 23.55, 66017 noted with "Hanson" vehicles southbound. 08904 was seen in use on station pilot duties, 47781 returned with the 1M40 11.50 Penzance-Manchester, 57601 the 1C53 and 66525 (with a green headboard) on the 4V60 refuse containers. 43160 + 43194 formed a down two coach stock move. Steam loco 35005 Canadian Pacific worked Steam Dreams 'Cathederal Express' (1Z80 09.10 Victoria-Bristol and return 15.52 departure, actually leaving at 16.10) the second of six planned for this year, arriving to time at 13.40. The coaches in use were Mid Hants based set RY01, 35329 + S5249 + S1840 + S5216 + S13440 + S13474 + S9392 + S5237 + S1659 Camelot + S5236. On the freight side, 66187 worked Gunnells from Westbury-Hereford and 66017 was in charge of the 15.50 Westbury-Tower stone empties. A working, which regularly produces a Valley Line liveried Pacer set, is the 06.28 Bristol-Newport local service, today being worked by 143602.

27/06 47784 worked a single van 1V33 15.58 London-Plymouth mail train and 66524 was again on the refuse containers. 66059 worked the overnight 6M91 St. Blazey-Earles sidings cement empties and 66157 the 6V41 Irvine-Burngullow slurry tanks running via Westbury (seen near Cogload junction 06.09).

28/06 66524 was on the Binliner. The 1C91 08.00 Cardiff-Penzance Wales&Borders service was held outside Temple Meads and the station evacuated as a passenger on board was reported to be carrying a fire-arm. The train was also evacuated on arrival as armed police boarded and a man arrested. 57 601 continued on the 1C53 and 47 733 arrived on the 1Z38 11.02 Victoria-Bath VSOE. The same loco worked an 1Z83 18.26 Temple Meads-Temple Meads circular dinning trip running via Westbury, Castle Cary, Yeovil, Honiton, Exeter to Taunton and Bridgwater for Bristol.

29/06 Special railtour workings today included;- 47726 with the 1Z31 07.05 Swansea-Par 'Edenex' formed of green MkI coaching stock and 58021 with Pathfinder's 1Z58 05.05 Birmingham NS-Penzance (near W-S-M 08.36) using Riviera Trains coaching stock. The Class 58 making a loco-type debut at Penzance however failed and was piloted by First/GW 47811 from Penzance-Plymouth (1Z85 15.50 Penzance-Birmingham NS) leaving over an hour late. At Plymouth the Newton Abbot 'thunderbird' 47733 took over from both locos returning the train to Birmingham. Also during the day, 47 828 with DVT 82145 worked the 1V45 09.16 Manchester-Plymouth and 47 733 headed a second VSOE circular dinning trip (1Z83) taking in the same route but leaving at 18.16. During the morning 220034 worked north empty stock passing Filton at 07.55. At Barton Hill long term stored 47765 is reported to be under repair for a return to mainline use after three years out of traffic.

30/06 Southbound departmental service seen at 14.20 behind 66156. The 1V44 07.50 Manchester-Plymouth and return 1M99 15.50 Plymouth-Manchester were worked by Voyager sets 220015 + 221107.

Patchway

05/06 10.02-: 57003 on Wentloog-Southampton Liner

Portbury Branchline

28/05 47292 worked a train of assorted Freightliner wagons to Portbury during the morning (Ashton 08.30). This was a trial working, the consist being car carriers and container wagons.

29/05 Having stabled on Barton Hill depot overnight, 47292 returned as 0Z76 15.00 Barton Hill-Portbury light-engine, complete with the 'Bristol Herons on Tour' headboard! The loco then collected the wagons and ran as 6Z76 16.15 Portbury-Crewe Basford Hall yard, not leaving until 17.27 (Ashton 17.45). The train passed Pilning at 18.10, being routed via the Severn Tunnel and the Marches to Crewe. The train with the same loco was seen near Didcot at 07.00 the next day running as 6Z47 03.00 Crewe-Southampton docks.

30/05 66241 was seen at 01.50 waiting to depart on a loaded coal service.

MGR coal wokings have been few and far between during the month as maintenance work was carried out on the loading equipment. The previously reported use of EWS bogie HTA hoppers over the branch was on a 300,000 ton Didcot power station contract. It is expected that a new freight-flow, the third for the branch following coal (January) and cars (February) will be imported steel slab for Llanwern, previously dealt with at Avonmouth docks.

Sharpness Branchline

17/06 An ex-works 37606 worked light to Sharpness and back to the Berkeley terminal on a route learning trip.

18/06 37606 worked 0Z47 09.10 Crewe-Berkeley driver trainer passing Stafford at 10.02. It is reported that single Class 37s instead of two Class 20s are to work this and the Bridgwater flasks trains.

Westbury

09/06 Hertfordshire Railtours 'Desert Mule' 1Z56 10.03 Paddington-Yeovil Junction, with BN94 blue-grey stock was hauled to Westbury by blue-liviered 56 006. 59 206 took over from here to Yeovil (having travelled attached to the rear of the train) where 58 033 continued the return as 1Z57 13.44 Yeovil Junction-Victoria, as far as Eastleigh where 73 129 took over for the run to London.

15/06 At 13.10 the following were present;- 08947. 58033/041. 59202. 60032/053. 66011/050/077/213. 143618. 150266.

22/06 At 12.45 the following were present;- 08947. 60032/042. 66017/050/089/120/147/187/214/249.

26/06 For the Pilton/Glastonbury Pop Festival Wessex hired in two EWS Class 47s and seven coaches from Riviera trains. The locos worked shuttles between Westbury-Castle Cary-Taunton during the days either side of the Festival weekend. 47749 + 47789 arrived with the ECS from Eastleigh to work the 2Z19 11.45 Westbury-Castle Cary (ECS to Taunton), this being the first working of the day. The coaching stock (with one loco, the other returning to Barton Hill) was to stable on the West Somerset Railway at Bishop's Lydeard overnight. The train returned to Eastleigh on the Friday night, resuming duties on Monday morning.

Weymouth

01/06 Another location which was to have seen it's last Virgin Class 47 hauled train last year, saw 47805 arrive on the 1010 Liverpool-Weymouth service.

29/06 Green liviered 47851 arrived with the 1010 service. The last train before a Voyager take is now expected to run on 20/07. This date is will also see the first top n'tailed Class 31s, hired in by Wessex trains from Fragonset on a Westbury-Weymouth relief (believed to be the 08.45 ex Westbury and 16.20 return from Weymouth).

Yate

04/06 220028/029 on 13.08 Newcastle/Bristol T.M

05/06 67012 19.58 South parcels; 67010 20.06 North parcelsl; 66117 21.09 HAA'S South; 66183 21.29 HAA'S North; 66145(D.I.T.)66160 21.59 North

Local Freight Watch

6V70 08.57 Cliffe Vale-St.Blazey 

30/04 66057, 01/05 66125, 02/05 66057, 03/05 66070, 07/05 66092, 08/05 66194, 09/05 66160, 13/05 66038, 14/05 66199, 15/05 66144, 16/05 66161, 17/05 66170, 21/05 66144, 22/05 66070, 23/05 66168, 27/05 66012, 28/05 66092, 29/05 66199, 31/05 66160. 05/06 60071, 06/06 66202, 07/06 60071 + 66136, 10/06 66043, 12/06 60071, 13/06 60082, 17/06 66060, 18/06 60074, 19/06 66165, 20/06 60047 + 47737, 21/06 66031, 24/06 66164, 25/06 66092, 26/06 66165, 27/06 66071 + 66031, 28/06 66071. 

6M72 16.55 St.Blazey-Cliffe Vale 

01/05 66057, 02/05 66070, 03/05 66057, 07/05 66194, 08/05 66160, 09/05 66125, 10/05 66194, 14/05 66246, 15/05 66161, 16/05 66160, 20/05 66144, 21/05 66027, 23/05 66199, 27/05 66199, 28/05 66012, 30/05 66160, 31/05 66199, 05/06 66161, 06/06 60071, 07/06 66160 + 66145, 10/06 60071, 11/06 47635, 12/06 66202, 17/06 60071, 18/06 66165, 19/06 60074, 20/06 66031, 21/06 60047, 24/06 66092, 25/06 66165, 26/06 66031. 

6M68 (SO) Burngullow-Warrington 

04/05 66070, 11/05 66022, 18/05 66036, 25/05 66144, 08/06 66136, 15/06 66043, 22/06 66224, 29/06 66137. 

6S55 (WO) Burngullow-Irvine 

01/05 66091, 08/05 66143, 15/05 66135, 22/05 66161, 29/05 66113, 05/06 66134, 12/06 66131, 19/06 66116, 26/06 66018.

SOUTH WALES AREA

Cardiff Central

02/06 47772 worked 1Z82 10:23 Victoria - Cardiff Orient Express excursion.

05/06 37402 worked 2V07 07:21 Rhymney-Radyr and 2R38 16:51 to Rhymney 37418 hauled 2F06 07:44 from Rhymney and 37412 did the 2R42 17:11 return. 57003 worked 4Z51 Wentloog-Southampton freightliner.

06/06 31452 worked 5Z84 MoD Kineton-Cardiff Cathays with four Mark 2 coaches, intended as spare stock for Valley Lines. 47287 hauled 4L56 Wentloog-Felixstowe and 66533 was on 4Z50 Southampton-Wentloog.

07/06 180105 worked the 09:55 to Paddington and 180104 arrived on the 15:30 from Paddington. 150121 did the 19:10 to Nottingham and 156411, with its sides covered in graffiti, operated the 20:40 service.

08/06 37402 and 37412 were working two of the Saturday Rhymney diagrams.

10/06 57003 hauled 4V30 Ipswich Yard-Wentloog and 57009 was on 4V08 Crewe Basford Hall-Wentloog. 37418 worked 2F06.

11/06 66540 worked 4Z51 and 66544 hauled 6E99 Baglan Bay-Humber.

12/06 66536 operated 4Z51. 37412 did 2V07 and 37418 2F06.

13/06 66501 was on 4Z51. 37402 hauled 2F06 and 37412 2V07. 60041 worked 6Z86 14:08 Margam-Cwmbargoed MOD train.

14/06 37402 operated 2R38 and 37412 2R42.

15/06 37402 and 37412 were on the Saturday Rhymneys.

17/06 A third loco-hauled diagram started on the Rhymney line, releasing two Pacers to strengthen services to/from Treherbert and Barry. It is 2F05 06:59 Rhymney-Cardiff Central and 2R46 17:47 return. This uses the previous "spare"air-conditioned set of Mk2s, with the stock at Cathays becoming the new spare rake. 180104 worked the 16:55 to Paddington and 156422 the 17:05 to Nottingham. 180106 arrived on the 15:30 from Paddington. 47197 worked 4V08 18:32 Basford Hall-Wentloog.

18/06 37412 worked 2F05, 37418 2V07 and 37402 2F06.

19/06 37418 hauled 2R38, 37402 2R42 and 37412 2R46.

20/06 57002 was on 4V08.

21/06 37402 did 2R38, 37412 2R42 and 37418. 66522 worked 4V08.

22/06 37412 and 37418 worked the Saturday Rhymneys

24/06 57008 worked 4V08. 37402 hauled 2R38 and 37412 2R42. 180106 did the 16:55 to Paddington.

25/06 150280 was named "University of Glamorgan" at Pontypridd on 25/06. The name is on an adhesive label, as the body structure is not suitable to mount an alloy nameplate! The interior has been completely redesigned, with 2+2 Chapman seating replacing the original 2+3. Some tables are provided, plus fold down tables for the airline seats. Externally, the unit carries overall vinyls promoting the University. The remaining five Valley Lines 150/2 units will each have a different vinyl promoting a local landmark. Wessex 150/2s will follow with an identical interior layout. 108106 worked the 10:25 to Paddington and 180103 the 15:30 from Paddington. 37402 hauled 2R38, 37418 2R42 and 37412 2R46.

26/06 37412 worked 2R38, 37402 2R42 and 37418 2R46.

27/06 66533 hauled 4Z51.

28/06 37418 worked 2F05 but then failed before working the 2R38 return, so 37688 worked 16:51 Cardiff - Rhymney, the first non-ETH 37 to work on the Rhymneys for several months! 37412 worked 2V07 and 2R46 with 37402 doing 2F06 and 2R42. 66223 + 47732 worked 6E09 10:27 Margam-Lackenby.

Cardiff Canton

02/06 08481/493/576/756/801/819/955/957. 37222/418/419/901/904. 60037/052/053. 66023/030/032/076/123. 67016.

09/06 08481/493/576/756/801/819/955/957. 37222/402/901/904. 60013/033/036/087. 66146/157. 67001/009/016/020/029.

16/06 08481/493/576/756/801/818/957. 09008. 37222/418/419/688, 37901/904. 47770. 56096. 60010/031/033. 66031/145. 67016.

23/06 08481/493/576/756/801/819/957. 37222/402/688/901/904. 56096. 60073/081. 66088/206/219. 67006.

30/06 08481/493/576/756/801/819/955/957. 37222/418/688/901/904. 56096. 60050/070/100. 66049/056. 67006/014/017.

Cardiff Tidal

04/06 08653/854/951. 09102/105. 09/06 08854/951. 09102/105. 16/06 08466/653/854. 22/06 08466/653/854/951. 09105. 29/06 08653/854/951. 09105.

Margam

The following were noted on the 6B48 Margam - Trostre steel coil trains. The same locomotive also works the 6E20 and 6V19.

04/06 60038. 05/06 66116. 06/06 56131. 07/06 56031. 10/06 60075. 11/06 60015. 17/06 60052. 18/06 56049. 24/06 60063.

Newport

07/06 At 10:55, Godfrey Road held 60036/085/086, 66149/152. By 18:00, this had changed to 60081/088, 66062/149/152/157. 47635 worked a mail train east at 19:51. Also noted were 56031. 57009. 60011/013/049/081/088/093. 66119/146/211/232. 67020.

08/06 37042/372, 60041, 66053/058/216 were at Godfrey Road at 21:00.

09/06 37042/372 worked 6Z44 20:45 East Usk Yard-Warrington.

11/06 58050 + 60077 worked 7B66 10:45 Westbury-ADJ, with the 58 working 7C42 17:13 return.

12/06 37688 worked 6B03 09:18 Swansea-ADJ and 7M82 19:24 ADJ-Basford Hall. 47787/798 with the Royal train spent the night on the Machen branch.

14/06 37203 worked 6T95 11:15 Bescot-ADJ infrastructure train. Also noted 09008. 57007. 60033/076/083/088/093. 66023/047/083/100, 66152/184/223/244. 67016.

17/06 56051, 60049, 66023/049/152 were at Godfrey Road at 16:45.

20/06 56048 worked 6M75 ADJ-Warrington.

21/06 47813. 60060/064/088/093. 66022/086/088/106/152/153/220/522.

23/06 60037/054/059/060/087/093, 66086/106 were at Godfrey Road.

27/06 56103/056 worked 6E39 16:47 Llanwern-Lackenby.

28/06 47287. 56067. 60029/033/071/083/085/086/089/098. 66043/055, 66075/179/215.

29/06 56067/094, 60017/060/080/085/093, 66075/106/179 were at Godfrey Road.

STOCK ALTERATIONS

Locomotives

Transfers 08711(OC)-CF, 08809/868(FS)-BH, 09103(TO)-ML, 47773/790/791(ML)-CD, 86426/430(CE)-FE. 37509/516/689 - Pool WNTR. 37710/712/890 - At Wembley en-route to Europe.

Store 09104. 47783/846. 56041/054/100. 86634. CD: 47783. CE: 86242/634. CS: 37341/359. EH: 58049. LH: 47846. IM: 56074/054/100.

Traffic 33025/030 -KM, 37682/698 -CD, 47714 -NC, 57301 -WN, 73101 -HG, 86606 -CE.

Disposals H Needle: 37098 @OC.

Renumbered 57611 - 57301. (57612-616 to become 57302-306) 90224 - 90024, 90233 - 90033. 91013 - 91113.

New Stock 66708/709/710/711/712 -WN.

Diesel Multiple Units 

Withdrawn 141101/105/116/118 - Sold to Iranian Railways.

New Stock 180111 -OO. 221101 - 130 -CZ. (In Traffic) 221131 - 137 - Testing & Commissioning.

Electric Multiple Units

Stored 303006/020/021/033/054/079/091. 8210. 8306. GW: 303.033/054. SS: 8210. 8306/07. 9101/07. West Kirby: 508.110/120. Yoker: 303006/020/021/079/091.

Traffic (S): 1555 -FR.

New Stock 334039-GW. (Available-003/004/006/007/010-012/014-020/022/023/025-038) 375319/320/321 -BI. (Available:- 605-613/615-629) 458029 -WD.

Coaching & NPCC 

Stock Transfers 1860 -FW, 3261. 3520 -CP, 4951/58 -FW, 6200/02/06/13/21. 9480. 9501 -CP, 99128/304/326/329 -FW.

Stored 3374. 3521. DF: 3374. 96218. LNWR: 1200/03/58. 5791. 9526. NC: 3521. 5781. ZH: 96181.

Traffic 814 -DI, 1214/15. 5887 -NC, 5913/65. 6013. 9539 -CF.

Withdrawn 1673. 5661/63/74/87/94/99. 5701/16/18/31/38. 6609/19. 80253/254. 92346/381/416. 94004/007/009/021/026/029/030. 95201. 99663.

Disposals IMRFT: 1673. 5663/94. 5701/18. 99663. H Needle: 80253/54. 92346/381/416 94004/007/009/021/026/029/030 95201. MoD Training Sch: 5661/87. 5731. 6609/19. Sold??: 5674/99. 5716/38.

Renumbered 99828 - 13230, 99782 - 14007.

Codes 

IESL - ECML Sleepers. (10500/503/514/571/575/657/702/724/726/727) IXXC - Reserve

New Stock

12/06 37203 worked 7X14 23:07 Derby-Brighton with 375321.

13/06 47789 worked 7X14 with 375319.

22/06 New GB Railfreight locos 66708-712 were unloaded from MV Jumbo Vision at Newport Docks, assisted by 09201. All have a construction date of 05/02, except for 66712 which mysteriously has a date of 02/02!

24/06 66709/708/710/712/711 were lined up on the quayside at 15:00.

27/06 66709/708/710/712 passed through Newport at 13:26 and arrived at Willesden, their new home, at 17:50.

28/06 66711 was still on the quayside at Newport, a wheel defect having prevented its movement to Willesden.

Preservation & Industrial

Seaton Tramway (R.W.Giles and F.J.Neate) 09/06/02 In use during the gala day were trams 2,4,6,7,8,12,14,16,17,19. New No9 was visible inside the Riverside depot carrying undercoat primer (serviceable). Two other new trams numbers 10 and 11 were due for delivery from Bolton over the coming months. Service Car No.2 was also in use during the day hauling a demo-maintenance train. Work is expected to change the town's terminus track layout during the close season for better stabling of trams between turns. The expected double-trackwork along the riverbank might now not take place due to a lack of space in a couple of area to accommodate a second running line.

Freight Flow News

Mail Traffic A new working has started; 5C43 10.32 Barton Hill-Plymouth (SX) following the end of the 5V62. The 1V64 14.06 Low Fell-Plymouth ran for the last time on 03/05 but continues to be used as a path for the 5V64 16.44 Low Fell (or Tyne yard)-Plymouth empty vans. 

Cement Traffic The Newport-Westbury and return fly-ash train (6B73/6C40) finished during the month. 

Coal Traffic New workings are;-Parc Slip-Earles sidings (TThO) via Hereford (Margam 14.00) and import coal via Port Talbot Grange to Ironbridge, departing at 09.00 (routed via Gloucester). At Immingham the use of Class 56s is to finish during July with the arrival of the new EWS HTA bogie wagons at Scunthorpe. A newflow is from Parc Slip-Earles Sidings (TTho), Margam 14.00 and via Hereford. No coal ran to Aberthaw in early June whilst trackwork took place near the power station. 

Stone Traffic All workings from the Mendips and Acton to Sevington for Channel Tunnel rail-link use finished during the month. 

China Clay Traffic There are rumours that imported clay could be brought into the country via Immingham This would see the end of movements from Cornwall, notably locally the end of the 6V70 and 6M72 freight services. 

MOD Traffic 23/05 58047 worked 6B36 05.57 Didcot-Ashchuch consisting of seven loaded flats (arriving at 11.15 and departing at 12.13). The Didcot-Ashchurch ran on 11/06 behind a Class 66. On 21/06 37047 worked a 6X85 06.55 Didcot-Ludgershall and five days later a Didcot-Aschurch train. 

Steel Traffic Ebbw Vale is to finish production in early July. Scrap metal trains could run from this location for up to a year, with a possible four workings a day to Cardiff Tidal. 

Freightliner News that the company is to start working the Moorswater cement to/from Cornwall has been announced in place of EWS. This will almost certainly mean a new motive power depot for the Bristol area which could take over some of the Southampton maintenance work. Class 47 driver training runs are to take place in the West Country in mid- July, with trains operating from August.

Miscellaneous

Virgin 

The new maintenance depots at Old Oak Common and Bristol Barton Hill are due to be officially opened on 15th July. Strong rumours indicate loco-hauled trains could carry on until the end of the current summer timetable in September. There have been problems with the Class 220 and 221 Voyager fleet. 

Wessex 

The company are to use top n'tail Fragonset Class 31s on load four to act as a relief service between Westbury and Weymouth. Timings are expected to be 09.00 away from Westbury and 16.20 return from Weymouth. Eight drivers are receiving loco familiarisation training on the Valley lines with the Class 37s. Driver training with the 31s over the Weymouth line is to take place on Weds 10, 17, and 24th July using the 08.45 Westbury-Weymouth and 13.55 return timeslots (reported to be still carrying passengers). The actual 'bucket & spade' trips will take place on at least six Saturdays from 20th July. It is also reported that two Central Class 150/1 sets are to be hired in for West Country duties. 

First GW 

The new Adelante Class 180 units are to enter traffic during June on the following passenger turns;- 09.55 Cardiff-Paddington, 08.02 Cheltenham-Paddington, 16.55 Cardiff-Paddington, 13.30 Paddington-Cardiff, 15.30 Paddington-Cardiff, 22.40 Bristol TM-Paddington. The very fist South Wales working was to be the 20.25 Cardiff-Paddington on Sunday 02/06. 

Motorway Movements 

13/06 Track Machine 75001 was seen heading north-bound, from the M4 (and Cathays) onto the M5 on a road lorry. 08641 was recorded heading north-bound at 16.20 on the M5 passing Cribbs Causeway on a road-low loader. 19/06 31210 in green undercoat/primer was seen at Junction 22 on the M4 near the Second Severn Crossing bridge.